Chapter 20 Never Have to Suffer Qi Rong noticed her restless fingers and slowly stepped closer before crouching down in front of her. Ma Ting was startled by the gesture and instinctively tried to back away. But then she saw something fastened at her waist. It was the purple jade pendant he always wore at his side. She froze, and a moment later, his solemn voice came from above. "Tonight, I'll enter the palace and ask His Majesty for a decree. You will not have to endure any disgrace." She turned, lifted her eyes to meet Qi Rong's dark gaze, and an unexpected thought rose in her mind. She wanted to believe once more. It was only long after Qi Rong had left that Ma Ting finally came back to herself. "Ms. Ting, it's getting late. Let's head back to the residence," someone reminded gently. Ma Ting glanced out the window, then nodded silently. As she stood, she picked up the sheet of paper Qi Rong had left behind and handed it to Ding Jie. "Burn it once we get back." To avoid suspicion, Ma Ting had already removed the pendant from her waist and now held it tightly in her hand before leaving. When she returned to the Ma Residence, she finally set it on the table and studied it carefully. Naturally, she noticed a small chip on one side. "How did it get chipped?" Startled, Ma Ting examined it again to make sure she hadn't damaged it absentmindedly. When she realized the flaw had always been there, she relaxed. "Perhaps His Grace struck it by accident during battle. Ms. Ting, this pendant represents his identity. It shows that he truly cares for you." The words spoken earlier in the private room had been overheard by both Meng Ding and Ding Jie, who had been standing outside the door. Ding Jie had been worried for her lady, but after seeing the pendant, her worries eased. After all, something so precious was never given lightly. Even when the marquis' family had been on good terms with the Ma family, the token they sent had not been Li Han's personal pendant. "He's a good man." Ma Ting stroked the pendant as she spoke. 1/4 At last, she placed it inside a small box and set it by her bedside. Yet her heart still carried some worry about Qi Rong entering the palace. Inside the Imperial Study, the emperor lifted his eyes to the solemn young man kneeling before him. A trace of surprise flickered in his gaze as he closed the memorandum in his hands and looked at Qi Rong with interest. "What's gotten into you today? Why so proper? Do you have a request for me?" Qi Rong straightened his back. "Your Majesty, I come today to humbly beg for your grace. Please grant me a marriage." Hearing that the usually carefree young lord had fallen for someone, the emperor raised a brow, curious. "Whose daughter is she?" "I request to marry the daughter of the Ma family." The name alone made the emperor's smile vanish. He gave a short, dismissive grunt and sank back into his throne. "Her." "Yes, I have long admired Ms. Ma. I beg Your Majesty to bestow this marriage." Seeing how serious he was, a flicker of darkness crossed the emperor's eyes, though his expression stayed calm. "From what I know, you've had little to no dealings with Ms. Ma. Why fix your heart on her?" The probing in his tone was sharp enough that even Eunuch Pang, who had served by his side for years, broke into a cold sweat. He feared Lord Zhu would blurt something he shouldn't. "Ms. Ma is unyielding and has a fiery spirit. That is why I admire her. "Besides, I believe her calm and steady nature will never bring me trouble." The emperor remained silent, his face an impassive mask as his gaze settled on Qi Rong. He seemed to be weighing a matter of great importance. An oppressive quiet filled the grand hall, its solemnity disturbed only by the faint sound of Eunuch Pang's nervous sweat hitting the polished floor. After a considerable pause, the emperor finally spoke, his voice measured and calm. I shall give this request further consideration. It is fortuitous you mention it, as I have immediate need of your services in Chao City. The region shows troubling signs of impending floods this season. You will conduct a complete assessment of the situation fo the throne." "Without Your Majesty's approval of my petition, I fear my focus will be too divided. My distress would prevent me from dining, resting, or investigating effectively." Qi Rong stood with a casual grace that bordered on insolence and settled himself comfortably into a nearby chair without invitation. Eunuch Pang started at the shocking breach of etiquette, his eyes flying to the emperor's face to read his reaction. The emperor observed Qi Rong's brief return to propriety vanish completely and responded with an openly exasperated eye roll, 2/4 "You have my consent. Eunuch Pang will proclaim the edict after you complete your mission." Upon hearing these words, Qi Rong sprang to his feet and offered a deep, formal bow, thanking the emperor for his