After entering the palace, Wolf took Leon Zane away to an unknown place, while Grace met Colin Gu in the Golden Splendor Hall.
He smiled warmly and asked, "Grace, what brings you here?"
Grace asked, "Why did Wolf arrest the Imperial Advisor?"
Colin Gu replied, "That’s all court business. You shouldn’t worry about it. Just focus on preparing for your wedding."
"But I want to know," Grace insisted.
"What’s your relationship with him?" Colin Gu asked. "Why are you so concerned about him?"
"He saved my mother’s life."
Colin Gu nodded, "Alright, I’ll spare his life then."
"What crime did he commit?" Grace asked.
"Enough about him. Grace, come here." Colin Gu sat at his desk and beckoned her over.
Grace walked over.
On the desk sat a box filled with rare Spirit Gems.
Jewelry crafted from Xuan-level (second tier) and even Earth-level (third tier) Spirit Jade;
Ornaments made from high-grade beast bones;
And treasures fashioned from the inner core of certain spirit beasts...
"I was just thinking of picking something from these to give you. Take a look—see what you like?" Colin Gu asked with a smile.
Grace stared at the items without saying a word.
"If you like them all, just take the whole box." Colin Gu pushed the box toward Grace.
Grace looked up at Colin Gu and said, "Your Majesty, you already know the one I love is Evan Xiao. I stayed in Blue Moon Kingdom for him, and I’ve played along with you for his sake. Why pretend you don’t know? Is this fun for you?"
The smile on Colin Gu’s face slowly faded.
"Your Majesty, please let me go! I’ll always remember your kindness," Grace said.
"He’s already dead," Colin Gu said. "He fell into the Eastern Sea—there’s nothing left of him!"
Grace replied, "Whether he’s dead or alive... I belong to him!"
"So you mean, even if he’s dead, you still won’t marry me?"
"It’s my misfortune, Your Majesty. I can’t give you my whole heart, and I truly don’t deserve your love—"
"Chloe Zhu," Colin Gu called.
"Yes, Your Majesty," Grace responded.
"I’ve never loved a woman before." Colin Gu stood up and gently lifted her chin. "You’re the first."
Grace stayed silent.
"Day and night, all I ever think about, all I ever plan, is how to get rid of Henry Tuoba and be with you," Colin Gu continued. "And for you, I did it. Are you not moved at all? Hmm?"
"I am truly moved, but feelings can’t be forced."
"Grace, I don’t care who you liked or loved before," Colin Gu said. "I believe that once you become my empress, once you’re mine, your heart will turn to me."
Grace looked up at him, then used two fingers to gently push away Emperor Henry’s hand from her chin.
With that push, Emperor Henry couldn’t resist at all.
"Perhaps Your Majesty doesn’t know—my cultivation has reached Ninth Rank Spirit Master," Grace said. "I don’t think there’s anyone in Blue Moon Kingdom who can force me!" (Spirit Master ranks: Ninth Rank is the highest tier before breaking through to the next realm.)
"Ninth Rank Spirit Master?" Colin Gu was utterly shocked. "You’ve already reached Ninth Rank?"
Grace smiled, "So, Your Majesty, you really shouldn’t take the risk. Forcing a woman you can’t control is truly unsafe."
Emperor Henry looked at her, his thoughts unreadable.
"I wish you great success at the Tree Planting Ceremony in three days," Grace said. "I’ll take my leave now."
She turned and walked away.