Chapter 46: Journey to the Imperial City

  The first time on a plane, except for Lin Lao Yezi, Fang Mo Nan, and Lei Na De, who were not afraid, Mo Bei was unaware of fear because his eyes only had curiosity. Xiaoyi and Liang Ziyu initially felt uneasy but were drawn in by curiosity and spent the journey excitedly. Grandma was anxious and worried that the plane would fall down, and didn't calm down until they got off the plane.

  August in Beijing is even hotter than Yangcheng, and the autumn tiger should not be underestimated, striving to exert its heat.

  Under the feet of the capital city, there are countless famous historical sites. Of course, I went to the Peking University campus first, and my aunt finally discussed with her family and decided to come to the highest institution of learning.

  The location of Peking University was originally a royal garden in the Ming and Qing dynasties, famous for its beauty. For hundreds of years, its basic layout and charm have remained intact. The campus is adjacent to the Summer Palace to the north and faces the Yiheyuan Garden to the west. Peking University has made full use of this rare historical heritage, creating a picturesque campus environment that combines the grandeur of royal gardens with the elegance of Jiangnan landscape. Here, not only are there classical buildings such as pavilions, terraces, and towers, but also mountains and waters embracing each other, lakes connected, dikes and islands intersecting, and scenic spots everywhere; ancient trees towering into the sky, green trees shading, evergreen in all seasons, birds singing and flowers fragrant, garden scenery changing with every step. The beautiful lake light and pagoda shadows accompany the masters' figures, which is the most beautiful picture in Yan Garden. The famous "One Pagoda Lake Picture" refers to the scenery on the shore of Weiming Lake.

  They had never been to Fangmengnan before, so they stayed in a hostel near the campus. After finishing their visit, Grandma sighed and said, "Xiaoyan, this school is really beautiful."

  The next day, Fang Mo Nan and his friends took a map and strolled around the Imperial City, the Forbidden City. At that time, the ticket price was only 20 cents. Without Old Master Lin's explanation, Fang Mo Nan had to take matters into his own hands. The Forbidden City is located in the center of Beijing, formerly known as the Purple Forbidden City. It was built in the 18th year of Yongle in the Ming Dynasty (1420) and served as the imperial palace for both the Ming and Qing Dynasties. It is an unparalleled ancient architectural masterpiece and the largest and most complete existing wooden structure complex in the world. The entire Forbidden City is composed of two parts: the "Front Palace" and the "Inner Court", surrounded by city walls on all sides, with the Tuanzi River embracing it on four sides.

  The city has corner towers at its four corners. Each side has a gate, with the south gate being the Meridian Gate, which is the main entrance to the Forbidden City.

  The Forbidden City is as famous as the Palace of Versailles in France, Buckingham Palace in Britain, the White House in the United States and the Kremlin in Russia.

  "This place is really big." Renard said with emotion, the cameras in his and Fang Mengnan's hands clicking away.

  "This isn't considered big, compared to the Great Tang's Daming Palace it's even smaller. Unfortunately, it wasn't preserved." Fang Mosou said with some regret. When Huaxia changed dynasties, the capital was always the most unfortunate, not only was it looted clean, but also had to be set on fire in the end, they all liked burning down the city's houses, Xiang Yu once burned down Xianyang. Alas, these palaces were not only where emperors lived, but were built with the wisdom and blood sweat of millions of common people. What a pity!

  In later generations, it's better to demolish and rebuild, build and demolish, and beautify the name as basic construction investment, adding bricks and tiles to GDP. Later on, they don't even need to demolish, they can't stand themselves and collapse, how convenient!

  Then Fang Mernan told them in detail about several of the main palaces, at that time the Forbidden City was still open to a very small part, not yet fenced off, and could be touched and looked at close range.

  "He who has never been to the Great Wall is not a true man, but when he gets there, he's a fool." In such hot weather, it's really torturing for the elderly and children. Leonard, however, was delighted, finding everything so fascinating.

  Fang Morsen also visited the Temple of Heaven, the Summer Palace and the Ming Tombs.

  Fang Mernan and they even went to the Panjiayuan flea market to pick up some bargains, for which Fang Mernan and Reynard paid out some "treasures". They also went to Liulichang, where three years ago a large-scale renovation was carried out, adding some new buildings. On the road between East and West Liulichang Streets, a white marble imitation ancient stone bridge was erected in mid-air, adding another scenic spot to this ancient cultural street. After hundreds of years of development, Liulichang has accumulated a rich cultural heritage.

