Drunken Flower Room - Chapter 65

Yue Wan had never seen a teacher from the palace who would actually say that in private, one could be natural and not strictly follow all the rules. 

Teacher Zhao smiled. “I spent half my life in the palace. The palace is the place where rules matter the most, but in reality, it is also the place where rules are most often bent. It all depends on perception. Knowing how to avoid being laughed at while also living comfortably is a profound lesson in itself.” 

Yue Wan half-understood and nodded before confirming again, “So we really can eat it with a spoon?” 

“In private, of course,” Teacher Zhao nodded. 

Yue Wan happily took a knife, cut the watermelon into four pieces, and inserted three spoons into three of the slices, one for Su Rong, one for Teacher Zhao, and one for herself. The last remaining slice, she carried outside and gave to A’Le, the dog wagging its tail at the door. 

Thus, when the Madam came over to check on Su Rong, worried about how she was handling things, she was met with the sight of three people and one dog happily eating watermelon. She was momentarily stunned, especially when she saw Teacher Zhao using a spoon to eat the watermelon naturally, with a smile on her face and no sign of reluctance. For a moment, she even wondered if this Teacher Zhao was truly from the palace. 

Teacher Zhao put down her spoon and greeted the Madam with a smile. 

The Madam stood there for a long moment before finding her voice. “You… you all… this is—” 

“Madam, we’re just taking a break,” Yue Wan quickly repeated what Teacher Zhao had said earlier and then added, “Madam, we have more watermelon. Would you like some?” 

The Madam hesitated before replying, “I also have watermelon. Master Xie sent some as well.” 

She just hadn’t expected Teacher Zhao to be so easygoing and unpretentious. She was beginning to worry, would Su Rong really learn proper etiquette under this teacher’s teaching? But since Su Xingze was the one who had chosen Teacher Zhao, as an etiquette teacher, even if she didn’t completely trust her, she should at least trust her son, right? 

Teacher Zhao chuckled. “Madam, there’s no need to worry. I will guide Miss Su Rong carefully. Rules are rigid, but people are flexible. The key is to make etiquette a natural part of oneself, so that sitting, standing, and moving all appear effortless and not stiff. It should be ingrained yet not feel restrictive. That is the most suitable kind of etiquette for Miss Su Rong.” 

Hearing this, the Madam nodded and smiled. “Since you were chosen by Xingze, I trust you. I just didn’t expect you to be so easygoing in private.” 

Teacher Zhao laughed. “I used to serve the Empress. Before she passed, she knew I was always thinking about my nephew, so she allowed him to take me home to be cared for. The Empress herself was not rigid in private, so having served at her side, I naturally picked up some of that.” 

The Madam suddenly understood. “Please, have a seat. I came by just to check on Su Rong. This child has always hated rules and restrictions the most. I was worried she might cause trouble and make things difficult for you. Now that I see you getting along well, I can rest easy.” 

Teacher Zhao smiled. “Miss Su Rong is truly fortunate.” 

In all of Jiangning County, there was probably no other young lady as pampered as Miss Su Rong. Even the noble daughters of powerful families might not compare. The Madam’s attitude alone was enough proof, she genuinely doted on her. If she had a biological daughter, she probably wouldn’t treat her any differently. 

Su Rong continued eating her watermelon and nodded. “Yue Wan, go cut a piece for Mother too.” 

Yue Wan answered cheerfully and went to fetch another slice. 

The Madam did not refuse. When Yue Wan handed her a large piece with a spoon stuck into it, she hesitated for a moment before taking it. Imitating Su Rong, she scooped out a bite and put it into her mouth. Then, to her surprise, she smiled. “This actually does taste better this way.” 

“Of course! Cutting it into pieces makes it lose its juice. Eating it like this keeps it the most flavorful,” Su Rong said while lounging comfortably. “Mother, I’ve told you before, you should relax a little in private, but you never listened. You always used to scold me for not following proper etiquette. But in our own home, why do we need so many rules? Isn’t it exhausting?” 

The Madam rolled her eyes at her. “I was only worried that if you and your sisters got used to behaving too freely, it would make it harder for you to find a good husband in the future. Some habits, once formed, are hard to break. Look at you now, you can’t even keep up appearances in front of Zhou Gu for a single day.” 

Su Rong, feeling guilty, fell silent. 

After finishing the watermelon and chatting for a bit, the Madam finally got up to leave. 

Once she left, Su Rong continued her etiquette lessons with Teacher Zhao. By the end of the day, Teacher Zhao praised her repeatedly. “I had thought, when the young master first asked me to teach Miss Su Rong, that her manners would be terribly difficult to correct. But to my surprise, she has an excellent foundation. I barely need to put in any extra effort.” 

She then asked with curiosity, “Miss Su Rong, did you receive formal court etiquette training as a child? Was there a governess who taught you?” 

“No, we never hired one. Before I turned seven, my mother was still alive. She taught me etiquette every single day, and for a few years, I felt like I was living in a nightmare. After she passed away, my life got a little easier,” Su Rong reminisced. Even the Madam might have forgotten, but back then, Seventh Concubine had been the most disciplined in the entire household. She personally taught Su Rong how to read, write, and behave, despite being in poor health. Every day, she would make Su Rong spend half the day in strict lessons, and only then was she allowed to run off and play for the rest of the day. That was the one good thing about her mother, she never scolded her for playing and was always gentle. 

Teacher Zhao nodded. Although she was still a little puzzled, she said, “With such a foundation, there is little for Madam and the young master to worry about. I’ll take my leave for today and return tomorrow.” 

“Take care, Teacher,” Su Rong said, gesturing for Yue Wan to escort her out. 

Yue Wan nodded and walked with Teacher Zhao to the gate. 

On the way, Teacher Zhao suddenly asked, “I noticed that Miss Su Rong does not resemble Lord Su very much. Does she take after Concubine Seventh?” 

“Yes, my lady looks like her mother,” Yue Wan confirmed. 

Teacher Zhao paused in thought. “I once knew someone… Miss Su Rong bears a bit of a resemblance to her. I wonder where she ended up. She disappeared long ago, and to this day, no one knows what became of her. Seeing Miss Su Rong today reminded me of her.” 

Yue Wan grinned. “Beautiful people tend to look alike, don’t they? My lady is very beautiful.” 

“That’s true,” Teacher Zhao replied with a smile, choosing not to continue the conversation.