Though she didn't know where the old Tang family residence was located or how large it was, hearing "four courtyards" told her it was definitely a substantial estate.
Zhang Liunian smiled at her and said, "Aren't you just out of your confinement confinement period today? How about we go decorate it together?"
"But... I don't know how to decorate. I've never lived in a large house," Jiang Qingqing had no idea how to go about decorating a grand residence.
Zhang Liunian chuckled and patted her head. "It's just adding bed linens, quilts, and daily necessities. There's not much to decorate; you don't need to overthink it."
"If it's just daily necessities, I can help decorate." Jiang Qingqing felt relieved upon hearing this. She could do it, and after being cooped up at home for so long, she also wanted to go out shopping.
"Let's have Auntie come along. You can't touch water for cleaning," Zhang Liunian continued, seeing she didn't object.
Jiang Qingqing paused, then felt touched. "Okay, let's bring Shaohua too."
Hua Bao had gone to school, and both Auntie and she were going to the residence, so naturally, their son had to be brought along.
"Alright." Zhang Liunian naturally wouldn't object. He called to his aunt, tidied up, and brought everyone to the old Tang family residence.
"Liunian, isn't this house where the landlord used to live? Won't you get reported for living here!" Zhang Guihua was also seeing such a magnificent house for the first time and was immediately stunned by its grandeur.
"Auntie, that era is long gone. No one will report you for living in this house."
Zhang Liunian replied with a smile, then thought of something and suddenly asked, "Auntie, I plan to hire someone to continue doing laundry, cooking, and taking care of the baby for Qingqing. If you're willing to do it, I'll give you four hundred a month to start, and it will increase later."
Zhang Guihua was admiring the grandeur of the house when she heard Zhang Liunian intended to keep her on.
Without a second thought, Zhang Guihua agreed. Four hundred yuan a month was already several times the factory wage, and by staying close to such a promising nephew, there would undoubtedly be future benefits.
"Of course, I'll work for you and Qingqing from now on," Zhang Guihua agreed cheerfully.
Zhang Liunian and Jiang Qingqing exchanged glances and smiled.
During this month, Zhang Guihua had performed very well. They were very satisfied and were happy to continue having her by their side.
"This is the main courtyard. It has one main room and two side rooms. Both need to be tidied up. Qingqing, Zhao Uncle, and I will be living here.
Auntie, you can stay in the front courtyard. Guests can also stay there when they visit. The two courtyards are only separated by a wall; you can just call out if you need anything." Zhang Liunian brought her to the main courtyard, said a few words, and then had his aunt begin tidying the rooms.
After the rooms were cleaned, they went to buy supplies. By the end of the day, the residence was mostly cleaned and ready to be lived in.
However, Zhang Liunian didn't plan to move in that day. He indicated that they would wait until tomorrow, as he intended to invite Zhao Zhijie and the others to come along.
Therefore, at dinner that evening, he personally expressed his intention to Zhao Zhijie to move to Nancheng together.
Zhao Zhijie did not object. He was now the factory director and had a driver; he could live anywhere.
The most important thing was that he wanted to be with Hua Bao and enjoy the joys of family.
During this time, Yan Guiguo visited again and brought an invitation.
"The auction of the Tang family's assets starts the day after tomorrow?" Zhang Liunian was very excited upon hearing this news.
"That's right, and after the auction, they will host a dinner for all the auction winners. It's also considered the first commercial exchange in Nancheng. They've also asked everyone to bring their female companions, so remember to bring Qingqing and don't be late."
Yan Guiguo was also among the invited guests. Although he wouldn't be buying, he needed to build his network.
"Thank you for the reminder, Uncle Yan." Zhang Liunian took the invitation and expressed his gratitude.
Yan Guiguo waved his hand and chuckled, "Don't be so formal with me. We're like uncle and nephew; we speak freely."
Zhang Liunian smiled, "I'll be moving into the old Tang family residence tomorrow. There are rooms for Uncle Yan and Uncle Zhao there. Would you like to move in together?"
"You're really moving fast. Moving in tomorrow?" Yan Guiguo smiled at Zhang Liunian, remarking on his speed.
"Yes, if you have a house in Nancheng, you should live in it. Then you won't have to travel back and forth." Having many houses was a good thing here. Wherever you were busy, you could live there, Zhang Liunian thought to himself.
"Old Yan, I'll be moving in tomorrow. What about you?" Zhao Zhijie suddenly interjected, hoping Yan Guiguo would join them so the two brothers could get along well.
However, Yan Guiguo didn't want to move, as he had his own place. So, he found an excuse, saying, "The Tang family residence is nice, but it's too far from my work. I'll pass."
Zhang Liunian noticed his reluctance and tried to persuade him a bit more, but seeing that he truly didn't want to, he didn't force the issue.
"Liunian, the Ding family also intends to bid for the department store. You might be competing with them," Yan Guiguo said, shifting the topic to avoid the previous one and mentioning the Ding family's plans.
Zhang Liunian was surprised but not overly so. The Ding family also had political and business connections, though not as strong as the Tang family. With the Tang family no longer exerting pressure in Nancheng, it was natural for the Ding family to seize the opportunity to develop.
"Also, regarding the Tang family, if you go to the provincial capital in the future, be careful of Tang Shitong, the third uncle of the Tang family." Yan Guiguo knew Zhang Liunian intended to acquire the department store in the province and worried that if he actually got it, he would inevitably encounter Tang Shitong.
"Uncle Yan, I'll be careful." Zhang Liunian poured a cup of wine for each of them.
"Don't let your guard down here. I heard that Brother Tang and the others have already gone to find your third uncle. Your trouble is coming soon, so be cautious." Yan Guiguo, thinking of Brother Tang and the others leaving with bags full of items, felt an ominous unease.
"Is that so?"
At the same time, Brother Tang, who Zhang Liunian and the others were just discussing, was presenting Tang Shitong with Zhang Liunian's ingredient package and a box of small yellow croakers.
"Third Uncle, you must save my father and my second uncle. You can't let anything happen to them. If anything happens to them, our family will be finished." After this incident, Brother Tang seemed to have matured overnight, understanding that family was the foundation of the Tang family.
Tang Shitong looked at his changed nephew with grief and anger.
"I heard about this, but unfortunately, I can't intervene. Many people in high places are watching me; otherwise, I would have acted long ago." The Tang family affair was a big deal, and he was almost forced to return home to farm. If he hadn't mediated, sacrificed his chances of promotion, and a lot of financial resources, he wouldn't have been able to retain his current position.
"Third Uncle, you are the smartest person in the family, and even you can't help. Does that mean my father and second uncle are doomed? I don't want them to die. Third Uncle, please think of a way!" Brother Tang could only rely on this third uncle now. He also knew that his third uncle was a very capable person. Otherwise, he wouldn't have risen to this position in just a few years.
"They will be fine; you can rest assured of this. It's just that they won't be able to survive here anymore. Don't inquire about the details. Just know that their lives will not be in danger. As for you, you will follow me from now on, and I will help you rebuild the Tang family's glory." Tang Shitong had already reached a cooperative relationship with the Zhu family.