Watching the Show, Calculating the Plot

"So that's Serena Feng? She doesn't match the rumors at all." In the stands, plenty of noblewives and young ladies had come to watch the spectacle—after all, this was a contest between three princesses, so their attendance was only natural.

Serena Feng rarely attended the noblewomen's gatherings before, so few people truly knew her; most had only heard the gossip, assuming she was just some low-born, ill-mannered girl unfit for proper society. The handful who had glimpsed her at the palace mistress's banquets only had their prejudices confirmed.

Then, after Serena's ruined reputation and survival following her premarital scandal, and her rise to fame for curing Caleb Wang Jinling, people decided she was a cunning, slippery sort—almost like a courtesan. But seeing her today, they realized...

Serena Feng stood there in red robes with a wide black belt, poised and dignified. Even before the Emperor, she showed no fear; her brows and eyes radiated pride and elegance, with not a trace of vulgarity or the so-called 'worldly taint.'

"You simply don't know Miss Feng. Miss Feng is the best sort of person—why, the Second Madam Hsieh is currently recuperating at her manor, and I bet she'll have a child by next year." The Marchioness of Jinyang, who owed Serena a favor, naturally spoke up for her.

"I've heard her medical skills are excellent, but is it really true?" Quite a few noblewomen were already making their calculations.

No matter the occasion, these noblewives and young ladies never regarded Serena Feng as their equal. In their eyes, she had once been a laughingstock, and now she was simply a skilled doctor—someone useful, nothing more.

Just like Su Wan and Princess Yara today—Serena was also the daughter of a famed general, yet those two treated her as a mere medical servant. Even giving her grand praise couldn't disguise their underlying contempt.

A regal, imposing old lady looked at Serena with gentle eyes. "I can't say how skilled she is, but those eyes of hers are certainly sharp. Wasn't it she who saw through the scandal with the Young Clan's miss? And as for Jinyang Manor, without her, how could the Marchioness have gained so much advantage?"

Someone nearby laughed and teased, "Madam Fu, are you planning to have Serena Feng pick out a daughter-in-law for you?"

"That's exactly my intention. These nouveau riche families have lax rules—it's inevitable that some will take advantage. My Fu family has always valued scholarship and etiquette; how could we ever marry a girl without proper upbringing?" In Eastlyn, most of the great families have deep roots, but none are as favored by the Emperor as the new nobles, so these old families often marry into the new ones.

Even though families always investigate thoroughly before arranging a marriage, some secrets simply can't be uncovered by asking around.

After the scandals at the Duke Zhen and Jinyang Marquisate, everyone became uneasy, afraid of marrying a woman who'd had secret affairs before marriage—now that would be truly disgraceful.

"Madam Fu speaks well. I'll send an invitation for Miss Feng to join a flower-viewing soon," another noblewoman nodded repeatedly.

The lady of Duke Zhen's household also took the chance to clear her name, though she didn't speak herself—someone spoke for her: "I heard that just recently, the Old Madam of Duke Zhen's estate was quite ill, and Doctor Feng cured her with a single prescription."

Several young ladies of Duke Zhen's estate are about the same age as Doctor Feng and actually have some friendship with her. Doctor Feng even praised the Duke Zhen girls for being well-read and courteous.

"I think Doctor Feng is quite capable. Madam Luo, hasn't your daughter-in-law been married for two years without any news? Why not ask Doctor Feng to take a look? After all, it's always easier to consult a female physician."

"Madam Zheng, hasn't your daughter been married for half a year with no good news? Why not invite Doctor Feng to check on her?"

"From what Princess Yara and Miss Su Wan say, Doctor Feng's medical skills must be exceptional."

......

The Emperor did not treat Miss Feng as a mere medical attendant. After a few polite questions, he seated her among the noblewives and young ladies. But those noblewomen's gazes were almost feverish with calculation, while the unmarried girls looked at her as if she were a wolf—terrified that her ruined reputation might infect them.

Miss Feng gave a faint smile and slipped toward the farthest corner. Still, the noblewives' chatter drifted to her ears—none of them bothered to lower their voices, even with her right there.

These women didn’t hold back at all, gossiping about her to her face—how brazen!

One or two she could ignore, but this crowd was too much. Miss Feng was annoyed, but she kept silent; she couldn’t afford to offend these clans now.

Even hiding in the corner, Miss Feng couldn’t escape scrutiny. Two stares in particular burned through the crowd: Dongling Zichun—Prince Adrian’s—frank admiration, and Dominic Zhai’s resentful glare.

Prince Adrian’s adoring gaze was so direct, Miss Feng couldn’t pretend not to notice. She wondered, with so many beauties in his mansion, why would he bother admiring her?

As for Dominic Zhai—seeing his black-and-blue eyes and exhausted face, Miss Feng’s mood instantly brightened. She flashed him a triumphant smile and winked, which made Prince Adrian’s jealous glare shift to Dominic instead.

The horse competition began. Only Princess Serenity, Princess Yara, and Su Wan participated—a true contest between women.

The Southern Lyn royal family had no princess of similar age, so Su Wan, as a noblewoman of the Su Clan and representing Southern Lyn royalty, was just as distinguished as the other two princesses. The match was perfectly balanced.

There were three events in all. The first was a speed trial: each chose her mount, then raced ten laps around the Imperial Menagerie Grounds. The fastest to finish would win.