AWB Chapter 226 Visiting the Mansion
Chapter 226 Visiting the Mansion
After the group entered the gate, there were rows of houses on the east and west sides, which were used to house the servants of the household, as well as a large kitchen.
After passing through another gate, you arrive at the main courtyard. There aren't many rooms in this courtyard, but directly in front is a large reception hall used to entertain distinguished guests.
Xiao Qinian and his group then led him into the hall.
When Xiao Siyue first entered, she noticed that there should be courtyards on the east and west sides, and she saw two hanging flower gates.
I plan to go for a walk around the house later.
The others were also watching intently.
The house the Xiao family built in their hometown was also a three-courtyard house, but it was more in line with their local style, and the layout of the courtyard was not too elaborate.
After instructing the servants to serve tea, Xiao Qinian said, "Father, Mother, Eldest Brother, Second Brother, please have some tea first. Later, I'll take you on a tour of the house. This house is quite large."
Xiao Qinian was telling the truth. This house originally belonged to a high-ranking official of the previous dynasty. It was later taken back by the court and now it has been bestowed upon Xiao Qinian.
Because the property had been uninhabited for many years, Xiao Qinian renovated it after taking over. This work began before he even arrived in the capital and took several months.
After being transferred to the capital, Xiao Qinian rearranged each courtyard according to his family's preferences, just waiting for them to come and stay.
It looks like just a five-courtyard house, but there are quite a few courtyards inside, and there is also a large garden at the back.
"Okay, okay." The elderly couple had never seen such a nice house in their entire lives. They had felt a little tired and wanted to rest before, but now they didn't want to at all and just wanted to go and have a look around.
After everyone had rested for a while, Xiao Qinian led them on a tour of the house.
There is a heated pavilion on each side of the hall, and several potted plants are placed in the courtyard, which looks very refreshing.
The courtyard on the west side of the hall is simply furnished, with only two rooms: one is a study, and the other is empty, its purpose unknown.
After leaving this courtyard, we arrived at the east courtyard, which was quite large and had many rooms.
"Brother, this courtyard is prepared for you. Please go in and take a look. The furnishings are all arranged according to your preferences. If there's anything you don't like or if you want to add anything, just ask Butler He." Just as everyone was looking around, Xiao Qinian spoke up.
Upon hearing this, Xiao Qiren pointed to his nose: "This is mine?"
"Then I'll have to take a good look."
As he spoke, Xiao Qiren walked around several rooms.
"Third brother, this courtyard is very nice. I like it very much. It's much more impressive than our previous one." This courtyard is big enough for their entire family, and there are two smaller courtyards behind it.
"I'm glad you like it, eldest brother." Since there are many people in the eldest branch of the family, Xiao Qinian made a special arrangement for this large courtyard.
Continuing onward, behind the hall lies the center of the courtyard, where Xiao Qinian resides.
The main house has five courtyards, with a living room in the middle and bedrooms on both sides.
The east wing was prepared for Xiao Siyu, and the west wing was originally intended for Xiao Siyue. However, since Xiao Siyue is not young anymore, it is inconvenient for her to live here, so the west wing was left empty and Xiao Qinian used it as a study.
There is a courtyard on the west side and another on the east side of this courtyard. The one on the west side is for the elderly couple Xiao, and the one on the east side is for Xiao Qili's family from the second branch of the family.
Behind the old couple's courtyard was a hanging flower gate, leading to the courtyard that Xiao Qinian had prepared for Xiao Siyue. The interior was exquisitely decorated, and the courtyard was also large.
Upon entering, there were no houses in sight, but rather a small pond with covered walkways on both sides. Following the walkways further in, one finally arrived at the main house.
The main rooms are the same as before, with a reception room in the middle, a bedroom on the west side, and a study on the east side. There are also two side rooms on each side for the maids to live in.
There is a row of side rooms in the courtyard, and the rest of the area has been turned into a small garden, where many precious flowers are planted and are currently in full bloom. There is also a swing behind the flower bushes.
The backyard is a large lawn with a small pavilion built on it.
Xiao Siyue was overjoyed to see the courtyard: "Thank you, Dad. I love this courtyard so much."
"I'm glad Yue'er likes it." Xiao Qinian said with a doting smile, "This is something I specially arranged for your daughter."
This courtyard is exquisite and elegant, with mountains and water.
"Little sister, your courtyard is so beautiful, I want to live here too." Xiao Siyu was a little envious. Actually, the courtyard they lived in was the largest in the whole house, but because it was the main courtyard, it seemed a bit solemn.
This was a bit stifling for Xiao Siyu, who has a lively personality.
"Hmph, after you take the provincial examination next time, if you pass, you can choose a courtyard to decorate yourself." This house covers a large area and has several empty courtyards.
"Siqi, Sizhe, after we're done looking around, you guys can go and pick out your favorite courtyards and decorate them according to your own preferences." Although the empty courtyards aren't as big as Xiao Siyue's, they're still quite nice.
These children are all grown up, and it's not very convenient for them to live with their parents.
"Okay, thank you, Uncle. We understand." Xiao Sizhe nodded in response.
Then Xiao Qinian continued to lead everyone on a tour.
Leaving Xiao Siyue's courtyard and walking east along the covered walkway, you'll find a large garden with an artificial lake, rockery, trees, and flowers. There are also several other courtyards next to this garden.
"This garden is truly beautiful. It's already September, and the flowers are still blooming so vibrantly." Everyone was astonished by the luxury of the mansion. They had always heard people talk about how wonderful the mansions of the wealthy were, but they had never seen them before. This time, they had truly witnessed it for themselves.
The house they used to live in was not even as good as a small courtyard in someone else's mansion.
If officials' residences are this nice, then how luxurious must the imperial palace be?
Behind the garden was another row of houses, but since their family didn't have that many people, these houses were mostly empty.
After wandering around for a while, everyone was a bit tired. Xiao Qinian led them to a room on the lake, where the maids thoughtfully served them tea and snacks.
This house was built very high, originally intended for people visiting the garden to enjoy the scenery, so from the windows one can have a panoramic view of the entire garden.
After touring the entire house, everyone was exhausted and collapsed. They went back to rest, and Xiao Siyue also returned to her room. With the help of Chun Tao and the others, she washed up and went to bed.