Chapter 736 - 328: Ji Sheng and Estella

Chapter 736: Chapter 328: Ji Sheng and Estella

The Golden Maple Lodge, a property of the Royal Family, features a unique golden maple leaf landscape in autumn. The lodge is famous for its life-sized golden maple tree and is one of the most popular lodges in Dragon Capital. Today, however, it is not open to guests as it has been booked for a private event. The servers are busier than usual, and the surrounding streets are filled with some unusual people.

There are not many in Dragon Capital whom Ji Sheng personally receives, and today is special with two such individuals. At such times, Ji Sheng is even more cautious, as the Porcelain Doll has reminded him. The entire district centered around the Golden Maple Lodge is under surveillance with his puppets. Since the Moncalleta people’s carriage first entered, it has been under his watchful eye.

Turning the angel’s ring in his hand, Ji Sheng’s mood gradually calmed.

Celestia and Estella arrived, with Estella still in the guise of a man named Ella and without any other attendants, showing enough sincerity. After exchanging pleasantries, Ji Sheng dismissed the servants as well.

When Estella shed her disguise and revealed her true appearance, Ji Sheng was momentarily dazed by her stunning beauty. Even a man like Ji Sheng, who had seen many grand scenes, marveled at the creator’s wondrous work.

"Before meeting Your Highness, I had some doubts about the reputation of the Pearl of Dao Yuan. Now that I see it, it’s truly well-deserved," Ji Sheng said, not sparing his words of praise as he acknowledged the sincerity from Moncalleta.

To discuss significant collaboration, it must be among the masters themselves.

"Ji Chief Steward, Her Highness has entered Dragon Capital secretly not only to strengthen our cooperation but also to build a private friendship between our Royal Families, ensuring our cooperation can be more enduring and stable," Celestia said.

"Your Highness, Miss Celestia, that is exactly what I desire as well. The Zheng Family’s rebellion has been quelled, which is cause for celebration. Dragon Capital and Hedan have a long tradition of cooperation, and our Royal Families have always maintained friendship. Princess Mingyue is still young, so the Royal Family’s properties are managed by me. Since Prince Ola values me so highly with his personal presence, I cannot be stingy. I am willing to offer a ten percent concession in our previous cooperation to show sincerity and also to congratulate the new King on ascending the throne," Ji Sheng said.

Estella smiled slightly, her captivating beauty instantly shining bright. Even the old eunuch was dazzled, wishing for a rebirth.

Beauty is righteousness.

"Thank you, Ji Chief Steward. Your generosity is reciprocal. We will expand the import of Hex-Tech products, and as for the several categories you’ve always wanted, we will work on gradually opening them up, such as the high-purity refined iron ore," Celestia said, responding to a look from Estella.

Ji Sheng suppressed the joy in his heart. Doing business with the Zheng Family was difficult; they understood the Beijing people and knew the Ji Family’s situation well, so they deliberately suppressed him, always maintaining a superior stance. The Royal Family needed a lot of funds, and the Song of Hell required money, forcing Ji Sheng to endure. Now that the Zheng Family has fallen, he was initially worried about this smuggling trade, but now it seemed fortunate. With an inexperienced princess and an untested young lady, a slight twist solved the long-unresolved issues.

The profits from smuggling, especially in maritime international trade, are the highest. If he can obtain those few items under Moncalleta’s control, it would be a profitable business indeed, and even a bargaining chip to counter the Cabinet, serving as an important future leverage.

Thinking of this, the corner of Ji Sheng’s mouth couldn’t help but reveal a smile.

"In our Dragon Capital, there is an old saying left by Governor Luthor: ’Women are no less than men,’ and it suits Princess and Miss Celestia perfectly—bold and generous. I toast to you both," Ji Sheng raised his glass.

"Her Highness does not prefer to drink, so I’ll toast on her behalf to Ji Chief Steward, wishing us mutual prosperity and everlasting friendship," Celestia cheerfully drank it in one go.

Ji Sheng did not mind; Estella’s personal presence was a pleasant surprise in itself. If she had drunk casually, it would have made him suspicious instead.

This was the real person; there was absolutely no impersonation. This aura, this visage, and the divine favored presence exuding from her, none but the Pearl of Hedan could match. She embodied the elegance of Princess Mingyue, the inner spirit of the "Nun," and the unparalleled beauty of the Potter young lady, who was Luthor’s wife.

Who would have thought that such a woman, blessed with all the essences of heaven and earth, existed in this world? Truly, it is a nation favored by the Earth Mother Goddess.

"Ji Chief Steward, since we are to expand our cooperation, let’s speak frankly," Celestia’s expression turned serious.

