The road, repeatedly churned by wheels and hooves, had no accumulated snow.
The bustle of people and animals generated enough warmth to melt the freshly fallen snowflakes, even though they were already as large as copper coins.
Naturally, Cui Jiuyang had not brought along the maid Liu Jingye had arranged for him.
When he took the carriage reins from Liu Jingye, he caught sight of the little maid shrinking timidly in a corner of the carriage, nervously twisting the hem of her clothes in both hands, her eyes filled with apprehension and unease about her unknown future.
A single glance told Cui Jiuyang that this girl was probably more than a maid assigned to menial chores.
She had delicate features and a gentle bearing, and looked even younger than Liu Jingtang. Her timid appearance truly stirred pity.
At the sight of such a young, handsome man as Cui Jiuyang, she visibly relaxed, a barely perceptible blush rising to her cheeks, as though she was secretly relieved that the master she would serve was young.
Then she unconsciously smoothed the stray hairs at her temples and gently tugged her collar straight, as though trying to make herself look neater and prettier.
When she heard Cui Jiuyang tell Liu Jingye, "I have no need of her," the little maid turned deathly pale and began kowtowing inside the carriage in panic.
Cui Jiuyang did not look at her again or say anything more. He merely patted Liu Jingye on the shoulder, signaling for him to handle it.
Liu Jingye was a clever man. He understood at once and hurriedly called the maid down from the carriage.
Then he pulled Liu Jingtang over, insisting that they kowtow to Cui Jiuyang in gratitude.
Cui Jiuyang flicked a finger, and two invisible breezes silently cushioned their