The Chens owned a three-section house in the Capital City. Whenever Chen Shiying came to the capital for work or official business, he would stay there.
The house, although not large, was exquisite. Mrs. Jiang lived in the main court; Chen Yulan lived in the West Cross Court; The three daughters of Chen Afu were appointed to stay in the rear shelter room.
A willow tree, budding with new green, stood in the courtyard of the rear shelter house. In the middle was a curved azure pond where several koi fish were raised. Large stones were randomly piled up by the pond.
The main room consisted of five spaces with two additional ear rooms on each side. Three more rooms were connected to the east and west sides of the house, each with two more ear rooms included.
Chen Afu and Chen Yuqing each occupied a room on the eastern and western ends, respectively, while Chen Yuxia stayed in the west wing room.