1990s: Spring Water Family

Chapter 100 The Spring Hidden in the City, The People Living by the Spring

"Oh oh."

Lin Xiyu suddenly realized: "Oh, I was just wondering why government offices would let people in so easily. Now I know the secret is here."

"In front is the ancient government office, and behind is the modern government building. The two buildings are only a few dozen meters apart, but they are from different dynasties by hundreds of years."

"This feeling is truly mysterious!"

-

"The streets and alleys in the old city were all built around the government offices."

Gu Bin smiled and said, "The names also come from this, just like Yuanqian Street, County School Street, Anchasi Street, Yunshu Street, Lama Lane, and Xiyuanmen Street, all of which are related to the travel of officials in ancient times. There are also some that specifically refer to springs, such as Yongquan Street, Pingquan Hutong, Wangfuchizi West Street, Qifengqiao Street, and so on."

"Wow!"

Lin Xiyu was once again shocked: "Gu Bin, you know so much."

"do not you know?"

Gu Bin enjoyed her admiration and smiled as he asked her a question in return.

"do not know."

Lin Xiyu was a little annoyed: "Nobody told me."

"Remember this well."

Gu Bin tapped her on the head: "With a better understanding of the image, memorizing lines will be easier."

"Oh."

Lin Xiyu was having a great time chatting when the thought of having to memorize her lines made her face fall, and she instantly lost her energy.

"hehe."

Gu Bin looked at her deliberately silly little expression and let out a pleasant laugh.

-

"When you come to Jinan, don't miss this amazing attraction that has a long history, is less crowded, and has beautiful scenery."

"The compound of the Standing Committee of the People's Congress of Shandong Province was once an important place for government officials throughout history. The main hall of the Qing Dynasty Governor's Office was built in the 5th year of the Kangxi Emperor's reign, and 110 Shandong Governors lived here one after another."

"The Pearl Spring pool is 43 meters long and 29 meters wide. It has many springs, and strings of bubbles emerge from the bottom of the water. Under the sunlight, they look like pearls, hence the name Pearl Spring."

"Pearl Spring is famous, and it has naturally attracted the attention and praise of famous people throughout history. Emperor Qianlong once wrote a poem here."

"Jinan has many famous springs, and the water of Yueyin is collected here. Among them, the most magnificent are Baotu and Zhenzhu."

"The Pearl Spring Pool is surrounded by artificial mountains and waterfalls, with small bridges and flowing water, offering a beautiful view at every turn, making visitors feel as if they are immersed in a beautiful Jiangnan garden."

"Some tourists may wonder, where does the water from Pearl Spring flow to?"

"If we walk along the quiet path on the left side of the spring, we will come to the Nine-Cornered Spring and find that the spring water flows in and out from there."

"The spring water flows through Qushuiting Street and Baihuazhou, eventually flowing into Daming Lake. One of the main sources of water for Daming Lake is Pearl Spring."

-

The stylist changed Lin Xiyu's outfit, making her a Qing Dynasty princess wearing flowerpot-soled shoes, taking the audience in front of the TV back to the Kangxi and Qianlong era, hundreds of years ago.

With her explanation, the tranquil spring pool gained an added touch of enchantment, making people yearn for it even more.

Director Du was extremely satisfied with the filming and did not ask her to change her clothes. The production crew did not stop for a moment and immediately drove to the next filming location.

-

“Xigengdao Street is adjacent to Wangfuchizi and is the area with the richest underground water system in the old city.”

"Here is the famous Qifeng Bridge. The reason why Qifeng Bridge is famous is because of a story that the old people of Jinan are very fond of talking about."

During the reign of Emperor Shunzhi of the Qing Dynasty, Qifeng Bridge was named Qingyun Bridge because it was located next to the ancient imperial examination venue and was a must-pass for candidates. To bring good luck, the street where Qifeng Bridge is located was named Yunlu Street, which means "to rise to prominence".

"A stone archway stands at the bridgehead, with the inscription 'Soaring Dragon and Rising Phoenix' on the plaque."

"In the thirteenth year of the Qianlong Emperor's reign, the emperor traveled south of the Yangtze River and passed through Jinan Prefecture. Accompanied by Liu Yong, he arrived at Yunlu Street."

"At this moment, the sky was covered with dark clouds, and a heavy rain was about to fall. Liu Yong was moved by the scene and recalled the scene when he was young and participated in the scientific expedition in Jinan in the rain."

"As he was recounting the events of that year to Emperor Qianlong, a torrential downpour began. In his haste to seek shelter, Liu Yong slipped and bumped into the Tengjiao Qifeng archway, resulting in a large bump on his head."

He touched his head and smiled bitterly, then blurted out: "The road to success is full of sand and dust, and bumps appear under the Qifeng Bridge. I once had the passion to worry about the people, but it turned into cold rain to drench a fool."

