novelaction Chapter 148 Arrangements
Chapter 148 Arrangements
In the Shen family's yard, sunlight sprinkled on the ground, forming patches of light.
Shen Li had just returned from outside, with beads of sweat hanging on her forehead. She exhaled lightly and muttered softly, "I've been so busy all day, it's really tiring."
At this time, Shen Shaodong walked out of the house with a kind and gentle smile on his face. He said, "Li'er, today's excitement has finally died down. The pig-killing banquet has come to a successful conclusion. Eunuch Li Degui from the capital has also returned safely. The village seems to have returned to its former peace and tranquility."
Shen Li raised his head slightly, looked up at the sky, and responded: "Yes, Dad, we can finally take a break, but there are still many things that need to be dealt with."
Zhang also came out with a smile and said, "Li'er has been exhausted these past few days. Mother will make you the dumplings you mentioned last time!"
Shen Li raised her little face sweetly and said to Zhang: "Thank you, mother."
As he was speaking, Zhao Lin led several of his men into the yard.
Zhao Lin stood straight, his steps steady and powerful. He walked straight to Shen Li, bowed slightly, and said in a respectful tone with a hint of unquestionable tone: "County Master Fuxi, I heard that you are planning to build the Shen's Ancestral Hall and the Shen's School. Coincidentally, my two brothers have served in the imperial court and are both skilled imperial craftsmen."
After saying that, he stepped aside and the two craftsmen behind him slowly walked forward.
In the Shen family's courtyard, the sunlight just happened to fall on the bluestone road.
A craftsman about fifty years old stood out. His hair was sparse and gray, and a few strands of hair swayed gently in the breeze. His face was thin and his cheekbones were slightly raised, but his eyes were as hot as burning flames, and his eyes were full of persistence and enthusiasm for his craft.
He couldn't contain his excitement and said to Shen Li anxiously, "County Lady, when I first saw your construction drawings, I was as shocked as if I had discovered a rare treasure.
I have been in the palace for many years and have studied all kinds of drawings, but I have never seen such a unique and ingenious design.
County Master, could you please give us a few moments to discuss this with you in depth?"
The craftsman next to him was about forty years old, with a round face. He was twirling a small tuft of beard with his hand. He listened attentively to the old man's words and nodded continuously. It was obvious that he also admired the drawing very much.
Shen Li was immersed in thinking about the subsequent matters. She was slightly startled when she heard this. She blinked her bright eyes, then smiled and said, "Since the two masters value it so much, it is naturally possible.
It's just that I've been busy with work lately and I'm afraid I'll be a little busy. You can take the drawings and study them carefully. If you have any questions, you can discuss them with me at any time!
I should be grateful to the two masters for condescending to come and help me!"
As she spoke, she bowed respectfully with a light gesture, showing her humility.
Li Anshun and Zhang Wenbo exchanged a glance, each catching sight of joy and anticipation in the other's eyes. They clasped their fists and said in unison, "We will do our utmost to build the ancestral hall and school for the county lady!"
Shen Li waved her hand gently and said with a smile: "After the ancestral hall and the school are built, I will have to trouble you two to help build a house for my family.
After all, you two possess extraordinary skills and have served the royal family before, so I have great trust and reliance on you two."
Li Anshun spoke first, his weathered yet still vigorous face filled with determination: "Don't worry, County Lady, let alone this trivial matter, it is a great honor for both of us to be able to participate in such a meaningful construction project for the County Lady's family.
The exquisite conception in this drawing has fascinated us, and we can't wait to show our skills and present it perfectly.
Not to mention that this ancestral hall and school are related to the glory and reputation of the Shen family, even the construction of the residence, we will also devote all our efforts to make it a model of architecture for Qingshan Village and even the surrounding areas, and will never let down the county lord's trust and earnest expectations."
Zhang Wenbo nodded repeatedly and continued, "That's right, County Lady. While we both served the imperial family, we've handled many engineering projects, but we've never encountered such a unique and imaginative design as yours."
For us, this is not only a severe test of our own skills, but also a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for improvement.
After the ancestral hall and the school are successfully completed, we will meticulously plan the layout of the residence, carefully considering every brick and stone to the overall planning and structure. We will make sure that the county lady lives comfortably and satisfactorily, and that others who see her will be filled with sincere admiration, deeply aware of the county lady's extraordinary excellence and the prosperity of the Shen family."
Shen Qi was originally standing quietly by the side, but when he heard that Shen Li was about to get busy, a trace of panic flashed across his clear and bright eyes. He walked quickly to Shen Li's side, holding her sleeve tightly with his little hand, as if Shen Li would disappear from his world if he let go.
Shen Li looked up at Qi, a tall boy with eyes as innocent as a three-year-old child. Her eyes were full of helplessness and pity. She said softly, "Qi'er, I'll be very busy next. Can you play by yourself for a while?"
Shen Qi shook his head vigorously, his black hair swaying from side to side. He said firmly, "No, I want to follow my sister."
Shen Li sighed helplessly, raised her hand gently and pinched Shen Qi's cheek, saying: "How about this, you call me sister, and I will call you Shen Qi, and you will take my surname Shen. From now on, we are a family, and family members naturally accompany each other and never leave each other."
Shen Qi's eyes lit up, and the gloom on his face disappeared instantly. He shouted loudly, "Sister!" The voice was crisp and pleasant, full of endless joy.
Shen Yu, who was standing by, couldn't help but feel secretly delighted when he heard this. He was originally a servant bought by Shen Li and had never expected to truly integrate into the Shen family.
At this moment, he lowered his head slightly, but the corners of his mouth rose up uncontrollably, thinking silently in his heart: The young lady actually treated me as a member of the Shen family and gave me the name Shen. What a lucky favor this is.
He tried his best to suppress the surging excitement in his heart and not let his emotions show too much, but his slightly trembling fingers inadvertently revealed the ups and downs in his heart.