Chapter 254 is captivating.
In truth, a family like the Gu family, which only produced one fourth-rank military officer, wouldn't be qualified to visit the Duke of Chu's mansion. However, the Gu family has the backing of the Marquis of Cheng'en, and their visit at a time when Jufeng Money Shop and the trading company are undergoing restructuring suggests that their business is quite significant.
Lu Yifang explained the pros and cons to Wu Zhengyan, and seeing that she listened attentively, she was very satisfied. No one is born knowing a lot; as long as one has a good heart and is eager to learn, one will not make any major mistakes.
Wu Zhengyan didn't quite understand some of the things that happened, but she was too embarrassed to ask Lu Yifang directly, so she could only go back and tell Jiang Jiamu.
After listening to her story, Jiang Jiamu pondered for a moment and said, "The Gu family's visit must have been at the behest of Marquis Chengen, to have her come and probe their intentions."
"Then why wasn't it someone from the Marquis of Chengen's residence who came to gather information?" Wu Zhengyan asked, puzzled.
Jiang Jiamu explained to her, "The Gu family runs a money exchange, and what your younger sister is doing now is affecting the Gu family's money exchange. Although the Gu family is affiliated with the Marquis of Chengen's mansion, the Marquis of Chengen's mansion will not openly advocate for the Gu family."
"Why?" Oh Jung-yeon asked again.
Jiang Jiamu: "The Gu family is dependent on the Chengen Marquis's Mansion and should pay tribute to the Chengen Marquis's Mansion every year, but the amount of this tribute is negligible to the Chengen Marquis's Mansion."
This time Wu Zhengyan understood, and then Jiang Jiamu said again: "But, everyone knows that the Gu family is dependent on the Chengen Marquis's Mansion, so we should also give the Gu family some face. After all, the Chengen Marquis's Mansion is the Empress's maternal family, and the Chengen Marquis is in charge of the camp in the suburbs of the capital."
Wu Zhengyan sighed, "If you hadn't explained these complicated relationships to me, I wouldn't have been able to figure them out at all."
Jiang Jiamu patted her hand, "Take your time, you'll understand in time."
Wu Zhengyan nodded emphatically and then instructed a maid to keep watch at the gate of the mansion to see when Jiang Yu would return from court. After the maid reported that Jiang Yu had returned, she got up and walked towards the front courtyard.
Upon entering Jiang Yu's study, one would see her sitting behind her desk, writing something with her head down. A young woman in her early twenties, her face devoid of makeup, adorned only with a jade hairpin, her simple attire was captivating.
"My sister-in-law is here."
Jiang Yu's voice brought Wu Zhengyan back to her senses, and she quickly bowed to Jiang Yu. Jiang Yu smiled and stood up, and the two sat down at a tea table. Jiang Yu poured a cup of tea and placed it next to Wu Zhengyan, then asked about Jiang Jiamu's health with a smile.
"It's much better than before. Thanks to my younger sister who has been trying to find a good doctor, the medicine prescribed by Dr. Li is very effective." Wu Zhengyan said with hope on her face.
Jiang Yu was naturally happy too. She said, "It's still a bit cold now. It might be better to let big brother go out for a walk after it gets warmer in a few days."
“That’s what Dr. Li said too,” Wu Zhengyan said with a smile, getting down to business. She told them about the Gu family sending their visiting cards.
After listening, Jiang Yu thought for a moment and said, "Reply to the Gu family. If Madam Gu asks about the money shop, just tell them to rest assured and to act according to the rules." Wu Zhengyan understood her meaning and, knowing that Jiang Yu was busy, got up to take her leave.
After she left, Jiang Yu sat back down at her desk, lost in thought for a moment. This incident showed that Marquis Chengen was a meticulous man; before she had even done anything, he had already guessed she would make an example of him. Fortunately, they weren't enemies.
The next day, as soon as Jiang Yu arrived at the government office, he sent Xia He to Prince Rui's residence with an invitation, as he was going to visit Prince Rui that day. Her task for the day was to discuss with Prince Rui the formation of a research team.
However, she did not expect that Prince Rui would arrive at the government office a little over two quarters of an hour later.
"I had nothing to do today and thought I'd take a walk," Prince Rui said with a smile.
Today, Prince Rui was dressed in a silver robe, and standing there, he was like the warm winter sun, making people feel very comfortable. Jiang Yu invited him into the study, and the two sat on either side of the tea table. Jiang Yu smiled and said, "Thank you for making this trip, Your Highness."
"The Duke of Chu did this to assist my work, so I should be the one to express my gratitude."
If a seasoned official were to say such a thing, people would surely think it was just polite talk. However, when Prince Rui said it, his expression and tone were so serious that one had no choice but to believe that he was telling the truth.
After exchanging a few pleasantries with him, Jiang Yu got down to business. "Today I wanted to discuss with Your Highness how to recruit personnel to assist you in your research on firearms. I suggested to the Emperor that the ministers recommend talents in this field, but Your Highness needs to explain what abilities these people should possess."
Prince Rui nodded after hearing this, and then said, "We need..."
"Wait a moment, let me take notes."
Jiang Yu interrupted him, stood up, and walked to the table. Prince Rui glanced at the narrow tea table and also stood up, saying, "Let's talk over here."
Seeing a chair in front of the table, he lifted his robe and sat down. Jiang Yu quickly said, "Please, Your Highness, take a seat."
Prince Rui casually waved his hand, "I'll sit here."
Seeing that he wasn't just being polite, and not wanting to waste time with back-and-forth, Jiang Yu sat down in the main seat. Then she took out paper and pen and began to listen attentively to Prince Rui's words while taking careful notes.
"Requires proficiency in arithmetic..."
Prince Rui spoke of his requirements for personnel, his gaze fixed on the woman across from him who was diligently taking notes. She had her head bowed, and from his angle, he could see her full forehead, sharply defined eyebrows, and eyelashes casting crisp, fan-shaped shadows beneath her eyes…
He had never scrutinized a woman so closely before, but now he couldn't tear his gaze away from her. Unlike the noble ladies of the capital, whose faces were adorned with exquisite makeup, she radiated a captivating glow even without a trace of powder, drawing everyone's attention.
Is there anything else?
Jiang Yu looked up, and their eyes met. Prince Rui awkwardly looked away from her face and hurriedly said, "Yes...yes, it would be best if you could draw and prepare gunpowder."
"Hmm." Jiang Yu lowered her head and continued writing, saying, "The abilities Your Highness mentioned are not something everyone can possess. It's enough for one person to have one or two."
"Alright." Prince Rui touched his slightly feverish ears, glanced at Jiang Yu who was writing, and then immediately looked away. He felt that this was too frivolous and not gentlemanly. But his eyes couldn't help but linger there every now and then.
Jiang Yu was a focused person and didn't notice anything unusual about Prince Rui. After finishing her notes, she asked him, "Now that the staff are in place, does Your Highness intend to continue the research at the Prince's residence, or will you choose another location?"
Prince Rui had not considered this question, but since Jiang Yu had asked, he felt that the different office locations should represent different meanings, so he asked, "What does the Duke of Chu think?"
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