Drunken Flower Room - Chapter 57

The Empress was startled, staring at Yan Huisheng in disbelief. 

Her words seemed stuck in her throat. After a long pause, she finally managed to speak, “You… you… how…” 

Yan Huisheng’s gaze was calm and distant. “Since I was young, I’ve seen how Father surrounded himself with beauties and witnessed the endless schemes and betrayals in the harem. Although I’m the legitimate son, I am not the eldest, and you, Mother, have had to exhaust yourself on my behalf, managing the court, dealing with the harem, and ensuring my position remains secure. I’ve always understood how much hardship you’ve endured. That’s why I’ve never had much interest in such matters. All I’ve ever wanted is to marry a crown princess who truly aligns with my heart and dedicate myself to her.” 

The Empress was momentarily speechless. 

“So, now that I’ve found such a person, if I am given the chance, I will pursue it,” Yan Huisheng continued gently. “Mother, surely you wouldn’t want your son to spend his life unable to find a partner who truly understands him, would you?” 

The Empress wasn’t sure whether to nod. Looking at her son, she knew how difficult life had been for both of them. It wasn’t easy for her as Empress, and even harder for him as Crown Prince. She turned away and sighed deeply. “Fine! As long as you know what you’re doing. The throne and empire are yours, but don’t let your mistakes cost you everything. If you falter, it’s not just you, but all of us, the Eastern Palace and its allies, who will suffer the consequences.” 

“I understand,” Yan Huisheng replied, nodding. “Mother, don’t worry. Since Father granted me this position as a child, I will not allow him to take it back, no matter how reluctant he might feel now.” 

The Empress nodded. “I will stabilize the Queen of Southern Chu for now and send someone to investigate her reasons for wanting Su Rong dead. As for Su Rong herself, I leave her in your hands. Look into her as quickly as possible and find out what’s going on.” 

Yan Huisheng agreed. 

Having said all she needed to, the Empress left without further delay, ordering her attendants to prepare the carriage for her return to the palace. 

Yan Huisheng escorted her out of the Eastern Palace and then summoned one of his secret guards. “Yun’an, go to Jiangning and investigate the seventh daughter of the Taishou household, Su Rong. Act discreetly; no one must know, especially not Zhou Gu.” 

Yun’an bowed. “Understood!” 

Su Rong had no idea that the man she saved that day was the Crown Prince. Her decision to save him had been driven purely by self-preservation, if she had stood by and done nothing, the assassins who killed their target would certainly have killed her as well. Thus, she had chosen to act. 

Although she saved him, she knew at a glance that he must be someone of wealth or nobility. Not wanting to get entangled with such a troublesome person, she had asked for compensation upfront to sever any ties between them. 

She never could have imagined that her act of kindness and their brief encounter would leave such a lasting impression on Yan Huisheng. 

Yan Huisheng had tasked Zhou Gu with finding her, but Zhou Gu had mistakenly searched in the wrong direction. Upon arriving in Jiangning, he focused on looking for a fisherwoman from a rural family, completely missing the connection to Su Rong. Even when Su Rong shared roasted peasant with Zhou Gu, she hadn’t revealed the dagger she’d received as payment, so Zhou Gu remained unaware that Su Rong was the one Yan Huisheng was searching for. 

For several days, Su Rong was kept busy by the Matriarch, who had her audit the household accounts. Almost every steward had some discrepancies, which left the Matriarch furious. After scolding them severely, she turned to Su Rong and said, “After managing the household for half a lifetime, I can’t believe I was being deceived. Now, I’m not worried about your ability to run the household in the future. With your sharp eyes for spotting discrepancies, no one would dare try to fool you.” 

Propping her chin up with her hand, Su Rong replied lazily, “Mother, if the water is too clear, there’ll be no fish. Don’t you think you were too harsh?” 

“I dismissed one or two and warned the rest. It may have been severe, but after they’ve been taking advantage of me for years, I was already showing mercy. Otherwise, your father would have sent them to prison,” the Matriarch replied, looking at her daughter. “It’s true that too much clarity in the water means no fish, but you must know that if you play dumb, people will believe you’re truly clueless. While you can turn a blind eye occasionally, you mustn’t let others think you’re easy to fool.” 

