Imperial Treasure-Chapter 748 - 458 Chark

But no one could afford to back down, for if one side retreated, they would have to bear such a stigma. Abroad, and especially in a country like the United Kingdom, where the law is strict and commercial credibility is of utmost importance, especially amongst the old nobility who value their family reputation to an infuriating degree, such a reputation could destroy the prestige they had established over hundreds of years in an instant. Furthermore, the future development of their family enterprises would suffer a huge reduction. To put it seriously, if not handled properly, it wouldn’t be impossible for them to fall into decline just like that.

With so much at stake, how could either family back down? Let alone being on good terms, not even blood brothers could swallow such a blow to their pride!

But the conflict couldn’t go on indefinitely, with both families having influence in the courts and the deadlock persisting, they had to invite some more prestigious individuals to mediate. After all, the industries of both families were tied to London’s financial revenue. One more day of impasse meant one more day of diminished business. How many people were nearing unemployment?

The officials took it very seriously...and then people of renown, including the Duke of Junshi, made their way there...

Then, Cao Qijun softly said, "This matter is now a major scandal in London society. Because of our good relationship with the Ron Family, some people have also started paying attention to us...in short, it’s not easy to deal with."

In England’s high society, where fights break out, three people intervene, and ten cheer on, despicable acts were not uncommon.

"This is murky water, the deeper you wade in, the harder it is to extricate yourself," Cao Ling usually kept to the philosophy of minding her own business, shook her head, "We can’t avoid it. Not to mention that my uncle has a very good private relationship with the Head of the Ron Family, but also because his status and personal prestige within the nobility inherently come with a certain power. Power comes with responsibility, and he must appear to mediate some disputes, otherwise why would anyone respect you? It’s all a matter of supply and demand."

This statement hit the nail on the head. The so-called nobility can’t afford to be too lofty in today’s society. Don’t you see, even the British Royal Family has begun to play the sentiment card.

Without any social contribution, which citizen would care about you!

This kind of dispute among British nobility was naturally not something that Sui Yi and his companions could chime in on, so they simply listened... It was none of their concern.

During dinner, the Grand Duke finally returned, his face showing fatigue. Originally at a height of one-meter-eighty-five, with long legs capable of striding powerfully, now he seemed somewhat sluggish.

Just like China, the United Kingdom experiences the changes of four seasons, but its climate is temperate, and the winters are not as cold as China’s. However, sometimes it snows...

At the moment, there were a few snowflakes on the Grand Duke’s coat...

Cao Qijun stepped forward to take his coat off, her brows knit with concern, yet she didn’t say much, only remarking, "Don’t worry too much, let’s have dinner first."

The butler, understanding the cue, brought forward a bowl of thick soup to warm the lungs..

Losar didn’t start with the soup, but instead looked towards Sui Yi and his companions, showing apologetic eyes, "I apologize, esteemed guests, for Losar’s discourtesy today, as I failed to offer proper hospitality."

Sui Yi and his companions naturally expressed that they didn’t mind.

Observing the Grand Duke, it was true that foreigners often appear to age more easily, yet this Duke seemed to live quite a content life. Nearing forty, his face was still remarkably handsome and strong, his physique upright and robust. By appearances, he matched up quite well with the beautiful and gentle Cao Qijun.

Losar had previously shown considerable attention to Sui Yi, and at this moment, after naturally exchanging a glance with his wife upon noticing Sui Yi between the servile Chark and the reticent Ye Zixu, he realized that Sui Yi’s reputation was well-deserved, and he was a figure worth noting.

If it were before, he would certainly have made great efforts to become friends, but now he simply didn’t have the spare energy for that. He could only maintain courtesy for now and make amends in the future...

Dinner conversations in England aren’t discouraged; instead, the culture encourages free talk. So during the meal, Losar did not show any hint of dejection from earlier, and instead took great care to treat Sui Yi and his companions as honored guests. Perhaps he wasn’t as amiable and gentle as his wife, but underneath his dignity, he wasn’t haughty and was quite approachable...

The conversation went on, and then the butler reported in.

"Duke, the Head of the Ron Family has arrived,"

Losar’s handsome expression immediately stiffened, and he frowned slightly, "Please let him in,"

After speaking, he excused himself...

It seemed there was trouble again with the Ron Family?

After dinner, as evening approached, Sui Yi and his companions stepped out into the back garden. The estate behind Junshi Castle was extremely beautiful, with vast stretches of grass and lakes, towering trees—even in winter, it had its own charm. The group stood inside the glass house looking out at the winter scenery, could play billiards, read, or engage in other leisure activities...