generous favor. His objective achieved, he had no remaining business at the palace. He invented a polite excuse for his departure and allowed Eunuch Pang to guide him out. Qi Rong retrieved a small item from within his sleeve and placed it firmly into Eunuch Pang's grasp. "I must impose upon you to deliver this. I am expected at home to share this fortunate news with Lady Miao without delay." Eunuch Pang peeked into the wooden box, and his hands jerked in surprise, nearly fumbling the precious object. "Your Highness, would it not be better to give this to His Majesty directly?" It was the legendary tiger's talisman! "I entrust it to you, Eunuch Pang." Eunuch Pang watched Qi Rong's rapid departure, the spring in his step clearly broadcasting his delight. The prince appeared genuinely enchanted by the young woman from the Ma family. Eunuch Pang released a quiet breath of contemplation. Then, acutely aware of the significant item he now held, he spun around and hastened back to the throne. "Your Majesty." The emperor's attention moved from the ornate box to the tiger's talisman within. He lifted the artifact for a closer inspection. "Explain to me how he developed an interest in the daughter of the Ma family." Eunuch Pang's gaze shifted with cunning thought. "It is possible he was instantly captivated by Ms. Ma? Your Majesty, did you not yourself express a desire for Lord Zhu to select a composed and dignified bride?" "Composed and dignified?" The Emperor let out a derisive sniff, the memory of the event at the palace gates vivid in his mind. "That Ma Ting demonstrates absolutely no quality of composure or dignity! "Nevertheless, the Ma lineage now consists solely of that solitary orphaned daughter. This match could therefore be seen as strategically advantageous." Eunuch Pang perfectly comprehended the emperor's underlying implication. He expertly offered the open box so the Emperor could safely replace the tiger's talisman inside. "One might also note the unfortunate circumstances of the Ma family's daughter. She likely would not have resorted to such extreme actions if she were not desperately cornered. Your Majesty, since Lord Zhu is to marry her, will the crown bestow gifts upon her trousseau?" This suggestion was entirely appropriate, as the imperial family customarily honored the families of loyal servants lost in service. It was a strategic practice that cultivated gratitude and reinforced the monarchy's benevolent image. The mention of the Ma household drew a weary sigh from the Emperor. 3/4 "The Mas were unquestionably loyal officials. Their loss remains regrettable... Let us not dwell. Prepare a decree as I instruct. The Ma Residence will henceforth be known posthumously as the Loyal Noble's Residence. Ma Ting will receive the title of Loyal Princess... Instruct Qi Rong to deliver the proclamation himself upon his return." Eunuch Pang meticulously recorded every command, a wave of solemn emotion passing through him. This posthumous honor at least placed the Ma family on par with the Marquis Sunfair in rank, although the bestowed title of Duchess was a distinctly more prestigious recognition. "I shall execute your commands immediately." Eunuch Pang accepted the order and retreated from the chamber. The emperor's eyes lingered on the box holding the tiger's talisman, a flicker of deep, unreadable emotion passing through them. He could finally rest easy tonight. The same could not be said for everyone. Across the city, Lady Miao was just learning of her son's news within the House of Lord Zhu, and her reaction was far from peaceful. A porcelain teacup struck the table with a sharp, cracking report. Madam Wu, who stood faithfully beside Lady Miao, flinched at the sound but wisely held her tongue. Qi Rong, in contrast, remained completely unbothered. "Mother, you may disapprove, but this decision is secured by imperial promise. The official decree will be announced when I return. I came today so you may begin the necessary arrangements promptly." Lady Miao's outstretched finger shook with pure rage as she pointed at her son. "You are completely aware of that Ma girl's disgraceful public actions! How could you possibly petition the emperor for her hand? You have clearly lost all rational judgment!" "I know everything. Her previous engagement to the Li heir is formally dissolved. I needed to move quickly before another suitor. appeared." He spoke as if Ma Ting were the most sought-after treasure in the capital. Lady Miao valued strict social conduct above all else, and the story of Ma Ting coercing the emperor with a memorial tablet was utterly appalling to her. She held a deep contempt for willful women like Ma Ting and could never approve of such a match. Now her son had committed to this union without her counsel. His manner suggested a long-standing affection for the girl. Lady Miao found this situation completely and utterly unacceptable. 4/4