The Wang Clan is truly a political chicken rib—tasteless to chew, but a pity to discard. Ninth Royal Uncle Nolan dropped his hopes of winning over William Wang Jinling.
This is just as well. With the Wang Clan Patriarch shielding her, even if Serena Feng’s true identity is exposed, she won’t be in grave danger. General Warren Yu discovered suspicious tracks on Northlyn’s Snow Peak—very likely tied to the Phoenixfield Clan or the Lan Imperial Clan. Many secrets are surfacing now. As long as the Wang Clan remains neutral, Nolan is satisfied…
William Wang Jinling came today precisely for Serena Feng. In fact, he took up the Wang Clan Patriarch’s mantle so early because of her—only the clan head can suppress Prince Damien of Southern Lyn.
William’s fury was no act—he was truly angry. Or perhaps he’d been suppressing his rage all along, only now letting it erupt. His gaze, always gentle as a spring breeze, turned into a sharp blade. Wherever his eyes swept, the crowd lowered their heads, not daring to meet his gaze.
"So you’re the one who struck her? Third Prince?" William’s gaze landed on Prince Damien of Southern Lyn. It sounded like a question, but was really a challenge.
What shocked everyone was that the always arrogant Prince Damien actually lowered his proud head under William’s stare, like a chastened child, and muttered, "Yes."
What was going on here?
Those in the know smiled knowingly; those who weren’t just got more confused.
"You’ve got some nerve! You dare hit my life-saver?" Sure enough, there’s a world of difference between the Grand Heir and the clan head. When William was just the Grand Heir, he was gentle as jade, never using power to oppress. But as Wang Clan Patriarch, it’s a whole new story.
If the Wang Clan Patriarch is too gentle, people will only see him as easy prey.
"Didn’t suffer? Third Prince, that’s a convenient excuse. If I took the things you said about Serena Feng and said them about your mother, then let your mother curse back—would you accept that?"
Prince Damien was startled and quickly pleaded, "Patriarch, please don’t ruin my mother’s reputation."
If the words came from William Wang Jinling’s mouth, even if they were false, the world would believe them—because he was William, the famed Grand Heir.
So you know those words ruin reputations. Your mother wants her name protected—doesn’t Serena Feng deserve the same? Third Prince, do not do to others what you do not wish done to yourself. I don’t care how you act in Southern Lyn, but this is Eastlyn—you must follow Eastlyn’s rules." William’s tone was blunt, that of a superior.
Serena Feng was confused and wanted to ask Ninth Royal Uncle, but he, like an old monk, had no intention of enlightening her.
Damien accepted the lesson. He didn’t argue, but Serena Feng could hear the dissatisfaction in his voice.
"Since you’ve learned your lesson, go apologize to Miss Feng. I don’t want to see this happen again." William bypassed the Emperor and gave the order directly. Though Damien was dissatisfied, he obeyed, but insisted on one point: "Patriarch, I can apologize to Miss Feng, but what about Ninth Royal Uncle hitting me?"
"National affairs are none of my concern. How the Third Prince acts is not for me, Jinling, to interfere." Today, he was here only to support Serena Feng, using his title as Wang Clan Patriarch, not to get involved in anything else.
"Thank you, Patriarch." Damien breathed a sigh of relief; he’d feared William would meddle in everything, and that his beating would be for nothing.
The Emperor frowned, clearly displeased with William’s approach. "Jinling."
"Jinling is here." William gave Serena Feng a reassuring smile, retracting his sharp demeanor and resuming his gentlemanly grace as he bowed slightly to the Emperor.
"Jinling, I wish to appoint you as Junior Guardian of the Crown Prince to assist him in receiving the princes of Southern Lyn, Western Lyn, and Northern Lyn." The Emperor was clearly forcing William to step forward.
Prince Damien paused and looked sideways at William. If the Wang Clan stepped in, Southern Lyn would never gain any advantage in Eastlyn. Damien worried that if his father found out he’d provoked the Wang Clan, he’d be in big trouble.
Unfortunately, William wasn’t a puppet to be manipulated. "Thank you for your favor, Your Majesty, but I am too young to bear such a heavy responsibility. Please withdraw your command. You should know the relationship between the Southern Lyn royal family and the Wang Clan—my clan has no interest in dealing with the Southern Lyn royals."
Serena Feng was confused and wanted to ask Ninth Royal Uncle, but he, like an old monk, had no intention of enlightening her.
