Extraordinary Rise: Starting Contract with the Silver Dragon Countess

Chapter 231: Reason for Failure - I can't find a woman more beautiful than Cohen's lover! (Please read it again, woo woo)
(The follow-up reading is still dropping!!! Please follow up reading Wow bosses, the electronic pets are going to die. The economic situation is severe recently. Without clear documents, no bonuses are allowed. Xiaotang has a family to support, wuwuwu, otz otz otz)

In the Grand Duke's Palace, Grand Duke Silver Frost's face was as gloomy as water. Standing below the stage were Prime Minister Faria, CIA Director Perez, and Army Chief of Staff Viscount Claude.

His good mood for the whole day was ruined by a report from his son-in-law, CIA Director Perez.

Grand Duke Yinshuang looked at his son-in-law and asked in a deep voice:

“Is your information accurate?

Also, when did you come up with those analyses?
Why didn't you tell me earlier? "

"Perez" replied in his usual tone:
“This is information obtained from the Kingdom of Ceylon, and it has spread throughout the capital, Quesaon.

It is said that Aifei is planning to use the Western Region Empire to bypass the Kingdom of Ceylon and attack our Yinshuang.

Including some of Aifei's troop movements, they are not normal.

As for the intelligence analysis... we had similar speculations before, but without any solid evidence, we did not dare to disturb His Highness.

It wasn't until recently that I was able to come up with a more reliable guess based on this information."

Grand Duke Silver Frost's face turned visibly paler, and shock and fear appeared in the eyes of Viscount Claude, the Chief of the Army General Staff not far away.

Aifeiyin, these three words have recently been like a thick cloud, hanging over the hearts of every Silver Frost person.

Grand Duke Silver Frost immediately looked at his Prime Minister Faria, his voice almost roaring:
"My Lord Prime Minister, didn't you say that the Western Region Empire has agreed to mediate between us and Effiin?

Why does this situation still occur now? "

Faria's face was also very ugly, and he looked at CIA Director Perez with some blame and surprise.

How could this director report this information to Grand Duke Yinshuang without consulting him first? This put him in a very passive position.

This is different from before.

Although Perez is the son-in-law of Grand Duke Silver Frost, his personal relationship is best with Prime Minister Faria.

To be precise, Faria made a lot of efforts to make Perez the Grand Duke's son-in-law. Without the Prime Minister's strong recommendation, Perez might not have caught the Grand Duke's eye.

The Prime Minister naturally didn't know that Perez had been replaced at this moment.

Prime Minister Faria suppressed his bewilderment. It would be futile to say more at this moment. He had to calm the furious Grand Duke first. He bowed slightly to the Grand Duke, then looked past him, sternly at Perez, and asked in a deep voice:
"Director, has the Kingdom of Ceylon officially stated anything?"

Perez shook his head.
"Our people have verified with the Ceylon royal family, and they have not received any similar intelligence. They are also investigating the origin of the rumors domestically."

Prime Minister Faria breathed a sigh of relief and then asked:

"What about Effiin?"

Perez replied:
"This is exactly what I'm worried about. According to my informant's report, Marshal Arnold of Eifin has indeed disappeared from the court for a while, and along with him, three thousand Orc soldiers have also vanished.

Therefore, I speculate that the rumors circulating in the streets of Ceylon have some truth to them."

Prime Minister Faria's brows were deeply furrowed. He could already imagine the impact that these two pieces of news would have on the people in the country once they were announced.

However, the most important thing at the moment is to calm His Royal Highness the Grand Duke down. If Aifein really wants to attack Yinshuang, even if he cannot defeat her, he cannot surrender so easily.

The key to all this is that the head of this country cannot lose his reason and judgment. He is really afraid that Grand Duke Yinshuang will be scared and run away.

Faria took a deep breath, looked at Grand Duke Silver Frost, and said in a deep voice:

"Your Highness, I'm inclined to believe that this is all a ploy by Effiin to win over our hearts and minds. They're acting this way because they want us to surrender without a fight and submit to them.

