Drunken Flower Room - Chapter 29

The kitchen was bustling with activity, the cooks putting forth their best effort to prepare a grand all-fish feast.

At the dinner table, Zhou Gu found himself seated next to Su Rong. Su Rong, who was well-versed in all things fish related, from catching and cleaning to cooking and eating, used a clean pair of chopsticks to skillfully remove the fish bones. She placed the deboned fish on a clean plate and then set it in front of Zhou Gu.

Zhou Gu turned his head to look at her. No one had ever removed fish bones for him before.

Su Rong blinked at him playfully. “I noticed you were eating slowly, so I thought I’d help you.”

Zhou Gu’s expression was a little stiff. “Thank you.”

Su Rong smiled. “You’re welcome.”

Though they spoke softly, their exchange still drew attention.

The Matriarch was pleased, thinking that her efforts in teaching Su Rong had not been in vain. The girl finally understood how to win people over. Meanwhile, the other concubines and young ladies at the table were stunned. They realized that no one was truly cold-hearted. If someone appeared indifferent, it was only because they hadn’t met someone worth warming up to. Take Su Rong, for example, the Su Rong of the past compared to the Su Rong of now.

Su Taishou was delighted, raising his cup to Zhou Gu. “Nephew Zhou, we didn’t drink enough at lunch. Let’s have our fill tonight!”

Zhou Gu nodded. “I’ll do my best to accompany you, Uncle.”

Su Taishou laughed heartily. “Good, good! Let’s drink!”

After a few rounds of wine and several dishes, Su Taishou, now slightly tipsy, clapped Zhou Gu on the shoulder and said, slurring his words, “Nephew, my Daughter is truly outstanding. You’ve only just met her, so you don’t fully understand her virtues yet. But over time, you will see…”

Zhou Gu thought to himself that he didn’t need much more time. Su Rong’s capabilities had already left a deep impression on him.

“My Daughter,” Su Taishou continued, “has always been different from other girls since she was young. She…” He suddenly winced in pain, turning to the Matriarch. “Wife, why are you pinching me?”

“You’ve had too much to drink,” the Matriarch said firmly.

Su Taishou held his head. “Have I?”

“Yes, you have. Nephew Zhou has had a long day, don’t keep him here with your rambling. Let him rest.” The Matriarch had no intention of letting Su Taishou, in his drunken state, ruin Su Rong’s reputation. Others might spread rumors about Su Rong, but her own father couldn’t be the source. If others slandered Su Rong, she could defend her daughter with righteous indignation. But if her husband said something inappropriate, it would be disastrous, she couldn’t very well kill her own spouse.

“Oh, oh. Nephew Zhou must be tired. Alright, we’ll drink again another day,” Su Taishou relented. He did have one redeeming quality, he was willing to listen to advice, which was evident now.

Zhou Gu felt a twinge of regret. He had been curious to hear more about how Su Rong was different from other girls, but it seemed he wouldn’t get the chance tonight.

The Lord’s manor was lively and filled with warmth. In stark contrast, the atmosphere in the Jiangzhou Magistrate’s residence was far from pleasant.

Magistrate Jiang Sheng, upon learning of the trouble his daughter Jiang Yunying had caused, flew into a rage. He berated her furiously. “You didn’t even bother to figure out who that concubine daughter companion was before spewing such vile insults? What were you thinking? Has your brain been eaten by dogs?”

Jiang Yunying cried uncontrollably, and the wounds on her neck, aggravated by her sobbing, began to bleed again.

Ning Chi stepped forward and cupped his hands. “Uncle Jiang, Jiang Yunying already knows she was wrong. Please don’t scold her anymore. Even I didn’t expect that man to be Zhou Gu. If I had known, I would’ve stopped her earlier.”

“She uttered one sentence and nearly got herself killed, how is that your fault for not stopping her sooner?” Jiang Sheng was livid. “Ning, you don’t need to defend her. She’s spoiled beyond reason!”

Turning to his servants, Jiang Sheng barked, “From this day forward, punish the eldest daughter—”

“Uncle Jiang,” Ning Chi interrupted, “Jiang Yunying is already injured. Let’s not punish her further. She knows better now and won’t repeat this mistake. Besides, tomorrow she must personally visit the Lord’s Manor to apologize. She’s been frightened enough today; let her rest early.”

Jiang Sheng sighed heavily. “Ah, Ning, you’re far too kind…”

He glared at his daughter in frustration. “If not for her foolishness, you wouldn’t have been forced to reveal your identity. Zhou Gu served as the Crown Prince’s companion for years. Although the Duke Protector’s family hasn’t aligned with the Crown Prince, Zhou Gu’s close ties to the Eastern Palace are well-known. Now that you’ve encountered him and revealed who you are, news of your presence in Jiangzhou won’t stay hidden for long.”

