Drunken Flower Room - Chapter 7

Zhou Gu headed straight to the Crown Prince’s study. 

The Crown Prince, Yan Huisheng, was the Empress’s legitimate son and the heir to the throne, designated Crown Prince from birth. Now nineteen, he bore the weight of his title with grace and precision. 

Though the Emperor had many sons, the Crown Prince stood out. He wasn’t the eldest but he held the prestigious status of being the legitimate son, with two elder half-brothers and three younger ones, all close in age. 

From a young age, Yan Huisheng understood that both the court and the palace scrutinized his every move, leaving no room for error. As a result, he developed a calm and composed demeanor early on, becoming the model of self-restraint, virtue, and propriety. His conduct earned universal praise. 

At this moment, he was discussing matters with his tutor, Qin Taifu, in the study. When informed that Qin Luan had arrived, he responded without looking up, “Have the steward settle her somewhere.” 

After the steward left, Qin Taifu turned to Yan Huisheng. “Your Highness, now that His Majesty has bestowed her upon you, do you intend to accept her?” 

Yan Huisheng shook his head. “The usual arrangement will suffice.” 

Since the Crown Prince turned thirteen, the palace had sent trained attendants from the leisure quarters to serve him. However, Yan Huisheng always kept his distance. Though he accepted these attendants, they never came close to him, a secret known only within the Eastern Palace. 

Qin Taifu hesitated before suggesting, “Your Highness, you’re not young anymore. Perhaps it’s time to allow someone to serve you.” 

Yan Huisheng shook his head again. “I’m not interested.” 

The tutor’s expression immediately changed. 

Seeing this, Yan Huisheng chuckled lightly. “You misunderstand, Taifu. It’s not that I lack interest in women, but my mind is elsewhere for now.” 

Relieved, Qin Taifu said, “His Majesty is considering selecting a consort for you this year. Do you have any preferences for the Crown Princess?” 

Yan Huisheng paused but remained silent. 

Sensing the opportunity, Qin Taifu continued, “If Your Highness has someone in mind, it’s best to act early. If His Majesty selects someone you dislike, it will be troublesome. If you have a candidate, inform the Empress so she can help.” 

Yan Huisheng absentmindedly rubbed his fingers, still not responding. 

Qin Taifu pressed on, “The First Prince’s consort comes from the House of Marquis Nanping, and the Second Prince’s consort is from the General of Pingxi’s family. Both are esteemed families. Your Crown Princess must also come from a prominent background to maintain balance and authority over the others.” 

He added, “The Duke Protector’s household would be an ideal choice. Their fifth daughter is yet to be engaged.” 

“Duke Protector’s household has Zhou Gu. There’s no need for a marriage alliance,” Yan Huisheng replied dismissively. 

“If not the Duke Protector’s house, then there’s the Prime Minister’s family, Prince Rui’an’s household, Marquis Cheng’an’s family, or Princess Qingping’s estate,” Qin Taifu suggested, listing notable options. “Any of these families would strengthen your position.” 

“And if I choose none of them?” Yan Huisheng countered. 

Qin Taifu was startled and cautiously asked, “Your Highness, do you have someone in mind from a less prominent family?” 

“You could say that.” 

Qin Taifu’s heart sank. “Then perhaps she could become a secondary consort?” 

Yan Huisheng rubbed his temple. “Let’s discuss this another time.” 

Seeing that the Crown Prince wasn’t in the mood, Qin Taifu dropped the subject. 

At that moment, a servant announced from outside, “Your Highness, Young Master Zhou is here.” 

Yan Huisheng nodded. “Let him in.” 

Qin Taifu frowned. “Zhou Gu hasn’t visited since the incident with Qin Luan and being punished by the Old Duke. Could his visit today be related to Qin Luan?” 

“I’ll know once I see him,” Yan Huisheng replied. 

Shortly after, Zhou Gu entered the study. The sight of Qin Taifu made him tense up. He briefly considered turning around to leave but stopped when the tutor snorted coldly. Rubbing his nose awkwardly, Zhou Gu decided to stay and properly greeted them, “Your Highness, Taifu.” 

This greeting was far more respectful than the lazy salutes he gave his grandfather. 

Yan Huisheng smiled faintly and asked, “What brings you here?” 

Zhou Gu quickly clarified, “I’m not here because of Qin Luan. Please don’t misunderstand, Your Highness.” 

Raising an eyebrow, Yan Huisheng chuckled. “Oh? Then why are you here?” 

Zhou Gu scratched his head, glancing uneasily at Qin Taifu. With a “better say it quickly and leave” attitude, he explained, “When I was a child, my grandfather arranged a marriage for me in Jiangning. My fiancée is about to come of age, and my grandfather has ordered me to attend her ceremony in person.” 

“Jiangning?” Yan Huisheng was slightly surprised. 

“Yes, Jiangning,” Zhou Gu confirmed. He maintained a composed demeanor in front of Yan Huisheng. “I’m leaving tomorrow and came to inform Your Highness. I’ll be gone for about a month, so don’t miss me.” 

Yan Huisheng looked at Zhou Gu. “Which young lady from Jiangning?” 

“The seventh daughter of the Jiangning Lord’s household,” Zhou Gu replied, almost blurting out the words illegitimate daughter. However, he held back, deciding it was best to maintain some dignity for his fiancée. If he himself belittled her, others would surely trample on her reputation even more. 

“The Jiangning Governor’s household has no legitimate daughters, only those born of concubines. Did the old Duke arrange for you to marry the seventh daughter, an illegitimate one?” Yan Huisheng seemed genuinely surprised. 

