Chapter 995: Chapter 995 Unable to Keep Them

Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation

“We’ll probably stay for another month,” Gu Chengrui informed her. “If there’s anything you need to arrange or handle, let us know as soon as possible. We’ll definitely help in any way we can.”

Gu Wanning hesitated for a moment. “There’s nothing I need at the moment,” she admitted. “However, I would like to ask you to offer some guidance to Chenglin before you leave. I’m worried that he won’t be able to manage a household once you’re gone.”

“Don’t fret about that,” Gu Chengrui assured her. “While he got his results, we deliberately allowed him to begin learning the duties of a butler. However, it’s also high time he found a suitable wife. Otherwise, it’ll be a constant struggle to keep him in line.”

“Do you have a specific candidate in mind?” Gu Wanning inquired.

Gu Chengrui shook his head. “This matter primarily depends on you and the Emperor’s wishes, followed by Chenglin’s own preferences. Since we’re unsure of our return date, our opinions really aren’t crucial.”

“Oh, and there’s one other thing. I’d like to approach Chenglin about moving into his original residence, the King’s Residence. We can keep our current residence.”

“Does this mean you two aren’t planning on returning?” Gu Wanning asked, her voice serious.

“Not at all,” Gu Chengrui clarified. “It’s just that our return date is uncertain.”

Gu Wanning fell silent after hearing this. After a while, she finally spoke. “I understand,” she said. “I’ll come down to the residence and arrange a marriage for Chenglin as soon as possible.”

“Excellent,” Gu Chengrui responded. “Once it’s finalized, please let us know. We’ll help with the betrothal gifts and then set sail after the marriage ceremony.”

With that, Gu Chengrui rose and excused himself. He had only walked a short distance when the Emperor entered the room. Seeing the Empress sitting motionless in a chair, he approached her and inquired, “You weren’t able to persuade them either?”

“Greetings, Your Majesty,” Gu Wanning acknowledged quickly, standing to bow.

“Rise,” the Emperor instructed, helping her up.

“It seems Cousin and the others are clearly prepared,” Gu Wanning lamented. “I’m afraid even if we tried to stop them, it wouldn’t change their minds.” “What a shame,” the Emperor sighed.

While a niggling suspicion lingered in his mind regarding certain things— glass, steel production, rubber tires, and other technologies—he knew they weren’t solely the work of one or two individuals.

Furthermore, a single person couldn’t master advanced academic fields like mathematics, physics, chemistry, and high-level medicine.

However, besides their obvious love for money, the couple had always displayed indifference to fame and fortune. Most importantly, Gu Wanning remained devoted to him and undeniably loyal.

Therefore, despite his doubts, he never pressed the issue for the sake of Great Ming’s development. He had hoped they would stay and continue aiding his grand endeavors. Unfortunately, it seemed persuasion wouldn’t keep them.

“Indeed,” Gu Wanning agreed, a heavy sigh escaping her lips. “They’ve been incredibly helpful over the years, far more so than my own blood relatives. However…” Her voice trailed off, filled with a deep sense of loss.

“It’s alright,” the Emperor consoled her, placing a comforting hand on her shoulder. “They’ll return someday.”

Gu Wanning offered a weak nod and rested her head against his shoulder. After a moment’s pause, she spoke again. “Cousin mentioned finding a wife for Chenglin as soon as possible. That way, they can travel with more peace of mind.”

The Emperor was momentarily stunned, then quickly grasped Gu Chengrui’s meaning. This realization only deepened his regret.

“Do you have anyone in mind?” he asked.

“Honestly, no,” Gu Wanning admitted. “Has Your Majesty considered anyone?”

“There’s only a small number of court officials, both civil and military,” the Emperor mused. “Perhaps we can summon Chenglin to the palace within the next few days and ask about his preferences. If there’s a suitable candidate, as long as they’re trustworthy, I’m sure they wouldn’t object. Otherwise, we can compile a list for him to choose from.”