The eunuchs and palace maids lingered at a cautious distance, watching as Serena Feng emerged. Though she was drenched in blood and her face was deathly pale, not a single person asked after her well-being; all their concern was reserved for Prince Rowan.
Serena Feng replied calmly, "Prince Rowan is out of danger."
Relief and joy swept over the faces of the maids and eunuchs, and they quickly dispersed.
The chief eunuch hurried outside, eager to deliver the good news to His Majesty and Her Majesty, while the palace maids slowed their steps, slipping into the chamber to tend to Adrian Eastlyn.
In this way, when the Emperor and Empress arrived, the maids hoped to be seen as attentive and dutiful.
By the time Serena Feng stepped out, the Emperor and Empress had already received word of the good news.
The Emperor, upon seeing Serena Feng's condition, furrowed his brow and asked, "Serena Feng, are you certain Prince Rowan is safe?"
His words carried a hint of disbelief.
The Empress, too, looked expectantly at Serena Feng. Her complexion had visibly improved, and though she struggled to hide her delight, she maintained the dignity and restraint befitting her station.
"In reply to Your Majesty, Prince Rowan has passed the critical stage, but the imperial physicians should confirm his condition. I am only skilled in treating external injuries," Serena Feng answered, bowing slightly but not kneeling.
Serena Feng paused to think, just about to answer when the Empress emerged, supported by her maids.
After confirming Prince Rowan was safe, the Empress’s gaze toward Serena Feng grew even colder than before.
With a flick of her apricot-shaped eyes, a nearby eunuch immediately understood and barked, "How dare you, Serena Feng! The Emperor is speaking—kneel and answer at once!"
Kneel?
Use me and discard me—how thorough.
Serena Feng obediently knelt, feigning terror. "Forgive me, Your Majesty. I am somewhat dazed, my mind unclear. Please grant me mercy."
With that, she performed a deep bow, nearly prostrating herself on the floor.
Everyone in the hall was standing—except for Serena Feng. The Empress was clearly humiliating her.
"I forgive you," the Emperor said, "but I am curious—if you were treating Prince Rowan, why are you covered in blood yourself?" He acted as if he’d just noticed the stains, his words sounding concerned but actually pushing Serena into danger.
What does the Emperor mean by this?
The atmosphere in the hall suddenly shifted, as if a criminal interrogation had begun.
Serena Feng felt the peril immediately, recognizing the Emperor as a smiling backstabber.
At that moment, Nolan Dongling intervened in his usual indirect way. When the Crown Prince noticed something on Nolan’s sleeve, Nolan flicked off a half leaf and set his teacup down with a loud bang.
The sharp sound shattered the oppressive mood, drawing every eye to Ninth Royal Uncle.
Claiming exhaustion from sitting vigil all night, Nolan offered a plausible excuse that the Emperor could not openly challenge.
The interruption bought Serena time to think.
When the Emperor turned back to her, the threatening atmosphere had eased. Serena had already crafted her story: three parts truth, seven parts lie.
Drawing on her background as a general’s daughter, she claimed experience with sword and knife wounds.
She argued that the physicians feared uncontrollable bleeding if they pulled the arrow, but she removed the broken arrow and immediately sutured the wound to stop the blood.
Downplaying her own skill, Serena insisted she only understood superficial trauma care and would never dare compare herself to the imperial doctors.