  They walked on the ancient road, Renard was full of curiosity, and walked into an antique shop. He spent 1,000 yuan to buy a jade pendant with a heroic eagle and bear in a contesting posture. For these two days, he had been in a good mood, walking in the ancient and mysterious old city, eating Chinese delicacies, Quanjude's roasted duck, Donglaishun's hot pot, which made him temporarily forget his unhappiness.

  They continued to stroll, if the Forbidden City showed them where the emperor lived, then Hutong was an ordinary people's home. Although Fang Mengnan had been to Beijing before, she was still happy to see that the old city was still there, and her camera kept clicking away. In fact, along the way, her camera never stopped. Not only did it record their journey, but also recorded those historical sites that would be demolished in the future.

  "Nan Nan, why are you holding a camera but only taking pictures of passersby and old siheyuan, not us?" asked Xiao Yi in puzzlement.

  "Yes! Some are old and worn out." Grandma also echoed, "Similar to our own courtyard, not as tall and bright as those in Yangcheng."

  "Lei, what do you think you're looking for by coming to Huaxia?" Fang Mornan asked with a raised eyebrow, his hands clasped behind his back.

  "Oh! I came here to see what I've never seen, the skyscrapers of New York and Chicago are plenty." Renard said matter-of-factly, "It's only by seeing these most primitive things that you can understand the history and evolution of this country."

  "Well said." Fang Mo's eyes lit up and he gave a thumbs-up.

  "I'm starting to get what you mean now." Renard was still curious, "These houses are fine and won't run away.

  "Why did you take a picture."

  "Lei, if it were you, how would you treat these ancient cities that are hundreds and thousands of years old?" Fang Mo Nan asked back.

  "I've also been to many countries in Europe, where the attitude towards old cities is to keep them intact and let them develop naturally without protection, just controlling population growth. Many ancient cities have been preserved, walking on the ancient streets, the rich cultural heritage and spiritual connotation are awe-inspiring. It's also solemn and beautiful, not backward at all!" Reynard thought for a moment. "As for urban development and population explosion, build new cities, each with its own charm. New cities represent vitality, old cities represent historical culture."

  "Yes! Like Venus, beauty in imperfection." Fang Mo Nan sighed. "Leave it as a memento!" she muttered to herself.

  "Nan said that, then I'll go to Peking University to study, and in my free time, I'll take pictures for you to see. This way, you can get your fill." Xiaoyi heard their conversation and felt a pang of sadness.

  Fang Mengnan and the others turned into another alley, only to be blocked by three young men. One of them pointed at Renard and said: "Hand over all your valuables, including that jade pendant you just bought."

  "It seems that we've been targeted for a long time, and our wealth is not to be revealed. Lei was too careless." Fang Mo Nan said with a smile, seemingly excited like a child seeing a new toy. It's rare to have a chance to practice, this time can't be missed.

  "This is a crime, you'll go to jail." Renard advised. "I'm good at kung fu." Then she even struck a classic Bruce Lee pose, just short of letting out two loud whoops.

  Liang Zibu stepped forward steadily, "Scram! Otherwise, don't blame me for being impolite." His low and menacing tone clearly intimidated the other person.

  The three of them shook their heads, and one of them said, "What's there to be afraid of? They have old people and young children. Can they still beat us?"

  "Right! Up."

  They hadn't even approached Fang Mian's parents when they were knocked to the ground by police who emerged from behind.

  "Wow... The police in Beijing arrived really quickly." Reynard said.

  Fang Mo Nan looked around suspiciously, "Huh?" He suddenly disappeared into the alley, looking familiar, like the 'poisoned' man she saw in Yang City. She thought it was just a small episode during her travels and soon forgot about it, maybe she was seeing things, a chance encounter, how could they meet again? The opportunity was too slim, she shook her head and turned around.

  He Junyao was indeed looking for a friend, but unexpectedly saw Fang Mo Nan and his group as soon as he came out of the alley. He also saw three suspicious people following behind them, so he quietly asked his friend to inform the public security. He quietly followed them until the three little thieves took action, and the public security arrived in time. Only then did he leave with his friend.

  "Boss, you know those people." he asked.

  "I don't know," said He Junyao.

  "Don't know you... everyone is responsible for catching criminals." He thought about it and felt it wasn't right, "I believe with your skills, catching a few small thieves is no problem at all, why bother reporting it."

  "What are you daydreaming about? Let's go!" He Junyao only wanted to return the 'favor', but didn't want to show his face.

  。

  "Are you guys hurt?" one of the police officers asked, after giving a salute. The big visor cap, red collar badge, white shirt and blue uniform pants were the most eye-catching and enviable attire in the crowd.

