Farm Girl's Manor
Chapter 907: Hidden Truths Traverse Rebirth (1)

Chapter 907: 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.

Waiting in the courtyard, the matchmaker suddenly felt fear, worrying that Old Lady Cui would find her unskillful in her task. Although she would not be punished, if word got out, it could tarnish her reputation, making it difficult to matchmake among nobles and officials in the future.

At this possibility, sweat seeped out from the matchmaker’s back. Only by touching the bulging purse hidden in her sleeve did her heart feel slightly reassured.

After waiting an hour without being summoned, the matchmaker’s back and legs turned sore. Just as she was about to find a place to sit and rest, she saw several brightly dressed maids briskly entering the house with basins and trays. Soon there was movement inside; Old Lady Cui had awoken.

Another quarter of an hour passed, and once Old Lady Cui was neatly prepared, the maid in front came to call the matchmaker in.

The matchmaker hurriedly expressed her thanks, bowing her head cautiously as she followed inside, not daring to look around or to meet the gaze of Old Lady Cui, who sat in the seat of honor.

Apart from the matchmaker, only Old Lady Cui and a maid were in the room, as everyone else had been sent away.

Old Lady Cui, approaching her seventies, still had a youthful appearance. Despite her full head of silver hair, her cheeks were rosy, her eyes deep and bright, her demeanor more spirited than many middle-aged women. At this moment, seated in a place of authority, she regarded the matchmaker who was about to kneel with a serene command, "Dispense with the formalities; you may take a seat."

Quickly lowering herself in a bow, the matchmaker tearfully said, "Thank you, Old Lady, for your kindness. I take the liberty."

With that, she settled on a chair to one side, not daring to sit too firmly, which nevertheless brought some relief to her aching back and legs.

Old Lady Cui, a descendant of a military family, was direct in her speech and actions, unaccustomed to mincing words. She asked the matchmaker about the outcome of her visit to the Mo Family. Upon learning that the Mo Family had rejected the marriage proposal on the basis that the families were not well-matched, something flickered in Old Lady Cui’s eyes, yet she did not erupt in anger as the matchmaker had feared.