Zhong Kexin's abode had red clay tiled roof. Doorways to the east of her abode opened into a garden. She usually spent much of her time in those courtyards. Plants and trees grew in the courtyard spaces, providing shade from summer sun. The courtyard was square, vast and of a suitable size. It contained flowers and was set up with rocks, providing an ideal space for outdoor life.The verandah divided the courtyard into several big and small spaces that were not very distant from each other. Those spaces penetrated one another, setting off the void and the solids, and the contrast of shadows.
In front of the aisle was a small, quiet corner yard which she often used as a study. Both sides of the main yard had a wing room that served as a living room. Both the principal room and wing rooms faced the yards, which had front porches. Verandahs linked the floral-pendant gate and the three houses.
Colourful lanterns were hung outside and on the verandah to illuminate the dark place as it was at night.
......
"Forgive me for intruding your thoughts, Miss Zhong Kexin. But your mother is asking you to go and eat together with the family." Madam Liu said politely as she bowed slightly.
Chow Yi Nuo turned around and faced Madam Liu, who kept her gaze low. She was the insolent fool who had scolded her for her manners.
"I am tired. I will eat later, I just want to rest." Chow Yi Nuo refused to go and meet the old woman.
"Pardon me, Miss Zhong Kexin. But if the seventh mistress does not go with me, then Madam Lin Leizu will punish me for being disobedient." Madam Liu said with a worried look on her face, there was a hint of worry in her voice.
"Then get punished, Madam Liu, I don't care a bit. You disrespected me, you happen to be lucky that I am too happy now." Chow Yi Nuo said ignoring her plea. She settled on the hardwood, low back armchair, resting one leg above the other.
"The seventh mistress cannot refuse the command of her mother, the first wife of the Zhong Mansion." Madam Liu threatened Chow Yi Nuo.
Chow Yi Nuo chuckled and rested her elbow on the armchair. Her chin rested on it and she said, "Madam Liu, you should beg me instead of lecturing me about obedience and disobedience."
Madam Liu widened her eyes in exasperation.
"The seventh mistress shall not disrespect me. I am the highest ranking maid servant in Zhong Mansion."Madam Liu stated proudly.
"Madam Liu, you lost your chance to convince me. Now, I shall tell Madam Lin Leizu how you used her name to build a house for your family in the countryside for retirement," Chow Yi Nuo stated as she stood up from the armchair and dusted off her clothes. Madam Liu was completely terrified and taken aback.
"What happened? Did you think that nobody could find that out? You should blame Zhong Guiying for sending me to the forest. Even though I was away for a day and locked up in the deserted abode, I know everything that took place here." Chow Yi Nuo affirmed with a smirk and walked past Madam Liu.
Madam Liu ran after Chow Yi Nuo to convince her not to tell Madam Lin Leizu about the house. However, Chow Yi Nuo did not pay heed to him. She walked outside her bed chamber, through the courtyard and out of her abode and into the main yard and soon reached the main hall.