Chapter 238 No wonder so many rich women in my past life liked to date younger men.

As soon as she stepped out of the palace gate, Xia He came up to her and placed a hand warmer in her hands. A warmth spread from her palms to her whole body, and Jiang Yu looked back at the high palace walls.

The current emperor is not a tyrant, but he possesses characteristics of feudal monarchs: suspicious, capricious, and autocratic. The feudal imperial system hinders social development, but peaceful reform of this system is impossible.

Turning back onto the carriage, Jiang Yu lowered her eyes to look at the delicate patterns on the hand warmer, then smiled again. She was thinking too far ahead now; perhaps she wouldn't have the opportunity to reform the feudal dynasty system even at the end of her life.

But it doesn't matter anymore. She's just doing her best. As for the final outcome, let fate decide.

As the carriage rumbled along, Xia He's voice rang out, "You had just left when Fifth Young Master Lu came to your study looking for you. I told him that the Emperor had summoned you, and he insisted on waiting for you in your study."

Jiang Yu was both amused and exasperated; how did Lu Xiaowu become so attached to her?

When the carriage arrived at the Zhongshu Sheng government office, Jiang Lihui came out as soon as he got off. His servant was carrying some things, which looked like items he usually used when he was on duty.

Even though she had reached a cooperation agreement with Jiang Hongsheng, Jiang Yu didn't want to bother with this somewhat dim-witted man and walked straight inside. When they were about a meter apart, Jiang Lihui looked at her and said, "I've been dismissed from my post, and the Emperor himself said I'll never be employed again. Are you happy with this outcome, Duke of Chu?"

Jiang Yu stopped and looked at him. "Young Master Jiang, have we ever had any grudges before? My Chu State Duke's Mansion has no connection with your Jiang family. I didn't even know there was a person named Jiang Lihui in the capital. So, whether you are good or bad, alive or dead, what does it have to do with me?"

In other words, I don't even consider you a threat.

These words made Jiang Lihui's face turn red with anger. "I want to see how long the Duke of Chu can remain in his glory."

Jiang Yu: "Yes, I will always be more glamorous than you."

After saying that, she strode forward, while Jiang Lihui gritted his teeth in anger. Jiang Yu, however, sighed for Jiang Hongsheng; having such a son must have been quite difficult for him.

Upon entering the study, I was greeted by a youthful, sunny, and handsome face. "Cousin, you're back."

Jiang Yu was momentarily stunned by Lu Xiaowu's sparkling eyes. She suppressed the corners of her lips that were about to turn up, gave a faint "hmm," and walked behind the desk to sit down.

Lu Xiaowu smiled and sat down opposite her, opened the exquisite food box, took out a pastry and handed it to Jiang Yu, "Cousin, you should try this. The pastries here are delicious. I got up early this morning to queue up and buy them."

Jiang Yu took the pastry he handed her, took a bite, and nodded, "Not bad."

Lu Xiaowu's smile widened, and he took out a bright red jade pendant from his sleeve and handed it to Jiang Yu, saying, "This is for my cousin."

Jiang Yu: "..."

That's quite a generous gesture; they're even giving away blood jade as a gift.

Without taking the jade pendant, Jiang Yu put the remaining pastries into her mouth, took the handkerchief Xia He handed her, wiped her hands, and asked Lu Xiaowu, "Do you want to marry into my family?"

Lu Xiaowu didn't expect her to ask so directly, her face turned red instantly, and then she nodded heavily.

Jiang Yu sighed inwardly. No wonder so many rich women in her past life liked to date younger men. Look at his warm, cute, and shy demeanor. Any woman with some experience would enjoy it.

However, Jiang Yu didn't have time to date the younger man. A key word about younger men is "young." Being young means being unpredictable, immature, and prone to growing up; therefore, there are too many uncertainties surrounding them.

After wiping her hands clean, Jiang Yu looked at Lu Xiaowu and asked, "Do you know how to make pastries?"

Lu Xiaowu was taken aback, then shook his head. How could a pampered young master like him possibly know how to make pastries?

Jiang Yu's expression softened slightly, and then she asked, "What books do you usually read?"

Lu Xiaowu lowered his head and remained silent; he hated reading the most.

Jiang Yu leaned back in her chair and looked at him. After a while, she said, "To be my husband, you must get up with me when I go to court. He has to take me to court. You must be well-read so that we can have something in common. It doesn't matter if you haven't read much yet. Starting today, you must read for at least five hours every day."

These words shocked Lu Xiaowu so much that his mouth dropped open, his face filled with disbelief. But Jiang Yu continued, "I don't like people who waste their lives on frivolous pursuits. From today onwards, throw away all your crickets, and all your so-called friends. You're not allowed to associate with them anymore, and..."

"Whoosh!" Lu Xiaowu stood up, as if fleeing a flood or a ferocious beast, and disappeared in a few breaths.

"Hahahaha..." Jiang Yu couldn't help but laugh.

She knew a little about her little cousin Lu Xiaowu's situation. Because he was premature, he was in poor health as a child. Her aunt and maternal grandmother stayed by Lu Xiaowu's side almost all the time, and as he grew older, they doted on him like the apple of their eyes.

Thus, although Lu Xiaowu was not raised to be a spoiled brat, he still had many flaws. For example, he disliked reading, slept until he naturally woke up every day, liked cricket fighting, and played with a group of wealthy young men who shared similar interests.

Every single one of the demands she just made was a fatal flaw for Lu Xiaowu. There's no way Lu Xiaowu would agree to them.

Jiang Yu smiled and shook her head, then lowered her head to continue with her own business.

........

Meanwhile, Lu Xiaowu ran wildly out, bumping into two people along the way. He only stopped after leaving the Zhongshu Province office, panting heavily with his hands on his knees.

It was terrifying. He hadn't expected his seemingly virtuous cousin to be like this. His mother was right; you can't judge a book by its cover.

He caught his breath, got into the carriage, and returned to the Marquis of Anyuan's residence. He then went directly to the Marquis's wife's courtyard. Upon arrival, he heard from the servants that his mother was also there. So he secretly entered the Marquis's wife's bedroom, took out the bright red blood jade pendant, and quietly opened the jewelry box on the dressing table, intending to put it inside.

"Fifth Young Master, what are you doing here?" A voice rang out, startling Lu Xiaowu so much that he almost dropped his blood jade pendant.

Turning around, he saw Zisu, the head maidservant of Lady Anyuan. He quickly hid the hand holding the blood jade pendant behind his back. But Zisu had already seen what was in his hand. She was in charge of managing Lady Anyuan's jewelry, so naturally she knew every piece of Lady Anyuan's jewelry by heart.

However, Zisu pretended not to see it and said, "Fifth Young Master, the Old Madam and Madam are in the small flower hall. This servant will take you there."

Lu Xiaowu could only follow Zisu to the small flower hall.