You Cannot Accuse Me Nor Kill Me

"That's what Leon Zane said." Grace Wan answered, as prim and proper as ever.

"How is she now?"

"She's still unconscious, and her life is hanging by a thread. We're relying completely on the medicine the Imperial Advisor left behind." Grace said.

"Sigh!" Colin Gu let out a dramatic sigh, then suddenly grabbed Grace's hand.

That vinegar jar, General Evan Xiao, is still lurking around!

Grace's hair almost stood on end. She was about to pull her hand back when Colin Gu pressed a small black bottle into her palm.

"This is a royal secret medicine. It's got powerful detoxifying effects. Try giving it to your mother—it just might work!" Colin Gu said.

Honestly, this probably won't do much.

Grace was about to refuse when she sensed a dagger-like gaze coming from behind Colin Gu.

She glanced over—it was Wendy Zhu.

So she took the little black bottle and flashed Colin Gu a smile. "Thank you, Your Majesty!"

Wendy Zhu was absolutely fuming!

Her smile was dazzling.

Colin Gu stared deeply at her breathtaking face—so close, so unforgettable. He took a deep breath and finally let go of her hand.

"Sorry for all the trouble today, Your Majesty, Your Highness. I'll take my leave now."

"Go ahead!" Colin Gu said. "When the Imperial Advisor returns, I'll go with him to see your mother."

Grace nodded and left, eyes straight ahead.

Behind her, Colin Gu spoke up: "Minister Zhuo, you stay too. We'll discuss the expedition with General Evan Xiao."

Minister Zhuo replied, "Yes. My household's troubles have reached Your Majesty, it's all my fault for poor management. I beg Your Majesty's forgiveness..."

...

After leaving the palace, Grace Wan found Grace Wan waiting for her at the gate.

She was all by herself.

Clearly, she wanted to have a private chat.

Grace dismissed her attendants and walked over to her.

"Grace, you really made me see you in a whole new light!" Grace Wan raised her brows. "I can't believe you managed to drive out all the Rune Power overnight."

Grace just looked at her, saying nothing.

"But you know everything and still can't pin it on me!" Grace Wan grinned. "You can't accuse me, and you can't kill me. Kind of sucks, huh?"

Grace tilted her head and still said nothing.

"You want me to kneel in the ancestral hall? Fine, I'll kneel! But Lena Lawrence, that wretched woman, is about to kick the bucket! She's dying! She won't be able to steal Minister Zhuo from me, or anything else!"

Grace Wan broke into smug laughter, then strutted toward her carriage like she owned the place.

Grace watched Grace Wan swagger away, then lazily rode her horse home.

...

After Lena Lawrence drank the Dragon Blood potion Leon Zane left for Grace, her body finally showed signs of life.

Her temperature was low, but at least she had some warmth.

But she was still in a deep coma, fragile as a perfect ice doll—she looked like she’d shatter at a touch...

Grace sat by her bedside, gently held Lena Lawrence’s hand, and slowly infused her with fire magic.

"Miss Lawrence, if you keep this up, you'll drain your own magic too much," Aunt Crystal said worriedly.

"If it makes my mother feel better, who cares if I use up all my magic?" Grace replied, her voice bleak. "But even if I died from exhaustion, it wouldn’t really help her."

Aunt Crystal’s eyes reddened. "Was it Aunt Wan who poisoned her?" she asked.