At first, when the cat saw Wen Zhao, its gaze tightened, instinctively glancing at Zheng Qian's face.
The man was just too handsome. The cat worried that Zheng Qian might lose control and fall deeply for him. If that happened, it would be harder to "take her away" in the future.
Xiao Zhan didn't care whether Zheng Qian was the eldest lady of the Zheng family or the future young mistress of the Wen family.
After all, the situation was unusual. He was still a cat, unable to return to his own body, so he couldn't worry about much.
However, after hearing Wen Zhao speak a few words, the cat relaxed its gaze, even closing its eyes—it was too "blindingly handsome" to look at him.
"No one here can actually fight," it seemed to think.
Wen Zhao was not qualified to be his opponent.
Throughout the journey, Zheng Qian chatted and laughed with Wen Zhao.
Wen Zhao felt that this eldest lady had become reasonable, no longer as stubborn as before. Talking to her was enjoyable because she praised him constantly.
Whatever he said, she approved.
Though her praise was slightly exaggerated, it didn't matter. The young master of the Wen family liked obedience.
Being the eldest grandson of the Wen family, which was so wealthy, marrying the two sisters would emulate the legendary story of Ehuang and Nüying, and should become a tale of admiration.
The second young lady of the Zheng family had always admired his style.
As long as the eldest lady didn't interfere, taking the second young lady as a concubine would be reasonable. The second young lady might be slightly wronged, but he would compensate her.
How to compensate? Wen Zhao pondered.
The group, following Wen Zhao's whimsical lead, arrived at the old lady's courtyard.
The matriarch of the Wen family was about the same age as the Zheng family matriarch, but she appeared much older than Zheng Qian's grandmother.
She wore a dark blue patterned robe, her silver hair in a low bun, a sapphire-studded forehead band, and a jade bracelet on her wrist, simple yet elegant.
Zheng Qian thought that in terms of dress, the Wen matriarch was understated and tasteful—likely more refined than her own grandmother. She appeared older, probably because her children and grandchildren were exasperating.
The eldest daughter-in-law and eldest grandson were naturally not very intelligent, possessing only beauty—a type that could tire anyone.
Zheng Qian had seen others raising huskies before—it was probably that same kind of exhausting.
The group paid respects to the matriarch.
She was well-mannered and first chatted briefly with the third madam, asked after the Zheng family matriarch, and then spoke individually to Zheng Qian and the third young lady, Zheng Xi.
After the pleasantries, she returned to Zheng Qian and spoke warmly. She asked about what Zheng Qian had been busy with recently, if she was eating and sleeping well—small matters that felt very intimate.
Zheng Qian answered each question and also inquired about the matriarch's daily life.
The conversation between granddaughter and grandmother was very pleasant.
The matriarch was surprised: "Mei'er wasn't this talkative before. Has she changed?"
Zheng Qian thought: "The matriarch is a good person, but unfortunately, the Wen family husky mother and son are unworthy of such a fine grandmother."
After a short chat, more guests arrived.
The matriarch had Mrs. Wen lead the third madam and others to the front seats to watch the performance. Wen Zhao followed.
Zheng Qian didn't go forward; instead, she said to Wen Zhao: "Young Master, how about taking me to your family's rear garden for a walk?"
Mrs. Wen frowned at her.
Not yet married into the family, acting so unreserved was almost uncultured.
The third madam and the third young lady of the Zheng family felt a bit sorry for her—she was clueless, pushing herself forward despite being obviously disliked.
Wen Zhao wasn't particularly pleased either.
Zheng Qian, however, gave him a sly look.
Just in case he didn't understand, she explained: "I know many secrets, and I can tell you."
"What secrets?" Catching this fool was too easy—no bait needed, even a straight hook would work.
Zheng Qian winked at him.
Thus, Wen Zhao agreed to take her to the rear garden.
The maid, Xiuzhu, wanted to follow, but Zheng Qian forbade it, sending her with the third madam to the front.
It was almost noon; the weather was extremely hot, and Zheng Qian, holding her cat, felt even hotter.
Wen Zhao led her to a pavilion in the rear garden.
"…What secrets are you going to tell me?" Wen Zhao asked.
Zheng Qian replied: "Not really a big secret. I just want to ask if there's a way for you to take my second sister as a concubine. My father may not agree."
Wen Zhao was a little stumped.
Even with his extremely handsome face, a hint of a blank, foolish expression appeared. Despite being pure fool, he looked good—pleasing to the eye.
"I don't know. I'll need to ask my mother," he said, directly admitting he couldn't hold any secrets in his sunflower-seed-sized brain.
Zheng Qian's eyes curved into a smile.
She placed her cat on the stone table of the pavilion, staring unblinkingly at her.
Zheng Qian restrained her expression: "Young Master, I do have a way. If you give my second sister a betrothal gift equal to the one you gave me, my father will surely agree."
"Really?" Wen Zhao rejoiced.
"Of course."
Wen Zhao clapped his hands with excitement. His joy only enhanced his celestial beauty. With his bound hair, red lips, white teeth, and flowing gaze, he was utterly captivating.
"Do you know the betrothal gift your family gave me back then?" Zheng Qian reminded. She was here to handle serious matters, not just to admire beauty.
Even faced with such beauty, her mind was clear. If she were a ruler, she could resist even a fox spirit's seduction.
"This… I'll have to ask my mother," Wen Zhao said, unknowingly falling into her trap.
"Wasn't there a list of gifts at the time?"
"Yes, with my mother."
"Then fetch it, and I'll help you look it over. My second sister grew up pampered; she dislikes ordinary items. If you send the wrong thing, it won't win her favor," Zheng Qian added.
Wen Zhao nodded: "Indeed. The second young lady is a celestial beauty descended to earth. We mortals must not act rashly toward her."
Zheng Qian: "…I am mortal, but Young Master, you really aren't either—you're also a celestial being. Compared to your beauty, my second sister is only ordinary."
This extraordinarily beautiful but clueless fool, she thought, was naturally adorable. Appreciating him was fine, but making him a husband would drive anyone crazy.
"Wait here. I'll go fetch it," Wen Zhao said.
Zheng Qian nodded: "Young Master, hurry back."
"I know. You're nagging," the celestial beauty complained, running off.
Zheng Qian watched his back, a small smile curling her lips.
She gently stroked her cat: "Achou, isn't that boy incredibly handsome? And dumb, like a human husky. Once we have our own marquis's mansion, we'll snatch him over as a kept man, right?"
The cat let out a low growl, swiping at her.
Luckily, it didn't extend its claws; the paw pad didn't hurt.
Zheng Qian, amused, didn't believe the cat could understand, but was curious and entertained by its reaction: "What's wrong? Don't like him? Is it a cat-dog rivalry?"
Suddenly, a man's voice behind her asked: "Are you talking to the cat?"
Zheng Qian jumped.