Entering Cui Mansion (Seeking Follow-up Reads)

"Third Young Master Feng, the background of that man has been fully investigated."

Inside the side chamber, Steward Cheng bowed his head and stepped forward, respectfully presenting a few thin sheets of paper to Cui Xijun.

Written within were the details he had gathered regarding Chen Ye over the past few days.

Cui Xijun took them and lowered her gaze to read.

"Descendant of a branch of the Qinghe Prefecture Chen Family... hidden household of the Gao Family... caravan guard..."

Cui Xijun looked up and asked, "I recall the Gao Family is in Qinghe Prefecture, correct?"

"You recall correctly, Miss," Steward Cheng replied in a low voice. "The Gao Family has been operating in Qinghe Prefecture all these years, with few disciples entering the Capital City. It was only recently that one of their young masters received a summons from the Xie Family, which brought them some notice."

Cui Xijun's gaze remained on the paper as she asked, "Does this man have any ties to the Yingchuan Chen or Guangling Chen families?"

"It is unlikely. At most, his ancestors might have had some distant connection to the Guangling branch. As a hidden household member of the Gao Family, he certainly lacks a proper pedigree; otherwise, he would not have ended up working as a lowly caravan guard upon arriving in the Capital City."

Cui Xijun paused, then asked, "Did he intervene in the affairs of the Liu Family?"

"He did not."

Three questions and three answers; Steward Cheng's responses were quite concise.

Cui Xijun nodded slightly, placed the papers on the table, and said, "In that case, aside from his low birth, there is nothing amiss?"

Steward Cheng pondered for a moment before saying, "Actually, there is one matter concerning him that involves the Feng Family."

"Tell me."

"Some time ago, there was internal strife within the Feng Family. The Third Young Master Feng was said to have been poisoned by the Eldest Young Master, and this man was dragged into it. It is rumored that the reason the Eldest Young Master was exposed so quickly was due to this man's behind-the-scenes maneuvering."

"The widow of Third Young Master Feng holds him in high regard. It was because of this Feng Family incident that he lost his livelihood and went to Xiangguo Temple to offer incense... which is how he encountered you, Miss."

Cui Xijun listened quietly, forming a complete impression of Chen Ye: no pedigree, yet possessed of courage, strategic mind, and lethal skill.

He was a talent.

With her judgment made, Cui Xijun said, "Regardless, he did save my life. Since I promised a generous reward, I cannot go back on my word. If his background is clean and there are no issues, bring him into the mansion to work."

Steward Cheng hesitated, saying, "The various masters in the mansion have decreed that any future retainers or advisors recruited must be of scholarly background to be deemed worthy. Miss, what do you think..."

"Keep him with me for now. There is no need to issue formal documentation in the name of the Cui Mansion yet."

Steward Cheng nodded. "This old servant understands."

Chen Ye had not been idle these past few days.

Crossbows were contraband.

Even though the great noble families forged and used them in secret, it did not mean one could openly brandish them in the Capital City.

Doing so would only invite trouble.

Thus, he used his remaining money to commission a high-quality blade from a blacksmith, hiding it in his room for emergencies.

He also tailored two new sets of clothes that looked decent without being flashy.

Then, he went to the pharmacy to buy herbs for nourishing his blood and qi to assist in his martial arts training.

He began standing in his stance and taking medicine every day, tempering his bones and sinews.

A few days passed in a flash.

Chen Ye finally received the news he had been expecting.

"Are you Chen Ye?"

Deep within Osmanthus Lane.

A man dressed in green silk stood at the entrance of Chen Ye's home, his expression stern as he knocked on the door.

Two burly Blade-Axe Slaves stood two paces behind him.

At a glance, one could tell this was no ordinary person.

Neighbors in the lane poked their heads out, watching with curiosity.

Chen Ye looked the three of them over. Unsure of their origins, he said respectfully, "I am he. May I ask which mansion you serve?"

"I am from the Cui Family. In recognition of your merit in saving the Third Young Master, the Third Young Master wishes to recruit you into the mansion. Are you willing?"

