Drunken Flower Room - Chapter 39

The Lord’s wife changed her address to “sister,” indicating her satisfaction with the apology. 

The Prefect’s wife realized, after all her efforts, that her presence and apologies were futile unless Su Rong herself appeared. Yet, she couldn’t understand how Su Rong, a lowly concubine’s daughter, could behave so boldly in the Lord’s household. Despite thorough investigations confirming that Su Rong was indeed born to the seventh concubine of the Lord’s household, her status within the household made her seem untouchable. Even after causing so much trouble, she still lived unscathed and favored. 

What puzzled her even more was the Lord’s wife, who was known as an anomaly in the Jiangzhou region. She treated all the concubine-born daughters in the household exceptionally well, never showing favoritism or maltreatment. She even hired the best tutors for them. If it weren’t for their concubine-born status, one might have thought these girls were her own biological children, given the way she treated them—no different from her own daughter. 

Left with no choice, the Lord’s wife asked, “Sister, when will the seventh daughter return?” 

The Lord’s wife shook her head. “She went to Phoenix Mountain early this morning. I’m not sure when she’ll be back.” 

The Lord’s wife glanced at the Prefect, Jiang Shi. 

Jiang Shi had already learned from the Lord that Zhou Gu had gone out. He said, “If that’s the case, I’ll have to trouble you, Su, as I’ll wait here for Young Master Zhou to return.” 

The Lord nodded. “No need to stand on ceremony.” He turned to his wife. “It’s almost noon. Did Zhou Gu and Miss Seventh mention returning for lunch?” 

The Lord’s wife shook her head. “No, but they likely won’t return. Phoenix Mountain is vast, it takes more than a day to explore fully.” 

Knowing Su Rong well, she understood that making Jiang Shi and his wife wait all day was entirely in Su Rong’s character. 

The Lord turned to Jiang Shi. “I’ll have the kitchen prepare some dishes. You and your nephew can have a simple meal. Young Master Zhou and my daughter will likely return in the evening.” 

Jiang Shi couldn’t leave without meeting Zhou Gu, so he agreed. “Then I’ll have to trouble you, Su.” 

Seeing the sincere apology, the Lord’s wife was willing to host them with fine food and drink. She gave the necessary orders. 

The group waited at the Lord’s residence until nightfall, but Zhou Gu and Su Rong didn’t return. Instead, a guard from the Duke’s household came with a message. The guard bowed and said, “My young master asked me to inform you that he’s tired and doesn’t want to return. He and seventh daughter have found an inn nearby to stay.” 

The Lord and his wife were inwardly exasperated. Zhou Gu showed no consideration for Jiang Shi, choosing not to return at all. 

The guard continued, “My young master also asked me to reassure you that he is a man of propriety and will not do anything inappropriate to Seventh daughter. You need not worry.” 

The Lord nodded. “Very well. Did he say when he’ll return?” 

The guard shook his head. “My young master did not say.” 

The Lord looked at Jiang Shi. “Sir, this…” 

Jiang Shi, maintaining his composure, addressed the guard. “I am Jiang Shi, the Prefect of Jiangzhou. Please inform Young Master Zhou that I’ve come to apologize in person and will wait to meet him tomorrow.” 

The guard glanced at Jiang Shi, nodded, and left. 

Jiang Shi then stood to leave. “Su, since Young Master Zhou won’t return today, we’ll take our leave and come back tomorrow.” 

“Would you like to stay here for the night?” the Lord offered. 

“No need. We’ve already arranged lodging at an inn. We’ve troubled you enough for one day,” Jiang Shi declined. 

The Lord and his wife saw them off. Back at the inn, Jiang Shi’s face darkened. He hadn’t expected Zhou Gu to make him wait all day, only to avoid him entirely. 

Though Zhou Gu held no official position, Jiang Shi, a third-ranked Prefect, was still snubbed. The excuse of “too tired to return” was flimsy, showing that Zhou Gu simply didn’t want to see him. 

The Lord’s wife, unable to contain her anger, said, “Husband, you’re a court official! Do we really need to humble ourselves to apologize to Zhou Gu? What if he refuses to see us tomorrow? Should we keep begging him? If word gets out, won’t it ruin your reputation? He’s just a brat! What gives him such audacity?” 

Jiang Shi commented, “An arrogant boy indeed.” 

Ning Chi, their nephew, calmly interjected, “Uncle, Aunt, the Duke’s household has always been held in high regard by the imperial court. The old Duke fought alongside the founding emperor, laying the foundation of our current dynasty. From the founding emperor to our present ruler, the Duke’s household has spanned three generations of glory. The old Duke, though retired, remains influential. Should any major issue arise, he will still appear in court. Even the emperor shows him deference, treating him as an elder. This is the Duke household’s authority. 

“Furthermore, Princess Sheng’an is still alive. While Zhou Gu may hold no position now, he is the youngest member of the Duke household, deeply cherished. His future is likely already secured by the family. He has every reason to act with youthful arrogance.” 

Jiang Shi calmed down. “You’re right.” 

This understanding was precisely why Jiang Shi had come with his daughter to apologize in the first place. What mattered was the Duke household behind Zhou Gu. 

The Prefect’s wife, still upset, remarked, “Even so, we’ve already apologized. Isn’t he being too disrespectful to you, husband?” 

“Your precious daughter caused this trouble. Zhou Gu has every reason to hold a grudge. Even if he’s arrogant, with the Duke household’s support, what can we do?” Jiang Shi, exhausted from the day, sighed. “Let’s discuss this tomorrow. Eat and rest for now.” 

He turned to Ning Chi. “Nephew, you came to Jiangzhou for leisure, yet you’ve been dragged into this mess. I’m sorry for the trouble.” 

“Uncle, please don’t say that. A little disruption to my travels is no bother. If anything, I share responsibility for not stopping Cousin Jiang from causing trouble in the first place,” Ning Chi replied. “Let’s not dwell on formalities.” 

Jiang Shi nodded. “True. We’re family, there’s no need for politeness.”