Xia Ruqing wept with sobs.
"It was just a fire, Consort Ning. This concubine apologizes on behalf of the Imperial Son!"
As she spoke, she signaled the eunuchs carrying the palanquin to stop. Xia Ruqing then got down from it, sobbing all the while. Her movements were so sluggish, even a fool could tell she wasn't sincere!
Consort Ning was speechless. Burned? On purpose, right? This woman! This deceitful and cunning woman, she must have done it on purpose! And still she admits guilt! PAH! Such pretense!
But even though it was all an act, she couldn't very well lash out. After all, the woman had come to apologize. It was just a few trinkets; to cling to them would bring her no advantage. So, inside, Consort Ning seethed with anger, but on the surface, she had to grit her teeth and offer consolation.
"No... it's not important!" she said. "They were just some children's toys. There's no need for Consort Xian Pin to take it so to heart!"
