Drunken Flower Room - Chapter 71

Before long, Yue Wan returned, her expression complicated. 

Su Rong glanced at her. “Did you find out?” 

“I did.” Yue Wan looked at Emerald Feather for a long moment before finally saying, “Young Master Zhou said it eats pastries.” 

Su Rong: “…” 

Yue Wan quickly went to the kitchen and brought back a plate of pastries, setting them on the table. 

Sure enough, Emerald Feather hopped onto the table and started pecking at the pastries. 

Yue Wan was astonished. “So it really eats pastries?” 

After nibbling on a piece, Emerald Feather hopped back onto Su Rong’s shoulder, tilted its head, and observed Yue Wan. After a moment, as if finding the girl rather cute for giving it food, the bird hopped onto Yue Wan’s shoulder as well. 

Yue Wan was delighted and flattered. 

The two girls and the little bird played for a while, and Emerald Feather successfully won over Yue Wan. 

Yue Wan couldn’t hide her excitement. “Miss, it’s so lively and seems to really like you! I’ve heard that birds can sense people’s emotions. Since it likes you so much and it’s raised by Young Master Zhou, doesn’t that mean he likes you too?” 

Su Rong gave her a sidelong glance. “You’re overthinking it.” 

Just yesterday, Zhou Gu had refused to even hold her. Clearly, he didn’t harbor any particular feelings for her. 

Yue Wan pouted and mumbled, “Well, that’s true. Miss, your personality isn’t exactly likable… Not many people would like you. Ah, but this little thing is so fun! It seems to understand what we’re saying!” 

Su Rong glared at her. “Yue Wan, do you even know how to talk properly?” 

“Of course I do.” 

“Then say something nice. Otherwise, get lost, Emerald Feather won’t play with you anymore!” 

Yue Wan giggled. “Alright, alright. Miss is still liked by some people. I, for one, like you very much!” 

Su Rong huffed lightly in response. 

Just then, Madam and Teacher Zhao entered the room, overhearing the playful exchange between the mistress and her maid. 

Madam was speechless, while Teacher Zhao chuckled and greeted Su Rong with a bow, as if nothing unusual had happened. 

Su Rong set down her picture book, smoothed her clothing, and stood up. “Mother, Teacher Zhao.” 

Madam’s gaze fell on Emerald Feather. “Is that young Master Zhou’s bird? I don’t recall seeing it with him when he arrived.” 

“He saw it on Phoenix Mountain and liked it, so he brought it down,” Su Rong explained succinctly. 

Madam nodded in understanding. “It’s a beautiful bird.” 

Teacher Zhao also smiled. “Its plumage is quite rare, and it looks very intelligent. A truly lovely creature.” 

After playing with the bird for a moment, Madam turned to Su Rong. “This morning, Young Master Zhou came to see me. He said that etiquette lessons can be learned gradually that there’s no rush. He mentioned that since you have to learn both household management and etiquette, you seem quite exhausted. He suggested I adjust your schedule so you study a little less each day, otherwise, you might end up looking completely drained.” 

Su Rong blinked, surprised, and looked at her mother. 

Madam let out an exasperated yet amused sigh. “Managing a household is indeed tiring, but when has etiquette ever worn you out? I didn’t have the heart to tell him that you barely take it seriously! You half-study, half-play. I have no idea where he got the impression that you’re overworked. I think you look quite energetic!” 

She then shot Su Rong a glare. “You never pretend when you should, and now that you don’t have to, you suddenly start acting in front of him!” 

Su Rong pouted. “I really was tired yesterday.” 

Madam scoffed. “Since he’s spoken up for you, you’ll only have to study for half a day from now on.” After a pause, she added, “That means everything together, household management and etiquette. We wouldn’t want anyone thinking you’re being overworked.” 

Su Rong was overjoyed. She hadn’t expected Zhou Gu’s misunderstanding to work in her favor. However, she corrected her mother seriously, “Mother, he wasn’t feeling sorry for me. He was just being softhearted.” 

If he truly cared for her, he wouldn’t have refused to hold her yesterday. He was simply someone with a soft heart. 

“Whether it’s pity or softness, it’s a good sign either way,” Madam remarked, clearly pleased. The more harmonious their interactions, the better. It wasn’t in vain that she had put in so much effort. 

After giving her instructions, Madam left, leaving Su Rong to her lessons with Teacher Zhao. 

