Nolan Dongling was right—they weren't really arguing, because they simply couldn't.
Faced with Serena's reproach and dissatisfaction, Nolan Dongling only whispered a soft "sorry" in her ear, then, as if nothing had happened, forcibly held her as they lay down to sleep.
Serena's rejection and coldness couldn't stop Nolan Dongling's actions at all.
This man—whatever he wants to do, no one can stop him.
But after the confrontation, both of them lay stiffly on the bed, unmoving—silent through the night, and neither closed their eyes even once.
The next morning, Nolan Dongling went to court as usual, acting as if nothing had happened. At least he remembered Sean's matter—before leaving, he simply said: "He may come."
Serena didn't want to dwell on whether this was Nolan Dongling's way of compensating her, or if he truly thought having Sean along was better. Either way, things had come to this—she had no choice but to accept.
Serena had thought their quarrel was a private matter between her and Nolan Dongling. She never expected that, by afternoon, William Wang Jinling would come to Feng Manor with a bitter face, seeking her out to complain.
"Serena, what's gotten into Nolan Dongling? Why is he suddenly acting crazy?" For William to lose his composure like this, it was clear Nolan Dongling must have done something earth-shattering.
Serena blinked, looking puzzled. William sighed and recounted the events of this morning's court session—the main point: "Nolan Dongling suddenly decided to launch an attack on Liancastle."
"At this moment, attacking Liancastle?" Even with Serena's limited political sensitivity, she knew such a move would provoke public outrage.
"That's right, at this exact moment. The ministers objected, but Nolan Dongling immediately dismissed them. In just one morning, three third-rank officials and a first-rank minister lost their positions." In other words, Nolan Dongling had dumped a whole new mess on William's lap.
Nolan Dongling is leaving the day after tomorrow, so naturally, William will have to clean up the chaos he caused.
"What is Nolan Dongling thinking? Is he trying to make the other three kingdoms pay more attention to Liancastle? But if he does this, it'll only make the other kingdoms even more dissatisfied with Eastlyn." Nolan Dongling's decision was so abrupt that Serena couldn't fathom what good could come of it.
"Exactly. There's no benefit for us at all. Besides, the soldiers have been fighting nonstop—they need rest, not another campaign. Serena..." William called her softly, wanting to say more but hesitated, leaving Serena completely confused. "William, just say it. Don't leave me guessing."
"Serena, I hope you can talk to Nolan Dongling. If I'm not mistaken, his reckless decision right now has something to do with you." William wanted to tease Nolan Dongling for being driven by passion for her, but he couldn't bring himself to laugh—he just felt bitter, and at the same time, happy for Serena.
At least, Nolan Dongling truly carried Serena in his heart—held her right at its center.
"Because of me? Impossible." Serena didn't believe it at all. She did have a grudge against Liancastle, but after all this time, Prince Nolan had never acted. She couldn't believe he would ignore the fate of the realm just for her.
"I was surprised too. Not only did Nolan Dongling decide to send troops against Liancastle, but this morning he also replaced all of Lady Min's attendants—the ones who used to serve her have all disappeared." William knew Serena would understand what he was getting at.
Yesterday, Nolan Dongling left the city to visit Lady Min, and that night he stayed at Feng Manor, never going anywhere else. Something must have happened between Serena and Nolan Dongling last night—otherwise, his mood today wouldn't be so foul.
"If that's really the case..." Serena drew a sharp breath, swallowing the sour ache rising in her chest. "I'll try to talk to him, but I can't promise it'll work."
"That's enough." William assured her. He was certain Serena's words would get through—no matter how angry Nolan Dongling was, he wouldn't lose all reason. With Serena to persuade him, Nolan Dongling was sure to reconsider.
"It's getting late, and I have official duties this afternoon, so I won't stay. Talk to Prince Nolan about this as soon as you can—best to settle it by tomorrow." Prince Nolan was clearly in a foul mood, so William wouldn't risk provoking him further. Once he'd finished speaking, William left, not even seeing Feng Jin before he went.
Serena remembered William's request, so that night she brought it up with Nolan Dongling: "I don't know why you want to attack Liancastle, but... if it's because of me, there's no need. I'm not interested in being the femme fatale who brings disaster."
"I don't want you to be unhappy." With those words, he tacitly admitted that attacking Liancastle was for Serena's sake.
Driven by passion for her!
Nolan Dongling didn't keep explaining—he just showed Serena through his actions that he trusted her; he simply wasn't good at expressing it in words.
Serena's nose stung with emotion... This man was always like this—only when she was hurting or resenting him did he realize he'd been wrong.
Serena said gloomily, "Doing this won't make me happy either."
She had never wanted this man to sacrifice everything for her. All she wanted was for him to hold her in his heart—to put her first, no matter what happened, just as she did for him.
To win a beauty's smile, some would even risk war and chaos for her. When you hear of a ruler doing such things, it sounds absurd—but when it happens to you, only then do you understand the weight of that love.
"I understand," Nolan Dongling said, embracing Serena from behind, his forehead pressed to her back. His breath, warm through the thin fabric, seeped into her skin, making Serena shiver. In a low, pleading voice, he murmured, "Serena, I was reckless this time. Please forgive me... will you?"
He waited a long time for Serena's reply. Just when Prince Nolan thought she wouldn't answer, he finally heard the faintest whisper: "Okay..."
What else could she do, if not forgive him? Could she really break things off with Nolan Dongling over this?
No... so in the end, forgiveness was her only choice.
"From now on, I'll keep a cooler head—I won't get so worked up again." Serena thought about it; since Nolan Dongling had admitted his fault so readily, she couldn't stay proud for long.
It's normal for Nolan Dongling to doubt her or ask a few more questions after something like this. But... this matter involved his mother, and his attitude and words had been so hurtful that Serena simply couldn't control her temper.
"It's okay, it was my fault—I made you angry." This time, Prince Nolan held Serena completely in his arms, and she buried her face in his chest, silently crying. "Don't let this happen again. My heart... it really hurts."
She truly, truly loved this man—so much that she could endure anything for him, be moved to tears by his smallest gesture, and stop hurting just because of a single word from him.
One look, a thousand years—her heart had long since belonged to him!