Hou Niao arrived at the grand entrance of the Guan residence without an invitation or a visiting card...
Attending a birthday celebration doesn't necessarily require an invitation, since all attendees are guests coming to offer birthday wishes; however, lacking a visiting card was problematic because it was impossible to prove one's identity. What if it was an enemy causing trouble?
Caught in a deadlock, Hou Niao knew it was inappropriate to cause a stir at the front gate, as it could attract onlookers, potentially embarrassing not only himself but also the host.
"I come from a distant country and cannot disclose my name and origin. I am here at the behest of an old friend of Lord Guan, and arguing here benefits no one; tell Lord Guan that an old acquaintance from Mist Marsh has come, he will understand," he said.
