Lin Qing looked up and the first thing that caught her eye was the tall and magnificent gate tower. Two large red lanterns hung high on the gate tower, their bright red color appearing particularly vivid and eye-catching in the winter sun.

Spring Festival couplets were still pasted on the vermilion gate. The couplets were brand new and bright, and the calligraphy was so elegant that it seemed as if it was about to leap off the paper. The golden character "福" (fortune) shone brightly in the center of the gate.

"Where is this?" Lin Qing got out of the car and looked at the tall, bright, and magnificent gate in front of her, asking Gu Nanxun with a face full of doubt.

Gu Nanxun smiled mysteriously, shook his head gently, then took out the key and carefully opened the heavy wooden door from the outside.

"Please, Your Highness!"

Gu Nanxun bowed slightly and gestured with his hand in an elegant gesture of invitation.

"Giggle..."

When Lin Qing saw him like this for the first time, she couldn't help but giggle. After laughing, she shook her head and followed Gu Nanxun's directions, walking lightly into the courtyard.

Upon entering the courtyard, Lin Qing's first impression was of the solemn and elegant gate. Although the gate was not large, its ancient atmosphere was enough to convey its solemnity and reverence. The screen wall was meticulously painted with various auspicious patterns, such as the dragon and phoenix in the "Auspicious Dragon and Phoenix" scene, where the dragon and phoenix were lifelike, as if soaring and playing in the clouds; the images of fortune, prosperity, longevity, and happiness were also vivid and realistic, with every detail filled with wishes for a good life.

Lin Qing looked up at Gu Nanxun, only to see that Gu Nanxun remained silent, still making the "please" gesture.

Lin Qing smiled and shook her head, no longer asking questions, and then continued to explore inside following Gu Nanxun's guidance.

Passing through the gate, Lin Qing first saw the rear building located on the south side of the courtyard.

The rear-facing room stands quietly, its windows facing the main road, resulting in slightly less natural light, but it is furnished warmly and practically. It is usually used as a guest room, study, or servants' quarters.

Lin Qing continued walking in and arrived at the second courtyard, which was the front courtyard.

The space here is much more spacious than the entrance hall. In the center of the courtyard, pots of blooming plum blossoms are neatly arranged—red like fire, pink like the sunset, white like snow. These plum blossoms, each a different color, stand proudly in the cold wind, their resilient branches seemingly demonstrating the tenacity of life. They emit a faint, refreshing fragrance, filling the entire front yard with a serene aroma. Around the courtyard, potted plants are arranged in a pleasing, staggered fashion, such as vigorous pines and upright bamboos. Evergreen year-round, their verdant leaves sway gently in the cold wind, symbolizing resilience and longevity.

Looking at the scenery before her, Lin Qing's eyes were full of joy. She took a deep breath of the fragrance in the air, wishing she could immediately brew a pot of tea and rest her feet.

Just thinking about the scenery she hadn't yet seen filled Lin Qing with anticipation, and she unconsciously quickened her pace.

Continuing to walk in, you will arrive at the third courtyard, also known as the middle courtyard.

This is the core area of ​​the entire courtyard house, and also an important place for family members' daily activities and communication.

In the center of the courtyard stands a small and exquisite rockery, surrounded by a crystal-clear pond where a group of colorful koi swim freely. They sometimes dart among the water plants, and sometimes surface to blow bubbles, enjoying their leisure.

Beside the pool stands a set of stone tables and benches, polished smooth and rounded, providing a space for family members to rest, chat, and enjoy cozy moments. The houses in the central courtyard are even more exquisitely decorated, with intricate carvings on the doors and windows. The delicate lines depict vivid scenes of flowers, birds, fish, insects, landscapes, and figures. Red lanterns hanging under the eaves sway gently in the breeze, adding a festive touch to the tranquil courtyard.

"Brother Nanxun, whose house is this? Can we buy it?"

Lin Qing liked it more and more as she looked at it. This was truly her dream love room, much more exquisite than the courtyard house they were currently living in.

"Let's finish this first, there are still two courtyards we haven't visited!"

Gu Nanxun reached out and patted Lin Qing's head, saying with a smile.

"Oh, Brother Nanxun, please tell me first! I'm so anxious right now."

Lin Qing grabbed Gu Nanxun's hand and shook it from side to side, speaking with an urgent expression.

"No, I'll tell you after I finish watching it. Let's watch it first. There are only two episodes left, we'll finish watching it soon."

Looking at Lin Qing's adorable appearance, Gu Nanxun almost broke down. He steeled himself, shifted his gaze elsewhere, and said with a determined expression, but only he knew that if Qingqing begged him a couple more times, he would surrender. There was nothing he could do; his wife was just too cute, and he simply couldn't resist.

Seeing Gu Nanxun's determined look, Lin Qing stopped pressuring him. She knew that if she begged him a couple more times, her brother Nanxun would definitely agree. However, it was rare for her brother Nanxun to give her a surprise, so after thinking about it, she tried her best to suppress her curiosity and cooperated by continuing to walk inside.

After passing through the middle courtyard, Lin Qing and Gu Nanxun arrived at the fourth courtyard, which is the back courtyard.

The layout here is relatively private; it is the owner's living area.

There were fruit trees planted in the courtyard, including peach trees, pear trees, and pomegranate trees. Lin Qing could imagine that in spring, the peach blossoms would be bright red and the pear blossoms would be pure white, with flowers blooming all over the garden, creating a picturesque scene. She took a careful sniff and seemed to smell the fragrance of the flowers.

And in autumn, the trees are laden with fruit, hanging heavily on the branches, emitting an enticing fragrance.

The house in the backyard is more spacious and bright, and the decoration is more luxurious and elegant. The calligraphy and paintings by famous artists hanging on the walls are magnificent, with the fragrance of ink filling the air, and each piece is priceless. The furniture is made of carefully selected high-quality wood, with clear grain, delicate texture, and a faint woody aroma.

Lin Qing examined it carefully and felt that it seemed somewhat familiar, but she couldn't remember where she had seen it before. Seeing that she really couldn't remember, Lin Qing decided to stop thinking about it.

Finally, the two of them arrived at the fifth courtyard, which is the back garden of the entire courtyard house.

In the garden is a large pond, in the center of which stands a small and exquisite pavilion, surrounded by graceful lotus flowers. Although it is winter now and the lotus flowers have withered, one can still imagine the beauty of this place in summer with eyes closed, the pond full of blooming lotus flowers, lush lotus leaves, and a gentle breeze carrying their fragrance.

There is also a lush bamboo forest in the garden, with a winding stone path paved through it. On both sides of the path are all kinds of flowers, such as the elegant and luxurious peony and the delicate and beautiful peony. Lin Qing can imagine that in spring, this place will be a sea of ​​flowers, colorful and vying for beauty.