It was already late afternoon by the time the contracts were ready. After carefully reading the contents, the village chief of Nanshan Village bore witness to the three parties signing the contract before they had a sumptuous lunch.
The village chief, Lu Lizheng, had the look of an older man in his 50s or 60s, but was probably closer to 40. The hard labor that farmers endured during this era exposed them to the elements, causing them to age much quicker.
Lu Lizheng had a very distinguished look in Xu Feng's eyes, with a kind smile. He also brought his two sons, Lu Dalang and Lu Erlang, for this fortunate meeting with the mistress of the Xuan family and the young master.
It was obvious they were here to rub shoulders with those in high places, but Xu Feng was unbothered. If they were eager to form a relationship with him, it would be in his best interest. Being closer to the villagers would help him set roots here.
Since this was a northern village, the men from Lizheng's family were all on the taller side, between 5 '9" and 6 '0", but they still found Xu Feng's height impressive for a ger and his silver hair eye-catching.
Most of the conversation was between the Lizheng group, with the Xuans being polite but aloof. After Lady Xuan glared at Xu Feng when he openly chatted with the amiable Lu Erlang, the ger decided to shut his mouth and pick his battles.
Xu Feng was soon to be the young mistress of the Xuan family, it was inappropriate to talk to unknown men, especially in front of his future mother-in-law. Getting to know the villagers would have to wait till another time.
Xu Feng did note that while Lu Erlang seemed very simple and hardworking, he was also a very handsome man, even more than his older brother. If nothing else, he would be good eye candy after things settled.
The lunch wasn't too long, and after Xuan Yang and Xuan Jian went down the mountain to see off the Lizheng family, Lady Xuan immediately retreated to her most opulent Flowering Courtyard.
As soon as the bigwigs had cleared out, little Si was bouncing up and down with joy, "Congratulations, Master Xu!"
"Congratulations, young mistress," San followed, completely stunned by the turn of events.
A strange ger who was sent to their estate was now going to become their young mistress, the young mistress of the entire Xuan family! And they were serving the young mistress!
"Hahaha!" Xu Feng got caught up in the mirth of the two young girls.
Yes, the contract was successfully signed. Yes, he would soon be their young mistress. Yes, this was all really happening. The heavens seemed to be working on his side in this.
"I want to look around the Blooming Courtyard."
"Huh?" Si was confused. The Blooming courtyard was rarely used. Only once since she came to Nanshan Village did the Master of the Xuan family visit and use the courtyard. Apart from that, the courtyard was always maintained but remained empty.
"All the courtyards will be renovated, and the Blooming Courtyard will be given to me."
"The young master and young mistress won't share a courtyard?" Even the wise little San seemed confused by this turn of events.
Logically, San should know that even the Mistress and Master of the Xuan family had separate courtyards. It wasn't uncommon in large families. But Xuan Yang and Xu Feng had already been sharing a courtyard, and farm families shared one building, one room, and one bed.
For Xu Feng, sharing a courtyard with Xuan Yang made no sense. It wasn't a real marriage and as a modern man, he liked his personal space.
Plus, if he shared a courtyard with Xuan Yang, wouldn't he be intruding on Xuan Yang and Xuan Jian's love life? If he really wanted to peep on the two, he would do it intentionally, not accidentally.
Let them be as loud as they want in their own courtyard!
Xu Feng's face had reddened to the point where he looked like a tomato…a tomato with silver-white leaves on top.
Completely oblivious to Xu Feng's perverted internal monologue, the two girls thought he was shy as a new bride. They nodded at each other in understanding as they led Xu Feng from the reception hall to the central courtyard.
The main reception hall had a kitchen and dining area where residents of the three courtyards could come together to entertain guests and enjoy meals. It was closest to the main gate of the compound leading down the mountain.
This reception hall also had a side pathway that led to the servants' quarters and the livestock area. After moving past this reception hall, the main pathway surrounded by greenery led to a fork in the road.
From the right to the left were the Budding Courtyard where Xu Feng and Xuan Yang were currently residing, the Blooming Courtyard where Xu Feng would move, and the Flowering Courtyard where Lady Xuan lived temporarily.
All three courtyards were essentially the same, spacious and well-crafted in the standard courtyard plan for the era. Although the Flowering Courtyard was a bit more luxurious with a pavilion and small pond of its own.
As the three explored the Blooming Courtyard, Xu Feng quickly lost track of time planning his new living space. The entire estate would be his, but this courtyard would be his home.
The entrance into the courtyard would be better with some fruiting trees, and an area to grow produce. The well to the right of the courtyard would be helpful, too.
The food in this era was untouched by chemicals, and the earth was unpolluted. Everything tasted better. It would be a waste not to grow more delicious foods, and being self-sufficient in his little courtyard was Xu Feng's plan.
He wanted to have no need for servants in his courtyard. It would be a space where he could be himself without the public gaze on him.
It would take some work to modify the building and make it more modern, and putting in some heating throughout the house was non-negotiable.
He was raised in the North, but that didn't mean Xu Feng wanted to harsh it out through winter in ancient times.