If I Strike, So What If I Bully With Power

Even his own subordinates don't believe Holden Cui can seize power—who else would bet on him?

Serena's words were nothing if not sharp and merciless, but Holden Cui was left speechless. The joy sparked by the Jade-Flora Orchid vanished completely; he looked first at Serena, then at William Wang Jinling, pain and struggle flickering in his eyes...

Does he really have to turn the blade against his own family?

This time, neither Serena nor William would let Holden Cui run away. William spoke openly about his own past: "Holden, I understand how you feel right now. Back then, I also hesitated because they were family, but what did they give me in return? Not mercy, but the destruction of my own younger brother, and stirring up my father against me. Holden, don't make the same mistake I did. The person I regret failing most in this life is my real younger brother. No matter how high I stand, I can never give Caleb back a healthy body."

Even someone as rational as William Wang Jinling couldn't help but feel sorrow recalling those events. If he'd been more ruthless then, Caleb wouldn't be crippled now—a once-glorious Seventh Young Master of the Wang Clan reduced to this.

No matter how high William Wang Jinling's rank or power, he could never restore Caleb to what he was, nor give him back a healthy body.

William took a deep breath, unwilling to show weakness in front of Serena. In just a moment, he composed himself and continued persuading Holden Cui: "Holden, soft-heartedness at a time like this will only hurt those around you. If you can't bear to strike, then at least let them live out their days in wealth and comfort."

"Thank you, William." Holden Cui saw the flash of regret in William Wang Jinling's eyes, and because he saw it, he understood William truly meant well.

Holden Cui agreed to take the offensive. Naturally, Serena wouldn't let him fight alone—this wasn't just about Holden's rise, but also the Phoenixfield Clan's alliance with the Cui family. Without Holden in power, that alliance was just empty talk.

"Holden, William can't intervene in Cui family matters, but I can. The three of us are friends and allies—not quite sharing all losses, but certainly sharing all victories. I won't stay out of this." Serena made her stance clear. Seeing Holden Cui's disbelief, she added, "Holden, I have my own score with your Cui family. Years ago, a blade nearly took my life, slashing across my throat. I've never forgotten that debt."

Back then, I pinned the blame on the Southern Lyn Su Clan because circumstances demanded it—and I was too weak to fight the Cui family head-on. I had to swallow the pain, pretending not to know who the real culprit was.

"So this..." Holden Cui gave a self-mocking laugh. Turns out, none of it was ever truly over. Both his third brother and Serena had kept it in their hearts—only he thought the matter was settled.

But thinking about it, Holden Cui understood. No one could ever forget someone who tried to kill them. If that blade had gone half an inch deeper, Serena would be dead.

After a moment's reflection, Holden Cui let it go, regaining his usual composure: "You're going to use this as your excuse?" Once he'd made up his mind, there was no more hesitation or softness.

If you're destined to stain your hands with family blood, it makes no difference whether it's sooner or later.

Serena nodded. "Back then, I pinned it on the Southern Lyn Su Clan, but there was never any real evidence—just vague suspicions. Now I can present proof and show my original deduction was wrong. With the Southern Lyn Su Clan wiped out, I don't have to worry about retaliation."

"That's a solid reason. Third Young Master Cui really did try to assassinate you. But... facing the Cui family head-on, you'll be in danger." William was always concerned for Serena's safety. "Serena, you'd be better off staying out of Cui family affairs."

Some in the Cui family are wildly ambitious—their depths far exceed the Wang family's, even by fivefold.

"If I don't get involved, Holden Cui will have no chance against those people head-on." Even Holden himself admitted the contenders' power was closely matched.

After all, anyone without real strength wouldn't dare compete—and even if they did, they'd have been eliminated long ago. Only those who survived this far are left in the game.

Anyone who's made it this far is among the best in the Cui family—whether in power or cunning. Holden Cui might handle one or two rivals, but if they band together, how could he possibly take them all on alone?

William said nothing; he knew Serena wouldn't change her mind. Holden Cui thought for a moment, then gave tacit consent to Serena's help.

With Serena drawing outside attention, it would be much easier for Holden to make his moves.

The three reached an agreement. Just as Serena was about to order dinner, a Wang family servant rushed in: "Young Master, urgent news—the Emperor has summoned you to the palace."

A child under a year old couldn't possibly give orders—the three all knew this was Ninth Royal Uncle's command.

"Serena, Ninth Royal Uncle is getting stingier by the day. You should talk to him." William rose, smoothing his slightly wrinkled robe, his smile resigned and weary.

As a minister—even as Imperial Preceptor—he couldn't ignore a summons from the Emperor. No matter how reluctant, William headed for the palace, knowing that if Ninth Royal Uncle called him now, it was surely important.

Serena smiled silently, said nothing, and invited Holden Cui to dine. After dinner, she questioned him in detail about Third Young Master Cui—she needed to know her enemy inside out.

The two talked until evening, only stopping when Qiu Hui and Winter reported that Feng Jin had woken and was crying for Serena.

Holden Cui took the opportunity to excuse himself. Serena didn't try to keep him, only apologizing: "My little brother hasn't been well lately—he's a bit clingy."

Holden Cui didn't mind. Seeing how much Serena cared for Feng Jin, he went to see the child himself. Unfortunately, Feng Jin gave him no face at all—barely glancing at Holden before burrowing back into Serena's arms, his little head nuzzling into her with adorable stubbornness.

"Your little brother is adorable," Holden Cui couldn't help but praise. "You've taken great care of him."

"He's a lovable kid." Serena kissed little Feng Jin, her face full of gentle affection. Holden Cui was momentarily dazed—as if seeing his own mother holding him as a child. Had she ever kissed him like that?

Holden Cui realized he was being sentimental, shook his head lightly, sighed, and didn't linger any longer.

He had a mountain of Cui family business to handle—there was no time to indulge in unrealistic thoughts.

Serena spent ages soothing Feng Jin to sleep, then checked on Ling Mo to make sure his condition hadn't worsened. Only then did she drag her tired body back to her room for a meal.

After bathing, Serena let down her long hair, leaned on the chaise, tea in hand but not drinking, eyes closed in deep thought.

Ninth Royal Uncle entered and was greeted by the sight of serene beauty—he slowed his steps, unwilling to disturb her. But Serena was always alert; the moment he entered, she noticed.

Serena slowly opened her eyes, not surprised to see Ninth Royal Uncle standing nearby. She offered a sweet smile: "You're back."

Just those three words instantly wiped away Ninth Royal Uncle's bad mood...