News of Zheng Chi's official appointment sent waves of excitement through the entire Jing'an Marquis Manor.
Even the old matriarch summoned him personally.
"You must work diligently and serve your superiors well," she instructed. "The future of the Zheng family rests on your shoulders."
Zheng Chi merely responded with a calm acknowledgment.
Once, he had been the heir—the eldest grandson of the main branch—and the old matriarch had doted on him.
But when he became crippled, it was she who had urged the family to strip him of that very title.
In the Zheng family, affection was thin.
Only利益 mattered.
"Come, let Grandmother see your leg," she said again.
Zheng Chi replied evenly, "I fear it may frighten you. As long as I can stand and walk, that is enough—isn't it?"
Her eyes grew slightly moist. "This is the blessing of our ancestors. Our Zheng family is destined for prosperity. Even after such misfortune, you can still stand again."
Zheng Chi remained expressionless.
—
At that moment, Zheng Yutan entered.
She wore a lake-green robe embroidered with butterflies among flowers, her figure graceful, her movements almost ethereal.
"Elder Brother," she greeted with a radiant smile, like a peach blossom in full bloom.
Zheng Chi gave a slight nod and moved to pass her—but she stopped him.
"Congratulations on your new post," she said sweetly. "I've prepared a small banquet tonight. Would you honor me with your presence?"
"No need. I have matters to attend to tonight," Zheng Chi replied.
His tone was neither warm nor cold—unchanged from before.
Zheng Yutan's smile stiffened slightly. "Then… when would Elder Brother be free?"
"I've only just taken office. There is much to do. And besides…" he added lightly, "I am still a cripple. I must work harder than others to justify His Majesty's favor. I have no time for such things."
Zheng Yutan: "…"
She found herself speechless.
By the time she gathered her thoughts, he had already turned and left.
A chill spread through her heart.
Hatred followed.
—
She had never imagined—
That her crippled elder brother would stand again.
It was impossible.
And yet, Zheng Qian had made it happen.
Before his injury, Zheng Chi had cared for her deeply. She had been cherished above all.
Afterward… she had been the one to distance herself.
She remembered clearly—
That day in the garden.
Zheng Chi had been carried out to sit in the sun. By chance, she and Zheng Hao were there as well.
Zheng Hao had always envied him.
Zheng Chi was the legitimate eldest son, the rightful heir. Yet Zheng Hao's mother controlled the household finances—he believed he should stand as an equal.
But no one saw it that way.
Everyone respected Zheng Chi.
Because he was the heir.
When Zheng Chi lost his leg, Zheng Hao seized every chance to humiliate him.
And Zheng Yutan—only twelve then—had already begun aligning herself with power.
She believed Zheng Hao would become the next heir.
So she flattered him relentlessly.
That day, she had smiled sweetly.
"I've just learned to make shoes. I'll make a pair for Third Brother."
Then she turned to Zheng Chi.
"I should make a pair for you too…"
A pause.
Feigning realization, she laughed lightly—
"Oh… I forgot. Elder Brother no longer has legs."
—
Zheng Chi's eyes had turned red with rage.
Zheng Hao had laughed.
That was the beginning of their alliance.
Because to them, Zheng Chi was finished.
A cripple had no future.
—
And yet—
Now he stood again.
Not only that—he had gained the favor of Xiao Mingyu and secured an official post.
Even if his leg was artificial—
He could walk.
That was enough.
Zheng Yutan's fingers tightened.
"…All because of Zheng Qian…"
Her gaze turned cold, sharp as a poisoned blade.
"Perhaps that leg is temporary," she muttered. "When it fails… let's see where you find another. Let's see how you remain an official then."
—
But Zheng Chi paid her no mind.
He had endured too much over the years—too much to care anymore.
And today—
He had something more important to do.
—
He had an appointment with Xiao Mingyu.
The meeting took place in one of the prince's own establishments—a private room, quiet and refined.
"How is your new post?" Xiao Mingyu asked.
"Good. Thank you," Zheng Chi replied.
"No need for thanks," Xiao Mingyu said, his expression serious. "I've secured you a position. You have no further demands, I hope?"
Zheng Chi remained calm. "Your Highness, don't be in such a hurry. I will surely have many things to trouble you with in the future."
Xiao Mingyu's face darkened. "What do you mean?"
"When someone holds leverage over you," Zheng Chi said lightly, "you obey them. Surely Your Highness understands this."
"And you have no weaknesses?" Xiao Mingyu shot back. "One word from me, and you'd be dead."
"If I die, I'll take Your Highness with me," Zheng Chi replied evenly. "I have nothing to lose. But you—wealth, power… If you accompany me to the grave, it would be my honor."
Xiao Mingyu fell silent.
After a long pause, he asked, "What do you want?"
"Deliver a letter for me."
—
They parted on bad terms.
Xiao Mingyu left first, his expression cold, his aura sharp enough to make even his guards lower their heads.
Inside his carriage, his thoughts churned.
He was being controlled—
All for the sake of a woman.
Is it worth it?
He didn't know.
For the first time in his life, the ever-calculating prince felt uncertain.
—
Zheng Chi returned home at his own pace.
By now, his appointment had spread among relatives and acquaintances.
By mid-July, the heat had eased slightly.
The Wen family sent invitations, inviting young masters and ladies to their estate for a gathering.
"The estate lies by the river," Wen Zhao explained. "There are lotus ponds—lotus roots, lotus seeds, fish… It's cool and pleasant. A perfect outing."
He spoke stiffly, clearly carrying out instructions from his family.
Zheng Chi accepted. "Very well. Thank you for the invitation."
Wen Zhao was delighted and delivered invitations to the rest of the Zheng family.
But there was a difference.
For Zheng Yutan—he went personally.
For Zheng Qian—
He merely had a servant deliver the invitation to the inner gate.
"Miss," a maid reported, "Young Master Wen went to visit Second Miss in person."
Zheng Qian: "…"