The journey from Nanchu Capital to Daliang Capital, combining both water and land routes, would take at least more than twenty days even at its fastest. Ye Guixue had a three-month leave, which meant that he could stay in the Nanchu Capital for over a month.
Su Rong pondered in her heart, contemplating the real reason for Ye Guixue’s visit to the capital. Could it be simply to bring his little niece?
A few days ago, when she left Jiangzhou, several groups of men from Nanchu had attempted to kill her along the journey. The Nanchu King, who was in control of Nanchu’s political situation, was unlikely to be kept in the dark even with the Nangong Family and the royal family wielding control. If that were the case, his reign would not have lasted until now without him being dethroned. So far, he had not sent anyone, could Ye Guixue be his envoy?
But what about the marriage alliance between the Nangong Family and the Ye Xiang Residence? It could also be possible that the two large residences are working together to usurp the Nanchu King’s power, thus making Ye Guixue’s arrival potentially dangerous for her.
Su Rong pondered but could not figure out any reason, so she looked at Fen Ling.
Fen Ling seemed to understand her thoughts, shaking her head to indicate that she could only find so much information in such a short time.
Duanhua gazed at Fen Ling and then at Su Rong, feeling like the two were passing silent codes that she couldn’t decipher.
Su Rong’s visit to the Duke Residence to terminate the engagement was no secret as she did not hide it and Duke Residence wouldn’t keep it a secret either. Therefore, after she left the Duke Residence, the news was quickly learned by others in the Capital City.
The Eastern Palace was the first one to receive the news. The shadow guard reported it to Yan Huisheng, who nodded to acknowledge it.
He thought Su Rong always act decisively, ending the engagement upon saying she would which suited her nature. Once she decided something, she did not procrastinate. But for the same reason, people could tell the chilliness in her bones, indicating that she did not value romantic feelings highly.
He put down the memorials, deep in thought, wondering if it was Su Rong’s natural disposition or the influence of Xie Yuan’s teachings. Regardless, she was able to let go of Zhou Gu, showing that she was not a person who could be easily moved.
Compared to Zhou Gu, if he were to be with her, the path ahead might not be the same at all.
He rubbed his forehead and asked the shadow guard, "What about Zhou Gu? What’s he doing now?"
The shadow guard quickly replied, "Young Master Zhou left the residence and went to Rui’an King’s Residence. He invited Young Master Xie and went to the Guest Inn to drink."
Yan Huisheng didn’t expect Zhou Gu and Xie Lin, who had long been at odds, to be getting along well now. He nodded and waved the shadow guard off.
The shadow guard saluted, "There is another matter to report to you."
"Hmm? Go on."
The shadow guard said: "Young Master Ye Guixue from Nanchu’s Ye Xiang Residence arrived in the Capital City today with his niece. The Lady of the Ye Xiang Residence did not feel reassured due to Nangong Le’s upcoming marriage to the eldest son of the Ye Xiang Residence. Therefore, she decided to send the girl to be fostered in Daliang’s Duke Residence for a while. Young Master Ye has taken a three-month leave, which allows him to spend some time in the Capital City accompanying his niece."
Yan Huisheng made a sound of interest. "Ye Guixue?"
"Precisely."
Yan Huisheng appeared deep in thought, "Alright, I understand."
The shadow guard retreated.
Nanchu was a tributary state of Daliang, with mutual trade at the border, trading tea, salt, and horses, exchanging marital ties. During the previous emperor’s reign, Nanchu harbored intentions against Daliang for several years because the late king of Nanchu looked down upon the weakening state of Daliang. But due to Nanchu’s Crown Prince’s affection for Princess Zhenmin, it pulled the relationship back to Daliang’s side. After the late king of Nanchu died, the Crown Prince ascended the throne. Although Princess Zhenmin didn’t end up marrying the Nanchu Crown Prince, her death in Dawei filled him with hatred for Dawei, so much so that Nanchu remained a tributary state to Daliang.
Therefore, the marriages between Nanchu and Daliang were not hindered, but even so, they were limited to the people living on the borders. The high-class residences of the two countries were not greatly affected, after all, the distance was too great. The thousands of miles were not just numbers, but represented real geographical obstacles.
But back then, the daughter of Daliang’s Duke Residence and the son of Nanchu’s Ye Family fell in love. The marriage, which was approved by the late emperor and the late king of Nanchu, eventually took place, contributing to the harmonized relations between the two countries.
Due to the long journey, the daughter of Duke Residence, who married overseas, never returned home. Unexpectedly now, she sent her granddaughter back and it was Ye Guixue who personally escorted her.
This timing was too coincidental.
After Yan Huisheng contemplated these thoughts in his heart, he was interrupted by the arrival of his subordinates for a meeting in the Eastern Palace, prompting him to turn his attention back to his work.
Throughout the entire Capital City, in less than half a day, the news of Su Rong and Zhou Gu breaking their engagement was already buzzing everywhere.
