After some bargaining, the large mansion was sold for 2500 taels of silver, and the other three small courtyards, including the one he lived in, were each sold for 500 taels, totaling 3000 taels.
Old Hu wrote the deed for the sale of the houses and had Young Master Huang sign it. Both parties understood the situation and didn't need Master Huang's presence.
Gu Qingcheng knew even better that Master Huang's trip to the capital by boat was a suicidal move.
Even if she wanted to find Master Huang, she wouldn't be able to.
After signing the contract, Gu Qingcheng handed the silver in the chest to Young Master Huang, feeling quite fortunate for him. Young Master Huang's father had likely perished en route, otherwise, there would have been news.
The most fortunate one now was this illegitimate son, Young Master Huang, who inherited his father's substantial fortune. With this money, he could start a new life immediately.
After the contract was signed, Gu Qingcheng asked Old Hu to find craftsmen to renovate the houses. The sewers, roof beams, and other structures needed to be thoroughly inspected and cleaned, and the courtyards had to be thoroughly cleaned. The small houses would also be renovated to the same standard.
At the same time, he was asked to find twenty to thirty servants for security and to maintain the cleanliness of the courtyards.
Old Hu readily agreed, patting his chest and assuring her it was no problem.
Since they had the deeds for the houses, they were free to leave. Gu Qingcheng, along with Mi Guo and Da Peng, went to inspect the mansion.
The mansion had 20 rooms. The side rooms in the main courtyard were quite spacious, about 20 square meters each. The other side rooms were similar to modern studio apartments, about 12 to 13 square meters, enough to fit a bed, a table, and a chair.
In addition, there were a bathroom, a kitchen, and all other necessary facilities. The furniture was covered in dust, and Gu Qingcheng was not satisfied with some of it, so she asked Old Hu to purchase new furniture.
She even told Old Hu that all the rooms should be equipped with beds, tables, and chairs, ready for immediate occupancy.
The other three small houses were also quite substantial, each occupying about three mu of land. They were all two-courtyard secluded residences with a total of 10 rooms.
The front courtyards were walled, with lush green ivy climbing the walls, which looked quite pleasing. Inside, there was also a stale scent from being unoccupied for a long time.
Gu Qingcheng instructed Old Hu to replace all the furniture, re-clean and repaint, and then furnish them with new items.
Her family had a penchant for cleanliness and would never sleep on someone else's secondhand bed.
Old Hu was naturally delighted that Gu Qingcheng was spending more money, as it meant more profit for him from the markup.
However, seeing Gu Qingcheng's lavish spending, he felt a momentary sense of suffocation.
He wondered how deep the young master's pockets were. Buying a rice shop, a pharmacy, and houses seemed so effortless.
Ordinary people would have to save for most of their lives to build even a small house, let alone buy such a large estate, and they would be extremely cautious, fearing being cheated. It was nothing like Gu Qingcheng, who casually handled major life events for others.
Money was indeed good.
Old Hu was envious.
With nothing more to comment on regarding the houses, Gu Qingcheng and Mi Guo's group prepared to return to the inn.
On the way back to the inn, Old Hu enthusiastically said:
"Young Master Gu, we have a traditional Qixi Festival on our island, which is quite lively. Would you like to come and enjoy it?"
"Qixi Festival? How is it celebrated?"
Upon hearing this, Gu Qingcheng knew it was likely related to the Cowherd and Weaver Girl. Although she had her own views on their story, it didn't diminish her enthusiasm for lively events.
After all, she was young. She had been confined to Phoenix Village for too long, constantly busy managing village affairs, and had become less like herself.
She remembered how she used to be at the forefront of school parties and carnivals, having a blast.
Now, she had become a serious administrator, responsible for the lives of tens of thousands of people.
If her former classmates knew, they would probably be astonished.
Seeing that Young Master Gu was interested, Old Hu became even more animated and quickly explained:
"The island will be decorated with lanterns and festive banners, and it will be very lively with various street performers, opera singers, and riddle-guessing games. Of course, these are not the most attractive aspects.
The most special thing is that if you meet someone you connect with and who catches your eye on the street that day, you can initiate a conversation. If both parties are willing, perhaps a beautiful marriage can be formed."
Old Hu said this with a wistful expression.
"Oh? Really? Can anyone participate?"
Gu Qingcheng was surprised by the openness of the ancient people.
However, she reconsidered. Based on her historical knowledge, ancient people were not all as rigid as one might think. For instance, the Song and Tang dynasties were much more open than modern people could imagine.
"Other activities are open to anyone, but for men and women to converse and form connections, they must be unmarried young men and women. If they are already married, they are not allowed. If they are discovered to have concealed their marital status, it would be considered scandalous and they would lose face completely."
Old Hu said this with a hint of sadness.
It was no wonder he looked wistful yet melancholic; he couldn't participate.
Haha, looking at Old Hu's age, he must have been married and had children.
Gu Qingcheng couldn't help but smile and said:
"It seems only my brother and I can participate. Da Peng, you are also married, so you can't casually strike up a conversation."
"Haha, I'll protect you," Da Peng laughed. "You and Young Master Mi Guo can go ahead and chat. Perhaps you'll really meet someone you like. The master and madam would surely be happy if you brought back a new daughter-in-law."
Da Peng laughed heartily.
Their Young Master Gu was also of marriageable age, but there had been no developments in his marital affairs. Master and Madam Gu did not seem to be in a hurry, but he, Da Peng, was getting a bit anxious.
With Young Master Gu's capabilities and appearance, if he were in their village, he could have his pick of beautiful young women.
Of course, perhaps Young Master Gu's vast knowledge and outstanding abilities made him look down on village girls who couldn't read or write.
But if Young Master Gu had the inclination, Wang Da Peng believed it wouldn't be difficult to find a well-educated and virtuous young lady from an official family here.
Who wouldn't like a talented young, rich, unmarried man like Young Master Gu?
As for Young Master Mi Guo, he was still too young... he needed to cultivate himself and shouldn't get involved in romantic affairs too early.
"Oh, and when is the Qixi Festival?" Gu Qingcheng asked.
"It's the day after tomorrow. Haven't you seen that we're already hanging red lanterns on Chaliao Street? It's all in preparation for the day after tomorrow."
At this point, they had walked to Chaliao Street, and Old Hu pointed to the scenery on the street.
Da Peng then encouraged Gu Qingcheng to actively participate.
Gu Qingcheng had no idea that Wang Da Peng was hoping for a romantic encounter for her. She purely wanted to see the excitement and readily agreed.
Old Hu chuckled, "You guys have come at the perfect time. Wang Laoda, you encountered this on your second visit to Chaliao Island, but Young Master Gu has encountered it on his first visit."
Gu Qingcheng let out a hearty laugh.
Old Hu thought to himself: If Young Master Gu were to reveal himself, how many girls would try to strike up a conversation with him? He wondered if he could resist the temptation then.
It turned out that Old Hu had one more important detail he hadn't mentioned.