The Sun family’s crisis was temporarily resolved thanks to the powerful intervention of General Warren Yu. Seeing both Caleb Wang and Warren speak up for the Suns, the main branch no longer dared to discuss expelling Sun Yijin’s family from the clan.
Even so, the Sun elders showed no gratitude toward Serena Feng and her two companions. With only formal courtesy, they led the three into the inner hall and allowed them to burn incense for Sun Yijin.
It wasn’t until Serena solemnly performed three kowtows before Sun Yijin’s spirit tablet that the faces of Sun Yijin’s father and his two sons softened a little.
“Miss Feng, Yijin’s death has nothing to do with you. You need not blame yourself,” Sun Laoye said, freshly washed and a bit more composed.
Serena shook her head and did not say anything more on the matter.
Whether it is or isn’t, all depends on people’s hearts. Serena knew clearly that the Suns still blamed her.
“Master Sun, I’m sorry I came so late. Rest assured, as long as I, Serena Feng, am alive, I will never let the House of Duke Zhen have its way.” Serena made her promise solemnly.
Warren and Caleb immediately echoed her resolve: “That’s right, Master Sun, don’t worry. This is still the Dongling Dynasty—even Duke Zhen cannot cover the sky with one hand. Your eldest son looks strong, a good fit for the military. Has he ever considered joining the army? The Yu family’s troops may not be the best in the Nine Provinces, but they are certainly well known.”
Rather than giving them fish, it’s better to teach them how to fish. The Sun family needed the ability to protect itself. Today the threat was Duke Zhen; tomorrow, it could be someone else. Even if Serena could shield them for a lifetime, the Suns would never accept it.
Sometimes, a proud and upright spirit means exactly this: better to die standing than live kneeling.
Lily Sun spoke through her tears, her eyes red as a rabbit’s.
"Don’t worry. I will avenge your sister. The Zhao family will pay with their lives," Serena Feng promised, gently wiping away Lily’s tears even as her own started to fall.
She still remembered the Peach Blossom Festival—two Sun sisters, one mischievous and lively, the other gentle and dignified. But now?
Lily wanted to say more, but a servant woman’s voice called from behind: "Miss Lily, Miss Lily, how did you sneak out? Madam will be angry if she finds out."
"Serena, I’m going back now. Please, you must avenge my sister." Lily Sun looked back at Serena Feng with tear-filled eyes, reluctantly letting go of her sleeve and following the servant inside.
Serena stood there, watching, her eyes unfocused and distant.
If only Ninth Royal Uncle were here.
With him around, any problem could be solved.
Serena realized, almost unconsciously, that she’d started to rely on Ninth Royal Uncle.
"Serena, are you alright?" General Warren Yu nudged her, snapping her out of her thoughts.
"I’m fine. Let’s go. And thank you both for helping with the Sun family," Serena said, knowing full well that General Warren and Caleb Wang were only stepping in for her sake.
Though honestly, she hadn’t realized her own reputation was worth so much.
Caleb Wang’s support was expected—the Wang clan and Serena were already tied together in everyone’s eyes.
"Why say all that? Sun Yijin did save your life—without her, you’d be dead," General Warren Yu said, half-testing Serena.
After witnessing Serena’s methods, he half believed that even without Sun Yijin’s sacrifice, Serena would have survived.
Serena might not have martial arts, but her agility set her far apart from any ordinary noblewoman.
But General Warren was disappointed. Serena nodded sincerely, "That’s right. Without Sun Yijin, I’d be dead."
...
General Warren Yu and Caleb Wang escorted Serena to the gate of Feng Manor, then turned and left.
Now that the rumors had been broken, and with the Empress silenced by the evidence from Ninth Royal Uncle, Serena would be safe for a while.
Seeing Adrian Dongling, Prince Rowan, with an arrow in his thigh, Nolan Dongling thought just that.
The Empress wouldn’t have time to trouble Serena for quite a while.
Nolan Dongling, Ninth Royal Uncle, sat quietly in the grand hall, letting palace maids, eunuchs, and imperial doctors rush back and forth as if none of it concerned him.
His cold indifference had reached a level that defied belief—especially since Adrian Dongling, Prince Rowan, was wounded today saving him.
"Imperial Physician Lin, you’re the head of the Imperial Infirmary. I trust your skills. If anything happens to Prince Rowan, I’ll hold you personally responsible," the Empress said, imposing yet unable to hide her deep anxiety.
"I will do everything I can to save His Highness Prince Rowan. Please don’t worry, Your Majesty," Imperial Physician Lin replied, trembling as he rose.
Prince Rowan’s injury was grave. It was uncertain if his leg could be saved.
Basins of blood were carried out, one after another...
The Crown Prince rushed in, pale-faced and short of breath from hurrying, looking every bit the sickly heir.
He waved away the bowing palace maids and went straight to Ninth Royal Uncle. "Uncle, is Seventh Brother alright?"
"Do you hope he’s not?" Nolan Dongling’s eyes were icy.
"Uncle, he is my imperial younger brother," the Crown Prince said, lowering his head and making his position clear.
He was telling Ninth Royal Uncle that he had nothing to do with today’s events.
Nolan Dongling nodded and gestured to a seat. "Sit. He won’t die." Whether Prince Rowan’s leg would be crippled, he did not say.
"Thank you, Uncle." The Crown Prince let out a sigh of relief.
As long as Ninth Royal Uncle believed him, the Empress couldn’t pin this on him. Most importantly...
According to the Crown Prince, the assassination was meant for Ninth Royal Uncle.
"Uncle, you weren’t hurt, were you?" The Crown Prince asked, concern written all over his face.
In the royal family, if anyone still supported the chronically ill Crown Prince, it was Ninth Royal Uncle.
As long as Ninth Royal Uncle stood firm, the Crown Prince still had a chance to fight for his future.
Candlelight fell across the Crown Prince’s pale face, casting shadows that hid the gleam in his eyes—and the fleeting sharpness and irony in Nolan Dongling’s gaze.
Serena Feng, this king is giving you an opportunity. Let’s see how far you can go!