To be honest, the courtyards that Director Huo helped get back are really nice.
Before going shopping, Ning Weimin felt that it was a bit unfair to owe such a huge debt of gratitude for this matter.
When he came here to negotiate with the Ancient and Modern Cultural Association, he had a quick look at this place.
At that time, I thought it was just three courtyards.
Moreover, it has been occupied by the Ancient and Modern Cultural Association for so many years and has been built privately and in a state of disgrace.
In fact, except for the courtyard where the Jiang family lived, it was a decent house.
The remaining theater buildings and the flower cave are simple houses renovated from the original foundations, and the damage is relatively serious.
Even restoring the old appearance doesn't seem to be of much use.
Therefore, Ning Weimin had always thought that he had obtained these houses for the old man, and at most it would only give the old man a kind of psychological comfort, but it had little practical significance.
But this time he walked with Kang Shude and saw something different. His mind completely changed.
You know, he is here today waiting for the porcelain to be put into storage. He has leisure and time to look at it more carefully.
In addition, Kang Shude, who has a full understanding of the past of Majia Garden, is undoubtedly the best tour guide.
From the old man's words, he learned more and more deeply about the old life in Ma's Garden and these buildings with supplementary and auxiliary functions.
The more I looked at them, the more I realized the beauty of these properties, and gradually I began to feel happy.
I think it was a good thing that I got it back in time, otherwise I would have regretted it in the future if I really missed it.
Let’s talk about the Jiang family’s small courtyard first, just the structure and specifications of the house.
It's a decent courtyard house, almost the same as the small courtyard where the Song family lived.
The special thing is that Mr. Jiang, who originally studied Western architecture, liked to landscape the courtyard when he had free time.
I especially like to use white marble materials to make some Western stone sculptures, also called Hu figures.
Some of them still remain in the garden, such as the relatively rare reliefs around the flower beds in the garden.
Ning Weimin took a closer look and saw that they were all Hu people riding lions and statues of Hu people riding on horses. This was a special place in the courtyard where the Jiang family lived.
There is also a stone lampstand in the corner, which is even more amazing.
Because it is no longer a traditional European portrait of a foreigner, but a modern European portrait of a foreigner wearing a suit.
Ning Weimin had never seen anything like this before. It can be said that this reflected the new background of Sino-foreign exchanges during the Republic of China.
But this is nothing, because Ning Weimin also learned from the old man that during the fall of Peking, Mr. Jiang once created a life-size full-length statue of the Gorgon Medusa in order to ward off evil spirits.
However, it is precisely because the statue is so lifelike that the curly hair of the banshee is covered with long worms with sharp teeth.
Some long worms even stretched out half of their bodies, baring their teeth and claws, which was really terrifying.
I don’t know if it could scare the Japanese devils, but Mrs. Jiang was frightened to the point of becoming restless first.
Those who came in looked really uncomfortable, so they had the statue taken away within a few days of leaving it in the courtyard.
Later I heard that it was taken to a German hotel.
Probably only foreigners don't mind keeping such creepy things.
After hearing this allusion, Ning Weimin not only laughed, but also felt moved in his heart.
I think it would be really good if these two juxtaposed courtyards can maintain the cultural distinction between one Chinese and one Western in the future, which means that two kinds of life tastes will be available.
From now on, if I live here next to the old man, with one apartment per person, it will be quite beautiful.
Next, let’s talk about Huadongzi. Originally, this was the place that disappointed Ning Weimin the most.
Because all he can see now is a row of simple bungalows. The roofs are made of corrugated boards and linoleum, and the doors are so low that you have to lower your head to get in.
To put it bluntly, this place has long become the warehouse and utility room of the Ancient and Modern Cultural Association.
So all the time, people from the Ancient and Modern Cultural Association put all kinds of junk here.
Broken cabinets, broken tables, old books and newspapers...
In addition, it has been in disrepair for a long time, and there are few complete floor tiles in the entire yard, both inside and outside the rooms.
The only special thing is that there is a long row of brick and stone platforms inside the house, just like an earthen kang.
