Upon hearing gossip questioning a match her mother had made, Shi Fa'ke staunchly defended her mother's reputation, pointing to Xu Ao's success as proof of a flawless union. Her confidence soared when news arrived of Xu Ao's promotion. An imperial envoy soon declared Xu Ao the new Commander of the Imperial Cavalry Bureau, a position coveted by Marquis Wu'an. Xu Ao's wife, Liu Yingying, graciously rewarded the eunuch for the good news.