Fen Ling didn’t dare to approach Zhou Gu, so after chatting with Lu Xuecheng, he left to mingle and converse with other young masters.
Zhou Gu’s gaze landed on Fen Ling. He was certain that when he was in Jiangning County, whether in the Su Family or around Su Rong, there was no one called Fen Ling. Did this person always exist and he just hadn’t met him before? Or did he appear at Su Rong’s side only after Zhou Gu had left Jiangning County?
He realized that even after spending a month together in Jiangning County, he still didn’t really know Su Rong.
He thought her having a few secrets wasn’t a big deal. Which girl didn’t have her own secrets? For instance, Lan Niang who pretends to be tipsy and flirts in the Laughing Guest, and Yu Niang, Wanniang, and Fang Yue who run the third floor and have a deep relationship with her. Or the shopkeeper of Brocade Pavilion who gave her the imperial exclusive fabric to choose from without a word...
He was surprised at these, and thought she was not simple. But he believed it was nothing serious. Su Xu had been in Jiangning County for over a decade, Su Rong was not the kind of lady who stayed secluded in the harem, whether because of Su Xu, Su Rong’s own abilities, or Xie Yuan. As they spent more time together, he would gradually discover this, after all, there is always more time in the future.
But he was wrong, they didn’t have that more time. She decisively terminated their relationship by refusing to marry him.
He stood up and walked out. A young lord who was close to him immediately asked, "Brother Zhou, where are you going?"
"I have something to do," replied Zhou Gu.
The young lord wanted to follow him but sat back down when he heard that Zhou Gu had something to do.
All the ladies gathered in the Osmanthus Garden, filled with the fragrance of blooming flowers. Several tables and chairs were set out under the trees, laden with fruits and tea.
Everyone chatted while enjoying their tea. Su Rong initially thought that when ladies get together, they would either talk about cosmetics or jewelry. After all, in Jiangning County, when ladies met, they would mainly discuss these topics. Because she was bored, she preferred not to join the conversation. And because she was prettier and a concubine’s daughter, yet treated like a legal daughter by the wife, she drew jealousy and resentment which she found bothersome. Naturally, physical confrontations ensued. As a result, very few girls liked to play with her, but she didn’t care. This led to her being considered a misfit in Jiangzhou.
But after coming to the Capital City, she noticed that, for example, when Duanhua had free time, she mostly chatted with her about food and amusement. Now, these noble ladies didn’t talk about cosmetics. What they discussed were all the city’s gossips. Such as, whose sister got engaged, what’s the name of the man, how many family members does he have, what kind of official is the father-in-law, is the mother-in-law tough. Or whose sister got a punishment of copying books for a hundred times because of some reason and won’t be able to go out for a month. Or whose brother got into trouble in the academy, nearly got his legs broken by family punishment, was about to be expelled from the academy, then through a lot of relationship-pulling and apology-giving barely managed to remain. Or whose younger brother sneaked out of the residence through a dog hole, almost got abducted by human traffickers, scared everyone to death. Or which mistress of some residence got mischievous again and was sold to the countryside, the mistress was beautiful, just arrived in the countryside the day before, then ran away the next day, still hasn’t been found...
Su Rong found these very interesting to listen to. Without realizing it, she ate too many snacks and drank too much tea.
She turned to look at Duanhua and saw her deeply engrossed. She looked at Xie Ying and the others and saw that they all loved gossips, so she left the Osmanthus Garden and asked a maid who came to serve tea, "Excuse me, where could I find the restroom?"
The maid immediately pointed east, "Honored guest, follow this road until the end, then turn north until the end, then turn east, and then south, and you’ll find it."
"Thank you." Su Rong went there alone according to the maid’s directions.
Her sense of direction was very good, so she quickly found the restroom.
The Rui’an King’s Residence was very extravagant, even the restrooms were exquisitely built. They were equipped with incense, toilet paper, water, a mirror, soapnuts, and everything necessary.
