Chapter 907: Hidden Truths Traverse Rebirth (1)
On this side, the matchmaker rode her small donkey straight to the eastern part of the city, arriving at a large estate that occupied an expansive plot of land. The compound was encircled by white walls and gently caressed by green willows. Hanging on the tall gate was a black rosewood plaque engraved with the words "Cui Mansion," their golden characters gleaming in the sunlight. Those words, with their dragon-and-snake-like strokes, were profound yet restrained, devoid of any hint of sharpness.
Knowing her place, the matchmaker didn’t dare stop at the main gate of the Cui Mansion but instead hurried the small donkey to a side gate along another wall. She tied the donkey to a willow tree nearby, straightened her skirt, and tidied her wind-blown hair behind her ears before deeming herself presentable enough to knock on the door.
The side door was quickly opened, and after a brief exchange, the guarding janitress allowed the matchmaker to enter. Led by another janitress, the matchmaker walked for nearly a quarter of an hour before halting in front of a quiet and quaint courtyard.
No one noticed that an inconspicuous bird had followed the matchmaker all the way to the Cui Mansion. Taking advantage of an unobservant maid, it flew through an open window into the house and quietly hid in a corner away from prying eyes.
The young maid at the courtyard gate, upon confirming the matchmaker’s identity and purpose, went inside unhurriedly to report and soon returned, saying to the matchmaker, "The old lady has just lain down for a rest. You should wait under the corridor."
"Ah, many thanks, miss, for the reminder," the matchmaker said with a face full of grateful smiles.
Even as just a gatekeeping maid, once outside, simply mentioning that she worked at the Cui Mansion would earn her the respect of others and many conveniences. If she managed to gain favor in the eyes of the masters, it would be even more significant, as there would be no shortage of people seeking her help. Fortunately, the Cui family ruled their servants with discipline, never allowing them to fraternize indiscreetly outside, lest they cause troubles that could implicate the household.