“I know. So, I’m thinking of attracting investment for this project from the entrepreneurs within the capital.”
“Investment attraction?”
“The western outskirts connect directly to the sea route. What if we connect this place to the industrial areas in the eastern part of the capital by building an inland canal?”
Idel pointed to the western area of the capital on the map spread out on the desk.
“The construction of the canal requires building embankments. We attract investment for the canal and construct embankments at the same time.”
As Gregory examined the map, his eyes lit up. As Idel had said, the western outskirts were indeed favorable for canal construction.
If a canal were built, goods coming from the harbor could be moved in a short period. Factory owners operating in the capital would benefit from reduced time and money spent on transportation.
“Moreover, if a canal is built, commercial facilities around it will naturally develop. The western outskirts could become a commercial hub. If we develop the area around the canal properly, we could even attract tourism.”
This would make the lives of those residing in the western outskirts more prosperous.
The ultimate goal of Idel’s water management project was to go beyond mere disaster relief and create new jobs, while utilizing the facilities to generate sustainable income.
“Really… working with you has been a continuous revelation, but I don’t know how much more I can be amazed.”
Gregory looked at Idel with a face full of awe. He knew she was scholarly, but she was more brilliant and wise than he had thought.
How many women in the empire could think like this?
“I’m truly fortunate to have you in our ducal house.”
Gregory, deeply touched by the gentle and kind Duchess’s spirit, wore a warm smile.
Seeing Gregory smile back at her, Idel’s expression clouded for a moment. There was one point of concern.
“Do you think the Duke would agree to proceed with the water management project?”
Idel expressed her concerns in a tone filled with apprehension.
“Technically, this matter may not be related to the ducal house’s affairs. Administration of the capital falls under the royal family. But as citizens of the same empire, I would not want to turn a blind eye to those who are suffering.”
“Of course. The Duke will also fully agree with your opinion.”
Gregory assured her in a tone that told her not to worry.
The Duke, who usually spared no support for the Duchess, had no reason to oppose. Especially not when presented with such an excellent project plan.
Idel had somewhat alleviated her concerns with Gregory’s words, but there was still more to be done, requiring the Duke’s agreement and support.
“Getting investment for the project would be much more effective if His Grace could step forward. The investors would have much more trust.”
Idel hesitated at the end of her statement, implying a lack of confidence.
“However, would His Grace really be willing to help….”
Seeing Idel’s uncertainty, Gregory offered cheerfully,
“Why don’t you speak to His Grace yourself? I’m sure the Duke would be more than willing to listen.”
“Is that really so….?”
Gregory nodded confidently, but Idel looked hesitant, unlike when she had given her opinion on the irrigation project.
She had been avoiding Caeron since declaring last night that she would not share a bed with him. Although she had intended to distance herself from him, she had not felt at ease since turning him away from her chamber.
Furthermore, the project wasn’t only awkward because she had to face him, but because it went beyond her duties as the Duchess.
Gregory had assured her it would be fine, but Caeron’s words came to mind, suggesting that what he expected of her as the Duchess was enough. Idel’s face clouded over.
“Alright. I will speak to His Grace when he returns. What is His Grace’s schedule for today?”
“His Grace plans to finish his morning work and go fly fishing with Lord Shade.”
“Fly fishing?”
Fly fishing, which used a feathered hook to catch fish, was a popular leisure activity among male nobles.
“I was surprised too, having received a message from the staff. It seems he left rather unexpectedly.”
“Does His Grace often enjoy fly fishing?”
Curious about the Duke’s hobbies, Idel asked with eyes filled with wonder. At her question, Gregory slightly shook his head.
“No, fly fishing would be rare for him.”
“Is that so?”
“Hmm, now that I think about it, it’s a bit odd. The trade business also went well.”
“Odd, you say?”
“Yes. Actually, His Grace usually goes fly fishing when he’s troubled or distressed.”
