Collusion, Asking Serena Feng for a Small Favor

"Not good—it's an ambush!"

Dorian Owen wasn't the type to lose his head. Seeing the danger, he tapped his toes and immediately withdrew from the melee. The eight dark guards retreated as they fought, and even the bandits hesitated to make another move.

"It's not an ambush—someone's coming." Prince Nolan glanced over and immediately deduced that the newcomers were not lying in wait, but rather hiding, waiting for the right moment to act.

"What should we do?" Dorian Owen asked Prince Nolan.

Normally, in a situation like this, he'd just run for it. But with the Master of the Mystic Healer Valley and Zed here, escape was out of the question.

"No need to do anything—let's see who it is." Prince Nolan handed the pistol to Serena. "Protect yourself."

"Don't worry." Without another word, Serena retreated to the Mystic Healer Valley Master's carriage with Zed.

"Why did you come over? What's happening?" The Master of the Mystic Healer Valley looked tense; the atmosphere alone told him something was wrong, and the sight of the bandits fleeing only confirmed it.

"No idea, we might've been ambushed." Serena watched the situation unfold, glanced at the roads ahead and behind, and realized that even if they tried to run now, they might not make it. It was better to stay and see who was coming.

From the forest, a red-coated stallion suddenly burst out, and the rider...

"Prince Damien of Southlyn?" Serena was startled to see the newcomer.

That twisted freak—what was he doing here? Wasn't he supposed to be off fighting Prince Terrence with Rowan Dongling?

"Indeed, it is I. Serena, long time no see. You've grown even more beautiful, and it seems Prince Nolan treats you well." Nearly a year had passed since their last meeting, and Prince Damien's face was paler and colder than ever.

As soon as Prince Damien appeared, cavalry surged from both sides of the road, encircling Prince Nolan and Serena.

These were no mere bandits—this was a real army, thousands upon thousands. Standing there, Serena couldn't see the edges; the sheer number of troops was overwhelming.

Escape was impossible, unless they could fly or tunnel underground.

Prince Nolan remained completely calm, saying steadily, "Mobilizing an army just to deal with me—quite the move, Prince Damien."

"Eastlyn's Ninth Royal Uncle is so famous, I had no choice." Prince Damien showed no anger; after a year of being suppressed by Prince Nathan, he'd lost much of his arrogance.

"After so long apart, Prince Nolan is still as dignified as ever. I can't help but envy you." Prince Damien sat atop his fine horse, looking down at Prince Nolan, subtly trying to assert dominance.

Prince Nolan couldn't be bothered with such childish rivalry, and asked bluntly, "Just say it—who wants me dead this time?"

Prince Damien was too busy fighting Prince Nathan to bother killing Nolan. Tracking Nolan's movements or deciding his fate wouldn't change Southlyn's situation—there was no need for Damien to mobilize an army just for him.

"Why not? Isn't it normal for me to want your life after you've ruined so many of my plans?" Prince Damien hadn't expected Nolan to guess so quickly that he was working with someone else.

"No one acts without benefit. Even if we've had our differences, I doubt Prince Damien would focus all his energy on me. It seems someone else persuaded him—probably one of my less capable nephews." Not the Emperor; he wouldn't stoop to cooperate with a foreign prince. That leaves only a few possibilities.

Bravo." Prince Damien clapped coldly. "Nolan, you're clever as always. Care to guess which nephew?"

He most enjoyed watching other families destroy themselves.

Only a handful could convince Prince Damien. Rowan is busy at war, no time; the Crown Prince has lost power in Jiangnan, so you wouldn't work with him. That leaves my disappointing Fifth Nephew—Prince Jason.

He just secured Charlotte Chu, stabilized his military footing, and now he's scheming to kill Nolan and seize his court faction while the Crown Prince and Rowan are out of the capital.

Prince Jason's calculations are loud and clear.

"No wonder you're famed across the realm, Nolan. Prince Jason is certainly capable, but don't take it too hard." Of course, Prince Damien wasn't comforting Nolan—royal families have no real affection; a nephew killing his uncle is nothing, they'd kill their own fathers for the throne.

Nolan sneered, ignoring the comment. "You've said so much, Prince Damien—clearly you don't actually want me dead. So, what is it you want?"

By exposing all his collaborators, Prince Damien was showing his sincerity. Nolan understood perfectly.

"It's always easier talking to clever people." Nolan had guessed right—Prince Damien didn't truly want his life. Though he'd suffered several setbacks at Nolan's hands, for now he wasn't planning to act.

If Damien killed Nolan, Eastlyn would have an excuse to start a war against Southlyn. Damien wasn't that foolish; even if he wanted Nolan dead, he'd never do it openly and leave evidence pointing to Southlyn.

"This time, I want to ask you for a favor, Nolan." Prince Damien waited for Nolan to respond, but Nolan stayed silent.

Prince Damien had to continue, "More precisely, I want to ask Serena—Miss Feng—for help."

"Me? What could I possibly help you with?" Serena stepped forward boldly as the topic shifted to her.

"Do you want me to save someone? With the Master of the Mystic Healer Valley here, I doubt you'd need me." If Prince Damien didn't want their lives, everything was negotiable.

"You flatter me, Miss Feng. I wouldn't trouble you so. I only want you to write a letter." Prince Damien's sinister smile made Serena inwardly despise him, but she forced herself to ask, "Who do you want me to write to?"

"To the Wang clan's Grand Heir, William Wang." Prince Damien was direct.

Serena narrowed her eyes, looking at Prince Damien with meaning. "Do you really think one letter from me will make William obey?"

The Southlyn royal house descended from the Wang clan, but after marrying in, they were expelled. Now, all they want is to be recognized and restored to the Wang lineage.

Southlyn law states that whoever restores their house to the Wang clan will become the next emperor. If Damien succeeds, even the current emperor must abdicate.

"If William refuses, that's fine—I'll just take your hands as a gift." Prince Damien smiled, but his eyes were snake-like, fixed on Serena...

The Southlyn throne—Prince Damien swore he would have it.