Drunken Flower Room - Chapter 6

Zi Ye noticed that although Zhou Gu verbally agreed to go to Jiangning Prefecture, his reluctance was written all over his face, an expression of irritation and resistance. 

Zi Ye mulled over the situation. If his master didn’t lighten up, he himself would end up just as agitated, unable to eat or sleep well. 

After pondering for a while, he finally came up with an idea. “Young Master, you’ve never been to Jiangning, have you? I’ve heard that although it’s a small place, its customs and scenery are exceptional. There are plenty of fascinating sights, bustling and unique compared to other regions.” 

“Where did you hear that?” 

“From a travelogue.” 

“Which travelogue? How come I haven’t seen it?” 

“About half a month ago, the bookstore sent it over. But weren’t you sulking back then because the Old Duke scolded you? You told me to throw it out as soon as it arrived,” Zi Ye explained. 

Zhou Gu thought carefully and vaguely remembered such an incident. Jiangning was part of Jiangzhou, and he’d been annoyed at the time. He said promptly, “Go find it now.” 

Zi Ye nodded and left. 

Not long after, he returned with a brand-new travelogue and handed it to Zhou Gu. “Here it is.” 

Zhou Gu took it and flipped through it for a while, gradually becoming intrigued. “So this means I could take this opportunity to travel a bit while leaving the capital?” 

Zi Ye nodded enthusiastically. 

Zhou Gu instantly perked up, sitting upright and giving orders. “Then start packing! I’ve never traveled this far before. This is a chance to see the world outside the capital.” 

After speaking, he jumped out of bed. “Grandfather said I’d leave in two days. Why wait so long? Go tell him I’ll leave tomorrow with the guards from Jiangning.” 

He grabbed the travelogue and headed out. “The Crown Prince has been to Jiangning. I haven’t seen him in a while. I’ll visit the Eastern Palace to inform him and ask if Jiangning is truly as fun as people say. Meanwhile, take care of the preparations.” 

Without waiting for a response, Zhou Gu rushed out of Shuanglin Courtyard, went to the stables to fetch his horse, and left the mansion for the Eastern Palace. 

Zi Ye breathed a sigh of relief. As long as the young master was willing to go, his own worries would ease. He immediately went to inform the Old Duke. 

When the Old Duke heard that Zhou Gu wanted to leave the very next day, he was a bit skeptical. “Didn’t he refuse to go? Why the sudden rush?” He had intended for the guards from Jiangning to rest for a couple of days, and the gifts for the Su family and Su Rong still needed preparation. 

Zi Ye explained the reason. 

The Old Duke snorted but seemed appeased. Even though Zhou Gu’s urgency wasn’t out of eagerness to meet Su Rong, at least he was now willing to go. He nodded. “Fine, tomorrow it is. It’s short notice, but the gifts can still be prepared in time.” 

He called the steward over and instructed him to prepare generous gifts, emphasizing, “Make sure every member of the Su family receives something substantial. As for Miss Su Rong, her gift should be even more exquisite and valuable. Bring the gift list to me for approval once it’s ready.” 

The steward, startled, quickly agreed. He couldn’t help thinking that while the third young master’s marriage had yet to be arranged, the youngest master’s engagement seemed imminent. Judging by how much importance the Old Duke placed on this coming-of-age ceremony, it was evident that the future Fourth Young Madam was none other than Miss Su from Jiangning. 

The steward and Zi Ye both got busy. Before long, word spread through the Duke Protector’s mansion that Zhou Gu would be departing for Jiangning the next day. 

The Grand Princess Sheng’an, the first princess formally granted a title after the dynasty’s founding, bore the prestigious title bestowed by the founding emperor. She was the emperor’s legitimate daughter and shared the same mother as the subsequent emperor, making her status extraordinarily noble. She had married the only son of the then-Duke Protector, who had fought alongside the emperor to establish the dynasty. 

Although The Grand Princess had her own palace as a princess, she never lived there. Instead, she chose to remain in the Duke Protector’s mansion, sharing a harmonious life with her husband. 

The couple had three sons and one daughter. All three sons had perished in battle, and their daughter had married into the distant Nanling region. Now, the mansion housed only the three daughters-in-law, along with four grandsons and five granddaughters left behind by the sons. Zhou Gu, the youngest, was the most pampered of all. 

After giving his instructions, the Old Duke returned to the inner courtyard. 

The Grand Princess looked up as he entered and asked, “I heard someone from Jiangning arrived? Is Zhou Gu leaving for Jiangning tomorrow?” 

The Old Duke nodded, seating himself with a sigh. “In a month, that little girl will come of age. Madam Su sent someone to ask what our plans are. She subtly hinted that if we intended to annul the engagement, the Su family wouldn’t mind.” 

The Grand Princess was startled. “Our Duke Protector’s family annuls the engagement, and the Su family doesn’t mind?” 

“That’s the gist of it.” The Old Duke remarked, “Madam Su seems to be a straightforward person. She doesn’t appear to feel inferior for wanting to attach her family to ours, nor does she show any flattery. That girl made a good choice to take shelter with the Su family back then. At least this Madam Su, though I’ve never met her, seems reasonable from her letter.” 

The Grand Princess sighed. “Eight years ago, when we got word about that child, I wanted to bring her to the capital so she could get to know Zhou Gu. But you insisted that staying in Jiangning was better, lest she develop insecurities from living under our roof. Now look at the situation. Zhou Gu is unwilling, and if their marriage turns into a lifetime of resentment, wouldn’t that be a tragedy?” 

“Are you suggesting we annul the engagement?” The Old Duke countered. 