This just proves their guilty conscience. I think the efforts made by the Western Region Empire on our behalf internationally must have paid off, and Aifein no longer has a legitimate reason to send troops.

This is the only way they can put pressure on us.

If they really wanted to attack us, they wouldn't have done it in such a high-profile manner.

Military transit is a highly confidential matter. How could it be possible that rumors are circulating even among the common people of Ceylon?"

After hearing what Prime Minister Faria said, Grand Duke Silver Frost's expression immediately eased a lot.

What the Prime Minister said makes a lot of sense. Yes, if we put ourselves in his shoes, if he were to take action against a certain country, he would definitely take confidentiality measures. It would be impossible for him to make it known to everyone before he even takes action.

Grandpa Yinshuang asked openly:
"You mean, these news and intelligence were deliberately spread by Effiin."

Prime Minister Faria nodded.

Viscount Claude, the Chief of the Army General Staff, also calmed down and asked:
"So what's their purpose in spreading this rumor? Is it simply a psychological attack?

King Effiin doesn't seem like such a careless person."

Prime Minister Faria shook his head slightly and said:

“The intelligence we have obtained is still too little to analyze Effiin’s true intentions.

But one thing is certain: they will not launch a military attack against us in the short term."

This is actually Prime Minister Faria's own true inference.

After learning about the other party's actions, Prime Minister Faria has determined that the other party will no longer launch an armed attack against Yinshuang.

Because he had analyzed King Effiin's deeds, he knew that this man would either not take action, or if he did, it would be with thundering force.

This was the case with the joint attack on the Central Empire and the Eastern Territory Empire, and also with the Black Tomb.

He would rather be a fool, give up the kingship, and endure behind the mask for several years until he delivers the crucial blow.

Therefore, this kind of high-profile publicity before the war even begins is definitely not a sign of an armed attack.

The Prime Minister was also puzzled and didn't understand why Effiin did this.

The only effect of their actions on Yin Shuang is to cause panic among the people across the country. Are they doing this just for intimidation?

Without giving Prime Minister Faria time to think, Grand Duke Silver Frost changed the subject.

Hearing the Prime Minister's decisive statement, Grand Duke Silver Frost felt relieved, but his expression remained very solemn. He looked at Claude and said:

"How's the plan you mentioned not long ago going?

Is it feasible?"

Claude immediately realized that the Grand Duke was talking about the plan mentioned by the generals before, which was to send a woman to King Effiin. He glanced at Prime Minister Faria, who was firmly opposed to the policy of marriage.

What Viscount Claude never expected was that Prime Minister Faria actually looked at him for advice.

Viscount Claude's heart moved slightly, and he said:
"Your Highness, that's not feasible."

Grand Duke Yinshuang frowned and asked:

"Didn't you say that King Effiin was a womanizer, with a bunch of women around him who had ambiguous relationships with him? Why is it not okay again?"

Viscount Claude showed a hint of jealousy on his face, and replied with a wry smile:

"Your Highness, a marriage alliance is possible, but the problem is that we don't have a suitable woman to send."

Grand Duke Yinshuang's face showed surprise, and he asked:
“Are you kidding me?
There are tens of millions of people in Yinshuang, and you can't even find a woman to marry into the family?"

Claude whispered back:
“Your Highness, according to our investigation, the women around King Effiin seem to have… extraordinary backgrounds, and their looks are among the best of the best.

Not to mention Queen Effiin and the Daughter of Golden Wings, the so-called empress's envoy beside him is actually a daughter of the royal family from the most beautiful elves.

There are not many people in the whole continent with this level of appearance.

We Yinshuang really can't find a beautiful woman of this level.

If I just pick someone and send them over, I'm worried they might not like it, and it might even backfire."

