Morning sunlight streamed in through the doorway, illuminating drifting dust motes that danced in the beam. The hall was cool and refreshing, faintly scented with flowers. Zheng Qian was in a good mood.
She greeted Zheng Hao with unusual warmth.
Zheng Hao smiled brightly.
"A new restaurant just opened—Wanshou Tower. Have you heard of it?"
"No."
"It's opened by a classmate of mine. I've reserved a private room and plan to treat all my sisters there to show support. Everyone's going—you wouldn't spoil the fun, would you, Eldest Sister?"
Zheng Qian raised a brow.
"You're only inviting the sisters, not the brothers?"
"They all have money and big appetites—I'm not letting them take advantage of me. After all, I'm poor now. The ten thousand taels I painstakingly saved were all lost to you."
Zheng Qian didn't even blink. She smiled sweetly.
"Crying poverty in front of me, Third Brother? Then I dare not go—what if you make me pay afterward?"
Zheng Hao: "..."
This stingy fool.
"Of course not," he said quickly. "You must come. I also want to help Third Sister meet a potential match—you and Second Sister and Fourth Sister can help take a look."
He piled on excuses.
Zheng Qian's eyes shifted slightly. Her large, dark pupils shimmered with a subtle gleam, making the beauty mark between her brows appear even more vivid, adding to her charm.
She had never carried herself like this before.
"Fine. I'll go," she said. "Which day?"
"The day after tomorrow."
Zheng Hao left satisfied.
Once he was gone, Nanny Dai and the others hurried in, concern written all over their faces.
"What did the Third Young Master want?"
After losing a huge sum in their previous bet, he had every reason to resent Zheng Qian—why would he suddenly come bearing goodwill?
"He's hosting a banquet at Wanshou Tower in two days. Says it's to support his classmate's restaurant—and also to find a match for Xi'er," Zheng Qian replied casually.
Nanny Dai frowned.
"Really? Why invite you of all people? Could he have ulterior motives?"
Of course he did.
But Zheng Qian brushed it off lightly.
"Maybe he wants to mend relations. After all, I've been quite impressive lately."
To her surprise, the maids believed her.
"That makes sense," Xiuzhu nodded.
Zheng Qian: "..."
So simple-minded.
Zheng Qian wasn't worried. Ever since she had taken their money, she knew they would never coexist peacefully. If they didn't try something, that would be strange.
She was actually curious to see what they would do.
That evening, when her fifth brother Zheng Run returned, she called him over and handed him twenty taels of silver.
"Help me with something."
"What?"
"The day after tomorrow, I'll be dining with Third Brother and the others. After the dishes are served, bring at least four of your classmates and barge into our private room, saying you spotted us."
Zheng Run blinked, confused.
"Why?"
"Just do as I say."
"But all four sisters will be there. Is it appropriate for me to bring others in?"
"What's inappropriate about it?" Zheng Qian smiled. "Just listen. And don't ask questions."
He scratched his head, still baffled.
"Keep this a secret. If Third Brother finds out, I'll beat you," she added.
Zheng Run: "..."
On the appointed day, the sky was clear and vast, sunlight warm but no longer scorching.
Zheng Hao had set the banquet for noon. That morning, Zheng Qian continued revising the medical text, annotating and organizing treatment details.
Near noon, she changed clothes, picked up her cat, and left with Hongluan.
She had expected the others to wait for her at the gate.
Instead, no one came.
Only a maid from Zheng Hao's courtyard delivered a vague reminder:
"The Third Young Master said not to forget."
Not even mentioning what.
Zheng Qian simply smiled.
At Wanshou Tower, Zheng Hao's attendants greeted her warmly.
"Miss, everyone is waiting for you."
Another servant said to Hongluan,
"You may dine downstairs."
Hongluan nodded.
Zheng Qian carried her cat upstairs.
The private room, however, was empty.
She turned back, feigning surprise.
"Where is everyone?"
"The Young Master stepped out briefly. The other ladies went to stroll nearby—they'll return shortly. Please sit," the servant replied.
Zheng Qian smiled.
"Very well."
Once the door closed, the servant's smile twisted slightly.
Zheng Qian opened the back window. Below, Zheng Run stood with a few friends, looking bored.
When he spotted her, he gave a subtle nod and slipped into the crowd.
Good. He knew which room.
Zheng Qian sat back down, gently stroking her cat.
"Don't be afraid, A Chou. I'll protect you."
After a while, Zheng Hao entered.
"Apologies for the wait—I ran into a classmate," he said, then called for the dishes.
"Where is everyone else?" Zheng Qian asked.
"They'll be here soon. Let's order first so we can eat right away."
"Very thoughtful, Third Brother."
Soon, a full table of dishes was served.
Not long after, Zheng Yutan entered, wearing a veiled hat. Her smile was radiant.
"Eldest Sister, Third Brother—Xi'er and Qin'er felt unwell and went home."
"They shouldn't have eaten those pastries," Zheng Hao said. "No matter—we three can enjoy the meal."
Zheng Qian smiled.
"Then let's."
The three chatted pleasantly.
Zheng Yutan even acted unusually polite toward Zheng Qian.
Suddenly—
The door was shoved open.
Zheng Run burst in with several young men behind him.
Zheng Yutan's expression changed instantly.
Zheng Hao was furious.
"Fifth Brother, what are you doing?!"
Zheng Run looked confused.
"I saw you and Eldest Sister here… I just came to say hello."
Zheng Qian blinked innocently.
"What's wrong, Third Brother?"
Zheng Yutan turned her face away, trying to hide.
But Zheng Run deliberately called out,
"Second Sister, are you unwell?"
She had no choice but to turn back.
"I'm fine."
After a few casual words, Zheng Run and his friends left.
But the mood in the room had shifted.
Zheng Hao and Zheng Yutan were no longer at ease.
Their plan had hit a snag.
Still… perhaps it could be salvaged.