“If it can’t be hidden, then so be it.” Ning Chi smiled. “After all, it’s only a matter of time before people find out.”

“That may be true,” Jiang Sheng retorted angrily, “but the later, the better!” He glared at Jiang Yunying. “This is all your doing!”

Jiang Yunying could only cry, unable to utter a single word.

“Uncle Jiang, no one could have foreseen this incident. Please don’t blame Jiang Yunying anymore. She’s already been scared enough today. To prevent her from having nightmares tonight, it might be best to prepare a calming tonic for her.”

Though Jiang Sheng was fuming, his only legitimate daughter was a crucial part of his plans for a favorable marriage alliance. He couldn’t afford to scare her too much. Taking this as an opportunity to de-escalate, he said, “Fine. Since you’ve pleaded on her behalf, I’ll spare her punishment for today.”

He turned to Jiang Yunying with a stern expression. “For Ning Chi’s sake, I’ll let it go this time. But in the future, open your eyes and think before you act. Don’t offend people recklessly and bring disaster to this family.”

Jiang Yunying nodded tearfully.

“Leave!” Jiang Sheng waved dismissively.

Supported by her maid, Jiang Yunying left the room.

Throughout the ordeal, the magistrate’s wife had remained silent, too shaken to react. She now asked hesitantly, “That concubine’s daughter fiancé… is he really Zhou Gu of the Duke Protector’s household?”

“Auntie, I can confirm, it is indeed Zhou Gu,” Ning Chi replied definitively.

“How could someone like him be engaged to a concubine’s daughter?” The magistrate’s wife was utterly bewildered. To anyone who heard it, this story would sound absurd, almost fantastical.

Ning Chi, too, was shocked and puzzled. Even during the journey back, he hadn’t been able to make sense of it. “I don’t know the details, but it seems the engagement was arranged when they were children.”

“So, three years ago, what Lady Su said was true.” The magistrate’s wife’s face darkened. At the time, she had been too furious to think straight and had dismissed it as an excuse fabricated by the Su family. She hadn’t imagined it was actually true.

She looked at Jiang Sheng. “Husband, what should we do about this?”

“This is all your fault!” Jiang Sheng snapped. “You were the one who insisted on pressing the matter back then. Now look where it’s gotten us! Where am I supposed to hide my shame now? Where are you supposed to hide yours? And what about your precious daughter?”

Then, he barked orders. “Prepare a generous gift immediately! Tomorrow morning, you’ll accompany me to Jiangning to apologize in person.”

When it came to making amends, sincerity was non-negotiable. Apologizing to Zhou Gu required not only lavish gifts but also profuse flattery toward Su Taishou and his wife.

The magistrate’s wife, prideful as she was, found it hard to swallow. She tested the waters. “Do we really have to go in person to apologize? Zhou Gu may come from a prominent family, but he doesn’t even hold an official position…”

Jiang Sheng roared, “Do you have any idea what your daughter said to him? Do you think he’ll let it slide without a personal apology? Are you waiting for the old Duke Protector to step in and defend his grandson? Do you really want to see the consequences for yourself? Foolishness!”

The magistrate’s wife trembled. “I’ll prepare at once!”

Turning to Ning Chi, Jiang Sheng sighed heavily. “Nephew, this must be laughable to you! It’s my failure to manage my household properly.”

“Uncle, it’s not your fault,” Ning Chi replied. “Who could have expected the youngest son of the Duke Protector’s household to be engaged to a concubine’s daughter from the Jiangning Lord’s family? What’s more, Zhou Gu is currently residing in the Lord’s household, reportedly for her coming-of-age ceremony. This clearly shows how much he values her.”

He paused, still puzzled. “Just a while ago, I heard rumors that Zhou Gu and Xie Lin had a fierce conflict over Qin Yuan’s daughter, Qin Luan. Yet now, he’s here in Jiangning accompanying his fiancée. It’s truly baffling.”

Jiang Sheng was equally perplexed. “Indeed. Well, we’ll see what Zhou Gu has to say tomorrow. This matter mustn’t escalate, it would only harm me in the long run.” He placed a hand on Ning Chi’s shoulder. “Nephew, our families’ marriage alliance must proceed without a hitch. Any misstep could hurt the Grand Prince’s standing.”

“You’re absolutely right, Uncle,” Ning Chi agreed. “I’ll accompany you and Auntie to the Lord’s residence tomorrow.”

Jiang Sheng nodded in satisfaction. “Good!”