027 Building an Estate for You

Once again, I shamelessly call for pink tickets and PK votes—every 200 points means one extra chapter, so dear readers, cast your votes quickly!

Xiao Liu’s predictions proved remarkably accurate: before sunset, they reached their destination. As she alighted from the carriage and gazed at the imposing gate tower before her, Ning Qian’s mouth fell open in astonishment. “Is this…?” Although the Ning family was known for its considerable wealth, even their estate paled in comparison to this one’s extravagance.

Her wonder only deepened as she took in their surroundings. This truly was a place of unsurpassed beauty. The residence nestled against the foot of a small mountain, around which a gentle stream meandered. The house was set amidst pavilions, terraces, towers, and archways, all reflected gracefully in the water, conjuring the idyllic scene of “a small bridge, flowing water, and a home.”

“Xiao Liu, this…”

“Madam, the young master is waiting inside. Shall we go in first and speak later?”

“All right.” She reluctantly tore her gaze from the scenery. Led by Xiao Liu, the three of them entered the estate. The residence was mostly composed of two-story brick-and-timber buildings, arranged in several successive courtyards, each open to the sky above for ventilation, sunlight, and drainage.

Ning Qian followed Xiao Liu into the main hall. Hanging in the center was a traditional painting, flanked by couplets on the pillars: “Reading is good, business is good, fulfilling one’s duties is best of all; starting a business is hard, keeping it is hard, but knowing it’s hard is not hard.” She knew well that Huizhou merchants cherished learning and valued scholarship. The couplets were ordinary enough, but she wouldn’t have thought Yu Ziqi would favor such words.

The furnishings were simple: a long table with a vase on the eastern side, antique mirrors to either side, and a clock in the center. Ning Qian understood the symbolism—the wish for Huizhou merchants to return safely from their journeys. She smiled faintly and shook her head; who would have thought Yu Ziqi possessed such practical sensibilities?

“Madam, I’ll go inside and invite the young master out.”

“Mm, please do.” Xiao Liu slipped through a side door. Not long after, footsteps sounded from that direction. Ning Qian adjusted her clothing and turned to look.

Sure enough, Yu Ziqi entered. Upon seeing him, Ning Qian bowed in greeting. “Sir, good day.”

“No need for such formalities in private. Xiao Liu, take Nianyu and Shuni to settle in. We won’t require your service here.”

“Yes, sir.” Xiao Liu gestured for Nianyu and Shuni to follow.

But Nianyu and Shuni seemed rooted to the spot, hesitant to leave. Both looked at Ning Qian, wanting to speak but holding back. The memory of Yu Ziqi’s terrifying expression days before still haunted them; they feared he might harm Ning Qian again.

“You two go with Xiao Liu. I’ll be fine here, there’s nothing to worry about.” Despite her reassuring words, Ning Qian herself felt a trace of unease. Although Yu Ziqi had seemed reconciliatory two days ago, the shadow remained—how could she not worry?

With nothing more to say, Nianyu and Shuni bowed and left with Xiao Liu. As soon as they were gone, Yu Ziqi approached Ning Qian, took her hand, and looked deep into her eyes. “Are you tired?”

“It’s all right. The journey was a bit bumpy, but not long, so I’m not really tired. Still, what is this place? Why did you have Xiao Liu bring me here?”

“This is your residence.”

“Mine?” Ning Qian was puzzled.

“Yes, this house is yours—I had it built for you. In fact, it’s taken over a year to complete. How do you like it?”

Though she couldn’t quite grasp his intent, she nodded. “I like it. It’s beautiful—mountains and water. But sir, why did you build a residence here? Are you planning to move out?”

“Not exactly. But it’s nice to come here for a change of scenery. Come, let me show you around.”

“All right.”

He took her hand and led her outside. Feeling the warmth of his grasp, Ning Qian’s brows knitted in thought. What sort of man was he, truly? Only days ago, this very hand had nearly strangled her, yet now it radiated such burning warmth. “Madam, do you know the layout of this residence?”

Is he testing me? Ning Qian wondered. In truth, she was not afraid. She had studied the architectural styles of Huizhou, after all—this was now her home.

“Well, as far as I know, Huizhou residences typically have layouts shaped like a rectangle, a sun, or a concave character, often with two stories and successive courtyards. I’m not sure which type this house is, though.”

“You truly are a learned lady. It’s true there are many types of Huizhou architecture, but this residence is unlike any of them.”

“Oh?” Ning Qian’s surprise was evident—she hadn’t expected that.

“This estate is laid out in the shape of a square with an open center. A straight stone-paved corridor runs from the main gate, dividing six large courtyards into north and south rows, with sloped walls on either side for support. At the far west end stands the Yu family ancestral hall, facing the main gate. There are four main buildings, six gate towers and viewing pavilions, and the rooftops are connected by walkways for patrols and security. Each courtyard has two skylights, with bedrooms and halls to either side. The central area is divided into a front hall and a rear courtyard. The rear contains a small garden, each courtyard unique, but the main courtyard is the most exceptional. Madam, shall we see the main courtyard together?”

“Yes!” By now, Ning Qian was utterly intrigued—this place was truly beautiful.

They continued on, and at the final courtyard, Yu Ziqi pointed to the plaque above the window. “Madam, this is the main courtyard.”

Ning Qian looked up. “Qian Garden? What is this?”

“This is your courtyard, named for you. Isn’t it fitting?”

“You—” Truth be told, Ning Qian was a little moved. Still, that didn’t mean she would accept him so easily. How could she forgive a man who had once laid hands on a woman?

Yu Ziqi smiled gently. “Come, let’s go inside.”

“Mm.”

They stepped through the gate into a broad corridor, the layout similar to the previous courtyards but much grander. The design here was even more exquisite, with exceptional brick and wood carvings. What Ning Qian loved most was the small round lake in the rear courtyard, dotted with artificial hills and crossed by a delicate bridge leading to a pavilion atop one of the rocks.

The lake teemed with koi and other lively fish. But the most unique feature stood beyond the lake—a grove of red plum trees. Though it was late winter, the plum blossoms were still in glorious bloom. Ning Qian’s eyes widened in delight at the sight.

A gentle breeze stirred, sending petals fluttering like crimson snow. She caught one in her hand, raised it to her nose, and took a deep breath. A rich fragrance flooded her senses. “It smells wonderful.”