Chapter 23 Departure Chapter 23 Departure +10 Free Coins Ma Ting found the concubine's artificial smile tiresome. She completed her transaction and guided Ding Jie from the shop.without a backward glance. She silently dismissed the idea that a broken necklace could cause her any real embarrassment. He Xinying's methods remained disappointingly simple. From her balcony vantage point, Lady Miao observed the scene with a faint nod of approval. She gestured to a servant. "Extend an invitation for tea at the establishment next door." The young woman had handled a public confrontation with impressive composure and had even turned the situation to her advantage. She demonstrated sharp intelligence. This suggested a future free of foolish mistakes. Madam Wu moved quickly to obey, though she was careful not to approach Ma Ting on the open street. The official announcement had not yet been made, so any visible contact risked starting premature gossip. Lady Miao descended the stairs gracefully, supported by her maid. She offered a look of pure disdain to He Xinying, who was still scrambling on the floor for her pearls, before calmly exiting toward the nearby tea house. Stepping out of the Golden Pavilion, He Xinying felt a cold dread at the thought of returning to the Marquis Sunfair's Residence. As she considered finding Li Han for help, Madam Feng came rushing toward her, her face flushed from hurrying. Mindful of the watching crowd, Madam Feng did not raise her voice. Instead, she grabbed He Xinying's arm with a painful grip, making the girl stumble and almost fall. Madam Feng smiled tightly at the people around them while pulling He Xinying close. Her next words were a low, angry whisper only the girl could hear. "You foolish child! I turn my back for one moment, and you create a spectacle! You will answer to Old Mrs. Li for this!" He Xinying was shaking uncontrollably as she was pushed forcefully into their carriage. Ma Ting watched the entire confrontation from a shadowed corner down the street. Ding Jie released a happy sigh. "Concubine He got exactly what she deserved for trying to shame you, Ms. Ting! I wonder what story she will tell Old Mrs. Li." "She has no good explanation. The marquis' family will not want to return the many gifts I sent them." Over many years of friendship with Li Han, she had given his family numerous expensive presents, including fine jewelry for his mother, Lady Chen. Those pieces were made from the best Southriver gemstones, cut and polished by master jewelers. They shone with much greater beauty than the older jewels commonly found in Ming City. 1/3 +10 Free Coins Chapter 23 Departure Because the marquis pretended to live a simple and modest life, his large home had very plain decorations. Lady Chen always wore the gifted jewelry to parties, falsely telling people she found the gems herself in Southriver. She would never return them voluntarily. Appearing at future events without those beautiful pieces would be a deep embarrassment. Ding Jie's expression shifted from happy to worried. "What if they still refuse to give everything back? Will you have to confront them at their home, Ms. Ting?" Ma Ting noticed Madam Wu walking toward them and kept her voice low. "I will demand their return. But after today's public argument, they will probably deliver everything to my door tomorrow to avoid looking greedy." Ding Jie felt relieved, glad her mistress would not be cheated. "Ms. Ma." Madam Wu's friendly voice caught their attention. Ma Ting turned as if surprised and offered a polite curtsy. "Greetings, Madam Wu. It is a pleasure to see you." Her respectful manners and lack of arrogance increased Madam Wu's favorable opinion of her. "Lady Miao requests your company for tea at the house next door. Are you free to join her?" Ma Ting had expected this meeting since noticing the House of Lord Zhu's carriage. She felt completely calm. "Certainly. I am happy to accompany you now." Ding Jie raised the hood of Ma Ting's cloak to help conceal her identity, preventing any connection to the family of Lord Zhu from becoming public knowledge. The midday streets were quiet, with few people around. The three women entered the tea house without attracting notice and were shown to a private room upstairs. "Lady Miao, your guest has arrived." Ma Ting followed Madam Wu's gesture and saw a noblewoman in a pale blue silk gown seated upon a cushioned lounge. Her hair was arranged simply and held by a single white jade pin. Her face showed a clear family resemblance to Qi Rong. Ma Ting lowered her eyes and moved forward, performing a deep and respectful curtsy. "I pay my respects to you, Lady Miao." Lady Miao did not answer immediately. She first studied the young woman with a cool, evaluating look, then sipped her tea slowly. She finally spoke two quiet words. "You may sit." Ma Ting rose gracefully and took the offered seat, her posture perfectly correct. "Are you aware of the reason I requested your presence today?" 2/3 6:11 pm & DO Chapter 23 Departure Lady Miao's voice was cold, and her sharp eyes focused completely on Ma Ting. She had expected a fearful girl who would kneel and beg forgiveness for aspiring above her station. Instead, Ma Ting met her gaze with a calm smile. She showed no sign of nervousness or fear. $10 Free Coins "I am but a simple girl not blessed with much in the ways of intelligence. Please help me understand your purpose, Lady Miao." "Not blessed with much in the ways of intelligence, you say?" Lady Miao's eyes narrowed. "I have observed a very capable young woman. I do not believe you are simple at all." 6:11 pm & D