Chapter 299

The Military Advisor's Estate is located on Zhengxiang Street, just one block away from Zhengyang Street, the main thoroughfare of Beisha City. The Zhen Manor, where [the Prince] is staying, sits on Zhengyang Street; the fact that it is only a single block away from Zhengxiang Street is enough to illustrate the latter’s prosperity. The Military Advisor's Estate is the only official residence built on Zhengxiang Street. Most officials’ residences are arranged along Xingyuan Street near the government offices, both for convenience and because that area is the administrative center. While it may not be as affluent, it serves as a symbol of status and prestige. As a Staff Officer, Yang You had amassed countless riches in Beisha City. Consequently, he owned a residence on Xingyuan Street as well as this one on Zhengxiang Street, though he generally resided in the latter. The estate covers a vast area with four courtyards, three gardens, and an abundance of pavilions, rockeries, and elaborately carved beams and painted pillars. It is a masterpiece of exquisite craftsmanship that could never have been built without a massive fortune.