Answer My Question or Take Me to the Eastlyn Empire

Prince Nolan had always known why Master Wenyuan, the Palace Master of Jixia Academy, constantly made things difficult for him. Thus, toward this Palace Master, he was always polite but never familiar, and would never offer himself up to be humiliated.

However, just because Prince Nolan understood did not mean outsiders did. The Southlyn King and officials only thought Master Wenyuan disliked Prince Nolan’s arrogance in Southlyn and was venting for Southlyn’s sake.

Everyone saw Master Wenyuan shut Prince Nolan up with just a few words, and they were all excited, praising Master Wenyuan nonstop. Master Wenyuan kept smiling and nodding, but in truth, he was not happy at all.

Prince Nolan is just too cunning; no wonder William can’t beat him.

In fact, Master Wenyuan hadn’t gained much advantage over Prince Nolan, but it wasn’t something he could tell others. He could only stew in his own frustration, downing his wine in one gulp. The palace attendants were quick-witted and immediately refilled Master Wenyuan’s cup, which he raised again.

Having a good temperament truly is an advantage. Master Wenyuan was refined and gentle; even when drinking in frustration, he had a lofty and aloof air that others could not imitate, like a sage detached from the mortal world, observing the ways of ordinary people with cold eyes.

No one noticed anything wrong with Master Wenyuan, and all praised his extraordinary demeanor. Only Serena felt something was off, frowned slightly, and quietly asked Prince Nolan, 'What’s wrong with Master Wenyuan?'

Prince Nolan glanced up, obviously displeased, and said, 'His disciple was bullied, so he wanted to intervene personally, but ended up failing.'

Prince Nolan’s words were almost blunt. Although Master Wenyuan had many disciples, Serena immediately understood he meant William Wang, so she obediently kept quiet and said no more.

In Southlyn, she relied on William Wang’s influence. Although Prince Nolan hadn’t said anything, Serena knew he disliked it, so she tried not to mention William in front of him.

But...

Not mentioning him didn’t mean others would let her off, such as Master Wenyuan.

After a few cups of wine, Master Wenyuan’s gloom had eased considerably. Seeing Serena, Master Wenyuan naturally thought of William Wang. When he saw Serena’s delighted expression, he softened his tone and, in a senior’s voice, asked: ‘Are you General Feng of Eastlyn’s daughter?’

General Feng’s daughter!

Serena was stunned and looked sharply at Master Wenyuan.

How long had it been? How long since someone had formally addressed her like this?

Ever since she healed William Wang’s eyes and became famous, few people called her General Feng’s daughter. They referred to her as Serena, and to her parents as Serena’s father and mother.

With such achievements, she ought to be happy, but... she couldn’t feel happy. She wished she could live under her parents’ protection, not struggle alone like this.

Hearing Master Wenyuan mention her father so solemnly, Serena felt a pang in her heart, quickly stood up, and respectfully saluted Master Wenyuan: ‘To answer your question, sir, I am indeed from the Feng family of Eastlyn, Serena Feng.’

No matter what conflicts there were between Prince Nolan and Master Wenyuan, just for the fact that Master Wenyuan mentioned her father, Serena was willing to respect this great scholar.

“Indeed, you have the backbone of a tiger daughter from a general’s house.” Master Wenyuan looked Serena over and nodded in satisfaction, especially pleased when he heard the rumor that Serena had knocked Prince Nolan down with a single step.

Although great scholars value rules, true academicians are not bound by convention. Otherwise, they could never teach a student like William Wang.

“Thank you for your praise, sir. I am flattered,” Serena replied, her smile genuine—unlike the polite smile she wore with the Southlyn King and the others.

Princess Vivian sat to one side, her eyes wide with shock.

What was going on?

She had specifically invited the Palace Master, not to have him admire Serena. But in this setting, she couldn’t interrupt at will and could only fret, desperately signaling Prince Damien.

Prince Damien wasn’t a fool; he clearly remembered William Wang’s warning. No matter how much he disliked Serena, he wouldn’t embarrass her in public and give William Wang leverage.

Others didn’t understand why Master Wenyuan treated Serena differently, but in his presence, they dared not speak out and could only look at Serena with envy, secretly thinking how lucky she was.

Master Wenyuan was very cordial to Serena. When she invited him to visit Eastlyn and stay at the Feng Manor, Master Wenyuan agreed on the spot.

Seeing this, Serena immediately asked, “May I ask when Master Wen plans to depart for Eastlyn?”

She hadn’t planned on helping Prince Nolan, but with the opportunity before her, not speaking up would seem insincere. Serena believed that anyone who could teach a gentleman like William Wang—even if he had a temper—must be an honest and upright person. Asking directly would not offend him, but would likely please him.

Sure enough, Master Wenyuan wasn’t displeased, but he didn’t answer directly either. Instead, he asked, “I may have agreed to lecture in Eastlyn, but I haven’t said when I’ll go. If you want me to visit Eastlyn, you’ll have to prove yourself.”

Though he agreed to help the Southlyn royal family for his clan’s sake, that didn’t mean he’d let them use him without principles. If Prince Nolan hadn’t come to fetch him, he wouldn’t have gotten involved in a dispute between two kingdoms.

Besides his clan, he genuinely wanted to see what kind of person Prince Nolan was—the one even William Wang couldn’t beat.

After meeting him, Master Wenyuan realized Prince Nolan was cunning from beginning to end. Not only William, but even he himself had suffered several losses at Prince Nolan’s hands.

He was just too composed, and too patient.

If he were an opponent, he’d be a truly terrifying enemy.

Since he hadn’t refused outright, there was room to negotiate. Serena thought for a moment and said, “Sir, you are a learned scholar and know all things under heaven. May I be so bold as to ask you a question? If you cannot answer, please allow me to accompany you to Eastlyn.”

“Oh? And what if I can answer?” Master Wenyuan was quite curious—Serena was bold to assume he couldn’t.

Only Serena could get away with this; if anyone else tried, he’d think they were arrogant and just seeking attention.

Over the years, many people have asked him questions, and he’s never failed to answer. The Palace Master of Jixia Academy isn’t a title given lightly—being versed in astronomy and geography is just the basics.

Master Wenyuan’s erudition was unmatched by almost anyone on the Nine Provinces continent.

When the others heard Serena’s proposal, they weren’t as gracious as Master Wenyuan and laughed out loud. Princess Vivian couldn’t help herself and said, “Serena, the Palace Master’s learning is second to none—you’d better think of another way.”

Her words seemed kindly meant but actually implied Serena was overestimating herself, thinking she could stump someone as knowledgeable as Master Wenyuan.

“Thank you, Princess, but I’d still like to try,” Serena replied, looking at Master Wenyuan with determination, making her intentions clear.