Zheng Qian had little interest in the banquet.
She didn't like going out much anyway.
Back when she followed the army aboard a mech, a single patrol mission meant drifting in space for months. If she couldn't stay indoors, she would have gone mad long ago. Compared to that, the Marquis estate now felt practically spacious—why would she need to go out at all?
She was about to refuse when Zheng Wu burst in.
Today was a break from the Imperial Academy, and he was brimming with excitement.
"Big Sister! We're going to the estate to have fun!"
He looked like he might explode from joy—fishing, digging lotus roots, swimming…
"I don't want to go," Zheng Qian said lazily. "Too hot."
Zheng Wu froze. "Why not? I really want to go."
"You can go."
"If you don't go, I won't go either!" he shot back. "Why won't you go?"
"I told you—it's too hot. Don't be so clingy. You're not a child anymore."
"Who's clingy?!" he snapped.
"I just don't feel like going." She smiled. "Be good. Go with the others. Big Brother will probably go too—they're inviting us for his sake anyway."
The intent from the Wen family was obvious: build ties with their future brother-in-law.
Zheng Wu instantly deflated, like a wilted plant. He sat there, sulking, clearly ready to skip the event altogether.
This kid really lived by his likes and dislikes.
Zheng Qian sighed. "Fine, we'll go together. I'll grill fish for you, how about that?"
"Really?"
"Would I lie to you?"
Just like that, the siblings came to an agreement.
At that moment, Wen Zhao rushed in, sweat pouring down his face.
Even drenched and flustered, he still looked… stunning. His flushed cheeks were like ink bleeding into white silk—messy, yet beautiful.
Zheng Qian couldn't help but admire the perfect proportions of his features. Truly, a masterpiece of creation.
Wen Zhao grabbed a cup of tea and gulped it down in one go, leaving the maids stunned. Only then did he speak:
"I ran all the way here—too hot," he panted.
"What for?" Zheng Qian asked.
"You have to come to the banquet the day after tomorrow. If you don't go, Second Sister won't go either."
Zheng Wu shot to his feet, furious. "What did you say?!"
Wen Zhao blinked, completely sincere. "You didn't hear? I can repeat it."
Zheng Wu: "..."
What kind of creature was this?
Zheng Qian quickly stepped in and pulled Zheng Wu back. "I was planning to go anyway."
If Zheng Yutan insisted on her presence, she was probably planning something.
Good. Let her try.
Zheng Qian wasn't just skilled at saving lives—she knew how to take them too.
And if Zheng Yutan did manage to scheme against her, Zheng Qian could use it as the perfect excuse to break off the engagement with the Wen family.
A perfect opportunity.
Not only would she go—she would go happily.
As for Wen Zhao… if anyone else had said something like that, it would've been infuriating. But his mind worked on an entirely different wavelength. Getting angry at someone like him would just be exhausting.
He was like a beautiful fool.
Once she agreed, Wen Zhao left cheerfully.
The moment he was gone, Zheng Wu complained, "You're really going to marry that?"
"What choice do I have?" Zheng Qian sighed dramatically. "My betrothal gifts are all in Father and Third Aunt's hands. I can't get them back."
Zheng Wu was about to sigh with her—then remembered she'd already won her money back.
"You do have a choice—you've got money now!" he snapped. "Or… are you just dazzled by his looks?"
Zheng Qian nodded calmly. "Yes."
"You—you—!" He was speechless.
"Food and desire are human nature," she said lightly. "What's there to be embarrassed about? You're barely a teenager and already have two maidservants assigned to you. Don't tell me nothing's happened."
Zheng Wu flushed bright red. "Nothing happened!"
"Oh really?" she teased.
At fourteen or fifteen, boys were full of curiosity. In this era, it was perfectly normal.
"As long as I don't do it, I won't judge others," she added.
"Nothing happened!" he insisted. "I don't want illegitimate children!"
Zheng Qian blinked.
She hadn't expected such a serious answer from her hot-headed little brother. She was about to comfort him—
"Just look at Zheng Yutan," he spat. "Disgusting, vicious—what even is she?"
He didn't even call her "Second Sister" anymore.
Zheng Qian: "..."
Right. His brain really was wired differently.
She rubbed her forehead. "You do realize you're also illegitimate?"
"I'm not a good thing either," Zheng Wu said bluntly.
When I lose my temper, I disgust even myself.
Zheng Qian burst out laughing.
When the day arrived, the Zheng family prepared their carriages and gathered at the gates.
Zheng Qian stepped out leisurely—without her cat for once.
Ah Chou had disappeared early that morning again.
It had been sneaking out often lately. She was convinced it was mating season. She didn't mind—so long as it didn't bring back a stray.
Still, her arms felt oddly empty.
She'd grown used to carrying it everywhere.
Zheng Hao was also going.
Seeing her, he flashed his usual slick smile. "Going too, Big Sister?"
"Yes, Third Brother," Zheng Qian replied politely.
"I'll teach you how to fish later," he said.
Last time, he had deliberately tripped her into the water for amusement. She had even defended him afterward.
Thinking about it made him smirk.
Maybe if he gave her a little kindness now, she'd return the ten thousand taels he lost.
The thought of money made his chest burn.
"No need," Zheng Qian said with a smile. "My elder brother will teach me."
She walked past him and headed straight toward Zheng Chi.
He stood by the carriage, expression unreadable.
When he saw her, he extended his hand.
She placed hers in his and stepped onto the carriage.
To an outsider, it almost looked like he was serving her.
Zheng Hao's expression darkened.
So she had someone to rely on now. Fine—let's see how long that lasts.
"Calm down, Third Brother," Zheng Yutan appeared beside him. "Today, she won't be coming back."
Zheng Hao turned to her.
"Let's talk in the carriage," she said.
As Zheng Hao climbed aboard, he happened to meet Zheng Chi's gaze.
Across the blazing sunlight and shifting crowd, that gaze landed coldly on him.
No hatred.
Only a bone-deep indifference—and contempt.
Zheng Hao shivered.
For some reason, that look unsettled him deeply.
He quickly turned away and got into the carriage.
Meanwhile, Zheng Chi and Zheng Wu didn't take the carriage arranged for them.
Instead, they climbed into Zheng Qian's.