Heart Grown Cold in the Most Ruthless Imperial House

Serena Feng closed her eyes, blinking away the tears.

How she wished she could just faint away—if she lost consciousness, she wouldn’t have to face this humiliating ordeal. She had no courage to stand exposed before so many people.

Sniffling, Serena released her clenched teeth and gave a self‑mocking smile.

She’d come this far—if she collapsed now, she’d only be handing victory to Su Wan, Princess Yara, and whoever was behind her public disgrace.

Serena Feng would never believe her clothes had ripped just because she moved too forcefully.

If that were true, her inner and outer robes wouldn’t have torn at the same time—and the tears weren’t even at the seams.

While the dust was still swirling, Serena discreetly took scissors from her Smart Med‑Pack, cut open her outer robe, and as she rose, threw the fabric behind her and tied it tight—using it to secure her ripped inner layer.

It was utterly wretched—Serena looked like a beggar, filthy and draped in ragged clothes that seemed ready to fall off at any moment.

Her only consolation was that she’d managed to cover her exposed skin—disgraced, but at least presentable.

As the dust settled, everyone saw Serena Feng—dressed in this strange, battered fashion—stagger to her feet. Her hair was a wild mess, blood smeared her delicate face, and except for those burning eyes, there wasn’t a single clean spot left on her.

The whole arena was silent. Everyone stood frozen, unable to react for a long moment.

Serena Feng—she was standing. But what about the Blackcloud Stallion?

Everyone hurriedly searched, finally spotting the Blackcloud Stallion collapsed in the distance.

What did this mean? Was the Blackcloud Stallion dead? That couldn’t be—Serena Feng would never do something so reckless.

No one understood. They stood with mouths agape, speechless for a long time.

Su Wan rubbed her eyes desperately, muttering to herself, “Impossible, how can this be? I don’t believe it. How could she do it? Serena Feng—she’s not human.”

...

Serena Feng said nothing, just stood there, her cold eyes scanning every face present. She was too far for most people to see clearly, but if anyone came closer, they’d notice the icy light in her gaze—like flames burning behind frost.

It was as if they’d all been put under a spell—Serena didn’t move, and neither did the crowd. Only when she dragged her injured left leg, limping out of the training grounds, did the onlookers finally erupt, shouting her name.

This time, there was no smile on Serena’s face, no trace of a victor’s pride. She walked toward the Eastlyn Emperor with a distant, defiant air.

The moment Serena Feng struggled to her feet in the arena, Ninth Royal Uncle Nolan Eastlyn shot a look at the chief eunuch behind him. Serena had barely taken ten steps when the eunuch, clutching a large cloak, hurried over.

“Miss Feng, Ninth Royal Uncle sent this for you.” The eunuch unfolded the cloak, wanting to help wrap it around Serena, but she refused.

“Thank you.” Serena took the cloak herself. The garment swung through the air in a graceful arc, and in the next second, she had wrapped herself up tightly.

“Ninth Royal Uncle.” Serena turned her head, looking up at Nolan Eastlyn seated high on the platform. He was too far away for her to see clearly.

Last time, when Ninth Royal Uncle gave her a cloak, it had warmed both her body and her heart. But now?

Now, even wrapped tight, she felt nothing but cold—like she’d been plunged into an ice cellar, the chill seeping out from her bones.

In this moment, she finally understood what it meant to shed both blood and tears.

Today, she had risked her life for Eastlyn. But what did Eastlyn give her in return?

When she risked her own life, it was Eastlyn’s people who stabbed her in the back.

Country, country—what is a country but just a country? It will never be a home. If ‘home’ means this kind of coldness, then Serena Feng would rather have none at all.

Serena Feng’s left leg was gouged open, a deep wound laid bare. With every step, blood trickled down her trouser leg, leaving bloody prints behind. No matter how dark her clothes, nothing could mask her wretched state—she had reached her absolute limit.

The walk from the training ground to the Emperor’s throne wasn’t long, but for Serena, dragging her battered body, it felt endless. The crowd watched, but not a single person stepped forward to help.

They simply watched as Serena Feng, in her most wretched yet proud state, walked alone.

Every step felt like treading on knife‑edges; each movement made her wounds throb with pain. Serena didn’t even know how she managed to stay upright.

With a thud, Serena dropped to one knee before the Emperor: “Your Majesty, your subject has fulfilled your wishes and tamed Southern Lyn’s Blackcloud Stallion.”

Her voice was calm and even, without a hint of joy or anger. The Emperor, flushed with delight at Serena’s victory, simply assumed her strange demeanor was exhaustion.

“Serena Feng, Blackcloud Stallion only fainted, not truly tamed.” Before the Emperor could speak, Su Wan stepped forward to accuse her.

