Feng Manor, Being a Spendthrift Girl Is the Coolest

Pfft...

Someone in the crowd couldn’t help but burst out laughing.

It had always been the Duke Zhen’s house that threw silver at people, but who would’ve thought one day they’d be the ones getting pelted with money? It was just too funny.

The constables from the Capital Prefecture Court were so scared they were trembling all over, eyes wide, not daring to speak. They couldn’t believe Serena Feng actually dared to mess with Duke Zhen—was she tired of living?

“Serena Feng, how dare you—how dare you insult me with money, you... cough, cough.” Duke Zhen choked on his breath, coughing until his face turned red. Just as Serena Feng said, his complexion was rosy and he looked perfectly healthy.

“Insult? Giving Your Grace silver is an insult? If that’s the case, Your Grace can throw all the silver you want at me—I’ll happily take every coin.” Serena Feng looked innocent, but her eyes swept past the crowd to gaze into the distance.

Damn Victor Yun, just this once she actually wanted his help—where was he? Where was he? If he didn’t show up soon, she really would cry. Duke Zhen had knocked himself silly and wasn’t thinking straight; when he finally came to, who knew what kind of trouble he’d cause.

“Serena Feng, you’re twisting words! You really don’t take my Duke Zhen’s house seriously.” Duke Zhen’s face grew even redder. Everyone knew the Duke’s house had been in trouble lately, squandering endless silver to smooth things over; right now, they were practically broke, so where would he find money to ‘insult’ Serena Feng?

“Oh...” Serena Feng responded as if suddenly enlightened, looking understanding: “So Your Grace thinks it’s too little, not worthy of the Duke’s house? True, Your Grace is noble—even if this bump didn’t break the skin or draw blood, you’ll need ginseng and rare tonics to recover. Summer, bring more silver—don’t let His Grace say I’m ‘insulting’ him.”

Summer played along, pulling out a thousand-tael banknote and handing it to Serena Feng. “Miss.”

Luckily, today she was heading to Feng Manor, and Serena Feng had specifically reminded everyone to bring extra silver before leaving. After touring the manor, she planned to shop for supplies and restock everything the estate was missing.

She did this partly to lift her spirits by spending, but also for show—she wanted everyone to see there was no rush about Ninth Royal Uncle. If Serena Feng wasn’t anxious, why should they be? He’d be fine, just look at how relaxed she was.

“Your Grace, how about another thousand taels?” Serena Feng kept her cool, motioning for Summer to hand over the silver.

If you’re going to play the role of a spendthrift, you have to do it with style. Doing everything yourself is so uncool—this is exactly when servants come in handy. Handling things personally would just be embarrassing.

“Serena Feng, you...” Duke Zhen’s face turned purple-red. He looked absolutely furious.

Normally, Duke Zhen wouldn’t lose his temper so easily, but today his nerves were shot—afraid the Emperor would tire of him, and now running into his nemesis Serena Feng, it was no wonder he lost control.

Serena Feng didn’t give Duke Zhen a chance to speak, raising her voice to drown him out: “Still not enough? Eleven hundred taels isn’t enough to treat Your Grace’s injuries? Fine—Summer, keep adding more, until His Grace is satisfied.”

So what if she was burning through silver? If she could make Duke Zhen look like someone who cared more about money than dignity, losing a bit of silver was worth it.

Wasn’t Su Rou here now? Her contest with the Su family was almost over, and win or lose, as one of the main players, she’d be making a tidy profit.

Duke Zhen was so angry his lips were trembling. He pointed at Serena Feng, but after a long moment, all he could get out was, “You... you...”

Serena Feng looked up at the sky, pretending not to notice anything, and continued loudly: “Three thousand taels still not enough? Your Grace really is precious! Summer, didn’t you hear me? Keep adding more—until His Grace is satisfied.”

Tch, if he’s knocked out by this, he really has no stamina. Serena Feng idly rubbed her fingers, calm and collected, watching Duke Zhen from above like a bystander, lips curled in open mockery.

The lesson here: if you’re not in top shape, always bring extra servants when you go out. That way, even if you lose an argument, your staff can step in. Otherwise, you’ll end up like Duke Zhen—suffering in silence, unable to complain.

The constables from the Capital Prefecture Court watched, stuck between leaving and staying, cursing themselves for their lack of foresight. Next time they saw Serena Feng, they’d make sure to steer clear.

The constables stood awkwardly, faces drawn, deeply uneasy. Seeing Duke Zhen about to collapse from rage, they hurried forward and pleaded in a whisper, “Miss Feng, please, have mercy and spare our lives. If anything happens to His Grace, we’re doomed.”

“Don’t worry, Officer. Duke Zhen just has a minor injury—he’ll be fine, trust me.” If she couldn’t even tell how healthy someone was, she had no business being a doctor.

Duke Zhen was just anxious and overheated—getting angry was actually good for him. Besides, if she didn’t thoroughly ruin his reputation now, she’d never get away. Even though she was the real victim, he was the powerful one and injured; if things went public, she’d be the one to suffer.