But after the old man explained it casually, Ning Weimin didn't think so anymore.
On the contrary, it was as if he had just seen the ice cellar under the rockery, and he felt happy again. It was so rare.
According to the old man, even though this small house is so ugly, the foundation of Huadongzi is still there.
Both the three-layer-thick gables and the long "Panlong Kang" inside are still intact.
So it's easy to restore it. All the broken things built against the wall have to be removed first.
Then we only need to connect the panlong kang and the chimney on the kang, build the flower shed with glass, and lay out a layer of roll mats, nothing will get in the way.
And since glass as the main material is now cheaper, repairing it again is much cheaper than it was back then.
I need to hire an experienced florist from Huangtugang. By using the temperature of the fire pit in the shed, I can not only cultivate fresh vegetables out of season in the middle of winter, but also use fire to smoke out beautiful flowers out of season.
The vegetables produced by this method are what was called "Dongzi goods" in the past, mainly including cucumbers, lentils, eggplants, leeks and other varieties.
The flowers produced by this method are the famous "绻花" in Beijing, including more than 20 kinds of chrysanthemums, peonies, peach, narcissus, magnolia, etc.
In the past, Ma's family not only had fresh fruits and vegetables to eat in winter, but also flowers in front of the hall all year round.
In particular, the "Dragon Beard Peony" cultivated in Huadongzi is the most famous, and can bloom twice a year.
Unlike Luoyang peonies, they bloom only one season a year.
Not to mention, the old man personally visited the scene and gave a vivid description.
In Ning Weimin's mind, the grand scene of the Ma family in the past became increasingly clear and complete.
He had the impression that his grandson Houhou discovered "the water curtain cave, the heaven, the blessed land of Huaguo Mountain".
When he thought that he would be so lucky in the future and enjoy the flowers and fresh vegetables produced by his family in winter, he was so beautiful that his nose was filled with tears. As for the last thing, what really made Ning Weimin's heart swell was the theater.
Although this theater has been transformed beyond recognition by magic, it has become the office building of the Ancient and Modern Cultural Association.
Moreover, after many years of exposure to wind and rain, the appearance of the theater building has been corroded by time, making it look dilapidated.
But then again, this theater building is eight or nine meters high, with a total of three floors.
Viewed from the outside, the cornices protrude above the ridge of the roof, standing out abruptly among the bungalows, and still have a distinctive look.
Moreover, after Ning Weimin followed Kang Shude and walked in, he found that the changes inside were not too big, and he could basically tell the appearance of the old days.
Under the guidance of the old man, the original front desk, back desk, and the location of the entrance and exit gates can still be found.
Looking up, you can see the cornices, pillars, and colorful paintings and seals. Although they are mottled, you can distinguish them based on the traces, and they are all extremely exquisite.
But the most awesome thing has to be the original big stage.
The height of the table can be as high as an adult's chest.
The gongs and drums can be placed at the entrance of the stage, and gauze curtains can be hung to separate them. It is more elaborate than the famous Guanghe Tower Theater in Beijing.
Although when Ning Weimin stepped onto the stage, he felt that the wooden board was no longer very flat, and there was a "bang bang" sound when he stepped on it.
Either this piece is tilted up, or that piece is sunken, and there are still big gaps, so you can trip over if you are not careful.
But once he understood the original multi-dimensional design and the real functions of the stage, he had to give a thumbs up and sincerely praised it as "cool".
You know, the wooden board at the back of the center of the stage can be moved, and underneath it is a large man-made well.
According to Kang Shude, this thing is quite magical.
The actors can stand at the mouth of the well and sing without speaking. If the plot requires it, they can also spray water from the mouth of the well onto the stage to create special effects of water gushing like a spring or clouds and rain.
The second floor of the stage is also amazing.
Originally there were special facilities and a winch was installed.
It would be very convenient to play the role of a goddess descending to earth or something.
The third floor is where the gods stay.
It would come in handy if you were to play "An Tian Hui" and watch Sun Hou'er make a scene in the Heavenly Palace and hit the Lingxiao Palace.
