Moved Heart, Not Wanting You to Be Schemed Against

Though he and Nolan were of similar age, the Crown Prince never dared to use grand titles like 'this palace' in front of him. The Crown Prince always knew his place—he would rather risk offending his own father than offend Nolan.

If he angered his father, at least Nolan could protect him. But if he offended Nolan, his position as Crown Prince would be finished. As for worrying that Nolan might seize the throne from him?

If Nolan wanted the throne, the Crown Prince would offer it with both hands—he knew he was no match for Nolan at all.

With the Crown Prince's words, everyone relaxed a little about the former dynasty, joining in with polite laughter. Still, no one brought up Serena Feng; it was as if no one present wanted to associate her with Nolan.

Everyone laughed and urged Nolan to bring out the Snowbrew—they all wanted a taste of the most legendary wine in the realm.

Nolan clearly favored the Crown Prince. Hearing his words, Nolan nodded, "The Crown Prince can drink a little more of this Snowbrew—it’s good for your health. Back in the former dynasty, the Empress brewed it especially to strengthen her son’s body. That prince was once declared incurable by the Imperial Physicians, but Snowbrew saved him. He not only survived, he lived longer than most. The wine itself contains rare medicinal herbs."

Nolan’s familiarity with Snowbrew made everyone wonder—did he have a close relationship with the Lord of Liancastle?

The Crown Prince had the same thought, but he wasn’t as concerned as the others. He looked grateful and said, "If that’s so, I’ll have a few more cups. I just hope you won’t be too stingy with this immortal wine, Royal Uncle."

Warmth filled the Crown Prince’s heart. In this world, the only one who truly worried about his health was Nolan.

He should be grateful—his late mother was a kind woman, and Nolan was loyal to those who helped him. Back when Nolan was young, his mother had helped him several times, and Nolan had never forgotten her kindness.

Though the Crown Prince and Nolan were close in age, he never dared to act grand before Nolan or refer to himself as 'this palace.' The Crown Prince always knew his place—he’d risk offending his own father before he’d ever offend Nolan.

If he angered his father, Nolan would protect him. But if he angered Nolan, his position as Crown Prince would be over. As for worrying that Nolan might seize the throne?

If Nolan ever wanted the throne, the Crown Prince would offer it up with both hands—he knew he was no match for Nolan.

The Crown Prince’s words eased the tension about the fallen dynasty. Everyone smiled and agreed, but no one mentioned Serena Feng—none of them wanted to link her with Nolan.

The group laughed and urged Nolan to bring out the Snowbrew—they all wanted a taste of the legendary wine.

Nolan was clearly kinder to the Crown Prince. Hearing his words, Nolan nodded: "The Crown Prince should drink more Snowbrew; it’s good for your health. Back in the former dynasty, the Empress brewed Snowbrew to help her son recover. That prince was declared hopeless by imperial physicians, but thanks to Snowbrew, he survived—and lived longer than most. Snowbrew contains rare medicinal herbs."

Nolan’s deep knowledge of Snowbrew made everyone wonder—was he close with the Lord of Liancastle?

The Crown Prince had the same thought, but unlike the others, he didn’t care. Grateful, he said, "Then I’ll have a few more cups—unless Royal Uncle is too fond of this immortal brew to share."

A warmth filled the Crown Prince’s heart—Nolan was the only one in the world who truly cared about his health.

He was lucky that his mother had been kind and that Nolan was so loyal. Years ago, the Empress helped Nolan several times when he was young, and Nolan had never forgotten her kindness.

Few people in this world were as loyal and grateful as Nolan. What Nolan had done for the Crown Prince had far surpassed the help his mother once gave Nolan.

Without Nolan, the Crown Prince would have died long ago!

"A few cups of wine—do you really think I’d begrudge you that?" Nolan raised his hand. "Servants, bring wine and dishes!"

As soon as Nolan gave his order, the previously quiet villa sprang to life. In no time, servants set up drinking tables on the viewing platform, arranging snacks and small dishes one by one.

Unlike dinner, where everyone sat at a single large table, each person now had their own small table, spaced about a seat apart. The guests took their places in turn.

Nolan sat above them all; under his powerful presence, the Crown Prince, Prince Terrence, and Prince Quentin instantly seemed ordinary, stripped of the noble aura they usually carried.

Everyone understood this, but there was nothing they could do. This was Nolan’s villa, and in terms of presence, none of them could compete with him.

Nolan acted as if he hadn’t noticed, lifting his eyelids and spotting an empty seat. He turned to his side and said, "Go, summon Prince Adrian."

"Of course he can't be left out. If Adrian finds out you have good wine and didn’t invite him, Royal Uncle, you’ll never have peace—he’ll definitely make a scene." Prince Rowan chimed in, putting on a familiar air with Nolan so the Crown Prince wouldn’t hog the spotlight.

"None of you will be left out." Nolan, rarely seen smiling in public, suddenly grinned—a smile brighter than the moon. The Crown Prince, Prince Terrence, Prince Rowan, and Prince Quentin, all sitting nearby, were stunned. They thought to themselves, "No wonder Nolan doesn’t like to smile. If he were as warm and courteous as William Wang Jinling, he wouldn’t be able to leave the house—his charm would kill. Nolan’s smile isn’t just lethal, it’s dangerous."

While the others were talking, Serena Feng silently mouthed to William Wang Jinling: "Don’t drink!"

Serena admitted she was overly cautious, but given what Nolan had said earlier, she was certain there was a reason behind him offering such a rare wine to the guests.

Nolan wasn’t like William Wang Jinling—when he schemed against people, he never held back. Maybe Nolan wouldn’t push her to a dead end, but with William Wang Jinling, it was different. William had provoked Nolan again and again; if Nolan didn’t retaliate, he wouldn’t be Nolan.

"Don’t worry." William Wang Jinling nodded at Serena, his wariness toward Nolan far greater than anyone else's.

He had never regarded Nolan as a powerless prince. He always saw Nolan as a formidable figure—or even a worthy opponent.

Serena smiled—knowing William Wang Jinling was prepared put her at ease. She would rather be the target of Nolan’s schemes than see William suffer because of her.

If William Wang Jinling ended up hurt by Nolan because of her, she would blame herself—after all, it was her conflict with Nolan that put William in opposition to him.

She and William Wang Jinling weren’t what outsiders imagined. William was always calm and rational; though he treated her well, he never once thought of marrying her.

William Wang Jinling knew that with her rationality, Serena would never fall for him. It was precisely because he understood her so well—her calm and reason—that he could treat her so openly, without reservation.

She and William Wang Jinling were kindred spirits—知己—able to trust and rely on each other completely.

If William Wang Jinling was in trouble, she would do everything she could to help him—and he would do the same for her.

That’s exactly why she didn’t want William Wang Jinling to be caught in Nolan’s schemes…