Undercurrents and Verbal Sparring

She only knew that something like this had happened, but when it was, or whose birthday banquet it was, she couldn't remember at all.

Now that her father was about to throw a grand birthday banquet, she couldn't help but feel uneasy deep down.

Could it be this time?

She had no idea what Grace Wan's exact plan was. All she could do was keep a close eye on her big brother.

......

On her father's birthday, Grace got up early to help her mother Lena dress up, then headed to the banquet hall.

The ladies and young misses attending the banquet all recognized Grace, but very few knew her mother.

Seeing them arrive, everyone glanced over, whispering and guessing who Lena was.

"Madam, you've arrived!" Grace Wan was already busy greeting guests. When she saw them, she plastered on a big smile and hurried over.

"First Lady of the Blue Moon Kingdom!" Lena bowed to her.

"Madam, there's no need to be so formal." Grace Wan helped her up and announced loudly, "Let me introduce everyone! This is our household's Madam. She used to be quite sickly, but now she's finally recovered!"

"So this is the Prime Minister's wife! I've heard of her, but never actually met her!"

"Yes! Now that I've seen her, I can say for sure—Madam is truly stunning!"

"No wonder Miss Grace is so beautiful—she takes after her gorgeous mother!"

"This mother-daughter pair standing together look more like sisters. What a lovely sight!"

......

The ladies couldn't help but gush with praise.

"Has Sister-in-law's illness really improved?" At this moment, Aunt Leah, Queenie Zhu's mother, asked.

"Yes, I'm much better now," Lena replied with a gentle smile. "It's been ages since I've seen you, Sister-in-law. How have you been?"

"Oh, I'm fine! Really! It's been so many years since we've seen each other!" Aunt Leah said with an exaggerated smile. "Heavens, just look at you—you're so thin, you look like the wind could blow you away!"

"That's right! Madam really has had a tough life. Married into the Prime Minister's household, but barely two years passed before she fell ill with that strange disease. And Miss Grace... I wonder, could Grace's lack of a Spirit Root be related to Madam's illness?" The speaker was Mrs. Wan, Grace Wan's sister-in-law.

Lena's face dimmed, and she looked at Grace with loving apology.

Grace shot Mrs. Wan a cold glance and replied, "Mrs. Wan, Spirit Roots have nothing to do with illness. Besides, my mother was perfectly healthy when she was pregnant with me!"

"Oh my! Why is Miss Grace getting upset? I was only feeling sorry for you!" Mrs. Wan said with a cheeky grin.

"It's true my mother has poor health, and I lack a Spirit Root—both are regrets," Grace said. "But luckily, my father is healthy, and the Zhu family has plenty of heirs. We've even become part of the imperial clan, right Mrs. Wan?"

Mrs. Wan suddenly couldn't keep smiling.

Leon Wan seemed to have some issues.

Aside from their child Bella Wan, he took in a dozen concubines, yet never had another son or daughter.

Grace's words had struck a nerve.

Mrs. Wan forced a reply: "Of course, if anyone's truly blessed, it's the First Lady of the Blue Moon Kingdom! All her children are outstanding, and she's been granted the highest title. Some people can only dream of such luck!"

......

Just as the tension was rising and the verbal sparring was at its peak, the Prime Minister himself arrived.

Today he was dressed to the nines, looking refined, charming, and exceptionally handsome as he strode into the banquet hall with a smile.

"The birthday star! You're finally here!" Everyone stood up to greet him. "Please, take the seat of honor!"

The Prime Minister returned the greetings politely, but headed straight toward Grace Wan, Lena, and their group.