Breaking the Ice, Difficult to Leave Heirs

William Wang Jinling spoke after much careful consideration. Prince Nolan's health was truly disastrous—if things continued like this, an early death was inevitable.

Coming to see Serena Feng was a last resort—William couldn't think of anyone besides her who might persuade Prince Nolan.

Seeing Serena deep in thought, William added, "Serena, if you have time, try to persuade him—get him to rest more."

"Is he busy lately?" Serena sighed, looking helpless.

"Very busy. Though conquering Southern Lyn was General Fengli's task and governing it is for the officials, all of this still requires the Emperor's oversight. Most importantly, things in North Lyn aren't looking good." William looked apologetic—if he could help it, he wouldn't trouble Serena at a time like this.

With the realm newly stabilized, a strong monarch is needed at the helm. If a child ascends the throne, then no matter how capable Serena is, she may not be able to quell the chaos.

For both public and private reasons, he couldn't just watch Prince Nolan destroy himself, abandon the newly stabilized realm, and leave Serena and her child to fend for themselves.

"I understand. I'll try to persuade him." Serena didn't refuse—nor could she. Whatever William could think of, she naturally had thought of too.

Her child, before growing up, still needed a father's protection.

"Don't overthink it. The Emperor will only be this busy for a couple of years—after that, everything will be fine." William's words carried a double meaning: he spoke of the realm's situation, but also of Serena and Prince Nolan's relationship.

"You're right—maybe things will be better in a couple of years." Serena's expression was bitter, her brows lightly furrowed. William sensed it was best not to say more, so he comforted her with a few words and then took his leave.

To urge the woman he loves to reconcile with his rival—this was more painful for a man than cutting out his own heart. William looked out at the sunlight beyond the doorway and, for a fleeting moment, truly felt like a saint, worthy of his reputation as a gentleman.

How many people in this world could do what he did? In both public and private matters, he could answer to his conscience and the heavens.

William gave a self-mocking smile, tucked away his foolish feelings, put on his usual graceful and composed demeanor, and continued to exchange pleasantries with the people outside. Then, under the gaze of the crowd, he strode away...

After William left, Serena sat alone in her chair, thinking for a long time—about the present, about the future...

She had witnessed all the changes in Prince Nolan lately. If he kept this up, she doubted she could hold out much longer.

To be rational—even if only for her child's sake—she should accept Prince Nolan. Having been an orphan in both her lives, she knew all too well how important a complete family was for a child.

To be even more practical—even if only for Prince Nolan's current status—she should reconcile with him. That way, her son would be the undisputed future crown prince from birth.

But...

She could find a thousand reasons to convince herself to forgive Prince Nolan, but there was one thing she couldn't get past. Her heart ached; she could never truly let go. If they reconciled like this, sooner or later, they'd fall out again.

She wasn't some naive, clueless girl, and Prince Nolan wasn't a man who'd blindly sacrifice everything for love. Both of them were far too practical—even if their love ran deep, the empire was still the empire, and a beauty was still just a beauty.

She'd never had much since childhood, never had anyone she could truly rely on. She'd always depended on herself—she was someone with a profound lack of security.

Half a year ago, she'd depended on Prince Nolan, treating him as the most important person in her life. But Prince Nolan had dealt her a cruel blow, making her realize that in this world, she could only rely on herself.

Prince Nolan's deception, what happened at Destiny Cliff—it had caused her immense pain. Not physical, but emotional. Now, she couldn't trust him, nor did she dare give herself to him, for fear of being hurt again.

Serena admitted it—she was a coward. She was terrified of Destiny Cliff happening all over again, terrified of being abandoned once more. More than anything, she feared the day Prince Nolan might tell her that he was a man of his word and had to marry Bella Qin for his promise, but that he didn't love Bella and she shouldn't be petty about it.

"Miss, you should return to your room and rest." Jada Tang had waited by her side for a long time, not daring to interrupt Serena. But Serena had been sitting for far too long—if she kept it up, she'd be uncomfortable again tonight.

Serena was startled. She looked up at Jada in a daze and softly replied, "I understand." Once her thoughts were interrupted, she couldn't continue down that path.

Back in her room, Serena noticed an empty spot in the corner. After hesitating for a moment, she finally said, "Have someone put a soft couch there."

It was unrealistic to expect Prince Nolan not to come. The best she could do was make sure that when he did, he'd have somewhere to rest.

Jada paused, forcibly suppressing her urge to look up and check Serena's expression, and simply replied, "Yes, Miss."

That night, Serena didn't pretend not to notice as she usually did. As soon as Prince Nolan appeared, she said, "There's a low couch over there."

Prince Nolan paused, surprised that Serena would call out to him. He hesitated for a moment before replying coolly, "I'm not tired."

"You look tired." Serena didn't say more, just threw a small tantrum: "If you're not going to sleep, then go back to the palace."

"Fine. I'll sleep." Prince Nolan's lips curled slightly, and despite the bloodshot eyes, a faint smile flickered across his face. He seemed much gentler.

After more than half a year, there was finally a bit of progress. He believed things would only get better from here.

Prince Nolan turned back and lay down on the low couch. He thought he'd be too happy to sleep, but he was truly exhausted. Other than a short midday break, he hadn't had time to close his eyes. The moment he hit the bed, he was out cold.

But Serena couldn't sleep at all. She lay there with her eyes wide open, staring at the ceiling in a daze: even if he'd promised not to pressure her, Prince Nolan was still domineering and stubborn, chipping away at her defenses, eating away at her reason. If this kept up, he'd soon be back in her bed.

What was she supposed to do?

Just before dawn, Prince Nolan woke up. Serena, hearing the movement, immediately closed her eyes and slowed her breathing, making it look like she was asleep.

Prince Nolan dressed, and as he did every morning, walked quietly to the bedside. He gazed at Serena with deep, focused affection until time ran short. Then he bent down and gently kissed the corner of her lips, adjusted her quilt, and left...

After a full night's sleep, Prince Nolan looked visibly refreshed the next day, and his mood was clearly much improved. Those serving him all breathed a sigh of relief.

At morning court, when the ministers once again brought up the matter of expanding the imperial harem, Prince Nolan didn't lose his temper or storm out. Instead, he replied calmly, "My body was damaged in my youth. The imperial physicians have diagnosed that it will be very difficult for me to have children in the future."

In other words, Prince Nolan was now infertile!

It was nothing short of a disaster!

All the ministers were stunned—even William Wang Jinling was left speechless, staring at Prince Nolan in disbelief...