In royal affairs, even the simplest matter can spiral into a world-shaking conspiracy, leaving everyone bewildered and unable to see the truth—just like the Menagerie fire, just like the Serena–Su Clan Grand Contest.
The Menagerie fire case has been officially closed, and the Serena–Su Clan Grand Contest is back on the agenda. The Riding and Archery Duel was disrupted by the fire, so the Summers family demanded a rematch—but Ninth Royal Uncle Nolan rejected them outright.
Serena was burned in the fire—not as badly as Su Rou, but her arms and legs suffered multiple burns, making it impossible for her to ride a horse anytime soon.
The Summers family didn’t push further and suggested calling it a draw, but Ninth Royal Uncle Nolan just sneered and refused. He argued that everyone saw what happened: Serena was the first to reach the bridge and the first to leave it, while Su Rou never had a chance. No matter what, Serena won that round.
Pushed into a corner by Nolan—and unable to twist the facts—the Summers family had no choice but to accept the result. Yet they immediately turned to objecting over the chess segment, accusing Serena of mocking them with an unsolvable chess puzzle and demanding she apologize.
Of course, Ninth Royal Uncle Nolan refused to admit any fault. So the Summers family insisted Nolan himself solve the puzzle. He replied arrogantly, "A child’s game like this isn’t worth my attention. Hmph."
That remark stung the Summers family, but facing someone as powerful as Ninth Royal Uncle Nolan, they didn’t dare press the issue and could only swallow their anger.
Fine—if Nolan refused to solve the puzzle, then let Serena do it. If the Summers family was going to lose, they wanted to lose fair and square.
The Emperor originally didn’t care, but the Summers family had recruited several chess experts to crack the puzzle, and—thanks to their agitation—the experts’ complaints grew loud enough that the Emperor agreed to let Serena solve it.
Ninth Royal Uncle Nolan, though displeased with the Summers family’s attitude, didn’t object to the Emperor’s decision—after all, their request was reasonable enough.
After half a month of recovery, Victor Yun was almost back to normal. Though still physically weak, he had no desire to stay at Feng Manor and be used as a lab rat by the Master of Mystic Healer Valley—he planned to recuperate at home.
The moment he got out of bed, Victor was thrilled. He knew that from now on, he’d never have to worry about his brain disease or fear for his life—and it was all thanks to Serena.
Serena wasn’t just the Young family’s benefactor—she was his personal savior.
Before leaving, Victor made a point to say goodbye to Serena, who was still ‘recuperating’ in bed. He didn’t say thank you or shed tears of gratitude. Instead, he teased, “Come on, Little Serena, call me Brother Xiao. From now on, the Young family is your backing. If anyone bullies you, just tell me—I’ll make sure they regret it.”
Victor was usually the picture of a refined gentleman, but those words were anything but serious. Serena couldn’t help but laugh—she was about to reply when Ninth Royal Uncle Nolan appeared at the door, face cold, and spat a single word: “Out!”
“Ninth Royal Uncle?” Victor jumped, instantly dropping his lazy act and silently cursing how perfectly Nolan had timed his arrival.
Nolan gave Victor a frosty look, making him so uncomfortable he didn’t know what to do with his hands. Only then did Nolan turn away, satisfied, and walk over to Serena. "You’ll be fully healed by tomorrow."
Outwardly, Serena was supposed to be injured, but it was only burns on her arms and legs—nothing that would truly limit her. After more than half a month in bed, she’d more than paid her dues.
“Finally free,” Serena breathed, quickly agreeing and shooting Victor a look, signaling him to leave first.
Victor had wanted to play the role of doting brother-in-law in front of Nolan, but sensing the icy aura radiating from him, Victor just rubbed his nose and obediently left.
Sooner or later, the tables would turn—he was just waiting for Nolan to come begging.
After Victor left, the room fell silent. Serena saw Nolan’s dark expression and asked, “What’s wrong?”
“It’s nothing serious. You don’t need to worry. The Summers family is telling everyone your chess puzzle is a fake and that you’re making a fool of them. If nothing unexpected happens, the Emperor will summon you to court in three days.” Nolan wasn’t worried Serena would lose on the chessboard.
Serena’s chess skills were strange and cunning; it wouldn’t be impossible for her to set up a puzzle no one else could solve. What worried Nolan was that even Serena herself might get stumped.
“The chess match? So the Summers family really is making a fuss over this. Su Rou is a piece of work.” They were so bold because Su Rou had used hypnosis to extract ‘information’ from Serena.
Serena wasn’t sure whether to thank the fire or the Summers family—for giving her a perfect chance to slap them in the face, fair and square.
“What does Su Rou have to do with it?” Su Rou was still unconscious—Nolan doubted she could stir up any more trouble.
Serena explained how Su Rou hypnotized her and coaxed out information, and also clarified what happened at the racetrack. Only then did Nolan realize Serena had started scheming against the Summers family much earlier than he thought.
“You really are a handful.” Seeing Serena in such good spirits, Nolan finally smiled.
“Not at all...” Serena protested, pouting. “It’s just that the Summers family is too greedy. I’m only giving them a taste of their own medicine.”
Nolan laughed, “The Summers family really does need to be taught a lesson—otherwise they’ll think they can rise to power just by marrying off their daughters.”
Nolan had nothing but contempt for the Summers family’s tactics. Daughters could be used for alliances, but relying solely on women to expand power was just lazy—and the Summers family took pride in it.
“Don’t underestimate them—the Summers daughters aren’t ordinary. They’ve charmed the Southern Lyn Emperor, secured a place in the Northlyn harem, and even Reid Yale’s maternal family is Summers.” Serena wasn’t about to look down on the Summers family; their true power came from their daughters.
“Eastlyn’s about to welcome another Summers consort. You’re right—their daughters really are something.” Nolan thought of the Emperor’s deal with the Summers family, unsure whether to call it clever or foolish.
In the Menagerie fire, Su Rou was hurt worst, but several other consorts were dragged into it too. Anyone paying attention could see that palace intrigue was at play.
The harem women clearly knew what the Summers daughters were capable of. Afraid the Emperor might favor a new consort, they struck first.
It took so much effort to deal with Su Rou, and now the Emperor is letting the Summers family send another daughter into the palace. Even if he’s not worried about harem chaos, he should consider the Summers family’s ties to Southern Lyn and Northlyn—they’re not to be underestimated.
Serena sighed, “I just hope this new Summers consort is worthy of Su Wan and Su Rou’s sacrifices.”
“That’s not your concern. Stay out of harem politics—the place is bound to erupt soon.” Nolan stood up and patted Serena on the head.
Serena’s gaze sharpened, meeting Nolan’s deep, unreadable eyes. Her expression turned grave as she murmured, “I understand.”