The maid was actually not very old either and likely heard about these old affairs of the mansion from the elders. Even so, it made Lin Yuan realize something: the exquisite decorations throughout the estate were all the work of Jin Yuyu after her marriage. Perhaps a considerable amount of silver spent on these decorations came straight from Jin Yuyu’s own purse.
Indeed, Jin Yuyu was the sole legitimate daughter of Jin Ji Vinegar Workshop, and when she married, Old Lady Jin certainly provided a rich dowry of fine things. To renovate a garden would have been an effortless task for her.
No wonder she wanted to marry Jin Yuyu to Li Chengzhi. After all, she spent her silver to build this entire estate; how could she bear to leave it to someone else?
Lin Yuan followed the maid with a smile, seemingly casual as she glanced aside and asked, "Oh, that house over there looks quite unique. Is it where the young ladies of the house reside?"
The maid looked where Lin Yuan pointed and replied with a smile, "Miss, you guessed wrong this time. Our master only has two sons and no daughters. Those houses over there are for the master’s little concubines. That one is Maternal Aunt Shen’s residence, and over there is Maternal Aunt Liu’s. Oh, and this one close to the master’s quarters, that’s Maternal Aunt Lin’s courtyard."
Maternal Aunt Lin’s courtyard?
When Lin Yuan broke into the estate with Xia Zheng looking for Li Chang, she had stumbled upon Li Chang’s intimate moment with Lin Siyu. She remembered it wasn’t in this house but seemed farther away, in a more secluded area. It was surprising that in just a few months, Lin Siyu had been moved to the courtyard closest to Li Chang’s quarters. It seemed she was truly favored.
Under the maid’s guidance, Lin Yuan quickly arrived at Jin Yuyu’s courtyard, which, unlike the concubines’ quarters she had seen before, appeared more spacious and elegant.
Besides the several green bamboo stalks planted on the east side of the courtyard, there were also several crabapple trees to the west. However, the season was wrong, and the crabapples were almost bare, with some of the bamboo turning yellowish. Yet, this could not detract from the courtyard’s overall beauty. In the center stood two large fish tanks; one was filled with bright red goldfish, while the other housed two carp gleaming with golden sheen—obviously not cheap items.
Lin Yuan was amazed yet again by the wealth of the Jin family. If a daughter married out could live so lavishly, one could only imagine Old Lady Jin’s opulence. Regrettably, during her last visit to Jin Mansion, she had been too preoccupied with Lin Changshuan and Jin Yuyu’s safety to take a proper look around. She resolved to visit Jin Mansion again when the opportunity arose.
While she was lost in thought, the maid lifted the curtain and greeted the delicate woman who emerged from the room, "Zi Yu sister, I’ve brought Miss Lin inside."
Zi Yu, Jin Yuyu’s most capable head maid, personally came out to welcome her, which showed just how much Jin Yuyu valued Lin Yuan.
"Please accept my greetings, Miss Lin," Zi Yu said, smiling and bowing slightly, warmly taking her hand to lead her inside. "Madam was so happy to hear of your arrival. I’ve been sent out several times to look for you."
Lin Yuan responded with a smile.
From the outside, Lady Jin’s residence seemed no different, but upon entering, Lin Yuan felt a wave of heat accompanied by an aroma that tickled her nose, causing her to lift her hand and rub the tip of her nose.
"You’re here? Please have a seat," Lady Jin urged as Lin Yuan arrived, quickly inviting her to sit. Yet, as a younger member of the company, Lin Yuan still gave a customary bow before taking her seat.
"I know you, Boss Lin, are very busy with business, and I truly feel apologetic for sending you an invitation," Lady Jin began with an apology that somewhat disarmed Lin Yuan. She had anticipated many formalities from Lady Jin, whether compliments or thanks, but she had not expected an apology!