The son-in-law of a prosperous family

The group, carrying their luggage, hailed a carriage at the busy dock.

Fang Dashan and Zhao Yunchuan first loaded the luggage into the car, then helped Bai Guihua and Shijin sit down, and then they got in the car themselves.

The carriage started slowly and drove away from the bustling and noisy dock. Through the window, Bai Guihua looked at the streets of Beijing that were getting farther and farther away, her heart full of longing and anxiety for a new life.

Shi Jin sat beside her, licking the candied haws with relish, and from time to time sharing with Fang Dashan the new things he saw.

The wheels rolled, carrying them towards the small courtyard where Zhao Yunchuan and his family rented in the new city.

The courtyard is not big, but it has three bedrooms, which is just enough for living. However, Zhao Yunchuan is now an official, so it would be inappropriate for him to rent a house. Buying a house has to be put on the agenda.

Bai Guihua was quite satisfied with this small courtyard. Although it was not as spacious as her hometown, it was more exquisite and tidy. The walls were painted snow-white, and there were a few unknown small flowers in the yard swaying gently in the breeze.

"This place is great. It's comfortable to look at. We will definitely have a great time living here in the future." Bai Guihua said to everyone with a smile.

The fatigue from the journey swept over us, and after a short rest, we divided the work and started to work.

Fang Dashan and Zhao Yunchuan rolled up their sleeves, planning to put the luggage away first and then clean up the debris in the yard.

Bai Guihua took Huai Ge'er into the kitchen and prepared a hot meal to comfort him after his long journey.

The kitchen was fully equipped with pots, pans, and utensils. Bai Guihua found the rice and flour and began to knead the dough skillfully.

Fang Huai went out to buy vegetables. He had been away from home for so long that there was not a single vegetable at home. He did not buy anything else but some seasonal vegetables and came back very quickly.

In the yard, Fang Dashan and Zhao Yunchuan were busy. After putting the luggage into each room, they picked up the broom to sweep the floor. After a while, the originally messy yard became clean and bright.

Zhao Yunchuan wiped the sweat from his forehead and looked at the newly renovated yard, his mind full of plans for the future: "Dad, after we settle down, we will go look at houses. We need to have a real home in the future."

Fang Dashan nodded in agreement, a little worried: "Is the money enough? I heard that houses in Beijing are very expensive. If it is expensive, it's okay. Your mother and I still have some family assets."

Bai Guihua’s meal was also ready. The simple noodles, paired with fresh vegetables and fragrant meat sauce, made everyone feel particularly satisfied.

After dinner, everyone went back to their rooms and fell into a deep sleep.

The next morning, the sunlight shone into the house through the window, dispelling the fatigue of the night. Bai Guihua got up early and was busy preparing breakfast in the kitchen. Smoke rose up and the aroma of food filled the air.

Fang Dashan, Zhao Yunchuan and Fang Huai also woke up one after another. After a simple wash, the family sat around the stone table in the yard, ate breakfast, and began to discuss buying a house.

Fang Dashan put down his bowl and chopsticks, looked at Zhao Yunchuan, his expression concerned and firm: "Yunchuan, buying a house is a big deal, don't worry about the money. Your mother and I have saved some money over the years. Although it's not much, it can always help a little."

Bai Guihua echoed, "Yes, just use the money, but don't let yourself get hurt."

Zhao Yunchuan smiled and waved his hands, his expression confident and determined: "Dad, Mom, don't worry, I can really take care of the money issue. I won the first place in the imperial examination this time, and the emperor will give me a generous reward. Add to that the savings we have made before, and it will be enough to buy a house in the capital. You can just save the money for your retirement. In the future, you may need money for anything."

He is a small rich man. He bought a nice yard in Jincheng.

Fang Dashan was still worried, his brows furrowed. "Everything is expensive in Beijing. Buying a house is not a small amount of money. Don't force yourself. Although my family is not well-off, any help is appreciated."

Zhao Yunchuan patiently explained: "It's really enough. I've found out. We have a rough idea. Let's first decide what kind of house we want." He looked at Bai Guihua and asked softly: "Mom, what do you think of a house?"

Bai Guihua thought for a moment, her eyes full of expectation: "I just hope that the house can be more spacious, with a big yard, where I can grow vegetables and flowers, and my family can live comfortably."

