By the time Commander Ma arrived at the Crown Prince's Palace, dusk was approaching. The guards at the gates recognized his city guard token and let him in after a few brief questions.
Led by a steward of the Crown Prince's Palace, Commander Ma passed through several courtyards and arrived outside the crown prince's study.
He straightened his armor, drew a deep breath, then bowed and announced loudly, "Ma Debiao, commander of the city guard's Third Squad, requests an audience with Your Highness!"
A gentle, steady voice came from inside the study. "Come in."
Commander Ma pushed open the study door and entered with his head lowered.
Inside, the crown prince sat behind the desk, reviewing memorials. A moon-white robe lent her an air of scholarly grace and composure.
A thick stack of memorials covered the desk. A vermilion brush rested on its stand, its ink still wet.
The crown prince's face looked particularly gentle in the candlelight, a faint smile on her lips that made others feel as though they were basking in a spring breeze.
Commander Ma dropped to one knee and reported everything that had happened in the alley.
His account was painstakingly detailed, covering the might of the Clear Sky Hammer martial soul avatar, the commotion caused by the clash between the two Titled Douluo, and the state of the scene after the battle. Throughout his report, he kept his head lowered, not daring to look directly at the crown prince's face.
Qian Renxue listened quietly, that gentle smile never leaving her face. Once Commander Ma finished, she nodded slightly and said kindly, "Commander Ma handled the situation well and remained calm in the face of danger. He deserves a reward.
"Pass on my order: reward Commander Ma with one thousand Gold Soul Coins, and each