Once Madam was gone, Teacher Zhao smiled. “On my way here, I ran into Young Master Zhou. I didn’t expect him to still remember me.” 

“Oh! I almost forgot, Teacher, you used to work in the palace! Then you must have seen what Zhou Gu was like before?” Su Rong perked up with interest. “Tell me about him!” 

Teacher Zhao nodded. “If Seventh Miss is interested, I’d be happy to share.” 

She took a seat and reminisced. “The last time I saw Young Master Zhou was four years ago when I left the capital. Back then, he was studying in the Eastern Palace under Grand Tutor Qin, who had arranged a rigorous curriculum for him, just as strict as the one for the Crown Prince. Young Master Zhou wasn’t happy about it and questioned why he had to be treated the same as the heir to the throne. Grand Tutor Qin simply said that since Zhou Gu had been sent to him for instruction, he had to obey. If he refused, he’d be confined in the Eastern Palace until he completed his studies. The Eastern Palace was heavily guarded, and as the Crown Prince’s tutor, Grand Tutor Qin had the imperial decree to discipline Zhou Gu. So, Young Master Zhou had no choice but to submit. 

“When he heard I was leaving, he even asked for leave just to see me off. He jokingly said, ‘Why don’t you take me with you?’ It was quite amusing. 

“Now, four years later, he’s grown into a handsome and distinguished young man.” 

Su Rong listened with amusement. “I bet lots of girls like him.” 

Su Rong thought, how could someone like Zhou Gu not be liked by many? That was simply impossible. 

Teacher Zhao smiled and nodded. “Naturally. Young Master Zhou is handsome and has a charming personality. Unlike some boys who enjoy bullying girls, he has always been respectful. Though he may seem mischievous and playful, often teasing his teachers, his true intent was always to resist the Old Duke’s wishes and join the army. When it comes to dealing with people, he is always courteous and well-mannered.” 

Su Rong asked, “I heard that Princess Dunhua is quite persistent in pursuing him.” 

Teacher Zhao was surprised. “Seventh Miss knows about Princess Dunhua?” 

“Zhou Gu told me himself.” 

Teacher Zhao laughed. “So, Young Master Zhou spoke of it himself?” She nodded with amusement. “Back when the Empress was still alive, Princess Dunhua often played with Young Master Zhou. However, he never liked her much, found her too delicate and prone to tears, so he often avoided her. Now that they’ve grown up, I suppose her persistence has only deepened.” 

She looked at Su Rong. “Princess Qingping has only one daughter, Princess Dunhua. If you and Young Master Zhou become engaged, she will certainly give you trouble. I’ve heard that she has never given up on him.” 

Su Rong replied, “She has already sought me out. Zhou Gu was afraid she would disrupt my coming-of-age ceremony, so he stopped her halfway.” 

Teacher Zhao was momentarily speechless. “Young Master Zhou is quite decisive, but that must have infuriated Princess Dunhua. As His Majesty’s only niece, she has certainly been spoiled.” 

She paused before continuing, “However, Princess Dunhua fears the Crown Prince. Seventh Miss, you have a life-saving favor owed by the Crown Prince. If Young Master Zhou cannot hold her back, you need not worry. Simply request the Crown Prince’s protection. I believe he would certainly help.” 

Su Rong raised an eyebrow. “I already told him that a dagger was enough to repay that favor. So how could I trouble the Crown Prince with everything?” 

She added, “If the Crown Prince was ambushed, doesn’t that mean there’s turmoil within the royal family? Who knows what kind of power struggles are happening behind the scenes? How could he have the leisure to manage such trivial matters? I’ve heard that the current Emperor is not as wise as his predecessors. Suppressing the Crown Prince while supporting the other princes? Is he refusing to relinquish power and instead sowing discord within his own house?” 

Teacher Zhao’s expression changed. She lowered her voice. “Seventh Miss, you must be cautious with your words. You cannot speak so recklessly.” 

Su Rong chuckled. “Aren’t we behind closed doors, talking in our own home? Would Teacher go and report me?” 

“Of course not,” Teacher Zhao assured her. She understood that after yesterday’s conversation, Su Rong no longer treated her as an outsider. With a sigh, she said, “Seventh Miss is quite perceptive. When the Empress was alive, she often warned His Majesty. After her passing, there has been no one left to restrain him. I have also heard that the Crown Prince has faced increasing difficulties in recent years.” 

