Ms. Li had no choice but to hire a manager, and Zhuang Huchen became the first hired manager of Songzhuzhai. His contract stated that he was to get half the shop's profit, an equal sharing scheme that was all but unheard of at the time.

An artist of the studio is restoring an ancient painting

Zhuang Huchen was a typical successful Chinese businessman -- he had a close relationship with the governor as well as rich and varied experiences in business.

With the permission of Ms. Li, Zhuang Huchen ordered one of the shop's employees to circulate rumors that Songzhuzhai had lost too much money to survive and would soon be closing its doors forever. Meanwhile, he bought a building at No. 86 Liulichang. All the shop's best antiques, paintings, calligraphy, brushes and ink were secretly transported to the new location in the dark of night. To outsiders, it appeared that Songzhuzhai had no assets save for its name. It was only a matter of time before it declared bankruptcy.

Rongbaozhai opened for business at No. 86 Liulichang in 1894.

Liulichang was already well known as one of the city's cultural centers, so the new location provided fertile ground for Rongbaozhai's growth. It wasn't long before the new shop was overtaking its competitors.

The year 1900 was not a good one for Beijing. It suffered the misfortune of invasion and occupation by the Eight-Power Allied Forces. But Beijing's misfortune turned out to be Rongbaozhai's good fortune.

Famous painter Qi Baish

The German forces occupied Liulichang, and most owners closed their shops and left. But Zhuang Huchen and some of the other owners and managers negotiated with the invaders and managed to protect the street. When Emperor Guangxu returned to Beijing and saw Liulichang standing safe and almost unharmed, he gave Zhuang Huchen a civil service appointment as a grade-seven official.

The prestigious position gave Zhuang several advantages over the competition.

Zheng Maoda, a specialist in Rongbaozhai's history, says, "He was appointed to keep the roll of Beijing officials, which listed their names and personal information. It was an important document, a sort of 'Who's Who in Beijing Government.'"

Zhuang's position was the envy of other shop owners, who were not permitted to enter the Forbidden City or to wear the ceremonial robes of office.

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