Transmigrated Genius: Fragile Heiress Reigns Supreme-Chapter 656 - 658: New Mansion (5)

Outside the study remains a row of inverted rooms, and between the main and side doors on the west side is the stable. On either side of the East and West Corner Gates are two rows of wings and inverted courtyard rooms, totaling twenty-four, which are the rooms for the servants and attendants.

The carriage went forward and then turned right, passing through a Yimen. On the left and right, there were two rows of independent courtyards, about four in total. The courtyards weren’t large, with eight rooms each, serving as the residences for the adult men of the mansion. Further inside, there was another Yimen, inside which was a row of independent courtyards, totaling two, two rooms deep and wide, commonly known as guest courtyards where guests of the mansion could stay.

Past the second Yimen, the third Yimen came into view. Beside it were planted six banana trees, with large leaves covered in dewdrops, the beads rolling off as sunlight shone through, casting a shade, indicating they had entered the inner courtyard.

The carriage stopped in front of the Yimen, where three blue-roofed purple sedan chairs were prepared, each guarded by four strong matrons. Xiqiu got into one of the sedan chairs, which started swaying. Inside the inner courtyard, Xiqiu felt unrestrained and lifted the curtains to take a closer look.

From the Yimen, a long path paved with blue stone extended endlessly, lined with camellias, cannas, roses, and peonies on both sides, some blooming, others shedding leaves in a reciprocating rhythm. After about the time it takes to drink half a cup of tea, she saw a main courtyard with a red lacquered plaque overhead that read: Muen Hall.

The main courtyard was accompanied by long side rooms. Near the Ruyi Gate, pear trees were planted, the courtyard glistening with glazed tiles and red lacquer. The windows were separated by magnificent glass panels. On both sides of the courtyard were eight side rooms, six rooms making up the main house, grand and splendid.

The sedan didn’t stop in front of Muen Hall but continued down the path. In view was an artificial mountain and stream, the rugged rocks and babbling water signifying living water. Xiqiu couldn’t help but wonder where the water was sourced from...

After the artificial mountain, there was a cloister, leading to a small courtyard. This courtyard was similar to Muen Hall but much smaller, about the size of a siheyuan. A servant boy dressed as a scholar was kneeling at the entrance, indicating this was Fourth Master Xiao’s study. Beyond the study was a grand hall faced with transparent glass, set with four rows of seats in front and back, with tea tables in between. This was likely a large meeting or conference hall.

Beyond the grand hall was another courtyard. Xiqiu saw a massive plaque inscribed: Chongen Residence.

Beside the Ruyi Gate were still two trees, but now white magnolias, their leaves falling yet hinting at a lush blooming scene. Beyond the hall with tables and chairs were two rows of twelve side rooms. The courtyard was paved with pure white marble, with three steps leading up to the main house of six rooms, still featuring large glass windows, glazed red tiles on the roof, with eight bright red auspicious lanterns hanging by the door. Red window paper adorned the windows, with flower beds behind the courtyard, further back to four independent small siheyuans where concubines would reside if present. Further back were the inverted rooms and wings, and behind them was a garden, leading to another slightly smaller Rong’en Courtyard.

The sedan stopped at the door, and Fourth Master Xiao came over to extend his hand to her. Xiqiu stepped out, and Fourth Master Xiao said, "This is the main courtyard."

In other words, this was their courtyard.

Xiqiu’s gaze fell on the courtyard, where five or six matrons and seven or eight little maids stood on either side. Xiqiu nodded towards Fourth Master Xiao, taking Min, who had stepped out of the sedan, by the hand, and the family of three entered Chongen Residence. The matrons and maids on either side knelt down, exclaiming, "Greetings to the master, lady, and Young Master Min!"

Fourth Master Xiao paid them no heed, leaving Xiqiu to smile and say, "You may rise." The crowd rose in turn. In front of the matrons stood one about forty years old with a dignified appearance, hair in a round bun, and a serious demeanor. She saluted Xiqiu separately, and Chunliu beside Xiqiu whispered, "This is Nanny Rong."

Xiqiu nodded at Nanny Rong and followed Fourth Master Xiao into the main house.

