Inside the vermilion gate, two vermilion palace lanterns hang, their surfaces embroidered with dark gold auspicious cloud patterns. The lanterns sway in the wind, casting flickering light on the bluestone path inside the gate.

Passing through the gate, you are greeted by a wide bluestone path. On both sides of the path, two rows of potted green bamboo are neatly arranged. The bamboo shadows sway and rustle softly in the wind. Dewdrops roll off the bamboo leaves and drip onto the bluestone, splashing up tiny water droplets and carrying a faint bamboo fragrance.

At the end of the passageway is a small and exquisite artificial hill, made of oddly shaped Taihu stones. Several green calamus plants grow between the stones. At the foot of the hill, there is a circle of blue stone water troughs. Clear spring water flows gently from the top of the hill into the water troughs, making a melodious tinkling sound. Several gold and red koi swim in the water troughs, darting back and forth, adding a touch of vitality.

After passing the artificial hill, you arrive at the front yard.

The front yard was paved with smooth bluestone slabs, with a side room on each side. The doors and windows of the side rooms were carved wood, with exquisite plum blossom, orchid, bamboo and chrysanthemum patterns carved on the window railings. The vermilion doors were nailed with copper door knockers, which were as shiny as new.

Directly in front is a spacious living room, with two pots of blooming peonies placed in front of the living room door. The petals are layered and the colors are bright, including deep red and light pink. A gentle breeze blows and the fragrance of the flowers fills the air, which is refreshing and delightful.

Under the eaves of the living room hangs a plaque that reads "Council Hall," with a calm and dignified font that echoes the "Champion's Mansion" above the main gate.

Manager Wang stepped aside and led the three into the living room.

The living room was decorated simply yet solemnly. In the center was a large rosewood octagonal table with a smooth, mirror-like surface that reflected the lights from the ceiling. On either side of the table were eight carved armchairs with soft brocade cushions on their backs, which felt delicate to the touch.

A huge painting titled "The Landscape of the Song Dynasty" hangs on the wall. The painting is exquisite, and the landscape is clearly visible. On the other side, there are two calligraphy works with vigorous and powerful strokes and clear signatures, which are obviously the work of famous artists.

Two celadon vases were placed in the corner, each containing a few sprigs of fresh wintersweet. Although they had not yet bloomed, they exuded a faint fragrance. Next to the vases was a brass incense burner, from which burned a faint scent of sandalwood. The wisps of smoke curled up and filled the living room, dispelling the stuffiness in the room.

Stepping out of the living room and through a small moon gate, you arrive at the central courtyard.

The middle courtyard is the residential area, with a more elegant layout than the front courtyard. The ground is paved with gray square bricks, with a few specks of moss growing between the bricks, giving it a rustic feel.

The central courtyard is flanked by east and west wing rooms, each with a small terrace in front of its door. Stone tables and benches are placed on the terraces, and small purple clay tea sets are laid out on the stone tables, where one can enjoy tea and the view in their leisure time.

In the very center is the master bedroom, with a light brown wooden door carved with intricate lotus scroll patterns. A pale blue gauze curtain hangs in front of the door, fluttering gently in the breeze, revealing glimpses of the room's furnishings.

On either side of the master bedroom are several servants' rooms and a kitchen. A faint aroma of firewood wafts from the kitchen doorway, and the sound of servants' busy footsteps can be faintly heard, giving the room a touch of everyday life.

"General, the backyard is the garden, the most elegant place. Please follow me," Steward Wang said, bowing, and led the three through the side gate of the middle courtyard to the backyard.

The backyard is more spacious than the front and middle yards, and it exudes the exquisite beauty of Song Dynasty gardens.

The garden is planted with all kinds of exotic flowers and plants, including camellias, roses, and crabapples, which are in full bloom at the moment, vying for attention with their vibrant colors and dazzling beauty.

A gravel path meanders through the flowerbeds, its sides covered with a thick layer of fallen leaves that rustle underfoot.

At the end of the path is a small, hexagonal pavilion with a roof covered in blue tiles. A couplet is carved on the pillars in elegant calligraphy. Inside the pavilion are stone tables and benches for people to rest.

Beside the pavilion is a small pond, its surface as calm as a mirror, reflecting the pavilions, towers, flowers, and trees on the shore. In the center of the pond is a small stone bridge, exquisitely carved and smooth, which leads directly to the pavilion.

