Chapter 28 Another Woman Chapter 28 Another Woman +10 Free Coins The woman speaking was Ke Wanting, Li Guan's mother and the marquis' childhood companion who now held the position of his recognized concubine. "He has. I begin tomorrow." A faint, knowing smile graced Ke Wanting's lips as she picked a fallen leaf with her delicate fingers. "Lady Chen possesses no wisdom, and she has raised a son equally devoid of it. "We have tolerated their disrespect long enough. Seize this chance to remain visible to your father. Make the heir's title permanent. "And when it comes to the Ma family... You must avoid angering Ms. Ma Ting. Although she is the last survivor, the Lang family will soon arrive in Ming City. Those who were allies of the Ma family will protect her for the Lang family's sake." Li Guan nodded with understanding. "Of course, Mother." Ke Wanting gestured for him to leave. Li Guan departed to continue studying, but not before quietly ordering a servant to spread news of his new privilege. This information would agitate certain individuals, and agitated people often make grave errors. Their mistakes would create the perfect chances for him to advance! Naturally, Lady Chen was the one who became most disturbed. Her face lost all color when a servant reported the marquis' command for Li Guan to join him in the study. She nearly fainted from the shock. Madam Feng rushed to support her. "Has the marquis truly abandoned Han'er? Does he mean to replace him with that boy from the Late Spring Yard?" Madam Feng held Lady Chen's hand comfortingly. "Whatever his plans, your first duty is to stop the gossip, my lady. Gather the silver and take it to Ms. Ma Ting without delay! "The Late Spring Yard is a problem for another day. You need not worry over them now." Lady Chen steadied her breathing and suppressed her fear, her eyes growing sharp and resolved. "That Ma girl brings nothing but difficulty! Our house likely lacks the full amount in its coffers..." After a moment's thought, Lady Chen clenched her jaw and commanded Madam Feng to prepare a carriage for her family's home. Her family reprimanded her severely, but she eventually obtained the necessary silver. Despite the late hour, Lady Chen directed her servants to the Ma Residence. She specifically told Madam Feng to announce their purpose loudly at the gate. "Marquis Sunfair's Residence will now return the silver owed to the Ma family!" 1/3 6:11 pm & D Chapter 28 Another Woman She shouted the announcement multiple times, but the estate remained silent. Lady Chen's expression was stormy as she prepared to depart, but then the heavy main gate slowly swung open. Tang emerged quickly to greet them. +10 Free Coins "Hua Rongting, steward of the Ma home, welcomes you, Old Mrs. Li. Your visit is very timely. My mistress has prepared tea and invites you inside to rest." Lady Chen offered only a frosty stare in reply. She entered on Madam Feng's arm, her body rigid with hostility. The stunning beauty of the courtyard immediately caught her off guard. As the manager of a great house, Lady Chen recognized the extreme value of the flowers and landscaping. Resentment boiled inside her. She was furious that Ma Ting had hidden such wealth. She was insulted that the renowned Marquis Sunfair's Residence appeared poorer than a home with no member but a single orphan! This bitterness hardened her resolve to humble Ma Ting and release her pent-up rage. "I wish you good health, Old Mrs. Li." Ma Ting approached and offered a respectful bow. Lady Chen drew breath to assert her authority, but Ma Ting had already turned and seated herself. Outraged by this disrespect, Lady Chen snapped, "You sit without your elder's permission!" Ma Ting regarded her with calm confusion. "Old Mrs. Li, you are a guest in my home, not the lady of your own house."" Lady Chen was momentarily silenced. When she recovered, her face was dark with fury. "You show no respect for your superiors! It is clear you had no mother to teach you manners!" The instant she spoke, Lady Chen felt the hostile attention of everyone in the room focus on her, causing an involuntary shudder. She gripped Madam Feng's arm tightly. Madam Feng sighed quietly. Her mistress had forgotten all caution and spoken the worst possible words. "Ms. Ma, my lady misspoke in her distress. I beg you to overlook it." Ma Ting looked down and sipped her tea, completely ignoring the apology. Her silent anger was unmistakable. Seeing her attendant ignored so completely darkened Lady Chen's mood further. She decided to have damaging rumors spread about Ma Ting's appalling lack of pedigree. "Madam Feng, give her the silver now! We must avoid another magistrates' incident. People will suspect our house of disgraceful behavior!" Lady Chen's tone overflowed with sarcasm. Ma Ting acted as if she didn't notice and smiled coolly. "Thank you for your trouble, Old Mrs. Li. "I never wished to involve the magistrates. Master Han denied the missing gifts, forcing me to contact the wealthkeeper. The 2/3 6:11 pm D Chapter 28 Another Woman official inquiry was an unexpected result." +10 Free Coins 1/3 6:12 pm D