Imprisoned, Serena Faces It Without Fear

William Warren was both patient and persistent, but once he decided to act, he did so with ruthless efficiency. In just half a day, he seized the three Grand Elders—Shane, Rowan, and Gideon Warren—without even convening the ancestral hall. Relying on the authority he'd just established, he expelled the seven members who defied his orders from House Warren.

Human greed knows no bounds. As Grand Elders of House Warren, they enjoyed every luxury, yet it was never enough—they always wanted more, always scheming for their descendants.

To ensure their own children and grandchildren held unrivaled status within House Warren, the three elders spared no effort, plotting endlessly to siphon off the family’s resources.

Worse, when grain prices wildly swung across the Four Kingdoms, the three elders lined their pockets, making a fortune while leaving House Warren nearly bankrupt.

If Prince Nolan hadn’t handed him the evidence, William Warren would never have believed that those who claimed to act for the family’s sake were so selfish and self-serving.

‘For the family’s sake’—what a joke. Only someone as naive as him would never suspect a group so selfish. He’d trusted them without question.

But perhaps that was for the best. If not for their insatiable greed, he’d never have had the chance to abolish the three elders and gather all of House Warren’s power into his own hands. As William flipped through the ledgers, checking the family’s income over the years, his gaze grew colder with each page.

“Just forty years, and the three elders have managed to amass private fortunes larger than House Warren’s annual income. No wonder they caught his attention.”

With a sharp snap, William Warren closed the ledger and ordered the man behind him, “Go. Send half of the elders’ assets to Prince Nolan. Add an extra ten percent as a token of my goodwill.”

Of course, these assets were for Prince Nolan. He wouldn’t help William Warren for nothing. Nolan had his eyes on Warren money—the family’s centuries-old fortune was greater than the imperial treasury itself. With such wealth, there was no way Nolan would let it slip away.

“Yes, young master.” The man behind him was surprised but didn’t dare ask questions, bowing his head in obedience.

William Warren tossed the ledger onto the table and began pacing the room. After a moment’s thought, he spoke up: “Notify every Warren shop to spread word that Prince Nolan’s imprisonment is a sign of heaven’s displeasure and is tied to the mountain explosion. I want this rumor in every town of Eastlyn.”

Compared to the Warren family’s vast network, Prince Nolan’s connections were limited. With William Warren fueling the rumors behind the scenes, the situation would only escalate. Soon, even the Emperor wouldn’t be able to silence public opinion. With heaven’s will hanging over him, every move the Emperor made would be watched—he wouldn’t dare act recklessly.

“Yes, young master.” As William Warren’s most trusted aide, he was absolutely reliable.

“Go on.”

William Warren nodded, wanting to ask about Serena Feng but deciding against it. If Prince Nolan dared to put the phoenix hairpin on Serena, he must have a plan. The Emperor’s scheme to use Serena as leverage against Nolan’s faction might well fall apart.

Just as William Warren predicted, Dominic Zhai burst into Serena Feng’s modest West District courtyard, breathless with urgent news. Serena was briefly stunned, then broke into a smile.

“Really, Young Lord Zhai, what are you so anxious about? Anyone who didn’t know better would think you were the one being thrown in jail.”

“How could I not be anxious? Prince Nolan’s in jail, and you’re next!” Dominic Zhai wiped the sweat from his brow and flung it aside, leaving marks on the ground.

Serena shot Dominic a look of distaste. “Young Lord Zhai, panicking won’t help. The Emperor won’t let Prince Nolan out just because you’re worried. Besides, Nolan won’t be in prison for long—the one with a headache is the Emperor himself.”

This time, with Prince Nolan imprisoned, Serena Feng truly wasn’t worried. She was certain that when the Emperor threatened Nolan with his mother, Nolan must have made preparations. Even if he hadn’t, as long as the Emperor didn’t execute Nolan on the spot, Serena would find a way to rescue him.

Dominic Zhai nearly jumped in frustration. How could Serena joke at a time like this? “Serena, take this seriously—this could cost you your head!”

When Dominic heard about Nolan’s imprisonment, he and his grandfather were stunned. The Emperor’s thunderous move was extraordinary—Nolan was caught instantly. Unless some miracle happened, Nolan’s future was ruined.

He’d expected Serena to turn pale with fear, but she was as calm as ever—her reaction was no different than hearing about the weather. Thinking back, when he’d told William Warren, William had been just as unfazed, raising an eyebrow: “Prince Nolan’s in jail? I know.”

After saying that, William sent Dominic out of the Warren estate to check on Serena. But Serena needed no one to watch over her—she was far calmer than Dominic.

“I am taking this seriously, Young Lord Zhai. Don’t worry—Prince Nolan will be fine. The Emperor’s charge of ‘defiance’ is based on nothing but his own word; there’s no real evidence. As for me? The Emperor can’t convict me.” Serena called out casually, “Jada Tang, bring me the phoenix hairpin from my desk.”

“Yes, miss.” Jada Tang grinned mischievously, eager to see the imperial guards get humiliated.

“Really, there’s nothing to worry about?” Dominic, seeing Serena’s composure, finally calmed down. She looked as if she had everything under control.

Could it be that Prince Nolan had foreseen all this? It didn’t seem possible!

“Relax, there’s nothing—”

Before Serena could finish, a loud crash echoed through the courtyard—the gate to the West District was smashed open. Armored imperial guards stormed in like wolves, spears aimed straight at Serena, murderous intent thick in the air.

“Young Lord Zhai, forgive us. We’re just doing our duty—please cooperate.” The guard captain, seeing Dominic Zhai, hesitated before stepping forward and saluting. He signaled for the guards to separate Dominic, who, seeing Serena’s composure, moved aside without protest. “Go ahead.”

The guard captain was surprised by Dominic’s cooperation, but the easier things went, the better for them. After a respectful gesture, he turned to Serena. “Miss Feng, please come with us.”

“It’s you?” Serena recognized the familiar face and greeted him with a smile.

This was the same captain who had guarded Serena during her previous confinement by the Emperor, and who had rushed into the burning Feng Manor to try to save her. Serena was genuinely grateful to him.

“Yes, Miss Feng. We meet again.” The captain noted Serena’s lack of panic and quietly admired her.

No wonder she could stand alongside Prince Nolan—her composure far surpassed that of ordinary women. In all his years as a guard, he’d rarely seen anyone face imprisonment with such poise; aside from Prince Nolan, only Serena Feng managed it.

Serena gave a wry smile. “Yes, here we are again. Every time I see you, it’s never for a good reason. I suppose you’re not here for anything pleasant this time, either.”

Serena glanced at the endless ranks of guards. She had to admit, the Emperor was really putting on a show—raising such a commotion and sending so many men just to arrest her. What exactly was he playing at…

The captain admired Serena’s dignity. To face arrest without a flicker of fear—no wonder she was Prince Nolan’s equal.