Accountability, Just a Child’s Big Temper

General Victor Wei waited outside Feng Manor for two hours. The longer he waited, the less confident he became—he even suspected Serena Feng had run away. After committing such a grave offense, why would she stay in the capital, just to wait for the Emperor to behead her?

She was the only one left in the Feng family; even if she escaped, there would be no innocent relatives implicated. And given her ties with Dominic Zhai, fleeing would be all too easy. Yet, to his surprise, Serena not only didn’t run—she returned openly and with composure.

There’s no denying it—General Feng’s daughter truly is remarkable. This kind of courage is rare among women of the inner chambers.

Serena Feng showed no concern for the heavy military encirclement at all. Smiling, she asked, “His Majesty has summoned me to the palace? General Wei, do you know what for?” Serena was feigning ignorance, though she understood perfectly well.

General Wei knew the truth but didn’t expose her. After weighing his words, he replied, “Miss Feng, His Majesty has summoned you to the palace—it’s about what happened earlier today. Many officials have gathered in the Hall of Deliberation, and the Emperor is furious.”

It was a simple sentence, yet it revealed a lot.

The Hall of Deliberation was where state affairs were discussed. This meant Serena’s killing in the street was being treated as a serious matter—someone was trying to use it to gain advantage.

With so many officials present, and the Emperor so angry yet using such a calm way to bring her to the palace, it was clear she was not in immediate danger. Plenty of people were protecting her, and the Emperor had no intention of taking her life.

‘Three days apart, look at her with new eyes’—this saying fit Serena Feng perfectly. Who could have imagined that half a year ago, she was a helpless girl at the city gate, forced to storm the palace alone, but after committing such a major offense today, she could still earn the support of so many officials?

Better to offend an old man than a poor youth.

Serena Feng propped her head on one hand, a faint smile at her lips. "Is His Majesty summoning only me? What about my guards and maids? If a master can’t protect her own people, who would ever be loyal to her afterward?"

Just like this time—if Ninth Royal Uncle fails to protect her, his own followers will lose faith too. If he can’t shield the woman he’s publicly acknowledged, how could they expect him to protect them when trouble comes?

Serena was forcing Ninth Royal Uncle into a position where he had no choice but to act.

"His Majesty gave no instructions," General Wei replied, granting Serena an enormous favor.

The Emperor dealt with affairs of the realm—why would he care about the lives of maids and guards? By law, all her attendants should be arrested and thrown in jail, but these people belonged to Serena Feng, and General Wei was happy to grant her this favor.

"In that case, General Wei, please allow my maids and guards to return to the manor. You can send someone to drive my carriage instead." Serena spoke lazily, yet her words carried an undeniable authority.

"Miss!" Her two maids knelt before the carriage, determined to accompany Serena Feng to the palace.

"What’s this? You won’t even listen to me now?" Her tone was still indifferent, cold as ice, but her words made the two maids’ eyes redden with tears.

Servants are servants—when necessary, they must take the blame or even die for their master. That’s their duty. Serena’s willingness to protect them warmed their hearts; so few masters cared about their servants’ lives. Dying for their mistress was only natural, and they bore no resentment.

"Enough, that’s enough. General Wei, please take them inside the manor. Let’s head to the palace—let’s not keep His Majesty waiting." This time, Serena truly felt no fear about entering the palace. Aside from Adrian Eastlyn’s faction, she doubted anyone would cling to punishing her; even the Empress was likely pleased with what happened at the suburban estate.

General Wei escorted the coachman and the two maids inside. As for the so-called guards, he wisely didn’t ask—those guards had backgrounds too formidable to provoke lightly.

The journey to the palace went unusually smoothly. General Wei’s party truly treated her as an honored guest, not a prisoner. When they arrived, no imperial guards stepped forward, and the eunuchs still accepted her gifts as usual.

Serena became more and more convinced: this was all thunder and no rain—a grand display, but the consequences would be light.

Civil and military officials lined up on either side, their expressions solemn. The Emperor sat high above, too far for Serena to see his face clearly. Ninth Royal Uncle and the Crown Prince were also present.

Serena raised an eyebrow, noticing how active the Crown Prince had become lately. He used to be almost invisible, but now he was frequently intervening in state affairs.

Serena didn’t dare look around too much. She obediently entered the hall and bowed according to protocol. The Emperor’s face was dark, and he gave no sign for her to rise. Serena said nothing more, kneeling quietly, her expression steady and unruffled.

She hadn’t interacted much with the Emperor, but she knew that his outward displays of anger or joy didn’t always reflect his true feelings. When he showed his temper, it was often just for show—to intimidate his ministers.

If the Emperor was truly angry, just one glance from him was enough to send a chill down her spine.

The Hall of Deliberation was silent. The Emperor said nothing, the officials said nothing, and Serena lay prone on the floor, motionless.

She just waited, and waited, silently counting in her mind, wondering when the Emperor would lose patience. There was no sign of anxiety—her clothes were as neat as ever.