Imperial Treasure-Chapter 753 - 460 Chicken Blood Stone_2

Thus, Cao Qijun encountered a group of elegantly-dressed noblewomen and socialites in front of a pile of raw stones..

Sui Yi noticed Cao Qijun’s brows slightly furrowed.

But it quickly disappeared without a trace.

The ladies were gracious; upon meeting, they bowed their heads in unison, greeting the Duchess with the ancient etiquette of a lady, while onlookers would only need to sweep their gaze over to see the graceful figures and elegant, beautiful dresses..

The latter returned the greeting, but the arc of her gesture was faint—a reflection of status and hierarchy.

The Duchess of Junshi Castle, even when meeting with the Queen, had no need to be subservient.

It was important for aristocrats to maintain their relationships, and Cao Qijun naturally chatted with these prestigious ladies. However, out of courtesy and regard for Sui Yi, she intended to introduce the three. Yet, someone had noticed them earlier and preempted her by asking, "Are these three also Chinese people, perhaps relatives from your family’s side?"

Fatty Gao didn’t understand English, but he was always adept at reading the room and easily picked up a hint of malice and mockery from the expression and tone of the young, glamorous socialite.

If Fatty Gao could sense it, so could Sui Yi and Cao Qijun.

This girl all but said, "You lowly Chinese Lady from China, have you brought your base relatives to mooch off the Junshi Titan clan again?"

Cao Qijun didn’t speak; it was the butler Xius who stepped forward and said proactively, "Madam, the Duke just called to say that due to official duties, he cannot stay by your side or entertain the three honored guests. He asks that you make sure they leave with fond memories.."

This message was loaded with implications.

And the butler stepping in to handle the young Miss also hinted at a clear distinction in status.

Sui Yi, of course, didn’t take it as Cao Qijun’s inability to handle the outspoken socialite, Zhang Yang..

The previously somewhat proud socialite’s expression froze, her fingers gripping her designer bag tightening, her eyes filled with indignation and resentment as she was about to speak...

"Wo Er"

Another, slightly older lady called out behind her, seemingly as a reminder. The socialite known as Wo Er snorted disdainfully and turned to walk towards her group of girlfriends..

"Jin, Wo Er has not seen you for too long. You know she used to be quite close to you.. Seeing you with this young Chinese lady, she might be jealous~" The voice of this noblewoman was exceedingly pleasant, her manners warm. She looked at Sui Yi with a very gentle expression.

This woman bore some resemblance to Wo Er. It was hard to guess the age of foreigners, but she seemed to be Wo Er’s mother.

Given her demeanor, tone, and presence, she was probably the highest-ranking among the socialites present, at the very least on par with Cao Qijun.

And surely, her family had some discord with Junshi Castle.

Otherwise, the bodyguards protecting her and Wo Er wouldn’t have gone on alert upon seeing the bodyguards from Junshi Castle.

Sui Yi glanced at her but said nothing. Ye Zixu, the impassive one, was even more silent. Well, Fatty Gao suffered from a language barrier, and he and Qu Long were treated as if invisible throughout the whole event..

"Once? I regret that Miss Wo Er and I define friendship differently," said Cao Qijun with a measured tone, appearing composed and elegant as her gaze swept over the young Miss engaged in "secretive whispers" with her girlfriends, displaying disdain and detachment, but now unable to help looking over. She then revealed a faint smile and turned her head to say, "I believe, friends should at least be wise enough when it comes to choosing between a friend and their husband. What do you think, Sui Yi, my friend~"

Even Fatty Gao, who didn’t understand the language, could tell something was up from the slight change in the noblewomen’s expressions and Wo Er’s face that turned into a spectrum of colors.

So... there was an old grudge?

This London aristocratic circle sure is interesting.

As for Qu Long, he seemed to have been aware all along, only glancing at Wo Er’s face and secretly chuckling to himself. He thought in Chinese, this noble-born socialite really had some "nerve;" she really thought that the things she had done in the past were gone for good. However, certain scandals can have a lasting chemical effect no matter how much time has passed, especially when the Duchess herself is involved. If she wishes, she can use this issue to devastating effect against her opponent!

And Sui Yi, gently watched by the Duchess, picked up on a rough story about a "friend coveting and acting upon her desire for another friend’s husband" from Cao Qijun’s casually spoken words..

Moreover, Cao Qijun’s obvious inclusion of her in the matter, and her statement, might make any other woman first react as if Cao Qijun was warning her not to be like Wo Er, to take her trust as a betrayer, and being pulled out before these noblewomen as if facing off against Wo Er, could inevitably earn her their animosity. No doubt, she would afterward feel uncomfortable, either feigning ignorance or becoming annoyed and angry, or possibly growing distant..

But Sui Yi was not an ordinary woman.

After briefly analyzing the other party’s gaze, tone, posture, and personality, she understood their thoughts.

First, Sui Yi was a guest at the Hua Sha banquet and would eventually have to face these British aristocrats. Standing alone was indeed a disadvantage, better to be introduced now by the Duke’s Mansion. With the Duchess openly stating her friendship, it was a form of support, allowing her to integrate into the social circle more quickly. (To be continued. If you like this work, please come to Qidian (qidian.com) to cast your recommendation votes, monthly votes. Your support is my greatest motivation. Mobile users, please visit m.qidian.com to continue reading.)