Chapter Eleven: "Blossoming Reputation and Unforseen Alliance".

Over the following weeks, Yanli dedicated herself to studying ancient medical texts in her hidden space. She honed her skills carefully, blending traditional remedies with the rare herbs she found within her space. The more she practiced, the more her confidence grew. Yet, she knew she would need a chance to showcase her abilities for her reputation to spread.

That chance came sooner than expected. One afternoon, while Yanli was visiting the bustling marketplace to gather some everyday herbs, a sudden commotion erupted nearby. A noblewoman had collapsed in front of a popular tea house, her face flushed with fever, breathing labored. Her husband, a respected minister with a high position in the royal court, shouted desperately for help as bystanders looked on in worry.

Yanli's heart quickened; this was her chance.

Swiftly, she moved through the crowd, her tone calm but firm. "Let me through, I can help."

The minister looked up, his eyes full of desperation. "Are you a healer?"

She nodded, her gaze steady. "Yes. Allow me to examine her."

As she knelt beside the noblewoman, Yanli swiftly assessed her symptoms. The fever was high, her pulse erratic. She realized the woman had likely ingested something poisonous, though mild enough that it could be treated quickly if she acted fast.

Reaching into her satchel, Yanli pulled out a small pouch of powdered herbs she'd brought from her space, carefully measuring out the correct dose. "Sir, please help her drink this. It should alleviate the poison's effects within moments."

The nobleman obeyed, supporting his wife's head as Yanli administered the remedy. Moments later, the woman's breathing steadied, and the fever began to subside. Relief washed over the minister's face.

"You saved her," he murmured, his voice thick with gratitude. He took Yanli's hand, bowing his head respectfully. "I owe you my wife's life, Lady Yanli."

Yanli offered him a calm smile. "There's no need for thanks. I only did what was necessary."

Unknown to her, several members of the royal family were nearby, concealed in the upper floor of a small, quiet tavern that overlooked the square.

Prince Zhen and the First Prince, Ren, sat observing the scene with interest. As Yanli's skillful intervention unfolded, Ren turned to his uncle, brow furrowed in surprise.

"Yanli has certainly changed," he murmured. "Her skills… they seem extraordinary for someone who never showed an interest in medicine before."

Prince Zhen's eyes softened, a hint of pride visible in his gaze. "It's clear she's been studying. She has both intelligence and courage—rare qualities."

Ren blinked, a hint of surprise flashing in his eyes. He had never heard Prince Zhen speak so highly of anyone, much less with such warmth in his tone. Observing his uncle's expression, Ren's surprise deepened; he couldn't ignore the warmth in Prince Zhen's gaze.

A teasing smile tugged at Ren's lips. "I don't recall ever hearing you speak this way about anyone. Lady Yanli must truly have made an impression on you."

Zhen's lips curved into a slight, knowing smile. "Perhaps she has. And perhaps her engagement to Hanyu isn't as solid as everyone assumes."

Ren chuckled, watching his uncle thoughtfully. "You know, if Hanyu realizes she's caught your attention, he won't be pleased."

Zhen's smile didn't falter. "Let him."

Just outside, however, Prince Hanyu and the Third Prince, Xiao, had also witnessed the scene from a distance. Hanyu's eyes narrowed, suspicion evident as he watched Yanli interact with the grateful minister and his wife. This was not the docile, submissive fiancée he once knew. Her newfound skills, her confidence—everything about her seemed foreign and unsettling.

The Third Prince, oblivious to Hanyu's thoughts, nudged him playfully. "Look at her, saving lives. I'd say your fiancée has quite the talent for attracting attention."

Hanyu clenched his jaw, his gaze darkening. "I don't trust it. This change… it's unnatural. She must be hiding something."

Nearby, a small group of noble ladies who had also witnessed Yanli's actions began to murmur amongst themselves, their voices tinged with jealousy.

"Lady Yanli certainly enjoys the attention," one of them scoffed, her tone sharp. "She's no healer, yet here she is, pretending to be one."

Another lady, rolling her eyes, added, "She always seemed meek before. Who knew she was capable of such theatrics?"

Yanli, however, paid no mind to the whispers or jealous stares. She turned her attention back to the minister, who now stood before her with deep respect.

"You've saved my wife, Lady Yanli," he said, his voice filled with gratitude. "If there's anything you ever need, you have only to ask. I shall always be in your debt."

"Thank you, my lord," Yanli replied graciously. "It was my duty, nothing more."

The nobleman nodded and pressed a hand to his heart in a gesture of respect. "You have earned the gratitude of my family, Lady Yanli. Your reputation as a healer will surely spread."

As Yanli made her way back home, she sensed that the event would indeed have far-reaching effects. Already, the murmurs of her skill were echoing through the marketplace. With the support of a prominent nobleman, her reputation would only grow stronger.

From the upper floor of the tavern, Prince Zhen watched her leave, a small smile lingering on his lips. Ren studied him curiously.

"You seem captivated by her, Uncle," Ren commented, raising an eyebrow. "Perhaps fate has given you another chance."

Prince Zhen's gaze didn't waver. "Perhaps it has."

And from the street below, Hanyu's eyes darkened as he watched Yanli's retreating figure, his suspicions growing. He would uncover her secrets, and if necessary, he would make her regret defying him.