Chapter 24 Conversation Chapter 24 Conversation +10 Free Coins Ma Ting was well aware of Lady Miao's purpose for summoning her, but she refused to be intimidated into submission. She raised her eyes steadily to meet the noblewoman's displeased glare. "Lady Miao, I understand you disapprove of me. However, you must also be aware of the specific circumstances that led your son to propose this marriage." Lady Miao's frown deepened as she placed her teacup firmly onto the table. "My son returns from military service with his prestige higher than ever! Meanwhile, you created a public spectacle that showed deep disrespect. A properly modest girl would have declined his offer immediately. Your acceptance proves you desire the status of being his wife above all else!" Her accusation was deliberately severe. Madam Wu, standing nearby, winced at the harshness and appeared ready to speak, but a single sharp glance from her mistress made her hold her tongue. "Does my reputation concern you, Lady Miao?" Ma Ting's tone remained even, and she continued without pausing. "You know I am the sole survivor of my family. They tried to exploit my vulnerability to disgrace me. If I had not defended myself, my future would have held only suffering and a forgotten death." The mention of Marquis Sunfair's family's actions drained much of the anger from Lady Miao's expression. Secretly, she admired the young woman's fierce determination. Very few possessed the courage to challenge powerful families so directly. "If you fear I will tarnish your son's good name, I offer you my promise. I will restore my own honor and shield him completely from any criticism or gossip." Lady Miao studied her face closely, impressed by her confident vow. "How do you intend to accomplish that? I will not allow you to disgrace our household's name! His Majesty's decree or not, you will not remain if you bring us shame!" "I will prove myself at the poetry gathering that shall happen in five days." Ma Ting recognized the source of Lady Miao's anxiety and felt sympathy for her position. The House of Lord Zhu's impeccable standing spanned generations, and they wished to protect it from someone surrounded by scandal. The mention of the poetry contest made Lady Miao recall the common gossip about Ma Ting's education. She stared at her in pure disbelief. "I am not ignorant of your reputation for having no skill with words or arts! Do you plan to cheat your way through the event?" Ma Ting was briefly too surprised to speak before shaking her head slightly. She found the older woman's suspicion strangely amusing but kept her thoughts private. 1/3 6:11 pm & D Chapter 24 Conversation "There is no time to learn now. You should avoid the event completely to prevent embarrassing my son further." Lady Miao's voice had lost some of its edge as she remembered the girl had no relatives left alive. It felt wrong to be too cruel to someone so completely alone. Ma Ting did not argue or agree. Her continued silence forced Lady Miao to change the subject. Their long conversation gradually softened much of Lady Miao's initial strong opposition. Ma Ting exited the tea house as the sun began to set, coloring the sky in shades of orange and purple. Inside her carriage, she massaged her tired temples, exhausted from the demanding interview. "I will see no visitors for the next several days. Instruct Tang to purchase any supplies I might need." The poetry gathering was very close. +10 Free Coins It mainly featured competitions between the men, but the women were also expected to display their talents in music, strategy, writing, and art. Given her current fame, many attendees would undoubtedly seek her out, hoping to see her fail publicly. The following afternoon, Ma Ting was practicing brushwork in her study when Tang entered, his expression both worried and irritated. "Ms. Ting, Master Han is making a loud disturbance in the main courtyard! He claims he is returning property but is really demanding justice for Concubine He!" Ma Ting had not expected the marquis' household to return her belongings so soon. She had anticipated another day's delay at least. She was even more surprised that Li Han himself headed the group. "Was he accompanied by anyone else from the marquis' estate?" Ma Ting set her brush down and accepted a warm cloth from Ding Jie to clean her hands. "Mr. Luo, the steward, is present, but he cannot control Master Han's behavior." This was predictable. Li Han had been indulged and pampered his entire life. "Let us discover what explanation he requires." Ma Ting walked to the receiving hall. The instant she crossed through the doorway, a furious shout greeted her. "You jealous monster!" Tang and Ding Jie's faces immediately filled with rage. They looked prepared to use force to eject him from the property. If that specific insult spread through the city, it would generate destructive rumors about Ma Ting regardless of the truth. "Young Master Han, please describe what I could possibly be jealous of. You must corroborate your accusations with proof." Ma Ting's cold, clear voice filled the room with a sudden authority that made Li Han hesitate. 2/3 6:11 pm & DE Chapter 24 Conversation +10 Free Coins His own moment of uncertainty made him even angrier. He pointed a trembling finger toward her as she seated herself calmly. "You cannot pretend innocence! "your jealousy is the reason you intentionally broke the bracelet I gave Xinying! Why did you make her deliver a message guaranteed to anger my mother and get her punished? Your plotting is truly evil!" Seeing Li Han's extreme fury, Ma Ting guessed that Lady Chen's punishment had been far more than a simple scolding. She had likely directed all her anger toward He Xinying. 6:11 pm & D