Drunken Flower Room - Chapter 18

The wound on Su Rong’s forehead had just healed the previous day. Under the strict supervision of Wang Ma and Matriarch, who forbade her from being exposed to the sun, her already fair complexion had grown even more delicate over the past two weeks spent indoors. As Matriarch often described, she appeared fresh and dewy at a glance. 

“Su Rong is here,” Matriarch said with delight as footsteps approached. She turned to the doorway and was immediately satisfied with Su Rong’s attire, her smile spreading to her eyes. 

Zhou Gu also looked up and saw a young girl enter. Her peach-colored cheeks complemented her exquisite features. She had a slender figure and moved with grace, her waist lightly swaying as she walked. She was dressed in a jade-green gown with a translucent, embroidered overlay. The cuffs and hem were adorned with trailing floral patterns. With every step, the jewelry on her hairpin shimmered, and the butterfly motif seemed poised to flutter away. She was as stunning as a reflection on water, delicate as a willow swaying in the breeze. 

Though Zhou Gu had seen his share of beauties and prided himself on being immune to their charm, he had to admit that his fiancée had truly stunned him at first sight. A single glance was enough to tell him she had been raised with utmost care, not at all like the meek and cautious illegitimate daughters commonly seen in the capital. 

He thought of the exaggerated tales he had spun to Xie Lin and realized they had unexpectedly come true. Even if Xie Lin were to meet her, Zhou Gu would not feel he had oversold her charms or risk embarrassment. 

As Su Rong crossed the threshold, her gaze instantly landed on Zhou Gu. 

Since she was seven, she had known she had a fiancé. However, she had never been curious about his appearance. On rare occasions, news of the young master of the Duke’s household reached Jiangning, but she paid little attention. Had he not recently made headlines for fighting the young prince of Rui’an’s household, she would have no image of him at all. Most of the time, she even forgot about her engagement. 

When Li Yan returned from the capital and described Zhou Gu as incredibly handsome and a perfect match for her, she had doubted that the son of a military family could look exceptional. 

Now, seeing him in person, she had to admit he was indeed striking. Li Yan had not exaggerated one bit. 

The young man had sharp, refined features and a noble air. He stood tall with broad shoulders and a slender waist. His azure robe, embroidered with cloud patterns, was understated but somehow vibrant and lively on him. His entire presence exuded elegance and brilliance. 

No wonder her parents, after secretly observing him in disguise at the bustling night market, had unanimously decided that this engagement must not fail. 

Su Rong’s steps faltered slightly. She had not expected her fiancé to be so remarkable. 

Her thoughts wandered mischievously: With looks like his, would he even need to “snatch” women? The woman he allegedly fought over with the young prince of Rui’an must have been extraordinary, what kind of beauty could provoke such a commotion? 

“Father, Mother,” Su Rong greeted them as instructed, her tone perfectly sweet. She then turned her clear, bright eyes to Zhou Gu, curtsied gracefully, and called out in a soft, tender voice, “Brother Zhou.” 

Zhou Gu sprang to his feet, startled. It was the first time anyone had addressed him as “brother.” In his family, he was the youngest among his siblings, and the daughters of family friends would never dare to call him that, they addressed him as “Young Master Zhou” or “Fourth Young Master.” For a moment, he was utterly flustered. 

Feigning surprise, Su Rong stepped back, her expression puzzled. “Brother Zhou?” 

Zhou Gu stiffened, his blood running cold. His eyes widened in shock. “W-Why are you calling me that?” Without giving her a chance to answer, he continued indignantly, “Who, who gave you permission to call me that?” 

Su Rong froze. “Am I not allowed to?” 

“Of course not!” 

Her eyes shone with pure innocence as she looked at him intently. “Grandfather Zhou mentioned in his letter that since we’ve never spent time together, our first meeting might feel awkward. He suggested that we temporarily interact as siblings to make things more natural. After all, you’re a year older than me, and we’re not yet married.” 