“Yes.” Zhou Gu’s face remained impassive. “My grandfather said the Su family had shown him kindness, and since I was of the right age, he made the arrangement.” 

Yan Huisheng was puzzled. He had never heard of the Su family doing any great favor for the Duke Protector’s household. Why would the old Duke bestow his legitimate grandson, Zhou Gu, instead of the third son, Zhou Che, who was born of a concubine? Nevertheless, he nodded and replied gently, “Very well. I understand.” 

Turning to Qin Taifu with a smile, Yan Huisheng said, “Taifu, you should return for now. I’ll have a private word with Zhou Gu. Your presence seems to make him uncomfortable.” 

Qin Taifu snorted at Zhou Gu. “I’ll be waiting to see how you perform in the autumn imperial examinations. Don’t bring disgrace to my name.” After a pause, he added, “Even in Jiangning, don’t slack on your studies. The examination is only a few months away.” 

“Understood,” Zhou Gu replied, though he inwardly rolled his eyes. On the surface, he obediently agreed. 

Once Qin Taifu left, Zhou Gu heaved a long sigh of relief, finally relaxing. He glanced at Yan Huisheng with admiration. “Your Highness, I truly don’t understand how you can put up with him. Even after leaving the academy, I’m still terrified of that old man. He’s so stern and serious all the time.” 

Yan Huisheng smiled helplessly. “Taifu may be strict, but he’s reasonable and never forces anyone. After all these years, you still haven’t gotten used to him? People say you’re bold, but I don’t think you’re that daring.” 

“I’ll never forget the time Taifu recited the entire Book of Rites to me, then made me memorize it within ten days. He wouldn’t let me leave the Eastern Palace or go home until I did. His Majesty even assigned imperial guards to help him enforce it. No matter how brave I was, he broke me back then.” 

It was during that time Zhou Gu learned the lesson that even the bold must yield to authority. 

Yan Huisheng chuckled. “You brought that on yourself with your antics in the study hall. Taifu’s methods worked, though. You’ve been much more restrained over the years.” 

Zhou Gu coughed, resigned. “Your Highness, I’ve been thinking… I don’t really want to participate in the autumn examinations. I’d rather travel for a few years and sit for the exams later.” 

Yan Huisheng’s smile faded. “You don’t want to enter the court early?” 

“That’s right.” Zhou Gu sighed. “My grandfather won’t let me join the military, but I’m not ready to enter the court either. The world is vast, and I’ve barely explored it. How can I govern people without understanding their lives first?” 

“Does the old Duke agree?” 

“I haven’t told him yet. I’m afraid he’ll disapprove. But if you support me and persuade Taifu, my grandfather might not object.” Zhou Gu grinned, scheming. “Your Highness, will you help me?” 

Yan Huisheng gave him a knowing look. “You’re planning to leave for Jiangning and not return to the capital, heading straight for your travels, aren’t you?” 

Zhou Gu was startled but nodded. “That’s the idea. Your Highness, you’re very perceptive.” 

“Your intentions are obvious,” Yan Huisheng remarked, sitting down. “The old Duke sent you to Jiangning to attend your fiancée’s coming-of-age ceremony. He likely intends to settle the wedding date afterward. If you leave for your travels, the marriage will be delayed. How long do you plan to delay it? One year? Two? Three? Do you think the young lady can wait that long? How old will she be by then?” 

Zhou Gu slouched in his chair, clearly troubled. “That’s exactly the problem.” 

After some thought, Yan Huisheng advised, “You’ve never met your fiancée, correct? Go to Jiangning, meet her, and then make a decision. Perhaps you can ask if she’s willing to wait for you. Don’t rush off without returning to the capital. If you still decide not to sit for the autumn exams and wish to travel, discuss it with the old Duke afterward. Except for joining the military, he hasn’t denied you much. Perhaps this time he’ll agree.” 

Zhou Gu wanted to say, I don’t want to marry that illegitimate daughter. My grandfather threatened to disown me if I refused. But he refrained and nodded. “That sounds reasonable.” 

Taking a sip of tea, Zhou Gu asked, “Your Highness, you visited Jiangning recently. Is it a fun place?” 

Yan Huisheng nodded. “The scenery is beautiful. It’s a lovely place.” 

Zhou Gu brightened. “That’s good to hear.” 

Yan Huisheng studied him for a moment before speaking again. “I need you to find someone for me in Jiangning. Investigate her identity discreetly. When I was in Jiangning, I was ambushed and rescued by her. In the rush to escape, I didn’t ask her name. Later, I considered sending someone to look for her but feared drawing unwanted attention to her.” 

“Of course, Your Highness. Tell me what she looks like.” Zhou Gu agreed readily. 

“She’s a young girl, fourteen or fifteen. It was dark, so I didn’t see her face clearly, but I recall she had a pleasant smile and was quite thin yet strong.” 

Zhou Gu looked exasperated. “Your Highness, girls like that are everywhere in Jiangning. You need to give me something more specific to identify her.” 

“I gave her my dagger. She seemed fond of it and should keep it with her,” Yan Huisheng added. 

“That helps,” Zhou Gu acknowledged. “Anything else?” 

“She might be a fisher girl from a farming family. I met her by the river, she was alone, casting a net.” Yan Huisheng paused. “That’s all I know.” 

Zhou Gu sighed inwardly at the difficulty of the task but still agreed. “I’ll do my best, Your Highness. I’ll be in Jiangning for at least a month, so I’ll try to find her.” 

Yan Huisheng smiled. “Thank you. Be discreet, no grand gestures. Just find her.” 

“Understood.”