The house that Gu Tao lived in was a gift from Wanyan Jing, with the special attention of the emperor, so the craftsmen were very earnest in renovating the house for him. Moreover, the rewards Gu Tao handed out were generous. They received their wages as well as large tips, naturally motivating them to work hard and faithfully follow the architectural designs that Gu Tao had set for them.
The house wasn't large. Gu Tao didn't choose a very big house, and it was located near the edge of the city, away from the bustling areas. It was a simple small courtyard, yet the entire structure was different from the local architectural style, giving it a charming and exquisite look.
To address the issues of cold and frost, the walls were made very thick. And to please their generous patron, the craftsmen almost made the walls as sturdy as city walls, incorporating special glutinous rice techniques—constructed entirely like city walls, solid as a fortress.