Her expression conveyed, Your grandfather said this, not me. “Besides,” she continued earnestly, “I’m not like others. I can’t respectfully address you as ‘Young Master Zhou’, that would be too formal. But calling you by your given name seems impolite. If I were to call you ‘fiancé’ outright…” 

Zhou Gu felt his mind spinning. For the first time in his life, he truly didn’t know how to respond. 

Her cheeks turned crimson, a rosy blush spreading like clouds at dawn. For a moment, her expression was a delicate mix of shyness and hesitation. “This… doesn’t seem very appropriate,” she murmured, her voice soft as a breeze. 

Zhou Gu instinctively stepped back, finding it harder to breathe. He took a deep breath to steady himself and said stiffly, “Just call me by my name.” 

Su Rong blinked, her wide eyes filled with feigned innocence. “Are you sure? Won’t that seem disrespectful, as if I lack manners and proper upbringing?” 

Zhou Gu’s tone was as rigid as his posture. “It won’t.” 

She smiled radiantly, her demeanor instantly brightening. With a gentle, mellifluous tone, she called, “Zhou Gu.” 

The sound of his name, dripping with such sweetness, sent a surge of heat rushing to Zhou Gu’s head. He had never imagined that hearing someone say his name could feel so… sticky. He opened his mouth, intending to object, to tell her to stop, but he had just given his permission and couldn’t bring himself to retract it. His face turned visibly flushed from holding back. 

At that moment, Lord Su burst into hearty laughter. “Brother and sister, huh? That’s a good way to build rapport. But calling each other by name works too!” Turning to Matriarch, he remarked warmly, “Madam, we’re getting old. Look at these young ones, don’t they just seem like a perfect match standing together?” 

Matriarch nodded with a pleased smile, impressed by Su Rong’s performance. Su Rong had, in her own subtle way, already gained the upper hand over Zhou Gu. Truly living up to her reputation as her sharp-witted daughter, Matriarch thought. With visible satisfaction, she said, “Indeed, they’re an excellent pair.” 

Turning to Su Rong, she added, “Sitting idle is boring. Su Rong, why don’t you take Zhou Xianzhi on a tour of the estate? When he’s tired, have the steward arrange for him to rest in the front courtyard. Starting today, he’ll be staying with us. I’ll go prepare a sumptuous lunch for everyone.” 

Su Rong froze, surprised by this sudden announcement. “Mother, staying in the estate?” 

“Of course,” Lord Su chimed in. “The Duke instructed that you two should take this time to bond. Waiting until after the wedding to build a connection would waste precious time. This is the perfect opportunity to cultivate some feelings!” 

Zhou Gu immediately countered, “Thank you for your kind hospitality, but staying here would be inconvenient. I think it’s better if I—” 

“Nephew Zhou, no need to stand on ceremony,” Prefect Su interrupted with a genial smile, patting Zhou Gu’s shoulder. “There’s nothing inconvenient about it. Treat this place as your own home. Relax and act as you would normally.” 

He added, “If you don’t stay here, should I send my daughter to visit you at your residence every day? That’s hardly practical, right?” 

Zhou Gu shook his head. That would certainly not do. 

“It’s settled then!” Lord Su declared, leaving no room for further discussion. “I have matters to attend to before lunch, so I’ll take my leave. Nephew Zhou will keep you company.” 

Without giving Zhou Gu another chance to protest, Lord  Su left decisively. 

“I’ll head to the kitchen,” Matriarch said, rising from her seat. She shot Su Rong a meaningful look that said: Behave yourself. If you slip up and let him see your true colors, you’ll regret it. 

Su Rong nodded obediently. Her fiancé was indeed quite impressive. Since this was a proper and advantageous match, there was no need to scare him off intentionally. 

Thus, Zhou Gu was effectively left behind, caught in a web of meticulous planning and well-meaning family interference.