His Royal Highness the Grand Duke's expression froze, and his heart was suddenly filled with resentment and anger. Where did this damn pretty boy get his luck from? How come he could hook up with all these stunning women!

He waved his hand dejectedly and said:
"I still have to look for one. I just can't believe that in such a big country, I can't even find a beautiful woman.

You still need to pay attention to this matter.

Okay, I'm feeling a bit upset today, so I'll stop here for now. You all can go now."

"Yes!"

Several people retreated one after another. Only Viscount Claude slowed down his movements slightly. After the other two left, he said with an attentive smile:
"Your Highness, you've been so exhausted from worrying about state affairs these past few days. Why don't you go to the Yinlu Mansion in a couple of days to relax?"

Grand Duke Yinshuang naturally understood what the so-called relaxation meant. After a brief thought, he replied:
"Okay, which comrade should we call this time?"

Viscount Claude immediately replied:
"Your Highness, it's General Redinolz, the Superintendent of the Army Military Police, who will take his turn."

Grand Duke Yinshuang's eyes showed deep thought as he said:

"Let's pick him. During times of national turmoil, we need to build relationships with those in the military. You and Shepard should arrange this matter.

As usual, keep it quiet. Also, if Miss Goya is not busy, invite her along. We had a very pleasant chat last time."

Viscount Claude showed a submissive look on his face and lowered his head and replied:

"Okay, Your Highness."

After leaving the Grand Duke's Palace, Claude went directly to Redinolz's base camp, the Army Gendarmerie Headquarters.

When he saw Redinolz, he said to him:
"Well, my General of the Military Police, I have done all that you commanded me."

Redinolz suppressed his emotions and said with a smile:
"My in-laws are reliable. Have you decided on a specific date?"

Viscount Claude waved his hand and said:

"It will probably be within the next two days. I'll let you know in advance once it's finalized.

Mr. Military Police Supervisor, I have done everything you asked me to do, as for my matter..."

Redinolz handed over a list and lowered his voice:
"This is the intelligence gathered by the secret agents I left with the commanders of several military regions. They are all core secret members of the Dawn Society, and many of them participated in the collection of evidence and reporting on you last time.

Don't be so hasty to act, or I'll be in trouble." Claude took the list, and after reading the names, his pupils flashed coldly, and a smile appeared on the corner of his mouth. He said:
"I understand. Don't worry, I won't make things difficult for you."

Redinolz pretended to be worried and warned:
"Don't let your guard down. These people have deep roots in the military. Don't offend them all at once."

Viscount Claude waved his hand to indicate that he understood, put away the list and kept it close to his body. Then he changed the subject and asked:

"What do you have that you must report to His Highness the Grand Duke in such a situation?"

Redinolz's eyes moved slightly, and he replied calmly:

“It’s not a good thing.

I think His Highness will only be willing to listen to my report when he is physically and mentally comfortable."

Viscount Claude didn't care and waved his hand.

"Don't worry, I'll speak for you when the time comes. Just prepare well in these few days!"

……

The campus of the School of Arts of Yinshuang National University was shrouded in golden afterglow.

In the upper-level conference room of the administrative building, the dean of the School of Arts of Yinshuang National University stood respectfully behind a middle-aged man, introducing something in a low voice.

Baron Sheppard, the chief of the attendant office of Grand Duke Silver Frost, was flipping through the files in his hands, and one young and beautiful female face after another passed before his eyes.

From time to time, he would stop flipping through the files and linger on a student's file for a few seconds. At this time, the dean of the Art College behind him would whisper about the student's resume and family situation.

After a while, Sheppard brought out the roster, circled five names on it, and said to the principal of Silver Frost University:
"Just the five of them. They need to do their job properly and explain the policy clearly. This must be done with the best of intentions. Don't cause any unpleasantness. Do you understand?"

The principal repeatedly assured her, then asked with a hint of flattery:

"Baron, it's getting late. How about we try our National University's specialties at noon?
The entire NUS has always looked forward to the care and guidance from the Grand Ducal Palace.”