“Does the Crown Prince live up to his reputation? Is he truly as disciplined, upright, gentle, and virtuous as they say? Without any flaws?” 

Teacher Zhao nodded. “The Crown Prince is indeed exceptional. The praises he receives are not exaggerated. But no one is perfect. Some minor shortcomings are simply human nature, and they do not overshadow his merits.” 

Su Rong remarked, “Then I saved the right person.” 

Teacher Zhao nodded. “His Majesty disapproves of the Crown Prince’s growing prestige and has been suppressing him while elevating the First and Second Princes. He has even chosen noble wives for them, one from the Marquis of Nanping’s family and the other from the household of General Pingxi, who commands an army of one hundred thousand. Now that the Crown Prince has reached marriageable age, it remains unclear what His Majesty intends for him. Judging by His Majesty’s attitude in recent years, the Crown Princess’s family background may not be particularly prestigious.” 

“How ridiculous. The Crown Princess’s status should surpass that of the other prince’s wives. If not, wouldn’t that be a joke?” 

Teacher Zhao sighed. “His Majesty is the ruler. Though the Crown Prince is the heir, he is still a subject before his father.” 

Su Rong raised an eyebrow. “If His Majesty pushes too far, won’t the Crown Prince resist?” 

“That is precisely the challenge the Crown Prince faces. How could he resist? Whether he acts forcefully or cautiously, the situation remains delicate. Balancing the role of both a son and a subject is an age-old dilemma, and for someone in the Crown Prince’s position, it is even more complicated.” 

Teacher Zhao then added, “However, the Crown Prince is certainly not incapable. If he were, he would not have maintained his current standing.” 

“Ah, none of this is easy,” Su Rong mused. “What’s the use of noble birth? Even someone like the Crown Prince has to fight to survive every day. Let’s talk about Zhou Gu instead.” 

Teacher Zhao chuckled. “I did not have much contact with Young Master Zhou, so I can only share stories from his childhood.” 

“That’s fine. I’d love to hear them.” 

Teacher Zhao nodded and recounted a few amusing tales from Zhou Gu’s younger days in and outside the palace. 

Su Rong listened with great interest. 

After talking about Zhou Gu for nearly half an hour, Teacher Zhao resumed etiquette lessons. This time, Su Rong was more diligent than the day before, after all, it wouldn’t be right to disregard Zhou Gu’s efforts in speaking on her behalf. 

At the end of the half-day lesson, Teacher Zhao told Su Rong, “Seventh Miss, the message you had me deliver yesterday has been passed to Yun An, the Crown Prince’s envoy. He will send it through carrier pigeon for a swift response. In no more than three to five days, we should receive a reply. Please wait patiently.” 

Su Rong nodded. “Alright. No rush.” 

After all, she had been targeted for assassination since childhood. If she had been eager to know the culprit, she would have worried herself to death by now. Patience was something she had plenty of. As long as her enemies failed to kill her, the ones losing sleep would be them, not her. 

Time passed quickly, and in the blink of an eye, four or five days had gone by. Soon, it was only two days until Su Rong’s coming-of-age ceremony. 

That morning, Zhou Gu woke early, practicing martial arts in the courtyard for an hour. When he noticed that Su Xingze hadn’t come to find him, he figured that he must be busy. So, he stayed in his room, picked up a book, and decided to steal a moment of leisure. 

He had only been reading for a short while when Su Xingze arrived. 

Zhou Gu sighed internally. As soon as Su Xingze stepped inside, Zhou Gu chuckled. “I thought you were busy today and would finally let me have some free time.” 

Su Xingze smiled. “There are indeed many things to handle. With only two days until Su Rong’s coming-of-age ceremony, there is much to prepare. My mother is overwhelmed, so I intend to assist her. That’s why I came to inform you Su Rong won’t be studying etiquette for the next two days. She will be keeping you company instead. What do you think?” 

Zhou Gu wanted to say, ‘That sounds great!’ Having Su Rong around meant playing and having fun, whereas being with Su Xingze always involved serious matters. Though he was pleased, he couldn’t express it too openly. So, he simply smiled and nodded. “Brother Su, please go ahead with your work. I have been in Jiangning for some time now and am familiar with the place. I don’t need anyone to accompany me.” 

Su Xingze nodded, exchanged a few more words, and then left.