Serena Feng had just won a high-profile victory over Wendy Summers, stealing the spotlight from the palace courtyards to the city streets—everywhere, people were talking about how Serena had outplayed Wendy in the zither duel.
After leaving the palace, Master Marcus Wynn joined several great scholars for tea and a music discussion. He accidentally drank too much, not only describing Serena's "Boundless Azure Sea and Sky" as a once-in-heaven masterpiece, but also blurting out that he was willing to marry Serena Feng just to learn the piece.
The Capital exploded. Beating Wendy Summers in zither was one thing, but earning such praise from Master Marcus Wynn made Serena Feng the undeniable number one.
And so, Serena Feng was famous—but this time, not for scandal or infamy, but for genuine talent and acclaim.
With Master Marcus Wynn's endorsement, no one dared question Serena Feng's zither skills. If not for the influential figures considering her upcoming chess match with Wendy Summers, they would have already come to her door that afternoon, eager to discuss music and hear "Boundless Azure Sea and Sky" live.
Wendy Summers herself poured fuel on the fire, not only admitting her own lack of skill, but repeatedly declaring that if she could hear "Boundless Azure Sea and Sky" again, she would die without regret.
The commotion outside grew wilder and wilder. If the Emperor hadn’t gotten word and sent guards to protect Serena Feng, those crazed scholars would have stormed her West District courtyard, demanding she play "Boundless Azure Sea and Sky" again.
When Serena Feng woke up and heard the news, she cursed Marcus Wynn half to death in her heart. As for Wendy Summers? She didn’t bother to respond—clearly just a sore loser.
Sure, she admitted she hadn’t won in a completely aboveboard way, but so what? The contest itself was unfair—why should she have to play fair in an unfair match?
Serena Feng didn’t regret beating Wendy Summers; what she regretted was getting tangled up with Marcus Wynn, who’d turned her into a living legend. In reality, she barely knew orthodox zither—soon enough, she’d come crashing down from that pedestal.
"Honestly, it's better to keep a low profile."
Serena Feng thought to herself, then realized that since Jada Tang and Mira Tang had always served her closely, if outsiders couldn’t get to her directly, they might target those two instead.
Serena raised an eyebrow and asked, "Jada, Mira, what do you think about all this?"
Jada and Mira were stunned at first—they couldn’t believe their mistress was asking for their opinions. Then they were overjoyed: was this a sign that Serena was finally willing to trust them?
The two immediately grew excited. "Mi—Mistress..." They exchanged glances, seeking confirmation from Serena Feng—was this really what they thought it meant?
Smart girls, Serena nodded, giving them a clear answer. "Jada, Mira, you’ve always served me closely. It’s fair to call you my most trusted people. I see your loyalty. There aren’t many I can trust in this house—you two are among them.
There are things I keep from you, but it’s for your own good—I don’t want you dragged into messy trouble. I hope you understand.
I’m not your typical noble lady. Sometimes I don’t have a choice. I need people around me I can trust with everything—people who see me as their only mistress. There can’t be divided loyalties." Serena had never been anyone’s boss in her past life, so being a mistress now was new. She wasn’t great at managing people, but she understood how to balance kindness and authority.
Since returning from the Walker Clan, Jada and Mira had been much more disciplined—probably thanks to William Wang Jinling’s warning. Serena found them easy to use; making them her own would please both her and William.
A flash of joy lit up Jada and Mira’s eyes. They knew their chance had come. The two exchanged a smile, nodded through tears, and knelt before Serena Feng, declaring, "Please rest assured, Mistress—Jada and Mira will never betray you. From now on, you are our only mistress."
Serena expected this answer—she wasn’t surprised. She’d tested them again and again lately, and was sure both girls were determined to follow her.
Serena picked up her tea, blew away the leaves floating on top, and took a slow sip. Setting the cup down, she said, "Stand up. Remember what you said today—if you ever waver, don’t bother coming to see me again." The day they grew disloyal would be their last.
"We understand." Jada and Mira didn’t say anything more about loyalty—they just bowed deeply, making their determination clear.
Serena was satisfied. Words meant nothing—actions were what counted.
"Jada, Mira, what do you think about all the rumors outside?" Many in the Capital, stirred up by Wendy Summers and her allies, wanted to force Serena to publicly play "Boundless Azure Sea and Sky" again. That was not a good sign.
She was confident she wouldn’t be exposed, but... Winning an unfair match by unconventional means was one thing; winning a false reputation she didn’t deserve was another. She had zero interest in becoming a famous zither master, playing for people’s amusement.
Jada and Mira knew Serena’s real skill with the zither. They didn’t know how she’d beaten Wendy Summers, and didn’t care to find out.
After so long with Serena, they understood her well—she never liked being in the spotlight. With that one statement, it was obvious: Serena had no intention of ever playing "Boundless Azure Sea and Sky" again.
If you gave in once, you’d have to give in again. If Serena couldn’t refuse these people today, she’d never be able to refuse those with even more power tomorrow—and then she’d really be stuck as a zither master.
"Mistress, whoever tied the bell should untie it. Since Master Marcus Wynn started all this, he should be the one to end it. Without his hype, Wendy Summers could never have stirred up so much curiosity about 'Boundless Azure Sea and Sky' in half a day."
Serena lifted her eyelids. "What do you think about Master Marcus Wynn wanting to marry me?"
Only Serena could say something like that—any other young lady would never talk so bluntly about her own marriage prospects.
"Is this a test, Mistress? If you really wanted to marry Master Marcus Wynn, none of this would be happening now. If you trust us, leave Marcus Wynn to us. Everyone has weaknesses—if they do, we can exploit them. You focus on the contest; Mira and I will handle everything outside." Jada wanted to show Serena she understood and was eager to get closer.
"I believe you." Serena stood up, left those words behind, and returned to her room.
This was a test—not of Jada and Mira’s loyalty, but of their capability. If they passed, they’d become not just senior maids but true stewards of House Feng of Loyalty.
"Don't worry, Mistress—we won’t let you down." Jada and Mira were fired up, ready to settle things with Marcus Wynn. They thrived on challenges, not idleness.
Competent subordinates really were a blessing. Serena was happy to let go and let them handle things. Whether they could deal with Marcus Wynn, she wasn’t sure—but handling the rabble outside was definitely within their reach. If they couldn’t manage even that, they’d disgrace the Wang clan’s training.
Serena focused on preparing for the next day’s contest. Taking yesterday’s lesson to heart, she kept a low profile: a lilac gown, soft and elegant, every gesture understated and calm. Her quiet grace and natural charm drew every eye as she walked by.
Wendy Summers did the opposite: a royal-blue palace dress, dignified and imposing, radiating superiority. By coincidence, the two met at the entrance—both stopped at the same time...
Today’s contest wasn’t in the palace, but at the Royal Academy. By chance, the academy’s stone gate was just wide enough for one person to pass through...
Who goes in first? That’s the question.