The car stopped in the small open space in front of the alley, and Wen Maidong walked in front with the luggage, leading the way. Those ancient brick walls and rubble were a rich history and had a unique cultural heritage.
"There are many delicious snacks in the alley. You can go and find them later. It will be more surprising if you experience them yourself."
Wen Maidong didn't want to tell you too much. He thought, there is plenty of time for them to experience the surprise of finding delicious food on their own.
"Really? What are they?" Chen Yun was curious about what kind of delicious food they would have.
"There is authentic soy milk from the capital, but some people may not be able to accept it," Wen Maiya explained.
"Brain flower, kebabs, Western cakes, cheese, coffee, roast duck, desserts...these are all very good, you can go and experience them."
After saying that, Wen Maiya couldn't help but lick his lips, and suddenly felt a little hungry. Speaking of food, we have to mention Quanjude Roast Duck in the capital, which is also a must-try delicacy.
“It really feels historic.”
Shen Feng and Shen Yun walked through the alleys, feeling a little emotional. The alleys were so interconnected that if you weren't familiar with them, you could get lost. There were 3,600 famous alleys, and countless unnamed ones.
"In fact, people in the capital are the most particular. They even pay attention to how they walk."
"What's going on?"
Everyone listened to Wen Maidong's explanation with great curiosity, stopping from time to time to study it carefully. Every brick and tile was a novelty to them, a witness to the splendor of ancient culture.
"The capital city's streets and alleys are all straight and flat, there's no way to take shortcuts. Furthermore, no matter which path you choose, it's always a hard turn, so when you compare them, they're still the same length."
"Is it true?" Shen Yu was very curious. Could it be that they had measured it?
"Of course it's true. It's all documented. Furthermore, the oldest alley is already 900 years old. Almost a century old, it's seen several emperors and ministers. A century of wind and rain, a century of vicissitudes, has transformed it into a humble little street. You can go and see it; it's experienced rise and fall, glory and disgrace, prosperity followed by decline, and decline followed by prosperity."
"Where is our house?"
Shen Feng felt that they would be here for a long time, so there was no need to rush to understand everything. It would be better to explore slowly and on their own.
"It's at the end not far away. Come on! I'll show you around. I've specially chosen a courtyard that's the best preserved and most suitable for you."
"What does it look like?" The three siblings of the Shen family were so excited that they walked briskly with anticipation in their hearts.
"Okay...we're here..."
Wen Maidong stopped in front of a house with a large wooden door and two prominent stone lions. A large copper lock secured the door. Wen Maidong fished the key out of his pants and opened the gate. A siheyuan (a courtyard) is a structure with houses built on all four sides, with the courtyard at the center. Each household has its own house, and each house has several courtyards.
Square courtyards often admit more sunlight in winter. They are decorated with flowers and rocks, often featuring pomegranate bonsai, symbolizing fertility and prosperity. Large tanks housing goldfish symbolize good fortune, creating an ideal outdoor living space, like a large open-air living room, bringing nature closer to the heart.
The three-story courtyard has six main rooms and an annex. "Amazing! This kind of architecture is truly amazing! The entire courtyard feels like a single entity, encompassing the heavens and the earth."
"Yeah! It feels completely different."
"One family, one household, it feels like that kind of comfortable and peaceful life. It's really nice, no wonder you have always liked it so much, Niuniu."
"Yeah, I like this kind of courtyard the most. It makes people feel calm and at ease once they move in."
Shen Yun couldn't help but admire the courtyard. She knew that it would not be as good as it is now before, after being renovated and remodeled. This was Wen Maidong's contribution, and they couldn't ignore it.
"How is it? Not bad, right?" Wen Maidong said with a smile.
"Well...that's great. You're reliable."
Chen Feng patted Wen Maidong on the shoulder. This guy was truly trustworthy. Most importantly, he was considerate. They each had their own style and needs, and this guy was able to arrange everything perfectly.
"Haha... I knew you would like it."
"Niuniu...Niuniu...Come in quickly, good things are waiting for you."
Wen Maiya didn't care what the men said. She pulled Chen Yun into a side room.
Before entering, Chen Yun smelled a burst of medicinal fragrance. His heart moved slightly, and he couldn't help but look at Sister Malt beside him curiously.
"Let's go...in and take a look."
Wen Maiya nudged Chen Yun. This was a surprise she had prepared specifically for Niuniu. So far, it seemed quite to Niuniu's liking. Hopefully, Niuniu would like it, too.
"Wow……"
With a sigh of amazement, Shen Yun stared intently at the medicine cabinet in front of him, as well as the various research equipment. It was completely the standard configuration of a small factory and studio. This was simply the highest and best workshop.
"Sister Malt...is this for me?"
"Of course it's yours, who else could it be?"
Wen Maiya couldn't help but laugh, patting Chen Yun's head with a look of satisfaction. This was prepared for Chen Yun, and Grandpa had made quite a few changes. Because Niuniu would be studying Western medicine, the room was also equipped with bone specimens, various surgical tools, and a small operating table.
“This…this…”
Chen Yun had never imagined that everything had already been thought out by them. This feeling of being held in someone's hands hadn't been felt in a long time. For a moment, Chen Yun was stunned in the spot.
"What's the surprise? Show it to us too."
"Yes! What kind of surprise is it? Show us too!"
After Shen Feng and Shen Yu finished their work, they came over to see what kind of surprise the Wen brothers and sisters had given Shen Yun, and to find out more about the situation.
"Wow……"
Pushing the door open and entering the wing, two more gasps were heard. The sight before them was beyond their wildest dreams, a spectacle of grandeur. It felt like a small hospital. The equipment, the operating table—this wing was definitely two rooms combined into one, incredibly expensive and luxurious.
"Maidong...you kid..."
"I didn't expect that! Maidong, you're such a big shot."
"Actually, these are all references from Grandpa. He said Niuniu will definitely develop in the direction of traditional Chinese and Western medicine in the future, and he hopes that no matter which field Niuniu chooses, she can keep up and move forward together."
"Then... Grandpa Wen is really..."
Shen Feng and Shen Yun were speechless. Grandpa Wen's generosity contained too much burden. It seemed that Niuniu would need to work harder in the future.
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