Four Seasons Beauties, Ninth Royal Uncle Finally Acts
Don't know?
If Serena Feng believed that, she'd be an idiot.
How could the Ninth Prince Manor's butler possibly not know why Ninth Royal Uncle did this? Claiming not to know just means he doesn't want to say, or can't say.
Serena Feng didn't press the manor's butler. Instead, she swept her cold gaze toward the spies lurking in the corners. Seeing their terrified faces and panicked eyes, she knew without a doubt: the moment she left, news of her departure with Ninth Royal Uncle's ceremonial guard would spread throughout the capital.
Serena Feng had no idea what Ninth Royal Uncle's real intentions were, but she knew she couldn't refuse right now. With a slight motion of her right hand, a servant immediately stepped forward to support her. "Miss, please."
"Let's go." Serena Feng put on the airs of an empress dowager, dignified and commanding. No one dared meet her gaze; under her authority, each person lowered their head, staring at their own shoes.
The saying 'Clothes make the man' couldn't be more true. With just one outfit, Serena Feng was transformed from orphan to high-born lady, her aura so intimidating it could scare ordinary people out of their wits.
Serena Feng had seen Ninth Royal Uncle's ceremonial guard before, but this was her first time riding in it. Honestly, though it was grand and luxurious, it wasn't as comfortable as Ninth Royal Uncle's carriage.
Of course, since Serena Feng was only borrowing the ride for once, she didn't nitpick—her mind was busy guessing what Ninth Royal Uncle's real intentions were.
Just as Serena Feng settled in, there was a loud 'thud...' As she assumed the prince-grade ceremonial posture, she made a high-profile exit from Ninth Prince Manor, passing through the bustling city. Wherever she went, guards cleared the way and commoners knelt on both sides, crying out their wishes for long life.
Of course, these people weren't kneeling for Serena Feng, but for the royal spectacle and majesty.
Sitting inside the sedan, Serena Feng focused on guessing Ninth Royal Uncle's intentions, shutting out the noise outside. She didn't realize the whole imperial city was already in an uproar because of this.
Serena Feng, dressed in the Ninth Prince's Princess Consort ceremonial attire and riding in Ninth Royal Uncle's procession—what did that mean?
It meant Serena Feng was the Ninth Prince's Princess Consort acknowledged by Ninth Royal Uncle. Add in the recent impeachment accusing Ninth Royal Uncle of defiling his niece-in-law, and everyone thought they knew the truth.
Serena Feng had no idea about any of this. Escorted by the prince's ceremonial guard, she traveled smoothly and safely to the West District courtyard.
The people at the West District courtyard had already received word. Led by Mira Tang and Jada Tang, the servants and guards laid out a long red carpet and knelt outside the gate to welcome Serena Feng.
Of course, they weren't welcoming Serena Feng herself, but the pomp and ceremony. Serena understood this well. After stepping down from the sedan, she waved for everyone to rise, then—supported by the beautiful maids from Ninth Prince Manor—walked gracefully inside.
For a moment, Serena Feng wondered if she was a palace noblewoman, not just a struggling orphan trying to survive.
"Miss, let us help you change clothes." The beautiful maids from Ninth Prince Manor were tactful, leaving only four top maids inside while the others quietly stood outside. If not for their faint breathing, Serena Feng would have doubted their existence.
Relieved to shed her burdensome attire, Serena Feng changed into simple home clothes. She waved her hand to dismiss the maids: "You may return to the manor and report back."
With a loud thud, the Four Seasons Beauties knelt down and produced a box, presenting it to Serena Feng: "Miss, Ninth Royal Uncle has given all eighteen of us to you. These are our contracts of sale."
Serena Feng was briefly stunned before regaining her composure. She took the wooden box and opened it, finding eighteen contracts inside. "Ninth Royal Uncle gave you all to me?"
Serena Feng's expression stiffened. What did Ninth Royal Uncle mean by this—planting people at her side? Did he have to be so obvious?
The four head maids seemed to know exactly what Serena Feng was thinking. The one in green watched her carefully, and only spoke after confirming Serena wasn't angry: "Miss, from today we belong to you. You may punish or reward us as you wish. We have no ties to Ninth Prince Manor anymore. We serve only you, and if we ever betray you, may heaven strike us dead."
After the green-clad maid spoke, the other three also swore loyalty. Serena Feng didn't stop them or tell them to rise; only after all four finished did she ask calmly: "Loyal only to me? Even if I order you to kill or burn, you won't hesitate?"
"Yes." The four maids answered without hesitation—loyalty to their mistress was the core of their upbringing.
"Really? Even if it's Ninth Royal Uncle, you'd obey me over him?" Serena Feng asked with a half-smile. She didn't understand why Ninth Royal Uncle sent her so many servants, but she knew she couldn't refuse.
Besides, she didn't plan to refuse. Once Feng Manor was rebuilt, she'd need staff anyway—Ninth Royal Uncle's timing was perfect.
The four maids hesitated, faces going pale, but after a moment's pause, they nodded firmly: "If our mistress commands, we dare not disobey."
"Good. Remember what you said today—if you ever betray me, I'll make you wish you were dead. But if you serve me faithfully, I'll treat you well." Serena Feng nodded with satisfaction. Of course, if she trusted them so easily, she wouldn't be Serena Feng.
In any case, she didn't need so many attendants. If any of them proved disloyal, she could easily dismiss them. If they were truly useful, bringing them to Feng Manor would save her a lot of trouble.
These days, it's hard to buy good maids—especially loyal ones. Those bought outside might just be spies. Rather than worry, it's better to accept Ninth Royal Uncle's people.
"Understood." The four head maids kowtowed deeply, showing no reluctance or unease. Even if Serena Feng wasn't worth much now, they still felt aggrieved.
Serena Feng understood these four were personally trained by Ninth Royal Uncle—their loyalty was unquestionable. She just didn't know who they were truly loyal to.
Serena Feng didn't dwell on it. With the contracts in her hand, she could use the maids or sell them as she wished. After putting away the contracts, she asked lightly, "What are your names?"
"Please give us names, Miss." The Four Seasons Beauties did have names, but they didn't matter. Earning the mistress's trust started with receiving a new name.
Names were trivial to Serena Feng, so she casually replied, "From left to right, your names are Spring, Summer, Autumn, and Winter."
Serena Feng didn't know the names she gave would one day become famous—the Four Seasons Beauties.
Before the Four Seasons Beauties could speak, Serena Feng continued: "The rest outside are yours to manage. If you have questions, ask Mira Tang and Jada Tang—they're my senior maids. Whether you can establish yourselves in Feng Manor depends on your abilities."
Serena Feng was reminding the Four Seasons Beauties that, regardless of who sent them, in her house they had to follow her rules. She wouldn't back anyone—skill was what mattered.
William Wang Jinling looked at Ninth Royal Uncle with disdain: "For a dignified Ninth Royal Uncle, you're awfully petty—competing over a few servants. With your status and looks, you're just a jar of old vinegar, so sour."
Ninth Royal Uncle raised his head proudly: "What's wrong with my status and looks? They're just a bit better than yours. What's wrong with the servants? I simply don't like it. Why should my woman be served by your family's people? I have plenty of servants. I just don't like you—so what?"
William Wang Jinling: "Tasteless man."
Ninth Royal Uncle: "Tasteless is better than hopeless."
William Wang Jinling: ...
Serena Feng: ...