Chapter 907: The Peasant Girl’s Splendid Manor
Chapter 907: Hidden Truths and the Encounter with Rebirth (1)
At this moment, the matchmaker rode a small donkey and made her way to a vast estate located to the east of the city. The estate was surrounded by a white wall, with green willows gently swaying in the breeze. The tall main gate displayed a black sandalwood plaque, with the words "Cui Fu" (Cui Mansion) gleaming in gold under the sunlight. The calligraphy was bold and graceful, written with deep strokes, showing a balanced and restrained style, without a hint of sharpness.
Knowing her place, the matchmaker did not dare to stop at the front gate of the Cui Mansion. She urged the small donkey to the side gate at the back of the wall. Tying the donkey to a nearby willow tree, she adjusted her clothes and tucked her disheveled hair behind her ears. Feeling that she was presentable, she approached and knocked on the door.
The small gate quickly opened, and the matchmaker exchanged a few words with the maid at the entrance. Afterward, she was let inside and led by another maid. It took nearly a quarter of an hour before they stopped in front of a quiet, ancient courtyard.
What no one noticed was a seemingly insignificant bird that had followed the matchmaker all the way to the Cui Mansion. Taking advantage of the maids’ momentary lapse in attention, the bird flew through an open window and quietly hid in a corner of the room to avoid being seen.
The young maid at the courtyard gate, after learning of the matchmaker's identity and her purpose, calmly entered to report. Shortly after, she came back and told the matchmaker, “The old madam has just rested. You should wait in the corridor for now.”
“Ah, thank you, young miss, for the reminder.” The matchmaker thanked with a beaming smile.
Despite being just a gatekeeper, this maid was someone of great importance outside the mansion. Anyone knowing that she worked at the Cui Mansion would treat her with more respect, offering her various advantages. And if she had gained favor with her masters, her position would be even better. However, the Cui family had strict rules that prohibited servants from associating with outsiders to avoid any scandals that could bring trouble to the family.
As the matchmaker waited in the courtyard, she noticed the maids moving quietly, being careful not to make any noise that might disturb the madam’s rest. At that moment, she suddenly felt a pang of fear. She worried that the old madam might blame her for not completing her task properly. While she wouldn't be punished, such a rumor would surely tarnish her reputation. It would make it hard for her to maintain her position among the noble families as a trusted matchmaker.
The thought of this made her back sweat. She reached into her sleeve to reassure herself by touching the bulging purse hidden inside. That small comfort eased her nerves just a little.
Half an hour passed, and there was still no call for her. The matchmaker’s legs grew sore, and just as she was about to sit down to rest, a few brightly dressed maids quickly entered the house, carrying water basins and trays. Soon, sounds came from within—the old madam had risen.
A moment later, the maids who had attended the old madam came to call for the matchmaker.
The matchmaker quickly expressed her gratitude and, with her head lowered, cautiously followed the maid inside, not daring to raise her eyes or look directly at the old madam seated at the top.
Apart from the matchmaker, there was only the old madam and a single maid in the room. Everyone else had been dismissed.
The old madam, nearing seventy but with the appearance of a much younger woman, had silver hair but still a rosy complexion. Her deep, bright eyes and energetic demeanor made her appear more spirited than many middle-aged women. At this moment, she sat solemnly on a high seat, looking down at the matchmaker, who was about to kneel in respect, and said calmly, “No need for such formalities. Sit down.”
The matchmaker quickly bowed, tearfully expressing her gratitude. “Thank you, madam, for your understanding. I am but a foolish old woman.”
She then retreated to a chair by the side, sitting carefully, not daring to lean back fully but still feeling some relief for her sore legs.
The old madam was a person who preferred directness and clarity in speech. She immediately asked about the outcome of the matchmaker’s visit to the Mo family. Upon hearing that the Mo family had rejected the marriage proposal on the grounds of social status differences, a subtle flicker passed in the old madam’s eyes. Surprisingly, she did not erupt in anger as the matchmaker had expected.
[End of Chapter]
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