"Please speak, Miss Celestia. Feel free to say anything," Ji Sheng said gently.

Outside the Golden Maple Lodge now, dozens of formidable puppets, disguised as different professionals, were observing every detail of their surroundings to ensure the lodge’s safety. At the sign of any anomaly, they could not only alert Ji Sheng but also allow him to transfer his soul to any puppet if needed, as he had little trust in the Moncalleta people. More accurately, he would remain extremely cautious until the election was settled.

Everything around them was calm, and Moncalleta’s attendants were very quiet.

However, high, very high above the Golden Maple Lodge, beyond the surveillance range of the puppets, while the air was also under their watch, high altitude was not included. 𝒻𝘳ℯℯ𝑤ℯ𝒷𝘯ℴ𝓋ℯ𝘭.𝑐ℴ𝑚

Li Xin was being held aloft by Chris in the air, feeling cold. Clutching the Great Vajra Wheel Seal mudra, he maintained his focus as both he and the bird awaited Estella’s signal.

Contemplating how to assassinate Ji Sheng, he and Estella came up with numerous plans, including disguising as attendants, but facing an old fox like the Puppet Angel, it seemed difficult to hide. Any hint of suspicion could lead the Puppet Master to transfer. They had to strike when the other side trusted them completely, with only one chance.

Li Xin was inspired by a move from a palm technique that descended from the sky, and high altitude was the blind spot the Puppet Master could not anticipate.

Inside the Golden Maple Lodge, a relaxed Ji Sheng appeared especially dignified.

"The current political situation in Dragon Capital is unstable. The previous Grand Governor Yeshi Dao was relatively gentle in his ruling style. If replaced by the Nalan family, it is uncertain if unpredictability will increase. We are aware of the Potter family’s style," Celestia said. Her mission today was to address the risks of cooperation.

Ji Sheng chuckled, "Your Highness and Miss Celestia are well informed about Dragon Capital. Behind the Nalan family, it is indeed the Potter family support, but I can confirm he will not become the Grand Governor!"

"Ji Chief Steward, the Potter Family is among the esteemed elite of Dao Yuan Continent. Chen Rutang is merely a Canon Law School Dean with little background in Dragon Capital. Can he win?" Estella asked.

The delightful voice genuinely stirred the desire to impress one’s inner self.

"Your Highness, rest assured, no one can affect our cooperation, and there will be even greater surprises in the future," Ji Sheng said proudly, looking forward to greater business opportunities once the Royal Family restores its glory.

Estella gently furrowed her brow, "Not hiding it from Ji Chief Steward, my visit to Dragon Capital is to ensure this cooperation succeeds, influencing my voice with my elder brother. This also concerns my future primary source of income, so I must be cautious."

Ji Sheng, being a member of the Royal Family, naturally understood. It meant that the business line would be the current Moncalleta King’s personal estate for the princess. He sensed Her Highness’s worry and frankness; only such an inexperienced Little Princess would speak so plainly.

Ji Sheng laughed heartily, "Your Highness is so honest, allowing me to express my sincerity. Dragon Capital won’t change; to be precise, it will only get better. Whether it’s Nalan Jingguo or Chen Rutang, they are but clowns. I won’t go into much detail; as long as Your Highness trusts me, together we can usher in a new era."

Estella gazed at the confident Ji Sheng, nodding, "Then thank you, Ji Chief Steward. You, too, are welcome to visit Hedan as a guest whenever you like. Celestia will represent me in all subsequent matters."

"Your Highness, rest assured; we will have even broader cooperation spaces," Ji Sheng smiled.

Celestia’s demeanor also turned gentle, "Ji Chief Steward, this is Her Highness’s first significant task entrusted to me. I am young and lack much understanding, so I’ll need plenty of guidance in the future."

"Miss Celestia, rest assured, the Ji Family and the Ola Royal Family are age-old families with millennia of lineage. There’s no better or more solid reputation than ours," Ji Sheng smiled.

"I will escort Her Highness back today, and tomorrow we can discuss the specific details of cooperation and the expanded trade categories," Celestia said.

"Allow me to escort Her Highness," Ji Sheng smiled.

"Ji Chief Steward, please stay. Her Highness travels incognito; in Dragon Capital, only you know, so as not to draw attention. Please also help us keep this confidential," Celestia said.

"Please rest assured, Your Highness," Ji Sheng gave a slight smile, quite satisfied; Hedan has shown him much respect this time.

At this moment, Estella had already put on the leather mask. The two left the Golden Maple Lodge, with Ji Sheng watching them board the carriage from upstairs, still savoring the moment.

"Truly a peerless beauty."