It was rare for these rickshaw pullers to pull in a big business, and they were panting while running. Knowing that they were guests from out of town, they gradually began to talk more and more: "I see that you are from out of town, and I would like to introduce you to the old allusions of Xijing. Let's Xijing was the ancient capital of thirteen dynasties, including the Zhou, Qin and Western Han dynasties, the New Dynasty and the Eastern Han Dynasty, the Western Jin Dynasty and the former Zhao Dynasty, the former Qin Dynasty and the Later Qin Dynasty, the Western Wei Dynasty and the Northern Zhou Dynasty, and the Sui and Tang Dynasties... They are all famous on the list. As far as the territory we are traveling now, they are respectable in the Sui and Tang Dynasties. There is an imperial city in front of it, but since the beginning of the previous dynasty, this place has no longer been a capital city. It cannot support so many people, so it can only shrink the city. Today’s Xijing City is less than one-eighth of the size of Chang’an.”
"But Xiao Gui Xiao, there is a saying that even though a sparrow is small, it has all the internal organs. I think the waiter in the shop also told you about the Manchu Camp in the East City, so I will talk to you about the situation in the West City..."
Along the way, the coachman introduced the situation in Xijing. Song Siyuan originally wanted to ask the locals about the situation, but now she didn't even bother to ask questions.
The huge Xijing City has four gates, East Changle, North Anyuan, South Yongning, and West Ding'an. The four gates extend out of the intersecting official roads, which just divide the ancient city into four corners: southeast, northwest, and the east half of the city. Needless to say, in order to fill Hanying City, the western half of the city is home to residential and commercial areas, and the people spontaneously formed square alley blocks of slightly equal lengths, like a checkerboard pane that completely spreads out the west city.
After walking along the official road for so long, the rickshaw could already see the Bell and Drum Towers located in the center of the city. Although they are not as famous as the Tang Dynasty Wild Goose Pagoda outside the city, they are still outstanding among the many low-rise houses. You must read it.
They looked carefully around them, including residential buildings, shops and restaurants, mansions and hotels, schools and police stations, banks, pawn shops and pharmacies, clothing and grain stores, department store pavilions... Most of the buildings were divided into various neighborhoods by horizontal and vertical streets. Just like the city square pattern of Chang'an City.
The richest and most prosperous one is South Street from Yongning Gate to Drum Tower!
This was the gate of the Sui Dynasty's imperial city a thousand years ago. In front of the gate was Anshangtian Street. At that time, there were six government offices on both sides, showing the lively coming and going of the people. In the Tang Dynasty, it was changed to Shang'anmen Street, for the emperor. One of the three imperial roads for traveling, it was nearly 100 meters wide from east to west. Later, Chang'an City was destroyed by the rebels, and later dynasties rebuilt it on the original site. However, no matter which dynasty, it never regained the glory of the Tang Dynasty.
In the former Zhu Ming Dynasty, as Xijing further shrunk, only Shang'anmen Street was still preserved. At that time, Zhu Chongba changed Chang'an to Xijing in order to suppress the imperial domineering power of Shaanxi, and at the same time changed the upper gate to Yongning Gate. Because of this This street is located in Nancheng, so it is called South Street by the people.
When the rickshaw drivers bypassed the Bell and Drum Towers and entered South Street, they could feel that there were more and more people there. The low-rise houses on both sides gradually rose up and were replaced by two- and three-story ancient tile-eaves pavilions. The light box shop signs were staggered in front and behind with densely packed shops. Open, along the straight sky street extending into the distance, the gorgeous and messy colors are dazzling.
Yue Guanchao looked at the crowds around him. Here, unlike Fengtian Commercial Port, you can see foreign merchants in suits and ties at any time. Most of them are wearing thick gray jackets, sheep's belly headscarves, and mostly robes and mandarin jackets. They are in the neighborhood or shopping. Walking, or standing at a roadside stall doing business.
There are also bearded foreigners and gorgeous women sitting in rickshaws, wearing suits and skirts and black gauze hats, clicking their cameras and recording everything in this old city.
"Since it was reported that Xijing was made the capital, more and more foreigners are here. I heard that foreign consulates will be moved here soon. There has been no movement for so many years. I only see these foreign women patting each other. I don’t know what I’m doing.”
After saying these words, the rickshaw driver finally stopped where he was. He slowly put down the rickshaw and looked towards the street. The sandalwood shop sign had the four words "Love Inn" written in antique style.
"Sir, Miss, we're here. Get out of the car and remember to take care of your business if you have any orders."
Song Siyuan originally wanted to give him two yuan at the original price, but seeing that he was thirsty for talking about hard work without credit, she simply gave him two more yuan and stuffed it into the driver's hand. Seeing that he gave him twice as much, Qian En Wan Xie left and poured into the back of the street.
"Why did you give him so much? It's too arrogant to come out once."
Xu Xiake looked at Song Siyuan and asked curiously.
"Along the way, my little brother told us a lot about the past in Xijing, which at least saved us a lot of effort. We still have to pay for this hard work. I think he is pulling a cart nearby. Maybe in the future It can still be used.”
Song Siyuan winked at everyone, pulled her luggage and stepped into the threshold. Yue Guanchao followed closely and entered the inn.
If you look closely, you will see that Lefu Inn is a courtyard with a gatehouse. The outer gatehouse has a Western-style eclectic style with tall doors and wide windows. The house decoration is mostly made of tiles, beams, and double-arched flower windows. It has a strong ancient flavor and a mixture of Western style. It is impossible to figure out what is inside. What a scene.
When everyone entered the gatehouse, they could see that the pavilions surrounded the huge courtyard. The eaves sloped downward and formed a square patio. The bright daylight poured down from the eaves and illuminated the ancient tree flower beds in the courtyard!
