Free Web NovelChapter 721: Chapter 313: The Crux of the Problem
Next door.
Celestia is eating with Estella; although she claims to be accompanying her, she’s eating more than anyone.
"Delicious, delicious, so delicious, oh, how is this possible, I don’t want to eat anything else anymore, this is the best, was it sent from across?"
"Yes, he had Ma Liu send it over," Estella said.
"Wow, wow, what a heartless person when it comes to matters of romance; clearly I knew him earlier and better," Celestia said with a pout, feeling indignant.
Estella smiled slightly, "How are things going on your side?"
"Fairly smoothly, in business, profit comes first. With the Zheng Family gone, they can only do business with us, but the allocation is still under discussion; there are some loose ends to take care of as well," Celestia said, her eyes full of shrewdness.
"Hold off a bit; we might need it later," Estella said.
"Alright, lest they think we’re in a hurry. Ah, how come everything got eaten by me," Celestia said with a bit of embarrassment.
"No worries, I’m satisfied," Estella laughed; she liked Celestia’s straightforward personality.
"You couldn’t be satisfied; I ate it all. How about we go across to grab a meal?" Celestia said slyly.
"Today might not be convenient; he probably has guests."
"Oh, right, when I came back, I saw two carriages parked outside; they belong to the Moon God’s Court," Celestia said, "The Moon God cannot compare to our Earth Mother Goddess. I feel their presence in Dragon Capital is superficial; when dealing with Beijing people, I felt more awe than devotion."
Estella didn’t comment; perhaps Beijing people are more rational. She used to be fanatically devoted to deities as well.
"When they leave, let’s go for a late-night snack. People here love midnight snacks. I want to eat a nice hot pot. I wonder if the Gourmet Association can make a fancy one," Celestia enthusiastically suggested.
Estella originally didn’t want to intrude, but her stomach growled in response, so she quietly nodded.
Potter Duke’s Mansion.
After dinner, Landry Potter was enjoying a massage from a maid while Nalan Potter and Feili stood by.
"Do you think I was behind Hong Yan’s death?" the Potter Duke asked faintly.
Nalan Potter and Feili exchanged a glance, vehemently denying it, but deep down they suspected it since their grandfather was capable of such deeds.
The Potter Duke flashed a cold smile, "Though I’ve done many things, this incident wasn’t arranged by me. Old age brings unexpected blame, haha, it’s rather refreshing."
Nalan Potter and Feili were slightly incredulous, "Grandfather, are you implying that today’s chaos at the Council was targeted at us?" Nalan Potter asked.
The Potter Duke nodded.
"But Grandfather, during dinner you didn’t seem to deny it," Feili said in surprise.
"Whether I admit it or not doesn’t matter; what matters is our enemies making everyone believe it."
"How can that be! That’s framing!" Feili said angrily; such insults couldn’t be endured by the great Potter Family.
"Grandfather, are you saying we need to find out who is behind this?" Nalan Potter frowned and asked.
The Potter Duke displayed a proud smile, "For the Potter Family to reach these heights, enduring some injustice is nothing. As long as family interests are served, being at odds with the world is acceptable. But whoever sabotages us is our enemy. This matter isn’t critical; losing a Hong Yan means little. I didn’t act because I deemed he posed no threat to Jingguo brother; the real threat is the one who dared sabotage us from behind. Little Potter, Feili, who do you think it could be?"
Feili thought for a moment, "Is it Ji Sheng? Perhaps the Royal Family shifted the blame on us to clear suspicion. Grandfather, I heard a rumor Ji Sheng might sing the Song of Hell, enslaving angels, nicknamed the Slave Master."
The Potter Duke laughed heartily, "Little Potter, what about you?"
"If we didn’t orchestrate this, there’s only one and a half possible instigators," Nalan Potter said.
"Oh, one and a half? Explain," the Potter Duke showed interest, indicating the maid massaging his legs to stop. She knelt aside with her head lowered.
"Half from the Royal Family; they’re unwilling to concede!" Nalan Potter said.
"How can they be unwilling? Tell me, you seem familiar with that girl Ji Mingyue," Duke Landry chuckled.