In addition, the wooden caisson on the top of the entire theater is also gorgeous and exquisite.
It is carved from pieces of pear wood, with layers shrinking inward, also for the purpose of harmonizing the sound.
In the middle, there are five flying bats surrounding a huge top bead, which is novel and exquisite and unique in the capital.
Ning Weimin became obsessed with it when he saw it.
He raised his head, and all he could see was the eye-catching beauty above his head.
In my mind, I imagined the most grand scene of the year, with actors performing on the upper, middle and lower floors at the same time, with flowers and flowers in full bloom.
How spectacular and wonderful that scene would be.
My eyes are definitely not enough!
It’s a pity that people nowadays are not lucky enough to see it!
However, Ning Weimin did not expect that Kang Shude, who had always been very happy, was obviously not as interested as before.
It can even be said to be a bit depressing and disappointing.
Suddenly, the old man sighed, revealing his extremely negative thoughts.
"Wei Min, I'm just thinking, why don't we just stop repairing those places. Let's just go and have a look, and leave those courtyards and houses there for now. We don't need them anyway, so we won't
That money was wasted."
This time Ning Weimin was completely confused.
He said to himself, it was not easy to get the house back for you.
Why do you say that if you don’t cultivate, you won’t cultivate?
Not repairing it? Can’t we just let that house sit in ruins?
Besides, repairing it now is cost-effective, as tools and labor are cheap.
What's more, even if it doesn't count the price, it will really take a few years to repair it. Once those old masters retire, who can guarantee that the ancient construction team will still be as good as it is now?
So naturally we have to oppose it.
"Don't bother me, old man, what are you talking about? Don't be afraid of spending money, we can afford it. Can you take care of all the money matters? I'll tell you the truth, I also make a lot of money in Japan.
Yes. I am really not frivolous in front of you. I am seeking truth from facts. We can afford millions..."
"What? You made a million in Japan! You haven't been here for a few days? You can do it! Hey, isn't the restaurant open yet?"
"It has nothing to do with Fanzhuangzi, it's just a small side job. Among other things, I invented the trolley suitcase, and the Japanese bought it. I spent thousands of yuan on it without blinking an eye. It was sold out in the first two days.
I hurriedly dispatched a batch of goods, and I estimate that I will earn another million in revenue."
Afraid of the Master's teachings and the old man's worries, Ning Weimin deliberately downplayed speculation in stocks and real estate.
It's just that Kang Shude was surprised, and he was happy for him.
But after thinking for a moment, he still looked sad when he came back to the matter of repairing the house.
"Then let me be honest. I don't want to repair it. In fact, it's not just about the money. Now look at the garden. It's really too big. You can repair the theater again. It can't be bigger than the real palace. It's so big.
Sooner or later, our garden will be seen by those who care about it. Can we, one old and one young, protect this property?"
"Besides, we only come over occasionally to take a look. The repairs on this house were in vain. Without care over time, it is still a waste. You said this is not a waste of money. But you said that if you hire someone to look after it, you two
Three janitors and two or three gardeners are inevitable. If you tell me how much it will cost, the inside story of the garden will be leaked. Once word gets out, trouble will come."
"Especially the Ma's Theater. Although it is much smaller in scale than the Shufangzhai Theater in the Forbidden City and the Deheyuan Theater in the Summer Palace, it is still an extremely conspicuous building and is not something that ordinary people should
There is something. As the saying goes, a gentleman is not guilty, but he who possesses a jade is guilty. Think about it, if you really make the theater as beautiful and brilliant as its original appearance, then can we still hold on to this place?" "You kid?
You're not afraid of burning your hands. You're going to attract the thunder and the earth's fire and chop us down and burn yourself. By the way, it's better for you kid to go abroad and stay by yourself. Just leave me alone, old man, to do this.
It’s a big deal. Forget it, I can’t afford it, I’m afraid of this..."
A master and a disciple are still masters and disciples, and Kang Shude's words are really out of character. They are all complaints from the bottom of his heart.
And paired with the environment of "the willows of the palace are brushing against the palace walls, and the halls are empty and the spring days are long", it is also particularly convincing.
