Apr 02 2008
Bei Chizi 北池子
After Songshu Hutong, Zengzu moved family into a palatial siheyuan in Bei Chizi 北池子, North Pool. The incendiary moment of Warlord Era in China was the sudden death of strong man president Yuan Shikai (1859-1916). It last till 1928. During that period, China was dominated by war lords, one clique fighting another. The losing faction would seek refuse in Dongjiao Minxiang, 东交民巷 the diplomatic quarter, and leave the house to friends to occupy, avoiding being confiscated by the victors. It was under such circumstance, the family lived there briefly, as a favor to the owner till he made a successful comeback.