Fang Dashan added: "The location must also be good, with more people around, so it's convenient for shopping and finding a job. When you go to work in the palace in the future, we can also take care of you."

At this time, Fang Huai put down his bowl and chopsticks and actively suggested: "It's better to be closer to the palace, so that you can save some time and energy when you go to the palace to meet the emperor or work, and you can go home more often to spend time with your family."

Zhao Yunchuan nodded: "Everyone is right, but a house with a good location and a large yard may not be cheap. We have to consider it comprehensively."

Fang Dashan stroked his chin and said in confusion: "How about a slightly smaller yard? It's fine as long as it's comfortable to live in."

Bai Guihua waved her hands quickly: "That won't work. The yard is too small to be used. I can't raise chickens and ducks, nor can I grow a few vegetables."

Several people were discussing the matter in great enthusiasm. Shi Jin listened for a long time and said in a baby voice, "I want a small room of my own to keep my baby." Everyone laughed at his serious look.

After discussing for a while, Zhao Yunchuan concluded, "Okay, let's look for a house with a spacious yard, convenient location, and close to the palace. I have a good idea of ​​the budget, so don't worry about it. Once I have rested for the next two days, I will go and look around."

The family finally reached a consensus, and after breakfast, they all got busy, looking forward to finding their ideal home as soon as possible.

After breakfast, Zhao Yunchuan went out. He went to the largest dental clinic in the capital. The dentist who received him was named Cai.

Zhao Yunchuan sat upright in the guest seat of the dental clinic, with an upright posture and a calm expression.

Facing the Cai Ya man in front of him, he spoke sincerely and clearly: "To be honest, I want to buy a house. This house must be spacious, with a large enough yard. My elders like to grow vegetables and flowers, and I also want to raise some chickens and ducks. A small yard will not be enough. The location must be good and the surrounding area must be lively, so that it will be convenient for daily shopping and seeking medical advice. In addition, it is best to be close to the palace, so that I can save some time when I enter the palace to work in the future."

Cai Yaren listened to Zhao Yunchuan's request, nodded continuously, and looked Zhao Yunchuan up and down.

Suddenly, his eyes widened, a flash of realization flashed across his face, and he said in surprise and joy: "Sir, excuse me, but two months ago, were you the top scorer in the high school?"

Zhao Yunchuan was slightly stunned, then he smiled gently and nodded in acknowledgement: "It is me, I didn't expect you still remember it."

Cai Yaren stood up excitedly, clasped his hands together, and said respectfully: "Oh my, I've heard a lot about you! It really brings honor to our humble shop that the number one scholar has come in person!"

After the excitement, Cai Yaren looked embarrassed again, sat down again, sighed and said, "It's just that your conditions are really difficult to meet. In this prosperous capital, the mansions with good locations, large courtyards and close to the imperial palace are all coveted by dignitaries. Ordinary people can't buy them even if they want to. Even if there are one or two places listed for sale occasionally, the price is ridiculously high and not affordable for ordinary people."

Zhao Yunchuan looked calm, and unhurriedly took out a silver ingot from his sleeve. It was not small, and the shining light instantly attracted the attention of Cai Yaren.

"I know this is not easy, so I hope you will accept this small token of my appreciation. You have a wide network of contacts and many ways to help me find a suitable house, and I will definitely reward you handsomely in the future."

Cai Yaren looked at the silver with longing in his eyes, but soon regained his embarrassment: "Mr. Zhuangyuan, I accept your generous gift, but this matter... is really..."

Seeing this, Zhao Yunchuan added, "As long as you can find a house you like, price is not a problem. I also understand your difficulties. After the matter is completed, in addition to the agreed reward, there will be other rewards."

Cai Yaren hesitated for a moment, then finally gritted his teeth and nodded vigorously: "Okay! Given your sincerity, I will find this house for you even if I have to run myself to pieces! But this matter cannot be rushed, please give me some time."

Zhao Yunchuan stood up and bowed again: "Then I'll have to trouble you, Mr. Cai. I'll wait for good news."

After saying that, he said goodbye and left.

After returning home, Zhao Yunchuan told his family about his conversation with Cai Yaren.

Bai Guihua was still a little worried: "Is it okay to just put all our hopes on him?"

Zhao Yunchuan consoled her, "Whether it works or not, we can only try."