The matter of Prince Rui's condition remained tightly concealed—very few outsiders knew the truth.
No one knew that Zheng Qian had failed to cure him.
But the fact that she had saved Wen Zhao? That had spread throughout the entire capital.
Invitations from noble ladies flooded in.
Their interest in her was driven by curiosity, not genuine friendship. Zheng Qian had no intention of playing the role of some spectacle for their amusement—she declined every single one.
Even an invitation from a princess was turned down.
She stayed home as usual, practicing calligraphy, petting her cat, and thinking about when to break off her engagement with the Wen family.
She had just saved Wen Zhao—if she immediately went to cancel the engagement, would it damage her reputation?
She wanted to let her fame build first, reap both status and profit…
And, of course, infuriate Zheng Yutan and the Marquis.
The original owner of this body had longed for recognition, for a chance to shine and make up for years of neglect.
But Zheng Qian, the former military doctor, didn't care much about others' opinions.
Just as she was weighing her options—
Wen Zhao came to visit in person.
Carrying a gift box, he arrived at the Marquis residence and was led straight to Huining Garden.
He looked slightly flushed from the heat, and when he saw Zheng Qian, his expression turned awkward.
Zheng Qian asked, "How are you feeling? Any discomfort these past few days?"
"My chest hurts a little," Wen Zhao admitted.
That was from her compressions.
Without a defibrillator, Zheng Qian had relied entirely on forceful chest compressions to revive him.
"That's normal. Rest a bit more," she said casually. "Why did you come?"
Wen Zhao pushed the gift box toward her. "I bought you something… to thank you for saving my life."
"You're quite thoughtful," Zheng Qian said.
The cat nearby immediately became alert, staring at him intensely.
Wen Zhao froze at her words, growing even more awkward. He avoided looking directly at her.
"You're my future wife," he muttered. "If I don't treat you well, who will I treat well?"
"We're not married yet. Don't talk nonsense," Zheng Qian said with a smile.
Wen Zhao finally met her eyes. "In front of so many people, you… kissed and touched me like that. If you're not my wife, whose wife would you be?"
Zheng Qian: "..."
She suddenly felt the urge to give him a full lecture on basic emergency medicine.
But instead, she simply teased him with a grin.
"You said it yourself—you won't go back on your word, right?"
"Of course not."
"You're not allowed to take concubines."
"Fine."
"You're not allowed to look at other women either. You can only look at me—and you have to think I'm the most beautiful."
Wen Zhao hesitated.
Because… she wasn't.
"…Fine," he said reluctantly.
"You have to listen to me. If I say one, you can't say two."
He nodded again.
"Alright, you can go now," Zheng Qian said.
"I just got here!" Wen Zhao protested immediately. She wasn't even keeping him for a meal.
"Not listening already?" she asked lightly.
Wen Zhao reluctantly stood up. "There's a new restaurant outside—they make amazing roast goose. I'll treat you."
"Not today. Another time," she said with a smile.
He had no choice but to leave.
On his way out, he ran into Zheng Yutan.
The moment he remembered her expression from that day, a chill ran down his spine—he quickly turned and fled.
Her maid noticed. "Who was that? Acting so suspicious."
Zheng Yutan had already recognized him.
Ever since the Wen family had humiliated her, she had been planning to manipulate Wen Zhao—make him quarrel with his grandmother and regain some dignity.
But instead…
He ran away at the sight of her.
That idiot!
She nearly choked on her anger.
"Go," she ordered coldly. "Stop him outside. Tell him to come to Qiyuan Courtyard to see me."
Her maid, Juzan, hesitated. "Second Miss… he just received a great favor from the Eldest Miss. He may not come."
"Go."
Her tone left no room for argument.
The maid hurried off.
Zheng Yutan's mood improved slightly.
After all, Wen Zhao had been unconscious during the entire rescue.
No matter how shocking the scene had been, no matter how impressive Zheng Qian's skills or how intense her actions—he hadn't seen any of it.
So while the Wen family was grateful…
Wen Zhao himself might not be.
He had always trusted and admired Zheng Yutan.
With just a few words, she could erase Zheng Qian's contribution entirely in his mind.
Then she could stir trouble in the Wen household—make that old woman miserable.
She wanted chaos.
Anyone who dared help Zheng Qian humiliate her… would pay for it.
"Wen Zhao is such a fool," she sneered inwardly. "He believes anything I say."
She had already prepared her story.
She would drag Zheng Qian's name through the mud.
The thought of Zheng Qian saving his life—only for him to slander her afterward—filled Zheng Yutan with satisfaction.
Even her steps felt lighter as she returned.
She sat down, had tea prepared, and waited calmly.
But after a while…
Only Juzan returned.
Alone.
Her face looked terrible.
Zheng Yutan's brows furrowed, her expression turning cold.
The maid dropped to her knees. "Miss… I failed. I couldn't stop Young Master Wen. He… he left through the main gate."
Zheng Yutan suddenly hurled her teacup at her.
It struck the maid's arm, tea spilling down her sleeve.
"Tell me the truth!"
The maid was trembling. "Second Miss… he refused to come."
Zheng Yutan sucked in a sharp breath, unable to release it for a long moment.
"…What did he say?" she asked, each word forced out through clenched teeth.
The maid bit her lip hard.
"He said… 'Second Miss, please conduct yourself with propriety.'"
Zheng Yutan shot to her feet and kicked her hard in the chest.
The maid collapsed backward, too afraid to cry.
Zheng Yutan's face had turned deathly pale.
Her entire plan had fallen apart.
He hadn't avoided her by accident—he had done it on purpose.
And he dared tell her to behave herself?
Who did he think he was?
Just a merchant's son—someone who would never hold office, useless and foolish!
She had only shown him favor because he looked decent and was easy to manipulate.
And now he dared act high and mighty?
In this capital, what man couldn't she have?
Why would she care about trash like him?
He and Zheng Qian were a perfect match—two fools!
The more she thought about it, the angrier she became.
Her desire to kill Zheng Qian only grew stronger.
Then she remembered the thousand taels she had lost—
Her eyes turned bloodshot.
At that moment, a maid from the inner gate entered with a calling card.
"Second Miss, someone requests an audience."
Still seething, Zheng Yutan let another maid take it.
After a long moment, she calmed herself and glanced at the name.
Her expression shifted slightly.
"…Why is he looking for me?"
After a brief pause, she changed clothes, redid her hair and makeup, and went out to receive the guest.
In this household, she was still the most honored young lady.
And in the future—
She would become a prince's consort.
Zheng Qian would never surpass her.
Never.