"My junior has ambition, striving on the path to Hidden Power reflects the Royal Family’s ambitions. Ji Sheng’s prudent behavior and wealth distribution over the years have led them to collaborate with us on smuggling jewelry; where has all this money gone?" Nalan Potter said, "Yet given the trend, their dream is naïve; regression is implausible. So the Royal Family’s motive is only half; ultimately, the resolution wouldn’t favor them. If discovered, they’d be further weakened. Given my junior’s current ability, she likely wouldn’t act rashly."
"And the other one, does Feili know who it is?" Without directly questioning Nalan Potter, the Potter Duke looked to Feili.
Feili, as the legitimate daughter of the Potter Family, also carried significant responsibilities, including a critical marriage alliance potential domestically or abroad. Regardless, for the Potter Family to keep growing and expanding beyond the Li Long Kingdom, Feili must wisely contribute.
"Is it Ye Shidao?" Feili pondered.
"Not too slow to grasp; we’ve underestimated this old good person’s ambition," the Potter Duke said, a fierce glint flashing in his eyes. Over the years, those who dared cross him had met their end, yet now this resurfaces.
"Grandfather, he kneeled at your door for a long time back then; how dare he now!" Feili exclaimed, recalling how Ye Shidao, the Grand Governor, had humbled himself before the Potter door seeking a chance. It was well-known within the family, kept secret only by the grandfather’s orders.
The Potter Family remains consistent while governors change; even Luthor served their family interests back then.
"Grandfather, did Ye Shidao kill Hong Yan and try to frame us, inciting chaos between the justice and freedom factions? But he hadn’t expected you to dissolve it easily; though the Hong Family harbors resentment, they can’t touch us, and the ousted Chen Rutang is trivial. As long as the situation remains stable, he has no opportunity," Nalan Potter said.
The Potter Duke glanced at this promising child representing both excellent bloodlines – a key strategy for Potter’s advancement, often achieved without regard for surnames; their family’s success relies on prudence, similar to their historical endorsement of Luthor, always willing to invest heavily, known for never engaging in losing deals, yet everyone chooses to cooperate due to this willingness to commit entirely.
"You’re still too naïve; Ye Shidao’s rise stemmed from ruthlessness, meticulous planning. Killing Hong Yan and stirring chaos was just a starting point; I’ve truly underestimated him, making this alert beneficial," the Potter Duke stated calmly.
"Grandfather, should we act against him?" Feili asked excitedly.
"Feili, your problem is letting emotions and personal interests cloud judgment. Failing big once with Lu Shuai is enough; stay home for the next two days, reflect well, come out only when clear-headed," the Potter Duke said, offering no explanation, believing personal realization to be self-owned.
Feili’s face changed slightly, glanced at Nalan Potter, who offered a helpless smile.
"Yes, Grandfather, I will reflect thoroughly."
After Feili left, the Potter Duke turned to Nalan Potter, "Little Potter, if you were making the decision, what would you do?"
Nalan Potter thought for a moment, "Currently, Ye Shidao must be pleased, believing everything is under control. If it were me, I’d first understand what he intends next, then examine if there’s a chance to leverage it; direct confrontation would be the last resort."
The Potter Duke didn’t show joy; rather, he was somewhat impatient, "Where to start?"
Nalan Potter sensed his grandfather’s dissatisfaction, realized he hadn’t pinpointed the key. What information had he overlooked?
All interconnected relations emerged during the Council; the issue lay within. Suddenly, Nalan Potter’s eyes lit up.
"Council proceedings suggest Ye Shidao volunteered to judge Ji Sheng, a gesture uncharacteristic for him. Although Ye Shidao orchestrated all of this, the process seemed too coordinated. The Royal Family and Ye Shidao must’ve collaborated somehow. Should I start with Ji Mingyue?"
Nalan Potter’s eyes sparkled as he spoke, realizing Ye Shidao’s seamless execution was likely due to multi-party collaboration; past gestures such as offering the Royal Family their desires seemed fitting for Ye Shidao.
Smiling at last, the Potter Duke said, "Go on, you’ve been excellent all along. With Ji Mingyue secured, no matter how they stir things up, they’ll be futile."
