To Zheng Qian, the Jing'an Marquis Manor was a place filled with hidden dangers—she had always known that.
And she never let her guard down.
Especially after she had taken so much of their money, she became even more cautious, repeatedly warning Xiuzhu and the others to act with extreme care.
They weren't just guarding against schemes anymore.
They were guarding against murder.
After all, forty thousand taels… was more than enough to buy her life.
Wasn't that roughly the price at which she had been "sold" to the Wen family?
"…I've gained some fame recently. What that reputation will bring—I don't know yet," Zheng Qian said to her trusted maids. "But it has already made me a thorn in certain people's eyes. Don't you think Hui Ning Courtyard should have its own guard?"
"The inner courtyard isn't allowed to keep guards," Nanny Dai replied.
Even the eldest young master only had two attendants—men like Shi Yong looked imposing, but in truth, they were still paid as servants. And they entered through side gates, never wandering into the inner quarters.
As for a young lady like Zheng Qian? Even less possible.
"If only we could have female guards," Zheng Qian mused. "We're still short one second-rank maid anyway."
They were short more than just one maid.
The cat, lying nearby, lifted its head slightly at her words.
It seemed to think of something… then lowered its head again in frustration.
He could find her a female guard.
If only he weren't a cat.
Xiao Zhan felt a rare sense of helplessness. For the first time, he no longer enjoyed staying in her warm embrace—he wanted, urgently, to return to his human body.
At noon, Zheng Qian noticed her cat looked unusually listless.
"Is he sick?" she asked anxiously, gently stroking his head.
The maids gathered around, studying Ah Chou seriously.
At that moment—
Knock, knock.
Visitors had been frequent these past few days, so no one thought much of it. Hongluan went to open the door.
Then her voice rose sharply:
"Miss! The Eldest Young Master is here!"
That alone wouldn't have been surprising.
But behind him stood a man dressed in luxurious robes—
The Ancheng Prince.
Hongluan had seen him before. Her nerves made her nearly stutter.
"Let them in," Zheng Qian called calmly from inside.
When Zheng Chi entered with the prince, the room stirred into hurried activity—tea was served, seats arranged.
Zheng Qian, however, frowned slightly.
"Your Highness… you can come into my quarters so easily?"
The Ancheng Prince smiled. "I came in through the side gate. Keep it quiet."
Zheng Qian: "…"
Zheng Chi coughed lightly. "I brought him. It's fine."
With her elder brother present, it could hardly be called improper.
Zheng Qian realized then—ancient etiquette wasn't quite as rigid as she'd imagined.
"So," she asked, "why has Your Highness come?"
"Nothing much," the prince said lightly. "I wanted to invite Miss Zheng to visit my residence."
Zheng Qian raised an eyebrow. "Is this how one normally extends an invitation?"
"A sudden craving for steamed lamb," he replied with a smile. "I wished to invite you and Zheng brother to taste it. Forgive the abruptness."
Zheng Qian met his gaze—
And saw something hidden beneath the warmth.
Something serious.
Zheng Chi seemed to sense it too, yet said nothing.
After a brief pause, Zheng Qian nodded.
"Then I shall go and sample Your Highness's cuisine."
She changed into a light red robe embroidered with begonia flowers and followed them out—bringing no maids, only her cat.
The journey was silent.
At the prince's residence, he stepped down first, then turned to Zheng Chi.
"Brother Zheng, perhaps you shouldn't come in just yet. Take a walk—return in an hour."
Zheng Qian glanced at him.
But she asked nothing.
Zheng Chi frowned slightly, then nodded. "Be careful. Speak cautiously."
"Yes, Brother."
Zheng Qian followed the prince inside.
Not through the main gate—
But through a side entrance, which was quickly shut behind them.
As they walked deeper in, the prince lowered his voice.
"Don't be afraid. I'll be nearby. I'll prompt you if needed."
Zheng Qian blinked.
"Afraid? It's just a meal."
The prince: "…"
He couldn't tell if she truly didn't understand—
Or simply didn't fear anything.
They entered the main hall.
Guards stood rigid at the entrance, swords at their waists.
Inside—
A man in his forties or fifties sat at the head, his posture straight, his presence commanding.
Beside him sat a dignified woman in elegant robes.
Zheng Qian took one look—
Then immediately knelt.
"Long live Your Majesty. Greetings to the Empress Dowager."
The room fell briefly silent.
The emperor gestured. "Rise."
Zheng Qian stood.
He wasted no time.
"I hear you possess the ability to bring the dead back to life?"
Zheng Qian replied calmly:
"No, Your Majesty."
Everyone froze.
Even the prince was caught off guard.
"…You treated the Wen young master," the emperor pressed.
Zheng Qian inclined her head.
"He only experienced cardiac arrest after drowning. For a short time, the heart can stop beating. During that period, a person may appear dead—no breath, no pulse."
The emperor's eyes flickered.
The Empress Dowager frowned. "Isn't that death?"
Zheng Qian turned slightly toward her.
"With respect, Your Majesty—after cardiac arrest, one can restore the heartbeat through chest compressions, and assist breathing to restore airflow. As long as it is within a limited time, the person can be revived."
She paused.
"This is not divine skill. It is common knowledge."
The prince inhaled sharply.
Was she… saying the emperor and empress dowager lacked common knowledge?!
"Miss Zheng," he warned softly, "be mindful of your words."
But the emperor raised a hand to stop him.
Instead of anger, there was something like… approval in his eyes.
"It seems your medical skill truly is extraordinary," he said slowly. "You speak of such miracles as if they are simple."
Hope flickered faintly in his gaze.
Perhaps…
Jing Cheng could finally awaken.