Just as Nolan had said, Marcus had deliberately revealed his identity—but he hadn't expected Nolan to figure it out so quickly and come knocking at his door. Such a direct approach was truly unlike a member of the royal family, but Marcus didn't dislike it.
The two went back and forth, probing and guarding against each other. It's no wonder both Marcus and Nolan were so cautious—their discussion concerned the lives of many.
Half an hour. An hour...
At last, the conversation between Nolan and Marcus came to an end. Judging by their expressions, both seemed quite satisfied.
A servant timely brought fragrant tea. Nolan picked up the cup but showed no intention of drinking. Marcus took a light sip and said, "What? Afraid Royal Brother poisoned it?"
"Yes, I am afraid," Nolan replied, setting the cup back on the table—he was determined not to drink.
"Afraid? What do you have to fear? Don't you have a beautiful confidante with superb medical skills at your side? With her around, what is there to worry about?" Marcus said sourly.
At the mention of Serena, the lines of Nolan's face softened a little. "Marcus, you give her too much credit. Her medical skills are merely average."
"Merely average? 'Average' was enough to heal Prince Titus's legs and win his loyalty, wasn't it?" Marcus was clearly displeased with Nolan's evasiveness, and his words carried a faint hint of killing intent—directed, of course, at Serena.
Nolan recalled that in the Capital, Marcus's men had once sought Serena's treatment, but she hadn't gone. His face darkened and he said coldly, "Royal Brother, that has nothing to do with our deal."
An entire hour passed. Nolan had been inside for a full hour without a single sign. If he didn't emerge soon, everyone would start to fear he'd died silently within those walls.
What now? What do we do?
The Eight Commanders exchanged worried glances, anxiety tightening in their chests. Yet not a single one dared move; all eyes were locked on Lu Garden’s main gate, praying it would open and Nolan would walk out alive.
So, when Lu Garden’s heavy doors finally swung open again, nearly four thousand armored soldiers turned as one, eyes wide, waiting for their prince to appear.
"Nolan!"
As Nolan stepped through the doorway, the crowd erupted in a shout, overcome by a joy so fierce they barely recognized it in themselves.
Nolan answered with a calm nod. His silver armor shimmered in the torchlight, casting a radiant halo around him—a presence almost sacred.
"Retreat." No explanation, no ceremony—just a single, unyielding order from Nolan.
Marcus stood outside the hall, watching the scene unfold, lips curling into a strange, enigmatic smile.
Fully armored, Nolan’s men withdrew just as they had arrived. Marcus’s own followers trailed them from the shadows, only turning back once they were certain Nolan’s forces had left. “Master, Nolan’s troops are gone.”
Marcus gave a cold, clipped order: “Set the fire.” His fingers drummed lightly on the armrest, mind clearly calculating his next move.
“Yes, sir.”
Nolan had barely stepped into Blossom Garden when Lu Garden burst into flames. Fire surged instantly, engulfing the entire compound, while those inside had long since fled through hidden tunnels.
Just as expected.
Standing atop a high vantage point, Nolan gazed down at the fire lighting up half the night sky, a cold smile flickering in his eyes.
In the royal house, there is no mercy; among emperors, no faith. Brotherhood means nothing here. Nolan had known Marcus would never surrender quietly—the moment they struck their bargain, Marcus was already planning his escape by fire.
“Marcus, I’m sure we’ll meet again soon. You made a promise to me—don’t forget it.”
Nolan descended from the observation platform and returned to his study. He immediately drafted a secret memorial to the Emperor, reporting that Marcus—the supposedly dead Third Prince—was alive and hiding within the Shandong Lu Clan’s estate. He hinted that the mysterious assassins in the Capital were Marcus’s men, that Marcus had long lurked in the shadows, waiting to rebel, and that the infamous Lady Hu scandal years ago was all Marcus’s handiwork.
With the charge of treason and the crime of harboring Marcus, the Lu Clan was doomed—no hope of recovery left. As for Shandong, even if chaos broke out, the Emperor would shoulder the blame. Nolan knew the Emperor would never let Marcus go.
“Marcus, don’t blame me. Blame your own faithlessness. I doubt you’ll mind that I’ve sold you out to the Emperor.” Nolan finished the memorial in one breath, sealed it, and sent it off by express courier to the Capital.
With this memorial as leverage, even if Shandong were thrown into chaos, the Emperor would never touch him. For the Emperor, Marcus was a thorn in his heart—and for Marcus, the Emperor was the same. Their rivalry was truly to the death.
Meanwhile, outside the city, Serena and Vincent Su intercepted Marcus and his entourage just as they emerged from Lu Garden’s secret tunnel.
“Third Prince, I’ve been waiting a long time.” Serena sat astride her horse, her smile dazzling as she watched Marcus step out from the tunnel.
The blaze behind them was blinding. Marcus immediately realized he was surrounded—and the leader was a woman in battle armor. A flash of shock crossed his eyes. "You’re Serena Feng?"
Marcus’s expression shifted subtly—so slight that anyone not watching closely would have missed it. But Serena had been studying him the whole time.
Serena dismounted and offered a formal salute. “I am Serena Feng. Pleased to make your acquaintance, Third Prince.”
With a sizable force blocking the escape route at this moment, Serena’s intentions were unmistakable.
Tonight, Marcus had no chance to escape. He would have to honor his agreement with Nolan—and travel with him to the Capital.