The waves were sparkling and the willow branches were curling up. Many people appeared on the uneven wasteland beside the Longqing Pool. There were craftsmen in short garments and soldiers in military uniforms. Yang Fan was pushed by Gu Zhuting. Along the way, he looked left and right, feeling very comfortable.
Judging from the traces left on the ground, there used to be a house foundation here. There should be a few houses here, and there was a big yard nearby. Usually, this kind of yard would be used as a vegetable field by the owner. However, because someone dug a well in Longqing Square and dug the mouth of the spring, it turned into a lake with a radius of ten hectares. The whole terrain changed because of this and became uneven.
The land Yang Fan bought included at least the area of ten families who used to live here. He could also see several mud walls that originally separated different families.
Under Ren Wei's guidance, an old man who looked to be over fifty years old, with a vigorous spirit and a sturdy back greeted Yang Fan. Ren Wei introduced him to Yang Fan, "Ah Lang, this is Master Huang, the man responsible for the construction of the mansion."
The old man smiled humbly at Yang Fan and said, "I'm Huang Yuanbao. You can call me Old Huang."
Ren Wei smiled and said, "This Master Huang is not ordinary. He participated in the building of the Daming Palace with his master. Now he has inherited all of his master's skills."
The old man smiled and added proudly, "My master and I are only responsible for the design and construction of the Penglai Pool in the Daming Palace. I dare not say that it is the Daming Palace."
When Yang Fan first arrived in Chang 'an, he had carefully walked around the palace several times and was very familiar with the situation everywhere. After hearing what the old man said, he recalled the situation in the Penglai Pool.
Among all the buildings in the Daming Palace, Penglai Lake was the most garden style. Ponds, rockery, pavilions and terraces were scattered in this group of palaces and buildings. They were also cleverly connected by bright and dark corridors. Although the emperor had not returned to Chang 'an for 20 years in Luoyang, the Chang' an Palace was in disrepair, and the gardens were also in lack of repair, it still gave people a sense of magnificence.
Hearing that Master Huang was the craftsman who designed and built the Penglai Pool, Yang Fan was naturally overjoyed and trusted his construction skills. Yang Fan immediately nodded and said, "Okay! My house is in your hands, Master Huang. "
Huang Yuanbao smiled and said, "Don't worry, Langjun. I will do my best to satisfy you!"
…
It was also by the Longqing Pool, but on the other side of the lake, Zheng Yu supported a white-haired old man to stand by the lake.
The old man was Old Grandpa Zheng. Although all the aristocratic families had evacuated after learning that the emperor would move the capital to Chang 'an, it did not mean that they did not dare to appear in front of Wu Zetian. However, both sides were giants, like a lion and a leopard. Even if they would not fight as soon as they met, it would be uncomfortable to be too close.
But now such a big thing had happened in Chang 'an. Others might not have arrived in time, or they might not have realized how serious the situation was. But Old Grandpa Zheng's eldest grandson was here to take charge, so he still rushed over. Unfortunately, when he arrived, the dust had already settled.
Old Grandpa Zheng stood still and looked at the island subconsciously. Zheng Yu was looking at the other side. After a while, Old Grandpa Zheng withdrew his gaze. Zheng Yu said, "Grandpa, that is the land that Yang Fan bought. He wants to build a big house there."
Old Grandpa Zheng smiled and sighed softly.
Zheng Yu looked into the distance. From here, he could only vaguely see some people moving around. He did not know if Yang Fan was there, but he seemed to have seen Yang Fan. He gritted his teeth and said, "Forget about Shen Mu. After all, the Hidden Sect was originally a small branch under the Obvious Sect that was in charge of carrying out some shady things. It is his ability that allowed him to manage to such a situation. I have no choice but to accept it! But what about Yang Fan? If we did not appreciate him, he would be nothing. But he dared to betray us. This time, we must let him know how powerful we are! "
Old Grandpa Zheng smiled again. His smile was still so calm and peaceful, but it had a hint of bitterness.
"Yu 'er …"
"Grandpa!"
"If this person did not have any redeeming qualities, do you think Shen Mu would choose to cooperate with him with his shrewdness?"
Zheng Yu was stunned. Old Grandpa Zheng sighed deeply and said, "Shen Mu is the most incredible youth that I have seen all these years. But Yang Fan … all along, I have looked down on him. All of our aristocratic families have looked down on him. If not for this, we would not have treated him like this, and he might not have fallen out with us!
Shen Mu is like a sharp dagger. Even if he is hidden in the sheath, you know that when he is pulled out, he is going to kill. As for Yang Fan, he is like a steel needle hidden in cotton. He looks very soft and can be rubbed or flattened. He has no ability to harm, but if you squeeze him too hard, he will ruthlessly stab you with the needle! "
Old Grandpa Zheng coughed a few times and sighed. "Without him, Shen Mu would not be able to sing this play alone. Even if someone else were to accompany Shen Mu, they would still not be able to sing this play. This … is Yang Fan's ability!"
Zheng Yu said indignantly, "So what? If the seven sects and five families wanted to deal with him, wouldn't it be as easy as crushing an ant?"
