The Hsieh Clan produced a Noble Consort, but after seven years in the palace, she remains childless. Over the years, the Hsiehs have tried every famous doctor and secret remedy, but nothing has worked.
Everyone in the Hsieh household is running around in a panic.
Noble Consort Helena Hsieh is favored now, but in the harem, a woman without a son can only enjoy so much affection.
Once younger and prettier women enter the palace, how much favor can you really keep?
Even though the princes are all grown now, it doesn’t mean a prince born at this time has no chance at the throne.
The current Emperor is just over forty and healthy. Barring any accidents, he’ll likely reign another ten years or more.
If Noble Consort Helena Hsieh bears a son now, the child will be young and less likely to arouse the Emperor’s suspicion. In ten or so years, when the boy grows up, he’ll still have a chance to compete for the throne.
Don’t be fooled by how much the Emperor favors Prince Rowan now—if the Crown Prince dies and Rowan grows too powerful, the Emperor will start guarding against him too.
The imperial family is ruthless. The Emperor supports Prince Rowan only to counter the Crown Prince and to test Ninth Royal Uncle Nolan.
Don’t underestimate this poetry salon—it’s full of hidden agendas.
Since Serena Feng is entangled with the royal family, there’s no way for her to avoid it.
William Wang Jinling hopes Serena will step into this circle—only then can she see things more clearly and go further.
Serena wants to use this chance to break into this world, while the Hsieh Clan hopes to befriend her and use her medical skills to make their house even more prosperous.
Everyone has their own calculations. As long as they’re made wisely, it benefits all sides.
Noble houses and imperial power—before, William was blind and didn’t care. But now that his eyes are healed, he can’t go back to his old easy life.
He’s the Wang family’s eldest son. From birth, he’s enjoyed the glory and riches of the Wang name, but he also has to pay for it.
Outsiders only see the splendor of a noble son’s life—but who knows what he’s sacrificed for that family name?
William’s persuasion worked. Serena thought it over and stopped resisting; her world is opening up, and her days will keep getting better. Events like poetry salons are simply unavoidable.
Since she’s decided to attend the Hsieh-hosted poetry salon, Serena won’t be stubborn anymore. After leaving William’s courtyard, she heads for the main hall, hoping Ethan Hsieh is still there.
“Evan Zhou, go tell Serena Feng again—the poetry salon is crucial, she must attend.” Ethan Hsieh looked anxious.
"Evan Zhou, why don't you let me see Serena Feng for a moment and try to persuade her? This poetry salon is really important for her. No matter what she thinks of the Hsieh Clan, I don't want her to miss this chance to restore her reputation. If she refuses the Hsieh invitation this time, no one else will ever dare invite her to a poetry salon again."
Ethan Hsieh pushed the invitation across the table to Evan Zhou, pleading with his eyes.
If the Hsieh Clan hadn’t wronged Serena Feng, Ethan Hsieh would never lower himself like this.
"Third Young Master, my sister caught a chill after falling into the water. She’s not seeing guests." Evan Zhou refused calmly, pushing the invitation back.
"The salon is scheduled seven days from now to match William Wang Jinling’s recovery. In seven days, Serena Feng will be fine." Ethan Hsieh was incredibly frustrated.
Only Ethan Hsieh would bother to persist. Anyone else would have left the moment they heard Serena Feng wouldn’t attend.
Not just anyone can enter a poetry salon—getting an invitation is already a mark of recognition.
To put it bluntly, the Hsieh Clan is giving Serena Feng face by inviting her. Otherwise, with her reputation and the Feng family’s situation, even curing William Wang Jinling wouldn’t qualify her for the salon.
"Third Young Master, my sister—"
"Thank you, Third Young Master. I’ll attend the salon in seven days." Serena Feng walked out and took the invitation from the table.
"Sister?" Evan Zhou was puzzled—Serena Feng had changed her mind so quickly.
"I know what I'm doing."
"Don’t push yourself too hard," Evan Zhou cautioned her with a glance.
Serena Feng smiled and didn’t say more.
What’s there to push? Madam Hsieh invited her personally—surely she wouldn’t treat her badly. Madam Hsieh would never be arrogant and self-important like Princess Serenity.
"You’re overthinking it, Serena Feng. No one will give you trouble at the salon." Ethan Hsieh was visibly relieved when Serena agreed.
"Let’s hope so," Serena thought. Madam Hsieh might not, but that doesn’t mean others won’t.
Trouble is inevitable, but she wasn’t worried. Nothing could be worse than the Peach Blossom Festival.
"Don’t worry—with me, Wang Qi, and William Wang Jinling there, you’ll have backup. No one will dare mess with you. Serena Feng, let me tell you, at the salon—"
Knock, knock, knock...
Ethan Hsieh was about to tell Serena more about the salon when the knocking interrupted him.
"Who is it? So rough!"
Ethan Hsieh frowned and stopped talking. Evan Zhou headed for the door, but before he reached the threshold, there was a loud bang—the Feng Manor gate was kicked open.
Uh...
Serena Feng was exasperated.
No one but Warren Yu would be so violent.
Sure enough, Warren Yu strode in wearing plain clothes, with a middle-aged man at his side and a young man in his wake.
Both newcomers walked with the air of soldiers; from their looks, they were probably father and son.
"Serena Feng, you’re here? Why didn’t you open the door?" Warren Yu barged in, not bothering with politeness.
Warren Yu acted like he owned the place.
Evan Zhou silently wept inside...
General Yu, can’t you give people a chance?
"Warren Yu, you looking for me?" Serena Feng didn’t bother with small talk and got straight to the point.
"Not me—them." Warren Yu pointed at the people beside him.
"Miss Feng." The two men gave Serena a military salute.
"Your soldiers?" Serena Feng was a bit confused.
"What are you thinking? This is General Wei—he fought alongside your father in the Western campaigns. Now he’s stationed in the capital, working at the Ministry of War."
In other words, a general who’s been sidelined.
Makes sense. Most of the officers who fought with General Feng in the West are either dead or demoted—General Wei is probably another victim.
"It’s an honor to meet you, General Wei. Sorry I didn’t recognize you right away." Serena Feng quickly bowed in apology.
She just couldn’t figure out why Warren Yu brought General Wei to her home.
Is this about my father?
Serena Feng glanced at Warren Yu, searching for answers. He shook his head.
Who knows if he didn’t get what she meant, or if it really had nothing to do with her father...