Spring Breeze Twenty Years

Chapter 1187 The Problem of the Back Garden

Xiao Wei said, "Let's skip it today. We'll still have to cook in the future, and we can't always eat out. Aren't you tired of it?"

Chen Hui chuckled: "As long as there's food, I'm fine with it. I'll eat whatever you cook."

A chattering sound came from outside; the six girls had come on their adventure.

"This is what a proper back garden should look like. Novels are all made up. Those huge gardens aren't the standard unit for an old courtyard house, are they? They're just extensions built outside the main house."

"No, this should be a five-courtyard house, where women and children live. Outsiders and adult men are not allowed to enter. The book says that this man or that man bumped into a young lady while admiring the scenery in the back garden, so how could this be?"

"Yes, so the book is talking nonsense. It shouldn't be called the back garden. This is the last part of the house. Are you suggesting building another garden at the back? Wouldn't people have to pass through here to get there? How would the men get there?"

"Brother." Xiu'er poked her head in and looked around.

Several maids crowded in to greet Xiaowei and Chen Hui. Cheng Jingchun said, "Huh, that shouldn't be the case, why is the kitchen here?"

Xiuer asked, "Brother, is this the back garden?"

Chen Hui said, "Yes, the back garden, the courtyard where the women used to live."

Xiuer said, "See? I was right."

Chen Hui said, "This area was renovated after we bought it. Originally, this courtyard was all living quarters, and the toilet was on the side, but it was demolished. What you just mentioned should be called the West Garden. Only princes, ministers, or wealthy families had the right to build it. It was on the west side of the entire residence, and there were usually two gates leading to the fourth and fifth courtyards."

Chen Hui pointed to the west: "This courtyard used to have a garden, but it was destroyed a long time ago and turned into residences. It was a large garden, with three, four, or five courtyards, each with a gate. This wall is the one we built. The old wall collapsed, and there were gates on it, but they've all been blocked up with bricks."

Cheng Jingchun said, "Then why is the garden of Prince Gong's Mansion right behind it? It's right next to it. You can go and see for yourself if you don't believe me."

Chen Hui said, "His is different. It's not a standard courtyard house. Women and children don't live at the very back, so the garden can be built at the very back. But such houses are extremely rare; they were built to the standards of the imperial family."

Besides He Shen, who else would dare to build like this? Look around the entire capital and see how many houses like this there are? No more than ten. Apart from He Shen's, the rest are all princely mansions. How many princes were there in the Qing Dynasty? Besides princes, it could only be done with the emperor's approval, like He Shen's. After the owner died, it had to be converted into a temple.

Cheng Jingchun said, "That's not right. After He Shen died, the temple wasn't renovated, was it? Otherwise, it wouldn't be called Prince Gong's Mansion now."

Chen Hui said, "Yes, that's Prince Gong of the First Rank. Look who Prince Gong is and what official position he holds."

Zhang Mingfang frowned and said, "Is it meaningful for you two to argue about this? Let whoever wants it, it's theirs. Who can say for sure what happened back then, unless you bring the parties involved here."

Xiao Wei laughed and said, "Let them argue. They're just killing time anyway. Xiu'er, will you be cooking here from now on?"

Xiuer looked at the things in the kitchen, thought for a moment and said, "I don't know how to use these things. I've only ever used a traditional earthen stove. If you think it's okay, I'll give you a demonstration."

Xiao Wei thought for a moment and said, "Then forget it, let's just hire a chef. You guys can study hard and get the company cafeteria up and running. Xiao Hui, would it be alright to hire a decent chef? Preferably an experienced one, someone who can cook flavorful food."

Chen Hui said, "Okay, I'll ask Old Chen. It shouldn't be a problem."

Xiao Wei looked at Chen Hui: "Looking for Uncle Chen? Well, we're already looking for him, so let's just hire a few more, six or seven, let's keep them on for now, and they can go straight to work when the restaurant reopens."

Xiuer pouted: "My godfather has become your logistics support. You go to him for everything. I feel so sorry for him."

Xiao Wei clapped his hands and said, "Alright, let's go, let's go sit in the front, there's not even a place to sit here."

Eight people came out of the kitchen, and Xiaowei asked Chen Hui, "Are there any workers cleaning up the yard right now?"

Chen Hui said, "There isn't a dedicated cleaner. It's just that the people in the company come to clean it once a week or two. How many workers would we need to hire?"

Xiao Wei said, "Let's find a few people to sweep the yard and clean the house; there are so many rooms."

Chen Hui thought for a moment and said, "Then let's hire two people for the company, just to clean up. Two is enough. What's the point of cleaning after it snows in winter?"

Xiao Wei asked, "What about inside? Aren't you going to do anything about it?"

Chen Hui said, "If we open an employee cafeteria, wouldn't it take two or three people to buy and wash the vegetables? They can also wipe the dust off while they're at it."

Xiuer said, "Brother Chen is right. We should squeeze the surplus value of labor as much as possible. That's what makes a qualified capitalist, and that's how wages are paid. I support you, Brother Chen."

Xiao Wei checked the time: "Do you want to stay a little longer, or go out shopping now?"

Several female classmates looked at Xiuer, who said, "Let's go shopping! I'm going to buy the best computer so you can play me!"

I called Qin Xuemei and Wang Jiwei, and we brought out three cars. We didn't bring anyone with us in the morning because we had classes.

Without stopping, the three cars drove directly to Zhongguan Village.

By 95, Zhongguan Village was already quite prosperous. Although many shops were located under residential buildings or converted from old houses along the street, it did not prevent it from becoming the largest new technology center in the country.

Many companies that would later influence the entire country were born here, as well as numerous millionaires.

In the ensuing upheaval, some individuals and companies had a fleeting but profound impact, leaving their mark on society; others quietly grew into giants in later generations. Regardless of their background, in 95, they all mingled on this chaotic and bustling street.

Besides selling computers, computer accessories, and electronic equipment, the stalls mainly sell CDs, game discs, and other electronic products.

There were so many people, an extraordinary number. People of later generations would find it hard to imagine that a computer mall or electronics parts market would have so many people at this time.

"Have you decided? What do you want? What kind of computer do you want?"

Xiao Wei was a little uncomfortable with so many people jostling around, so he turned to ask Xiu'er and a few maids who were looking around aimlessly.

Xiuer forced a smile: "Brother, can I buy that?" She pointed to the counter not far away.

This is in an IBM store. At that time, IBM was the world's number one computer company, with no other choice. The blue giant.

(End of this chapter)