  "No, you've arrived just in time, we haven't been harmed." Reynard said hastily, "Thanks a lot to you guys."

  "It's nothing, ensuring people's property safety is our responsibility," said the public security comrade.

  "We need you to cooperate and make a record." one of the police officers said.

  "It should be."

  A very simple police station, several bungalows. Fang Mo Nan's first time entering a police station in this life was to make a record. After finishing the record and signing his name, they didn't have the mood to stroll around, so they returned to the reception house.

  In the next few days, Fang Mo Nan and his grandmother went to the old brands to go shopping, while Liang Zi truly experienced what it means for women to go crazy with purchases. The old brands in Beijing are the best of hundreds of years of commercial and industrial competition. They have all gone through their own struggles to become rich and eventually dominate an industry. Their brand is also synonymous with quality that people recognize.

  Neilian Sheng, the "first family of Chinese shoes" that made court boots for royal relatives and officials, was bought by Fang Mernan, who purchased a large number of cloth shoes and embroidered shoes, at least one pair per person.

  Rui Yi Xiang silk fabric store, there is the Ming Dynasty mid-term opening of Liubi House, famous for its delicious sauce dishes; Zhengmingzhai pastries; Zhangyiyuan tea leaves; these are souvenirs that can be taken home.

  Cai Fan Lao Zhi Hao Fang Mo Nan took a map and also tasted the most famous ones. Time was tight, so not all could be eaten! The rest will be left for next time to taste.

  It's almost the end of August, Fang Mo Nan and his friends decided to head back home, they've had enough crazy fun.

  They took a train for a whole day and finally arrived home, where Mom, Dad, Fatty, and Skinny Monkey had come to the station early to pick them up.

  When they saw the foreigner Leonard, they curiously stared at him without stopping. Although he had said on the phone that he was the new teacher of Mengbei, after all, they hadn't seen him in person!

  After more than ten days of traveling, Leonard's appearance was normal, but his inner heart still needed to be observed.

  After walking for half an hour, they finally arrived home. Without taking a break, Grandma led Fang Mengnan into the kitchen to cook food. For a month and a half, no one had eaten well, everyone was so hungry that they could swallow a cow whole.

  After a while, Fang Mo Nan made a simple seaweed noodle soup and steamed buns. He brought it out, "Wow... I've finally waited for it, I'm starving to death! You don't know, the food outside is not as delicious as ours at home." Xiao Yi couldn't wait, she used a towel to hold the bowl and started eating immediately.

  "Delicious." Xiaoyi took a satisfied smack of her lips.

  Leonard looked at everyone holding such a big bowl with some fear, they didn't expect that not only men but also beautiful women would behave so 'roughly'.

  "Come on, eat!"

  "They're all starving!" Grandma said, letting him know that once he ate, he would understand why everyone was so generous.

  Reynard took a bite, his eyes lit up instantly, 'Wow... delicious.' He thought he wouldn't be able to finish it, such a big bowl, but unexpectedly he and the others ate it clean.

  Dad finished dinner and grabbed a few buns before rushing to the construction site. He was on leave specifically to pick up his mother-in-law.

  My mother learned from the phone that Mo Bei had a new teacher, so she cleaned up the south room early and made it spotless. The simple bed frame inside was covered with newly made bedding, and the desk was also covered with a tablecloth, for fear of delaying the teacher.

  After dinner, Renard saw his 'new house' and was curious. It turned out that this was the ordinary people's residence, a bit old but with a lot of flavor, a quadrangle courtyard.

  Old mother was busy telling grandma that they were not at home on these days, although the summer vacation did not supply high school, but the stalls of steamed buns, baozi, flower rolls and pancakes were still booming, no worse than usual.

  After listening to her mother's words, Grandma was very happy that everything was still in order at home. Little Aunt then told Mother about their experiences on the way there. Little Aunt said: "Sister, you really should take some time off and go have fun with your husband, it's really great."

  Just as they were talking about things that didn't happen during this time, they heard the sound of Old Master Lin and Qi Qiu Shi returning outside the courtyard.

  Everyone went out together, saw the two people covered in dust, and were extremely excited. Qi Qiushi happily pulled Xiaoyi's hand and said: "This time we gained a lot from going out, not only did we find the mold, but also went to the provincial city to find all the necessary raw materials."

  "Auntie listened and happily chimed in, 'That's great, then it'll be busy from now on.' Thinking again, she furrowed her brow and asked, 'Do you still have time to take me to school?'"

  "There is time, there should be time, and if there isn't time, we'll make time." Old Master Lin hastily said.

