Can You Please Stop Calling My Mother-in-law?

Today, Colin Gu wore a crisp white outfit, making him look even more refined and distinguished.

Cindy Zhu gazed at him with starry eyes, practically drooling with admiration and longing. If looks could kill, Grace would be toast.

Grace watched, snickering inwardly: Wow, Cindy Zhu really has it bad for Colin Gu! I bet she's plotting some new drama for me today.

She wondered, what tricks would Cindy Zhu use against her today?

After Colin Gu finished paying his respects to Grace's grandfather, he left the hall as well.

As soon as he stepped out, Colin Gu spotted Evan Xiao in the crowd and greeted him with a sly smile, "General Xiao, you couldn't resist joining the fun too, huh?"

Evan Xiao replied, "Yes, Your Majesty."

"It's wonderful that your two families have resolved their feud!" Colin Gu said happily. "Everyone in Blue Moon Kingdom is thrilled!"

"It's all thanks to Your Majesty!" Prime Minister Zhu chimed in. "Back then, you made it law that our families couldn't mess with each other. If you hadn't, we'd probably be enemies for no good reason! Talk about drama!"

Colin Gu burst out laughing, "Now that the General and Prime Minister are working together, Blue Moon Kingdom will be unstoppable!"

"We pledge our loyalty to Your Majesty!" Prime Minister Zhu and Evan Xiao declared together.

"It's rare for me to escape the palace today. The three of us—Emperor and ministers—should kick back and gossip a bit!" Colin Gu teased. "Prime Minister, hope you don't mind crashing your party!"

Prime Minister Zhu bowed, "Your Majesty, not at all! But I'm afraid you'll have to settle for a vegetarian meal today."

At noon, the Zhu Mansion served a vegetarian meal.

Important guests stayed for a vegetarian lunch.

Colin Gu smiled and nodded, "Sounds good!"

"Please!" Prime Minister Zhu invited him inside.

Suddenly, Colin Gu whipped around and shouted inside, "Grace, get over here!"

With Evan Xiao and Colin Gu together, Grace wished she could just disappear.

She'd been working hard to blend into the background, but now Colin Gu was calling her over.

Seriously, why are you calling me over?

Grace took a deep breath, stood up, and walked over to them.

Evan Xiao stood on her left, her father on her right, and Colin Gu was facing her.

"Your Majesty, what can I do for you?" Grace asked.

Today she wore mourning clothes, a small white flower in her hair, and the only accessory was a tiny jade pendant engraved with her name at her waist. She looked pure and flawless, like a goddess—utterly captivating.

Colin Gu's gaze deepened, and he asked with a gentle, teasing tone, "Grace, have you given that snow ginseng to your future mother-in-law yet?"

"Your Majesty, yes, I've already given it to her."

"Has your mother-in-law's condition improved?"

"My mother's doing better now. Thank you for your kindness, Your Majesty," Grace replied.

But honestly, could you stop calling her my mother-in-law every single time? You're making it sound like we're already hitched!

Whether it was just her imagination or something else, every time he said it, Grace felt a chill run down her left side, like there was a powerful threat lurking there, ready to strike at any moment.

Colin Gu, completely unaware of her torment, smiled and continued, "No need to be so polite with me! In a few days you'll be entering the palace—are you ready?"

Grace shivered a little, stiffly coughed, and said, "I'm all set."

"You don't need to bring much, just a few people you're used to having around. I've prepared everything else for you."

"Thank you, Your Majesty," Grace said with her head bowed. "I'll go inside now!"

Colin Gu nodded, "Go on inside."

Grace made her getaway, practically sprinting back inside like her life depended on it.

Behind her, Prime Minister Zhu was calling out, "Come, Your Majesty, General, and all the honored guests, let's head over there..."

......