The Emperor’s Mind and Nolan’s Hidden Alliance

Although whether he was angry or happy, Prince Nolan always appeared aloof and expressionless, so cold and proud that no one could read his thoughts, after spending this time together, Serena had to admit—she might not dare say for others, but when Prince Nolan was angry with her, she could absolutely tell by his eyes and actions.

The moment Prince Nolan lifted his eyelids, Serena knew he was angry at her. She quickly shook her head and tried to reassure him: "No, I don't know if Lucan Lu is a spy, nor do I know who the Cui Clan has planted in the Capital. But I do know that everything Lucan Lu has done these years must have already displeased the Emperor."

Most people in power are suspicious by nature, preferring to err on the side of caution rather than let anything slip. With the Cui Clan making frequent moves lately and the Bloodcloak Guard doing nothing, the Emperor will definitely suspect Lucan Lu. Lucan Lu has already lost the Emperor's favor.

On top of that, the Emperor plans to open the civil examinations and bring scholars to the Capital. If he cleans up the Bloodcloak Guard at this moment, the scholars will see the Emperor's benevolence and wisdom—after all, the Bloodcloak Guard has a terrible reputation among the common people.

If the Emperor wants to move against the Bloodcloak Guard, he needs a reason—a just and open reason. Otherwise, if he suddenly attacks a department he himself created, it could unsettle all the officials, making them think he intends to purge the bureaucracy and clear space for the newly selected scholars. So I gave the Emperor a reason, letting him boldly and thoroughly clean out the Bloodcloak Guard from top to bottom.

Although this reason ruins the Bloodcloak Guard's reputation and doesn't look good for the Emperor on the surface, it's precisely because the scandal is so big that, if the Emperor handles it well, he can win widespread praise from the people and also diminish the Guard's presence. An organization like Bloodcloak shouldn't be so conspicuous—they ought to hide in the shadows and only occasionally strike.

All these reasons together made me guess that the Emperor had already given up on Lucan Lu. That's why I dared to break into the Bloodcloak Guard prison, dared to scatter flyers all over the Capital, and dared to file a suit at the High Court of Justice.

Guessing the Emperor's intentions is a technical skill. Serena spoke with confidence, but she wasn't certain. After finishing, she looked at Prince Nolan with hopeful eyes: "Did I get it right?"

Prince Nolan's anger vanished, and he praised her: "You didn't get it all, but you're eight or nine parts correct. The Emperor does want to clean up the court—Bloodcloak Guard has been too arrogant these past few years and has truly made the Emperor unhappy."

Prince Nolan's stiff face softened into a gentle smile, and his deep eyes brightened: "You're very clever. Even the other princes didn't figure it out, but you did."

The Emperor hasn't wanted to move against the Bloodcloak Guard for just a day or two. It's just that he still trusted Lucan Lu, and he didn't have the right person for the job, so he held back.

Serena struck at the Bloodcloak Guard at just this moment, which made the Emperor seriously consider cleaning house. If he shakes up Bloodcloak now and uses this chance to root out a batch of spies, it'll also send a warning to Southlyn, Westlyn, and great houses like the Cui Clan.

Receiving Prince Nolan's affirmation, Serena's gloom vanished and she brightened up, sharing all her deductions without holding back.

"From what happened in court today, I really think I guessed right. If the Emperor didn't want to move against the Bloodcloak Guard, there's no way I'd even get the chance to go to trial. Bloodcloak could have found any excuse to come in and burn down my Feng Manor."

And then there's Prince Samuel's intervention. I trust that Dominic Zhai really wanted to help me, but Prince Samuel would never help me for no reason. Even if he's angry that Bloodcloak planted spies in his manor, he wouldn't make it so obvious.

My guess is that Prince Samuel also realized the Emperor wanted to move against Bloodcloak, so he played his hand. If I'm right, Bloodcloak losing Simon Sun will almost certainly be tied to foreign affairs. I just don't know which country will be unlucky." With the Emperor and Prince Nolan backing her, what was there to fear from Bloodcloak?

"Westlyn. There are Westlyn agents in Bloodcloak, so the Emperor will pin this on Westlyn. Your feud with Princess Yara is known to both countries—even if the reason is a little forced, it's still plausible." Prince Nolan saw how Serena could deduce so much from small details and no longer intended to hide anything.

He had underestimated Serena. She was sharper than he'd imagined—even when she lost her cool over Simon Sun, her actions were still measured.

"Westlyn? They just sealed the marriage alliance, and now the Emperor wants to go to war with Westlyn?" Serena thought wickedly, feeling sorry for Princess Yara.

"There won't be a war anytime soon. It's just a warning for Yara. The Emperor is furious about how Yara schemed against Zichun's child to get at you, but he can't say it publicly. Using the Bloodcloak incident to expose Westlyn spies is both a warning and preparation for future war. My imperial brother is ambitious, and I'm willing to assist him." Prince Nolan sounded sincere, but Serena still caught the mocking undertone in his words.

When the Emperor saw Prince Nolan step back, and with Prince Nolan away from the Capital, the Emperor kept a tight grip on both the government and military power, convinced that internal affairs were secure. With no worries at home, of course his next move would be to wage war abroad.

Conquering the other three kingdoms and nine cities, unifying the Nine Provinces Realm—this has always been the Emperor's ambition.

"You and the Emperor are forming an alliance, preparing to join forces as brothers and rule the world together?" Serena was confused at first, but then realized what Prince Nolan meant.

This world is so fantastical—hasn't the Emperor always been deeply wary of Prince Nolan?

"The Emperor made the offer, but I haven't agreed. I don't have such grand ambitions." When Prince Nolan said this, there was a mischievous smile on his lips, a roguish look that made Serena want to pounce and kiss him—at least to bite away that wicked smile.

Ahem, Serena quickly turned her face away. "Why would the Emperor ally with you? Isn't he afraid of bargaining with a tiger, only to be eaten by you in the end?"

"It was Felix Fuller's suggestion, and my imperial brother accepted it. The Emperor thinks he can control me, and once he's used me, he can kick me aside." Prince Nolan radiated danger, like a king of the jungle who doesn't see any rival as a threat...

"Felix Fuller? What is he after?" Serena found she truly couldn't see through this diviner.

"He wants to help a wise sovereign unify the Nine Provinces Realm and restore the Divine Temple's former glory." Prince Nolan didn't admire him, but neither did he dislike him—a man fighting for his family's honor.

To enjoy the talent and privilege your surname gives, you must also bear its responsibilities. In essence, Felix Fuller and Prince Nolan are alike—both carry the weight of their family names and do what must be done.

"So he chose the Emperor?" Serena raised an eyebrow, doubting Felix Fuller's judgment—he seemed even less perceptive than William, and yet he was a Divine Temple descendant.

"Maybe." Prince Nolan wasn't sure.

Felix Fuller's motives were still a mystery to Prince Nolan. The Emperor dared to use him and trust him so deeply, which Prince Nolan admired. If it were him, he wouldn't dare...