"Serena Feng, I have a word of advice for you."
That voice pulled Serena Feng out of her agony. She had already stopped thinking about Qian Jin; all her attention was now focused on Nolan Dongling’s words.
Advice—what kind of advice would Ninth Royal Uncle give her?
She was looking forward to it.
Serena Feng hurriedly knelt before Nolan Dongling, grateful: "Serena thanks Ninth Royal Uncle and humbly asks for your guidance."
This act of thanks was not only for his advice, but also for saving her life.
Nolan Dongling did not tell Serena Feng to rise. Even when speaking to her, his gaze never landed on her; that cold, noble air set him apart from everyone else.
"Serena Feng, remember my words: In the face of absolute strength, all schemes and tricks are useless. What people call black or white, right or wrong, is nothing but whatever the one in power declares. In the future, keep your cleverness to yourself. If you lack ability, don’t rush to stand out—those without power or status have lives worth less than dust in this world."
Just like today—Princess Serenity is far stronger than Serena Feng, so she can toy with her at will. Giving Serena a charge and letting her keep her dignity is already a kind of mercy.
If Princess Serenity wanted Serena Feng dead, it would take just a word. It’s only because of certain people and circumstances that she’s holding back from making it too ugly.
Likewise, Nolan Dongling didn’t save Serena Feng because he had proof she wasn’t involved in the assassination, nor because he believed she wouldn’t try to kill Princess Serenity.
Whether Serena Feng did it or not didn’t matter to him. If he said she did it, then even if she hadn’t, she was guilty; if he said she didn’t, then even if she had, she was innocent.
That’s what power means. Just by sitting here, he could change the course of fate; he had the strength to make the world bend to his will.
Serena Feng knelt motionless, carefully pondering his words. Only after a long while did she snap out of it and bow to Ninth Royal Uncle: "Serena accepts your teaching. Thank you, Ninth Royal Uncle, for your guidance."
Even kindness requires strength; not everyone can afford to be charitable, and sympathy spoken from the lips alone is worthless.
"Mm. Watch closely," Nolan Dongling nodded.
This Serena Feng was receptive—his long speech hadn’t been wasted.
Nolan Dongling and Serena Feng spoke openly, not avoiding Princess Serenity or Commander Lucan Lu. For those two, Ninth Royal Uncle’s words made little impression—they understood this truth long ago.
Strength brings authority—but their power depended entirely on the Emperor, who had the final say.
Commander Lucan Lu and Princess Serenity didn’t care about those words, but they did care about Ninth Royal Uncle’s attitude toward Serena Feng.
When Ninth Royal Uncle gives someone advice—or a scolding—it may seem like disapproval, but both Commander Lucan Lu and Princess Serenity know: if he’s willing to lecture you, it means he sees your potential.
Across the Eastlyn Empire, countless people wish for a word of advice—or even a rebuke—from Ninth Royal Uncle.
All these years, the Emperor has wanted to depose the Crown Prince, yet has never acted. It’s not mercy—it’s because Ninth Royal Uncle once lectured the Crown Prince, teaching him how to behave as heir and as ruler.
Because of that single lesson, the Emperor has held back—since the Crown Prince is under Ninth Royal Uncle’s protection. That’s also why the Emperor wants Adrian Eastlyn to get close to Ninth Royal Uncle.
Now, Serena Feng is also under Ninth Royal Uncle’s protection.
Commander Lucan Lu and Princess Serenity understood: from now on, Serena Feng could not be casually offended.
Princess Serenity was so furious her heart and lungs ached, while Commander Lucan Lu felt lucky he hadn’t tortured Serena Feng.
Serena Feng rose, turned, and saw Qian Jin’s right hand—the flesh had all been sliced off, each piece thin as a cicada’s wing.
This time, Serena Feng’s face showed no emotion; her expression was cold, as if she couldn’t see Qian Jin’s suffering at all.
"Your Highness?" Commander Lucan Lu, ever perceptive, stepped forward with a fawning smile, hoping for Nolan Dongling’s instructions on what to do next.