“Is Zhou Gu saying he would rather leave home than fulfill this marriage agreement?” The Grand Princess asked. 

“Not exactly, but he looks thoroughly unwilling,” the Old Duke replied, shaking his head. “I’ve decided to send him to Jiangning to attend the girl’s coming-of-age ceremony. I’ve told him firmly that breaking the engagement isn’t an option. However, if he meets her and still feels strongly against the marriage, and if the girl shares the same sentiments, then we’ll let it go.” 

The Grand Princess pondered for a moment. “That seems reasonable.” 

She reassured the Old Duke, “There’s no need to worry too much. The girl didn’t grow up with us, and we have no idea what kind of personality she has. If Zhou Gu meets her and still doesn’t want to marry, we won’t force him. Let our eldest daughter-in-law adopt her as a goddaughter, and we’ll arrange another match for her. A marriage should be harmonious to last a lifetime.” 

The Old Duke nodded in agreement. “If they can’t be husband and wife, they can at least be like siblings. Either way, it’s our duty to care for her.” 

“Indeed. If we handle this properly, I’m sure the child’s departed parent would understand and not blame us,” the Grand Princess added, her voice tinged with sorrow. “What a pity, such a good child, taken so young by illness in Jiangning.” 

Her tone shifted to anger and frustration. “All because of Wei’s treachery!” 

“Let’s not dwell on the past,” the Old Duke said with a sigh. “When Zhou Gu reaches Jiangning and meets her, we’ll see how things stand. Personally, I hope this marriage works out. Back then, her parent sacrificed everything to save Daliang and me from death on the battlefield. It was a great act of righteousness for the nation and a deep act of grace for our family. If that girl marries into our family, we must never mistreat their only child.” 

The Grand Princess nodded. “Naturally. Zhou Gu may be unruly, but he’s kind-hearted and knows right from wrong. If he learns about what happened back then, he might…” 

The Old Duke interrupted her with a wave. “The fewer people who know about the past, the better. That boy is still young and reckless. Telling him now would do more harm than good. As far as I know, the people in Jiangning are also keeping it from her until she’s older. If those old secrets come to light someday, it won’t be now. For now, less is more, let’s just focus on getting her married into the family.” 

The Grand Princess thought about it and agreed, dropping the matter. 

After the two reached a private agreement, they summoned their eldest daughter-in-law, the Duchess, to discuss Zhou Gu’s upcoming trip to Jiangning, his attitude, and their plans. 

The Duchess, who managed the entire Duke Protector’s estate with clarity and decisiveness, listened to their plans and nodded. “What Father and Mother propose sounds good to me. Let’s proceed as planned.” 

She smiled. “There’s no need to worry. That child must take after her parent. It’s Zhou Gu I’m more concerned about. I wouldn’t want him to wrong the girl.” 

The Grand Princess chuckled. “What kind of mother talks about her own child like that? Zhou Gu is still young. He’ll mature in a couple of years.” 

“He’s naturally carefree. Who knows when he’ll settle down? He spent years studying with the Crown Prince in the Eastern Palace but hasn’t made much progress,” the Duchess joked. “Look at the Crown Prince, so steady and dependable from a young age. Truly worthy of his position as heir.” 

“The Crown Prince shoulders great responsibility, whereas Zhou Gu doesn’t. They can’t be compared. His personality has its merits,” the Grand Princess said. “Take that Qin Luan matter as an example. After getting a scolding, he didn’t kick up a fuss. That’s already a good sign. He’s grown a little during his time at the Eastern Palace.” 

The Duchess frowned slightly. “I still don’t understand. He never showed interest in the Qin girl, so why did he try to take her by force?” 

She added, “I heard he went to the Eastern Palace earlier today. Coincidentally, the Empress sent Qin Luan to the Eastern Palace after finishing her training. Could he have gone to see her?” 

“Ridiculous!” The Old Duke hadn’t been aware Zhou Gu had left the house. 

The Grand Princess quickly intervened. “Perhaps he’s not there to see Qin Luan. He’s sensible enough to notify the Crown Prince about leaving the capital.” 

The Duchess agreed. “That’s likely. I’ve already sent someone to follow him to the Eastern Palace. Don’t worry, Father, I’ll make sure he doesn’t cause trouble.” 

The Old Duke’s anger subsided. “That rascal! He’s been a handful since he was little.” 

Zhou Gu, of course, had no idea his grandparents and mother had made careful plans for his engagement. When he arrived at the Eastern Palace, he was startled to find Qin Luan being escorted into the palace at the same time. 

He was so shocked he almost turned around and left, thinking to himself, What kind of luck is this? Of all the times to visit, why now? 

Before he could leave, a palace steward greeted him. “Greetings, Young Master Zhou!” 

Clutching his horse’s reins, Zhou Gu stiffened and forced a smile. “I’m here to see the Crown Prince. Is His Highness available?” 

The implication was clear: Don’t misunderstand, I’m not here for Qin Luan, just official business with the Crown Prince. 

The steward smiled knowingly. “The Crown Prince should be in. Please, come this way.” 

Zhou Gu, having spent years in the Eastern Palace as a companion to the Crown Prince, didn’t need formal announcements. Flashing his token, he was allowed entry. 

He dismounted, kept his gaze fixed forward, and strode into the Eastern Palace without sparing Qin Luan a glance. 

Qin Luan, for her part, stood obediently with her head bowed, displaying the proper demeanor she’d been taught. 

Satisfied with her behavior, the steward allowed her to proceed into the palace under the supervision of the Eastern Palace’s head steward.