At Gregory’s words, Idel’s shoulders slightly flinched.
‘Something troubling or distressing….’
Her thoughts returned to the events of last night.
Idel, who had tossed and turned all night with an unresolved, complicated mindset, felt like she knew what that “something” could be.
Male lead Asks for a Divorce Every Day
It’s not often you come across a plot like this in the female-dominant genre — make sure to check it out!
This is a novel I’m planning to reread as well.
The male lead is strong, skilled in martial arts, and not the usual fragile type you often see in matriarchal novels.
Meanwhile, the female lead is a scientist—rational and logical. Even when she falls for the male lead, she doesn’t let her emotions cloud her decisions.
If you push through the first few chapters, you’ll gradually find the story really intriguing.
It has a mix of mystery, detective elements, and romance.
The author’s writing style is like crafting a puzzle—except they deliberately leave out a few pieces, making it hard to predict what happens next, yet keeping you hooked.
In the end, everything will come together and be explained.
One-sentence summary: Wife, stop playing with beakers and look at me!
In a laboratory accident, research scientist Zhu Wansheng accidentally travels to a matriarchal world. The original owner of the body is an eighteen-year-old only daughter of a wealthy rouge merchant, already married with a handsome young man.
Zhu Wansheng grins: Nice! She always said she was heaven’s favorite granddaughter. After a life of toil in her previous life, she can enjoy blessings in this one.
However, her joy lasts no more than three seconds as bad news arrives: the original owner’s family is about to go bankrupt, and her husband wants a divorce.
Even worse, she’s stuck with a research system full of restrictions.
Zhu Wansheng: ? Is this the destiny of a research dog?
——
Faced with this mess, Zhu Wansheng pours herself a bowl of wine to drown her sorrows. In her drunken haze, her husband arrives.
His figure is imposing, holding a long sword, with a dignified air that captivates Zhu Wansheng.
Gu Yingqing, however, looks at the alcohol-reeking Zhu Wansheng with undisguised disgust and coldly asks, “Divorce or not?” The intoxicated Zhu Wansheng mumbles vaguely, “I think… it’s not… it’s not… impossible!”
——
The next day, after sobering up, Zhu Wansheng is full of energy, rolling up her sleeves ready to make a big move. As for yesterday? She has no memory of it.
Zhu Wansheng is ambitious; a research dog fears nothing!
Upgrading rouge, extracting fragrances, producing perfumes, researching lipsticks… all shall bow to the power of modern technology!
The original owner’s dying rouge shop is revitalized. Her mother is pleased and with a wave of her hand, passes on the family business to her. As she takes control and her experimental results gain popularity, it’s the pinnacle of her life…
——
But there are always those who can’t stand to see her doing well. Jealousy, scheming, assassination attempts – they want nothing less than her life.
The person who has always kept his distance from her suddenly holds her tightly in his arms, eyes full of concern.
She is unharmed, but he falls into a pool of blood…
Zhu Wansheng feels guilty, “I can grant you one wish.”
Gu Yingqing tentatively circles his arms around her, carefully resting his head in the crook of her neck, pleading softly, “I regret it. Can we not divorce?”
Zhu Wansheng: ? When did I agree to a divorce?
[Small Theater]
The newly developed rouge is beautifully packaged, and Zhu Wansheng is eager to try it.
Gu Yingqing suddenly appears: “My lady, may I apply it for you?”
Cool fingertips lightly brush her lips. His Adam’s apple bobs as he leans in for a light bite.
Zhu Wansheng: ?
Gu Yingqing: It smells so good, I wanted to taste it…
On a warm spring day, Zhu Wansheng tries a new perfume: “Spring Night.” Gu Yingqing corners her against a wall.
Warm breath lingers on her neck.
“My lady, from now on, may I test the fragrances for you?”
[Humorous female scientist vs scheming live-in son-in-law male lead]
[Touch the gear icon in the bottom right corner of the screen to move to the next chapter if you want.]
