Chapter 939 Holiday Ruined

Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation

Three days later, the Gu family was finally ready to depart for their manor when Eunuch Qian arrived unexpectedly.

“Lord Gu,” the eunuch announced, “the Emperor summons you to the palace immediately.”

Gu Chengrui apologized to Zhou Ying and approached Eunuch Qian. “May I inquire about the reason for the Emperor’s summons?”

He discreetly slipped Eunuch Qian a five-tael silver ingot.

“Do you recall,” Eunuch Qian explained after pocketing the silver, “that the Emperor sent expeditions last year to search for mineral deposits? Many shipments have arrived since the New Year. His Majesty requests your assistance in identifying them, particularly any rare minerals you might be seeking.”

“Of course, I remember,” Gu Chengrui replied. “However, I’ll need to return home to obtain some verification tools and reagents.”

“Please hurry back,” Eunuch Qian urged. “I’ll wait here.”

Gu Chengrui thanked him and returned to inform Zhou Ying before heading back inside.

Using her powers, Zhou Ying prepared a box containing the necessary equipment and chemicals.

Despite the setback, Zhou Ying hired ten guards to ensure their safety during their two-day stay at the manor.

Guoguo even spent the time gathering peach and apricot blossoms.

Upon his return, Gu Chengrui excitedly shared his findings. “Aluminum, tin, nickel and chromium-based alloys, coal, and even an unidentified ore!”

“The Great Ming seems rich in mineral resources,” Zhou Ying observed.

“Indeed. Coal mines are abundant. Perhaps steam engines and thermal generators are possibilities in the future.”

“We’ll discuss that later,” Zhou Ying said gently. “You’re already overwhelmed.”

Gu Chengrui agreed, nodding in understanding. He picked up the children, playfully asking, “Did you miss your father?”

“No.” Guoguo harumped, glancing back at him occasionally, while Chenchen, still unfamiliar with him, simply stared.

A pang of sadness flickered across Gu Chengrui’s face. He kissed them both and led them to play in the manor.

Zhou Ying joined them after preparing a warm dinner for the family. It was a rare moment of peace, but short-lived, as Gu Chengrui needed to return to the medical center early the next morning.

Back in the capital, he went straight to work without even stopping at home.

Zhou Ying, upon her return, entrusted the children to the nanny. Soon after, Gu Zheng entered with some news.

“Mistress, I have something to report.”

“Oh, what is it?” Zhou Ying pointed to a chair. “Please take a seat.”

“Thank you, but it’s just a short report. The flower beds in the capital are no longer sufficient to meet our workshop’s needs, especially for rare flowers. I propose purchasing land outside the city for cultivation, ideally with convenient transportation. We can then process them into semi-finished products before shipping them here..”