Imperial Betrothal, Refusing to Marry Serena Feng

Seeing Serena Feng laughing so openly, William Wang Jinling at first thought she was laughing out of rage. But looking at her, it was clear she was genuinely amused. "You can still laugh? Aren't you angry?"

Any woman would be angry to be slandered like this. Of course, William knew Serena was stronger and more clear-sighted than most, but even the most composed person would be upset hearing such things.

Forget Serena—even he was furious when he heard the censors talk about her that way. The woman he protected with all his heart could never be some noble’s ‘plaything.’

"Why shouldn’t I laugh? And why bother being angry? It’s just gossip—I’ve heard enough of it. Besides, I’m not the one in trouble this time. Didn’t the censors say I was forced by Ninth Royal Uncle’s tyranny? I’m the innocent victim."

How could she not be pleased? The untouchable, aloof, almost demigod-like Ninth Royal Uncle, worshipped by the masses, finally had a day when he was dragged down from his pedestal and tangled up in rumors. How interesting.

If rumors can’t be stopped, at least someone else can share the burden. Every time something happened, she alone bore the brunt of public scorn. This time, it was finally Ninth Royal Uncle’s turn.

Serena truly wasn’t angry. Aside from her initial shock, she was actually curious about what would happen next.

She genuinely wanted to see how Ninth Royal Uncle would defend himself against the censors’ accusations and clear his name.

"If the charges stick, Ninth Royal Uncle will be in trouble—and you won’t fare much better." William wasn’t really worried about himself; he only cared about Serena’s reputation. But seeing that she didn’t mind, all the comforting words he’d prepared felt pointless.

"The charges stick? Jinling, you underestimate Ninth Royal Uncle. He would never let a charge like this stand. The censors don’t have any real evidence." Serena spoke with conviction, but William felt a sour pang in his heart. "You trust Ninth Royal Uncle that much?"

The Emperor was cunning, but Ninth Royal Uncle was no fool either. He would admit to nothing—only a ghost would confess. "Your Majesty, I have never admitted to anything. I said the impeachment was baseless rumor. My dealings with Serena Feng are perfectly clean. If I truly wanted a woman, I wouldn't need to resort to force—there isn't a woman in the realm I couldn't have if I wished."

Ninth Royal Uncle spoke slowly, his voice gentle and soft, yet brimming with unwavering confidence as he met the Emperor's piercing gaze without fear.

"Your Majesty, whatever happens between Serena Feng and me is my own affair. I ask that you refrain from interfering. In all my life, I've never cared about anything, never fought for anything. This is the first time I've ever taken an interest in a person or a matter. As for whether I'll pursue it, I'll decide that for myself." Ninth Royal Uncle's eyes swept over the dragon throne, hinting at something more.

He had never fought for anything in his life, not even that dragon throne. If he wanted it, he was more qualified than the Emperor, but he disdained ruling Eastlyn. Ninth Royal Uncle was warning the Emperor not to push him too far.

As an emperor, being threatened like this was intolerable. A flash of killing intent passed through the Emperor's eyes, but Ninth Royal Uncle noticed and pretended not to, sitting quietly and gazing into the distance.

The Emperor was furious but had to restrain himself. "Ninth Brother, Serena Feng is Adrian's fiancée. You're Adrian's uncle—what do you expect Adrian to do if you act like this?"

"Your Majesty, I haven't done anything so far. Besides, you've forgotten—Serena Feng is Adrian's former fiancée." Ninth Royal Uncle withdrew his gaze and glanced at the Emperor. "Even if she were a proper wife, when has the Eastlyn imperial family ever cared about a woman's status? It's not as if a brother taking his younger brother's wife hasn't happened before—am I right, Your Majesty?"

"Ninth Brother, you—" The Emperor's expression changed. Ninth Royal Uncle hadn't said it outright, but everyone understood the implication.

The Emperor had truly taken his brother's wife—not just a fiancée like Serena Feng, but a real sister-in-law.

"Don't get worked up, Your Majesty. I was just speaking hypothetically." Ninth Royal Uncle, sly as ever, stoked the Emperor's anger while maintaining an innocent facade. Since Ninth Royal Uncle hadn't stated it outright, the Emperor couldn't admit to it himself.

The Emperor’s anger lasted only a moment before he put on the mask of a caring elder brother. "Ninth Brother, since you have feelings for Serena Feng, I’ll grant you a marriage. Given her current status, she can only become your concubine. But out of respect for your affection, I’ll bestow her as your side-consort."

Ninth Royal Uncle dipped his head slightly, his long lashes lowering to hide the mockery in his eyes.

The Emperor truly doted on Prince Samuel, making his move so quickly to push Serena Feng into Ninth Royal Uncle’s household. He must have heard how Samuel tried to block Serena Feng earlier.

The Emperor would never allow Serena Feng to enter Prince Samuel’s manor—he wouldn’t risk corrupting his cherished nephew, nor let Samuel become attached to a woman like her.

The Emperor thought victory was in his grasp, but Ninth Royal Uncle refused without hesitation: "I will not marry."

A side-consort? If he accepted a side-consort, a principal consort would follow. Ninth Royal Uncle liked his manor quiet—he had no interest in filling it with outsiders. Other than his own people, no one else would ever set foot in the Ninth Prince Manor.

Ninth Royal Uncle understood perfectly—the Emperor wanted to use this opportunity to plant spies at his side.

"You refuse? Ninth Brother, are you trying to force Serena Feng to her death?" The meaning was clear: either Ninth Royal Uncle married Serena Feng, or she would die. Impeached and disgracing Eastlyn’s name, such a woman had no right to live.

The tension in the imperial study reached its peak. Ninth Royal Uncle’s refusal was a direct challenge, and the Emperor’s threat made it clear—Serena Feng’s fate would be decided here.

But Ninth Royal Uncle’s eyes remained calm, neither anger nor fear showing on his face. "Your Majesty, Serena Feng’s life or death is not for you to decide."

The Emperor’s lips curled into a cold smile. "You think you can protect her forever? The court’s will is not so easily defied."

Ninth Royal Uncle met his gaze head-on, his tone unwavering: "If Your Majesty insists, I will not cooperate. If you force me, I will resist."

The imperial study fell silent, the tension thick enough to cut. Both men were masters of subtle warfare, neither willing to back down.

Finally, the Emperor slammed his hand on the table. "Fine. If you won’t marry Serena Feng, don’t blame me for what happens next."

Ninth Royal Uncle didn’t flinch. He stood, bowed slightly, and left the study without another word.

Outside, the palace corridors were cold and empty. Ninth Royal Uncle’s steps were steady, his resolve unshaken.

He knew the battle was far from over. The court’s schemes, the Emperor’s threats—none of it would stop him from protecting Serena Feng.

In the shadows, a new storm was brewing. But as long as he lived, no one would touch Serena Feng.