I was surprised when I thought that the Ma family's yard was so big and deep, with many flowers and trees, many rockeries, and many ponds.
As soon as I came in today, I was surprised to find that the ground was covered with tree shadows, the road was covered with moss, and the winding paths led to a secluded place. It was so quiet that it made people confused, and it was like a ghost beating a wall, unable to get out.
Ning Weimin can also fully understand what Master is worried about.
I can completely empathize with Master's painstaking efforts and the pressure on his heart.
But he is not a master of calculation, he is a famous abacus.
How could he not think about such a big thing?
So he stopped showing off and quickly told his master all about his plan.
"Old man, everything you said is right. Your concerns are very reasonable. If we repair these houses, we will definitely attract powerful and jealous people over time. With just us, we may be able to stall for a while, but
If we can never guarantee peace forever, we will be in endless trouble. So I think so, we have to raise the banner and borrow the tiger skin. On the surface, this house becomes someone else's, but in fact, it will be in the hands of the two of us.
Already?"
"You, what do you mean? Who do you want to give this room to?"
When Kang Shude suddenly heard this, he didn't react, but he was shocked.
"Don't be nervous. You have forgotten that the Ancient and Modern Cultural Association originally occupied this house. We held the deed and occupied the policy. Why can't we do anything? Isn't it because there is a big guy behind him? I just want to find a big guy.
Just put it on your head. We won't be afraid if we hide behind it..." Ning Weimin comforted him.
"Well, that makes sense."
Kang Shude's eyes lit up, but he still had concerns. "Then...whose tiger skin do you want to borrow? What if you want to seek skin from a tiger?"
"This is easy to handle. Why have you forgotten my identity?"
Ning Weimin smiled and saw that Kang Shude's expression was still confused, so he simply boasted.
"I said, Master, I am a comprador. Can't I just let our company be the big boss? The first foreign company in the country, Mr. Song, we have entered Zhongnanhai. Now the big boss can still be interviewed every year
.I don’t believe that anyone would dare to extend this claw with the reputation of destroying the friendship between China and France..."
"Oh, you mean to rent Ma's Garden to your company?"
Kang Shude finally came around the bend, but he was still a little short.
Ning Weimin continued to add, "In my imagination, there may be three units. Pilkington, Temple of Heaven, and Chongwen District Service Bureau. With these three umbrellas protecting us, no one should have any ideas about us.
Right? To tell you the truth, I think Ma’s Garden is most suitable for opening a restaurant or a hotel.”
"Although I haven't thought it through completely, I have to say that we don't have a garden-style restaurant in Beijing so far. It would be great if we could open a restaurant like the one in the past. There just happens to be a theater in Majia Garden. It's really
When opened, it is a veritable hall. Whether it is a traditional festive party, a high-end business banquet, or any cultural event. It is suitable."
"In addition, our President Song also had the idea of opening a Maxim Hotel in the capital. Unfortunately, he wanted to buy a building of the Capital Hotel, but the negotiations in the first few days were rejected. If we want to get it in Majia Garden, then
It should also be appropriate.”
"Anyway, after your place is repaired, I will put it to use for you. I will pay you the rent every month, and you can just take the flowers and go. If you rent it for ten or eight years, you don't have to bother.
You can become a millionaire. This does not include the yard you want to live in. I will keep your small yard just for you. I can also arrange staff to clean it for you for free. And I will have a place to put my antiques in the future. I plan to
Part of the room is in the three-volume hall, which can be regarded as half a small museum for us. It can also improve the style of the place and add a bit of viewing pleasure for guests. It also makes money, saves money, is safe, and saves worry. How good is that?
At that time, I guarantee that you will live a life that even veteran cadres would envy."
Yes, the master and the apprentice completely fell apart.
Kang Shude had to admit that Ning Weimin was really talented, and he thought about things from angles that ordinary people wouldn't think of.
Listening to Ning Weimin's colorful vernacular, this time it was Kang Shude's turn to be immersed in it, thinking endlessly about the good days ahead.