Sinister Move, Charlotte Chu Falls to Eastlyn

Vincent Su hurried to comfort him: "Lance, you can't blame yourself for this. We're watching over the four kingdoms and eight cities—it's inevitable that we slip up now and then."

This really isn't Lance's fault. Lately, they've poured all their energy into fighting the Demon Sect and plotting against the Assassin Alliance. Even though surveillance on the other kingdoms hasn't slackened, they've spent much less time on it.

"Vincent, you don't need to comfort me. I understand." Occasional mistakes are unavoidable, but just one slip could be enough to ruin everything he's worked for...

Liancastle must not fall!

Whether Liancastle is safe, or whether it will fall into Prince Terrence's hands, won't be decided in a day or two. Nor can Lance and Vincent Su prevent it just by wishing otherwise.

No matter what Lance and Vincent Su think, the fact remains that Liancastle is surrounded by Westlyn’s troops. Right now, Prince Terrence is just waiting—for a reason to attack, for the perfect moment to strike.

When it comes to dealing with Prince Terrence, Lance can steer the big picture, but the specifics are up to Liancastle’s lord. Prince Terrence won’t give Liancastle much time, and even if Lance wanted to control things from afar, it wouldn’t work.

Lance gave Vincent Su a few more instructions, then rushed back to the Ninth Prince Manor before dawn. After a quick bath, he didn’t even have time for breakfast—he hurried straight to the palace for morning court.

Felix Fuller had already returned from Shandong. This time, without losing a single soldier, he completed the Emperor’s task. The Emperor was delighted and specially chose today for Felix to present his spoils before the entire court.

It may have been a minor skirmish, but Eastlyn hadn’t seen war in years. Even this small victory was enough to excite everyone, and the Emperor’s desire to celebrate was understandable.

Ninth Royal Uncle entered the hall just moments before the presentation ceremony began.

"Why are you only arriving now?" Prince Samuel Zhai—rarely seen at court—noticed the Emperor glaring at Ninth Royal Uncle from the dragon throne. He quickly pulled Nolan aside and whispered.

"Overslept." Ninth Royal Uncle showed no sign of guilt for being late, his laid-back attitude making even Prince Samuel Zhai grit his teeth. Hearing Nolan’s reply and remembering yesterday’s rumors, Prince Samuel couldn’t help but chuckle. "It’s good to be young and healthy, but don’t overdo it."

Uh... Ninth Royal Uncle’s face darkened, but wisely chose not to explain.

Letting people misunderstand was fine by him.

Soon, Felix Fuller strode into the grand hall clad in military uniform, exuding heroic energy. Today was the only day he could wear his uniform and sword in court. Behind him marched a row of soldiers carrying wooden chests filled with gold and jewels—their pride unmistakable.

They were the victors, returning in glory—no wonder they carried themselves with such pride.

The tribute ceremony was simple yet grand. Besides gold and jewels, there were prisoners of war. The Emperor was overjoyed and immediately rewarded all the officers and soldiers.

Every soldier who fought in this campaign received a reward, but Felix Fuller ranked highest. Before, Felix was the Emperor’s confidant but held no real power in court. This time, with a single imperial decree, Felix was granted actual authority as a third-rank general.

From commoner to third-rank official—many spend a lifetime and never make it. Yet Felix Fuller climbed this high in less than a year. It shows just how formidable he is.

Ninth Royal Uncle stood off to the side, watching coldly. When he saw those thirty-something chests filled with gold and silver, a mocking smile flickered across his face—unnoticed by most, but caught clearly by Prince Samuel Zhai standing next to him.

"See something interesting?" Prince Samuel Zhai asked.

Ninth Royal Uncle glanced at Prince Samuel Zhai and replied coolly, "You already know, so why ask?"

Others might not realize it, but Prince Samuel Zhai certainly did: those piles of gold and silver on display weren’t spoils from Tyre City at all—they belonged to the Shandong Lu Clan, repurposed by Felix Fuller as war trophies.

