After Being Blackened All Over the Internet, I Ruled the Military Variety
Chapter 660 - 650: The Opposing Side

Chapter 660: Chapter 650: The Opposing Side

After a few seconds of silence.

"Why do you think I can save the eldest young master?"

"I know..." Aibosi Koli said, then suddenly paused, raising her hand to touch the emerald earrings on her ear, "I want some peace. Without permission, don’t allow anyone to disturb me on the second floor."

Jiang Lingxi glanced at her earrings, guessing it might be some kind of communication device.

It was quite similar in function to the brooch she wore.

Retracting her gaze, she looked towards the first floor and saw that Changning had already descended, discreetly heading in the direction of Guan Yuan and Mei Shuiqing.

"Whether it’s the eldest, the second, or the young lady, none of them are allowed to disturb me!"

After giving the orders, Aibosi Koli explained to the waiting Jiang Lingxi, "What I have to say next requires only Miss Jiang as an audience. Please, take a seat, Miss Jiang."

Jiang Lingxi sat back in her original position.

Aibosi Koli sat across from her, weighing her words, her expression gradually becoming solemn.

Jiang Lingxi observed the change in expression of the elderly woman before her. In this situation, she would listen critically to anything anyone said, other than from her own people, deciding whether to believe or not.

Once Aibosi had thought it through, she looked up, meeting Jiang Lingxi’s eyes.

In those eyes, there was none of the fanatical worship or other emotions usually seen when people looked at her, only a crisp, refreshing breeze, and a trace of deliberate inquiry, which, despite her anger and worry, unexpectedly calmed her mind greatly.

"Sorry to keep you waiting, Miss Jiang. This matter is indeed incredible to me."

"Please, go ahead."

"Hemier is my chosen heir, the eldest among the third generation. I’ve focused more on nurturing him than on affection. We seldom meet, mostly due to work. Given his naturally reticent nature, by the time I noticed something abnormal about him, it was too late."

"He was once a child who loved his brothers and sisters, but now, his humanity is fading. Kevina and Vini have told me more than once they’re increasingly afraid of him, but I’ve always thought it was because he was accumulating more and more authority."

"That devilish woman — initially, I thought her goal was the Aibosi family’s business. But although the business is managed by Hemier, it’s still in my hands. She hasn’t revealed any intention to take over the family’s assets. She only controls Hemier. Should I die, with Hemier under her control, she essentially commands the entire Aibosi family. Hiding in the shadows, she’ll remain undetected."

"Previously, no matter what, I couldn’t find out who this woman was or where she came from. I used my connections, hired detectives and mercenaries, yet she was like a puff of smoke, elusive. But this time is different," Aibosi Koli said, taking a sip of water while looking at the girl opposite her, whose expression remained calmly listening. "Hemier mentioned your name, Miss Jiang, and you’re the first woman to catch his attention in such a long time. So I boldly speculate this is an order from the woman behind him."

"I admit, I investigated you," Aibosi Koli said with serene expression, "Whatever the reason, I had to investigate. You’re outstanding but also somewhat elusive."

"Yet, this elusiveness isn’t off-putting. Especially since now, seeing you in person, I use my nearly a hundred years of insight to determine you couldn’t possibly be friends with that secretive woman, hence you’re adversaries."

"That woman is desperate enough to use Hemier and the Aibosi family behind him to deal with you, Miss Jiang. If anyone can wake Hemier from her enchantment, I think it must be you."

Jiang Lingxi’s eyes flashed with admiration.

As expected, the person before her was worthy of leading such a vast family for over forty years.

This International Fashion Town, although small, only roughly the size of a middle-sized city in Hua State, is independent from all countries, and can barely be considered a tiny nation.

The Ruler of the Aibosi family is also the master of this small country.

Indeed, without capability and resolve, one couldn’t possibly hold this position for decades.

Aibosi Koli’s decisiveness and resolve were fully displayed at this moment.

Yet, Jiang Lingxi wanted to ask another question, "Aren’t you afraid of misjudging?"

"Though I trust my eyes, I can’t say I would never misjudge. If I’ve erred this time, then it’s a calamity meant for the Aibosi family and Hemier. After all, I’ve used all the means I could. Why not take a chance?"

"But if Hemier can indeed be saved, Miss Jiang, you’ll be the benefactor and friend of the entire Aibosi family. Even if I’m no longer around, no matter who the next Ruler is, this promise will always be kept."

"Her name is Wu Hua."

Aibosi Koli’s back instantly straightened.

"That name..."

"What?" Jiang Lingxi was considering how to phrase her words when she saw Aibosi Koli’s reaction, not appearing to hear this name for the first time.

"It sounds somewhat familiar." Aibosi Koli thought for a moment but shook her head, "Please continue, Miss Jiang."

"A mage from Hua State, I wonder if you’ve heard of them."

A person of age, with a wealth of experience, Aibosi Koli nodded, "It’s said such people have mysterious and unpredictable means. Is this Wu Hua a mage, then?"

Jiang Lingxi nodded back at her, "But mages can be orthodox or unorthodox, and Wu Hua follows the latter path..."

*

At the same time.

The third floor, above the second floor, contained the guest rooms of Tang Palace.

In a room at the end of the corridor, unlit with only a few white candles, Hemier knelt on one knee before Wu Hua, who, dressed in a black gauze dress, exposed only her eyes.

"As Jiang Lingxi went upstairs, she suddenly asked about your name. I suspect she might be onto something."

Wu Hua’s eyes blinked gently, a cold smile emerging, "As expected..."

But even Hemier, kneeling nearby, didn’t hear the rest.

"What?"

"Nothing. Even if you’ve aroused her suspicion, it doesn’t matter."

After all, just a useless pawn now.

Once Hemier exited, Yin Chong, who had been silently standing in a corner where candlelight couldn’t reach, stepped out to Wu Hua, "Changning by Jiang Lingxi’s side has already gone to find Guan Yuan. Jiang Lingxi is talking with Aibosi Koli, but we can’t hear what they’re saying. Wu Jue and Shen Yunqing are in the building opposite the Tang Palace, observing as well."

"I underestimated that old woman, Aibosi Koli, who can still meddle at this time. Unfortunately, it’s too late. Has Mei Shuiqing’s time come?"

Yin Chong paused silently for a moment, then nodded, "Almost there."

"If she can give Jiang Lingxi trouble before dying, it’s worth it for her."