The snow kept falling, piling higher and higher until the roads outside disappeared completely, making travel impossible. Early in the morning, the authorities sent workers to clear the snow, barely carving out a single walkable path so the common folk could get by.
As for officials and the wealthy, they had no need to worry—household servants would clear their paths. Still, unless there was urgent business, most people preferred not to go out. The weather was so harsh that if you fell into a snowbank, you might not even be able to climb out.
Things were better in the Imperial City—after all, it was the seat of the Emperor, and the authorities had prepared in advance. So far, no deaths from freezing had been reported. But elsewhere, it was a different story. Even in towns close to the capital, people started freezing to death by the second day.
Not long ago, a mountain exploded—no one died, but it scared the citizens half to death. Now, before they’d even recovered, a once-in-a-century blizzard struck. As the snow kept falling for days on end, rumors began to spread among the people: Heaven was punishing the world with disaster.
Of course, these were just rumors whispered among the common folk. Unless the disaster became truly dire, or someone deliberately stoked the flames, such talk wouldn’t amount to much in the short term.
This blizzard was a true natural disaster—no one knew how long it would last. That’s why Ninth Royal Uncle and William Wang, even after noticing the rumors, never considered fanning them for their own gain.
After all, what if the rumors spread and the snow stopped right then? All their scheming would be for nothing. Besides...
There are things a true gentleman will do, and things he will not. While no one in politics is truly clean, there are still those who guard the last bit of purity in their hearts—who feel genuine compassion and refuse to treat millions of commoners’ lives as chips in the game.
Of course, none of this had anything to do with Serena Feng. No matter how heavy the snow outside, it didn’t affect her mood in the slightest. Nor did she have the foresight to predict this blizzard was just the beginning of a disaster.
Serena had already prepared the night before. When she woke up in the morning, she ate a modest but nutritious breakfast, then signaled for Simon Sun to follow her.
The operating cabin was some distance from the main compound, but not a trace of snow could be seen along the way. That spoke to the diligence of the Feng Manor servants—though in truth, Holden Cui had ordered his own clan’s staff to clear the path for Serena.
Owen Yuan and Holden Cui had already gone to the cabin, waiting there since early morning. Outside, guards stood in formation.
Holden Cui was worried someone might try to cause trouble. Last time, when Serena treated William Wang’s eyes, it turned into a circus. Even though they’d kept things secret this time, you could never be sure—so having guards posted outside was just good sense.
Seeing how thorough Holden’s preparations were, Serena felt relieved. Now she didn’t have to worry about any uncontrollable accidents. After what happened with Rosa Zhen and Reid Yale, she doubted there were many idiots left who’d dare crash her operation.
Serena opened the cabin door and was greeted by a wave of warmth, making it impossible not to relax and enjoy this rare comfort in winter.
These cabins looked simple, but their true value was beyond measure. The wood alone was extraordinary, and just the fact that they stayed warm in winter and cool in summer was enough to make anyone envious.
When building these cabins, Serena had specifically ordered ceramic pipes to be buried underneath. In winter, hot water flowed through the pipes to keep the rooms at the perfect temperature.
In summer, ice was placed in the pipes, so stepping inside meant you couldn’t feel a hint of heat.
The temperature in these cabins could be adjusted for all seasons. Whenever Serena needed to operate, she’d simply give advance notice, and the room would be set exactly as she required—without a single brazier or ice block in sight.
When Holden Cui and Master Owen came in, they couldn’t help but praise the cabin’s design. Unfortunately...
This setup was hard to copy—not because the craftsmanship was so advanced, but because the pipes had to be buried underground. To install them, you’d have to tear down the original building.
It was a massive project. All they could do was envy it from afar. And seeing how Serena only used this design for a few cabins, not the entire Feng Manor, made it clear—the cost was anything but ordinary.
The temperature inside was perfect. As soon as Serena and Simon Sun entered, they took off their coats and headed to the specially marked changing room to put on surgical gowns. Master Owen and Holden Cui had already changed into the patient clothes Serena had prepared and were waiting in the operating room.
There were only two surgical beds in the operating room—not a single chair. Neither Holden nor Master Owen was used to sitting or lying down waiting for a doctor, so the two of them just stood there, chatting to ease their nerves.
But at a time like this, who could make small talk? Both men were so nervous their hands and feet felt wrong, and whatever they managed to say made no sense at all.
Holden, especially—if he hadn’t been so well-trained, he’d be pacing the room just to burn off his nerves. Life and death was on the line; he wanted to act calm, but it was impossible.
The moment Serena and Simon Sun came in, Holden and Master Owen noticed—they’d been watching the door the whole time, waiting to ask Serena some questions.
Serena had said before that she wouldn’t let Simon Sun participate, but now she’d changed her mind. That made Holden uneasy—he needed answers, or he’d rather cancel the surgery altogether.
“So Simon Sun is here too? Serena, didn’t you say you wouldn’t let him take part?” Holden tried his best to hide his urgency, but the moment Serena walked in, he couldn’t help blurting it out.
Serena treasured Simon Sun—there was no way she’d let him take risks unless something about the surgery had changed.
Serena had meant to say she needed Simon Sun’s help, but seeing the unease in Holden’s eyes, she changed her answer: “I didn’t let him participate before because I only had seventy percent confidence—I didn’t want to put him in front of the Cui clan. Now... I’m fully confident. That’s why I’m letting him assist.”
“Fully confident? Serena, you’re saying you’re fully confident? Are you sure?” Holden was so excited he rushed right up to her. Good thing Serena was prepared, or he would have startled her.
Even so, Serena’s breath caught for a moment. She exhaled, then nodded seriously: “Yes, I’m fully confident I can cure you. So, Holden, you can relax. I promise, when you wake up, you’ll find yourself changed.”
Serena’s voice was calm, but there was a kind of magic in it—people couldn’t help but believe her. Holden was no exception; hearing her certainty, his anxiety faded bit by bit.
“I believe you!” Holden met Serena’s deep, steady gaze and finally managed a relaxed smile.
The truth was, he had no choice but to believe—he’d already put his life in Serena’s hands.
“I won’t let you down!” Serena thought. She wouldn’t allow herself to fail.
Serena patted Holden’s shoulder, then turned away and signaled Simon Sun to get started. She walked to the operating table, pointed at the two beds, and said, “Holden, Master Owen, please lie down. We’re about to begin.”