She sighed again. “I thought I was skilled at managing things, but I failed to notice these issues in the accounts. Who would have guessed that these seemingly honest and upright stewards were so adept at deception? Truly, appearances can be deceiving.” 

“Mother, regardless of everything, You must keep your word and let me off the hook.” 

Su Rong resolved to make sure the Matriarch honored her promise now that the account books had been reviewed. 

The Matriarch chuckled, exasperated. “It’s only been a few days. Besides, ever since Zhou Gu pleaded on your behalf, you’ve only worked half days. How tired could you possibly be? Look at how listless you are.” She shot Su Rong a glance and continued, “I said I wouldn’t make you learn household management anymore, but I didn’t say you could do nothing. It’s time you started brushing up on your etiquette. Your eldest brother has arranged for an instructor, a maid who used to serve in the palace. Her training is impeccable. Starting tomorrow, you’ll study with her diligently.” 

Su Rong protested angrily, “Mother, you’re being unreasonable.” 

Seeing her daughter’s annoyance, the Matriarch quickly added, “It’s your elder brother’s idea. He’s already hired her at a considerable cost.” 

The implication was clear: if Su Rong didn’t want to comply, she should take it up with her brother. It had nothing to do with the Matriarch. 

Su Rong recalled how Su Xingze had mentioned the etiquette instructor to her after his return that day. Since he was the one who arranged it, there was no way she could refuse. She pursed her lips and sulked silently. 

The Matriarch noticed Su Rong’s displeasure and softened her tone. “I know you’re unhappy, but you must learn proper decorum. If you don’t learn now, you’ll only embarrass yourself once you marry into the Duke Protector’s household. Your grandmother-in-law and mother-in-law would also insist on you learning, and your sisters-in-law might look down on you. Don’t blame your brother for being strict, it’s for your own good.” 

Su Rong still said nothing. 

The Matriarch pressed on. “Didn’t you set your sights on Zhou Gu? If you truly want to marry him, you need to put in some effort. Imagine being laughed at, perhaps you don’t mind, but Zhou Gu? He’s a proud man. And what about Princess Chang’an and the Duchess? Those two women of the Duke Protector’s household have enjoyed untarnished reputations their entire lives. If you disgrace them, think about the consequences. Even if they’re kind-hearted, wouldn’t you feel ashamed?” 

Su Rong sighed in defeat. “Fine, fine.” 

Grumbling, she added, “Mother, I never realized how persuasive you could be.” 

The Matriarch thought to herself that she had only recently discovered Su Rong’s weak spot, she responded better to soft words than to hard discipline. For years, the Matriarch had only scolded her, never taking a more tactful approach, which had been ineffective. Now that she had hit the right note, it worked like a charm. 

Su Rong, of course, realized her mother had changed tactics, but what choice did she have? She had indeed fallen for Zhou Gu, so she had to make some effort. 

Ah, there really is no such thing as effortless rewards or idle leisure. All the rules and etiquette she had neglected to learn before now had to be made up for. 

“Don’t worry. You can rest tomorrow. The instructor will come the day after, and the lessons will only be half a day each,” the Matriarch said, ultimately showing leniency. Seeing Su Rong so dispirited, she couldn’t help but feel sympathy. 

After all, Su Rong’s delicate features were too endearing. When she wasn’t baring her teeth or acting aggressive, she was genuinely adorable. 

Su Rong finally smiled. “Thank you, Mother.” 

The Matriarch found her daughter’s smile rather sweet. If she could maintain this demeanor, she would likely be well-liked by elders and, of course, by men as well. Over the past few days, it was clear that Zhou Gu already held Su Rong in high regard. Otherwise, he wouldn’t have spent every evening after dinner strolling with her in the estate for at least half an hour, chatting before they parted ways to retire for the night. 

The Matriarch was confident that this marriage was almost certain to happen.