Baron Sheppard's face was very calm, and he moved his lips and said:
"Okay, since I've made up my mind, you don't have to go eat.

My nephews and nieces are usually taken care of by the principal. Please let me know if you have any questions.

I'll try my best to help if I can."

The NUS president's face suddenly became even more smiling, and he waved his hand slightly, signaling the dean behind him to leave.

Then he said:
"Next month, the new NUS campus will be officially completed. Could Your Highness be invited to attend the ribbon-cutting ceremony? I would like to report to Your Highness in person on my work."

Baron Sheppard raised his eyebrows slightly, and calmly glanced at the plump NUS president with a guilty smile on his face, and asked directly:

"Principal, we are old acquaintances. I can only help you if you explain the situation clearly.

His Highness the Grand Duke has been very busy lately with Effiin's affairs, so I can't bring myself to ask for this without a valid reason!"

The muscles on the principal's face twitched abnormally, and his smile froze slightly. After a long and intense struggle in his heart, he finally spoke:
“A few years ago, we had some funding problems due to the expansion of the new campus.

In order to make up for the shortage of funds and ensure that the new campus is completed on time, students' normal study and life will not be delayed.

Our NUS has come up with some ways to raise funds, but...the methods are not very legal or compliant.

But recently, for some reason, the people from the Supervisory Department of the Council of Nobles have been holding onto us and insisting on investigating further. I heard that they even sent a report to the Cabinet Office, and the Prime Minister has personally intervened... I'm worried that there may be some misunderstanding, and I want to report it to His Highness in person."

Shepard then asked:
“What’s next?
Have you made up for the money you raised yourself?"

The principal nodded and replied:

"Yes, we submitted a supplementary application to the cabinet, which has been approved and the money has been received."

Baron Sheppard's face showed a thoughtful expression. After a moment of contemplation, he said something that seemed to express his opinion but was not quite clear:

"We are all working for the country, so mistakes are inevitable. If we make a mistake, we just need to correct it!"

The principal felt excited. As long as no one refused outright, it meant there was still hope.

correct!

The key is to correct it, and how to correct it all depends on Baron Sheppard's subsequent statement.

The principal only hoped that Baron Sheppard would not ask for too much. He lowered his voice and said softly:
"Baron, the construction of the new NUS campus involves many people, including the Minister of Education, the Minister of Industrial Construction, and some local governors and commanders... In order to allow our students of Yinshuang to use the new campus as soon as possible, everyone has put in a lot of effort and attention.

If you are willing to lend a hand, everyone will be grateful to you."

Baron Sheppard's expression relaxed a lot, and he suddenly asked:
"If I remember correctly, the special funds for the new NUS campus were personally approved by His Majesty the Grand Duke. How could there be a gap?"

The principal was panicking and replied with a stiff upper lip:

"This... is due to an oversight by the budget team, which resulted in the reported budget being insufficient."

Baron Sheppard obviously sensed something fishy and asked:
"The budget was prepared by the Chancellor of the Exchequer. Mr. President, are you saying there's something wrong with the Chancellor's work?"

The principal quickly shook his head.

Shepard chuckled and said:

"Principal, if you don't tell me the truth, it won't be easy to help you!"

The principal hesitated for a long time, a bitter look on his face, and his voice became even lower:
"This is our responsibility. We didn't do a thorough enough job during the initial investigation and didn't notice that there were some aristocratic estates and lands on the site of the new campus.

This was omitted when reporting to the Chancellor of the Exchequer, and as a result, the Chancellor was not prepared adequately when budgeting for demolition costs, resulting in a significant shortfall.”

Baron Sheppard smiled, his voice a little playful:
"Oh, such a mistake could happen in a prestigious university like National University, the highest institution in the entire Silver Frost. Isn't that a bit too careless?"

