This is the plaque of Hu Xueyan's former residence, the first mansion in China. It says "Rongcheng Kindness and Encouragement", "Good Business", "God Bless" and "Kindness and Care".
The restoration of Hu Xueyan's former residence strictly follows the principle of "no change to the original state", and the restoration is carried out according to the requirements of the original state, original structure, original construction technology, original used materials and renovation of the old appearance. Therefore, the restored former residence in front of us basically reproduces the historical features of Hu Xueyan's former residence more than 20 years ago.
Hu Xueyan's former residence is located in Yuanbao Street, southeast of Hangzhou. As soon as you get off the bus, you can see a white fence more than 10 meters high. Hu Xueyan's former residence is hidden in the wall, giving people a sense of mystery. In the eyes of modern people, Yuanbao Street where Hu Xueyan lives can only be regarded as a narrow lane. The two ends are low and the middle is high, showing an ingot shape. Legend has it that this place used to be a treasure trove in Zhejiang, hence the name Yuanbao Street. Probably Hu Xueyan wanted to take a chance, so he chose this land of geomantic omen to build his house.
Hu Xueyan's family history:
Hu Xueyan was also a cashier's counter in the early days. Later, he sponsored Wang Youling. When two people cooperate, the business is getting bigger and bigger. They opened a cashier's shop, a silk shop in Huzhou, and then a drugstore. Finally, it cooperated with Zuo, prospered for a while and reached its peak. What's written on the plaque is, strive for goodness and become glory. The couplet says that if you have a good wish, there will be no disaster in the world. If you do all kinds of good deeds, you will benefit the people.
Hu Xueyan built this magnificent mansion in 1875, died in 1885 and was buried in a mass grave. Once strong and rich, it took three years to build it, but unexpectedly it flourished and suddenly died. The woodcarving of the former residence is also a major attraction. The lion in Baishilou is lifelike, lifelike.