sjar Chapter 103: Li Huaiyuan is the beneficiary.
Chapter 103: Li Huaiyuan is the beneficiary.
"Shopkeeper, how much is this courtyard?"
"One thousand two hundred taels."
When Tian Tian heard the price quoted by the shopkeeper, a look of disbelief flashed in her eyes.
One thousand two hundred taels? Such a big courtyard, and only one thousand two hundred taels?!
"One thousand two hundred taels?!" she repeated subconsciously.
Seeing her reaction, the shopkeeper smiled and explained, "Second Miss, although this courtyard is a large four-courtyard mansion with a large area, it is not on a bustling street and is quite far from the center of the county town."
"Besides, this courtyard has been abandoned for many years. The roof leaks and the corners of the walls are covered with moss. It will probably take a lot of effort to rebuild it."
He paused, then pointed to the dilapidated scene in the courtyard. "The courtyard is completely empty. There's no furniture, not even a bed to sleep in or a chair to sit in. Everything has to be bought from elsewhere, and it'll cost a lot."
The courtyard was overgrown with weeds, and the blue bricks on the ground were crooked, with some even having moved out of their original positions.
The paint on the doors and windows had long since peeled off, revealing the mottled wood.
Spider webs can be seen in various corners of the wall.
If you want to renovate and order new furniture, it will indeed cost a considerable amount of money.
But... she definitely wants to rebuild her own place.
Then install a power bank, add solar panels, and buy some modern small appliances.
The shopkeeper said to himself, "If it's in a better location or better preserved, the price would at least double."
"But given the current situation, selling it for 1,200 taels is already considered fair."
“That merchant was already having financial difficulties. This courtyard is uninhabitable, and rebuilding it would cost a lot of money, so it’s better to sell it and save himself the trouble.”
After pondering for a moment, Tian Tian smiled and said, "It will indeed take a lot of effort to organize it after buying it."
Seeing that her tone had softened, the shopkeeper quickly pressed his advantage, "If you're interested, young lady, I can talk to the master again and see if we can lower the price."
"If you buy it, I will help you find a group of capable craftsmen."
"Next summer, I guarantee you'll be able to move in comfortably."
After considering it for a moment, Tian Tian thought it was feasible.
"Alright, shopkeeper, you can discuss it with the owner of the courtyard again and see if you can reduce the price by a little."
In fact, she considered 1,200 taels to be a very good deal.
The Chu Xing Restaurant occupies only the size of the front yard of this courtyard, yet it already sells for eight hundred taels.
But every little bit helps.
A small amount of money... but it can buy quite a few small appliances in the system.
*
The parking lot in Baishi County officially opened the next day.
All the merchants who came from other places were stopped outside the city, along with their carriages.
"Why can't we enter the city?" the merchants asked, puzzled. "We have travel permits and we've paid taxes."
The guards at the city gate only knew how to carry out the magistrate's orders: "No carriages are allowed to enter the city."
Fortunately, there were yamen runners there!
They have all received training from Tian Tian.
Faced with this situation, they gestured for everyone to be quiet.
"Everyone, please listen to me."
"Recently, Baishi Teahouse in our Baishi County has become very popular, and many people have come here by reputation."
"The magistrate of Baishi County is extremely grateful."
"However, considering that everyone's carriages are always blocked and startled when entering the city, which not only delays things but also easily causes injury, therefore, starting today..."
"All carriages from out of town, please stop outside the city!"
"The magistrate has set up parking spots outside the four city gates. Everyone can park their carriages at the parking spots, and there will be people to take care of and feed them."
After hearing the yamen runner's explanation, the visitor from out of town quickly accepted it.
They were especially empathetic to the story of the carriage being blocked or startled.
When we went to Baishi Teahouse for a meal, the carriage was stuck at the entrance for almost half an hour.
When you come out after eating, you have to wait for about half an hour.
Thankfully, the food at Baishi Teahouse was delicious, otherwise they really wouldn't have had the patience.
Now that the carriage is parked outside, the city will certainly not be crowded.
In addition, their horses are cared for and fed by dedicated staff, which saves them trouble.
"After you have parked your carriages, remember the sign at the entrance; that's your parking space number."
"If you buy something after entering the city and it's inconvenient for you to carry it, you can ask the merchant to deliver it to the parking space where your carriage is located."
With the shouts and explanations of the yamen runners, everyone began to drive the carriages toward the parking spaces.
Each carriage has its own spot. After the carriage stops, someone will come to help tie up the horses, close the door, and then feed and water them.
"This is actually quite good." After parking the car, everyone was in no hurry to leave, but instead looked around with great interest.
"One person takes care of ten parking spaces, so it's not too busy."
"I've been to many places, but this is the first time I've seen a county do this."
"With them taking care of our horses, we can relax a lot."
"It's just that going into the county is so inconvenient."
“What’s inconvenient about it? Once we’re in the city, we can only lead the horse around.”
"Why don't we get down and walk around a bit, get some exercise?"
"That's true. After sitting in the carriage for half a day, my back and waist started to ache."
"Stop talking, let's go into town, otherwise there will be a long queue at Baishi Teahouse again."
"Yes, yes, let's hurry into the city."
Upon entering the city, everyone was shocked once again.
"Wow, Baishi County is so clean!"
"It wasn't like this when I came here before."
"It's better to be clean."
We entered the Baishi Teahouse and started eating...
"I can't smell any stench when I eat anymore."
"The magistrate of Baishi County is really clever. He told us to park our carriages outside, which not only prevents congestion and makes it safer, but also keeps the city cleaner."
“This clean and tidy county town is what a county town should be like.”
*
Li Huaiyuan listened to the feedback from the yamen runners in his study.
"Sir, everyone praises you for your wisdom and for doing things for the people."
"Everyone says this is great. The city is no longer congested, no horses are hurting people, and the city is cleaner everywhere."
"The people also said that with the parking spaces and the city's cleaning services, many families have increased their income, and they are very grateful to the authorities."
The constable chuckled, "Sir, I never expected that the Second Miss's idea would make the people love and respect you so much."
Not only was it the second young lady's idea, but she also provided the money.
In the end... it was their own parents who benefited.
Li Huaiyuan stood up with a sense of relief. "How are those people in Qingliu Village?"
The bailiff hurriedly said, "Those people had just entered the prison when they started clamoring to see you, sir, saying they wanted to tell the truth and beg for your forgiveness."
"Those few from the Tian family are quite composed; they haven't said a word."
"In that case, I will personally interrogate them." Li Huaiyuan was in high spirits and eager to do something more.
It would also be a good opportunity to show off his... competence! and intelligence!
We will live up to the people's love and respect!