When the Three Excellencies and the prime minister clamored to depose Serena Feng, the "unvirtuous Empress," Serena—who had remained quiet in the deep palace—suddenly began to summon Phoenixfield clansmen frequently. The Phoenixfield Clan, abandoning its previous low profile, entered high society in force and openly confronted the Three Excellencies and prime minister.
With the Empress as their backer, everyone except the Three Excellencies and the prime minister had to give the Phoenixfield Clan some respect. After all, until the very end, no one could say which way things would turn out.
Though the Three Excellencies and the prime minister had disciples everywhere and wielded considerable power, Serena Feng held the Emperor’s favor and had the Crown Prince; her position was not easily shaken.
As soon as the Phoenixfield Clan became active, the Three Excellencies and the prime minister grew even more agitated. “The Empress and the Phoenixfield Clan are like cornered dogs making desperate moves. They think these tricks will win people over, but those officials are slippery. For now, they’ll treat the Phoenixfield Clan well, but if trouble comes, they won’t say a word in their defense.”
“Grand Protector is right. I think Her Majesty is out of options and resorting to a foolish move. Does she really believe her status alone can win hearts?”
“The Emperor is still young. Even if his body is damaged, he could rule for another decade or more. The Crown Prince is just a child—there’s no guarantee he’ll grow up safely. No one will risk everything for an uncertain future. The Empress’s move is truly unwise.”
“Her Majesty is too hasty. It’s a pity General Phoenixfield is stationed at the border. If he were in the capital, the Empress would never have made such a blunder.”
The Three Excellencies and the prime minister traded remarks, four sly foxes exchanging knowing glances...
They had decided to make their move!
As the day for the Southlyn Emperor’s escort drew near, the waves of impeachment petitions against Serena Feng gradually subsided—even started to show signs of stopping. But Prince Nolan, Serena, and William Wang Jinling all understood: this was just a facade!
"They've chosen to strike on the day the Southlyn surrender is presented. On that day, someone will come forward to accuse—" William Wang Jinling stopped abruptly at Serena's name, then continued as if nothing had happened: "Her Majesty and Sean had an affair, and the Crown Prince is not of imperial blood."
Little Dumpling was born before Serena’s marriage. By the timeline, when Serena conceived him, Prince Nolan happened to be away from the capital. The Three Excellencies and the prime minister will use this to attack her; even if Serena clears her name, she’ll be smeared by the scandal.
This tactic is vicious to the extreme!
A flash of murderous intent passed through Prince Nolan’s eyes. He responded coldly, then looked up and caught the fleeting desolation in William Wang Jinling’s gaze. Nolan’s lips curled into a faint smile, as if every pore relaxed—he was supremely at ease.
William knew perfectly well Nolan was doing it on purpose, but he couldn’t say a word. Nolan hadn’t actually said anything; all of William’s pain came from his own inability to let go.
William let out a soft sigh, composed himself, and his gentle smile returned, eyes warm as ever. That moment of sorrow seemed almost an illusion. Calmly, he addressed Her Majesty and discussed what would happen that day, along with his proposed countermeasures.
The Three Excellencies and the prime minister want to slap Serena’s face and throw mud on her and Little Dumpling, but that depends on whether they have the skill. Serena may keep a low profile, but if she truly acts, even the Emperor has to fear her power.
As long as Serena is prepared, William isn’t worried about her safety. His countermeasures focus on protecting her foundations—he knows these are her life-saving cards, and he’d rather not use them unless absolutely necessary.
Nolan may enjoy seeing William in quiet anguish, but he doesn’t want William pining after his wife every day. If William could move on and stop yearning for Serena, Nolan would be even happier.
William pretended nothing had happened, and Nolan, of course, didn’t bring it up. They discussed a few more details and finalized the arrangements for that day.
Once this is done, all power inside and outside Eastlyn will be in Prince Nolan’s hands. For the next ten years, nothing will be able to stir up trouble—even the King of Jiangnan won’t have the strength to rebel.
Thinking of the peace to come, William Wang Jinling’s smile grew even brighter.
Ten years is enough time for Little Dumpling to grow up!
When the discussion was nearly finished, Prince Nolan glanced at the time, looked at William, said nothing, and strode out—his steps seemed almost hurried...
William was momentarily stunned, but quickly got up and followed.
There’s a difference between ruler and subject—unless William resigns, he can’t act aloof or neglectful toward the Emperor.
Prince Nolan walked so fast that by the time William got outside, Nolan was already gone. William paused at the doorway, about to step out, when a clever young eunuch approached and explained: "No need to worry, Lord Wang. His Majesty is surely hurrying back to Harmony Hall to dine with Her Majesty, not displeased with you."
