Courtyard House: I Rely on Time-Space Trade to Build a Nation

In mid-to-late October, the air in Beiping was already filled with the desolation of late autumn.

The news of Jinzhou and Changchun changing hands one after another was like two heavy stones thrown into an ancient pool, stirring up violent and hidden undercurrents beneath the seemingly calm surface of Beiping.

Inside the mansions of high-ranking officials and wealthy merchants, people were filled with anxiety, and all sorts of rumors and schemes for survival were rapidly circulating in the private living rooms and studies.

The Lou residence was unusually quiet compared to the commotion outside.

But beneath this quietness lies Lou Zhenhua's heightened caution and careful consideration.

When news of the utter defeat at Jinzhou arrived through special channels, he knew that the balance of power was tilting irreversibly.

His reputation for being "charitable" and "having a wide circle of friends" has now become a double-edged sword, and a catalyst that forces him to make a choice as soon as possible.

In this delicate and tense atmosphere, the butler, with barely suppressed nervousness and a slightly strange expression, rushed in to report:

"Sir, Mr. Xu... has come again. He brought three unfamiliar faces with him. They look... travel-worn, but they don't seem like ordinary guests."

Lou Bancheng felt a chill run down his spine. Of course he remembered Lao Xu, the contact person who had represented the other party in several "big deals" with him.

His sudden visit at this moment... He immediately straightened his long robe, suppressing the myriad thoughts in his mind:

"Please come to the small study immediately. Serve tea, the best of all. All irrelevant people are to be dismissed. No one is allowed to linger within three zhang (approximately 10 meters)."

In the warm glow of the charcoal fire and the subtle aroma of tea in the small study, Lou Bancheng met Lao Xu again.

Old Xu was wearing a slightly worn dark gray robe and a felt hat. His face showed signs of fatigue from the journey, but his eyes were still bright and piercing.

He was accompanied by three people: a man who looked to be about forty years old, with a slightly yellowish complexion, a sparse beard, and somewhat cloudy and shimmering eyes, resembling an accountant; and two strong and capable young men with alert eyes, who stood quietly on either side of the door despite wearing ordinary cotton-padded jackets.

"Mr. Xu, it's been a long time. You must have had a long journey." Lou Bancheng cupped his hands, his face displaying just the right amount of warmth and a hint of surprise. His gaze quickly swept over Old Xu's companions, lingering especially on the "accountant" for a moment.

"Mr. Lou, I apologize for bothering you." Old Xu returned the greeting, his voice calm. "The situation is turbulent, so I have no choice but to come again. I have a favor to ask."

"Mr. Xu, you flatter me. Please feel free to ask if you need anything. I will do my best to help without hesitation," Lou Bancheng said earnestly, adopting a very humble posture.

He knew perfectly well that the other party's visit was not only a request, but also, to some extent, an opportunity for Lou Bancheng to "show his abilities" and "get closer."

Old Xu didn't beat around the bush and pointed to the "accountant" beside him: "This is Mr. An, my companion."

We need a relatively fixed and inconspicuous place to stay when we come to the city to handle some matters and facilitate future contact.

I heard that Boss Lou owns some properties in Nanluoguxiang, and the east wing of No. 95 seems to be vacant. I wonder if he could part with it, or lend it to us for a while?

Number 95 Nanluoguxiang? Lou Bancheng quickly recalled the property's information in his mind—a small, dilapidated courtyard house in a decent but not ideal location, with a large portion of the east wing collapsed. The other party specifically mentioned this place…was it a random choice, or was there a deeper meaning?

Lou Zhenhua's mind raced, but his face immediately showed generosity:

"Oh dear, Mr. Xu, what are you saying! What do you mean by 'giving up'? That courtyard is just sitting empty anyway. If Mr. Xu and Mr. Zhao don't mind its simplicity, please feel free to stay there! I'll have the butler bring the keys right away, and send a few servants over to clean and settle you in!"

This is Lou Bancheng's statement: I am willing to provide free assistance to show my sincerity.

