Warren Yu collapsed onto Serena Feng’s shoulder, refusing to let go no matter how Evan Zhou tried to pull him away. Luckily, Serena wasn’t some delicate, fragile woman, or she would have been crushed under his weight.
Serena Feng, I’m suffering. I really am. Three hundred thousand troops, and His Majesty only gives me rations and weapons for thirty thousand.
A year’s worth of supplies doesn’t even last a month. How am I supposed to face the brothers who’ve fought life and death with me? How can I explain this to them?
Warren Yu, always so strong before others, now shed all his defenses, crying on Serena Feng’s shoulder like any ordinary man, pouring out all his pressure and helplessness.
A tenfold gap in military pay—never mind that the Yu clan is poor—even if they had money, it could only plug the hole for a while, not forever.
This move is ruthless.
Without money, would Warren Yu’s soldiers still obey him?
Serena Feng, what should I do? Twenty-seven thousand mouths to feed, all weighing on me. When I close my eyes, I see them starving; when I open them, I see their trusting eyes. Serena, help me. You’re so smart—please help me.
Warren Yu pleaded desperately…
To drive a man of iron like Warren Yu to this—His Majesty truly has a talent for manipulation.
Serena Feng turned away, gazing at the moon on the horizon.
Help? How could she possibly help?
Serena exhaled heavily. She and Evan Zhou half-dragged, half-carried Warren Yu into the Feng family’s guest room. After settling the drunken general, both were drenched in sweat from exhaustion.
"Sister, are you going to help him?" Evan Zhou asked as soon as they stepped out.
A scholar’s rebellion never succeeds in three years. But a military officer with command of the troops is different—anyone who holds military power is a thorn in the Emperor’s side.
All these years, the Emperor hasn’t moved against the Yu clan because he needed them. But now…
The four nations have reached a delicate balance, and the nine cities check each other. Warren Yu’s existence no longer holds value.
When the birds are gone, the bow is put away; when the cunning rabbit dies, the hunting dog is cooked.
The Emperor will show no mercy to Warren Yu. He’ll never let nearly a third of the nation’s military power fall into Warren’s hands.
Help? No one can truly help Warren Yu—this isn’t just a matter of money.
Serena Feng looked at Evan Zhou with a bemused smile: "Evan, what makes you think I can help him?"
She was a doctor, not a military strategist, not a merchant, and certainly not a politician.
But General Warren Yu asked you for help—doesn’t that mean you can help him? Evan Zhou couldn’t explain it, but he always felt Serena Feng was like a treasure chest, full of secrets waiting to be discovered.
General Warren Yu only said those things because he was drunk. This issue must have troubled him for a long time—he kept it bottled up and, under the influence, finally let out his frustrations. He just needed someone to talk to. Serena walked forward a couple of steps, then stopped as if she’d thought of something.
Evan, don’t overthink it. Just pretend tonight never happened—I don’t want any ugly rumors spreading later.
For small matters, Serena trusted Evan completely. But for big things, she couldn’t take that risk.
Evan Zhou’s identity was a secret, and anyone with secrets was dangerous.
Don’t worry, I’ll never do anything to hurt you." That was Evan Zhou’s promise.
I’ll remember your words." Serena strode away.
Moonlight spilled down, bathing her in silver. Evan Zhou stood watching her leave, and just as he was about to go, he realized someone was behind him.
General Warren Yu, when did you get here?" Evan Zhou jumped forward in fright, clutching his chest.
This man really was everywhere. Wasn’t he supposed to be drunk? He didn’t smell of alcohol at all.
When you were staring after Serena Feng, lost in thought." Warren Yu looked Evan Zhou up and down, as if trying to see through him. "Evan, who are you really?"
You pretended to be drunk tonight just to test who I am?" Evan Zhou asked warily.
Who are you, really?" Warren Yu stepped forward, his presence overwhelming Evan Zhou.
Evan Zhou couldn’t withstand the pressure and gave a helpless, bitter smile. "General Warren Yu, don’t scare me. I can’t reveal my identity for now, but I promise—I mean no harm."
At least, not to you.
You’re not from the Eastlyn Empire." As a general, Warren Yu was especially sensitive to such things.
He worried Evan Zhou might be a spy, but Evan’s behavior today didn’t fit.
Evan Zhou nodded. "I’m not from Eastlyn, but please, General Warren Yu, rest assured—I have no designs on Eastlyn and I’m not a spy. If I were, I wouldn’t be hiding out at Feng Manor."
Warren Yu studied Evan Zhou’s open expression and nodded. "Serena Feng trusts you, so I’ll trust you once."
Warren Yu believed that Serena Feng—ruthless as she was—would never keep a traitor by her side.
So what about you, General Warren Yu? You pretended to be drunk tonight—what are you after? Do you really think Serena Feng can help you? Both men wanted to protect Serena, but neither trusted the other.
My business is none of yours.' Warren Yu might trust Evan Zhou, but he didn’t like him. He turned away, unwilling to say more.
Evan Zhou blocked his way. "How is it none of my business? If this goes wrong, Serena Feng could end up hated by the Emperor. You’re putting her in danger."
Serena? What, not calling her 'sister' anymore?' Warren Yu teased Evan Zhou.
Always calling her 'sister' and sticking close by under the pretense of being her younger brother—really annoying.
Evan Zhou turned away, speaking stiffly: "That’s my business, not yours."
Anything involving Serena Feng is my business. Evan, you’re not good enough for her—don’t waste your time.' Warren Yu warned.
If I’m not good enough, are you?' Evan Zhou shot back, his bearing hinting at a rare nobility.
Evan, believe it or not, Serena Feng is just a friend to me.' Warren Yu had already decided: Serena belonged to Nolan Eastlyn.
Tonight’s drunken act was just a way to make Nolan Eastlyn understand my situation through Serena Feng. If Nolan helps me, I’ll serve him from now on.
Warren Yu had never expected Serena Feng to help him. In the whole Eastlyn Dynasty, the people who could help him could be counted on one hand, and his chosen ally was Nolan Eastlyn.
Of course, if Nolan Eastlyn wasn’t up to the task, he wouldn’t be worth serving.
Three hundred thousand lives—he couldn’t bear that burden.
Warren Yu strode away.
In the moonlight, Evan Zhou watched Warren Yu return to his room. Evan shook his head and went back to his own.
No one is simple.
'Everyone’s gone—still watching?' Lance Quinn stepped from the shadows, joining Serena Feng, his silver mask hiding a pleased smile.
This Serena Feng was clever enough not to trust blindly.
Tell me, why is everyone around me so complicated?" Serena Feng wasn’t surprised by Lance Quinn’s appearance.
She had seen him earlier—Lance Quinn hadn’t tried to hide from her.
You’re complicated too.
Birds of a feather flock together.
Makes sense. I don’t care how complicated they are—as long as they mean me no harm." Serena Feng nodded firmly.
Whether it was Warren Yu or Evan Zhou, both protected her in their own way.
Once she let go, Serena Feng stopped worrying—then remembered, this man was here again.
Why are you here again? Are you hurt?