A Pair of Sanctum Bracelets

Back at the residence, Grace asked Tenner what the painting stall owner had said.

Tenner replied, "The owner said the painting was given to him by a stranger. All he knows is that the man’s surname was Jia—probably fake. He knows nothing else."

"Jia, as in 'fake'?" Grace sneered. "Well, that’s definitely not his real name!"

Whoever it was, he surely used a false name—maybe even disguised himself.

Knowing this is useless.

"What about the person who caused a scene at the stall?" Grace asked again.

That person must’ve made a fuss just to lure them over.

"After we questioned the owner, we tried to find the one who ruined the painting, but they’d already disappeared."

Grace wasn’t surprised and waved Tenner away.

The person who painted that scene must have been on Spirit Alliance Mountain that day—and saw it all with their own eyes.

Otherwise, there’s no way the details could be so vivid.

Was it Lily Xu? Grace thought of her first.

She was badly injured that day. When Grace and Emperor Henry were at Cangjing Terrace, she probably hadn’t even woken up—so she couldn’t have seen it herself.

So who was it?

Could it… be her?

Rona Zhu?

She did see them that day.

And today, it was Rona Zhu who suggested they go to the flower festival.

But Grace had grown up with her and knew her well.

She didn’t have that kind of artistic skill.

Besides, why would she go out of her way to sabotage Grace’s relationship with Evan Xiao?

It just doesn’t make sense.

...

Grace picked out a pair of bracelets from the things she bought today.

The pair was delicately hollowed, inlaid with Mystic Spirit Jade—elegant, lively, and absolutely beautiful.

Grace fell in love with them at first sight.

She took one bracelet and a few other gifts, then headed to Magnolia Pavilion, where Rona Zhu was staying.

"Sister, what brings you here?" Rona Zhu asked happily.

"I went shopping with the General at the flower festival today and bought a ton of stuff. I brought you a few things."

"How could I let you spend money on me?" Rona Zhu said, a little embarrassed.

"It’s nothing," Grace said, taking out the bracelet she’d picked. "Come here, let me see it on you."

Rona Zhu came over and held out her hand.

Grace slipped the bracelet onto her wrist.

"Rona, your hands are like creamy white jade," Grace said. "With this bracelet, they look even more stunning!"

"Sister, is this really Mystic Spirit Jade?" Rona Zhu asked.

"Mm-hmm."

"Then I can’t accept it—it’s way too precious!" She hurried to take it off.

"Look!" Grace took out the other bracelet. "They’re a matching pair—one for you, one for me. When people see them, they’ll know we’re sisters! Isn’t that great?"

Rona Zhu was visibly moved. "Sister… thank you! Now, no one will ever dare bully me again."

"Why are you being so formal with me?" Grace said. "You know, I may have two sisters by blood, but in my heart, you’re my only true sister."

Rona Zhu understood and grasped her hand. "Sister, I’ll always be loyal to you and treat you well."

Grace nodded and asked, "Rona, do you know what I saw at the flower festival today?"

Rona Zhu shook her head, puzzled.

"A painting," Grace said. "It showed the moment when the Emperor came to Spirit Alliance Mountain, and I was speaking with him at Cangjing Terrace."

"Huh?" Rona Zhu seemed confused. "You? Talking to the Emperor at Cangjing Terrace?"

"Yes—the details were spot on, incredibly lifelike. Even the patterns on my dress were perfectly clear!"