The First Signs of Ninth Royal Uncle’s Jealousy

Lose face!

Everyone in the capital knows how the Hsieh Clan once humiliated her. If she gets close to them now, it does look sycophantic. But if she stands up and openly opposes the Hsieh Clan, making them her enemy, she would only make her foes happy.

Serena Feng would never do something that harms herself just to benefit her enemies.

"Each matter should be weighed separately. Besides, compared to human lives, reputation means nothing." Seeking benefit and avoiding harm is human instinct; she's not silver, after all—it's impossible for everyone to love her, for flowers to bloom at her feet, or for carriages to stop just to see her.

At most, Ninth Royal Uncle's carriage might pause when it sees her.

Sun Zhengdao said nothing, just stared at Serena Feng as if trying to see through her. Serena wasn’t bothered, letting him scrutinize her with calm composure.

"You really are clear-minded. Being able to let go is a blessing." Sun Zhengdao nodded, his eyes shining with gratified tears when no one was watching.

"It's not about letting go—it's about choosing the lesser of two evils. I admit I'm stubborn and won't turn back after hitting a wall, but if I know it's a wall ahead, I definitely won't crash into it." Serena Feng stood up and smoothed the creases on her clothes.

"That's settled, then. The rest is up to you, Imperial Physician Sun." Since Sun Zhengdao was so straightforward, it would be fake politeness for her to keep hedging.

"Don't worry, I know what to do. If the Hsieh Clan wants a royal heir, they'll put in the effort." Sun Zhengdao knew exactly where the Hsieh Clan's weakness lay.

"A royal heir is still a distant dream. I think Noble Consort Helena Hsieh should focus on raising her rank—she still has room to rise." Pregnancy takes ten months and there’s no guarantee of a prince. Better to scheme for what’s right in front of us.

"You mean—?" Sun Zhengdao narrowed his eyes. The sharp glint in his gaze couldn’t be hidden and Serena Feng caught it instantly.

How could an imperial physician have such a piercing, all-knowing look? Serena Feng couldn’t help but wonder.

The more time Serena spent with Sun Zhengdao, the more she realized he was anything but simple.

Just who was Sun Zhengdao, really? She used to suspect he was one of Ninth Royal Uncle’s people, but after spending more time with him, she realized that wasn’t the case.

Sun Zhengdao reacted instantly, hiding the glint in his eyes and giving Serena Feng a calm, almost too composed smile. "Would the Hsieh Clan really do that?"

"Of course they would. If you put the word 'Imperial' in front of Noble Consort, her child would be even more honored." Everyone has their secrets, so Serena didn’t press—she pretended not to notice and replied offhandedly.

Although a mother gains status through her son, more often it’s the child who rises with the mother. The son of an Imperial Noble Consort will always outrank the son of a mere Noble Consort. For the sake of a future prince, the Hsieh Clan will fight hard...

There’s a world of difference between a Dowager Empress and a Dowager Consort, just one word apart.

"You’ve grabbed hold of the Hsieh Clan’s weak spot." Anyone in the capital with half a brain knew exactly what the Hsieh Clan was plotting.

Isn’t it all just so the next Eastlyn emperor will have some connection to the Hsieh Clan?

"If you want overwhelming wealth and power, you have to take risks. The Hsieh Clan knows exactly what’s at stake—they don’t need us to spell it out. To muddy the waters a bit more, I’ve decided to invite William Wang Jinling to lunch tomorrow." A sly smile tugged at Serena’s lips, scattering her usual steadiness and making her look almost like a mischievous girl next door.

Sun Zhengdao couldn’t help but smile and, in a senior’s tone, said, "You’re playing with fire—aren’t you afraid the Emperor will be furious? This birthday gift could drive him mad."

"He won’t. The Emperor will be too happy to be angry—as long as Liam Li stays alive, he won’t truly lose his temper." People are ruled by hope; as long as there’s hope, there’s something to look forward to.

As long as Liam Li is alive, the Emperor will keep dreaming of unifying the world. He’ll even be more tolerant of the rivalry between the Empress and Noble Consort Helena Hsieh.

"As long as you know your limits." Sun Zhengdao was pleased—Serena Feng wasn’t reckless; she only made moves after seeing the whole board.

"I value my life very highly." What Serena feared most in this life wasn’t unrequited love—it was death.

When it comes to life and death, feelings are fragile things. At least for Serena Feng, she would never sacrifice her life for so-called love.

Having seen so much death—and died once herself—Serena Feng cherishes her life more than anyone. She would never gamble with it, no matter the situation.

The half-year protection period she demanded from Adrian Dongling is about to expire. She knows the person who tried to kill her will strike again—and now she’s even more of a threat. She has to plan carefully, draw out the mastermind, and clean house once and for all.

"Live well—your parents would be so happy to see you like this." Sun Zhengdao stood with his back to the light, so Serena Feng couldn’t see his expression. She found it odd that he’d suddenly mention her parents.

In the imperial capital, almost no one brought up her parents—Lucan Lu was one, and Sun Zhengdao another. Serena wanted to ask, but Sun turned away, making it clear he wouldn’t answer.

Fine, if he won’t talk, so be it.

Back at Feng Manor, Serena Feng had dinner, bathed with the maids’ help, and let them massage her acupoints to relax. Half an hour later, she felt refreshed, her fatigue gone.

She had to admit, the maids William Wang Jinling sent were excellent. Unfortunately, the Feng family’s foundation was too weak—these top maids are trained from childhood, and it takes at least ten years to cultivate one.

Serena Feng sent a note inviting William Wang Jinling to lunch at the Windchaser Inn in the imperial capital—the first time she’d ever formally asked anyone to dine with her.

William Wang Jinling couldn’t believe the invitation when he received it. If it hadn’t come from his own family, he would never have accepted it. He read it several times before finally laughing, "Your young lady is finally acting like a true noblewoman. Tell her I’ll be there on time."

Serena Feng never kept maids overnight, and tonight was no exception. She told the steward to reserve a table at the Windchaser Inn and dismissed the maids.

The Windchaser Inn was the largest guesthouse in the capital, and its tables had to be booked at least half a month in advance. But Serena Feng didn’t have to worry—the Wang family’s steward could pull strings anywhere, and no matter how hard it was to get a table, the Wang family could always secure one.

Cough, cough... Inviting William Wang Jinling to lunch, but needing the Wang family’s help to do it—well, it was a bit awkward. Still, William wouldn’t mind at all.

After a long day, Serena Feng fell asleep almost as soon as she hit the bed—but just as she was sleeping soundly, someone came and woke her up...

It was the Su Clan’s Secret Chamber again. Serena Feng wasn’t as anxious as the first time. She shook off Vincent Su’s warm hand, yawned, and walked ahead.

"Vincent, make me a strong cup of tea—the stronger, the better." She knew she wouldn’t be sleeping tonight. Aside from Storm Cloud Bu, Lance Quinn was also badly hurt.

"You really are starting to act like you’re one of us." After seeing how fierce Serena could be, Vincent Su had long since given up any romantic hopes for her.

He was terrified—if he ever married a woman like her, she’d talk about intestines and lungs at dinner, and how she’d dissected a few corpses. He’d probably die of nausea.

If she started discussing autopsy techniques in bed—how to open a skull, for example—he’d likely be so scared he’d fall right out.

It wasn’t that he was timid—it was that Serena Feng was just too bold. She’d stick her nose into anything, no matter how risky, never worrying about her own life!

He thought, Lance Quinn was in for it. If Lance knew Serena Feng and William Wang Jinling were having lunch at the Windchaser Inn tomorrow, he’d probably be beside himself with frustration!