The courtyard was so large that it was almost impossible to see the end. Yin Yin pulled Xu Jiang from the corner gate into the corridor, pointing out and introducing the area to her along the way, so that she could barely understand the layout of the courtyard.
The courtyard consisted of two large houses facing each other, bounded on either side by a corridor. At each corner were planted trees and flowers, including pine, plum, and bamboo, along with some exotic flowers and plants. All were meticulously tended, and even in the depths of winter, they showed no sign of decay. A pond formed the center of the courtyard, seemingly bare, with only an arched bridge spanning it for passage.
Yin Yin said, "The young master planted lotus flowers in the pond. Even though they are nowhere to be seen now, they will be in full bloom in the summer and look very beautiful."
Xu Jiang thought to herself: With such a big pond, won’t it attract mosquitoes in the summer?
Looking around the pond, there are rockery, lawns, and bluestone brick paths connecting the four sides.
"The master and his mistress live in the outer courtyard, and the young master lives in the inner courtyard. Aside from the servants and maids who serve them personally, everyone else lives in the side rooms outside the second gate."
It was from this that Xu Jiang learned that Lou Yunchun had no brothers or sisters and was the only son of the Lou family.
"This is the outer room where the Madam and the Master live." Yin Yin pulled her to the outer room.
Although it is called an outhouse, it is actually no different from a courtyard.
The main hall is in the middle, with four or five symmetrical houses on each side. The houses are divided into inside and outside, and each has different functions.
At this moment, laughter and chatter could be heard from inside the house, suggesting that a guest had arrived. Yinyin helped Xu Jiang untie her cloak, straightened her belt, and fixed her hair, praising her, "Sister, you look so pretty."
"Sweet talk." Xu Jiang pinched her face.
"I will go and pass the message. Sister, please wait for a moment."
"Go ahead."
Yinyin went into the house, and after a while, a person came out quickly. Who else could it be but Liu Mei?
"My wife is finally here!" Liu Mei pulled her over and looked her over, frowning and saying, "Why do you look thinner?"
Xu Jiang smiled and said, "I was too busy the past few days and didn't have time to eat. I came back after taking some rest."
"Don't work too hard, it hurts to see you."
Just as he was about to say a few more words, Yin Yin came out again and hurriedly called Xu Jiang in.
"Come in quickly." Liu Mei led her into the house and comforted her, "Don't worry, my lady. Although the lady doesn't like to talk, she is always kind to others. I have heard of your reputation and have wanted to meet you for a long time. I heard from the master that you were coming, and I have been looking forward to it every day. I was so happy that I woke up this morning to see you."
Once inside the main hall, they walked around a screen on the left and entered a greenhouse. Xu Jiang didn't bother looking around and just followed Liu Mei and Yin Yin inside.
I only heard Liu Mei walk towards the house and say, "Madam, Madam Xu is here."
Xu Jiang was brought before a woman, who bowed gracefully and said, "I, Xu Jiang, have come to congratulate the lady on her birthday."
"Get up." Mrs. Lou's voice was pleasant, but her tone was a little stiff. Xu Jiang felt that it was exactly the same tone as Lou Yunchun's usual tone.
Xu Jiang stood up and looked up, only to find that not only their tone of voice, but also their appearance were somewhat similar.
Mrs. Lou looked at Xu Jiang quietly. Seeing that she was capable and neat, and had a pretty face, she liked her a little. Then, seeing that her eyes were calm and composed, she felt even happier.
Xu Jiang saw that although her face was cold, her eyes were gentle, and she felt close to her in her heart.
The two looked at each other, without saying a word for a long time.
Liu Mei coughed twice and winked at Madam Lou.
My lady, why are you standing there in a daze? Please say something.
Mrs. Lou's heart suddenly panicked. What should she say? What if she said something wrong and scared people? The more she panicked, the more tense her face became, and the colder her expression became.
Another lady standing by couldn't stand it any longer and was about to speak when Xu Jiang said with a smile, "I heard about your birthday, so I carved a birthday star as a gift. Would you like to see it?"
Mrs. Lou nodded, "Okay."
Liu Mei breathed a sigh of relief and quickly asked Yin Yin to present the gift.
Mrs. Lou opened the brocade box and a refreshing fragrance filled her nose.
"Oh, this birthday star is carved so skillfully!" Liu Mei watched from the side and couldn't help but praise.
When everyone heard this, they gathered around to take a look.
Madam Lou carefully took out the birthday star. She felt its warmth in her hand and saw how delicately it was carved. She knew it must have taken a lot of effort, so she asked, "Did you carve it?"
Xu Jiang nodded. "My craftsmanship is crude. I'm sorry to have embarrassed you, Madam."
If this is considered crude, then there is no such thing as exquisiteness in the world.
Everyone praised it, and when Mrs. Lou's close friends saw it, they were very tempted and asked Mrs. Lou to show it to them.
Mrs. Lou looked at the birthday girl over and over again, and kept stroking her. The more she rubbed it, the stronger the fragrance of the cliff cypress became, making her unable to stop.
In the end, a lady snatched it away from her by force, and she gave up.
"Come." Mrs. Lou stretched out her hand to Xu Jiang, who walked over and held it.
Mrs. Lou held her tightly and wouldn't let go.
Xu Jiang immediately understood where Lou Yunchun's cold and dull appearance came from.
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