Consort Zhuang doesn't want palace intrigue; she just wants to raise her child and live a caref

As the Duchess of Zhenguo turned to leave, her elegant and dignified figure gradually disappeared into the distance. However, what was truly remarkable was not only her departing manner, but also what she carried with her.

Lady Zhenguo returned laden with gifts, a dazzling array of presents, but most importantly, hidden among them was an invaluable blueprint for the Zhuge Repeating Crossbow and a mysterious gunpowder formula! Hidden in her seemingly ordinary sleeve was also a letter addressed to her father and elder brother.

Speaking of gunpowder, Su Nuannuan initially had no intention of making it public. After all, the appearance of such a thing would surely cause a huge uproar.

However, after careful consideration, she ultimately changed her mind. Her decision was made out of a sense of foresight. To prevent any unforeseen problems, she decided to give the gunpowder formula to her father and eldest brother.

Furthermore, in that letter to her father and elder brother, she repeatedly emphasized that unless absolutely necessary, in a life-or-death situation, gunpowder should never be revealed to the world. If one could not suppress their curiosity and wished to test the power of gunpowder, they must go to a remote, uninhabited mountain forest. This was because the destructive power of gunpowder was truly astonishing, and the slightest carelessness could attract the attention and suspicion of various forces.

It should be noted that gunpowder was a completely new invention in this world. The so-called "firecrackers" that people used to celebrate the Spring Festival were nothing more than ordinary firecrackers, also known as "exploding bamboo." In reality, they were simply the crackling sounds made when bamboo burned.

Whether her father and elder brother can successfully manufacture fireworks and firecrackers after obtaining the gunpowder formula is beyond Su Nuannuan's control. Everything depends on their own fate and abilities.

However, once fireworks and firecrackers officially appeared before the world, the mysterious and powerful black powder was probably not far off. After all, in this vast world, there has never been a shortage of exceptionally intelligent and quick-thinking individuals.

After rushing back to the mansion, the Duchess of Zhenguo didn't even have time to rest before hurriedly handing two items and a letter to the Duke of Zhenguo.

She said with a beaming smile, "Master, this was specially prepared for you and Heng'er by our daughter."

Upon hearing this, the Duke of Zhenguo's gaze immediately fell upon the small, exquisite wooden box in front of him and the letter placed on it.

He frowned slightly and asked with a suspicious look, "Madam, do you know what's inside this box?"

Upon hearing this, the Duchess of Zhenguo rolled her eyes in annoyance and said coquettishly, "Hmph, since our daughter said it was for you and your son, why should I, as a woman, pry? Do you think my husband is worried that his own daughter would cheat him?"

Upon hearing this, the Duke of Zhenguo quickly waved his hands and shook his head, rebuking her sternly, "Oh dear, Madam, you mustn't say such things! If our dear daughter heard these words, she would surely be furious!"

After saying this, he carefully took the wooden box and the letter placed on top of it from his wife's soft, boneless hands, then turned and strode towards the study.

After taking a few steps, the Duke of Zhenguo seemed to suddenly remember something important. He turned around abruptly and shouted loudly to his wife behind him, "Oh, right, Madam, don't forget to send someone to summon that brat Su Heng to the study as well!"

The Duchess of Zhenguo responded with a hint of annoyance, "Hmph, go call him yourself!" Although her words were impolite, her actions were incredibly swift. With a gentle wave of her hand, she summoned a servant who stood respectfully to the side.

Immediately afterwards, the Duchess of Zhenguo lowered her voice and carefully instructed the servant: "Go quickly to Hengyan Pavilion and invite the young marquis to the study."

"Yes, Madam." The servant dared not delay, quickly bowed respectfully, then turned and hurriedly left, walking quickly towards Hengyan Pavilion.

To be honest, the Duchess of Zhenguo was quite curious about what her daughter was going to give to the father and son. However, even so, she would never easily ask the Duke for information. After all, over the years, the couple had developed a tacit understanding and habit.

Anything she should know, the Duke would naturally tell her on his own, even if she didn't ask; as for secrets she shouldn't know, no matter how many times she pressed him, she would probably only get nothing in the end. Besides, given the Duke's personality, she simply couldn't bring herself to be persistent or pestering.

Not long after the servant left, the Duchess of Zhenguo suddenly slapped her forehead, as if she had remembered something important.

She was so busy arranging for someone to invite the young marquis that she completely forgot to tell the Duke about another important matter! Thinking of this, the Duchess of Zhenguo quickened her pace and hurried back to the Duke's study.

Finally, she spotted the Duke at the study door, about to step inside. Seeing this, the Duchess of Zhenguo hurriedly called out, "Wait for me! Don't go in yet!"

Just as Zhenguo Gongzheng was about to enter the study, he heard his wife's urgent call. He was startled and quickly stopped, turning around with a piercing gaze towards the direction from which the sound came.

The lady walked over quickly and said, "Lord Duke, my daughter has agreed to your idea! However, she has a small request. She thinks we should get out of the Su family before they send their daughter into the palace, so as to avoid getting into unnecessary trouble later."

Upon hearing this, the Duke of Zhenguo nodded slightly in agreement. After a moment's thought, he said, "In that case, I'll proceed with the matter of leaving the clan first. Please keep this box and this letter safe for me for now." With that, he carefully handed the exquisite box he was holding and the well-sealed letter to his wife.

The lady accepted the gifts and nodded solemnly in agreement. The Duke of Zhenguo, however, turned around without hesitation and strode towards the door. At the same time, he loudly instructed his attendant, "Quickly, invite the young marquis to the front hall. Tell him I have important matters to discuss with him!"