Yes. After confirming that the Little Prince was out of danger, Serena had no intention of staying in the palace.
She’s not a pediatrician, nor is she skilled at long-term convalescence. There was no reason for her to remain here. Most importantly, she couldn’t stop worrying about Simon Sun, and she also wanted to find out what had happened to Lance Quinn.
Lance Quinn wanted to stir up chaos and let Felix Fuller know he was in the Imperial City—he was bound to cause a commotion. If Serena stayed cooped up in Radiant Hall, she’d hear nothing about it.
"Your Ladyship, the Little Prince is out of danger now. There’s nothing more I can do here, and staying won’t help." Serena understood how Imperial Noble Consort Helena Hsieh felt, so she tried to be as gentle as possible.
"But... Serena, can’t you stay just one more day? Little Eight..." Imperial Noble Consort Helena Hsieh pleaded, gazing at Serena. She didn’t need Serena to do anything—just having her in Radiant Hall put her at ease.
That way, if anything happened to Little Eight, someone would be there right away.
"Your Ladyship, the poison in the Little Prince has been neutralized. The imperial physicians can handle the rest. I beg your understanding—there’s trouble at Feng Manor, and I need to return as soon as possible." Serena was exhausted; the Little Prince truly didn’t need her at his side every hour anymore.
If he really needed her, she wouldn’t be saying goodbye. After all, she’d worked so hard to save him—how could she bear to risk anything happening to him again?
Doctors are people too. When a patient passes the critical stage, please allow the doctor to take care of her own family for a while.
Serena had made herself clear. Even if Imperial Noble Consort Helena Hsieh was dissatisfied, she had no choice but to agree. Serena wasn’t an imperial physician, and summoning her so abruptly was already a breach of etiquette.
The eunuch smiled, weighing the pouch, then began gossiping with Serena about palace rumors.
Which consort slipped, which consort was punished by the Emperor, which eunuch was beaten by their master—all useless gossip. Just as Serena was about to give up hope, the young eunuch leaned in and whispered: “I heard a thief broke into the palace yesterday. He didn’t steal anything except a crown from the Former Dynasty’s Lan clan. The Emperor has ordered a strict investigation, and the city is sealed—no one is allowed out.”
"A thief in the palace?" Serena feigned surprise, though she guessed this was surely Lance Quinn’s doing.
Poor Felix Fuller—he’d just been tricked out of the city by Ninth Royal Uncle, and now Lance Quinn was luring him back in. Felix was doomed to run back and forth for days.
The young eunuch nodded, glanced around to make sure no one was near, then continued: “The Emperor wanted to visit the Eighth Prince today, but this incident delayed him. He’s furious and ordered General Zhai to investigate thoroughly. You must keep this secret—don’t let anyone know I told you. The Emperor forbids it from being spread.”
None of the Four Kingdoms’ emperors would let outsiders know that the Former-Dynasty Lan clan still had living descendants, lest they rally diehard loyalists.
“Don’t worry, Eunuch—your words go from your mouth to my ear. No third person will ever know.” Serena’s sincerity was unmistakable; she was utterly trustworthy.
“Of course I trust Dr. Feng. This way, please.” The eunuch nodded happily, leading Serena onward.
Once Serena’s figure had vanished, a man stepped out from the corner, deep in thought. “Go, find out what Serena and that eunuch discussed.”
"Yes, Your Highness." The eunuch replied instantly. Seeing his master lost in thought, staring after Serena, the eunuch hesitated before reminding: "Your Highness, the Empress and Princess Serenity are still waiting for you. Shall we go?"
Prince Rowan withdrew his gaze and walked off in the opposite direction.
After a day and night, Serena worried Simon Sun hadn’t eaten or drunk anything, so she urged the coachman to hurry. As soon as the carriage stopped at Feng Manor, Serena jumped out and strode inside.
"Miss, you’re finally back." Butler Wu hurried forward, taking Serena’s medicine chest.
"How is Simon Sun?" Serena asked as she walked.
"Don’t worry, Miss—Simon is eating and talking again." Butler Wu smiled with relief as he spoke.
He treated Simon Sun as both master and junior; such a pure-hearted child was loved by all. Seeing Simon so heartbroken, they too felt sorrow.
"That’s good. Where is he now? I’ll go see him." Serena was so anxious she hadn’t even taken a sip of water; she couldn’t rest until she saw Simon safe.
"Simon is in his study in the outer compound." This refers to Simon Sun’s own study, not Serena’s.
Serena nodded. "Go ahead with your duties—I’ll visit him myself."
"Yes, Miss." Butler Wu handed the medicine chest to Jada Tang for delivery to Serena’s courtyard, then ordered the staff to prepare hot water and food.
A steward must always be attentive, easing the master’s worries and handling every trivial matter, so the master can focus on greater things.
Serena knocked gently: "Simon, may I come in?"
"Master… wait a moment." Simon’s voice was hoarse and weak, but at least he was speaking again.
"Sorry to keep you waiting, Master." Simon opened the door himself.
His cheeks, once rosy, were now pale; his bright eyes had lost their shine, and his shy smile was replaced by sadness. The sight made Serena’s nose sting with emotion…