Su Wan was nearly hysterical—what she thought was a sure victory had been completely overturned by Serena Feng.

Damn it, weren’t they supposed to have fed the horses stimulants? How could this happen? The imperial physicians clearly said those drugs could keep the horses frenzied all day and night, but in the end, the stallion collapsed in less than an hour.

Before the Emperor could reply, Serena stood up: “Not tamed? Who says it’s not tamed? Blackcloud Stallion only fainted? Who says Blackcloud Stallion merely fainted? That horse has submitted at my feet—it won’t rise unless I command it.”

Serena Feng deliberately raised her voice, so much that it sounded hoarse, but every word she spoke was heard clearly by those seated at the head.

There was a collective gasp... At first, everyone felt a wave of embarrassment, but then admiration quickly followed.

For Serena Feng to say such blatant nonsense with a perfectly straight face and solemn demeanor—it was truly impressive.

“Serena Feng, stop twisting the truth! Blackcloud Stallion is clearly unconscious—how can you call that taming? Saying it won't get up without your command, if you're so capable, make it stand!” Su Wan was furious; it was obvious Serena was turning black into white.

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“You Eastlyn people are bullies!” Su Wan’s eyes were red with fury. She could hardly believe anyone could be so shameless—now it seemed the whole Eastlyn court was just as shameless as Serena Feng.

But this was Eastlyn’s territory, and she was completely alone.

"Bullies? Miss Su Wan, you can eat carelessly, but you can’t speak carelessly. If you say Eastlyn is bullying you, then ask Princess Yara of Lyndaria—did I not tame your Southern Lyn Blackcloud Stallion?" Serena Feng asked, her voice full of venom.

Princess Yara’s Bloodsweat Charger had already lost. Helping Su Wan now would be foolish—if both Lyndaria and Southern Lyn lost to Eastlyn, the blame she’d receive would be less. Though it benefited Eastlyn, she had no choice; dragging Su Wan down with her only helped. "Miss Su Wan, a wager is a wager. Dr. Feng truly tamed the Blackcloud Stallion."

“This is outrageous!” Su Wan flung her sleeves and stormed off, seething with anger.

The Emperor didn’t say a word—Su Wan’s departure changed nothing. Serena Feng had won, and that was that. As soon as Su Wan left, the officials snapped out of their stupor, shouting ‘Long live the Emperor!’ and raining down auspicious words.

The Emperor was beside himself with joy, accepting all the praise. Only after the congratulations did he remember the day’s greatest hero: “Serena, tell me—what reward should I give you?”

“Your subject, I…” Serena Feng forced herself to stay upright, but as soon as Su Wan left, her last bit of strength gave out. She wobbled, then collapsed with a thud.

“Serena Feng!” Dominic Zhai and Prince Rowan rushed forward. Dominic was a step quicker, catching Serena just as she fell.

Nolan Eastlyn, who had started to move, forced himself to stop. Hidden by his sleeves, his fists clenched tight. He drew a shaky breath and turned his gaze away.

“Imperial physicians! Summon the imperial physicians!” Serena Feng’s sudden collapse did nothing to dampen the Emperor’s good mood.

“Home. I want to go home.” She didn’t want to stay in this cursed place.

“Alright, alright, I’ll take you home. I’ll take you home right now.” Dominic Zhai scooped Serena Feng up in a princess-carry. “Your Majesty, may I escort Serena Feng home?”

“Yes.” Facing the Emperor’s attitude toward Serena Feng, Dominic Zhai’s heart turned cold.

No wonder General Warren Yu would rather stay at the frontier than return to the capital. With a ruler like this, who could feel loyal? The Emperor trusted no one—not even those who risked their lives for him a moment ago.

“Let the imperial physicians examine her first.” The Emperor didn’t agree right away. Serena Feng had held out this long—it was impressive. Her collapse was expected, but the Emperor still harbored doubts, suspecting she was faking.

Five imperial physicians took turns examining Serena Feng. Their diagnosis was unanimous: her strength was completely spent, her vital energy exhausted to the point of injuring her heart.

She also suffered severe internal and external injuries, her breath dangerously weak. She needed immediate treatment—otherwise her life would be at risk. Even if she recovered, she might face lasting consequences.

Dominic Zhai wanted to plead with the Emperor to let Serena Feng stay in the palace for treatment, but the Emperor spoke first: “Grant Serena’s wish. Send her home, and let the imperial physicians accompany her.”

Once again, Dominic Zhai’s heart turned cold. Did the Emperor truly care so little whether Serena Feng lived or died?

How could anyone be loyal to a ruler like this…

Dominic Zhai couldn’t bear it another second. Holding Serena Feng, he raced out of the palace…

“Serena Feng, hold on. I swear I won’t let you die!”