434 Chapter 434
434.Chapter 434
At this moment. Eliza had no idea that while her ants failed to complete the task she assigned, they were instead bringing her a big surprise
“The medicinal fields in Kingston are ready. The first batch of seeds and saplings has already been planted. According to the latest letter from Kenzie’s sister, the growth so for looks promising”
“That’s good to hear.” Eliza glanced at the latest account books, flipping through them as she asked, “By the way, Theard that Kenzie’s sister is the one handling things over there?”
Malaki nodded. “Yes, Miss. Initially, I planned to send Kenzie herself, but she insisted her sister was better suited for the job.”
“Did you check her out?”
“Don’t worry, Miss. I’ve already tested her. Kenzie’s sister is sharper and better at managing people than she is.”
Kingston was far away, so they needed someone reliable
While Malaki had the skills for the task, his age and preference to stay by Eliza’s side made him unsuitable for such a distant assignment.
Naturally, this meant finding someone else for the job.
Luckily, Kenzie recommended her sister, who turned out to be a great fit.
However they were in a rush and had to keep it under the radar from the to meet Eliza in person before she had to set off overnight.
family, so there wasn’t enough time for her
“If she’s truly capable, let’s double her pay to keep her motivated. I can’t go to Plutonville myself right now, so this is the best way to keep her on our side.”
Eliza had very few trustworthy people under her command. Coupled with the constraints of her identity, she had to tread carefully in every decision.
“Miss, leave such matters to me.” Malaki smiled knowingly.
Having served as the Padilla family’s steward for many years, he understood Eliza’s concerns all too well. Fortunately, these were precisely the kinds of issues he excelled at handling. “Now that Kenzie has taken over the Oriphoenix Building, the finances are back on track. It should soon become part of your plan and a valuable asset.”
Eliza’s medicinal herb project is undeniably clever. Otherwise, Gabriel wouldn’t have tried to copy her methods, aiming to sabotage her efforts while salvaging the Duke’s estate’s reputation.
But the plan had two major flaws.
First, it was time–consuming. Second, the return was slow.
Growing herbs wasn’t a quick process.
Until the herbs mature, the project would require continuous financial investment for several months, possibly over
Fortunately, Eliza had saved up a considerable amount on her own, and she brought a significant sum with her when she left the Duke’s estate.
er a year.
Additionally, her previous trips to Plutonville and Kingston for prayers were so successful that the king rewarded her generously, granting her tens of thousands of silver taels.
For now, Eliza didn’t need to worry about money.
But constant spending wasn’t sustainable. It would be ideal to have a substantial source of income.
At this point, the Oriphoenix Building was poised to step in as that source.
That was why Malaki was confident the Oriphoenix Building would soon be a major asset
After hearing Malaki’s report, Eliza nodded. “Good to hear. But we should also think about opening another shop. There’s no rush. We can take our time. Once the herbs are ready, we’ll launch a pharmacy.”
“Understood, I’ll make a note of it.” After wrapping up their discussion, Renee was about to escort Malaki out when stepped forward
After wrapping up their discussion, Renee was Diana said, “I’ll see Malaki off. I’m heading to
Slot when Diana stepped forward.
Successfully unlocked!
“Miss Baker.” Malaki greeted her with a polite bow.
Eliza asked curiously, “Why are you heading to Hasen City again? Didn’t you just visit the Imperial Palace yesterday?”
Lately, Diana had been summoned to the palace by the Empress Dowager almost every other day.
Diana
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434 Chapter 434
Sometimes it was to learn court etiquette, and other times it was simply to chat with the Empress Dowager
With fewer people in the harem these days, there wasn’t much scheming or intrique. Coupled with the Empress Dowager’s kind and gentle demeanor, Diana found the experience rather pleasant.
“I don’t know. The Empress Dowager didn’t mention anything specific, just asked me to come to the palace” Diana shrugged with a carefree smile. “Relax, it’s probably nothing. I’ll be back before you know it.”
“Alright, take care” Eliza didn’t urge her to return early
After all the journey from Hasen City to Saint Grace Nunnery was quite long If Diana couldn’t make it back in time, the Empress Dowager would often have her stay overnight at the Benevolent Palace.
The Empress Dowager clearly favored Diana, but whether that was a blessing or a curse was anyone’s guess.
Eliza lowered her gaze slightly, lost in thought
Diana’s carriage quickly reached the base of Mount Westin. After parting ways with Malaki’s carriage, she continued her journey toward Hasen City.
As her carriage passed through a narrow path, it suddenly came to a halt.
“What’s the matter?” Diana asked the person up front.
Her driver, who doubled as a guard, replied, “There are two people by the roadside ahead. The man looks like Matthew Stonor, the third son of the Duke’s estate. I don’t recognize the woman.”
“Matthew Stonor?” Diana paused for a moment, then lifted the curtain slightly to take a look. She immediately recognized the man’s figure. It was indeed Matthew.
As for the young woman beside him, Diana hadn’t seen her before, but she could easily guess who she was
With a cold laugh, Diana ordered, “Surround those two scoundrels for me!”
Matthew was one thing, but it was not pleasant for Diana to meet Sophie.
She hadn’t had the chance to deal with her before, but now that they’d crossed paths, there was no way she’d let this chance slip. If she didn’t put that girl in her place for Eliza, she would not settle for the day.
At Diana’s command, the guards immediately drove the carriage forward, stopping right in front of Matthew and Sophie.
The carriage came to a halt.
Before Matthew and Sophie could react, the Baker family’s guards had already surrounded them..
Matthew took one look at the guards and instantly recognized them.
His eyes lit up with excitement as he turned toward the carriage. “Diana? Is that you? Come down! I have so much to tell your
“Zip it.” From inside the carriage came Diana’s imitated voice.
Diana emerged, lifting the curtain with one hand and holding a riding crop in the other. She stepped out with her chin raised, her face full of disdain.
She said, “I was going to get out and teach someone a lesson anyway. But now that you’ve called me, anyone who didn’t know better might think I came down because of you. Do I look like some mutt you can call and shoo away as you please?” As she spoke, her sharp gaze swept over Sophie standing beside him.
With a cold laugh, Diana asked in a harsh tone, “So, you’re the illegitimate daughter who’s been stealing someone else’s place?”
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