A Massive Smoke Signal

"Because from now on, I'll still be sleeping with the man I love, while you have to sleep with a man you don't love—and maybe even hate! Obviously, you're the one who's got it tougher, right? Hahaha!"

Grace looked at her and said, "You know, you've actually got a point..."

Wendy Zhu looked even more smug and continued, "That Evan Xiao really is a catch—any woman would fall for him. Too bad, from now on, you two are separated by life and death. Never seeing each other again! Tsk tsk, little sister, I really do pity you!"

"Wendy Zhu, you really are Grace Wan's daughter! Both of you have pitch-black hearts!"

"Heh!" Wendy Zhu laughed. "Of course I'm my mother's daughter! My mom's a legend! Didn't she ruin your mom's life? You'll end up ruined by me too!"

Grace nodded, "Alright! I'll be waiting to see how you make my life a living hell."

Wendy Zhu just smiled and walked away.

Grace thought to herself, this girl is seriously twisted...

The next day was the Grand Arbor Gala.

Of course, the trees being planted were the Spirit Trees gifted by the High Kingdom.

The Spirit Trees weren't huge—maybe as tall as three or four people. Six palace guards could easily carry one and plant it.

All the ministers and officials were present today.

Minister Zhuo, Dowager Lady Evelyn Zhu, and the rest were all there, but Grace didn't see her mother.

Today wasn't just the Grand Arbor Gala—it was also Grace's wedding to Colin Gu.

Why wouldn't she come to the palace today?

With everyone watching, Grace couldn't just walk over and ask.

During the tree planting, Grace and Colin Gu knelt side by side at the front. All the ministers and officials knelt on either side, everyone bowing low to the ground, not daring to raise their heads.

Because that would be a grave disrespect to the gods.

Suddenly, a child's innocent voice rang out: "Grandpa, there's smoke over there! So much smoke!"

Grace turned to look—it was an old prince with his beloved grandson.

Kids don't know any better—he probably just looked up.

And when he did, he saw the smoke.

The old prince quickly pushed his grandson's head down and whispered, "Spirit Root Transplantation is the tree's own pain, shared for the good of all. We have to kneel humbly—we mustn't look up."

"But there's really a lot of smoke over there! It looks like something's on fire!" The child's voice rang out, clear for everyone to hear.

Some people couldn't help but sneak a glance.

Suddenly, someone jumped up and shouted, "Wolf Smoke! Your Majesty, there's Wolf Smoke rising in the south!"

Colin Gu, who'd been bowing devoutly, snapped his head up and looked—and sure enough, it was Wolf Smoke!

Wolf Smoke only gets lit when enemies invade!

"Report! Your Majesty! Urgent military news!" A Spirit Cavalry rider galloped in, heading straight for Colin Gu.

"What's happened?" Colin Gu demanded.

"The High Kingdom's army has charged in—moving like a tidal wave—heading straight for Dawnville!" the Spirit Cavalryman reported.

Colin Gu kicked the Spirit Cavalryman over. "Wow, you sure love your fancy phrases! What do you mean 'charged in' and 'tidal wave'? Where's this High Kingdom army coming from?"

"Your Majesty, the latest news... King Skyroc has been killed, and Henry Tuoba has retaken the throne..." The Spirit Cavalryman wiped blood from his mouth as he stood up. "The High Kingdom's army is—coming!"

"Impossible!" Colin Gu kicked him down again. "Henry Tuoba is finished! He's done for! King Skyroc was already crowned! Stop trying to mess with my army's morale!"

This time, the Spirit Cavalryman couldn't get back up. Clutching his chest, he tilted his head and fainted.

"Look!" someone suddenly shouted.