Drunken Flower Room - Chapter 38

Su Rong’s roasted pheasant, perfected through countless trials since her youth, was undeniably delicious, its fragrance wafting across Phoenix Mountain.

Zhou Gu, who had tasted all manner of delicacies, was astonished by the flavor of the wild pheasant. If not for his ingrained noble etiquette, he might have leapt around the phoenix tree in joy with the roasted pheasant in hand.

“Is it good?” Su Rong asked.

Zhou Gu, savoring every bite, nodded enthusiastically. “Delicious.”

Su Rong tilted her head with a smile. “As long as you like it.”

Zhou Gu nodded again. “I do.”

In the end, Su Rong ate half a pheasant while Zhou Gu devoured one and a half. Their meal left the accompanying guards in tears of envy. Though the guards had caught and roasted pheasants themselves, their attempts resulted in bland, unappetizing meals.

These men, accustomed to the rich fare of the Duke’s household, were ill-prepared for such primitive cooking in the wilderness.

After eating their fill, Zhou Gu felt too lazy to move. He remarked to Su Rong, “I feel like taking a nap.”

Su Rong pointed to a tree trunk. “Why not sleep up there?”

“Can anyone actually sleep in a tree?” Zhou Gu was doubtful.

“You can. I’ve done it before,” Su Rong replied earnestly. “And it’s comfortable.”

Zhou Gu remained unconvinced.

To demonstrate, Su Rong found a tree, climbed it in a few swift movements, and sprawled out on a broad branch. One leg bent against the trunk for support, the other stretched out, her arms behind her head as a pillow. Closing her eyes, she looked entirely at ease, as if she might drift off any moment.

After hesitating, Zhou Gu followed suit, choosing a tree next to hers. Mimicking her posture, he discovered it wasn’t as uncomfortable as he’d imagined.

Closing his eyes, he murmured, “I’m really going to sleep. What if I fall?”

Su Rong didn’t answer.

Zhou Gu turned his head to check on her, only to be stunned. Su Rong had already fallen asleep, her breathing even and peaceful. Just like when they were boating on the lake, one moment chatting, the next fast asleep. Zhou Gu could hardly believe how quickly she drifted off, leaving him far behind in this skill.

His feelings were complicated. Clearly, she didn’t care much about him, her fiancé. Otherwise, she wouldn’t leave him behind to nap so soundly. Unlike other betrothed women in the capital, who were meticulous about their behavior in front of their fiancés, Su Rong was utterly casual.

Retracting his gaze, Zhou Gu closed his eyes and reflected on those overly proper ladies. They seemed dull in comparison.

While Zhou Gu and Su Rong enjoyed their full bellies and midday naps, the Lord’s residence was abuzz with activity.

The Jiangzhou Prefect and his wife, along with Ning Chi and Jiang Yunying, had prepared extravagant gifts and headed to the Lord’s residence to apologize to Zhou Gu. They set out before dawn and arrived near noon.

As the Lord was subordinate to the Prefect, he promptly came out to welcome them upon hearing of their visit.

The Prefect’s wife, despite her annoyance, forced a warm smile and said to the Matriarch, “I was at fault last time, misunderstanding you and your seventh daughter. Today, I’ve come specifically to apologize.”

The Matriarch had never imagined she would see the day when the Prefect’s wife apologized. It had taken only three years, and she owed it all to Zhou Gu. Putting on a facade of humility, she replied, “What are you saying? Apologize? How could we, mere nobodies, be worthy of such words from you?”

The Prefect’s wife’s face stiffened. She wanted to turn and leave but knew she couldn’t. With Zhou Gu staying at the Lord’s residence and his engagement to Su Rong, the Matriarch’s status had risen. She dared not show her temper anymore.

Forcing a smile, she said, “It was my mistake, and I must apologize. Today, I’ve brought gifts not only for Young Master Zhou but also for you and your seventh daughter.”

Hastily pulling out a gift list from her sleeve, she presented it. “Here is the list.”

The Matriarch didn’t accept it. “Oh, you’re too kind. We couldn’t possibly accept. Back then, when my seventh daughter returned home, she cried for over a month and didn’t dare leave the house for half a year. Every time she went out, people mocked her, calling her shameless for trying to snatch someone’s fiancé. Such hurtful words almost drove her to despair. If not for my constant vigilance, who knows what might have happened to her?”

Tearing up, she added, “Alas, what can we do? Her father and I lack the power to protect her.”

Her words implied that the Prefect’s wife had bullied them due to her higher status.

The Prefect’s wife’s expression darkened, cycling through shades of red and green. Internally, she scoffed. Su Rong, despair? Cry for a month? Hurt by harsh words? Stay home for half a year? She wouldn’t shed a tear even if my daughter cried herself to death.

Grinding her teeth, she pulled out another document, a property deed. “These three shops were part of my dowry. Here are the deeds.”

The Matriarch remained unmoved. “Oh, dear, we’re not the kind to be so easily tempted by material goods. The wrongs my daughter suffered I never imagined you’d come personally to make amends. Please, take them back. Thankfully, the Duke’s household was never informed of the incident. I didn’t want to trouble the Old Duke with such trivialities. Let bygones be bygones.”

The Prefect’s wife cursed inwardly. If I believed you, I’d be a fool.

She gestured to her maid, who presented another deed. “This is for a small estate on Nanshan, with a fifty-acre orchard.”

Heart aching, she added, “You must accept it, or I won’t be at peace.”

The Matriarch was tempted by the generous apology. The Prefect’s household was clearly paying dearly for their past behavior. Satisfied with the gesture, she still declined. “Seventh daughter isn’t home today. She’s out with Young Master Zhou. You know I can’t decide on her behalf. I simply can’t accept these gifts.”