You had to admit, Felix Fuller was bold.

"Heh, sometimes it pays to play dumb." Prince Samuel Zhai stroked his beard and strode off. Glancing at Felix Fuller, now surrounded by officials, he added, "The waves of the Yangtze push the old forward—the young are overtaking us. We’re getting old."

Dominic Zhai had Prince Samuel’s protection, and had solved the Blood-Soaked Night and Third Prince cases, but in the end he remained a third-rank military officer. The Emperor only gave him some gold and silver as a reward. Prince Samuel’s sentiment wasn’t surprising.

The Emperor was clearly intent on promoting people without a power base—only such men could be fully controlled.

Ninth Royal Uncle had no interest in lingering. Once Prince Samuel Zhai left, Nolan exited the palace too. Today’s morning court was for awards—the real celebration would be tonight’s banquet.

He planned to rest up and watch the show tonight. Once the performance ended, news from Liancastle would likely reach the Emperor. The Emperor dreamed of uniting the Four Kingdoms and Nine Cities—if he saw Westlyn act first, would he still be able to smile?

Ninth Royal Uncle strolled out at his own pace, sensing a hostile gaze behind him. He didn’t look back, simply continuing on his way.

Inside the palace, there was no one who could harm him.

He hadn’t slept all night and was exhausted, but as soon as he left the palace, Ninth Royal Uncle headed straight for Feng Manor.

Last night, something major happened at Feng Manor. He couldn’t rest easy without checking in. But when he arrived, the steward informed him that Serena Feng wasn’t home—she’d left early with Sun Sixing.

“She left? Did anyone follow?” Ninth Royal Uncle gripped the handrail tightly. He showed no emotion, but those who knew him could tell—he was angry.

“In reply to Your Highness, Master Zuo An followed them all the way.” The steward, unaware of the tension, responded calmly.

“Mm.” Ninth Royal Uncle stood up and walked outside.

Since she wasn’t there, there was no reason for him to stay at Feng Manor.

Ninth Royal Uncle arrived unexpectedly and left just as suddenly. By the time the steward realized what had happened, the prince’s carriage was already far away. He hurried after it, slapping his forehead in frustration. "How could I be so foolish? Why didn’t I ask Ninth Royal Uncle to wait a moment? I could have sent someone to fetch the young lady back."

“Sigh… If Miss Feng finds out, will she blame me?” The steward trudged back into Feng Manor, looking dejected. He spotted a junior servant and quickly stopped him: "Go, head outside the city to find Miss Feng. Tell her His Highness came to visit."

"Yes, sir." The young servant answered obediently, secretly delighted.

This really was a case of searching high and low, only to find the answer with no effort at all—turns out Serena Feng was outside the city.

As soon as Master Dou entered, he received the good news. Overjoyed, he rushed out of the city, but as soon as he stepped outside, he nearly burst into tears.

"Which way is outside the city?"

"Forget it, I’ll ask someone. If I could find my way to the imperial capital, surely I can ask for directions to the outskirts." Master Dou strode out confidently, then…

"Sir, how do I get outside the city?"

"Go straight, turn left, then right, another turn, and then left again, right? Got it, thanks, sir."

"Uh, ma’am, how do I get outside the city?"

"What, I went the wrong way? The opposite direction? Okay, okay, I get it, thanks, sir… Oh, sorry, ma’am. Ma’am."

"Go left, then right… cross three streets."

Master Dou muttered to himself the whole way. He finally found the outskirts after nightfall, and then…

"Serena Feng? Gone again? Damn you, Zuo An! I’m not done with you." Master Dou flipped him the finger. "You think killing my guiding bee means I can’t kill Serena Feng? The more you protect her, the more I want her dead. Just wait…"

When the city guards rushed over, Master Dou bolted.

Meanwhile, at the palace banquet, someone else wanted to run—but it was too late…