186, Inquiring about Viewing the Apartment (1 more)
Xie Zhinuan thought for a moment before saying, “I intend to buy quite a few things, so I’d like to purchase a manor outside the suburbs. Ideally, it would come with its own land and fields, including mountains and forests, accessible by carriage, with smooth roads, nearby water sources, and the bigger the better!”
“Secondly, I also want to buy a townhouse in the county town. It doesn’t need to be too big, as we, the master and servants, are few in number. Three to five rooms will do, but I would like a slightly bigger courtyard, with convenient access to the roads!”
“Thirdly, I’m wondering if there’s any restaurant in the county town that isn’t faring well and wishes to sell or rent out their premises-nothing too expensive, though. As long as the carriage can get in, and the location is perceptibly large, even if it’s a bit secluded, that would be fine!”
Xie Zhinuan’s requests were articulated seriously, simple yet not so simple.
Lian Shi didn’t take Xie Zhinuan’s words as a jest.
After careful consideration, she said, “What you need, miss, the townhouse would be the easiest to buy. Although the county town can’t compare to the prefectural city, Fengping County has a water transport wharf, which gives it a geographical advantage. It’s no less bustling than the prefectural city. However, selecting a suitable restaurant isn’t easy, as the restaurants in Fengping County get plenty of patronage from travelers. As long as the food tastes good, business is usually fine. As for the manor in the suburbs, unless someone encounters big trouble, it’s unlikely anyone would sell!”
Xie Zhinuan nodded.
“Therefore, as long as there’s a manor available, regardless of size, and the location is decent, that will do. As for the townhouse, if we come across a suitable one, a larger size wouldn’t be a problem!”
By then, she could simply open the restaurant inside the townhouse.
Others would find it unique, and with the taste of her dishes, she would certainly attract customers.
With the confidence that good wine needs no bush, Xie Zhinuan was very self-assured.
“May I ask how to address you, miss?” Lian Shi inquired.
“My surname is Xie!”
“Miss Xie, it’s still early outside. I have a townhouse; how about I take you there to have a look?”
“Sure!”
Xie Zhinuan couldn’t have asked for more.
If she could secure the townhouse sooner, she could proceed with her money-making plans earlier.
Lian Shi immediately ordered the horses to be harnessed to the carriage, and Xie Zhinuan raised no objections.
Once Lian Shi’s carriage was ready, Xie Zhinuan had already called for two mule carts.
“This is the first time I’ve ever seen such spirited mules!”
At the words, Dahuang perked up, puffing twice through its nostrils and grinning.
Lian Shi was startled for a moment, finding the mule exceptionally intelligent.
But she held her tongue and boarded the carriage first.
Xie Zhinuan rode on her own mule cart, following behind Lian Shi’s carriage.
The streets were indeed lively, with caravans coming and going. There were plenty of taverns and guest houses, and the number of patrons was not small. Xie Zhinuan knew that opening a restaurant in such a county town would definitely be profitable.
As for whether it would bring in a large or small fortune, that depended on her skills.
The carriage turned into the third alley, and Xie Zhinuan remembered that the main road lay ahead. The second alley housed residents, as did the third.
“The townhouses here are actually better than those in front because there’s a river at the back door, which makes unloading especially convenient!” As Lian Shi spoke, she purposely took Xie Zhinuan to see for herself.
To prevent the river water from rising and flooding the main street, the embankment had been built very high. Even atop the embankment, a wall more than one meter high made of blue bricks had been constructed. It stretched out impressively in a long line.
“There’s a lot of river sand in this river, and every year people dredge it up. The Governor’s Office funds this, so unloading at the wharf here is not free-the Governor’s Office manages it all!” Lian Shi explained.
The coachman had already opened the back door.
Lian Shi then led Xie Zhinuan inside.
Routuan and the grey wolf ran ahead first; Shani removed the saddle from Dahuang, which shook itself a few times before following Routuan and the grey wolf to play.
“…”
Chapter 187