Chapter 9 That's All Li Han gave a stiff nod, still wondering which household in Ming City could possess such immense wealth. As the figure in the distance came closer, the features sharpened into focus. When he finally recognized the face, his voice broke several tones higher as a shout escaped his throat. "It's you? But how can it be?" Ma Ting stopped at the doorway, her gaze sweeping over him with cold indifference. "This is my house. Who else do you imagine would be coming, Master Han?" Li Han ground his teeth as his eyes carefully examined her garments. Every piece she wore gleamed with the worth of hundreds of taels of gold. Her face revealed she was already accustomed to such splendor. He remembered how she once stood beside him in plain attire, modest to the point of austerity. His face turned dark with resentment. "If you owned clothing like this, then why did you always dress like a destitute lady when you were with me? Were you purposely trying to disgrace me before my colleagues?" His accusation made Ma Ting and her companions laugh in fury. Ding Jie lifted her chin proudly and said with mockery, "Master Han, you were the man who always boasted of purity and claimed to care nothing for material things. "My lady dressed simply for the sake of your so-called reputation. She endured hardship because of it. And yet you still have the gall to blame her?" Hardship? What did that mean? She was saying outright that the Li family was not as wealthy as the Ma family. Li Han clenched his molars until they threatened to snap, his eyes growing colder as he glared at Ma Ting. Ma Ting ignored the chill of his gaze and said coolly, "Have you come today to return the betrothal papers and the engagement jade?" Since his master refused to answer, Weng Li quickly stepped forward and whispered, "Master Han, do not forget why we came." "You think I require your reminder?" Li Han roared and lashed out with a kick, sending Weng Li stumbling aside His violence carried no true intent, but it was a warning for Ma Ting. Yet when she saw how quickly he fell into rage, she could not comprehend why she had ever chosen him. She turned back just in time, for it was not too late. "Ma Ting, you already caused a scene at the palace gates yesterday. Today, I have even brought lavish gifts from my family to atone Ishall etill normit you to marry into my household with full ceremony." That condescending tone made Tang roll up his sleeves, his fists itching to strike Li Han awake. Ma Ting fixed her eyes on him, then she suddenly burst into laughter. The sound left Li Han frozen, unable to recover for a long while. "Li Han, what makes you think that after that humiliating event you put me through, I would forgive you for the sake of a few gifts?" Her face hardened, her words laced with venom that pierced his chest like a blade. Li Han clenched his fists, a cruel gleam flashing in his eyes. "Ma Ting! Do not test my patience. I have already said my apologies. What more do you want?" "Well, what a remarkable sight. Master Han, from the looks of it, you are about to raise a hand against Ms. Ma." The mocking voice rang out from a distance. Qi Rong appeared on horseback, dressed in a deep purple robe threaded with gold, patterned with silver-white embroidery. A golden coronet rested on his head, yet it only made him seem younger. Just one glance from him was enough to shake the composure of every young lady in Ming City. When he caught sight of Ma Ting's striking face, a smile tugged at the corners of his lips, and he dismounted with elegant ease. Meng Ding, following behind, could not help but smirk at his lord's display. Today, the lord had not only dressed like a god, but he had also chosen to dismount as though he was performing on stage. He obviously had someone he was trying to impress. "Lord Zhu." Li Han could hear the scorn in his tone, but the man before him was one he could not afford to offend. He could only bow, his heart heavy with frustration. Qi Rong gave a faint acknowledgment and walked forward to inspect the boxes of gifts carried by the marquis' servants. His disdair showed clearly in his expression. He lifted one of the most ornate boxes and pulled out a jade scepter. "The marquis' residence has fallen this far? You dare present the cheapest jade scepter from White Jade Tower as a gift?" Li Han had never intended to prepare anything valuable for Ma Ting. He had chosen the cheapest items simply to put her in her place. But he had not expected Qi Rong to arrive at the Ma Residence. And he had not expected him to reveal everything so boldly, without granting the marquis' house a shred of dignity. "It seems you do not truly wish to apologize, Master Han. I suggest you return, prepare proper gifts, and come back another day. There is no need to hurry." Qi Rong spoke casually, but Li Han could feel the weight of the threat behind his words. 2/4 Still unwilling to retreat, he forced himself to ask, "Why do you seem to be so friendly with the Ma family, Lord Zhu?" This man had stepped in for Ma Ting time and again, both openly and secretly. Could it be that the two of them already shared something? An affair, perhaps? When he thought of how Ma Ting had completely transformed ever since Lord Zhu returned to Ming City, Li Han grew certain of it. Silence reigned in the air. Ma Ting studied Qi Rong. He was smiling, yet the frost in his eyes betrayed his mood. She slowly lowered her gaze. Li Han had acted with reckless folly, tugging at the beard of a dragon without thought for consequence. Qi Rong remained silent for some time. No matter how much Li Han tried to compose himself, his body trembled uncontrollably. "Master Han, you show remarkable boldness, questioning even me. It appears you harbor thoughts of rebellion." His voice was calm, yet the weight of his words forced Li Han and the servants of the marquis' residence to collapse to their knees. They dared not even draw a breath. Their bodies quivered like branches in a storm. "My lord, I have never entertained such thoughts! I only feared that a woman as unruly as Ma Ting might bring dishonor to your name!" His words tumbled forth, his tone desperate, his flattery clumsy, all in hope of softening Qi Rong's temper. Yet he never noticed the sudden flicker of shadow that crossed Qi Rong's eyes when those words were spoken. Qi Rong lowered his gaze, saying nothing. The whip in his hand cracked sharply as he flicked his wrist. "This whip has not drawn blood in a long while." A sharp cry tore through the air. Weng Li rushed forward, catching Li Han as he collapsed in a dead faint from terror. "My lord, my master meant no offense! I beg your pardon, I beg for mercy!" "He has fainted?" Qi Rong arched a brow and leaned closer. When he confirmed it, a cold laugh escaped his lips. "In that case, take him away at once. Do not leave him here, for he shall disgrace your marquis. Should your lord accuse me, I will not be held accountable for this." Weng Li flinched at once and shouted orders. Several men hurried forward, lifting Li Han from the ground and rushing away. Within moments, they vanished beyond the gates of the Ma Residence. Ma Ting lowered her lashes, a trace of amusement gleaming in her eyes. She lifted her head and addressed Qi Rong softly as he tossed the whip to his lieutenant. "My lord, what brings you to my residence?" Qi Rong cast his gaze at Meng Ding. At once, Meng Ding stepped forward, presenting a wooden box with an invitation placed atop it. 3/4 Tang rushed to receive it, fearful of offending the temperamental lord. Ma Ting glanced at the box. She noticed faint traces of incense upon it, and her eyes shifted. When she looked again, Qi Rong was already mounted upon his horse. "The Eldest Princess has sent for you. Tomorrow there shall be a gathering upon the lake. "I merely passed by and delivered it on her behalf. If you do not wish to attend, you may decline as you see fit." "I am grateful for your effort, my lord. Tomorrow I shall attend without fail." Ma Ting bowed her head in gratitude. The sound of hooves struck the ground in steady rhythm, and she lifted her gaze only in time to catch the trailing hem of his robe. Softly, without thought, she whispered, "A young man in fine attire, astride a spirited steed." Ding Jie leaned closer, following her line of sight. "Ms. Ting, what words did you just utter?" 4/4