Chapter 148: A Business Deal

In the opulent main hall of the High Captain's mansion, the rich sound of laughter reverberated off the walls.

Jiang, the High Captain himself, sat across from a devilishly handsome man with long black hair.

Jiang leaned forward, a smile playing on his lips, "This is such a pleasant surprise, Brother Ling. I wasn't expecting you to grace us with your presence today," he said, his eyes glinting with a mix of curiosity and cunning.

Lucas returned the smile, his demeanor relaxed yet confident, "I couldn't wait to discuss a business idea I've been developing. It's something that could change our fortunes dramatically," he said, his voice smooth and persuasive.

Jiang's grin widened, his interest clearly piqued, "You're a man of vision, Brother Ling. I'm all ears. What kind of business are we talking about?"

Lucas leaned back, his expression one of calculated assurance, "I have the empress's permission to pursue any venture I see fit," he began, "and I've devised a plan so grand, so lucrative, that it's unlike anything attempted before. We can run every lucrative business like brothels, pubs, mercenary guilds, weapons and so forth all combined into one. However, it requires significant investment. But I assure you, once it takes off, it will not only bring us immense wealth but also power that rivals the empire itself."

Jiang's breath hitched slightly as his eyes gleamed with unrestrained greed.

He quickly moved to sit closer to Bai Ling, his voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper, "Are you certain about this plan, Brother Ling? Because if you are, I am ready to invest everything I have. Your achievements speak for themselves, and only a man of your caliber could conceive something so bold."

Lucas leaned back, "Brother Jiang, rest assured, when I embark on a venture, I do so with the certainty of success. And you have my word, you will get what you deserve." Lucas said as his smile deepened.

Jiang leaned back, a satisfied smirk on his face. "That's what I like to hear. With your ties to the empress, especially after marrying her granddaughter, there's no limit to what we can achieve," he said, his eyes gleaming with visions of power and wealth.

Lucas's smile remained, but there was a hint of calculation in his eyes. "There's just one small condition, though. I trust you won't have any issues with it?"

Jiang waved his hand dismissively, his confidence unshaken. "Of course, Brother Ling. Whatever it is, consider it done. Why would I ever hesitate?"

Before Lucas could articulate his condition, the door opened, and Celia entered, her arms laden with a tray of food and drinks. She moved gracefully across the room, her presence an unexpected interruption.

Jiang frowned, his annoyance evident. "Why are you here? I told you not to disturb us. Can't you see we're in the middle of something important?"

Celia's eyes briefly met Bai Ling's, a flicker passing across her eyes before she quickly masked it with an apologetic smile. "I apologize for the intrusion," she said, bowing lightly. "Please, continue your discussion."

As she left the room, Jiang let out an exasperated sigh. "She's quite the trophy wife, but sometimes she can be such an airhead. I hope you don't mind, Brother Ling."

Lucas shook his head, "Not at all. In fact, I was about to ask if I could own your wife until our business plans are completed."

Jiang's eyebrows shot up in surprise, but Lucas continued, "She's such an elegant and soft-spoken woman. It's rare to find someone like her. So, what do you say?"

For a moment, Jiang seemed taken aback, his brow furrowing in thought. However, his surprise quickly turned into hearty laughter. "Of course, of course," he said, slapping his thigh. "Celia is indeed dutiful, beautiful, and obedient. You won't find her match in any other kingdom. How could I refuse your request? You can treat her as your own, but please, be discreet. I have my reputation and my children to think of. I wouldn't want anything to interfere with our business plans."

Lucas's smile widened, a hint of something darker lurking beneath his smile. "Of course, I'm a very discreet man. But I must insist that during the time I 'own' Celia, she is not to be touched by anyone else and I mean anyone. I want her exclusively for myself."

Jiang nodded, understanding the implications. "You're more possessive than I would have guessed, Brother Ling. But don't worry, she'll be solely yours. It's a small sacrifice. I have other diversions to occupy my time."

Lucas then leaned in, his voice lowering conspiratorially. "As a token of my appreciation, how about I personally mentor your youngest son? I believe I could teach him a thing or two."

Jiang's smile broadened at the offer, his eyes alight with a mix of greed and satisfaction. "That would be most generous of you, Brother Ling. Xulan could certainly benefit from your guidance."

Lucas stood up gracefully. "If everything goes according to plan," he began, his voice dropping to an almost conspiratorial whisper, "you might very well find yourself in a position far more advantageous than you are now."

He lowered his voice. "Imagine," he continued, "you could be the next king, with control over everything he currently possesses."

Jiang's eyes widened at the insinuation, the weight of Bai Ling's words sinking in. Images flashed through his mind – the throne of Yiman, a position of unrivaled power within the kingdom.

And then, almost like a forbidden fantasy, the image of Nadia appeared in his mind – her elegance, her cold blue eyes that could kill someone with a glare, her icy beauty, something he had long coveted for years. He would kill just to touch her once more.

He can't let that arrogant prick Yiman enjoy it all forever. He was done playing the guard dog for him.

He realized Bai Ling's plans were more intricate and ambitious than he had initially thought. This wasn't just about a business venture; it was a complete overhaul of the power structure within the kingdom.

Jiang rose to his feet, a wide grin spreading across his face as the potential of Bai Ling's suggestion truly hit home. "Brother Ling," he said, chuckling with a newfound excitement, "I'm beginning to regret that our paths didn't cross sooner."