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After a winter had passed and with careful attention, the plants in the courtyard had grown even more robust and lush than before, with some spreading due to root growth and others sprouting new shoots from autumn seeds…
In essence, almost half of the courtyard was now occupied by these plants. It was the season for blooming flowers and lush foliage, presenting a delightful sight with vibrant greenery and flowers in shades of pink, red, and yellow peeking through.
Some of the flowers even emitted a pleasant fragrance.
Jiang Mixia briefly considered picking some flowers to arrange in vases inside the house. However, recalling Xun Yuanbo’s words about these seemingly ordinary wildflowers being valuable herbs, she decided against it.
Using these precious herbs for mere decoration felt wasteful.
Yet, the initial purpose of gathering flowers and plants in the mountains was to adorn the courtyard and house. Now, with the need to care for them diligently, she couldn’t help but feel a bit conflicted.
Feeling trapped by the conflicting emotions stemming from the shift in her original intention of gathering flowers and plants from the mountains for decoration to caring for them diligently, Jiang Mixia decided to alleviate her unease.
To lift her spirits, she took a stroll through the town and county flower shops, purchasing numerous potted plants and greenery.
One of the items she specifically selected was a small Ficus tree for Song Jingyun.
Placing it on Song Jingyun’s study desk, the vibrant greenery provided a refreshing sight for her “husband” to enjoy while studying.
Song Jingyun quite liked the plant and even placed small stones he had collected from the mountains around the base of the Ficus as decorations.
To maintain the Ficus’s appearance and soil moisture, the seller had cultivated a layer of moss on the soil surface. When placed alongside the moss-covered stones, the overall look was quite harmonious and aesthetically pleasing.
Jiang Mixia wholeheartedly approved of her husband’s sense of aesthetics.
Once she had arranged the potted plants and flowers, news came from the town’s real estate agency.
They had found the residence Jiang Mixia had been searching for.
The academy exams were scheduled for August.
The assistant at the real estate agency explained, “This residence was originally built by a family named Yuan in the county. Due to strained relations between their daughter-in-law and daughter, they constructed this courtyard specifically for the daughter’s use when she visited. However, as the daughter married far away and never returned, the entire Yuan family eventually moved to live with her and her husband.”
“Subsequently, after Mr. and Mrs. Yuan passed away due to illness, this estate was forgotten, with even the servants no longer properly caring for it. Recently, Mr. Yuan’s son discovered the property deeds and decided to sell it. The proceeds are intended as a gift for his sister and brother-in-law, as a token of gratitude for their years of care.”
“I’ve inquired thoroughly and found no complications or ill omens associated with the property. There’s a well in the courtyard, and the walls are solidly built with blue bricks and stones. Should you purchase it,Madam Jiang, a thorough cleanup, inside and out, along with some roof tile repairs, will suffice.”
Over time, the structure may have aged, but as for the roof, neglect can lead to the accumulation of debris like soil and leaves, causing issues such as cracked tiles or poor drainage, especially after exposure to rain in summer and freezing in winter.
The assistant continued, “If Madam Jiang lacks time or prefers not to handle these tasks, the agency can arrange for reliable individuals to perform the necessary work at a fair price. You can simply come and take over the clean courtyard when it’s ready.”
Jiang Mixia and Jiang Youcheng had just thoroughly inspected the courtyard inside and out.
The house was indeed sturdy, well-structured, and conveniently located. It was not far from the exam venue, the county school, or the Wende Academy. Just a turn out of the alley led to the main street, making daily necessities, food, and dining easily accessible.
Moreover, the price of 150 taels of silver for the estate was reasonable.
Jiang Mixia nodded decisively, “Alright, you can have your people fix and clean up the courtyard, and I’ll settle the payment when it’s done.”
When it comes to professional matters, it’s best to seek professionals. The agency had extensive experience in such dealings and could provide skilled workers, saving Jiang Mixia the effort of handling everything personally.
“Alright, madam Jiang, rest assured, we’ll take care of it.” The assistant assuredly responded, leading Jiang Mixia and Jiang Youcheng to the real estate agency to sign the necessary documents and submit a deposit.
After completing these tasks, Jiang Mixia and Jiang Youcheng headed back home.
On their way home, Jiang Mixia contemplated the layout of the various rooms in the newly acquired property.
Bedroom, study, utility room, kitchen, guest room…
The decoration, arrangement, furniture, and various small items in each room.
Determining the bed size, table material, chair height, dining table dimensions…
Jiang Mixia suddenly felt overwhelmed.
Indeed, throughout history, interior decoration has always been an incredibly complex and taxing task.
As Jiang Mixia pondered all these details, she found herself feeling a bit overwhelmed. Raising her head, she noticed Jiang Youcheng driving the ox cart, wearing a troubled expression.
“Dad, why do you look so unhappy?” Jiang Mixia couldn’t resist asking.
Jiang Youcheng turned his head away, not responding to Jiang Mixia’s question, and even let out a sigh.
“Sigh…”
This sigh, melodious and poignant, seemed to carry a sense of heartache.
“What’s… wrong?” Jiang Mixia was increasingly puzzled, unable to make sense of the situation.
After a moment, Jiang Youcheng turned to face Jiang Mixia, his gaze complex. “If you move to the county this time, will you come back?”
When you leave, will you remember your parents?