Treating thirty thousand soldiers to drinks—how much would that cost?
Even if I sold all of Feng Manor, it probably wouldn't be enough.
But once the words are out, there's no taking them back. Since I said it, I’ll go big—might as well smack my own face to look fat. Serena Feng threw caution to the wind and declared boldly:
"Regret? Serena Feng doesn't even know how to spell the word. Just wait—I'll personally deliver the wine to the barracks, and with all thirty thousand of General Warren Yu’s household troops, we won’t leave until we’re drunk!"
Serena quickly did the math in her head. She would take all one thousand taels of gold Vincent Su gave her and bet it on the capital’s gambling pool—the one about whether she could cure William Wang Jinling’s eyes.
At five-to-one odds, that’s five thousand taels. Even after giving Caleb Wang his cut, it should be enough.
If it still falls short, she’ll find a way to push the odds higher—maybe ten-to-one. Then the wine money’s basically covered.
With the wine money problem solved, Serena’s smile grew even brighter.
Easy come, easy go—Serena never cared much about money anyway, as long as she had enough.
Besides, she had skills—she’d never starve.
"Alright, I’ll be waiting for Miss Qingchen’s grand arrival." Serena’s boldness earned her even more respect in General Warren Yu’s eyes.
In General Yu’s mind, Serena Feng had gone from a potential acquaintance to a true friend—though not yet a sworn companion for life.
"Don’t worry, I won’t forget. General Yu, thank you for your hard work. I’ll take my leave." Serena bowed respectfully to General Warren Yu and his soldiers, sincerely thanked them, then headed toward the Royal Country Villa.
Meanwhile, the villa’s palace guards were still frozen in place, unable to process what they’d just seen.
From afar, when they saw General Yu’s household troops arrive at the Royal Country Villa, they thought some imperial consort or even the Empress herself had come.
But when they spotted that shabby carriage, they realized they’d gotten ahead of themselves. Maybe General Yu was just passing by—but then…
General Yu’s party stopped right outside the villa. Just as the guards prepared to go greet them, they saw a young woman leap off the carriage, not caring about her image at all.
They were just about to guess which noble house she belonged to, when General Yu’s soldiers shouted, "Miss Qingchen!"
Serena Feng?
The palace guards were stunned. They never imagined the infamous Serena Feng would be personally escorted by General Warren Yu himself.
Good heavens, this Serena Feng really had some tricks up her sleeve.
Inside the capital, she had William Wang Jinling protecting her; outside, she had General Warren Yu.
For a woman to reach this level—now that’s impressive.
Once they realized the visitor was Serena Feng, the palace guards didn’t go out to greet her. Instead, they rushed into the villa.
They had to report this situation to Princess Serenity.
Princess Serenity was chatting with the noble girls, discussing poetry and essays, brewing tea, and listening to music. The smile on her lips hadn’t faded all day.
No wonder—she was in a great mood today, convinced that after today, the name ‘Serena Feng’ would disappear forever.
Her only regret was that William Wang Jinling still couldn’t see. She didn’t believe Serena Feng had the skill, but…
At least it was a sliver of hope.
Of course, that tiny regret didn’t dampen her good mood one bit.
At that moment, a young palace maid in formal dress was demonstrating her tea-art skills. A peach blossom floated up in the cup, and in the corner of the blossom was the character 'An.'
The noble girls all applauded, and Princess Serenity, in high spirits, praised her: "Lin Yu, your tea-art has grown even more exquisite. You deserve a reward…"
"Thank you for the honor, Your Highness." Lin Yu’s face lit up. She put down her tea set and knelt before Princess Serenity.
Winning a reward at the Peach Blossom Festival meant she’d be looked upon favorably when she married into her future husband's family.
A palace maid brought out a brocade box. Princess Serenity took out a jade ruyi, just about to announce the reward, when first-class guard Hong Bao was seen arguing with maids and eunuchs at the entrance.
