Scapegoat, Nolan, You Really Can’t Stand to See Me Well

Felix Fuller must not die!

Because Ninth Royal Uncle Nolan insisted, and personally spoke up, Serena Feng—though she wanted nothing to do with it—picked up her medical kit and followed him into the palace.

Felix Fuller wasn’t in the palace; Serena Feng only entered because the Emperor wanted to see her first, to give her a warning.

"Serena Feng, Lord Fuller is my right hand. If you can’t heal him, I’ll take your life." The Emperor, worried Serena might sabotage the treatment, made sure to warn her in advance.

"Your subject obeys. I’ll do everything in my power to save Lord Fuller’s life." That was all she promised; as for the rest, Serena Feng reminded herself she was a doctor, not a miracle worker.

"Remember your words: if you can’t save Lord Fuller, I’ll take yours." As he spoke, the Emperor glanced at Ninth Royal Uncle, who remained stone-faced, as if Serena’s fate meant nothing to him. A flash of doubt crossed the Emperor’s eyes, but he quickly let it go.

"Your subject understands." Serena Feng knelt, unable to see the Emperor’s face, but his tone made it clear—he truly cared about Felix Fuller.

It made sense: if the Emperor didn’t care about Felix Fuller’s life, why allow Ninth Royal Uncle to come so openly? When Nolan came, Serena had no way to refuse; otherwise, even he’d be punished for inviting her.

The Emperor nodded, satisfied, and beckoned to the eunuch beside him: "Send Miss Feng to the Fuller Estate immediately. Do not delay Lord Fuller’s treatment."

"Your servant obeys." The eunuch’s shrill voice grated on Serena Feng’s nerves; she frowned, suppressed her annoyance, bowed her head, and followed him out of the palace at a brisk pace.

The carriage and driver had been waiting ages. As soon as Serena Feng got in, it sped off with Imperial Guards clearing the way ahead—a treatment fit for a top minister on an urgent palace mission.

Felix Fuller’s life is really worth a fortune. Serena Feng curled her lip, her displeasure toward Felix clear.

Since Felix Fuller came to Eastlyn and pledged himself to the Emperor, they’d been forced onto the defensive in so many matters. During the snow disaster, Serena Feng worked herself ragged for a month, only for Felix and the Emperor to walk away with all the credit.

Everyone serves their own master, and skills speak for themselves, but Serena Feng simply couldn’t bring herself to like Felix Fuller. Even though he tried to make amends and sought peace with Ninth Royal Uncle, Serena couldn’t let down her guard.

Now, with the City Lord of Night City dead, they were completely at odds. Serena Feng felt the last bit of pretense between her and Felix Fuller had been ripped away, yet she was still forced to save him. The thought was disgusting.

Felix Fuller’s residence had been bestowed by the Emperor not long ago, set close to the palace for convenience. Serena Feng didn’t have time to brood—her carriage arrived at the Fuller Estate almost immediately.

"Miss Feng, please." The young eunuch hurried over, lifted the carriage curtain, and helped Serena Feng down. He’d expected her to make trouble or delay, but she simply took his hand and stepped out without fuss.

The young eunuch blinked at Serena Feng, secretly thinking she was truly magnanimous. He’d heard from the palace elders that Lord Fuller gained his position by betraying Ninth Royal Uncle and siding with the Emperor.

"What are you standing there for? Let’s go." Serena Feng had walked several steps before noticing the young eunuch hadn’t followed, so she turned and called out to him.

The young eunuch snapped out of it and hurried to catch up. "Miss Feng, this way please."

"Mm." Serena Feng replied without any hint of blame. The young eunuch wiped his brow, relieved—if Serena had said more, he’d be accused of delaying Lord Fuller’s treatment.

If Lord Fuller was fine, all was well; but if anything happened, even ten lives wouldn’t be enough to pay. Thinking this, the young eunuch felt grateful to Serena Feng and, when no one was watching, quietly moved closer and whispered, "Miss Feng, Lord Fuller’s leg wound worsened suddenly last night—pus and foul stench poured from it. The imperial physicians are helpless. This morning, the Emperor was informed. Lord Fuller’s life is in real danger."

It was a subtle warning: if Serena Feng wasn’t confident, she’d be better off not treating Felix at all. Once she got involved, there’d be no shaking off the responsibility.

Serena Feng paused, smiled at the young eunuch—accepting his goodwill. With the inside information he’d shared, she knew how to approach the case.

The Fuller Estate wasn’t large; Serena Feng quickly reached the main courtyard, packed with servants and apprentice doctors. Inside, a cluster of young imperial physicians stood; when Serena entered, each one stepped aside, clearing a path as if retreating three paces.

Someone called, "Serena Feng is here!" The imperial physicians and apprentice doctors turned, eyes lighting up. Without a word, they grabbed their medicine chests and stood aside, leaving a clear path for her.

Hmph... Serena Feng kept her face blank, coldly scanning the crowd without saying a word.

She saw right through them—they just wanted a scapegoat. If anything happened to Felix Fuller, all the blame would fall on her.

It wasn’t the first time. Back in her hospital days, colleagues had pushed her forward as the scapegoat. If she hadn’t been careful and kept documentation, she’d have been blamed for a malpractice case, lost her medical license, and never practiced medicine again.

Being a doctor looks glamorous, but only those in the field know the hardship and darkness behind it. If a patient dies or there’s a medical accident and you lack powerful backing, you’ll likely be made the scapegoat—sometimes losing your credentials, sometimes facing criminal charges.

If a doctor loses their credentials, no matter how skilled, no hospital will hire them, and no patient will trust them. It’s always been this way. For imperial physicians, the risk is even greater—treat the wrong patient and you could lose your life.

As Serena Feng looked at the imperial physicians, they sized her up in return. None of them could cure Felix Fuller and they were desperate for a scapegoat. Serena’s arrival was a relief—they finally had someone to take the fall.

If Felix Fuller dies, the imperial physicians will band together and push all the blame onto Serena Feng.

It felt like ages passed, but it was only a brief exchange of glances. In that moment, both sides understood each other perfectly. Serena Feng gave a bitter smile.

Ninth Royal Uncle really knew how to cause her trouble. Just like when she was forced to treat Zylo Dongling in the palace before—now it was happening again. Ninth Royal Uncle just couldn’t let her have an easy life.

Serena Feng stood in the center, took a deep breath, and forced a smile. "Greetings to all the imperial physicians."

"Hello, Miss Feng."

"Hello, Doctor Feng."

"No need for formalities, Miss Feng—saving lives comes first. Please, please…"

The imperial physicians smiled and greeted Serena Feng, but with perfect coordination, they cleared the diagnostic spot for her—leaving her no excuse to avoid treating Felix Fuller.

As long as Serena Feng touched Felix Fuller, whether she prescribed medicine or not, she could be made the scapegoat…