Being falsely accused is truly unbearable. Compared to the old army doctor’s dignified and scholarly aura as a master of traditional medicine, if Serena Feng’s looks were put out there, no one would believe her medical skills surpassed his.
If this matter spread, even if Serena explained herself a hundred times, no one would believe her. Luckily, Ninth Royal Uncle knows the truth, or Serena would be furious enough to choke.
The old army doctor is quite clever—he knew Serena was truly angry this time and avoided her all day, making it impossible for her to find the culprit. Since Serena dislikes venting her anger on others, she could only stew in silence.
Vincent Su, after learning the whole story, didn’t comfort Serena—instead, he ruthlessly teased her, leaving Serena speechless. Fortunately, Ninth Royal Uncle was considerate; knowing Serena had been badly upset today, he took her out for a walk near the camp when they stopped at dusk.
It wasn’t completely dark yet, and the campsite had grass and water—the scenery was actually nice. But Serena had no mood to enjoy it, her mind weighed down with worries.
“Still angry?” Ninth Royal Uncle stopped and turned to look at Serena beside him.
Serena shook her head gloomily. “I’m not angry. Just next time, don’t involve me in this kind of thing again.”
They clearly could have stopped it, yet let the old army doctor keep using Old Gray to test drugs. It made her deeply uncomfortable—worse than killing someone.
“Alright, there won’t be a next time.” Ninth Royal Uncle nodded without hesitation, making Serena feel a bit embarrassed. She mumbled, “This time was an accident. After all, none of us expected that an army doctor—skilled, steady, and dedicated to saving lives—would become so reckless and inhuman when using people as test subjects.”
It’s unavoidable that researching new medicine means testing on living people—the medical world is full of bloody, dirty things. Serena knows this, but it doesn’t mean she can accept it, especially when the old army doctor’s drugs weren’t meant to save lives, just to satisfy his own curiosity.
“They’re of the same lineage.” The Valley Master also likes to test drugs on people, so Ninth Royal Uncle wasn’t surprised by the old army doctor’s behavior—only, the Valley Master has more restraint.
“The Valley Master can take responsibility for his actions—can he?” Serena retorted coldly, a hint of disdain in her voice.
A trace of amusement flickered in Ninth Royal Uncle’s eyes as he spoke indulgently, “That’s why the Valley Master can inherit Mystic Healer Valley, while he can only hide anonymously in the army, running from his enemies. Don’t bother with him—he’s not worth it.”
“I’m not really arguing with him. He’s old enough, yet still acts like a child—less reliable than Dorian Owen. If I fuss over him, I’ll only drive myself crazy.” Nolan’s comfort worked; Serena’s anger faded. “Just remind the guards not to let him near Old Gray again.”
“Old Gray already knows?” That made the events earlier today much more interesting.
Serena nodded. “After so many times, Old Gray is bound to be cautious. He didn’t drink all the medicine this time. The drug worked, but not as badly—the racing heartbeat was a deliberate act. Old Gray was fully conscious.”
Old Gray could fool the old army doctor, but not the Smart Med-Pack.
“No wonder you were calm enough to talk to him earlier.” Ninth Royal Uncle recalled Serena’s frantic act during the day and couldn’t help laughing. “You put on quite a show—even I was fooled.”
“What do you mean, ‘put on a show’?” Serena shot him a glare. “I was genuinely upset. Who wouldn’t be, always cleaning up this kind of mess? He’s not a child—no one else is obliged to pay for his mistakes. If he keeps this up, something serious will happen sooner or later.”
“If you dislike him, just ignore him from now on.” Ninth Royal Uncle noticed Serena’s nose, red from the wind, and pulled her into his arms. “I’ll have the Valley Master come take him away.”
“Alright.” Serena nestled into Ninth Royal Uncle’s arms, wrapping her hands around his waist and burying her head in his chest like a child deeply wronged.
She really was just a big kid.
Ninth Royal Uncle smiled and gently patted Serena’s back, his expression tender and doting, as if soothing a child. Serena rubbed against his chest, clearly very satisfied…
Night fell, darkness thick as ink outside. Campfires were lit around the campsite. Serena’s mood had calmed, and she pulled Ninth Royal Uncle back to camp.
As soon as Ninth Royal Uncle returned, an adjutant came to find him. From the adjutant’s grave expression, it was clearly urgent. Serena waved him off, telling him not to worry about her, and sat down with Vincent Su.
“You two made up?” Vincent Su shifted closer and handed Serena a skewer of roast meat.
Serena was baffled by the question, staring at him in confusion. “Made up? We’ve always been fine.”
“Fine? You call that fine?” Vincent Su tried to keep his composure, barely refraining from rolling his eyes. “Come on, you two were barely better than strangers. Didn’t you notice how everyone’s been afraid to speak up this whole trip?” Ninth Royal Uncle scared them all.
“What are you talking about? We didn’t fight, didn’t give each other the cold shoulder—what’s not fine?” Serena thought back carefully, still not seeing any problem between her and Ninth Royal Uncle.
“Fine? There’s a layer of invisible gauze between you two, no warmth at all. Honestly, seeing you like this makes me anxious.” Vincent Su sighed. “You used to be so passionate with Ninth Royal Uncle, always putting him first. But now?”
It was like a contest between the two—who could be calmer, who could be more rational.
“Is that so?” Serena stared into the fire, lost in thought.
“Isn’t it? Ninth Royal Uncle’s temperament—well, I won’t even start. He’s always been that way. When you first met him, you must’ve noticed he barely spoke all day. He’s a bit better now. But you… Why did you have to pick up his reticence of all things? If you two keep this up, how will you manage?” Vincent Su genuinely worried for them both.
“We’ll be just fine.” Vincent Su’s words left Serena feeling bitter. Lately, they’d been so busy—too busy to think of each other, too busy to spend time together.
She really needed to think about it: was she not loving him deeply enough, or was Ninth Royal Uncle neglecting her?
Vincent Su quietly moved away, not disturbing Serena. As a bystander, he knew the responsibility lay with Ninth Royal Uncle—his awkward temperament even tired Vincent out.
Vincent Su just couldn’t understand it: Ninth Royal Uncle could end the Lance Quinn identity forever for Serena—so why couldn’t he just be honest with her? Why couldn’t he take the initiative?