Bitterness, Invitation from the House of Duke Zhen

Just as Serena Feng had predicted, Madam Sun's physical condition was excellent—she could undergo surgery at any time, and scheduling it for tomorrow posed no problem at all.

It's normal for patients to feel nervous before surgery, especially in this era, when ordinary people don’t understand the procedure and believe that opening up the chest and belly is extremely dangerous. Of course they’re anxious and on edge.

After finishing her examination, Serena Feng was about to comfort Madam Sun, telling her not to worry and assuring her there was no danger to her life, but before she could speak, Madam Sun interrupted her.

"Don’t worry, Doctor Feng—I’m not worried at all. My husband has already told me about your extraordinary medical skills. He said that when you dissect a corpse, you don’t damage the internal organs at all, and after you sew it back up, it looks exactly the same as before.

This kind of skill is unique across the Four Nations and Nine Cities. My husband said your technique even surpasses the Master of the Mystic Healer Valley. With you as the lead surgeon, I’m not the least bit worried about any risks.

Although my son Simon hasn’t been with you long, every time he comes home, he’s always talking about you—he keeps saying that Doctor Feng’s medical skills are outstanding, your analysis of illnesses is precise and innovative, and right now, you’re the person he admires most.

So please, Doctor Feng, rest assured—I trust your skills completely, and I’m not at all worried or nervous about tomorrow. It’s Simon I’m worried about; I’m afraid he’ll be frightened during the surgery. If that happens, I hope you’ll forgive him."

Poor are the hearts of parents everywhere. At this moment, what weighed most on Madam Sun’s mind wasn’t whether the surgery would succeed, but her son Simon Sun.

Seeing Madam Sun’s love and pride for Simon Sun—how her eyes shone with affection and pride whenever she spoke of him—Serena Feng felt a surge of envy and pain she couldn’t put into words.

Simon Sun was truly blessed—with a father willing to swallow his pride for him, and a mother who would risk her own life without hesitation.

She had lived two lifetimes and never once tasted real parental affection. It seemed she was destined to be without it; the more Serena Feng thought about it, the more it hurt, but the brighter her smile became. In a cheerful tone, she said, "Madam Sun, don’t worry—Simon is doing very well. Today, I’ll have him stay and keep you company."

Even if she herself could never enjoy such family warmth, it was a blessing that her disciple could.

When Serena Feng left, she saw Simon Sun sitting beside Madam Sun, his smile pure as he tried his best to cheer up his mother. Serena’s face was full of envy.

If she could live just one day like that, she’d be satisfied—but that was only wishful thinking.

When Serena Feng returned to Feng Manor, her mood was still low. Evan Zhou saw her like this and didn’t dare ask much, hesitating about whether to hand her the invitation post he held.

"Evan Zhou, is something the matter?" Serena was cautious around Evan, unsure how to begin. She knew that once some things were said, there was no going back.

Deep down, she truly saw Evan Zhou as a younger brother, which only made her feel worse.

"Sister, someone from the House of Duke Zhen delivered a formal invitation, saying the Old Madam of their estate isn’t feeling well and requests you to come diagnose her." Evan Zhou knew Serena Feng disliked dealing with such people, but these were people you couldn’t refuse.

"The House of Duke Zhen?" Serena Feng opened the post and gave a cold laugh.

When covert attacks fail, they switch to overt ones. The House of Duke Zhen really is something—inviting her into their estate, are they not afraid she’ll stir up more trouble?

Clearly, the lesson from the Marquis of Jinyang’s estate hadn’t been harsh enough—these people still thought she was an easy target to push around.

"Sister?" Evan Zhou asked worriedly, wondering if Serena Feng was actually frightened.

Serena Feng stood up and tucked the invitation into her robe. "Evan Zhou, prepare the carriage—I’m going to the House of Duke Zhen."

She wasn’t afraid of their covert schemes—why should she fear the open ones? Serena was determined to see what the House of Duke Zhen was plotting. She still hadn’t settled the score for the insults hurled at her at the city gate.

"You really want to go, Sister? Should I inform Caleb Wang?" Everyone knew what kind of game the House of Duke Zhen was playing, and that was exactly why they were worried.

"No need—it’s just a medical visit." Dominic Zhai was right: until she had enough power, refusing house calls was a luxury she couldn’t afford.

The people at Duke Zhen’s estate didn’t make things difficult for Serena Feng. As soon as she arrived, she was led inside, and Madam Qin, the chief maid by the Old Madam’s side, personally came out to greet her.

"This is Madam Qin, who serves the Old Madam," the young maid leading the way reminded Serena Feng from a distance, lest she not recognize her.

This was quite an honor for Serena Feng—after all, she was just a physician, while Madam Qin was the most respected woman among the servants in Duke Zhen’s estate.

Just as Serena Feng reached the courtyard gate, Madam Qin came forward with a beaming smile and greeted her warmly: "Doctor Feng, we’ve been hoping for your arrival. Our Old Madam hasn’t been feeling well these past few days, but she’s been thinking of you constantly, wishing for you to come and cure her with your medicine."

Now this was interesting—medicine that works instantly? What illness could possibly require Serena Feng herself to treat it? It had to be that matter, of course.

“Madam Qin, you’re too polite. I’m just a physician—I will do my utmost to fulfill my duty as a healer.” Serena Feng answered with gentle courtesy, neither arrogant nor servile, as if there had never been any conflict between Feng Manor and the House of Duke Zhen.

In the House of Duke Zhen’s back courtyard, only the Duchess—Haoming Madam—held true rank; the other women were just somewhat privileged. After the old Duke passed, the Old Madam—Haoming—lost her formal title, so no one was required to kneel when greeting her.

When Serena entered, Old Madam Zhen was seated on a couch, sipping soup from a blue-and-white porcelain bowl. Serena guessed it was probably bird’s nest or something similar.

As soon as Serena entered, Old Madam Zhen handed the bowl to a maid, rinsed her mouth, washed her hands, and then signaled affectionately for Serena to approach. Serena couldn’t refuse and obediently stepped up to the couch.

“Miss Feng, you really are quite lovely, but your style is far too plain. You’re a young woman—why not dress yourself up a bit?”

Old Madam Zhen was dressed in lavish finery, her head adorned with a set of red-gold jewelry so dazzling that Serena nearly squinted.

Serena stood respectfully before the couch and bowed. “Serena Feng greets Old Madam.”

She knew these rituals well. The Feng family had no elders left, but if they did, by the customs of this era, Serena would have to greet them every morning.

“Good, good, good—such a fine girl. General Feng has a worthy successor.” Old Madam Zhen clasped Serena’s hand, her face full of gentle kindness, but Serena felt her scalp tingle with unease.