Primarily, the engagement of the two which was already a topic of interest, everyone became increasingly curious about Su Rong after hearing that Zhou Gu was engaged. Her arrival in the capital city and residency in the Princess Residence as an honored guest had peaked everyone’s curiosity. But before they could see her, news of her terminating the engagement with Zhou Gu at the Duke Residence spread.
The Capital City was instantly stirred.
For the Capital City, this was the first explosive incident since the imperial examination.
If Zhou Gu were the one to break off the engagement with Su Rong, it wouldn’t have caused such an uproar. People would think it’s only a matter of time for the Duke Residence to call off a mismatched marriage. However, it was Su Rong who proactively ended the engagement with Zhou Gu, which was truly shocking.
Many girls long to marry into the Duke Residence. Especially for a girl of common birth, such a marriage would be considered a lofty match.
Who would have thought, Su Rong actually took the initiative to break off the engagement?
People were chattering endlessly, and all the speculations centered around the Princess Residence. By common sense, this must have been instigated by the Princess Residence. The Duanhua Princess and Princess Qingping must have held Su Rong hostage in their residence. On the surface, they treated her well, but behind the scenes, they must have coerced and tempted her into breaking the engagement.
There had been a lot of talk like this. The duke, who had just finished his official duties, had also heard the rumors. He remained silent for a long time.
Whether his own family had interfered or not, the duke knew best. But even if he said they didn’t, no one would believe him. If it weren’t for his acquaintance with Su Rong and knowing what Qingping and Duanhua had been doing lately, he wouldn’t have believed them to be innocent either.
When he returned home, he saw Qingping who was irritated by the rumors she had heard. He helplessly consoled her, "Let them say whatever they want. Haven’t you been blamed for things you haven’t done before? Why are you angry this time?"
Qingping glared at him unhappily, "Even if I’ve been wrongly accused a hundred times before, I’m still angry about being blamed for something I didn’t do. I can’t get used to it."
The duke held her hand, smiling to comfort her, "Don’t be angry, it’s not a big deal. It’s simply a cause and effect. It’s because Duanhua has been too clingy to Zhou Gu these past few years, so now we have these rumors."
Qingping snorted, blamed him, "It’s all your fault for not disciplining your daughter properly."
The duke admitted, "Yes, it’s my fault. I didn’t teach her well. Don’t be angry anymore."
Qingping was easy to appease, especially when the duke tried to calm her down. She soon laughed, "In my opinion, there’s nothing good about Zhou Gu. Su Rong did well by breaking off the engagement. We should ask her if she wants to celebrate her successful breakup with him."
The duke: "..."
He wanted to say that those words were too damaging to Zhou Gu. If Zhou Gu was no good, then who could be considered good?
Qingping continued, "Anyway, I’ve been blamed. I won’t feel comfortable until we celebrate. Call someone to ask Su Rong if she’s up for a celebration tonight."
A maid brought the message and immediately went to inquire.
Not long after, the maid returned with a smile, "Lady Su Qi thanked you and the duke for the celebration invitation, she and Fen Ling will come with the princess later. She also asked you to prepare more wine as she wants to have a good drink tonight."
Qingping was overjoyed, "Excellent! Make sure to have the kitchen prepare a lavish meal. Also, go to the cellar and get my finest wines. No, head to the guesthouse and buy some Drunken Blossom Liquor, bring back several jars."
The maid immediately went to carry out the order.
Zhou Gu and Xie Lin were still drinking in a private room at the guesthouse.
Xie Lin had already taken three hangover pills but was still unable to finish the last jar of wine. He begged Zhou Gu, "Brother Zhou, I can’t drink anymore, please spare me! I’ve already thrown up twice, drinking anymore and even with hangover pills I won’t die. But I might get wasted and feel nauseous at the sight of wine."
Zhou Gu hadn’t taken any hangover pills nor thrown up. After five jars of wine, his eyes were still clear. Seeing Xie Lin’s pitiful state, he figured it was enough and let him off the hook. "Alright, you don’t need to drink anymore."
Relieved, Xie Lin finally managed to relax. Even the finest wine would be unbearable when consumed in such a manner.
He had a terrible headache, as if his head was going to explode. Nevertheless, he had consumed too many hangover pills that kept him sober. Looking at Zhou Gu, he gave a thumbs up, "Your tolerance for alcohol is incredible. Well done."
Zhou Gu picked up the unopened jars of wine from in front of him and Xie Lin, one in each hand, stood up, "Let’s go."
Xie Lin staggered to his feet, "There are still two jars, aren’t you going to finish them?"
"I’m bringing these back for my grandparents to enjoy." Zhou Gu was quite straightforward, and without any hesitations for the wine bought by Xie Lin, he straight away decided to take it away.
Xie Lin nodded, "Alright, it’s only rightful to respect the old duke and the senior princess Sheng An."
Zhou Gu walked steadily, left the private room, went downstairs, and at the counter, he ordered the innkeeper, "Have him sent back in a carriage."
The innkeeper quickly obliged and asked him, "And you...."
"I don’t need a ride." Zhou Gu stepped out of the door promptly, threw the two jars of wine into the bag on his horse’s saddle, untied the reins, mounted the horse, and rode away.
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