Public Enemy and Troubles in Rebuilding Feng Manor
Serena Feng still had no idea that Ninth Royal Uncle had just uttered a line that would make her the public enemy of women across Eastlyn—and indeed, all Nine Provinces. Right now, she was busy trying to comfort Duchess Ning.
She wasn’t afraid of women’s tears, nor could their tears soften her heart. But Duchess Ning’s tears made her panic; clever as she was, in this moment she was at a total loss, unsure how to comfort Duchess Ning.
In both her past and present lives, she had never experienced this kind of motherly, elder-family affection. Faced with Duchess Ning’s concern as a senior woman, she simply didn’t know how to respond.
She was born lacking familial love, deprived of elder affection. She could calmly discuss gains and losses, talk seriously with patients’ families about illness and treatment plans, and even hold her own before military bigwigs. But—
She didn’t know how to interact with an elder who felt like a mother. Faced with Duchess Ning’s open heartache and kindness, Serena felt both reluctant to part and utterly helpless, and could only stand there, stunned.
She had never had this kind of experience and didn’t know how to win an elder’s favor.
Lady Ning, Heir’s Consort, was a considerate and meticulous person. Seeing Serena so uneasy, she stepped forward to smooth things over, openly defending her.
Although Serena Feng’s reputation was poor and the gossip was bad, Lady Ning had learned from the Marchioness of Jinyang that Serena was nothing like the rumors—she was a strong and kind woman.
Back then, in order to save her, Serena Feng had nearly sacrificed her own life. How could a woman like that possibly be cruel, wanton, or shameless?
“Look at me—getting old just makes one sentimental.” Duchess Ning smiled through her tears, patting Serena Feng on the back of her hand. “Good child, don’t worry. No matter how big the trouble, the men will handle it outside. Nothing will happen to you.”
After all, she was the lady of a noble house. That scandalous line about Ninth Royal Uncle corrupting his niece-in-law—Duchess Ning would never say such a thing. She simply expressed her support, and the support of the House of Duke Ning. They stood behind Serena Feng, not Ninth Royal Uncle.
"With your words, Duchess, I can rest easy." Serena Feng still didn’t know what had happened, but she was truly grateful for the House of Duke Ning’s support. Back then, she’d only acted out of a doctor’s duty, never expecting to gain such unexpected help.
Before leaving, the Marchioness of Jinyang quietly whispered to Serena Feng: The Wen Clan’s Eldest Miss has been married for three years without children. In three days, she’ll be visiting Jinyang Manor to see her.
The Marchioness of Jinyang didn’t say the rest, but Serena understood—this was her way of helping. The Wen Clan wasn’t on the level of the Wang–Hsieh Alliance, but among second-tier houses, they carried real weight.
"Thank you." Serena accepted the favor. Right now, she truly needed these connections.
After sending off Duchess Ning and the other two, Serena Feng stared blankly at her own hands.
It turned out that, without even realizing it, she’d already used these hands to climb into the circles of so many powerful people.
Back in the military hospital, Serena had seen plenty of people use medical skill to cozy up to high-ranking officers, and nurses flattering patients and their families. Medicine had become just a tool—a way to chase a brilliant future.
Back then, she didn’t know how to play the game. She was too young, and there was no way she’d be treating military bigwigs. She’d never thought of using medicine to build connections. Besides, why would she need to? She only had herself to feed.
At that time, in the military hospital, she was only close to one person—a young air force lieutenant colonel. He’d logged over three hundred hours in the air in three years, the base’s brightest young star, known as the Air Force’s rising talent.
Every few months, he’d come to the hospital for treatment. He was good-looking, and even though nobody knew his background, a crowd of young female doctors and nurses would always flock to him. But he was cold and ruthless—more than a few of them left with bruised egos.
When Serena first arrived at the hospital, she was too aloof and stood out too much, so she became the target of the other female doctors and nurses. They schemed to put her in charge of him.
Looking back, their friendship was pretty funny—almost forged in battle. Back then, Serena hadn’t seen combat and didn’t know any fighting skills. She subdued him purely with medication, knocked him flat, pinned him down, and ordered him to cooperate or she’d ruin him.
Who could’ve guessed that after that fight, they’d become friends? Serena never had any romantic thoughts about him. She thought they could be lifelong friends—until, half a year later, his mother showed up.
The wife of a certain military district’s chief of staff came to see her, very politely telling Serena that her son would never marry an orphan with no parents. If he wanted to play around, she wouldn’t interfere, but Serena should be careful not to go too far.
Later, Serena left the military hospital—partly because of this. She’d always known exactly who she was, and what she should and shouldn’t do.
All she’d ever wanted was to be an ordinary woman—calm, uncompetitive, unambitious. But why was that so hard?
Serena clenched her fists tightly and closed her eyes. Since she’d been dragged into this world, there was no point pretending to be above it all. Medical skill was her only way to approach the powerful.
Just as Serena convinced herself, a servant came to report: Ethan Hsieh, Third Young Master, was here. Then the Commander of the Bloodcloak Guard’s wife arrived as well.
Serena looked up at the sky, speechless. It was good to have supporters, but having to receive so many visitors at once—she was exhausted!
She finally understood why ancient women didn’t work—just greeting and sending off visitors was exhausting, draining both time and energy. Most importantly, not everyone spoke as directly as Duchess Ning; most talked in circles, leaving her dizzy before she realized they were showing concern and subtly offering support.
She was so tired!
Serena spent the whole day entertaining visitors. By night, she fell asleep the moment she hit the bed, and didn’t wake until the sun was high the next morning. After a rushed breakfast, she decided she should at least visit Black-Robe Lane—after all, today was William Wang Jinling’s big day.
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Standing outside Black-Robe Lane, Serena saw the Wang family’s ten-li-long red carpet and the gathering of nobles. She smiled, silently offered her blessing, then turned and left.
This wasn’t a place she should come, nor was it a place she could enter.
"His Majesty has arrived!"
Just as Serena left Black-Robe Lane, the most honored person in Eastlyn arrived at the Wang estate. William Wang Jinling personally came out to greet him, and as he stepped out, he glanced thoughtfully toward the entrance of Black-Robe Lane.
"Big Brother, what’s wrong?" Caleb Wang saw William Wang Jinling distracted and quickly whispered a reminder.
"It’s nothing." William Wang Jinling quickly pulled himself together. He was overthinking it—there was no way Serena would come. He braced himself and turned to handle the crowd.
Today was his battlefield. After today, he would be head of the Wang family—greater power in his hands, heavier responsibility on his shoulders. But he was even more worried about Serena Feng.
Ever since he heard what Ninth Royal Uncle said, he’d been worried Serena would be targeted. But right now, he couldn’t spare any time to help her—he could only hope she’d get through it on her own.
The Wang family was bustling with excitement, while the Sun estate was quiet and still. When Serena returned to the Sun house, only Sun Sixing was there; Sun Zhengdao and Madam Sun were nowhere to be found.
"Sixing, where are your father and mother?"
"My mother went to stay at the temple for a while. My father went to the palace—they said Consort Shu wasn’t feeling well, so the whole Imperial Medical Bureau is keeping watch at the palace." Sun Sixing was used to this kind of thing.
Serena nodded and didn’t ask further.
That day, William Wang Jinling quietly left the imperial city. Serena didn’t go to see him off—the Wang family clearly didn’t want too many people to know.
Su Wenqing acted quickly, sending people to clear the ruins of Feng Manor the next day. But before they could begin, the authorities stopped them—the reason was...