Chapter 908: The Peasant Girl’s Splendid Manor
Chapter 908: Hidden Truths and the Encounter with Rebirth (2)
The matchmaker secretly breathed a sigh of relief, patting her purse and flattering, “Although that young lady is of noble birth as a princess, she comes from a modest background, lacking the kind of refinement that matches the prestigious status of your family. What a pity, if only she had the honor to live under the care of someone as kind and loving as you, madam, her life could have been one of ease and happiness.”
The old madam did not comment but nodded slightly toward her attendant, Hong Shang, who stood beside her. She chose to ignore the matchmaker's flattery.
Hong Shang understood the old madam’s meaning, and with a respectful bow, she left the room. When she returned, she was holding a satin pouch. Approaching the matchmaker, she smiled and said, “The old madam sympathizes with your hard work. This is a reward for your efforts, some money for you to drink with. Please accept it!”
The matchmaker might accept gifts from the Mo family, but she dared not take anything from the Cui family. After all, she was relying on the old madam’s favor to handle a marriage proposal for her grandson. Hastily, she stood up and apologized, “I failed in this task and feel I have disappointed you, madam. Your kindness and generosity are more than I deserve, and I truly cannot accept this silver.”
In most families, such words would likely earn the matchmaker some favor, but not in the Cui family. The old madam was not lacking in money, and giving silver was merely a customary act. Refusing it, however, would seem ungrateful and ill-mannered.
The matchmaker, who often moved among noble families, should have known better. Her greed had led her to forget her own position and role, hoping to seize the matchmaking task for herself.
Sure enough, the old madam’s expression darkened, and she no longer paid any attention to the matchmaker. To Hong Shang, who still held the pouch, she said, “Since Qian Bingren refuses the money, give it to you instead. Don’t just stand there, thank her properly.”
Hong Shang, ever quick on her feet, immediately bent into a deep curtsy and said, “Thank you, madam. Thank you, Qian Bingren!” With a wide grin, she tucked the pouch into her sleeve, happily saying, “Qian Bingren, please follow me. I will see you out.”
The matchmaker’s face stiffened, but she did not dare to protest. After giving the old madam a bow, she followed Hong Shang out, her heart full of resentment.
After a while, Hong Shang returned to the room and walked behind the old madam, massaging her shoulders as she spoke. “Earlier, I ran into Seventh Master’s servant by the gate. He asked about the matchmaking for Seventh Master, probably following his instructions. I told him to take Qian Bingren aside and discuss it in detail.”
The “Seventh Master” was none other than Cui Ping’an, the old madam’s most beloved grandson, whom the matchmaker had been handling a marriage for, with the Mo family.
Although “Seventh Master” might sound like a common title, it carried a deep and heartfelt wish from the old madam. Cui Ping’an had been born frail, and from a young age, he had been soaked in medicine. If not for the Cui family’s wealth, the cost of his treatments would have long drained their resources.
As the old madam spoke about her beloved grandson, her stern face softened. “That’s just his awkward nature. He never talks about his feelings in front of me, his grandmother. Only his aunt can get him to open up a little.”
Though her tone was one of helplessness, it was filled with deep affection.
Hong Shang, who had long been loyal to the old madam, wisely avoided criticizing Seventh Master’s behavior. Instead, she sincerely praised him, saying, “Seventh Master is just filial. He doesn’t want to burden you with his worries, and with his aunt around, the old madam can rest assured.”
Despite his awkwardness, Seventh Master was truly a kind and simple soul. He was deeply respectful toward the old madam and never put on airs in front of the servants. Everyone in the house, except for one person, had a deep fondness for Seventh Master.
[End of Chapter]
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