"Stop! All of you, stop!"
Kong Changyu came running over, panting, and immediately slapped Steward Jia across the face!
"Who gave you permission to disrespect the Young Lady?"
Steward Jia took the blow without a sound, immediately lowering his head and clasping his hands.
Kong Changyu appeared "furious." "Take Jia Quan back to the Prince's Residence and give him twenty lashes!"
Two Imperial Guards stepped forward and escorted Jia Quan away, one on either side. Kong Changyu assumed a respectful expression and bowed toward the ox cart.
"Today's incident was entirely due to my failure to discipline my subordinates, allowing these clerks to behave outrageously and offend the Young Lady's carriage. My offense could not be greater. I am deeply ashamed. Upon returning, I shall immediately report this to the Prince, severely punish this wretch, and request punishment for myself. I beg the Young Lady to quell her anger..."
Xie Xinghan said coldly, "That is your business. Back to the residence."
Kong Changyu had not expected Xie Xinghan to refuse even a few polite exchanges under these circumstances. Truly, the Chen Commandery Xie Clan put on tremendous airs... Of course, she was also too young to understand the situation or recognize which way the wind was blowing. He promptly said:
"The Prince has extended a sincere invitation. Why must the Young Lady-"
"If he is sincere, send an invitation."
Xie Xinghan said no more and picked up her book to resume reading. Xiao Ning rang a small bell. The carriage curtain fell, the shafts creaked, and the ox cart set off, surrounded by the Xie Family's guards.
Kong Changyu narrowed his eyes and waved a hand. The Imperial Guards from the Prince's Residence withdrew, and he, too, stepped aside to let the ox cart pass. As it went by him,