Why Is General Evan Xiao Here Too

Mr. Wayne and Morgan Jewel came along with them.

Grace sent word, asking them to come to Yan City to help set up the new blacksmith shop.

Mr. Wayne handed the Danyang shop over to others, then came with Morgan Jewel.

Grace handed over the newly acquired shop to Mr. Wayne, letting him handle the renovations, hiring, and management.

They signed an agreement, keeping the same profit-sharing arrangement as in Danyang.

......

In the blink of an eye, the birthday arrived.

Dowager Lady Evelyn Zhu didn’t want a big fuss and said it was enough to just have a small family gathering.

So, neither the Yuan nor Shen families were invited. It was just Grace’s family, Second Aunt’s family, and the relatives from Dawnville who came together.

Of course, no matter who else was missing, Dowager Lady Evelyn Zhu’s favorite grandson-in-law had to be there.

That grandson-in-law was Evan Xiao.

After he arrived, he sat with Minister Zhuo.

Grace sat with Queenie Zhu and Rona Zhu.

When Rona Zhu saw Evan Xiao, she asked curiously, "Isn't this just a family dinner? Why is the General here too?"

Queenie Zhu shot her a look. "Don't you know? The Emperor betrothed him to Grace!"

"Really?" Rona Zhu's face lit up with joy. "Grace, is it true?"

Grace nodded with a smile.

"That's wonderful! The General is so handsome and accomplished—I'm really happy for you!"

"Why are you so excited? What does it have to do with you?" Queenie Zhu sneered. "Someone like you can only marry a merchant's illegitimate son! Honestly, you're not even fit to carry their shoes!"

Rona Zhu was used to Queenie Zhu's bullying. Her eyes dimmed and she didn’t dare say another word.

Grace shot Queenie Zhu a look and said, "Queenie, if you don’t say anything, no one will mistake you for a mute!"

"Am I wrong?" Queenie Zhu sneered at Rona Zhu. "I heard you rescued Aunt Linda Yuan in Dawnville? With your measly cultivation, how did you manage that?"

"It wasn’t me who saved Mother, she just has good fortune," Rona Zhu said humbly.

"What happened to Aunt Linda Yuan?" Grace still hadn’t heard about it.

"Mother went out and ran into some robbers. I happened to be passing by and heard her calling for help," Rona Zhu explained.

Just then, a cousin from Dawnville overheard and said, "Luckily, Second Sister was quick-witted—she set a fire to scare the robbers, and that drew the authorities over. That’s how Aunt Linda Yuan got away."

Grace nodded.

Grace had always thought of Rona Zhu as timid, shy, and awkward—she never expected her to be so clever in a crisis.

It must be because she saved Aunt Linda Yuan that her uncle and aunt are now making plans for her.

......

"Hmph! Big deal!" Queenie Zhu huffed. "You came all the way to Yan City just hoping to bask in the glory of Loyalty Manor? Please, take a look at yourself!"

Grace swiftly tapped Queenie Zhu’s mute acupoint, making her unable to speak for the whole night.

Queenie Zhu glared at her, but Grace whispered, "Just eat your food quietly. If you make trouble again, I’ll make sure you never speak again!"

So she didn’t dare glare anymore, and settled down, looking aggrieved but finally behaving.

"Rona," Grace called, "Don’t take it to heart. She’s always been like that."

"Mm." Rona Zhu smiled at her. "Grace, you’ve really become amazing! I heard from Mother that you’re not only a top Spirit Master, but you also passed the Stage Nine Alchemist exam. Is that true?"

"Mm."

"That’s awesome! I really envy you!" Rona Zhu looked at her with admiration.