Don’t Underestimate Serena’s Questions

Serena Feng didn’t care what others thought—she only did what she wanted, and only what she believed was right. When it came to taking down Shunning Marquis Manor, she’d already prepared thoroughly before she even arrived.

She quickly reviewed the questions she needed to ask and their order in her mind, then began: "Attorney Xing, may I ask, what time did the alleged incident occur?"

"Between nine and eleven in the morning," Attorney Xing replied.

"And the location of the alleged incident?"

"The sixth young lady’s boudoir."

"How old is the sixth young lady this year?"

"Sixteen."

"How many young ladies live in your manor’s back courtyard, and do they all reside together?" Serena asked, though she already knew the answer—noble families rarely let their daughters share a courtyard, but their quarters were usually close together.

"There are five young ladies in our manor; each has her own courtyard, but they’re quite close to one another." Attorney Xing answered, unconsciously volunteering extra information to prevent further questions—unaware that he was only helping Serena’s case.

"How are the attendants for each young lady arranged in your household?"

"Each young lady is attended by a nursemaid, two senior maids, eight junior maids, and ten women who handle the rough work." Attorney Xing knew these basic facts, showing he came prepared.

Attorney Xing had forgotten—he was here to accuse Serena, not to be accused by her.

"So just for your sixth young lady, there are twenty-one attendants?" Serena thought she herself was extravagant, but all of Feng Manor had just about that many servants in total.

"Yes," Attorney Xing replied, still oblivious, growing impatient with such simple questions that failed to show off his expertise.

Serena's questions seemed unrelated to the case, but with the three judges silent, Attorney Xing had no choice but to answer honestly.

"Is your sixth young lady favored in your manor?" Serena's line of questioning seemed gossipy, much like the judges' earlier approach. Even they wondered what she was up to, but under Dominic Zhai's warning, they let her continue.

If you're watching a show, you need to respect the actors—otherwise, Ninth Royal Uncle won't let you off. Dominic Zhai thought to himself.

With no one backing him up, Attorney Xing could only answer honestly: "The sixth young lady is extremely talented and beautiful, very much favored by Madam."

In fact, he'd never actually met the sixth young lady—this was all agreed upon in advance at the manor. Praising her character would make it easier for people to believe Simon Sun was the one who wronged her.

Serena nodded, indicating she understood, and stopped asking about the sixth young lady. Instead, she began asking a series of trivial questions—when Simon Sun entered the manor, when he treated the old marquis, when he left the sickroom, when he exited the old marquis's room, when he left the estate, and when he was handed over to the Bloodcloak Guard—each time precise to the minute.

Serena fired off a series of quick, sharp questions, revealing her fierce, incisive side. Only now did Attorney Xing realize he'd let his guard down.

But once he'd relaxed, it was hard to tense up again—especially since Serena's questions were either about timing or trivial matters, all things he could answer off the top of his head.

Attorney Xing couldn't see any connection between these questions, especially since Serena asked about the timing of events out of order, just as they came to mind. Confident in his composure, he answered each one without hesitation, secretly pleased with himself.

See? That's the difference between a professional—it's hard to catch him off guard.

Attorney Xing had expected Serena to use the questioning as an opportunity to attack, but she didn't press the issue. After finishing her barrage of time questions, Serena softened her tone and asked, "Who was present at the scene of the incident?"

Relieved, Attorney Xing quickly answered, "At the time of the incident, the sixth young lady, her maids, her nursemaid, and the little servant who led Simon Sun in were present. All the household staff can testify."

"Why did a servant have to lead Simon Sun into the back courtyard?" Serena continued her questioning.

Master Advocate Song was ready with an answer: "The sixth young lady wasn't feeling well and wanted Simon Sun to examine her. The little servant, with the steward's permission, brought Simon Sun into the rear courtyard to prepare for the consultation. Even if it was the rear courtyard, it wasn't unusual for a doctor to enter. Our manor trusted Simon Sun, but never expected him to commit such an unforgivable act."

Even at the end, they couldn't resist smearing Simon Sun. But Serena wasn't the least bit angry: "Thank you, I'm done with my questions."

Serena smiled at Attorney Xing in thanks. As soon as she finished, the court scribe completed the transcript, and Master Advocate Song handed over his notes—each of Serena's time questions written down, and this time, in chronological order.

A real talent.

Serena couldn't help but praise him—Master Advocate Song was excellent in every way, except for not being shameless enough. His meticulous record of the timeline was especially brilliant.

Serena nodded to Master Advocate Song in appreciation, then waited for the three judges to finish reading the testimony. Only after they finished did Serena speak: "Sirs, you heard my questions just now. The sixth young lady of Shunning Marquis Manor is attended by over twenty servants. At the time of the incident, aside from Simon Sun and the young lady, there were at least three other people present. For Simon Sun to do what he's accused of, he would have had to get rid of those three witnesses first."

Furthermore, women rarely enter the front courtyard, and men don't go into the rear. Even if Simon Sun was called to treat the sixth young lady, Shunning Marquis Manor shouldn't have arranged for him to go to the rear courtyard—this setup is obviously suspicious.

Finally, I respectfully request the court to summon the servant who led the way, the sixth young lady's maids and nursemaid, and the steward of Shunning Marquis Manor for questioning. I'm certain this was a setup by Shunning Marquis Manor to frame Simon Sun.

Outrageous! Miss Feng, you have no evidence—how dare you accuse Shunning Marquis Manor of framing Simon Sun? Our manor has already lost a young lady and suffered a ruined reputation." A young man in brown brocade stepped forward from the crowd, proud and defiant—clearly a noble son.

Serena feigned ignorance: "And who might you be, sir? I don't recall the court summoning any witnesses."

Serena was pointing out that he was disrupting the court. The young man wasn't foolish—he immediately bowed to the three presiding judges: "Please forgive me, sirs. I am Ethan Chen of Shunning Marquis Manor. Hearing Miss Feng accuse my family without evidence, I spoke out in haste. If I've offended, I accept any punishment."

So, you're the eldest son of the manor. Are you speaking for Shunning Marquis Manor, or just for yourself?" The High Court Chief Justice didn't care much for Shunning Marquis Manor—they weren't nearly as intimidating as the Bloodcloak Guard, and with Dominic Zhai present, he naturally leaned toward Serena.

Ethan Chen wasn't bothered and took the opportunity to step forward: "Sirs, I am of course representing Shunning Marquis Manor. May I have permission to say a few words?"

Shunning Marquis Manor had staff watching the case closely, and Ethan Chen was waiting nearby in a teahouse. Hearing that Serena Feng was attacking his family, and that the Bloodcloak Guard had withdrawn in defeat, Ethan Chen rushed over with his servant to try and salvage the situation.

"Very well." The Chief Justice was annoyed by Ethan Chen's unsummoned appearance, but with Dominic Zhai's precedent, he couldn't object and allowed Ethan Chen to wade into the fray.