Reenactment, Entering the City Is a Troublesome Matter

What’s happened can’t be changed—they can only hope for the future.

When Lance Quinn and Serena Feng arrived, the city gates weren’t open yet and there were few people outside. Lance set Serena down in a small grove outside the city.

Go into the city by yourself.

Thank you. Here’s your robe. Serena didn’t know why Lance saved her, but she was truly grateful to him.

Even though she could escape Prince Damien on her own, she’d still suffer, and who knew what dangers lurked in the woods.

No need. You keep it. He was wearing dark clothes underneath, so it wasn’t obvious.

If that’s the case, I won’t stand on ceremony. I’m grateful for your repeated help, Lance. My promise to save someone for you still stands, and if you ever need my help, just ask. Serena said again, now that she’d calmed down.

She believed in repaying kindness—if she was in danger again and Lance was nearby, maybe he’d save her once more.

She was caught up in this strange court intrigue, and danger was always near.

I won’t hold back. Take good care of your own life—if you die, I’ll lose out. Lance Quinn vanished into the grove with a leap.

Serena let out a laugh—so this man could joke, too.

Don’t worry, Lance. You won’t lose out—I promise I’ll stay alive.

Serena wrapped Lance’s robe tighter around herself and strolled toward the city gate.

The scene was so familiar—if she had a little maid beside her, it’d be exactly like her wedding day.

Only last time she was worried, but this time…

She really had nothing to worry about now—danger wouldn’t come for her anymore, but for others.

She couldn’t touch Ninth Royal Uncle or Dominic Zhai, but she could definitely go after the Marquis of Jinyang’s people—after all, their household started this whole mess.

As Serena walked, she plotted how she could shake up the Marquis of Jinyang’s household—ideally, she’d pin it on Dominic Zhai and sow discord between him and the Marquis.

When Serena reached the city entrance, people were already lining up to get in. With her hair loose and a man’s robe draped around her, she stood out at once—everyone started sneaking glances at her.

Who is that girl? Out here so early, wearing a man’s robe…

Look at her neck—so many marks! Did she run into bandits?

Nonsense! This is the imperial capital—there aren’t any bandits here. If she’d met bandits, she wouldn’t have made it this far. I bet she’s a young lady from some wealthy family who eloped and got robbed and abandoned. An uncle spun a vivid tale about a noble miss running off with a poor scholar, only to be cheated out of money and chastity.

If Serena weren’t the protagonist of this story, she’d definitely laugh.

The story was so vivid, most onlookers believed she really was a runaway heiress. People started guessing which family she belonged to. Serena was both angry and amused—clearly, people loved gossip in every era.

Serena moved to the back of the line to queue for entry, but as soon as she stood there, people in front stepped aside: "Miss, please, go ahead."

Such a pretty girl—what a shame she picked the wrong man," someone sighed.

Serena kept ignoring them. Whenever someone made way, she stepped forward. Since it was still early, there were only about twenty people in line.

Hey, do you remember Miss Feng? Half a year ago she looked just like this girl, only even more disheveled. A burly man’s eyes lit up as he recalled the incident at the city gate months ago.

They hadn’t seen it with their own eyes, but they’d heard the story.

That Miss Feng wore thin gauze and was covered in love bites—everyone thought she’d die of shame, but she was fierce. Not only did she survive, she knocked out a dozen men at the gate, crippled an official’s son, and later cured the Wang clan’s eldest son’s eye disease, becoming famous in the capital.

Now that you mention it, I remember—maybe this girl wants to imitate Miss Feng? That’s too naive. Not everyone can fight like her, or care so little about reputation and chastity.

True, this girl can’t pull it off. Miss Feng had no parents or clan, so even if she lost her chastity before marriage, no one would drown her for the family’s honor. If this girl tries to imitate her, she’ll only end up dead.

…

The crowd’s chatter was so loud, Serena couldn’t pretend not to hear.

Serena thought mischievously—what if they knew she was actually Miss Feng?

Talking bad about someone right in front of them!

As everyone waited, the city gate creaked open. The sleepy guard yawned, looking tired.

No wonder he was exhausted—after last night’s chaos inside and outside the city, they’d barely slept.

Line up—left side for entry, right side for exit. Show your entry pass and tokens.' The guard yawned and rubbed his eyes, but when he saw Serena at the front, he thought he was seeing things and rubbed his eyes again.

What’s going on with the capital lately? Why do girls like this keep showing up? This is the third time—even though the first two were all Serena Feng, but this time…

The guard snapped to attention and hurried forward…