Salted Egg Pumpkin Bake

The Empress Dowager turned to Grace Wan, smiling warmly. "I remember your Zhu Family has several young ladies of just the right age."

"That's right." Grace Wan beamed like a flower. "Our second uncle's daughter, Queenie, is wonderful! She has a fire-type Earth Spirit Root, her talent is outstanding, and at just fifteen, she's already a Tier Three Spirit Master!"

"Mm, that's truly impressive," the Empress Dowager nodded. "By the way, what brings you to the palace today?"

"Replying to Your Majesty, we came today to visit Princess Xinyao," Grace Wan replied. "I heard from the Prime Minister that the princess fell seriously ill after being affected by the Celestial Omen during the Royal Hunting Grounds, so we came to check on her."

The Empress Dowager's smile faded a little. "She's fine now."

"Thank you, Aunt Wan, I'm really fine now," Princess Xinyao said from the side. "Thank you for your concern, Aunt Wan."

"That's good to hear," Grace Wan said with obvious relief. "Who would've thought the princess's and the general's birth charts would clash? Luckily, Lucas Lu was there."

Princess Xinyao smiled but didn't say anything.

But her eyes were filled with a sense of relief.

......

After some polite conversation, Grace Wan left the Empress Dowager's palace with Grace.

When she returned to Wendy Zhu, Cindy Zhu was already there waiting for Grace.

She looked much thinner than before—losing her rank must've been truly hard on her.

Seeing Grace, Cindy Zhu really seemed sincere in her remorse. She knelt before her to apologize, looking as earnest as could be.

She even said she wanted to give the Imperial Noble Consort title back to her.

Moved by sisterly affection, Grace helped her up and promised she’d never come between her and Emperor Henry, telling her not to worry.

Cindy Zhu's face immediately fell and she started crying again, heartbroken.

......

Grace guessed that Grace Wan had already told her about the hostage situation.

Now she was finally scared.

Heh heh...

Since they came to the palace, Empress Wendy naturally insisted they stay for lunch before leaving.

However, just as lunch was about to start, Colin Gu showed up.

He said that since Empress Wendy's family was here, they should all share a meal together.

The palace kitchen even sent over a few special dishes.

Wendy Zhu, having been taught by Grace Wan, was the picture of etiquette and handled the table with grace.

Colin Gu was also quite the conversationalist—charming, witty, and refined.

"Aunt Wan, does the food here at the Empress's palace suit your taste?" Colin Gu asked kindly.

"Palace food is always the best!" Grace Wan replied with a smile.

"Then eat more." Colin Gu said, picking up some food for her.

"Oh! Thank you, Your Majesty!" Grace Wan said happily, looking at Colin Gu with great satisfaction.

There's a saying: 'A mother-in-law looks at her son-in-law and likes him more the longer she looks.' That was exactly how Grace Wan felt right now.

"Empress, you should eat more too." Colin Gu said, serving Empress Wendy some food as well.

"Thank you, Your Majesty!" Wendy Zhu rose slightly and thanked him with a smile.

Although the dish Colin Gu gave her wasn't one of her favorites...

But it was the first time!

"And for Grace," Colin Gu said. He was seated across from her, a bit far, but his arms were long enough to pass a dish to Grace.

He served her a piece of salted egg yolk baked pumpkin.

It was a special dish sent over by the palace kitchen.

Wendy Zhu's expression froze for a moment.

Salted egg yolk baked pumpkin?

It's a very homely dish—usually not served in the palace.

But Grace really likes it.

Last time Grace stayed with her for a few days, Wendy Zhu had the kitchen make it especially for her.

That time was a coincidence too—Colin Gu happened to visit, so the three of them shared a meal together.