Chapter 22 Examining Gemstones She sensed eyes pressing down from above and lifted her chin with a look of feigned confusion. A corner of fabric slipped hastily out of sight on the upper floor, and her lips curved with a faint, knowing smile. Only then did she let her gaze fall once more. +10 Free Coins The simple gesture startled Lady Miao. She clutched Madam Wu's sleeve and whispered with unease, "Did she notice us?" Madam Wu stretched her neck to glance downward. "No, Lady Miao. She did not." Lady Miao exhaled, her eyes still narrowing with displeasure as she studied the hall below. Ma Ting seemed utterly unaware, which only left her vexed. "This girl is far too careless. One day, she will be taken advantage of." Madam Wu remained silent, though a sly smile rested on her lips. She well remembered that Ms. Ma was an honored guest of the Golden Pavilion, one who should by right have been received in a private chamber. Yet the lady had chosen to stand where every eye might see her. That meant she already knew Lady Miao was here. She wanted to be seen. Lady Miao examined her again. "She is indeed beautiful. It is no wonder Rong'er favors her. "She is too striking, though. A face like that will always draw danger." Madam Wu shook her head with gentle resignation. "Lady Miao, beauty is a treasure. Should you bring her out one day, her presence would bring you nothing but honor." Lady Miao's gaze lingered on Ma Ting. She nodded almost unconsciously, but when she caught herself, suspicion stirred in her tone. "The moment she arrives, you rush to praise her. Where do your loyalties truly lie?" Madam Wu hurried to steady her mistress into her seat. "I am devoted to you, Lady Miao. Yet Ma Ting is cherished by His Grace. Since it is rare for His Grace to show affection, should you not grant her a measure of kindness, my lady?" The reminder of Ma Ting's standing softened Lady Miao's eyes. Sympathy flickered there. For the moment, she found the girl pleasing. Still, she wished to test her further. A cry rang from below. "Heavens! Ms. Ma, how could you be so clumsy? That jade necklace is worth a fortune!" The name caught Lady Miao's attention. Lady Miao straightened at once, her brow furrowing as she peered down into the hall. 1/3 6:10 pm D Chapter 22 Examining Gemstones +10 Free Coins When her eyes landed on the woman confronting Ma Ting, she let out a sharp sigh of contempt. "Marquis Sunfair's house shows no discipline at all. They are allowing that low concubine to parade herself in public!" The one standing across from Ma Ting was He Xinying. Her lashes glistened with tears as she dabbed her eyes with practiced sorrow. "Tingting, only because I said this necklace was gifted by Master Han, you would strike me on purpose so I lose it before all these people?" Ma Ting's gaze slid to the jade beads scattered across the floor. A quiet laugh shimmered in her eyes. Quick-tempered Ding Jie stooped and caught one bead between her fingers. Surprise flashed in her face. "Ms. Ting, this is the necklace you once gave Old Mrs. Li!" He Xinying's pitiful mask faltered. Her eyes flicked to the bead in Ding Jie's hand. In the sunlight, the jade shone with dazzling brilliance. Even the most ignorant eye could tell this was no trinket from the Golden Pavilion. A murmur of laughter rippled through the crowd. "Concubine He, this necklace hardly looks like Golden Pavilion craft. Did Old Mrs. Li's jewelry for yourself?" He Xinying's stomach dropped. She had not foreseen this. The necklace was indeed given by Li Han, yet she could not be sure whether it had come from Ma Ting. you take She steeled herself and answered, "Master Han purchased this for me only recently. How could it possibly be something you once gifted away? Perhaps you are mistaken, Ms. Ma." Ma Ting met Ding Jie's eyes, and Ding Jie placed the bead carefully on a tray. "Of course, Concubine He. Though the marquis' household has still not returned the engagement gifts to my family, I cannot believe they would take what I once bestowed and hand it to another." Her lips curved faintly. She had been vexed that the Marquis' family delayed returning those gifts. Yet now fortune itself had delivered her the chance to demand them. This outing had proven well worth the effort. Whispers rose at once. "So, the gifts have yet to be returned?" "Marquis Sunfair's family is not lacking in wealth. Could they still wish to cling to the marriage?" "If this necklace truly came from the Ma family, then we shall all have a scandal to savor." The words struck He Xinying like stones. Her hand tightened sharply inside her sleeve. She had planned to stumble into Ma Ting, to feign helplessness and cast shadows upon her name. Instead, she found herself burdened with a fire she could not hold. 2/3 6:10 pm & D Chapter 22 Examining Gemstones +10 Free Coins She drew a breath, forcing her voice steady. "You need not worry, Tingting. Master Han is a man of principle. He would never keep what belongs to you. He has merely been preoccupied these past days and forgot." A strained smile touched her lips, though her eyes betrayed unease when they met Ma Ting's. "In that case, I must trouble you, Concubine He, to deliver word to Old Mrs. Li. Let her return the items swiftly. If I am compelled to call upon her in person, it will only invite further whispers." 6:11 pm & D