Truth and Lies, Killing with a Soft Knife

Rumors that Serena Feng is abusing Prince Nolan's mother—emboldened by Prince Nolan's affection for her—spread through the Capital like wildfire, as if they had grown wings.

Tracing the origin of the rumors was easy: on the day Lady Min left Feng Manor, some passersby happened to see her, and they became the first wave of gossipers. They weren’t manipulated by anyone—they just saw something interesting and shared it with friends.

“Women these days are really something—do you know Serena Feng? She used to be a pitiful thing, hiding in corners and never daring to speak. But now? She even dares to bully the Grand Empress Dowager, forcing her to lower herself and go see Serena, then driving her out. What a disaster she is...”

Trying to show off in front of friends, people naturally exaggerated the story. At first it was still somewhat credible, but soon it became completely distorted.

“Serena Feng forbade Prince Nolan from acknowledging his mother.”

“Serena Feng made the Grand Empress Dowager kneel for her—doesn’t she fear shortening her own life?”

“Serena Feng hit the Grand Empress Dowager.”

“Serena Feng forced the Grand Empress Dowager to her death.”

...The rumors grew more and more dramatic. In just a few short days, everyone—court and commoners alike—knew the story. One morning at court, a civil official again proposed formally recognizing Lady Min's status and welcoming her back to the palace.

After Prince Nolan refused, the official actually asked in open court if Serena Feng was forbidding him from acknowledging his mother. He then denounced Serena as disloyal and unfilial, called her a妖媚惑主—a bewitching seductress leading her lord astray—and demanded Prince Nolan execute Serena to protect the order of the court.

Calling Serena Feng a妖媚惑主—a bewitching seductress—is one of the crimes listed against Prince Nolan in Prince Jason’s manifesto. It claims Prince Nolan dotes on a demon-woman, disrupts the order of the court, and breaks ancestral law for her repeatedly.

By citing Prince Jason’s manifesto to attack Prince Nolan, the official was forcing him to execute Serena Feng—to prove that the so-called crimes listed by Prince Jason were nothing but absurd slander.

Both in court and among the people, voices opposing Prince Nolan and Serena Feng grew louder, while sympathy for Lady Min swelled.

People always sympathize with the weak—even if that weakness is only on the surface. It’s enough to win their favor.

“She really is your mother.” Just as ruthless, just as skilled at manipulation—cold-blooded and merciless, never blinking an eye.

With things as they are, what’s left to wonder about? Lady Min clearly wants to use the power of public opinion to force Prince Nolan to acknowledge her, bring her into the palace, and grant her all the honors due a Grand Empress Dowager.

Eastlyn’s Grand Empress Dowager truly is ambitious.

Serena Feng couldn’t help but admire Lady Min’s tactics. Having a capable son is a blessing—just put on a show, and the whole world will sympathize with her. Yet Serena, who did nothing, becomes the villain condemned by all.

"I’ll handle it—soon." Prince Nolan knew Serena Feng had been wronged; it was obvious someone was manipulating events. As for whether Lady Min was really his mother, even he couldn’t be sure—too many people could exploit this situation.

How will he handle it?

Serena Feng gave Prince Nolan a bitter smile. "Now that things have reached this point, what choice do you have but to acknowledge her? This is only the first step—your mother will never be content to stay in the inner palace as a noblewoman without real power."

"I’ll never give her that chance." That was Prince Nolan’s promise to Serena Feng—and his bottom line.

Serena glanced at Prince Nolan, feeling a bit helpless, but could only nod. After he left, she sighed quietly to herself.

If it were anyone else plotting against her like this, Serena would have torn off their pretty mask without hesitation. But this was Prince Nolan’s mother—she could only wait and let him handle it.

Prince Nolan can stand firmly by her side now, but will he still do so in the future?

No matter how cold-blooded Prince Nolan may be, that woman is still his mother. Even if she has her own schemes, as long as she doesn’t harm him, it’s only a matter of time before he accepts her.

Serena’s worries weren’t baseless—Lady Min is not someone who accepts her fate.

While the outside world raged, everyone standing on their moral high ground to denounce Serena as a pampered, arrogant woman, Lady Min sat at home looking wan, waiting for Prince Nolan.

After several days of waiting, Lady Min finally saw Prince Nolan. She quickly hid her disappointment and greeted him with a loving look. As soon as he stepped inside, she rose to meet him, but after two steps remembered he disliked women approaching, so she stopped and stood anxiously in place.

No mother in the world would act so cautious and uneasy in front of her own son.

Lady Min forced a smile, apologizing: "I’m sorry about everything happening outside. I never expected things to turn out like this—I just wanted to ask Miss Feng to persuade you. I didn’t mean for it to get so out of hand. I know I’ve caused you trouble, but don’t worry... In the palace, I’ll quietly pray for your father and won’t make any trouble for you."

Lady Min looked at Prince Nolan with sorrowful eyes, full of apology and anxiety. Seeing him unmoved, she continued, "I know you don’t trust me. After all, we haven’t seen each other for so many years. You’re right to be wary—Mother understands your situation."

Her eyes reddened, Lady Min struggled to smile gently. "I know you’ve grown up and don’t need me anymore. Once I enter the palace, I’ll ask to go to the royal temple and copy scriptures for your father. From now on..." Her voice choked. "From now on, if you don’t want to see me, I won’t appear."

"You’ve grown up, even more than I ever imagined. I’m proud of you." Lady Min broke down in tears—anyone else would have been moved, but Prince Nolan watched her with a blank expression, waiting for her next words.

Such coldness and distance hurt Lady Min deeply. Unable to go on, she shakily took out a small brocade box from her sleeve and, reluctantly, placed it on the table.

"This is the only thing my parents left me. It’s not worth much, but it’s all your grandparents had to give. Now I’m giving it to you. No matter what, I hope you’ll accept it. Mother... Mother had no choice back then. I love you very much—truly, deeply love you..."

By the end, Lady Min was sobbing uncontrollably, tears blurring her vision. She gave Prince Nolan one last look—her tear-stained face blooming with a beautiful smile.

"No matter how old you get, you’ll always be my child. The person I owe most in this life is you. Once I’m at the temple, I’ll pray for you every day—hoping you’ll be happy."

After saying this, Lady Min wiped away her tears and hurried out. Even as she left, Prince Nolan could still hear her uncontrollable, stifled sobs...

That sound wrenched the heart of anyone who heard it.