Stepping into the mansion, the first thing that catches the eye is a spacious courtyard, with an overall layout following the traditional aesthetics of symmetry.

In the courtyard, a pebble-paved path winds and twists, leading to various corners.

On both sides of the path, there are all kinds of exotic flowers and plants, red like fire, pink like the sunset, white like snow, colorful and beautiful, emitting waves of enchanting fragrance.

In the center of the courtyard, there is a delicate octagonal pavilion. The pavilion's roof is covered with liuli tiles, each tile carefully crafted, shimmering under the sunlight. Inside the pavilion, there is a set of furniture made from top-grade rosewood, the tabletop intricately carved with lifelike flower and bird patterns, showcasing the superb skills of the artisans.

At that moment, Gong Simeng was holding Shi Yuyan while sitting in a chair in the pavilion. She wore a light pink gauze dress, with delicate crabapple flowers embroidered at the hem, gently swaying with her movements, like crabapples in full bloom.

Her black and shiny long hair was loosely coiled into a bun, with a few strands cascading down her fair neck, adding a touch of allure.

Her eyes were like a clear spring, bright and clear, filled with tenderness as she gazed at Shi Yuyan, dressed in a little red tiger-embroidered bib, with chubby cheeks tinged with red. She hummed a gentle lullaby softly.

Following the path, one can see the main house.

The architectural style of the main house blends the gracefulness and grandeur of the Jiangnan Water Village, with flying eaves and bracket sets, carved beams, and painted rafters.

The flying eaves of the roof curl up high, resembling birds spreading their wings to fly, with smooth and elegant lines.

The bracket structure is intricately designed, layered upon each other, not only supporting the roof but also enhancing the architectural artistic beauty.

The wooden doors and windows are intricately carved with auspicious patterns, such as dragons and phoenixes bringing prosperity, pine and cranes for longevity, showcasing exquisite craftsmanship, stunningly beautiful.

The frames of the doors and windows are assembled with mortise-and-tenon joints, perfectly fitted, embodying the essence of traditional woodworking techniques.

At that moment, Lin Wanqing walked out from the main house. She wore an ivory long dress, with light blue orchids embroidered at the skirt corners, simple yet elegant. A matching silk ribbon was tied around her waist, with a warm jade pendant hanging from its end.

Her hair was simply tied up with a jade hairpin, with a few stray strands gently fluttering in the breeze, accentuating her gentle allure.

She wore a faint smile on her face as she walked toward Gong Simeng in the courtyard, reaching out to gently tease Shi Yuyan's cheek.

Shi Yuyan was tickled and giggled incessantly.

The mansion was adorned with decorative lanterns and streamers, with guests in groups of threes and fives, laughing and chatting merrily.

In the courtyard, tables were laden with sumptuous delicacies, and exquisite carved porcelain plates filled with dishes alluring in color, aroma, and taste, with the scent of wine and food mingling in the air. Guests dressed in splendid attire were exchanging greetings, the sound of clinking glasses resounding continuously.

When Gong Simeng and Lin Wanqing appeared, the entire courtyard fell silent instantly.

A moment later, a low murmur of exclamation spread through the crowd.

A middle-aged man in a sapphire satin long robe, with a jade crown on his head, stopped with his wine glass at his lips, eyes wide open, took a moment to recover, and couldn't help but softly exclaim, "These two young women, one charming and alluring, the other gentle as jade, are truly rare beauties in the world!"

His words seemed to open the floodgates, with the surrounding guests nodding in agreement.

An old man in a dark blue long robe lightly tapped his palm with a folding fan, nodding and swaying his head, saying, "Such lovely beauties gathered here truly bring splendor to this Shi Mansion!"

A young nobleman beside him, eyes fixed on Gong Simeng and Lin Wanqing, with a face full of admiration, murmured, "I've roamed the Jianghu for many years, seen many beauties, but such ethereal and extraordinary ones, it's the first time I've seen."

A lady in a light purple long dress, eyes full of envy, held her companion's hand and said, "Yes, I think they have a deep connection with Hero Shi, could they be Hero Shi's wives or concubines?"

Everyone whispered to each other, speculating about their identities; for a moment, the courtyard filled with hushed chatter.

Walking inside the house, a huge landscape painting hung on the wall of the main hall, with grandeur, adding a scholarly air to the entire room. The furniture in the hall was all made from top-quality huanghuali wood, with a hard texture and beautiful grain.

The design of the tables and chairs was simple and elegant, inlaid with fine jade and gemstones, reflecting a riot of colors under the sunlight.

The legs of the tables and chairs were designed in a tri-curved style, with gentle lines that embody the unique charm of the furniture.

On the two sides of the main house are the east and west wing rooms. The east wing is a study, designed in a traditional courtyard layout, with four rooms surrounding a small courtyard in the middle, ensuring both lighting and ventilation while creating a relatively independent and quiet space.

Inside, it is filled with a dazzling array of books, with everything one could want. The bookshelves are made of nanmu wood, exuding a faint woody fragrance.

The study desk is adorned with brush, ink, paper, and inkstone, all top-quality pieces of the scholar's four treasures.

The west wing is a guest room, arranged in a warm and cozy manner.

The bed is covered in soft silk bedding, with pillows filled with fluffy down, making one feel as though they are sinking into the clouds when lying down.

The room is also adorned with exquisite porcelain and paintings, adding a touch of artistic flair to the guest room.

The guest room windows, adorned with carved latticework, provide a view of the beautiful courtyard outside, bringing the beauty of nature indoors.

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