The Han family once held a pivotal position in the capital. Over generations, they accumulated immense wealth, enough to rival that of a nation; otherwise, so many wouldn't have coveted it.
The Han family's residence was naturally extraordinary, having undergone several expansions and renovations, and now occupying a large area. Otherwise, Han Xiao wouldn't have voluntarily lent it out to preserve it.
The house was previously used as office space for several government departments, so it's much better preserved than the houses where people lived. Now it seems that Han Xiao's decision was absolutely correct.
The Han family mansion has multiple courtyards. In addition to the various residential courtyards in the back, there are also inner courtyards with kitchens, servants' quarters, and back gardens. The front courtyard has a reception hall, banquet hall, large kitchen, servants' quarters, garden, garage, and so on.
The Han family mansion is no longer a traditional courtyard house. Many of the buildings in the courtyards have been renovated over the generations, incorporating Western architectural styles, which gives it a unique charm.
Although the house had been occupied before, traces of its former carved beams and painted pillars can still be seen.
It was the first time the children had ever seen such a large and beautiful house. They seemed to want to explore it all and see it all.
This big house is their home, and the children are very proud of it.
The luggage that Han Yixian and the others had sent from Qianyuan County had arrived, and Zhou Zhengye had put it in the courtyard where the Han family was temporarily staying.
Zhou Zhengye also prepared a lot of things for the courtyard, including a stove and kerosene stove for cooking, as well as some firewood and coal. He also bought some grains and vegetables for the kitchen.
He Yuhan and Han Yixian unpacked the luggage that had been mailed back and took out all sorts of things. In addition, He Yuhan smuggled some things out of her space, so the family immediately had plenty of food and supplies.
For lunch, He Yuhan simply made shredded pork noodles, which is a pretty good meal these days, and everyone ate their fill.
After lunch, Han Yixian and his wife tidied up the rooms for the elderly so they could rest.
Seeing their parents cleaning, the children all joined in to help. With many hands making light work, their temporary courtyard was quickly tidied up. All their belongings were put away, and the courtyard immediately felt alive and became incredibly cozy.
The house needs to be tidied up until it's habitable; other aspects can be addressed later.
After cleaning, Han Yi started heating the bathwater, as everyone had been on the train for a long time and needed to take a shower.
First, the children were given a bath and changed into clean clothes, then the three elders also took a good bath. Finally, it was Han Yixian and his wife's turn.
After everyone had finished cleaning up, they were all tired, so they ate a quick dinner and went to bed.
The three elderly people lived in the main house, while Han Yixian, his wife, and their children lived in the side rooms.
They slept well all night. Han Yixian and He Yuhan got up early, dressed, and quietly went out. They went for a walk and brought back some local Kyoto snacks such as fried dough rings, sugar-coated pastries, fruit, and fermented mung bean juice for everyone's breakfast.
The children had never lived in Kyoto before and were very curious about everything there.
Han Xiao and Liu Zhongyi were both amazed as they ate their breakfast.
Liu Zhongyi sighed, "It's been so many years since I've tasted the flavors of my hometown."
Han Xiao nodded and said, "Yes, the taste I remember hasn't changed."
Han Yixian and his wife not only bought breakfast, but also brought back a lot of vegetables, meat, eggs and other food, most of which were smuggled out of the space.
Although the situation has improved, supplies are still scarce, and everything is purchased with ration coupons. Many items are not available on the market.
Given the opportunity, He Yuhan would never allow her family to suffer.
After breakfast, Han Yixian and his wife started washing clothes. The whole family had a lot of dirty clothes that they had changed out of yesterday.
Han Yixian couldn't bear to let his wife wash the clothes by herself. Besides, back in Beili Village, Han Yixian often washed clothes himself.
The children wash their own clothes and small items; Han Yixian and his wife have been intentionally training their children's self-reliance.
Simple household chores such as washing dishes, washing clothes, cleaning, and starting a fire are also given to the children.
The eldest son, Han Xurui, is already a young man. He takes his father as his role model in everything he does and is very good at housework.
He saw his parents washing clothes, so he took over from his mother and washed clothes with his father.
He Yuhan went to the kitchen to prepare lunch. Everyone hadn't eaten or rested well on the train journey, so He Yuhan planned to cook a big meal to reward them after they had all had a good rest today.
I made a big table of dishes including braised pork, braised fish, Mapo tofu, shredded pork with garlic sauce, and stir-fried wood ear mushrooms with vinegar.
At noon, everyone sat around the dining table in the living room, and He Yuhan specially brought out baijiu (Chinese liquor) and juice.
Han Xiao and Liu Zhongyi's eyes lit up when they saw He Yuhan take out her brewed liquor. They both pushed their glasses in front of Han Yixian, indicating that Han Yixian should pour the liquor first.
Han Xiao was pleasantly surprised to find himself drinking his daughter-in-law's fine wine in Kyoto.
He Yuhan's wine contains many precious medicinal herbs, and drinking some is good for your health. Only those who have tasted it know its benefits.
Wen Jinyu laughed and said, "Yuhan, look how happy you've made your dad and uncle by bringing out this wine."
He Yuhan smiled and said, "I brought this back to Kyoto especially for my dad and uncle. There will be new wine again in a while."
Han Xiao and Liu Zhongyi were even happier to hear this.
Han Xiao said, "We don't have much to do here. Drinking a little wine and sipping tea every day is a kind of pleasure."
Liu Zhongyi nodded and said, "Yes, it's a kind of fun. Now that the house has been returned, I need to cultivate a vegetable garden in the garden. I'm used to it in the countryside, and I'll have to grow a vegetable garden even after I'm back in the capital. It's a kind of fun in labor."
Han Xiao laughed and said, "I agree. Let's plant it together, brother. It's such a big garden, you can even grow grain there."
Wen Jinyu chuckled and said, "You've turned this perfectly good garden into farmland. Growing vegetables is fine, but let's forget about growing grains."
Yuhan and I are even discussing planting more flowers and plants; you'll be keeping them busy later.
He Yuhan smiled and said, "Dad, I'll find some precious flowers and plants for you and Uncle to enjoy."
Han Xiao nodded and smiled, "Alright, then we'll wait. As for how to renovate this mansion, you and Yi Xian can discuss it and let us know when you've decided."
Han Xiao had great confidence in his daughter-in-law's judgment.
Han Yixian said, "Dad, Yuhan and I have discussed it briefly. In order to make it more convenient and comfortable to live in in the future, the indoor bathroom needs to be repaired, the water supply and drainage system needs to be renovated, and heating facilities need to be installed. The old ones need to be renovated again."
The kitchen and dining room also need some renovation. We'll work on the rest after Yuhan and I look at the house and design them properly. Please share your ideas too. Let's brainstorm!
Han Xiao said, "We're fine with whatever you say, let's do it your way."
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