This time, Duke Zhen really did faint. Staring at the pile of banknotes and hearing Serena Feng’s words, he’d lost all dignity and composure. His hand trembled, his eyes rolled back—and he passed out cold.

“Oh no, oh no, His Grace is in trouble!” Duke Zhen’s coachman and attendants were terrified—if anything happened to him, they’d be the first to pay.

This time he was truly out cold—even Serena Feng was startled, secretly cursing Duke Zhen’s lack of stamina. He was nothing compared to his daughter, so easily frightened! She was about to check on him when Victor Yun’s voice rang out: “Who’s in trouble? Don’t worry, with the Yun family’s medicine and doctors, even the worst cases can be cured.”

Victor Yun strode out of the crowd, elegant and poised, with two panting physicians trailing behind him. He really did look the part of a hero coming to save the day.

“Young Master Yun, you came just in time.” Serena Feng let out a sigh of relief. With doctors present, Duke Zhen would be fine. Victor Yun’s special status—he wasn’t a native of Eastlyn—meant he could testify for her, proving she was the one who got rammed, not the other way around. She was just young and healthy enough not to be hurt.

“Sorry for being late, Miss Feng. If you trust me, leave everything here to me—I promise I’ll handle it all for you.”

Victor Yun was clever. It’s nice to add flowers to brocade, but giving timely help is even better. Right now was a delicate time for Serena Feng; her status meant every move she made was watched. If anything went wrong, she wouldn’t be the only one in trouble.

“Thank you, Young Master Yun. I won’t stand on ceremony, then.” Serena Feng finally relaxed. Victor Yun really knew how to handle things—people like him always got ahead, and it was impossible to dislike him.

Leaving the mess to Victor Yun, Serena Feng took her maids and walked to Feng Manor. Of course, before leaving, she reminded Summer to collect the banknotes.

Seriously, Duke Zhen hadn’t even broken the skin, yet wanted to scam her out of thousands of taels? No way. For that kind of injury, a few days of rest at home would do—at most, a single silver tael for a doctor and some calming medicine.

...

Vincent Su was a thoughtful man. Feng Manor had been rebuilt exactly as it was before; as soon as Serena Feng walked in, it felt familiar.

Her home—she was finally back!

No matter how hard things got, as long as she was home, she felt at ease.

Serena Feng inspected every corner, noticing that Vincent Su had rearranged the furnishings, and some items were clearly old pieces.

Serena Feng was puzzled. The staff left to manage Feng Manor were Vincent Su’s trusted aides. Seeing her confusion, one hurried to explain: “Miss, our master said the manor’s furnishings were restored to how they were in the days of General Feng and Madame Feng. Some objects are originals from back then—after Feng Manor fell... Miss, our master spent a lot of effort to recover some of them.”

“Your master is truly thoughtful.” Serena Feng nodded, her eyes misting over.

So this was what Feng Manor used to be—so grand and wealthy. Sadly, by the time she arrived, it was already in ruins. If not for the reconstruction, she’d never have known how magnificent and elegant it once was.

Serena Feng walked through the corridors, crossed the courtyard, circled the small garden, passed under the archway, and entered the rear wing. Though it was winter, Feng Manor didn’t feel bleak at all—especially her own quarters. They looked just as before, but more refined, more suited to her taste. Every detail was perfectly arranged.

Vincent Su had truly put in effort. (Actually, it was Vincent Su’s steward who did most of the work!)

Seeing every familiar tree and blade of grass in Feng Manor, Serena Feng finally relaxed. She turned to Vincent Su’s staff and said, “Please tell your master Feng Manor is wonderful—he’s been very thoughtful. Also, let him know I’d like to borrow some staff and have him help me prepare a small banquet for my move-in day. Here’s the invitation—please pass it on to your master.”

She’d already announced she’d host a banquet when she moved back to Feng Manor, so she couldn’t go back on her word. Now that Ninth Royal Uncle was in trouble, she had to make it even grander—the more flamboyant she acted, the safer he’d be.

After touring Feng Manor, especially the operating rooms, Serena Feng inspected everything with care. She confirmed Vincent Su had used only genuine, high-quality materials—no cheap substitutes. Serena was very satisfied, but her stomach was rumbling, so she didn’t linger and prepared to head back to her West District courtyard.

There was no carriage; Summer suggested renting one, but Serena Feng refused. “Let’s walk.”

She wasn’t that pampered—she used to go everywhere on foot. She’d walked all the way from outside the city before; this was nothing.

If you think it’s tough, remember kneeling at the city gate all day.

If you think it’s exhausting, remember taming three horses in the beast arena.

If you think it’s hard, remember struggling to survive before the Empress’s hall.

If you’re scared, remember the Bloodcloak Guard’s cruel torture.

Compared to before, she had so much more now—and enough power to fight those who once toyed with her life. But her burdens had grown heavier too. Before, surviving was enough; now she had to do so much more...

Ninth Royal Uncle, what should I do to save you as soon as possible? Tell me, please!

Serena Feng was deep in thought, distracted. Summer and the others could defend themselves, but they were a bit too far away. So when a man in blue lunged at Serena Feng, none of them could react in time—they could only shriek, “Miss, look out—!”