"Th-thank you." William’s smile stiffened for a moment, though the eunuch didn’t notice. To him, the young lord was a gentleman—always courteous, never arrogant.
The young lord was a true gentleman, untouched by worldly filth. Naturally, he wouldn’t do something like reward the eunuch; instead, he nodded politely and walked out of the palace...
Outside the palace was his true home. Although no one awaited him for dinner, and he had no one to dine with, it was still his home.
William walked steadily, without a hint of hesitation, and only stopped after leaving the palace gates.
Standing at the city gate, William no longer suppressed his feelings. He turned to gaze toward Harmony Hall, his deep eyes full of sorrow...
Everything he longed for was there—yet it was forever out of reach. From now on, he wouldn’t even have the right to call her by name, let alone speak with her as a friend. He could only address her, distant and respectful: Her Majesty the Empress.
‘Her Majesty the Empress’—to others, those words meant honor. But to William, they were a cold symbol; there were other women who could be Empress, but only one Serena.
The Empress might not always be Serena, but Serena would always be herself!
William’s expression didn’t change, but the hand hidden behind his back clenched and relaxed, over and over...
Standing at the palace gate, William was a sight to behold. Not only the gate guards, but passing maids, eunuchs, and palace guards all paused, hiding to admire the Grand Heir’s presence.
William was oblivious to it all. He stood there until darkness fell, then silently turned, carrying his loneliness back to his carriage and returning alone to the Wang estate.
The bodyguard secretly protecting William’s safety couldn’t help but tear up. If not for his remaining sense, he would have rushed into the palace and stolen Serena away...
Their Grand Heir was the finest man in the world. He just couldn’t understand why Serena couldn’t see his worth.
Inside Harmony Hall, Prince Nolan wasn’t as happy as William imagined. He wasn’t dining with Serena alone—Zed, Feng Jin, and the Snow Wolves were there too.
Zed and the Snow Wolves were well-behaved. The wolves, afraid of Prince Nolan’s cold glare, shrank into a corner and quietly gnawed their lamb chops.
Zed, though just a child, rarely acted spoiled and didn’t cling to Serena. He was also afraid of Prince Nolan and wouldn’t dare cozy up to Serena under Nolan’s murderous gaze.
But Feng Jin was different. He wasn’t afraid of Prince Nolan and loved clinging to Serena. Serena had just set Little Dumpling down, only to be caught by Feng Jin again. Nolan couldn’t argue with a child, so he could only sit aside, glaring helplessly.
That wasn’t the worst of it. What truly irked Nolan was that Feng Jin, the little traitor, clung to his mother and ate food Nolan had sent—while whispering praises of another man in Serena’s ear...
"Sister, when will Grand Heir come to see me? I miss him. He promised to take me and Zed kite flying." After dinner, Feng Jin tugged at Serena’s sleeve, acting spoiled.
Feng Jin, the little dumpling, had gotten even better at acting spoiled after spending time with Little Eight. Empress Dowager Xie often said she couldn’t handle the two of them together.
"Grand Heir is very busy. How about having Brother Zuo An take you instead?" Serena tried to shift the blame, and Nolan was secretly pleased—until Feng Jin said, "But I want Grand Heir. I like him best."
As he spoke, Feng Jin glanced timidly at Prince Nolan. Meeting Nolan’s icy gaze, he quickly hid behind Serena, nervously biting his finger...
"Can you not be so stern at home? You’ll scare the children." Serena picked up Feng Jin, playfully chiding Prince Nolan, who took the blame with a sigh.
If he could manage a smile now, that would be a miracle.
Prince Nolan silently turned away from Feng Jin. He couldn’t win, so he’d rather just avoid trouble.
Zed quietly looked up at Feng Jin, then at Prince Nolan, calmly nodded, and went back to playing with the Snow Wolves. As long as silly Feng Jin didn’t get beaten, all was well.
Though Prince Nolan turned his face away, he kept his ears open to Serena and Feng Jin’s conversation. When Serena finally gave in to Feng Jin’s pleading and promised to ask William when he’d be free to take them kite flying, Nolan nearly coughed up blood...
Could his luck get any worse?
Little brats really were a nuisance. He hadn’t even made up for his wedding night, and now the brat was helping bring his rival closer. Good thing he had Little Dumpling—one child was enough!
Just as he thought of Little Dumpling, the baby’s wails rang out. Feng Jin quickly scrambled off Serena, searching for his shoes. "Brother’s crying, Sister, go check..."
No sooner had Feng Jin spoken than Autumn carried Little Dumpling in, a bit uneasy: "Your Majesty, the little prince is hungry."
She really didn’t mean it—please forgive me, Your Majesty!
Prince Nolan gazed silently at the sky: At this rate, his wedding night would never come!