The two soldiers said many words of praise, including letters of commendation, certificates of merit, and a reward: a three-courtyard siheyuan (traditional courtyard house).

Li Xiyue was still a little dizzy when she held the land deed in her hand.

Chu Xingbang had previously said that Chu Xun would recommend her for credit, and she thought she would be rewarded with cash, but she didn't expect to be rewarded with a three-courtyard siheyuan (traditional courtyard house).

"Little sister, you're amazing!" Zhuang Le was incredibly envious. "You actually received national recognition. You're like a god to me."

Old Master Zhuang also looked on with envy, "Nephew, your granddaughter is wonderful."

Liao Qingshan grinned from ear to ear, a surge of pride, self-satisfaction, and smugness welling up inside him. He had never been so smug in his life.

After Chu Xun saw the two soldiers off, Li Xiyue, still basking in joy, asked with a smile, "Want to go take a look at the house?"

"Go! We must go!"

So, Chu Xun led his family out in a flurry of activity.

"Wow! How magnificent!" Zhuang Le exclaimed in amazement as he looked at the gate of the house.

Looking at the pair of white jade drum-shaped stone piers at the entrance, Old Zhuang said, "This style is typical of the residences of high-ranking officials in the past."

“That’s right, it’s at least the residence of a third-rank official.” Liao Qingshan nodded.

Li Xiyue was overjoyed. Forget about how impressive it was; this was a gift from the nation, a tremendous honor.

Chu Xun said, "In this location, this house is worth at least thirty or forty thousand."

"More than that!" Li Xiyue exclaimed excitedly, rubbing her hands together. In a few more years, who knows how many times it would increase... In later generations...

I can't believe it, she's made a fortune again.

The group, filled with excitement, began to tour the house.

Upon entering, there is a hidden wall that shelters from the wind and evil spirits. Inside the foyer, there are two rooms on the left and right. Zhuang Lao and Liao Qingshan said that these were the rooms where the servants used to stay on night watch.

Passing through the foyer and continuing forward, the kitchen is on your right. The kitchen is very spacious, and there is a skylight at the entrance to the kitchen, which allows for air circulation, dissipation of cooking fumes, and natural light.

The kitchen connects to the east wing of the courtyard, and opposite it is the west wing; each room is beautiful.

Next, we arrived at the courtyard, which was planted with many trees and flowers, but it looked rather desolate because it was winter. It would surely be full of life in spring.

The five rooms in the south were formerly the residences of servants and stewards, and there was a toilet next to them.

Passing through the antique-style hanging flower gate, the steps are made very high, symbolizing rising step by step.

After passing through the hanging flower gate, you enter the second courtyard, where the buildings to the north and south are arranged at varying heights.

The main house has three large rooms, with side rooms on the left and right. The doors and windows are made of huanghuali wood, which is very heavy and luxurious.

Inside the main room is a row of screens, all made of Phoebe zhennan wood, which are quite expensive.

Li Xiyue stared in disbelief; this house was so luxurious.

"My god, it's like a maze. If I lived here, I would definitely get lost." Zhuang Le was completely dizzy.

The two old men were worldly-wise and not at all confused; their excitement was written all over their faces.

Next, the group split up and explored on their own.

Chu Xun was naturally unwilling to be separated from Li Xiyue, so he held her hand and looked around from room to room.

"This room is beautifully decorated; I like it."

"This room is nice too, I like it."

"This pond is nice. We can plant lotus flowers and raise a few fish here, and enjoy fishing and cooling off in the summer."

"This pavilion is nice. In autumn, plant some chrysanthemums around it, drink tea and admire the chrysanthemums. It's very picturesque."

Chu Xun looked at her with a smile, full of doting affection, "If you like it, then decorate it exactly as you said."

"Ah Xun, thank you." Li Xiyue grabbed his hand and shook it.

Chu Xun asked with a smile, "What are you thanking me for?"

"Thank you for helping me get credit; otherwise, how would I have such a nice house?"

Chu Xun pinched the tip of her nose. "This is what you deserve."

"And you? What kind of recognition did the organization give you?" Li Xiyue asked curiously.