The principal repeatedly reviewed himself and said:
"Yes, yes, that's wrong. I've already severely reprimanded the vice-president in charge of the demolition work, and he even made a profound self-criticism at the school-wide leadership meeting. We must learn from this lesson."

Baron Sheppard fell silent again. He almost understood the crux of the matter.

It was obvious that the Chancellor of the Exchequer was having a hard time getting his way and was unwilling to recognize those so-called aristocratic estates and lands.

He simply advanced the money himself, and then bypassed the Chancellor of the Exchequer and submitted the application for reimbursement directly to the Cabinet.

Baron Sheppard's eyes darkened as he directly asked the crux of the matter:
"Did the nobles possess their estates and lands before the demolition, or did they suddenly acquire them after the demolition?"

After hearing Shepard's explicit words, the principal knew that the truth could no longer be concealed. He was silent for a moment, a layer of cold sweat covering his back. After a long while, he spoke dryly:
"Your Excellency, you know, although I am the president of the National University, in charge of the country's highest institution of learning, and on the surface I seem to be in a very glorious position, but in fact... I am just a senior clerk.

I can’t get to where I am today without the support and help of many people. If they ask, I have no choice but to do it.

There are some things that you should know even if I don’t tell you.

Eight words, once you are in the officialdom, you have no choice! "

Baron Sheppard was not moved at all by the principal's pity talk. It was a joke. It was too fake for the principal of NUS to describe himself as so pitiful.

Sheppard was certain that the aristocratic land occupation movement behind the construction of the new campus might have been initiated by this principal.

He was afraid that if something happened in the future, he wouldn't be able to cover it up alone, so he called on others.

Shepard's expression was calm, and he still didn't express his opinion. He just asked stubbornly:

“I want to know who is involved in this.

Is it the ones you just mentioned, the Minister of Education and the Minister of Industry and Construction?

There are also governors and generals."

The principal nodded silently, then added:
"The construction of a new campus for the nation's top university is a huge undertaking, and there are so many people who want to get involved.

I am just a small principal and I cannot afford to offend many departments.

Your Excellency, you hold the lives and property of countless colleagues in your hands. Please give this matter some consideration!"

Baron Sheppard pretended to close his eyes and think for a long time before softly uttering a number:
"Thirty percent."

The principal's eyes twitched unconsciously and he bit his tongue hard, as if trying to hide the shock in his heart.

I've heard that Baron Sheppard of the attendant's office is a ruthless person, and seeing him today proves that his reputation is well-deserved.

So many big leaders are involved, and they all want a share. He is the president of NUS, the initiator and organizer of the entire project, but he only dares to take 10%. Sheppard, you didn't put in any effort, you just set up a connection, and you want 30% with just a few words.

To say Shepard is greedy is an understatement.

But the situation was pressing, and this time the person biting them was the Minister of Supervision of the Council of Nobles, who had a very good relationship with Prime Minister Faria.

If he were to join forces with the Prime Minister to continue the investigation, the loss would be more than 30% of the profits!

Even though he thought so, the principal still showed an extremely hesitant and struggling look. After a long while, he said:

"Your Excellency, please have some tea. I'll go take care of some official business and come back later."

Baron Sheppard smiled and said:

"Official business is important. The principal must handle official business well!"

The principal raised his eyebrows slightly, bowed, and left the meeting room.

Baron Sheppard leaned back on the sofa, closed his eyes, and calculated in his mind how much money the 30% profit would be.

After a long time, the principal pushed open the door quietly with a hint of excitement on his face.

Baron Sheppard opened his eyes, looked at the principal, and said gently:
"Mr. Principal, have you finished your official business?"

The principal immediately replied:

"We've finished discussing this, Baron. My colleagues all agree that if you're willing to help, 30% will be used as your activity funds."

Shepard stood up slowly, his voice solemn:
"Please tell your colleagues and friends, Mr. Principal, to put your minds at ease.

I will not watch those who have contributed to the country's education cause shed blood and tears!"

(End of this chapter)