Ninth Prince Is Incapable, Thousand-Faced Allure
Prince Damien of Southlyn looked at Serena Feng the way a giant python eyes its prey—venomous and ruthless. Serena didn’t even dare to breathe too loudly; she had to guard against both the Emperor’s underhanded moves and Prince Damien’s malice.
Fortunately, today Prince Damien only wanted to toy with Serena. Seeing her so tense and ready for battle, he quickly stifled his laughter, looking smug as he said, "Children are still children. Even if you dress up in adult clothes, you can't hide that childish air. Miss Serena, you’re still a maiden—why bother wearing a married woman’s regalia? This outfit clashes with you terribly, ruining your cold, elegant aura and making you look gaudy and cheap."
Everyone knows the Ninth Prince isn’t interested in women, doesn’t like being close to them. Miss Serena, you’re sacrificing your reputation for his sake—what’s the point? If the Grand Heir found out, he’d be heartbroken. And not just him—even the young master would feel sorry for you. A woman’s reputation is everything; you don’t need to throw it away just to save face for the Ninth Prince."
Prince Damien put on a face of heartbreak, acting as if he cared about Serena, but every word was a veiled jab at the Ninth Prince’s ‘incapacity.’ Only Damien dared say such things, and he did so with righteous confidence, as if he were speaking for the greater good.
Some people were delighted, others distressed, but since Damien hadn’t named names, no one dared break the silence. All they could do was pretend not to understand.
Serena let out a sigh of relief, secretly cheering inside. She’d always known Prince Damien’s poison tongue had its uses, and now those uses were showing.
Hahaha...
Serena was secretly pleased, but on the surface she looked flustered, trying to act calm, her eyes darting as she said, "Third Prince, please don’t speak nonsense. It’s just a set of clothes, you’re reading too much into it."
Her reaction only made her look more guilty, which, in turn, seemed to prove Prince Damien’s point. The crowd couldn’t help but wonder—maybe the Ninth Prince really is incapable.
The Crown Prince wanted to speak up for the Ninth Prince, but in matters like this, anyone but the parties involved would only make it look worse by protesting. He hesitated for a long time, just about to open his mouth when he caught Serena’s disapproving look. He had no choice but to stay silent—in the end, he didn’t know the truth either.
No one knew what the others were feeling, but at that moment Prince Rowan was ecstatic. From hell to heaven, just like that—he realized he still had a chance, that he hadn’t missed his opportunity after all.
He’d already lost Princess Yara, but this time, he swore to himself, he would not let Serena slip away again. Prince Rowan clenched his fists and made a silent vow.
After all, this was Eastlyn’s territory and the Emperor was still present. Prince Damien, having made his point, didn’t press further and generously let Serena off: "If Miss Serena says I’m just talking nonsense, then nonsense it is. But I really must say, you look terrible in that outfit."
"What I wear is none of the Third Prince’s business. I’m here at the Imperial Medical Directorate today to compete with Miss Su Wan in medicine, not to discuss my clothes. My outfit doesn’t affect the contest." Serena flicked her sleeve and turned away from the crowd, making it clear she didn’t want to talk further—effectively shutting down whatever Prince Terrence and Prince Rowan were about to say.
After all this fuss, the Emperor’s anger had mostly subsided; even if it hadn’t, he wouldn’t force Serena to strip in public at a time like this.
It might have been coincidence if Prince Terrence and Prince Damien happened to walk in on Serena half-dressed, but if the Emperor gave the order to strip her in front of them, that would be open infighting.
Before the Crown Prince could reply, Prince Rowan jumped in, his tone overly familiar: "Serena, go quickly."
Serena? Since when did they become close enough for first-name terms?
Serena shivered all over; that smile from the Emperor felt chilling. Still, she was certain the unlucky one wouldn’t be her—but the Ninth Prince.
Ahem. With the Emperor gone, the Crown Prince took charge, sitting at the head and directly announcing the start of the contest.
The medical contest was simple: the Imperial Medical Directorate had found ten patients, and Wendy Summers and Serena Feng would each draw lots to select one.
All ten patients had been examined by imperial physicians from Eastlyn and Southlyn, confirming that none were dying, poisoned, or on the verge of old age.
Neither Serena Feng nor Wendy Summers had any objections to the contest rules. By all appearances, the rules were fair—at least on the surface.
The ten patients would first be examined by imperial physicians from Eastlyn and Southlyn. During this process, Serena and Wendy had nothing to do but sit aside and wait.
"Your Highness, may I change my clothes?" Serena took the opportunity to make her request.
Truthfully, aside from the Crown Prince, no one present liked seeing Serena dressed in consort regalia. When she made her request, Prince Rowan could barely contain his excitement.
Before the Crown Prince could reply, Prince Rowan jumped in, "Serena, go quickly."
Serena? Since when were they on a first-name basis?
Serena glanced at Prince Rowan, her brows slightly furrowed in disapproval. Of course, she wasn’t foolish enough to say so outright; everyone here was sharp, especially the Crown Prince, who excelled at using the smallest details to his advantage.
Prince Rowan’s attitude today would reach Nolan Drake’s ears before nightfall. Both Rowan and Terrence Valen were the Ninth Prince’s concern; Serena had no need to confront these princes directly.
She took off the dignified, luxurious Princess Consort regalia, washed the makeup from her face, and removed her hair ornaments. Dressed head to toe in plain white, Serena Feng instantly transformed from a noblewoman into a fresh, ethereal maiden.
Although white wasn’t considered an auspicious color, it suited Serena perfectly. No matter how simple the clothes, they couldn’t hide her cool, refined aura.
Her white robe wasn’t flowing or elaborate—apart from a slight gathering at the waist, it was almost barrel-shaped. Yet in such plain attire, Serena managed to look strikingly upright and pure.
Simple clothes, a clean look, and a cold expression gave her an ascetic, almost forbidden allure. She didn’t have the charm of a mature woman, but radiated a pure, untouchable temptation—the kind of uniformed allure irresistible even in modern times.
Seeing Serena dressed like this, Prince Damien’s earlier claims suddenly seemed much more believable.
"Miss, you look beautiful in white," Mira Tang couldn’t help but praise her. Realizing she’d overstepped, she quickly stepped back in a panic.
"Don’t worry, I’m not unreasonable. I wouldn’t punish you over something so small." Of course, for serious mistakes, she would—though Serena left that unsaid, and all three attendants understood her meaning.
Serena slipped off her bracelet and tossed it to Winter, then removed her earrings as well.
She disliked wearing anything cumbersome while working. The Ninth Prince’s jade pendant and a small jade piece were all she’d tolerate around her neck—the absolute limit for her.
"Thank you for your kindness, Miss." Only then did Mira step forward, carefully undoing Serena’s hair and tying it up as instructed, smoothing every stray lock so nothing would get in the way of her work.
A quarter of an hour later, Serena rose with satisfaction. "Let’s go."
She opened the door. Dappled sunlight spilled in, casting Serena’s shadow long behind her. Bathed in golden light, she strode boldly outside.
The golden sunlight softened Serena’s cool aura. Dressed in white, she stood in the sun with a faintly dreamlike quality—so unreal, it seemed as if she might vanish when the light faded.
Mira and Winter stood behind Serena, entranced. Their mistress truly had a thousand faces—just a change of clothes, and she seemed a different woman entirely.