Upon hearing this, the stone that had been hanging in Chen Ye's heart for days finally settled firmly into place.

All his previous planning had been for the sake of entering the Cui Mansion.

Now, it had finally been realized.

His plan for vengeance against the Gao and Xie families had taken a solid step forward.

Chen Ye's inner emotions were turbulent, but his face remained calm. Without revealing his thoughts, he performed a proper salute and said, "I am honored by the mansion's favor. I am deeply grateful."

The man seemed to have expected this.

Entering the Cui Mansion was an opportunity for an instant rise to prominence that many scholars in the Jing Kingdom dreamed of.

Those from high-born families might disdain it, but for others, it was everything.

For a scholar from a humble background, there was no reason to refuse such an opportunity.

Let alone for a commoner who didn't even qualify as a scholar.

The man dressed in blue satin took a letter from his bosom, the wax seal stamped with the private signet of Cui Xijun.

He handed it to Chen Ye and said, "Prepare yourself over these next two days. When the time comes, go straight to the mansion and seek out Third Miss Cui."

Chen Ye received the letter with both hands, immediately cupping his fists and saying solemnly, "I have troubled you all."

"Wait a moment, gentlemen." Seeing that they were about to leave, Chen Ye called out to stop them, then turned and went back into his house.

A moment later, he emerged again and distributed some broken silver to the three men.

"You have all worked hard for this trip. Once I enter the Cui Mansion, I may still need to seek your guidance."

The man in blue satin looked down at the silver in his palm; it was not much, not even an ounce.

The Blade-Axe Slave behind him received even less.

However, seeing Chen Ye's humble dwelling, he knew the man was not wealthy, and that producing even this much was no easy feat.

His impression of Chen Ye could not help but improve slightly.

The man pocketed the silver, his tone softening as he said, "You are different from us. We belong to the mansion; once you go there, just follow Third Miss Cui's arrangements and do not ask about anything else."

Having experienced the Gao Family, Chen Ye naturally understood the distinction. He grasped the meaning immediately and thanked them repeatedly.

With the business concluded, the man in blue satin did not linger. He gave a slight nod and led his men away.

As their figures vanished at the end of the alley, the neighbors began to buzz with discussion.

Chen Ye closed his door, paying them no mind.

Over these past days, aside from intentionally spreading the word that he was going to offer incense at Xiangguo Temple, he had not formed any deep connections.

For the sake of future security, he decided that once he entered the State Protector Mansion, he should move to a slightly better residence.

Having received confirmation, Chen Ye met with Zuo Dongxi and Su Guang that evening and candidly told them about the invitation from Third Miss Cui.

Upon hearing the news, both men were very happy.

In their eyes, they shared a bond forged through life-and-death experiences.

Chen Ye boarding a large ship first could only be to their benefit, with no downsides.

If there was envy, they felt it to some degree.

But to say they were green with jealousy would be an exaggeration.

Having struggled in the Capital City until now, both were clever and perceptive, having seen enough of the world to possess a certain breadth of character.

The three of them drank heartily at a tavern, enjoying themselves to the fullest.

They made a pact to meet at a pleasure house every seven or fifteen days to look out for one another in the future.

Two days later.

Everything was prepared.

Chen Ye carried the letter from Cui Xijun and stood before the towering gates of the Cui Mansion.

The Cui Mansion was majestic and solemn, exuding an imposing atmosphere.

The three characters for "State Protector Mansion" on the lintel were written with iron-like strokes, their momentum overwhelming.

Sunlight shone upon the vermilion-lacquered, copper-studded triple gates, casting a crystalline bronze luster.

It was currently mid-morning.

Only two of the three gates were open.

Scattered figures moved in and out.

Chen Ye steadied his mind, straightened his clothes, and stepped forward with a steady gait.

He took the letter given by Third Miss Cui from his bosom, handed it to the gatekeeper, and said, "I am Chen Ye. I have been invited by Third Miss to serve in the mansion. Please, inform her."

Inside the vermilion gates, someone responded and went off to report.

Chen Ye stood before the gate, waiting patiently.