Old Grandpa Zheng frowned and said, "There is a rumor in the capital that after the Emperor moves the capital, he will let the Zhang brothers, who have merit in writing books, take charge of the capital's culture and education. Have you heard?"
Zheng Yu said, "I have heard, but … this matter is too absurd. Although the two Zhang brothers are from aristocratic families and have merit in writing books, they are still young. What virtue do they have to take charge of the culture and education? "
Old Grandpa Zheng said meaningfully, "If we insist on dealing with Shen Mu and Yang Fan, the two Zhang brothers will take charge of the culture and education. This, is a threat to us, and also … a condition. "
Zheng Yu said disdainfully, "The power of our aristocratic families is vast and pervasive. Do you think we can't deal with them?"
Old Grandpa Zheng looked at the unconvinced Zheng Yu and secretly sighed. Suddenly, a strange thought came to his mind. "Why is my grandson so stupid? If only Shen Mu or Yang Fan were people like them, even if only one of them was a descendant of the Zheng family, how good would that be! "
…
Huang Yuanbao had participated in the design and construction of the palace buildings. He could be said to be a master in the construction industry, but he had no status in front of the officials. He nodded and bowed as he accompanied Yang Fan here and there. He did not look like a master at all.
But when it came to architecture, Master Huang had his own ideas. With just a casual look, he had a complete idea. Yang Fan listened to him talking about it casually, gradually sketching the outline of an exquisite and luxurious mansion in his mind. Under Master Huang's planning, a stinky ditch would become a gurgling spring, and a small mound would become a pavilion with flying eaves and arches. It had the magical effect of turning iron into gold.
Yang Fan nodded repeatedly. He turned to Gu Zhuting and said with a smile, "What do you think of this Master Huang?"
Gu Zhuting said with admiration, "Master Huang is really an amazing master of architecture. I can't wait to see Ah Lang's new mansion."
Yang Fan looked at her with a smile and said, "Do you want to see the new mansion or your new courtyard?"
Gu Zhuting blushed. She gave him a charming look but did not answer. Yang Fan smiled and said to Huang Yuanbao, "Master Huang, I heard that your disciples have finished their apprenticeship. I have a few mansions next to me. Let's give them to your disciples to build at the same time as you!"
Yang Fan waved his hand. Other than the side facing the lake, the other three sides of his mansion were included. Huang Yuanbao was pleasantly surprised. "Yes, yes," he repeatedly said, "Don't worry, Langjun, this old man will immediately send someone to find them."
Gu Zhuting was surprised: "Langjun bought the surrounding land as well?"
Yang Fan asked, "Otherwise, where would your family live?"
Hearing this, Gu Zhuting's heart suddenly warmed, the rims of her eyes reddened. Huang Yuanbao was old and shrewd. At first, he thought that this pretty girl was just a servant girl of this seemingly unspeakably noble personage. But after hearing their tone of voice, he realized that she must be a first class favored concubine. Immediately, he became respectful towards Gu Zhuting.
Yang Fan called Huang Yuanbao to one side. He specifically told him to build several secret passages and secret rooms. Generally, big families have the habit of building secret passages and secret rooms. Huang Yuanbao quickly memorized Yang Fan's detailed instructions.
They came to a high slope in front of them. It was about two mu wide and was full of lush trees. Huang Yuanbao said, "This place is simple. It is not steep and not surprising. It is not appropriate to use it as a ridge or a mountain. Langjun shouldn't have bought this piece of land. If you want to level the land, I'm afraid it will be too laborious."
Yang Fan shook his head and said, "No, we can't carry out any large-scale construction here. Just follow the topography and make some slight adjustments. Get rid of all the weeds and plants. Plant more exotic flowers and rare plants. Plant osmanthus trees in the center of the hill.
Huang Yuanbao was startled. "Langjun, if we don't do any construction here, it will be difficult to get rid of the simple atmosphere. I'm afraid it will not match Langjun's mansion."
Yang Fan smiled. Looking at the lush trees, he vaguely saw the girl who was as graceful as a fairy. He nodded at the trees and said to Huang Yuanbao seriously, "This is the smell I want!"
…
Lovely Spring Terrace. From the bottom of the stone steps, they went up the steps one by one. They crossed the high doorsill and entered the magnificent main hall. Then they passed through the thick coiled dragon pillars and bypassed the eighteen screens to enter the inner hall. Along the way, all the eunuchs and palace maids knelt on the ground facing the direction of the palace. They didn't even dare to breathe.
In the inner hall, on the red velvet carpet, Shanghai Wan 'er knelt for a long time. Fu Qingqing stood next to her. She had a nervous expression on her face.
The four sides of the inner hall were draped with gauze. The sunlight shone through the double layer of gauze lattice windows, reflecting the complex and gorgeous patterns on the carpet. The entire inner hall was bright and spacious. But this bright light could not clearly illuminate Wu Zetian's gloomy face.
Wu Zetian said angrily, "I had high expectations of you. I didn't expect you to do such a shameful thing! Wan 'er, you really disappoint me! "
The more Wu Zetian spoke, the angrier she became. She suddenly grabbed the knife on the table and fiercely threw it at Shanghai Wan 'er.
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