During Qingming, I enter Gusu, avoiding the crowds to experience the true essence of Jiangnan

In the Qingming season of Gusu, with the slanting wind and drizzle, the willows are sparsely covered in a light mist. Walking through the alleys paved with blue bricks, surrounded by grey tiles and white walls, with dark water encircling the homes, every stop seems like a dream of flying flowers, and the fine rain is as delicate as sorrow. Sitting on the stone bench by the road, I watch the gardenia bloom along Pingjiang Road, and listen to the laughter under the oil-paper umbrellas, as if time itself has slowed down. It's just a pity that during the holidays, everywhere is crowded with people. The seven-mile Shantang is blocked for six miles, and the Lion Grove has turned into a 'lion's head'. Fortunately, staying in Chang Garden, I don't need to go out to enjoy the secluded beauty of the flowing water screen. Although the courtyard is small, it has rocks gathered as mountains, water encircling as a pond, with the fine rain tapping on the windows, and koi fish frolicking. I simply give up the tourist mindset, take a short rest on the lounge chair, drink a pot of fragrant tea, and that is the true Jiangnan.