  While everyone shared their good mood, Fang Mo Nan went to prepare dinner for those who were coming back.

  "Come on, let's eat first, and then we'll discuss what to do next." Fang Mo said as he brought out the prepared food.

  Mr. Lin and the two of them quickly finished eating, then discussed what to do next. "To set up a factory, first go to the Administration for Industry and Commerce, Tax Bureau to handle business licenses and procedures, as well as register trademarks, and where the factory is located." Mr. Lin said, while Qi Qiu was taking notes in her small notebook.

  "In the front, it's easy to say, the factory, we don't have a lot of money, let's save some and rent a factory first. I think our county's machinery factory has already stopped production, we can rent it and their skilled workers can also be used, as long as we pay them wages."

  "This, I'll try to find some connections and it should be fine." Old Man Lin estimated.

  "Now comes the key point, how to divide the shares and what name our pendant lamp should have, as well as how to design the trademark." said Old Man Lin.

  "This is of course, Nan Nan paid the money and provided the drawings. Old Master Lin also relied on his connections to buy the mold. The specific technology was also contributed by the old master. You can divide it among yourselves, I don't have any opinion." Qi Qiushi said honestly. On this trip, he only then realized that this little girl was actually the real boss.

  Is that so?

  "It's better to be clear, our daily work relies on you, we are old and small, don't have so much energy." Fang Mo Nan said, "You occupy forty-nine percent, Lin Lao Ye Zi and I occupy fifty-one percent."

  "This won't do, it's too much for me. I'll give Xiaoyan thirty percent." Qi Qiushi said with a smile.

  "Hmm, you're quite good at flattering your aunt," Fang Mo Nan teased. "Alright then, it's settled."

  When signing the agreement, Old Man Lin only asked for 10%, and the fan's name was called Yifeng brand, meaning refreshing breeze. After all the things were discussed, Fang Mennai handed over the deposit slip to Old Man Lin, with money they accelerated their actions, and these no longer needed Fang Mennai.

  Lin Laoyezi registered the trademark, but under Fang Mernan's intervention, he did not hang up a sign to establish a company. Knowing history, she knew that the factory was first doing so ambiguously, and it was not yet possible to give it a proper name.

  Next, Xiao Yi is going to Beijing for university, which has been spread around, and when they return, the neighbors have trampled on the doorstep, coming to congratulate them and share in the joy. The gifts brought are all home-raised chickens, eggs, some cut two catties of pork, a handful of vegetables, etc., and Grandma can only accept them with gratitude.

  Dazhenzi also knew early that they were coming back, and relatives from the countryside all rushed to come. The old Mo family had a university student, which was a big deal, and the relatives came in tractors loaded with people to celebrate.

  To thank her neighbors and relatives, Grandma specially set up five tables of wine at the county's famous restaurant, she was happy to "lose a lot" and also happy.

  Actually a table of wine and dishes costs around ten or so yuan, adding cigarettes and liquor money it's just over fifteen yuan.

  My elder uncle and his family also came, originally my elder uncle didn't want to come, afraid of relatives pointing fingers and gossiping. But my elder aunt was unwilling to give up, she sent 100 yuan, no matter what, they had to put some food in their stomachs, if they could lose less then that would be better.

  At the dinner table, Da Jiu's family was quite embarrassed, looking at Grandma's family now living a prosperous life, they could only be envious. Xiao Yi was secretly delighted, seeing Da Jiu and his family being so stifled, their faces were all smiles, it was really a moment of triumph.

  Her mother looked at Xiaoyi and sighed in her heart. This life, she herself could no longer attend university. Looking at the two sisters, Mengnan, she could only place her hopes on them.

  "Mom, you're not tired from work now, and you can totally take correspondence courses to get a degree," Fang Mo Nan said. "Besides, my sister and I don't need you to take care of us anymore, so it's better for you to take the exam and get a degree too."

  "Yes! Sister, now is the time." Xiaoyi was excited and told everyone that studying is good. "You don't know how beautiful the school has become, it has the best scholars and teaching resources. Profound knowledge, shining talent, dignified and fearless independent thinking, all of this combined with the rigorous thinking of the previous generation, the upright and unyielding character, as well as the brave fighting spirit, forms a unique spiritual charm. It's truly poetic and picturesque, full of book fragrance everywhere."

  "Come on, Da Yan! Your mom can earn money now and support you."

  "Correspondence courses, no need to quit work, just take a few days off for exams." Auntie said: "Why not ask Old Man Lin for help?" They egged each other on, stirring up Mother's enthusiasm and ambition, "Fine, I'll take the exam too."

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