Chapter 18 She Truly Had Forgotten Him "Ding Jie." As soon as Ma Ting called, the maid outside pushed open the door. "Summon Tang here. I have something to ask him." Tang had watched her grow since childhood, and he understood far more about Ming City than she did. He surely knew much about the House of Lord Zhu. Soon enough, Tang entered the hall, bowed respectfully, and said, "Ms. Ting, you called for me?" Though he had served since her youth, even now, when the Ma family had only her remaining, he never overstepped his bounds. It was his upright character that earned her trust. "Tang, how much do you know of the House of Lord Zhu?" The question startled him. His eyes lifted in surprise. "Ms. Ting, why do you ask about the House of Lord Zhu?" "Just tell me what you know. Do not question further." Her tone was calm and almost casual as she gestured for him to sit. She carried suspicions in her heart, but until she confirmed them, she could not risk letting too many know. Gossip would spread like fire. "Ms. Ting, you already know Lord Zhu is a vassal lord. The House of Lord Zhu exists only because of His Majesty's grace. Yet Lord Zhu holds no royal blood, so His Majesty bestowed a noble title upon Lord Zhu's mother. She is now Lady Miao. "Lady Miao rarely socializes within Ming City. She prefers poetry and music. She is quiet by nature, but if anyone offends her, no matter their rank, all they will see when they meet her is a face of gloom." Ma Ting had indeed heard of Lady Miao. Not for ordinary reasons, no. Years ago, she had witnessed Lady Miao herself furiously scolding a secondary consort at the House of Lord Jing. That secondary consort acted without sense, mocking Lady Miao for losing her husband at such a young age. Yet all of the court knew Qi Rong's father had fallen in battle for the sake of the kingdom. Such cruelty naturally ignited Lady Miao's wrath, and she went straight before the emperor with a written petition. Although Lord Jing later punished the insolent woman, Lady Miao never forgot the insult and never again treated him with even a trace of warmth. Qi Rong himself bore the same fire in his veins. His temper was much like hers. "What of the others?" 1/4 Ma Ting lifted her teacup, sipped, and spoke with calm grace. The other ties were not half as tangled as she had feared. They were but trifles that were hardly worth her thought. The one figure who truly mattered was Lady Miao. Tang, who had been preparing to leave, noticed Ma Ting was lost in her thoughts. He faltered, unease written on his features. "My lady," he said carefully, "Lord Zhu may be a fine choice, but should you enter his house, I fear he will not be able to shield you." Ma Ting met his worried eyes, and a gentle warmth stirred in her chest. "Do not trouble yourself, Tang. I know well what I am doing. But speak of today to no one." "Yes, my lady." She watched him depart through the courtyard gate, then rose with deliberate calm and walked into the garden. Yet unease clawed at her heart. In all her meetings with Qi Rong, she could not shake the feeling that he regarded her differently. But she dared not believe he would grant her request. Even so, she refused to let her future be thrown to chance in some lesser match. She had pondered long, and in the end, she knew she must risk everything. Her thoughts hardened. She turned her head slightly. "Tomorrow is the fifteenth. If I recall, Lord Zhu always visits Clearwater Pavilion at this time each year, does he not?" Ding Jie gave a quick nod. "Shall I secure a private room, my lady?" "Do so, and purchase some date cakes as well." Ma Ting pressed silver into the girl's palm and watched her go. She then seated herself at her desk, carefully setting her thoughts upon paper. By the time footsteps stirred beyond the courtyard, the ink had already dried. She folded the letter with quiet composure, tucking it into the scented pouch she always carried. Ding Jie stepped inside just then cakes in hand. "Were you able to book it?" Clearwater Pavilion was the grandest teahouse in Ming City, and its private rooms were nearly impossible to claim. "My lady, fortune smiled! There was one room left, right beside Lord Zhu's. Does it not seem heaven itself favors you?" Ding Jie sai brightly. That is a coincidence, Ma Ting thought. 2/ A flicker of surprise crossed Ma Ting's eyes. Qi Rong's face came unbidden into her thoughts. She quickly bit into a piece of the cake, steadying her heart. He could not possibly know her intentions. It must be chance alone. She cast the thought aside and began planning her every move with care. She did not know that the private room had already been claimed in advance and left empty for her. "My lord, you were correct once more! Ms. Ma truly sent Ding Jie to reserve a room at Clearwater Pavilion!" Meng Ding burst into the study, excitement barely contained in his voice. The words made Healer Lin, who was taking Qi Rong's pulse, arch a brow. He cast the cold-faced man a knowing glance. "Ms. Ma? That is the orphaned child of The Loyal Noble, is she not?" Qi Rong lifted his brow and gave him a sharp look, then withdrew his hand. "Well?" Healer Lin's smile only deepened when his question met silence. He let it fall away. "The poison has weakened. Judging by your state, you have rested well these past days." Qi Rong frowned at that, choosing not to continue. His gaze shifted instead to Meng Ding. Meng Ding stepped forward and set a stick of incense before Healer Lin. "Examine this and tell us its contents." Healer Lin lifted it, inhaled, and his eyes flickered with recognition. "Orchid blend?" When Qi Rong gave a single nod, Healer Lin carefully packed the incense away and departed the House of Lord Zhu in silence. No one in the shadows saw him leave, not even the hidden spies. After him, Meng Ding bowed and also withdrew. Only then did Qi Rong rise, moving with quiet gravity. He drew a slightly creased scroll from the shelf. As he unrolled it, a woman's smiling face bloomed upon the silk. Had Ma Ting been there, she would have known it at once. It was one of her mother's paintings. "You heartless little rascal. You truly have forgotten me." Qi Rong let out a sharp snort. His movements appeared harsh as he put the painting away, yet each touch remained painstakingly gentle. He feared the painting might bend or teár, and with it, the memory he clung to so desperately. Ma Ting checked the hour and halted at the gates of Clearwater Pavilion. Ding Jie presented the token, and a servant quickly 3/4 ushered them upstairs. Before stepping into the private chamber, Ma Ting glanced toward the room next door. No guards stood watch. Her brows furrowed. That must mean Qi Rong would not be present tonight. Once the servant closed the door, Ma Ting seated herself by the window. By chance, her eyes fell upon a man dismounting his horse below. Her chest tightened with sudden guilt. She averted her gaze at once and lifted her teacup, forcing herself to steady her hands. "Ms. Ting, what troubles you?" Ding Jie, noticing her mistress' unease, instinctively turned to look downstairs. Her eyes lit up as she caught sight of Meng Ding's robe. "Ms. Ting, I shall wait at the door!" Before Ma Ting could respond, the maid hurried off in a rush. Moments later, the door to the chamber opened. A tall figure stepped inside with measured grace. He wore light blue robes, his appearance almost youthful, as if he had taken care to present himself well. Did he dress for the meeting? Ma Ting wondered. Confused, Ma Ting lowered her gaze quickly and rose with quiet respect. "I hope you are in good health, Lord Zhu." Her polite greeting dimmed the faint smile upon Qi Rong's lips. So, she had indeed forgotten about him. The saying was true. Beauty often carried no conscience. "Ms. Ma, what business brings you before me today?" 4/4