Transferred Away, Plotting Against Ninth Royal Uncle

Although Ninth Royal Uncle was angry that Serena clearly knew Prince Chase's intentions and still stayed at Prince Chase's Manor, he would never truly ignore Serena. When they got out of the carriage, Ninth Royal Uncle, as always, personally helped Serena down.

Serena was both surprised and delighted—Ninth Royal Uncle finally looked at her directly, finally cared about her. She was deeply moved.

A faint smile flashed in Ninth Royal Uncle's eyes. He stepped forward, gently tucked the loose strands of hair behind Serena's ear, and said with concern, "Things are chaotic outside these days. Don't go out unless you have to, and stop investigating Princess Yara's death. I'll be very busy lately and may not have time to visit you. Take care of yourself. If you need anything, send word to Ninth Prince's Manor. Even if I'm not there, with the token I gave you, you can command anyone from Ninth Prince's Manor as you wish."

So gentle, so thoughtful—how could anyone not be moved?

"Mm, mm." Serena nodded obediently, just like a child, her eyes shining as she looked at Ninth Royal Uncle. Ninth Royal Uncle's heart stirred; if the occasion were right, he would have pulled Serena into his arms and kissed her thoroughly.

She was just too lovable.

Taking a deep breath, Ninth Royal Uncle suppressed his impulse, gently stroked Serena's cheek with his fingertip, and said, "No matter what happens, you must protect yourself and not make me worry. I won't come in; go back and rest well, and stay out of all that messy business."

This time, Serena didn't just nod blankly. She stared at Ninth Royal Uncle, sensing something strange in his words, as if something was about to happen. Serena cautiously asked, "Did something happen?"

So sensitive.

Ninth Royal Uncle shook his head with a bitter smile. "It's nothing. I just need to set out for Southlyn this afternoon."

The Emperor had received Southlyn's request long ago but kept it secret, intending to catch him off guard.

He hadn't wanted to tell Serena, afraid she'd be upset, but now he realized it was better—if something happened and she couldn't find him, it would be bad.

Going to Southlyn? Not taking me? Why are you going? Serena was used to Nolan bringing her everywhere, but this time he'd made it clear she wouldn't go with him.

Serena felt a little disappointed.

I can't take you this time. I only received the imperial order this morning—I have to go to Southlyn to receive someone. It was so sudden that even I didn't know in advance, let alone you.

Prince Damien of Southlyn was clever, arranging in advance to have Nolan sent away. As for the Emperor's quick agreement, he probably thought Damien wanted Nolan dead.

The two of them were unexpectedly in perfect agreement.

Receive someone? Who in Southlyn is important enough for you to go personally?

The Chancellor of Jixia Academy is coming to Eastlyn to lecture. Nolan's expression was calm, but Serena still caught a flash of mockery in his eyes.

Someone from Jixia Academy—why do you have to go? If anyone should be sent, William Wang would be more suitable, right? Serena knew Jixia Academy was the holy land for scholars across the Nine Provinces Realm.

Southlyn specifically named me to go, and the Emperor agreed. In other words, my trip is a transaction between two countries, and it's impossible for me to be pleased about being used this way.

Serena understood the gravity of the situation: "You have to be careful."

The Chancellor of Jixia Academy is a renowned scholar whose students are spread throughout the Four Kingdoms and Nine Provinces. William Wang is also his disciple. If anything happened to him while in Nolan's care, scholars everywhere would condemn Nolan.

I won't be in any danger. I'll definitely return safely—just take care of yourself. Nolan reluctantly withdrew his hand and decisively boarded the carriage, leaving only his departing back for Serena to see.

This trip to Southlyn was extremely dangerous and came so suddenly that he couldn't prepare in advance; for safety, he couldn't bring Serena along.

Prince Damien's move was brilliant, using a famous scholar to tie Nolan up and distract him from Eastlyn's affairs.

If anything happened to the Chancellor of Jixia Academy while in his care, Nolan would offend all the scholars in the world and his reputation would be ruined.

"Go." Nolan didn't linger. The carriage passed Serena, and as it rolled farther away, Serena's sense of loss deepened.

Serena returned home deep in thought. Seeing their mistress so downcast, the servants didn't dare approach.

Serena shut herself in her study and decided to write a letter to Prince Nanking. She didn't need him to help Nolan directly—just to keep a close watch on Prince Damien and make sure that madman didn't get a chance to cause Nolan trouble.

After finishing the letter, Serena told Jada Tang to send it out. She also instructed their spies in Southlyn to keep a close watch on the Chancellor of Jixia Academy and report on everyone he met.

Everyone could see something was wrong with the Chancellor's sudden decision to lecture in Eastlyn. Since the founding of the empire, no Chancellor of Jixia Academy had ever come to lecture here. Serena wondered what Prince Damien had done to convince him.

And the Emperor—such a scoundrel.

Unable to beat Ninth Royal Uncle, he resorts to such dirty tricks.

The more Serena thought about it, the angrier she became. As a result, she exchanged all her Medical Ethics Points in the Smart Med-Pack for aphrodisiac drugs.

Although these drugs had been improved to minimize side effects, long-term or heavy use would still hollow someone out.

Serena changed into clean clothes, tidied herself up, and took her medicine chest into the palace. Her official reason: to give the Little Prince a follow-up examination.

Everyone in the palace knew the Little Prince was now the Emperor's beloved treasure, so the staff treated Serena with care, immediately reporting her arrival to the Empress and Imperial Noble Consort Helena Hsieh. The Empress dared not obstruct her; Helena eagerly awaited Serena.

Serena entered the palace smoothly and, upon arriving at Radiant Hall, gave the Little Prince a thorough examination.

The Little Prince was in high spirits today. When Serena arrived, he was awake, his bright eyes and adorable smile instantly melting Serena's heart.

So adorable.

Every time Serena saw the Little Prince, he was either sick or poisoned. This was the first time she'd seen him so lively. Unable to resist, she asked, "May I hold him?"

"Of course." Imperial Noble Consort Helena Hsieh nodded with a smile, instructing the maid to hand the Little Prince to Serena.

The Little Prince wasn't shy at all, cuddling happily in Serena's arms.

Women seem born with maternal instincts. Holding the soft, cuddly Little Prince, Serena couldn't help but adore him. She kissed his hand before reluctantly handing him back to the maid.

"When the Eighth Prince grows up, he'll surely steal many hearts." Serena couldn't help but note that the Emperor's genes were excellent—all his sons were handsome.

"All I want is for him to be safe and sound," Helena Hsieh said, her eyes glued to the Little Prince and a smile on her face.

As long as the Eighth Prince was well, so was she.

After leaving Radiant Hall, Serena was quickly summoned by several consorts. By the time she'd made her rounds, her medicine chest was empty, and the consorts treated her remedies like treasures. Serena felt pleased.

Though the drugs' side effects were minor, they had one advantage: the Emperor wouldn't notice anything, and the imperial physicians couldn't detect it. By the time he realized something was wrong, it would be too late.

A body hollowed out by these drugs can't recover through simple treatment. By then, the Emperor's death would be near.

It might be slow, but at least it's safe!