"Chen Er went to see Chen Shishi, and he definitely took my portrait with him. Maybe... I've already been exposed!" Grace's expression grew serious.
"What should we do then?" Tenner's face was full of panic. "If they report us to the Prime Minister, we're doomed!"
Grace thought for a moment and said, "Wan Liangcai isn't reckless. Even if he reports us, he'll tell Aunt first. Aunt is shrewd—she's managed the Zhu family for years without a single slip. Unless she has solid proof, she won't go to my father or grandmother lightly."
Tenner stared blankly at his young mistress. This calm and collected side of her... really, three days apart and she’s become a whole new person!
"I bet if Aunt wants to confirm anything, her first move will be at Shuiyue Nunnery," Grace continued. "Tenner, go back there right now and keep an eye on Master Jing'an, but no matter what happens, don't get involved."
Tenner and Wang Dong aren't very strong. If they mess up, things will get even more complicated.
"Got it. When will you be back?" Tenner asked.
"Early tomorrow morning."
Tenner nodded.
Grace returned to the general’s manor and told Evan Xiao that everything had gone smoothly. The boss of the Human Market had already agreed to take her to the Zhu Estate early tomorrow.
Evan Xiao handed her something.
It was the priceless Lawrence Family Jade Ring.
Grace couldn’t be more familiar with this jade ring.
Her grandfather never parted with it while he was alive.
It belonged to her grandfather.
"When you get to the Zhu Estate, give this ring to Prime Minister Zhu or the Chloe Family Matriarch," Evan Xiao instructed.
"Alright!" Grace accepted it solemnly.
"Remember, don't let anyone see it."
He repeated again not to let anyone see it, making Grace a bit curious. "What happens if someone does?" she asked.
Evan Xiao paused, then said, "The Zhu family could face total destruction."
Total... total destruction?
Grace shivered and asked Evan Xiao in surprise, "Why?"
"You don't need to know that much," Evan Xiao replied. "After you give them the ring, tell Prime Minister Zhu to contact me for a secret meeting. I have something important to tell him in person."
"Oh..." Grace thought it must be related to his grandfather.
What could it be? She was dying to know...
Evan Xiao gently stroked her cheek. "Once I meet with Prime Minister Zhu, I'll bring you back."
Grace’s eyes flickered and she nodded.
Bring her back... Well, she’d just play it by ear...
Evan Xiao pulled out the miniature Dragon Scale pendant from under her collar and said, "If you run into any danger, just bite it. I'll come save you right away."
"Huh? Bite it?"
"Yep," Evan Xiao said. "The Dragon Scale has divine power. If you bite it, the dragon will sense it and tell me right away."
"Oh! Does it have to be a 'bite'? Can I smash it with a rock instead? This thing is so hard, I'm afraid I'll break a tooth!"
Evan Xiao's face darkened. "You can't take it off, so how would you smash it? Bash your chest with a rock?"
"Can't take it off?" Grace tugged at it hard—it really was securely fastened. "So it can't be removed?"
"Yep," Evan Xiao said. "It'll stay with you for life."
"Huh? So I can never wear a necklace again?" she complained, making a face. "This thing is so ugly!"
Evan Xiao's face darkened again. "It's not ugly!"
Grace: "..."
Alright, you're the boss. Whatever you say...
Grace hid her grandfather’s jade ring close to her body, said goodbye to Evan Xiao, and went back to Shuiyue Nunnery alone.
As soon as she returned, her wet nurse and the others rushed to tell her, nearly frantic, that last night, a group of men in black had kidnapped Master Jing'an.
And the carriage they used—Tenner saw it with his own eyes—it belonged to the Zhu Estate.