Shi Qing had not rested well yesterday and still felt unwell as he sat on the chair, his gaze drifting over to his despondent father and his wife who stared blankly ahead. He closed his eyes; he had not expected the eunuch delivering the imperial decree to recount the court affairs in full detail.
He had intended to keep some secrets from his wife for a few days, to give himself time to think. Now, however, his wife knew everything.
Shi Qing opened his eyes. He felt a sense of joy about his being conferred the title of marquis–how could he not be happy? He was Mr. Hou, reclaiming the surname of the Rong family. He possessed a genuinely noble birth that he had always regarded as unattainable, a dream now realized.
