Ling Hua hadn't felt any twinge of conscience for a long time.
She looked at Yan Qing, turned her face to cough softly, then looked back and said slowly, "I don't ask that you, young Marquis, attain high honors on the imperial exam slate or great fame and wealth, nor do I ask that you treat me exceedingly well. I won't even make many demands of you, at most just occupying the title of a wife. You enjoy being a wastrel, indulging in food, drink, and pleasure. Whatever you did before, you can continue to do in the future. I won't interfere at all. Marrying me comes with its benefits too. For one, the Empress Dowager will cease her frequent reminders for you to take a wife, freeing you from such annoyances going forward."
Yan Qing's expression halted, and he finally looked at Ling Hua squarely, "Really?"
"Really!"
