A Top Scholar in Everything

Five days later.

Baiyu managed the affairs within his society, and had several banquets with numerous nobles who were originally close with the Mutual Aid Association.

These matters are a protocol that he couldn't avoid no matter what.

Although Villiduo is not like Kyoto, it still has many noble families.

The background behind the Mutual Aid Association is ultimately the military.

How could he not associate with those retired earls from the army?

Having handled these matters, Baiyu finally found some time to address the formal business between the Qiong Family and the Ning Family.

Of course.

This is also his official business.

Moon Shadow City.

Located in the suburbs of Villiduo.

It has only ten thousand households and is a city as small as it can be.

However.

This city has quite a reputation.

Moon Shadow City is the fiefdom of Count Bene.

The East Prosperity Imperial adheres to the system of degradation succession for titles.

Titles can be inherited without change for three generations.

After three generations, the title level drops by one with each passing generation.

The current Count Bene has already reached the third generation, and hence the title will have to degrade further down.

However.

Most noble families live off the legacy of their ancestors.

But the three generations of Count Bene had been shrewd and diligent, developing the count's fief into a thriving place, eventually forming the base of Moon Shadow City.

This place is also a renowned gold pit in Villiduo, frequented by officials and nobility, where spending tens of thousands, several hundred thousand, or even millions in one night is quite common.

"This Count Bene really has some knack."

Within Moon Shadow City.

Baiyu, along with Qiong Xue and Ning Huanran, rode a carriage along the street.

The whole street was neat and tidy, with hardly any miscellaneous trash, not even street vendors.

The Earl's Mansion guards patrol the city.

And every entertainment venue is buzzing with business booming terrifyingly.

"This count's popularity is not just because of her good management, but also because she controls many commercial lifelines in Villiduo. If she pinches the merchant's business a bit, their losses can be calculated in tens of thousands.

Thus this place never lacks patrons.

Just the tributes from these merchants alone are enough to suffice the Earl's Mansion with endless wealth for generations.

That's why this count's life is so luxurious."

Ning Huanran explained to Baiyu.

As the highest martial strength of the Ning Family and one of the current practical leaders, Ning Huanran accompanied Baiyu to ensure his safety.

Of course.

Qiong Xue and Ning Huanran can handle ordinary situations.

If they encounter any truly irresistible dangers, Baiyu will still be needed.

Though he does not have high Blood Qi currently.

He has an alarming amount of life-preserving resources.

Not to mention those strange and bizarre gadgets.

This Earl's Mansion is a den of dragons and tigers, yet he is confident of getting out.

As long as they don't encounter someone as terrifying as Ji Long, who has Tier Two strength, there will be ways to deal with it.

The whole Earl's Mansion is lavishly decorated.

Winding corridors, golden sandalwood handrails.

Artificial mountains everywhere.

The pond has willows swaying in the wind, constantly filled with birdsongs, and the fragrance of flowers permeates the air.

Ning Huanran and Qiong Xue, both accustomed to big scenes and coming from wealthy families.

Yet, seeing the scenery of the Earl's Mansion still surprised them greatly.

The three, led by the mansion's butler, arrived at the main hall of the Earl's Mansion.

Upon entering, four carved columns adorned with gold decorations appeared in sight, exuding a grand and elegant vibe.

The surrounding furnishings are exceedingly sophisticated.

Furniture made from the finest wood, ancient and cultured.

The main seat made of metal, covered with the pelt of a Tier Three Exotic Beast, the Nine Ao Lion, as a cushion.

Nine Ao Lion.

Tier Three Exotic Beast, extremely rare.

As soon as the three entered the main hall, a voice came from behind the screen: "I was wondering when to invite the lord over, today I finally await the honored guest under the stars and moon."

Count Bene walked out with a very charming smile, accompanied by two maids from behind.

The count wore a subtle and serene moon-white robe today, with a blush on her cheeks, a hint of affection in her peach blossom eyes, her gaze blurred, giving a sense of longing and sorrow unto one.

Added to that, her impressive figure that the robe could not conceal.

No wonder so many nobles in Villidone are pursuing Count Bene.

This setting, placed in Baiyu's previous life, would be nothing short of a top-notch beautiful wealthy woman.

Who wouldn't like a beautiful wealthy woman?

Moreover, this beautiful wealthy woman not only has mines but also a city, and is alone without other relatives.

Such conditions.

It's only natural to be envious.

"Lord Earl, you're joking, I'm just here to discuss business." Baiyu returned the smile.

"Business and such don't need to be discussed much today, I have prepared in advance..."

Count Bene quickly produced two contracts: "Let the young lady from the Ning Family behind you take a look, does this contract seem alright?"

Ning Huanran took the two contracts, glanced over them, but the more she looked, the more serious her expression became.

"How is it?"

Baiyu asked.

"Very good, these contracts... have virtually no drawbacks for our families, but doesn't Lord Earl take a share?"

Ning Huanran hesitated somewhat at this moment.

The contracts were almost too favorable.

She almost couldn't believe it initially, hence the inquiry.

Count Bene said: "Everyone doing business values harmony for wealth, mutual benefit. Your businesses are just starting, why would I make it difficult for you, that would foster enmity. Besides, my Earl's Mansion isn't lacking these funds.

Let's just consider it making friends.

Don't mind it, when your business prospers in the future, I plan to gain some benefit from it."

Upon hearing Count Bene say so, Ning Huanran hesitated and didn't continue to ask further.

She is a martial artist, not adept at dealing with business people.

Though the Ning Mansion previously mentioned taking forty percent profit, but now, not taking a single cent, the change was indeed too big.

"Since the count is so generous, then I, along with the two families, must thank you again here." Baiyu maintained a gentle smile on his face, said these words, and then kept silent.

Alicia paused.

This scoundrel.

Doesn't even ask if I have other requests?

Not playing by the rules.

Having gained such a benefit, at least he should inquire if there are other troublesome matters.

This is normal thinking.

However.

Alicia recalled the deeds she investigated about the man before her, thought it over momentarily, and hesitated to say:

"Actually, I have a private matter that I need Chairman Bai's help with."

This scoundrel doesn't take the initiative to ask.

Then Alicia can only bring it up herself.

Even though she has long been in a high position and adept at dealing with business people, asking so proactively made her cheeks slightly flush.

"Ah, so Lord Earl has other matters, huh."

Baiyu showed a look of sudden realization, "With such generosity from your lordship, how could I decline? Whether it's braving a mountain of swords or plunging into a sea of fire, just say the word, I will definitely not frown."

Alicia looked at Baiyu suspiciously.

This speech.

Even made her a bit blushed.

But this brat didn't even frown, yet spewed out such a long spiel.

Truly shameless.

"This matter is private, unsuitable to be spoken in public, so would Chairman Bai be willing to come and discuss in the back garden with me?"

Count Bene spoke earnestly.