Drunken Flower Room - Chapter 64

“But both the Grand Princess Sheng An and the Duchess are strict about rules, aren’t they?” Xie Yuan changed the topic. “Raising a son and choosing a daughter-in-law are two different matters. The ladies of noble households always have high standards for their daughters-in-law and granddaughters-in-law.” 

Zhou Gu carefully chose his words. “In the Protector Duke’s household, my grandfather has the final say. Although my grandmother and mother are strict with rules, they only impose them on the eldest son and eldest grandson. I am the fourth in my family and the youngest, so they are more lenient with me.” 

In other words, it was expected that the eldest daughter-in-law would be held to high standards, but his own wife would be given more leeway. 

Xie Yuan smiled and nodded. “That sounds quite reasonable.” 

Then, he chuckled and said, “I still don’t know what Su Rong’s mother was thinking back then. She made the decision on her own and arranged this marriage with the Protector Duke’s household. Old Su had no objections, but as Su Rong’s teacher, I was not in favor of it when I found out. Two people from different backgrounds and environments, if they were to marry, it would be difficult for them to have a harmonious relationship. But since the arrangement was already made, there was nothing to be done about it.” 

Zhou Gu didn’t understand what he was implying and waited for Xie Yuan to continue. 

Xie Yuan smiled again. “Now, it’s not just about whether the Protector Duke’s household will honor the engagement. Su Rong has grown up, developed her own temperament, and formed her own opinions. Just yesterday, she pulled you along to the brothel to listen to music and drink. She has always done such unruly things. If she dared to take you to that kind of place yesterday, who knows what else she might do tomorrow? I don’t know what you think about it, but in my opinion, the Duke’s household certainly wouldn’t approve. So, this marriage arrangement is still up for discussion.” 

Zhou Gu remained silent. 

“If she were to break the engagement, the Protector Duke’s household wouldn’t insist on keeping it, would they?” Xie Yuan asked again. 

Zhou Gu wasn’t sure how to respond. He thought back to yesterday, perhaps Su Rong had been testing him. Or rather, ever since she arrived in Jiangning County, she had been testing him. Not just her, but also Lord Su, and Su Xingze who had rushed back early for her, and now even Xie Yuan, who had arrived ahead of schedule. They were all probing him. 

It suddenly dawned on him just how important Su Rong was to these people. She was far from the pitiful little concubine-born girl struggling to survive under the main wife’s control, as he had initially assumed. The reality was worlds apart. 

During his time at the lord’s residence, he had noticed that no one dared to provoke her. The Lord and the Matriarch practically doted on her. Even the concubines and her sisters kept their distance from her. 

Even he, the youngest and supposedly most favored grandson of the Old Duke’s household, did not enjoy such status. At least, when his grandfather wanted to discipline him, he could be beaten at will, and he wouldn’t dare to complain. 

Zhou Gu sighed. “Of course, we wouldn’t insist on it.” 

Xie Yuan gave him a genuine smile. “Good, that’s a relief.” 

Seeing the change in Xie Yuan’s smile, Zhou Gu immediately regretted his words. His heart tightened, and he hurriedly added, “Although my grandfather has never met Su Rong, he has always spoken kindly of her. And he’s the kind of person who never forces others.” 

Xie Yuan understood. “Then the Grand Princess Sheng An and the Duchess would have no objections either.” 

Zhou Gu wanted to say that they wouldn’t insist on it, but what about him? 

If it had been before, he would have been eager to be rid of the engagement. But now, he realized that if Su Rong wanted to uphold it, he might not be so willing to break it. 

He knew this was a trap, a test. But he still couldn’t help himself from saying, “Su Rong and I get along well. I think you might be overthinking it, sir.” 

At that moment, Zhou Gu fully realized just how formidable Xie Yuan was. No wonder Grand Tutor Qin held him in such high regard. In just a few words, Xie Yuan had tested him more directly and sharply than Su Xingze’s more subtle probing, leaving him almost defenseless. 

Sure enough, Xie Yuan immediately followed up with, “Oh? So, Young Master Zhou means that even if your family doesn’t insist, you might?” 

Zhou Gu braced himself and replied, “Sir, the word ‘insist’ sounds too harsh. We currently get along well, and I don’t feel there’s anything seriously inappropriate between us. Perhaps she wouldn’t find it undesirable.” 

He didn’t dare say there were no issues at all, after all, he had been truly annoyed when Su Rong took him to the brothel yesterday. 

Xie Yuan chuckled. “Since you say so, then there’s no rush to conclude anything. There’s still plenty of time, and everything remains uncertain. We’ll see how things unfold.” 

Zhou Gu nodded, eager to end the discussion about his engagement to Su Rong. He wished Xie Yuan would just test his knowledge like Su Xingze did instead of grilling him over and over on this matter. 

“You haven’t had lunch yet, have you? I knew Xingze would bring you over today, so I had a meal prepared. Let’s eat first.” Xie Yuan stood up, once again appearing like a kind elder. 

Zhou Gu nodded, relieved. He had never appreciated the act of eating so much before. 

Su Xingze glanced at Zhou Gu with amusement and, surprisingly, patted his shoulder in comfort. 

Zhou Gu was shocked. Although Su Xingze had never treated him coldly, throughout their time together, Zhou Gu could clearly sense his politeness and distance. Winning over someone like Su Xingze and becoming his close friend was practically impossible. Su Xingze had never shown him any sign of affection, until today, when he patted his shoulder. 

Seeing Zhou Gu’s stunned expression, Su Xingze paused for a moment, then naturally withdrew his hand and smiled. “Seventh Sister has always been a girl with strong opinions. She has always known what she wants. So, the teacher wasn’t wrong.” 

Zhou Gu: “……” 

After spending so much time with Su Rong, he had also realized how strong-willed she was. He began to wonder, if Su Rong truly became dissatisfied with him one day and wanted to break the engagement, would he insist on keeping it? 

The thought left him momentarily breathless. 

Meanwhile, Su Rong was learning about etiquette and rules from a nanny. The women’s teachings on virtue and propriety, which she had once scorned, she now sat through obediently. 

During a break, Yue Wan walked in carrying a large watermelon. Su Rong’s eyes lit up. “Where did that come from?” 

“Sir Xie brought it back,” Yue Wan said, placing the watermelon on the table. “Miss, should I cut it into slices, or do you want to eat it the way you used to, with a spoon?” 

“Of course, with a spoon.” Su Rong didn’t hesitate. 

Yue Wan looked toward the etiquette teacher. 

The teacher, surnamed Zhao, was kind and not overly strict. She wasn’t the type to keep a stern face all the time. Seeing Yue Wan’s hesitation, she smiled and said, “Rules are just a framework for society. Some people prefer to follow them strictly, while others do not. There’s a saying, without rules, there’s no order. But personally, I believe that in private, when there are no outsiders around, it’s best to be comfortable and natural.” 

Yue Wan’s eyes widened. “Teacher Zhao, you’re so kind!”