Of course, the Emperor knew about the Wang Clan’s relationship with the Southern Lyn royal family. Judging by Damien’s status among the Wang Clan’s descendants, he could guess as much. Otherwise, he wouldn’t be so wary of the Wang Clan and reluctant to use them. Now, it seemed he was overly cautious; the Wang Clan didn’t want the world to know because they couldn’t bear to lose face.
"If that’s the case, I won’t force you." Not even giving face to the Southern Lyn royals—what could he do? The Emperor truly had mixed feelings about the Wang Clan. If he could gain their full support, he could swallow Southern Lyn whole, but the Wang Clan only ever gave partial effort.
The Emperor forgot that he’d always suppressed and guarded against the Wang Clan. In such circumstances, how could he expect their wholehearted support?
Reluctantly, Damien apologized to Serena Feng, who didn’t mind and waved it off. "It’s fine, I didn’t suffer. Third Prince, be more careful with your words in the future. Without proof, don’t make wild accusations. It’s just me, Serena Feng—if it were another woman, your words could have cost a life."
Serena Feng was the classic case of playing the victim after gaining the advantage. Damien was annoyed, but seeing how fiercely William defended her, he could only endure.
"Miss Feng is right. Next time, before I speak, I’ll be sure to have evidence." Prince Damien’s obedience was reserved only for William; he didn’t care about anyone else in Eastlyn, and Serena Feng noticed this too.
"Want evidence, Third Prince? How about I provide a witness?" Serena Feng smiled, but her injured face made the smile eerie, sending chills down spines—especially for Prince Terrence of Lyndaria, who had a bad feeling he was about to become involved.
Soon enough, Prince Terrence’s premonition came true. Serena Feng pointed at him: "Third Prince, didn’t you say I was impure before marriage? Now, let me tell you about a key witness—he knows whether I am innocent or not."
"Prince Terrence?" Damien followed Serena’s gesture and saw Terrence’s stiff face, quickly understanding what was going on. "So that’s it. I understand now."
Everyone present was clever; no need to spell things out. Damien wasn’t the only one who understood—soon, everyone was giving Terrence assessing looks, filled with scorn and contempt.
Serena Feng’s wedding day was clearly sabotaged, and this…
Terrence prided himself on his composure, but under so many judgmental stares, he felt deeply embarrassed—his ears turned red, and it seemed like everyone was whispering about him.
Rumors are powerful, and few can withstand their onslaught. Terrence certainly couldn’t—just the contempt of a hundred people was enough to make him squirm.
"Miss Feng, you should have evidence before you speak. I am not as easygoing as the Third Prince." Terrence stood up, his tiger eyes glaring at Serena Feng.
He hadn’t expected Serena Feng to be so bold. The matter had already calmed down, yet she refused to let it go—and now she was picking a fight with him, relying on William’s support.
"Terrence, whether you’re easy to deal with or not, I understand. There’s no need to get worked up—if you’re upright and honest, why care about a single word from me?" Serena Feng brushed her sleeve, turning her head slightly to hide her distaste. To the others, her gesture showed her disdain for Terrence.
There was no evidence, but everyone took Serena Feng’s words to heart.
It made sense—if it weren’t true, even with William’s backing, a lone woman like Serena Feng wouldn’t dare accuse a crown prince.
A single banquet set Eastlyn, Southern Lyn, and Lyndaria at odds—was the world about to fall into chaos?
Everyone present was clever; no need to spell things out. Damien wasn’t the only one who understood—soon, everyone was giving Terrence assessing looks, filled with scorn and contempt.
Serena Feng’s wedding day was clearly sabotaged, and this…
Terrence prided himself on his composure, but under so many judgmental stares, he felt deeply embarrassed—his ears turned red, and it seemed like everyone was whispering about him.
Rumors are powerful, and few can withstand their onslaught. Terrence certainly couldn’t—just the contempt of a hundred people was enough to make him squirm.
"Miss Feng, you should have evidence before you speak. I am not as easygoing as the Third Prince." Terrence stood up, his tiger eyes glaring at Serena Feng.
He hadn’t expected Serena Feng to be so bold. The matter had already calmed down, yet she refused to let it go—and now she was picking a fight with him, relying on William’s support.
"Terrence, whether you’re easy to deal with or not, I understand. There’s no need to get worked up—if you’re upright and honest, why care about a single word from me?" Serena Feng brushed her sleeve, turning her head slightly to hide her distaste. To the others, her gesture showed her disdain for Terrence.
There was no evidence, but everyone took Serena Feng’s words to heart.
It made sense—if it weren’t true, even with William’s backing, a lone woman like Serena Feng wouldn’t dare accuse a crown prince.
A single banquet set Eastlyn, Southern Lyn, and Lyndaria at odds—was the world about to fall into chaos?