Chapter 29 Swift Retort Chapter 29 Swift Retort The reply was flawlessly courteous, offering Lady Chen no opportunity for criticism. She felt compelled to accept the polite tone, producing a tight smile and a hollow chuckle. "Has the accounting been finished?" +10 Free Coins Ma Ting looked toward Ding Jie, who had just entered. After receiving a confirming nod, she turned her gentle smile back to Lady Chen. "The hour has grown quite late. Allow me to see you to your carriage, Old Mrs. Li." Lady Chen's expression soured completely. She was filled with fury but had no way to express it. She could only rise to her feet and release a scornful sniff, waving her sleeve dismissively. "Your assistance is unnecessary! I consider this entire property to be ill- fated!" She marched several steps away but, hearing no movement behind her, turned back in confusion. Ma Ting had not moved from her spot at all. Noticing the attention, Ma Ting blinked with feigned innocence. "Since you find my home so disagreeable, I will not trouble you with my company. I wish you a smooth journey." "Why you..." Lady Chen was too enraged to form a complete sentence. Her hand shook slightly as she pointed before she spun around with an even noisier and more contemptuous huff After the irate lady from Marquis Sunfair's Residence had finally left, Ma Ting resumed her seat and calmly finished her tea. Tang returned a short time later. "The guest has departed, Ms. Ting. Should we attempt to counter the rumors she will likely start?" Ma Ting gave a single nod. "A short and simple denial is enough. We need not address the matter further. "Has any reply arrived from my grandfather's estate?" She had paid for the swiftest messengers in Ming City to carry her letter. A response should have reached her by now. Tang shook his head. "Should I send someone to inquire tomorrow?" Ma Ting considered for a moment before sighing softly. "That will not be required. He has most likely not yet received my message. We can afford to wait a few more days." Her grandfather would have responded the instant her letter arrived. It was clearly still traveling. Setting the concern aside, Ma Ting massaged her temples and allowed Ding Jie to escort her to her rooms. "Is your head pain returning, Ms. Ting?" Ding Jie inquired while lighting a calming stick of incense. The refreshing aroma of bamboo spread through the chamber, and the pressure in Ma Ting's head began to fade. 1/3 6:12 pm & D Chapter 29 Swift Retort "I have merely been weary lately," Ma Ting replied with another soft sigh. Recent difficulties had been endless, and headaches were an unavoidable consequence. Once the incense was burning steadily, Ding Jie slipped silently from the room to grant her mistress privacy. Surrounded by the soothing bamboo scent, Ma Ting closed her eyes and fell into a heavy sleep. The scene turns to the marquis' residence. Lady Chen went directly to the Late Spring Yard upon her return, her mood dark and unpleasant. The sound of light singing from within the compound made her clench her jaw in fury. "That deceitful creature! She relies on cheap charms to capture the marquis' attention! "Madam Feng, deal with this." +10 Free Coins Madam Feng nodded and entered the courtyard with a group of stern-faced attendants. Harsh questions and a sudden cry of alarm soon came from inside. Lady Chen waited outside with visible satisfaction. When the commotion ended, she entered with her maid's support, her head held high. She looked down at Ke Wanting, who was now kneeling on the floor with her clothing in disorder, firmly restrained by Madam Feng. Lady Chen's eyes glittered with victory. "The household treasury is under unusual strain. I have decided the spending in the Late Spring Yard is shamefully wasteful. To avoid servant gossip, I will remove these unnecessary luxuries. I am certain you agree, Concubine Ke." She observed with satisfaction as the attendants began removing ornaments of silver and gold. A powerful jealousy burned within Lady Chen. Ke Wanting's eyes were watery as she bowed her head meekly. "Your judgment is correct, Old Mrs. Li. I will inform the Marquis that my own guilt over the excess led me to beg for your guidance." "I am pleased you are so reasonable. Remember, the marquis' favor does not change who manages this household!" Lady Chen gestured abruptly and swept out with Madam Feng and her followers, making a grand and intimidating exit. The moment they were gone, the fearful look left Ke Wanting's eyes. With her maid Xianrei's help, she rose gracefully to her feet. "Old Mrs. Li acts too boldly! She insults you this way only because the marquis is absent! Will you inform him of this injustice?" Ke Wanting adjusted her gown calmly. "No. We will not alter our strategy. Lady Chen suffered embarrassment at the Ma home today and required a vulnerable target for her frustration. "Allow her this petty victory. The final advantage will still be mine." Ke Wanting glanced at the gaps left by her missing valuables, a faint, knowing smile in her gaze. Do not disappoint me, Lady Chen Peiling, she thought. 2/3 6:12 pm & Chapter 29 Swift Retort +10 Free Coins Back within her own Peiling Yard, Lady Chen's confidence had returned entirely. She eyed the confiscated items with distaste. "Sell every piece. The Marquis cannot discover I sought funds from my family," she commanded bitterly. Madam Feng appeared uneasy and wished to counsel restraint, but Lady Chen's determined face discouraged argument. She could only direct the servants to dispose of the items discreetly. "You must watch the study closely from now on. If that illegitimate son attempts to gain influence, you will report it to me at once." With Li Guan now holding the heir's title, Lady Chen was resolved to block any real power or recognition from the Marquis. 3/3 6:12 pm & D