"Upon hearing this, Emperor Qianlong burst into laughter and immediately composed a poem."

"True feelings are forged under the Tengjiao Archway, heroes are forged on the Qifeng Bridge. Everyone has their own talents, and we must never forget our ancestors and the people."

"The emperor and his minister smiled at each other, and from then on the bridge was renamed Qifeng Bridge."

-

On Qifeng Bridge, Lin Xiyu vividly recounted the classic story of the thousand-year-old bridge. When she got to the part where Liu Yong blurted out the line about the bumps under Qifeng Bridge, her humorous tone drew a burst of laughter from the staff.

Li Yan stood behind the camera and gave her a thumbs up, then pointed to the gate of No. 1 Xigengdao Street.

Upon receiving the order, Lin Xiyu carefully stepped off the bridge, wearing flowerpot-soled shoes.

“After turning from Qifengqiao Street, we arrived at Xigengdao Street. To enter the gate of No. 1 Courtyard, we need to cross Gaosheng Bridge.”

Locals jokingly say that students who pass over Gaosheng Bridge will have their wishes fulfilled and will top the list of their class.

"I also want to benefit from Gaoshengqiao's success and hope that I can do well in the college entrance examination and get into my ideal school."

-

"Crack!"

Director Du gestured for a pause, and Lin Xiyu quickly took the fan from the stylist and fanned herself vigorously a few times.

The Qing Dynasty princesses were beautiful, but they were just too hot.

Would you like some ice cream?

Gu Bin bought some ice cream and waved it in front of her.

"eat."

Lin Xiyu snatched it away; even a second's hesitation would be disrespectful to the ice cream.

"hehe."

Gu Bin suppressed a laugh and distributed the remaining popsicles to the other staff members.

Lin Xiyu slurped up the popsicle, enjoying it immensely.

Is your classmate home?

Li Yan peeked through the crack in the door into courtyard number 1.

The courtyard was small, but it housed three families. There were many fabrics hanging in the yard, with bright colors and greenery, which looked quite beautiful.

"So much fabric!"

Li Yan found it quite novel: "At first glance, I thought it was a dye shop."

"Wu Meng's mother is a seamstress."

Lin Xiyu explained with a smile, "Her craftsmanship is excellent. Many people come to her to make clothes, and some even choose fabrics directly from her to make dresses. The fabrics hanging there are samples to attract customers into the store."

"Tailors are great! I'd like to have a dress made too."

Li Yan's eyes lit up, and she pushed open the door with a smile and went inside.

The afternoon interview was Wu's home turf, so Lin Xiyu didn't go in.

"Is anyone home?"

Li Yan held up the microphone and looked around.

"Who are you looking for?"

Wu Meng had already heard the commotion outside the door. When she saw her come in, she quickly got into character, pretended not to know her, and came out of her own house to greet her.

"Hello, we are from the 'Spring Water Family' program team of Jinan TV."

Li Yan introduced herself and exchanged a knowing glance with Wu Meng.

"Oh, hello everyone."

Wu Meng cooperated with her in the interview: "I've seen your program on TV."

"Yes, I've seen it." Li Yan smiled broadly. "Did you like it? What are your thoughts and suggestions about our program?"

"We love it. Our whole family loves watching it. We wait in front of the TV every Saturday and watch every single episode."

Wu Meng, with her sweet tongue, deliberately flattered him: "As for suggestions, it would be great if we could film a few more episodes. It's really nice to see familiar people and things on TV."

"I'm really happy to hear such high praise."

Li Yan said with a hint of regret: "It's a pity that documentaries can't be too long, otherwise we really wanted to keep making them."

"That's such a shame."

Wu Meng also showed a regretful expression.

"I heard there's a well in your yard, is that right?"

After a brief exchange of pleasantries, Li Yan got back to the main topic.

"Yes."

Wu Meng pointed to the spot below her window.

"This well isn't very big?"

Li Yan followed her gaze, bent down, and carefully examined the well.

The well is about a foot square, and the water is crystal clear. If you look closely, you can indeed see small bubbles, like those in a pearl spring, rising from the bottom.

"It's not big."

Wu Meng told the truth: "But this well is very magical. It has never dried up. During the drought a few years ago, when the Wangfu Pond was almost dry, there was still water in this well. Neighbors from the surrounding area would come to our yard to fetch water. The older people all said that this well is spiritual and is a living well."

"A spirit?"

Li Yan, perfectly in sync, revealed an exaggerated expression: "Now that you mention it, this well is really quite amazing. I see bubbles at the bottom of the well, could it be spring water?"

"Whether it's Izumi or not, I don't know."

Wu Meng shook her head blankly: "No one has come to examine it. We didn't think much about it and just thought it was an ordinary well."

"It would be better to have an expert examine it."

Li Yan said in a serious tone: "The historical records of the seventy-two famous springs in old Jinan are incomplete. Many springs hidden in the city are not registered and are easily overlooked."

