Drunken Flower Room - Chapter 16

Zhou Xi, noticing Zhou Gu beckoning him, quickly leaned in. 

In a hushed tone, Zhou Gu instructed, “Starting today, I want you to find someone for me. It’s a woman, likely a fisherwoman from a farming family. She’ll be carrying the Crown Prince’s dagger, which is unmistakable. It’s the final masterpiece of the renowned craftsman Zhang Chengming. The hilt is intricately engraved with a pattern of auspicious clouds. When exposed to heat, the inscription of the Crown Prince’s initials will appear, it’s not hard to identify.” 

Zhou Xi immediately asked, “Are there any other clues? Like a portrait or something?” 

Zhou Gu shook his head. “None.” 

Zhou Xi grimaced. “That’s going to be tough.” 

“You’ll have to manage. I gave my word to the Crown Prince.” 

Zhou Xi nodded. Alright, so it was a task for the Crown Prince. 

Zhou Gu added, “Work discreetly. Don’t draw attention.” 

“Yes, sir,” Zhou Xi replied. 

After lunch, Zhou Gu resumed his leisurely exploration of the city with Zi Ye, while Zhou Xi returned to organize a search team. 

For three days, Zhou Gu thoroughly wandered the streets and landmarks of Jiangning. Finally, he summoned Zhou Xi. “Send someone to deliver a note to the Lord’s residence, informing them that I will pay a visit tomorrow.” 

Zhou Xi nodded and reported, “We’ve already been searching for two days. There aren’t many fishing families in Jiangning. My team is quietly checking each household.” 

Zhou Gu acknowledged with a nod. 

Zhou Xi then sent a messenger to the Lord’s residence with the note. The Matriarch, overjoyed to receive it, immediately called her daughter Su Rong over to deliver some pointed advice. 

“I’m telling you, with your looks, you can’t afford to squander this opportunity. Even if you have to pretend, you’d better present yourself well. Don’t scare him off with your true nature the moment you meet him!” 

Su Rong sighed. “Mother, am I really that worrisome to you?” 

The Matriarch retorted bluntly, “Yes, you are.” 

Su Rong could only blame her checkered track record. By now, her credibility with her mother was nonexistent. 

Her mother jabbed her lightly on the forehead. “Don’t take this lightly. Last night, your father and I went out to the streets to take a look at this young Master Zhou. Let me tell you, he’s a sight to behold. The young women and wives on the street couldn’t keep their eyes off him as he passed by. But he remained composed. He’s been here for three days and hasn’t stepped foot into any brothels or taverns. He just wanders the streets. That says something about his character, at least he’s not a debauched drunkard.” 

Su Rong was stunned. “Mother, what were you and Father thinking? Was that really necessary?” 

They had actually gone out to spy on him? What if they’d been caught? Where would she hide her face? 

The Matriarch, meeting her daughter’s incredulous gaze, looked slightly embarrassed. “Your father and I did it for your sake!” 

“Well, thank you,” Su Rong said dryly. “But you weren’t caught, were you?” 

“Of course not. We dressed as servants and kept our distance. The street was crowded, and we only observed from afar. He didn’t notice us.” 

Su Rong let out a breath of relief. “Good. If you had been caught, I would’ve been mortified on your behalf.” 

The Matriarch narrowed her eyes. “You? Feeling mortified? Since when do you have such a refined sense of shame?” 

Su Rong: “…” 

The next morning, after breakfast, Zhou Gu brought only Zi Ye with him to visit the Lord’s residence. 

When the gatekeeper opened the door, he saw two young men standing outside. One was exceptionally handsome, with refined and elegant features. The other, dressed as a guard, was also quite pleasing to the eye. Both looked very young. The gatekeeper hesitated before asking, “You two are…?” 

“Zhou Gu, from the Protectorate Duke’s household, here to visit Lord Su and Lady Su,” Zhou Gu announced his name. 

The gatekeeper’s face lit up with excitement, blurting out, “Seventh Son-in-Law?” 

Zhou Gu’s expression froze. Seventh Son-in-Law? What nonsense was this? For a moment, he considered turning around and leaving, but in the end, he held his ground. 

Realizing his gaffe, the gatekeeper quickly apologized, bowing repeatedly. “Forgive me, Young Master Zhou. I was simply too thrilled. The Master and Madam have already instructed us, if you visit, there’s no need to report it. Please, come in, quickly!” 

The gatekeeper flung the door wide open, eagerly ushering Zhou Gu inside while shouting toward the courtyard, “Young Master Zhou is here!” 

Zhou Gu: “…” 

Is this really how the Lord’s household receives guests? 

The gatekeeper’s shout instantly stirred the once-quiet residence into a flurry of activity. Everyone who heard the news passed it along. Soon, voices rang out one after another throughout the household: 

“Young Master Zhou is here!” 

“Master, Madam, Young Master Zhou has arrived!” 

Without the need for messengers, the announcement traveled swiftly from the front gate to the main courtyard and then to the rear wing. 

Zhou Gu’s temple throbbed. It was his first time visiting someone’s home and encountering such a spectacle. For a fleeting moment, he felt like royalty, as though a single proclamation could mobilize an entire household. 

“Young Master, please, come in!” The gatekeeper, noticing Zhou Gu hadn’t moved for some time, nearly stepped forward to tug him along. 

Zhou Gu clenched his teeth, forced himself to stay composed, and took measured steps inside. 

He had barely taken a few strides when the steward, Li Fu, came out to greet him, beaming with joy. Bowing deeply, he said, “Young Master Zhou, this old servant is the steward, Li Fu. Please, come this way.” 

Zhou Gu nodded politely and replied, “Hello, Uncle Li.” 

“Oh, I’m unworthy, truly unworthy,” Li Fu said, waving his hands humbly. “This old servant simply oversees the household affairs and dare not accept such a respectful title. Please, just call me Li Fu.” He couldn’t help but think, Young Master Zhou isn’t as arrogant as the rumors suggested. He’s surprisingly well-mannered. It’s quite astonishing. 

Li Fu led Zhou Gu to the reception hall and arranged for tea to be served. “Young Master, please wait here for a moment. The Master and Madam will be here shortly.” 

Zhou Gu nodded. Along the way, he had noticed that while the Lord’s residence was clean and orderly, it lacked the refined elegance of more extravagant homes. The reception hall was similarly modest. 

He recalled hearing that Lord Su was known for his honesty. Despite Jiangning’s wealth, its tax contributions each year were not particularly high. The emperor had even sent inspectors to investigate, thoroughly probing Lord Su’s accounts, but found not a single coin of embezzlement. It was said the report made the emperor laugh out of exasperation, Who knew there could still be an official in this world who didn’t pocket even a single tael of silver? 

At that moment, Lord Su was in his study, and the Matriarch was instructing Su Rong on household management. Neither expected Zhou Gu to visit so early. Upon hearing the announcement, both immediately put aside their tasks and hurried toward the reception hall from different directions. 

Before stepping over the threshold, the Matriarch turned back to give Su Rong one final order. “Go wash up and dress properly. I’ll send someone to fetch you later.” 

Not entirely trusting Su Rong, she added, “Aunt Wang, help her get ready. Make sure she looks her best.” 

Wang Ma chuckled. “Don’t worry, Madam.” 

Satisfied, the Matriarch headed off.