Chapter 255 The most valuable thing about people is contentment.

“I plan to establish a department,” Jiang Yu said. “This department will be responsible for the research of firearms and other weapons. All the people in the department will hold official positions.”

Prince Rui nodded knowingly, "Then let's do it outside the Prince's residence."

“Okay, how about we name this company the Heavenly Crafts Bureau?” Jiang Yu asked.

"The name is good, but I'm only responsible for research; I don't do anything else."

In other words, he was not the chief official of the Heavenly Crafts Bureau.

"Very well, I will report the matter of the officials in charge of the Imperial Works Bureau to His Majesty."

Prince Rui nodded, feeling extremely uneasy. He couldn't help but want to look at Jiang Yu, but he felt that his behavior was too abrupt. After the two finished their conversation, he immediately got up to take his leave.

Jiang Yu offered to see him off, but he refused with various excuses. As he walked out of the Secretariat, he couldn't bear to look back. Even Prince Rui himself couldn't describe his feelings at that moment.

"Your Highness."

A close attendant called out softly, and Prince Rui snapped out of his reverie, then turned and left. The attendant glanced at his retreating figure, then looked back at the Secretariat, sensing that their lord was acting differently today.

...

After Prince Rui left, Jiang Yu continued writing the regulations for establishing the Heavenly Crafts Bureau, finishing them only when she finished her shift in the afternoon. Xia He helped her pack her things, and the two of them returned to the mansion.

Upon arriving at the mansion gate and alighting from the sedan chair, she saw Granny Feng, who was by Lu Yifang's side, accompanied by a woman and a young woman. Seeing her, the two women quickly bowed and greeted her, "Greetings, Chu State Police."

Jiang Yu didn't recognize the two people, but guessed they must be Madam Gu, so she nodded and stepped into the mansion. Madam Gu and Miss Gu watched her figure disappear behind the screen wall before walking to the carriage and getting in.

"How old is the Duke of Chu?" Miss Gu asked Madam Gu, her eyes filled with eagerness.

Mrs. Gu thought for a moment, "She should be around twenty years old, right?"

"The Duke of Chu is so...handsome." Miss Gu lifted the curtain of the carriage window and looked at the gate of the Duke of Chu's mansion with admiration in her eyes.

"Your father praised you for your studies, but he never said a woman was handsome," Madam Gu said with a smile.

She was relieved to learn during her visit that the Duke of Chu would not target their Tongde Bank, and she was in a very good mood.

"Then how should Mother describe the Duke of Chu?" Miss Gu asked.

Mrs. Gu: "..."

She considered the Duke of Chu's appearance and demeanor. In terms of looks, while he wasn't an absolute beauty, he was still of superior appearance. However, his demeanor was vastly different from the noble ladies of the capital. Therefore, the words used to describe ordinary women were truly inappropriate for describing the Duke of Chu.

"Alright, a man like the Duke of Chu is not someone we can comment on so casually," Madam Gu reminded them.

Miss Gu nodded, resting her chin on her hand. "I just think it's wonderful to be a woman like the Duke of Chu."

Madam Gu frowned. "Throughout history, how many women like the Duke of Chu have there been? Don't even dream about it."

Miss Gu was somewhat displeased. "I don't envy the Duke of Chu for being able to enter the court as an official; I envy her for being able to do what she wants to do."

After listening to her words, Madam Gu was silent for a moment before saying, "How many of us women can truly have freedom? How difficult it is to become someone like the Duke of Chu."

Miss Gu's eyes had lost their previous light, and she remained silent with her head down. Madam Gu, feeling sorry for her, pulled her into her arms. "Being a woman is not easy, but we should all be grateful to have been born into a wealthy family. Otherwise, what would you have done, working as a slave?"

Miss Gu nodded and looked at Madam Gu, saying, "I was just a moment of envy when I saw the Duke of Chu. I know that my life is already very good now."

Madam Gu patted her back with satisfaction, "We all see Chu Guoguang's success and glory, but she must have paid a heavy price. Not to mention anything else, just looking at those examination questions, how many people can do as well as she does? Your eldest brother studied hard every day and only became a Xiucai at the age of twenty-six. How hard must the Duke of Chu have studied?"

We are not like the Duke of Chu. Could you possibly study like your elder brother?

Miss Gu fell silent, and Madam Gu patted her back again, saying, "The most important thing in life is to be content. You are living a life of luxury now, and when you get married, I will choose someone for you who has good character and a good family background, and with a generous dowry, your life will certainly not be bad. There is no need to envy others."

"I understand, Mother." Miss Gu smiled, and Madam Gu was relieved.

......

Jiang Yu, knowing that Lu Yifang had hinted to Madam Gu that she wouldn't target Tongde Bank, thought for a moment, then picked up a pen and wrote a letter to Marquis Chengen. The letter also implied that she wouldn't target Tongde Bank.

She did this to avoid causing the Marquis of Cheng'en to suspect or misunderstand; she didn't want to create unnecessary trouble at this time. However, she didn't expect that trouble would come knocking on her door the very next day.

The next day, she submitted the charter for establishing the Heavenly Crafts Bureau to the emperor. The emperor was very satisfied after reading it and said that he would immediately notify the ministers to recommend candidates.

Jiang Yu had initially considered proposing the addition of science subjects to the next imperial examination, but upon reflection, decided against it. It was best to proceed one step at a time and avoid being too hasty. However, promoting science subjects was imperative.

As she left the palace and headed towards the government office, she was stopped by a nanny. The nanny bowed and said, "Duke of Chu, my princess consort would like to invite you to a tea house gathering."

The old woman turned to look at the carriage behind them, and Jiang Yu looked over as well. She saw the carriage curtain being lifted, and Princess Yong poked her head out and nodded to her.

Jiang Yu was somewhat displeased. Normally, one should give prior notice before inviting someone; blocking their way like this was rather rude. However, she was, after all, the Princess Consort of Yong, and it wouldn't be good to disrespect her. So, Jiang Yu nodded to the old woman and then said to the old woman, "Lead the way."

Seeing that her complexion was not good, the nanny carefully walked away before leaving. Jiang Yu got into the sedan chair and followed behind the carriage, stopping in front of a teahouse. Princess Yong had booked a room in advance, and the two went straight upstairs to a private room.

After sitting down, Princess Yong said, "I apologize for disturbing the Duke of Chu today."

She maintained her airs, offering no apology for her abruptness, and her tone was somewhat condescending. Jiang Yu smiled faintly at her, "Your Highness, please speak plainly. I am indeed quite busy."

These words were somewhat impolite, and Princess Yong frowned. After thinking about it, she didn't feel that she had done anything wrong, but she felt that Jiang Yu was a person who lacked empathy.

"Nothing serious," Princess Yong said, taking a sip of her tea and slowly wiping her lips with a handkerchief before asking, "I heard that the Duke of Chu is reforming Jufeng Money Shop and other businesses?"

“Yes,” Jiang Yu replied.