Accepting Fate, Clearly Still a Maiden

Serena Feng had always known herself to be someone who easily accepts fate—and is rational enough to do so.

When faced with things that have already happened, or events she cannot change, she simply accepts them, finds a way out, and never loses her composure by shouting or panicking.

Clearly, Ninth Royal Uncle understood this about her, which is why he kept pushing her limits again and again.

After Mira Tang and Jada Tang left, Serena Feng pondered for a long time but still couldn’t figure out what Ninth Royal Uncle hoped to gain from all this. As far as she could see, his actions only damaged both his own and her reputation—what benefit could there be in that?

Raising her—a lone, powerless girl—so high only made her the enemy of all the noblewomen. Ninth Royal Uncle seemed to gain nothing, and would even lose his chance to marry a prestigious lady.

After thinking it over and still failing to understand his motives, Serena Feng decided to stop dwelling on it. What mattered now was what she should do next.

Should she try everything to prove her innocence, or simply go along with the situation, tie herself to Ninth Royal Uncle, and cut off all retreat?

If she followed the path Nolan had paved, she might have no official status, but with the protection of his powerful name, no one would dare try to force her into marriage or take her as a concubine.

Even if she could prove her innocence, so what? No man would willingly marry a woman whose reputation was in ruins. Master Marcus Wynn was an exception; even if he married her, he would never truly treat her as his wife.

Men want virtuous wives. A woman can be talented and well-known, but her fame should remain within the boudoir and upper circles. Serena Feng’s name, however, was known throughout the city—even in the streets and alleys. Just saying ‘Serena Feng’ would bring up a crowd who knew her and her story. A woman like that was never the choice of noble families seeking a proper wife.

In this life, she was doomed never to marry into a good family—not because she aimed too high, but because the way resources and status were distributed in this world divided people into strict ranks.

Outside of the great noble clans, most ordinary families raised children who were barely literate. Not all were fools, but finding a decent match was truly difficult—and even if she did, that man would never dare defy Ninth Royal Uncle and the others to marry her.

Besides, even if she wanted to marry into a common family, they wouldn’t dare accept her. If they did, she’d be treated like a shrine to her ancestors, but marrying down didn’t guarantee happiness—and her husband wouldn’t be a servant.

After thinking it through, Serena Feng decided to keep playing along with Ninth Royal Uncle’s script. With William Wang Jinling away from the Capital, if she fought Nolan to the end, she’d be the only one to suffer—especially with Prince Damien of Southlyn and Prince Terrence Valen of Lyndaria still hanging around, those two troublesome pests who hadn’t left the city yet.

Once she’d figured it out, Serena Feng stopped agonizing over it. She told Mira Tang and Jada Tang not to do anything—so long as the rumors didn’t stir up public outrage, let people say whatever they wanted.

Mira and Jada didn’t understand, but they didn’t ask questions and quietly withdrew.

With so many new servants from Ninth Prince Manor, they’d be busy fighting for power anyway—the fewer extra tasks, the better.

Serena Feng didn’t even have to think to know how things would play out in the household. She adopted a hands-off attitude—whether they ended up cooperating or destroying each other, she’d accept the result.

Because she was still unwell, word came from the palace: tomorrow’s duel event would be switched to medical skill instead. The Southern Lyn Su Clan had already agreed.

Serena Feng was puzzled—would Su Wan really be so kind as to pity her weakness and switch riding and archery for medicine?

She vaguely sensed something was off, but since the decision was already made, she couldn’t change it—only prepare and stay on guard.

After Mira and Jada left, Serena Feng locked her door, activated her Smart Med‑Pack, and began preparing the supplies she’d need for tomorrow’s medical competition.

Her Smart Med‑Pack contained all kinds of advanced items, but most of them couldn’t be revealed to others. After sorting through them, Serena Feng picked out a pile of traditional Chinese medicines.

Asthma, heart disease, chills, dysentery, plague—any illness she could think of and treat, she prepared a dose for. Better safe than sorry.

Serena Feng knew full well that a medical contest wouldn’t be over in a day or two. Treating a patient could take days, even months, and she’d be under constant surveillance—unable to take anything from her Smart Med‑Pack. All she could do was prepare as thoroughly as possible.

Once everything was ready, Serena Feng ate dinner attended by Spring and Autumn. She wasn’t surprised to see them—she only noted inwardly that the maids from Ninth Prince Manor were exceptional; in just half an hour, they’d already learned her habits.

After dinner, Summer and Winter came in to help her bathe and dress. Every gesture was perfectly timed, and the clothes they chose matched her style exactly.

If Serena Feng hadn’t known they were new, she would have thought these four beautiful maids had served her for years. They knew her preferences so well that she felt perfectly at ease.

Serena Feng lay comfortably in bed, thinking to herself that Ninth Royal Uncle must intend to pamper her—raise her so high she’d never have to deal with mundane chores again.

Still, she didn’t mind. She’d never liked housework, and having attendants was a blessing—but if she had to manage alone, she’d do just fine too.

Serena Feng was truly exhausted. After falling ill yesterday, her body hadn’t recovered; she lay down and was asleep in no time.

Ninth Royal Uncle finally found a moment to spare and rushed to Feng Manor in the night, hoping to explain things and reassure Serena Feng—but he was greeted by her sound sleep.

After everything that had happened, Serena Feng could still sleep—truly enviable.

Ninth Royal Uncle knew Serena Feng was always on guard, trusting no one around her. Even in sleep, the slightest noise would wake her.

But tonight, he’d stood there for ages and Serena Feng didn’t stir. There were only two possibilities: either she was awake and pretending to sleep, or she was truly exhausted—her body couldn’t take it anymore, and she’d fallen into a deep sleep.

Serena Feng’s breathing was long and steady, with no sign of abnormality. But Ninth Royal Uncle was certain she was just pretending—unless she was unconscious, she’d never sleep so soundly.

Ninth Royal Uncle sighed softly, not forcing Serena Feng. He simply stood by her bedside, watching her in the moonlight—his gaze drifting to her slender waist, and he sighed again, almost absentmindedly.

"Serena, your eyes are clear, you smell faintly of milk, your brows are tight and your waist is straight—clearly the signs of a maiden. Anyone who sees you like this would never believe we’re truly husband and wife. Tell me, should I make those rumors come true?"

Serena Feng’s breath hitched—just for a moment, but enough for Ninth Royal Uncle to know he’d guessed right: she was faking sleep.

Ninth Royal Uncle stifled a smile and continued, "Young girls are lovely and fresh; married women are enchanting. After their first night, they’re radiant like blooming flowers—completely different from a maiden’s look.

You still look every bit the maiden. Not just those old palace matrons—even I can tell. Before, no one paid attention to you, but now things are different. Your name is tied to mine, Serena... what do you think I should do?"

Serena Feng still didn’t move, her breathing unchanged—but Ninth Royal Uncle saw her eyelashes trembling ever so slightly. He knew he’d have to try something stronger...