However, Old Xu shook his head, insisting, "We appreciate Boss Lou's kindness. However, we plan to stay in the city for a while longer this time, and we might have some business dealings. It's better to buy it at the market price, so the paperwork is clear and we can avoid gossip and trouble for Boss Lou later."

He paused, lowered his voice, and spoke more frankly: "To outsiders, we'll say that Mr. An and I are friends who fled from beyond the Great Wall. We had nowhere to turn, and thanks to Boss Lou's kindness, he sold us this old house cheaply so we could stay here."

"In the future, if I need to get anything done in the city, or if I need to smooth things over, I'll still have to rely on Boss Lou, my 'old landlord' and 'old friend,' for help."

Having said that, Lou Bancheng finally understood.

The other party not only wanted a safe base, but also a "legitimate" ostensible identity that could withstand a certain degree of verification, and they also "pulled" Lou Bancheng into it as part of the endorsement of this identity and a potential protective umbrella.

This is trust, and also a kind of "binding".

There are risks, of course, but compared to the potential future returns and the clear signal of "taking sides" in the present, he has to make this deal, and he has to do it well and beautifully.

"Mr. Xu has thought this through thoroughly!" Lou Bancheng's face was full of "understanding" and "approval."

"Since Mr. Xu and Mr. Zhao are considering this, then I, Lou, will accept without hesitation. The price will be 70%... no, 50% of the market price! Consider it a welcome dinner for you two! Butler!" He called out to the butler waiting outside, "Immediately prepare the property deeds for the east wing of No. 95. I will personally accompany Mr. Xu and Mr. Zhao to complete the formalities! Be quick!"

The butler responded immediately and left with great efficiency.

In just over an hour, all the transfer procedures were completed under the "special handling" of the relevant housing management personnel.

On the brand-new land deed, the owner of the east courtyard has become an ordinary name—Anping, the name Zhao Ping'an is now using after his disguise.

After the formalities were completed, Lou Bancheng warmly wanted to host a welcome banquet, but Lao Xu refused.

He declined, saying, "Let's settle in first, and then we'll host a dinner at the Eighth Building the day after tomorrow to reciprocate Mr. Lou's hospitality."

Lou Bancheng was unwilling to agree, repeatedly saying, "Mr. Xu and Mr. Zhao are guests from afar; how can we let them spend money? The day after tomorrow, I, Lou, must fulfill my duty as host!"

It was finally agreed that Lou Bancheng would host the dinner the day after tomorrow.

Old Xu and Zhao Ping'an, accompanied by the Lou family's steward, then took the newly issued property deed and headed to No. 95 Nanluoguxiang.

After passing through several narrowing alleys, No. 95 Courtyard came into view.

The entrance was small, with peeling red paint and some damage to the brick carvings on the lintel. It was a standard four-courtyard layout. Entering the adjacent east courtyard, it was clear that it had been through the ravages of war; several sections of the east courtyard wall had collapsed, and the houses in the front and middle courtyards were not entirely intact. Only a few houses in the back courtyard remained relatively intact.

The butler looked somewhat embarrassed and quickly said, "Mr. Xu, Mr. Zhao, I'm really sorry, this courtyard... has been neglected. The owner has already instructed that the best bricklayers and carpenters will be found this afternoon to speed up the repairs and prepare a place for you two to live in."

"How about you two stay at our Lou family's inn for the next few days? It's guaranteed to be quiet and safe."

Old Xu glanced at Zhao Ping'an, who looked around the yard and then spoke in a slightly hoarse voice using a voice changer:

"Then we'll have to trouble the housekeeper first. However, we have certain requirements for our accommodations, so we hope the housekeeper can help us find a reliable team of craftsmen. There are many places that may need renovation, so please make sure to explain this cost to Mr. Lou so that we can pay for it ourselves."

The butler declined twice, but seeing Zhao Ping'an's insistence, he didn't try to persuade him further. He noted down the request and hurriedly left to make the arrangements.

After the butler left

[Ding, host detected arriving at the courtyard house. Ownership of the east wing of the courtyard house has been acquired. Upgrade quest officially unlocked...]