Courtyard House: Passing through the Silly Pillar, Activating the Blessed Cave Heaven

38

The easternmost side room was originally the kitchen. The old stove needs to be demolished and rebuilt according to the blueprints I provided.

"The floor of this room also needs to be repaved. Do you have any good suggestions?" He Yuzhu said, while taking out a pre-drawn blueprint of a modern wood-fired stove from his pocket and handing it to Master Lei.

There are two main options for floor paving: the simplest option is to replace the floor tiles with new ones, while the more sophisticated option is to use granite slabs, but the cost will be much higher.

Replacing the windows with double glazing is no problem; I know a reliable carpenter who can handle it.

"As for the ceramic parts on the drawings, the design is simple but very practical." Master Lei took the drawings and examined them carefully.

"This stove can be built, but we need to prepare the corresponding cookware first, and we also need cement."

"How much would it cost to pave the entire yard with granite?"

Master Lei estimated for a moment and said, "The legal tender has depreciated drastically. If we were to settle the bill in silver dollars, including the paving of the ground, the renovation of the house and the reconstruction of the gate, it would cost at least 100 silver dollars."

An accurate quote for the roof can only be given after an on-site inspection, and the cost of windows and partitions can only be determined after the carpenter's assessment.

The ceramic pieces shown in the drawings should be able to be fired, but the exact price will depend on the kiln master.

"Okay, then let's pave the floor with granite."

I don't have much time to stay here all the time, so I can only come and check on things every afternoon. I'll have to trouble you to take care of the specific construction details.

I'll give you 20 silver dollars now, and I'll bring the remaining 80 dollars over tomorrow afternoon.

"As for meals, I'll leave that to you and the other craftsmen. I'll provide a weekly allowance of one silver dollar for food, hoping to finish the project as soon as possible."

Master Lei took the silver dollar from He Yuzhu and said, "You're being too polite."

You can rest assured that this job is done by me. If you have any questions, you can contact me anytime.

One silver dollar a week is enough for your food expenses; you can go about your business.

"This is the key to the new lock. You can just open the door and come in when I'm not here tomorrow."

"Go and prepare the materials first, I'll tidy up the house for a while longer." After seeing Master Lei off, He Yuzhu walked around the house and put a few old stools into the cave, thinking that these stools could at least be used as firewood.

After finishing his work, he left Qudeng Hutong and returned to his master Wu Baotian's home.

The next afternoon, He Yuzhu greeted his master and arrived at Qudeng Hutong as agreed.

On the way, he made a special trip to the blessed land to retrieve 100 silver dollars.

When we arrived at the house, the yard was already piled with bricks, and the workers were busy at work.

Master Lei put down his tools and came over, calling into the house, "Old Song, take a break, the owner of the house is here."

An old craftsman in his sixties walked out of the house, with a pencil tucked behind his ear.

"Boss, this is Master Song, who is in charge of carpentry."

Their family had been carpenters for generations, just like mine, and they had all participated in the construction of royal gardens.

I've relayed your requests to him. You two can discuss the specific price; I'll go get to work now.

"Hello, Mr. Song. Mr. Lei should have already explained the situation of this house to you, right? If there's anything you don't understand, you can ask me now."

"Old Lei has already explained everything to me."

The main issue is the selection of wood, and I would like to get your opinion.