Fire Breakout, Escaping with Their Lives Is All That Matters

The heat rose, white steam curling upward to form a faint mist before Master Eli, veiling the scene in a soft haze. Candlelight filtered through, lending everything a dreamlike quality that made it impossible to see clearly.

Master Eli was clearly a master of the tea ceremony. Every movement was perfectly measured, neither forced nor showy, his actions naturally graceful. His eyes focused intently on the teaware, and with each gesture, the surrounding air seemed to grow more tranquil.

A man like this held no grand ambitions. Master Eli’s actions made this clear, and Prince Nolan understood, lowering his guard.

“It seems, Your Highness, you’re in the mood to share some tea with me.” Master Eli knew Prince Nolan had grasped his meaning.

Ever since their last meeting, Master Eli had looked forward to seeing Prince Nolan again. Prince Nolan was an exceptionally clever man, and Master Eli had always enjoyed dealing with intelligent people.

With smart people, there was no need for many words; a single action or glance was enough for the other to understand your intent and know what you meant to express.

Though he hadn’t known Prince Nolan long, Master Eli already considered him a friend—someone who truly understood him.

“Try it—see if the tea I’ve brewed suits your taste.” Master Eli poured a cup and offered it to Prince Nolan.

He had a matter that required Prince Nolan’s help, and wanted to ask if Nolan was willing to assist. That was the main reason he’d invited Nolan tonight.

Though Master Eli spoke in vague terms, Prince Nolan still understood his meaning. Nolan didn’t rush to take the tea, but instead gave Master Eli a long, meaningful look. Only when Eli’s eyes revealed a hint of bitter resignation did Nolan finally accept the offered cup.

Under Master Eli’s expectant gaze, Prince Nolan took a small sip, then tossed the cup behind him. “The water was too hot. It ruined a good pot of tea.”

“Hahaha... Then let’s brew another.” Having received the answer he wanted, Master Eli was delighted and set about making a new pot of tea at just the right temperature.

The two of them talked happily. Master Eli, in high spirits, pulled Prince Nolan in for a game of Go. Prince Nolan, part helpless, part understanding, played along with him.

“It’s been ages since I’ve felt this happy.” Master Eli laughed with childlike joy, and as he laughed, tears began to stream down his face...

“Honestly, I’m not afraid of you laughing at me. Before this, I never imagined a day like today would come. I’ve waited far, far too long for it.” Master Eli’s heart was bitter—so bitter.

A man—a man of great talent, a proud scion of a noble house—if his only misfortune was marrying a princess and being unable to realize his ambitions, Master Eli would not be so broken.

If a man cannot earn a place in the halls of power, he can still be a celebrated scholar, lose himself in nature, and let his talents shine. With Master Eli’s character and gifts, even without office, he could make his name renowned.

What Master Eli could not accept was marrying a woman everyone knew to be a wanton—a woman who openly took lovers, bore illegitimate children, and publicly cuckolded him.

Even his political rivals looked at him with both sympathy and schadenfreude. Proud as he was, Master Eli didn’t fear contempt or envy—but he dreaded their pity, that patronizing kind of compassion that left him humiliated.

No matter how little he cared for the Princess Royal, no matter how used he was to gossip, Master Eli still wanted to break free of her—forever.

What Master Eli wanted from Prince Nolan was simple: when he divorced his wife, he needed Nolan’s secret support. This was his chance—he had to seize it and break free of the Princess Royal forever.

That’s right—Master Eli had endured for so long, and now the day had finally come when he could end his marriage.

Since ancient times, there had never been a precedent for a prince consort divorcing a princess. He was determined to set one—to cast off the woman who had brought him shame, the woman who had humiliated him endlessly.

His life up to now had been just as Prince Nolan described: ruined by water that was too hot, ruined by a woman who had wrecked most of his years.

But now... he was finally close to being free. He could carve out the shame that had plagued him. How could he not be happy?

...

That moment of losing control lasted only an instant. Soon, Master Eli regained his composure, made a self-deprecating remark, and went back to business with Prince Nolan.

Their conversation remained as oblique and difficult to decipher as ever. They talked of life, tea, music, and chess—everything except the matters of Feng Jin and the Princess Royal. Yet, in those seemingly aimless words, they exchanged all their true thoughts.

The two found themselves kindred spirits, and the talk flowed easily. Meanwhile, in Serena Feng’s small courtyard, she was surrounded by a sea of fire...

A sea of fire!

In the blink of an eye, a raging fire erupted outside the courtyard, trapping Serena Feng and her companions inside the flames.

Here’s what happened: half an incense stick ago, a group of black-clad men burst from the shadows, charging forward like they didn’t care about their lives. Fire-oil and fire-arrows rained down on the courtyard where Serena Feng was staying. Even Prince Duan’s elite guards—seasoned and formidable—were overwhelmed by the attackers’ preparation and sheer numbers.

In moments, the small courtyard where Serena Feng was temporarily staying was engulfed in a sea of flames.

“Miss, Miss, run! There’s a fire—get out!” Summer and Spring woke up in a panic, barely grabbing their outer robes as they stumbled out of bed and rushed outside.

Hearing the commotion, Serena Feng grabbed Feng Jin and leapt down with a twist. “I can get Feng Jin out myself—you two go first!” She snatched up a coat, slung Feng Jin on her back, and tied him securely with the coat. “Feng Jin, hold on tight to your sister.”

“Cough, cough...” Feng Jin, stunned by the sudden chaos, woke up only to be choked by thick smoke. His voice hoarse, he cried, “Sister, I’m scared—I’m scared...”

In an instant, flames shot up outside, blocking every possible exit. The heat inside felt like it would squeeze the life out of you—every extra second spent indoors was pure agony.

“Don’t be afraid, Feng Jin. I’m here... Close your eyes, I’ll get you out soon.” With no time to soothe him further, Serena Feng grabbed another coat and wrapped it tightly around the Snow Wolf. “Snow Wolf, get ready to charge out!”

“Awoo... awooo!” The Snow Wolf’s fur bristled, its eyes reflecting the raging fire. It stood protectively in front of Serena Feng, hesitating at the wall of flames...

“Go! Break down the door and charge out!” Serena urged again. The Snow Wolf howled, squeezed its eyes shut, and barreled through, its exposed fur singeing instantly in the heat.

“Awoo, awooo...” The Snow Wolf howled in fury, desperate to tear apart whoever had set the fire.

It had said it before—it hated fires most of all. Its precious fur!

“It’s the Snow Wolf and Miss!” Summer and Spring’s eyes lit up. Ignoring the flames, they rushed over, not realizing that by charging in, they’d only make things harder and need rescuing themselves...