Several koi carp swam in the pond, occasionally leaping out of the water and splashing tiny droplets, breaking the tranquility of the pond.

Li Qinglu stared intently, her steps light as she ran to the flowerbed. She gently stroked the delicate petals, her face filled with joy, a smile that never faded from her lips: "Wu Lang, this place is so beautiful! Much more beautiful than the inn's courtyard!"

Wu Xingyun also slowed her pace, her gaze slowly sweeping over the scenery in the garden. The calmness in her eyes was replaced by a hint of amazement. She walked to the pond, looked at the koi in the water, and gently brushed her fingertips across the surface of the water. The cool touch made her nod slightly, and her expression softened a bit.

Wu Feng followed behind the two, his gaze sweeping over every plant and tree in the garden, secretly admiring this luxurious mansion in the city.

It possesses the elegance of Song Dynasty gardens while also being grand and tranquil, making it a top-tier residence even in the bustling city of Kaifeng.

After strolling around for a while, their fingertips brushed against the cool stone surface of the stone bridge in the backyard, they watched the koi carp swishing their tails and shattering the reflection of the pavilion on the water, and listened to the soft sound of the wind rustling bamboo leaves falling on the gravel path. Only then did the three of them have seen all the scenery of this champion's mansion.

The afternoon sun filters through the branches and leaves of the flowers and trees, casting dappled golden light onto the gray bricks. The light sways gently in the breeze, and the air is filled with the fragrance of grass and trees and the moisture from the pond, creating a refreshing and pleasant atmosphere.

Wu Feng brushed the fallen leaves off his shoulder and turned to Li Qinglu and Wu Xingyun, saying, "Let's go to the master bedroom area. You can choose a room that suits your taste."

Li Qinglu's face lit up with joy, and she quickly followed, her steps light as if she were walking on clouds. Wu Xingyun nodded slightly, lowered her eyes, and followed, her plain skirt sweeping across the moss between the bricks, leaving a faint mark.

Steward Wang followed behind, bowing and leading the way through the moon gate of the central courtyard, arriving at the courtyard where the master bedroom was located.

This courtyard is even more tranquil than the central courtyard. In the very center is a spacious master bedroom, with symmetrical side rooms on both sides. Stone tables and benches are placed on the terraces in front of the doors, and several rose bushes are planted along the edge of the terraces, shimmering in the sunlight.

"General, both side rooms face south and are well-lit. They are fully furnished and covered with brand-new brocade bedding. The two ladies may choose whatever they wish."

Manager Wang stood respectfully to the side, his tone humble and his eyes lowered, not daring to overstep his bounds in the slightest.

Li Qinglu's eyes lit up, and she quickly walked to the door of the west wing room. She gently pushed open the wooden door, and a faint scent of camphor wood wafted out.

She peeked inside; the room was spacious and bright, with the window facing the backyard garden. Sitting by the window, she could see the pond and gazebo. A wide smile immediately spread across her face as she turned to Wu Feng: "Wu Lang, I'll choose this room. It has a view of the garden; it's so beautiful!"

As she spoke, her fingertips gently caressed the carved window frame, her eyes filled with joy, even the fine lines at the corners of her eyes seemed to radiate excitement.

Wu Xingyun walked to the east wing room and pushed the door open gently and slowly. She glanced at the furnishings inside, which were simple and tidy, without too many fancy decorations. A pot of asparagus fern was placed in the corner, exuding a sense of elegance.

She nodded slightly, turned to Wu Feng and softly hummed in agreement, having chosen this room. Her eyes showed little emotion, but a hint of satisfaction was undeniable—it was quiet here, perfect for her to cultivate and nourish her mind.

Seeing that the two had chosen their rooms, Wu Feng smiled faintly and turned to Steward Wang, instructing, "Prepare dinner. It doesn't need to be too extravagant, just four dishes and a soup, light and palatable."

"Yes, General, I will go and instruct the kitchen immediately." Steward Wang hurriedly bowed and replied, bending even lower.

His tone was full of respect. After speaking, he turned and left quickly, his steps light and brisk, not daring to delay in the slightest.

After giving his instructions, Wu Feng led Li Qinglu and Wu Xingyun to sit down in the pavilion in the center of the master bedroom courtyard.

The stone table in the pavilion was wiped clean, and the stone benches were covered with soft brocade cushions, making them warm and cozy to sit on.

A breeze blew from the direction of the garden, carrying the fragrance of roses, brushing against my cheeks with a slightly cool and pleasant sensation.

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