Treating Him as a Son-in-Law

"And after the General left, she hurried out and went to Snow Listening Garden," Hope said resentfully.

"With her eyes watching us all the time, what are we supposed to do?" Claire complained, clearly annoyed.

Grace's lips curved into a satisfied smile as she wiped her mouth. "Don't worry, tonight... is her last night!"

Hope: "Huh?"

Claire: "Really? What do we need to do?"

Grace took out a small packet. "Hide this in her room."

The two took it and nodded excitedly.

That night, a light snow fell again. Every room had its stove going, warm and cozy.

Minister Zhuo was with the Dowager Lady Evelyn Zhu, the two talking in private.

"...That's exactly what Evan Xiao said." Minister Zhuo repeated everything Evan Xiao had told him to the Dowager Lady.

The Dowager Lady Evelyn Zhu pondered for a long time before asking, "Actually, what he said makes sense. What we're doing isn't just about your father—it's about the future of the entire Zhu Clan. We must be extremely careful."

"I've thought it over carefully. For us, the key is Grace. I don't know how she managed it, but she actually made friends with Emperor Henry of the Vermilion Kingdom! Tell me, is there any greater support than the Emperor of the Vermilion Kingdom?"

The Dowager Lady nodded.

"And Evan Xiao—his cultivation has improved rapidly. He's smart, too. With his help, things will go twice as smoothly!"

"Mm. But will he help us?"

"He will."

"How can you be so sure?"

"He's already promised to enter the palace tomorrow and resolve those three engagement contracts."

"What?"

"He wants... to marry Grace."

"Marry Grace?" The Dowager Lady immediately waved her hand. "Absolutely not! With Grace's talent, how could we let her marry just anyone?"

"But... the two of them... have already acted like husband and wife," Minister Zhuo said awkwardly.

"W-What?" The Dowager Lady's eyes widened.

"It's all my fault. I wanted to get close to him, so I suggested Grace become his concubine... and kept letting Grace approach him," Minister Zhuo said, looking like he'd swallowed bitter medicine.

The Dowager Lady was deeply troubled. "This is really..."

"I know what you're thinking. With Grace's talent and her Spirit Root, her future is limitless—far beyond what a Blue Moon general with no family or background could offer. But... he's our family's benefactor, and they really like each other. So let's just go with it!"

"That's true! When Grace didn't have her Spirit Root, we pushed her to him; now that she does, we want to take her back. Wouldn't that be ungrateful?" The Dowager Lady sighed. "Let's just treat it like we've recruited a live-in son-in-law!"

Minister Zhuo nodded. "Evan Xiao said we don't need to do anything for now. And it's true—Colin Gu's ambitions are huge. He wants more than just the Windspire Kingdom. We don't have to do anything, just wait. When the time comes, the Vermilion Kingdom will handle him. All we need to do is stay loyal to the Vermilion Kingdom, and one day, you'll be reunited with Father. Plus, the Zhu Clan will only get stronger."

"Still, I don't know how close Grace is with the Emperor of the Vermilion Kingdom. Is it really that deep?"

"The Emperor of the Vermilion Kingdom was willing to come to the palace just to get her out. Clearly, they're close," Minister Zhuo said.

The Dowager Lady nodded, her eyes reddening. "Then it's up to you! All I wish... is to see your father one more time in my life. That would be enough."