The First Snow of the Year

Grace said, "Seven days. That should be about right."

"About what?" The two maids looked utterly confused.

Grace gazed at the sky outside and said, "Snow. The first snowfall of the year. It'll last for two days and two nights, covering everything in white. Step outside and it'll reach your knees."

"Huh?" The two stared blankly at her. "How do you know that?"

"Let's go," Grace said. "You two come with me to the palace. Just listen to me and I'll make sure you both get back safely."

"Yes, Miss," they replied in unison.

Hope and Claire were gifts from Grace's mother. Back when Grace was still her old self, she wasn't exactly a good mistress, but these two remained fiercely loyal.

Now, Grace was no longer the person she used to be—she was a genius with extraordinary talent.

So, their feelings for her had grown into pure trust and admiration. They never doubted a word she said.

If the young miss said she'd bring them back, then she absolutely would.

"Young Miss, wear this outfit!" Hope brought out a beautiful dress. "You wore it for the Prime Minister's birthday last time. It's gorgeous and festive!"

Grace looked at the dress and shook her head. "Bring me a brand-new outfit—one I've never worn before."

Just seeing that dress reminded Grace of her brief embrace with Evan Xiao that day.

His hands had touched and held this dress, and Grace didn't want Colin Gu to even brush against it.

Once she was dressed, Grace stepped out—Colin Gu had been waiting outside the whole time.

Grace gave him a gentle smile and calmly said goodbye to her family.

Then, she got into the carriage with Colin Gu, surrounded by the grand imperial entourage, and headed for the palace.

Though the imperial edict was issued, holding a state ceremony required enormous manpower and resources—it was never a simple affair.

Besides, her Empress's Wedding Gown would take at least four or five days to finish.

So, Colin Gu scheduled the state ceremony for seven days later.

They said it was a perfectly auspicious day for everything.

At the palace, Wendy Zhu led the harem consorts to greet them.

Colin Gu really did have quite a few consorts—just a quick glance, and there were at least twenty.

Aside from Wendy Zhu, who went from 'Empress' to 'Western Palace Empress' and only gave a curtsey, the rest all knelt, not daring to show any attitude.

Looks like Colin Gu really knows how to command respect among his consorts!

Except for one.

Grace glanced at the exceptionally unattractive Lillian Lee, who was sneaking peeks at her, and winked.

Lillian Lee's bushy eyebrows twitched, then she lowered her head again.

Grace walked side by side with Colin Gu through the kneeling consorts, then he led her toward Eastgate Palace.

In the history of the Blue Moon Kingdom, during the era with both Eastern and Western Palace Empresses, the Eastern Palace Empress resided in Eastgate Palace.

That Empress was born with extraordinary talent and was a fierce warrior. She quelled a rebellion and repelled foreign invasions many times, earning great merit. People called her the Saintly Warrior Empress.

So later empresses, feeling unworthy to compare, all lived in the Westgate Palace.

Eastgate Palace became more of a symbolic place—only opened for major ceremonies.

Now, Grace was settled in Eastgate Palace.

Thanks to her astonishing Celestial Five-Element Root, no one in court objected.

In both her lives, this was Grace's first time entering Eastgate Palace.

Inside, the furnishings and greenery were sparse, placed only where necessary, giving the whole palace a spacious and tranquil feel.