Upon entering, a ceiling made of grass green hung above. Beneath it was a long offering table, on which there were flower-decorated Mei Bottles. Below the table stood a black lacquered square table carved with a longevity star holding a peach. On each side were matching armchairs, and beneath them, two chairs on each side, with no additional furnishings.

To the left of the main hall was the Warm Pavilion, furnished with an eight-fold screen, behind which was a warm bed, currently unused. Exiting the main hall, to the right was Xiqiu’s bedroom, with a restroom behind it, and further right was another room. On the left, from the main hall, was another reception room, resembling the layout of the supplementary room at the Marquis Mansion. Inside was a treasure cabinet displaying various porcelain and jade items, with a black lacquered Arhat Bed decorated with magpies on plum branches in the middle...

Beside the supplementary room was a bedroom.

Xiqiu, having toured the layout of Chongen Residence with Fourth Master Xiao, settled down in the supplementary room.

Since Chunliu had visited before, she was fine, but Biwu was left agape, stunned by the splendor and beauty, surpassing even the grandeur of the Marquis Mansion. She couldn’t help sneaking out to wander in the garden, which extended beyond Muen Hall. Past the small garden, there were two courtyards on the left and right, each having two more units further back. The layouts varied but all were luxurious and stately, with a path leading down much like at the Marquis Mansion, towards a small lake. The clear water housed lotus and water lilies, with a small pavilion in the middle, open windows all around, transforming rooms into pavilions when open. Strolling from the shore extended further, the moist wind hitting the face, certainly refreshing if in summer.

On either side of the lake were woods, one filled with camellias, seemingly newly transplanted with breathtaking beauty, the other planted with pomegranate and peach trees, showcasing a dazzling display of different blooming seasons. Come spring, it would certainly be a sight to behold!

Biwu almost laughed aloud, knowing this would be the lady’s home, as the lady is the mistress here. Living here from now on would be like residing in a fairyland.

She suddenly wanted to run wild through the woods, free from the caution of the Marquis Mansion, here she seemed to smell the countryside breeze, such relief letting her feel completely relaxed.

Biwu laughed, thinking that once the lady bore a young master, she would bring him here to enjoy boating on the lake, lotus picking in summer, and flower viewing in autumn. She would willingly stay here all her life to accompany the lady, yes, and also tell the lady to hire a good cook...

With that thought, she returned, entering an adjacent courtyard of Chongen Residence where she caught the scent of food, following it inside to find a dozen matrons picking and washing vegetables. Her eyes lit up as she stepped in.

The kitchen was large, comparable to the one at the Marquis Mansion, yet a dozen matrons seemed too few for such a vast space. Upon entering, the matrons, not knowing who she was, looked her over, taking note of the young black-skinned plump girl.

Her hair was neatly combed, adorned with a silver hairpin, her looks not particularly striking, yet she seemed honest and reliable. A matron greeted her with a smile, asking, "Miss, from which courtyard are you?"

Biwu craned her neck to peek inside the kitchen, prompting a wary glance from the matron. Biwu awkwardly smiled, "I’m Biwu, and I came with the Lady."

The Lady was the mistress of the mansion, and her entourage and their personalities had naturally been inquired about in advance. Upon hearing Biwu’s name, the matron immediately smiled and saluted, with the other matrons following suit, chanting, "Greetings, Maid Biwu!"

Their voices harmonized in impressive unison, and Biwu instinctively straightened her back, feeling a satisfaction and vanity she had never before experienced.

She secretly smiled to herself, but outwardly mimicked the lady’s composed demeanor, giving a faint smile, "No need for formalities, we’ll be spending time together frequently, so I came by to acquaint myself!"

The matrons all responded affirmatively, one by one engaging her in conversation.

Biwu naturally knew what to say or not, but having shown such stature, her original intention to explore any fresh delicacies was thwarted.

Discouraged, she gloomily returned to Chongen Residence, greeted as Maid Biwu with respect from the matrons and maids along the way, filling her with a renewed sense of honor. The new mansion was wonderful; she too felt elevated and uplifted.

She lifted her skirt and ran back, eager to tell the lady that she would follow her, no matter who might want to marry her!