"The municipal government has specially designated an area where demolition is not allowed, which has profound significance in protecting the spring. Some residents do not understand this and have failed to appreciate the good intentions of the higher-level leaders."

-

"I've heard that some people are making trouble."

Wu Meng quickly expressed her heartfelt sentiments: "Our family didn't participate. My dad and mom both support the city government's decision, especially my mom. She's a tailor, and all the people who ask her to make clothes are regular customers. If the area is really demolished and we have to move to a new place where we don't know anyone, it won't be easy to do business."

"What about yourself?"

In order to conduct the interview, Li Yan deliberately steered the conversation towards her schooling: "Do you want your house to be demolished and you to live in a new house?"

"I have already graduated from high school."

Wu Meng expressed her enthusiasm: "I'm about to go to university and live on campus. I'll be away from home for at least four years. Whether I live in an apartment or not doesn't matter to me. Besides, with this well here, we're reluctant to move away. Just because this well is said to have a spirit, it's worth living in the old house."

"You're also a high school graduate this year?"

Li Yan feigned surprise: "How did the exam go? Where do you plan to go to university?"

"The exam went alright, nothing special, just average."

Wu Meng skillfully concealed her disappointment: "My total score is 543, which is above the admission score for Suzhou University last year. If there are no surprises, I should be able to go to university in Suzhou."

"543 points, that's great!"

Li Yan laughed and chimed in, "You call this just so-so? What score would you need to be satisfied?"

“There are many students in my class who have higher grades than this.”

Which high school did you go to?

"No. 1 Middle School".

"No. 1 High School, no wonder, it's a key high school."

Li Yan's eyes flickered, and she cleverly flattered him: "These results would be considered top-notch in other high schools. Only students from No. 1 High School would feel regretful."

"There are definitely regrets."

Wu Meng smiled at the camera: "But I've come to terms with it. You can't have everything. Maybe I'll have better opportunities in Suzhou."

Your parents must be very happy, right?

Li Yan smiled and continued, "Your daughter is so outstanding, have you thought about inviting relatives and friends to get together and celebrate?"

"I got the acceptance letter, I definitely have to celebrate."

Wu Meng understood her purpose and followed her train of thought, saying, "My dad said that we must hold a banquet and he will personally cook some of his signature dishes."

"Your dad can cook?"

Li Yan secretly breathed a sigh of relief and finally steered the conversation towards cooking.

"My dad is a chef."

Wu Meng said with a hint of pride, "His cooking is delicious, especially his stir-fried liver and sweet and sour carp. The taste is absolutely amazing."

"Your dad can make sweet and sour carp?"

Li Yan's eyes lit up, and she showed a perfectly timed expression of surprise.

"Yes."

Wu Meng smiled and boasted, "My dad is not only good at these two dishes, but also braised pork intestines, braised prawns, braised sea cucumber with scallions, braised fish slices, four-happiness meatballs, stir-fried double crispy, and stir-fried pork kidneys. He is a true master of Shandong cuisine."

"What a coincidence!"

Taking the opportunity, Li Yan made a request: "Our 'Spring Water Family' program is planning to film a special on Shandong cuisine. Could you please ask your father to demonstrate his special skills to us?"

"no problem."

Wu Meng readily agreed: "My dad loves watching your shows, he'll definitely be happy to."

Is your dad home?

Wu Meng smiled, her eyes crinkling.

“He’s at home, I’ll go call him.”

Wu Meng moved quickly, and soon a middle-aged man with a big belly, a kind and easygoing demeanor, followed her out with a smile.

"Master Wu."

Li Yan smiled and complimented, "Judging from your appearance, you must be a chef."

"Hahaha."

Mr. Wu patted his round belly and smiled happily.

-

Making classic Shandong cuisine requires various ingredients, so Mr. Wu and two staff members went to the market and made a large purchase.

During a break in filming, Wu Meng slipped away to Lin Xiyu's side.

Lin Xiyu had already taken off her stuffy princess outfit and changed into her own clothes. The soft and comfortable T-shirt felt much cooler against her skin, making her breathe a sigh of relief.

"Xi Yu, I'm so envious of you?"

Wu Meng's cheeks were flushed with excitement: "I was so calm and composed in front of the camera. I was so nervous that my tongue was twitching and I almost said the wrong thing."

"You did very well."

Lin Xiyu affirmed, "I wasn't good at first either. I was so nervous that I broke out in a cold sweat and made mistakes several times, which made everyone have to reshoot."

"I don't know if it will be broadcast on TV."

Wu Meng was a little worried: "I heard that there will be editing before it airs, and the parts that are not well recorded will be deleted."

"I think what you said is quite good."

Lin Xiyu knew in her heart: "Judging from Director Du's smiling face, he probably won't."

(End of this chapter)