A Top Scholar in Everything

The place where the Qiong Family and the Ning Family entertain guests is not in a tavern.

Instead, it is in a newly acquired house by the Ning Family.

The architectural style of this world is not like Baiyu's previous life, which followed one style; rather, it is a flourishing diversity. Whether it's pavilions, towers, or ancient castles and manors, all are visible.

The Ning Family sought out such a large courtyard.

This courtyard was originally a residence of the Zhong Family, one of the twelve Imperial families, but unfortunately, like the Qiong Family, their fortunes have declined, forcing them to sell off ancestral property, leading to further decline day by day.

It's even heard that the Zhong Family recently had to rely on marriage alliances through their children to get by.

Simply put.

It means selling off sons and daughters.

These noble families often have a generation in its prime, but the second and third generations, if they don't produce any prominent figures, only continue to decline.

Don't even mention expanding the family.

Even maintaining stability becomes difficult.

In the end, it can only lead to selling off family assets.

The Qiong Family is no exception.

If not for Baiyu, once Qiong Jiu the "Qiong Family Ancestor" passes away, who else in the Qiong Family can assume leadership?

A few clan elders already halfway in the grave, or Qiong Xue who sleeps all day?

"Uncle Ning said, there's another villa next to this courtyard, which also belongs to the Zhong Family.

After some time, we'll buy this one and let the Qiong Family move in.

Then everyone can take care of each other."

Qiong Xiaoyu followed closely behind Baiyu, chattering endlessly. After all, she's an unruly little girl, lively and always on the move.

However.

When Baiyu saw the large courtyard now renamed "Ning Mansion," he was still shocked by its splendor.

No doubt, it's the Ning Family.

Even if their long-standing business in Zenith City was ruined, the accumulated wealth must be astonishingly frightening.

Such a large courtyard.

Rockeries and flowing water, pavilions and buildings, more than a hundred rooms, probably couldn't be obtained without billions.

Furthermore.

This is in Villiduo, where every inch of land is worth gold.

If you account for the shops and land deeds in Zenith City, just the real estate alone is an untold amount of money.

Even though Zenith City is now being rebuilt, the Ning Family has donated a lot of money into it.

But once rebuilt, won't it still be theirs?

However.

This amount of wealth, without corresponding military support, is merely a golden pig.

Hence, Ning Fugui immediately agreed when Baiyu proposed cooperation with the Qiong Family.

The Qiong Family, a declining noble clan, is most suitable for their kind of merchant family.

And Ning Fugui also planned to pair Ning Qian with Baiyu.

Preparing for an intimate marriage alliance.

With his insight, how could he not realize who runs the Qiong Family now?

Even the Qiong Family Ancestor is taught by this person, and their relationship is close, unlike teacher and student, more like siblings.

Of course.

He absolutely dared not speak such words aloud.

"Brother Bai, Miss Qiong, the master is waiting inside."

After a while.

Ning Yu, daughter of Ning Fugui's sister, appeared, along with a peer from the Qiong Family, to welcome Baiyu.

Because Qiong Xiaoyu liked calling him brother.

Afterward, she followed suit, and Baiyu felt there was no need to be too formal, so he let them call him that.

Just walking through the corridors of the courtyard took several minutes.

Among the coming and going servants.

All sorts were present, and their behaviors and actions clearly showed they had received professional etiquette training.

These people.

Must have been taught in schools specifically for training servants.

When Baiyu, with Qiong Xue, finally reached the main hall of Ning Mansion, he saw Ning Fugui with a clan elder from the Qiong Family come out to welcome him.

"Brother Bai, finally I invited you. You come busy with affairs I fear distracting you from official duties, yet these days truly require your counsel."

From afar.

Ning Fugui, the fat man, exaggeratedly cried, seemingly having suffered a great grievance, pouring his woes to Baiyu.

Baiyu was somewhat puzzled.

What is this again?

But recalling when he first came to the Ning Family, jokingly mentioning a brotherhood with Ning Fugui, he understood.

"Uncle Ning, this is within my duties, naturally I should come."

Baiyu smiled and said.

Ning Fugui replied, "Why act so formally, do you not recognize me as a brother?"

Before Baiyu could answer.

The old steward from the Ning Family chimed in, "Master, you're confused; if you refer this way, how will they call each other in the future between Young Master Bai and the young lady."

Ning Fugui laughed heartily, "I'm confused, but the past is past, and after marrying in, each can talk their way! "

Watching the two act in such harmony.

Baiyu felt peculiar.

Are they eager to marry off the daughter?

Never before were they so attentive.

Although there was friendship, not to this extent; they always allowed things to naturally develop between him and Ning Qian.

However.

It seems Ning Fugui has learned much from the Qiong Family.

Baiyu wasn't surprised; knowing Ning Fugui's current actions well.

Of course.

There's some cleverness involved, but it's well measured.

"Uncle Ning, let's go inside, today's purpose is to discuss business."

Baiyu said with a smile.

...

Once seated.

Baiyu was placed in the main position by Ning Fugui and the clan elder of the Qiong Family.

Today's business guest.

Was Count Bene from Villiduo.

Looking at the elegant and graceful Countess in her twenties below, Baiyu was slightly surprised.

There are not many countesses in the East Prosperity Imperial.

At present.

This one not only secured her position but is also so young and actually manages several commercial channels.

Even the Villiduo Shelter's pharmaceutical taxes are under her control.

Clearly showing her extraordinary abilities.

Baiyu certainly wouldn't underestimate her, although he's an Imperial Baron and must pay his respects upon meeting a Count.

He immediately cupped his fists, saying:

"Greetings Count Bene.

I've long heard Count Bene is a rare capable woman, wishing to visit someday; unexpectedly, today I get my wish and meet you."

"Chairman Bai, what a jest, I've wanted to meet Lord Bai for a long time too. Hearing today's business is with Chairman Bai, I hurriedly freshened up and came over, without any delay."

This woman in her mid-twenties spoke in a gentle voice, melodic and smooth.

Like a thirteen or fourteen-year-old girl.

Coupled with those charming peach-blossom eyes constantly falling upon Baiyu, as if she wanted to devour him.

Baiyu wasn't unaware of the dirtiness within aristocratic circles.

Though Count Bene never had any rumors, nor heard of keeping lovers, Baiyu thought it's better to stay away from such seductive temptresses.

He's a vigorous man himself.

But now, priorities lie with serious matters, can't afford distractions, lest he loses strength and later even his Blood Qi loosens, that would be troublesome.

Thus he remained virtuous all along.

Even with someone like Erin, enchanting and full of Spiritual Qi, Elf Banshee, he only played casually.

Never wishing to turn soupy rice into cooked meal for real.

Exchanged a few ordinary remarks.

Baiyu drank a sip of tea and said solemnly, "Lord Earl, you should know the medicinal trade better than me.

If we cooperate.

How would you propose we collaborate?"

As these words fell.

Ning Fugui and the Qiong Clan elder perked up, listening closely.

Due to their significant difference in status with the Earl, only Baiyu could converse with the Earl.

However.

Engaging in any medicinal business would inevitably require her involvement.