"How dare you, Hong Bao! The princess is hosting the Peach Blossom Banquet—don’t disturb her!" The eunuchs and maids quickly blocked his way.
"I have urgent news for Her Highness!" Hong Bao was sweating profusely. Princess Serenity had already instructed that anything concerning Serena Feng must be reported to her immediately.
"Let him in." Princess Serenity snapped, motioning for Lin Yu to step aside.
Though Lin Yu was reluctant, she quietly withdrew, nursing her resentment.
"Your Highness, long live the princess!" Hong Bao dropped to his knees with a thud.
"Hong Bao, this had better be important, or I won’t let you off so easily." Princess Serenity’s good mood vanished; she felt a sense of foreboding.
Sure enough, Hong Bao confirmed Princess Serenity’s suspicion.
"Your Highness, General Warren Yu has personally escorted Miss Serena Feng to the Royal Country Villa. They’re at the gate right now." Hong Bao braced himself and delivered the news.
Even he wasn’t foolish enough to miss how much the princess despised Serena Feng.
"General Yu? Which General Yu?" Princess Serenity’s elegant features twisted in rage. She gripped the jade ruyi tightly, eyes flashing with cold fury.
Princess Serenity was only pretending to ask. There were many Yu family members in the Eastlyn Empire, but only one was called General Yu.
"Warren Yu."
Smack! Princess Serenity hurled the jade ruyi at Hong Bao.
Hong Bao didn’t dare move. The ruyi struck his forehead, splitting the skin and sending blood streaming down his cheek.
The jade ruyi hit the floor and shattered to pieces.
"Useless fools," Princess Serenity cursed.
The noble girls glanced at each other nervously. Not one dared to speak.
They’d wondered why Serena Feng hadn’t arrived for the Peach Blossom Festival as promised, and why the princess didn’t seem angry. Now they realized Serenity never wanted her to come.
But what happened? Not only did Serena Feng show up, she made a grand entrance—thoroughly slapping the princess’s face.
Escorted by General Warren Yu himself!
In the entire Eastlyn Empire, only the emperor and empress could command such an escort.
Serena Feng must have incredible skills!
One prince wasn’t enough—now even General Yu was on her side. A woman like that couldn’t be allowed to stay; she was sure to be trouble.
None of the noble girls would admit it, but they were all jealous of Serena Feng.
They convinced themselves they were ridding the world of evil. Serena Feng was nothing but a fox spirit, always seducing men.
The men they couldn’t even get close to—Serena Feng not only had their attention, but their protection. How could anyone let a woman like that remain?
With that thought, none of the noble girls tried to intervene. Only one girl in green, seated at the lower table, stirred—only to be held back by the person beside her.
"Yu Ci, this isn’t your place to speak up."
"Oh," the girl replied sullenly, but she obeyed, though her eyes flashed with indignation.
Though furious, Princess Serenity didn’t lose her head. She knew this wasn’t the imperial palace. Taking a deep breath, she forced herself to smile.
The palace maids had been shaking with fear. When Serenity smiled again, they finally relaxed.
Just days before, Princess Serenity had lost her temper in the palace and injured herself. Twenty-four maids died as a result—they didn’t want to be next.
"Your Highness, the tea and music have concluded. Please change your clothes and proceed to the peach grove." A maid stepped forward, giving Princess Serenity the perfect excuse.
The other noble girls weren’t fools. They all stood up, ignoring the shattered ruyi, and chatted and joked as if nothing had happened, saying they were off to admire the flowers and practice archery.
"Excellent. Ladies, go enjoy the flowers—I’ll join you soon. Today, let’s see whose archery skills are the finest." Princess Serenity smiled gracefully, but her maids sensed a chill in the air.
"Hong Bao, go make arrangements. When Miss Serena Feng arrives, bring her straight to the peach grove."
Princess Serenity smiled at everyone, then left her seat.
Hong Bao accepted the order and hurried away.
He knew perfectly well what kind of 'arrangement' the princess meant…