Drunken Flower Room - Chapter 63

Su Rong returned to her courtyard, where Yue Wan sleepily emerged from the house to greet her. 

Rubbing her eyes, Yue Wan mumbled, “Miss, why did your walk with Young Master Zhou last so long tonight? I waited until I nearly fell asleep.” 

Su Rong glanced at her and patted her on the head. “If you’re sleepy, then sleep. Why wait for me? When have I ever asked you to wait?” 

Yue Wan nodded but sighed. “You never ask me to, but didn’t the Madam say I must start learning proper manners? If I’m to accompany you into the Duke’s manor in the future, I can’t be lacking in etiquette.” 

Having such an unruly mistress over the years, she, as a maid, hadn’t developed much decorum herself. 

Su Rong pinched her cheek. “Some rules you can learn, but waiting for me to sleep isn’t necessary. That rule is mine to make.” 

Yue Wan, still drowsy, nodded but couldn’t help asking, “Miss, what did you do with Young Master Zhou tonight? You didn’t return until nearly the first watch.” 

“I took him to the night market,” Su Rong replied, deciding against shocking her. Waving a hand, she added, “Now go to sleep!” 

Yue Wan mumbled an “oh” and turned to leave but suddenly looked back with a grievance. “Miss, you always bring back food for me when you go out.” 

Su Rong spread her hands. “It’s late at night. Aren’t you afraid of gaining weight?” 

“That’s true,” Yue Wan muttered before retreating to her room. 

Su Rong chuckled and entered her own chamber. As was her habit after returning from an outing, she shed her outer robe and flung herself onto the bed, falling asleep almost instantly. 

Unlike her, Zhou Gu found it impossible to sleep. The thought of Su Rong taking him to a brothel infuriated him, yet he also worried that Su Xingze would punish her. 

Tossing and turning, he only managed to fall asleep close to dawn. 

The next morning, the etiquette instructor Su Xingze had arranged for Su Rong arrived. To everyone’s surprise, she didn’t resist but earnestly followed the lessons. She was well aware that her manners had been lacking over the years. Whether or not she intended to follow etiquette in the future was one thing, but understanding it was another. At the very least, as matriarch had pointed out, she needed to know how to act properly when necessary. She couldn’t afford to become a laughingstock in the capital. 

Zhou Gu, on the other hand, slept until nearly noon. When he finally awoke, he learned that Su Xingze was waiting for him outside. Embarrassed, he hurried out. “Su Xingze, I’m sorry to keep you waiting.” 

“It’s fine,” Su Xingze replied, shaking his head. He guessed Zhou Gu hadn’t slept well but didn’t comment on it. Instead, he said, “You’ve wanted to meet Mister Xie for some time. He returned last night. Today, I’ll take you to see him.” 

Zhou Gu’s eyes lit up. “Great!” 

He was about to stride off with Su Xingze but suddenly halted. Scratching his head, he sheepishly said, “Uh, Su Xingze, I should freshen up first. Could you wait a little longer?” 

“No rush,” Su Xingze said with a nod. 

Zhou Gu quickly returned to his room to wash up and change. When he emerged again, he looked much more refreshed and composed. 

Mister Xie, who was of a similar age to Su Xu, had maintained a youthful appearance. Perhaps it was because he had led a disciplined life, abstaining from indulgences. He had never married and had always lived a structured existence. As a result, unlike Su Xu, he had not let himself go with age. He remained refined and elegant even in middle age. 

Zhou Gu was momentarily stunned upon seeing Xie Yuan for the first time. The legendary Xie Yuan appeared much younger than he had imagined. After all, Grand Tutor Qin of the Eastern Palace greatly revered Xie Yuan, and Grand Tutor Qin was already an elderly man with a long, flowing beard. Zhou Gu had assumed Xie Yuan would be similar in age. 

He respectfully greeted him, “Junior Zhou Gu pays respects to Master Xie.” 

Xie Yuan studied Zhou Gu with mild surprise. He had heard many rumors about the young master of the Duke of the Nation’s household, but he hadn’t expected such a well-mannered demeanor. He smiled and gestured casually, “Young Master Zhou, there’s no need for such formality.” 

Zhou Gu straightened up and said earnestly, “I have long admired your great name, Master Xie. It is an honor to finally meet you today.” 

Xie Yuan chuckled. “How is the Old Duke? It has been over a decade since I last saw him.” 

“My grandfather is in good health. He has mentioned you to me before, saying it was a great loss that you did not remain in court,” Zhou Gu replied. 

Xie Yuan shook his head with a smile. “Those who serve the country and its people need not be confined to the court. Though I remain in Jiangning, I have never truly left the concerns of the people. I do not see it as a loss.” 

Zhou Gu nodded. “Under the governance of both my uncle Su and you, Jiangning thrives. The people live in peace and prosperity. No theft, no beggars, no riots, everyone is clothed and well-fed. Had I not seen it with my own eyes, I would not have believed that such a harmonious place could exist in this world. Your words hold true.” 

“As for the matter of there being no beggars, I cannot take credit for that,” Xie Yuan gestured for Zhou Gu to sit. “That is all thanks to Old Su’s capable administration.” 

Zhou Gu expressed his admiration. “I once discussed this with Uncle Su, but he attributed the success to you. It seems you both are quite humble.” 

Xie Yuan laughed heartily. “That old Su!” 

Turning to Su Xingze, he asked, “What has Su Rong been up to lately?” 

Su Xingze glanced at Zhou Gu before replying, “Learning household management and proper etiquette.” 

Xie Yuan nodded approvingly and chuckled. “It is a rare thing for her to settle down and seriously learn. Over the years, she has taken an interest in all sorts of unconventional things, but when it comes to etiquette, she has always resisted learning or abiding by it.” 

Su Xingze remained silent. In the past, Su Rong had no reason to learn such things because she did not believe the engagement with the Duke of the Nation’s household would hold. But now, with a teacher teaching her proper manners, and her not objecting, it was clear that she was beginning to take the matter seriously. 

Xie Yuan then turned his gaze to Zhou Gu. “For so many years, no one from the Duke’s household came. I had thought that the engagement between you and Su Rong might no longer be valid.” 

Zhou Gu’s expression grew slightly tense. “Though I have always known about this engagement, I was too young to think much of it. However, my grandfather has always valued his word, and he fully intends to honor the agreement. The timing simply wasn’t right before. He was concerned that given the Duke’s household’s prominence, frequent contact with Jiangning might bring unwanted attention and disrupt the peace here.” 

Xie Yuan smiled knowingly. “The Old Duke’s considerations were indeed prudent. It seems we misunderstood.” 

He then added with a laugh, “Su Rong has been different from other girls since birth. She was never one to be confined to the boudoir, content with reading, embroidery, or painting. Instead, she was always fascinated by the lives of common folk beyond high walls. Old Su and his wife could not keep her contained, and I was the only one she would listen to occasionally. As her teacher, I often couldn’t bear to restrain her too much, which led to her being somewhat unbridled in nature. Now that she has grown up, her temperament has become even harder to curb. That is why I once thought that if the engagement were to be annulled, it might not be a bad thing for her. After all, the Duke’s household has strict traditions.” 

Zhou Gu immediately said, “Compared to other noble households in the capital, the Duke’s residence does not impose overly rigid rules.” He hesitated before adding sheepishly, “In fact, my grandfather often scolds me for lacking discipline.” 

Xie Yuan smiled. “Now I see. Since the Old Duke values his promises and has sent you here, he clearly intends to uphold the engagement.” 

Zhou Gu felt a subtle sense of relief at these words.