Su Rong walked out after washing her hands, she did not dry them, allowing the droplets of water to go flying and started making her way back.
Halfway back, she saw Zhou Gu leaning against a tree trunk, standing there.
Su Rong paused, recalling how at the party earlier, older sister Sheng An specifically mentioned the grapes had come from Zhou Gu’s yard and had asked her to personally give thanks to Zhou Gu; implying that despite the annulment, not only should she maintain a relationship with the Duke’s Residence but also with Zhou Gu. Even if they can’t become husband and wife anymore, they should not become strangers.
Su Rong did not intend to become a stranger to Zhou Gu, she wished him well. Of course, she felt that they could both be fine, and only then would both of them be fine.
So, she approached and smiled, calling out, "Brother Zhou!"
Zhou Gu had been watching her, watching her cheerful stride, her face so content, she was so far away, and even upon seeing him, her face did not betray any emotions, showing neither fear nor apprehension. She called him ’Brother Zhou’ without hesitation, compared to his difficulty letting go after the annulment, his inability to understand, and his unwillingness and doubt, she seemed completely unaffected.
Zhou Gu didn’t speak, he just watched her. 𝒻𝑟𝘦𝘦𝘸ℯ𝒷𝑛𝘰𝓋ℯ𝘭.𝘤𝘰𝘮
Su Rong smiled at him, "Just now, I met big sister Sheng An and the Duke’s lady. Big sister said the grapes that were sent to the Princess’ Residence were grown in your yard. They are very big, very purple, and very sweet. I want to thank you a lot."
Zhou Gu sneered, and asked her, "Do you know why all the grapes in the city have already been harvested and mine have yet to be picked?"
Naturaly, Su Rong didn’t know, so she simply shook her head.
Zhou Gu gazed at her, "That’s because I’ve told people not to pick the grapes in my yard after I return to the capital. I’m going to use it as a betrothal gift after my exams, and send it to Jiangzhou."
Startled, Su Rong lowered her head and murmured, "I’m sorry."
However, Zhou Gu was not looking forward to her apology. He watched Su Rong’s head bowed down. The person in front of him was still that delicate and tender girl he first met. She seemed to have barely changed. From Jiangning County to the capital, she always thrived wherever she went. Previously, she was under the protection of the Madam of the Su Family. Now, she’s under the protection of Princess Qingping.
He really wanted to ask her, why did she cancel the wedding with him, but still chose to stay in the capital, offending the Crown Prince and causing trouble in the court?
But when the words reached his tongue and he saw her bowed head, he suddenly lost the will to ask. He turned around and left.
When Su Rong lifted her head, Zhou Gu was already gone. She let out a sigh of relief. Following his example, she took two steps forward and leaned against the tree trunk where he’d stood.
It wasn’t until Duanhua arrived, puzzled, asking her, "What are you doing here leaning against a tree all alone? Are you waiting for someone?"
Su Rong shook her head, smiling, she replied, "I am lost, so I am waiting here, hoping someone would come by and lead me out."
Duanhua scoffed, "That serves you right for trying to find a bathroom by yourself. Why didn’t you call me?"
Seeing you so engrossed in conversation, I didn’t want to disturb you," replied Su Rong, as she straightened up. "Do you need to use the restroom?"
"Yes," Duanhua admitted, as she had drunk too much tea. "Wait for me here, I’ll be back quickly."
Su Rong nodded.
Duanhua hurried off.
After not too long, Duanhua returned and took her hand, saying, "Let’s go! The banquet is about to start."
Su Rong allowed herself to be led by the hand. Both of them returned to the Osmanthus Garden to see Zhou Yun waiting at the door with a smile, "Xie Ying took everyone to the banquet hall and asked me to wait for you two."
Duanhua and Su Rong both thanked her, and all three of them headed towards the banquet hall together.
The men and women were seated separately at the banquet. As soon as Su Rong arrived, she noticed a kind-faced, slightly overweight lady beckoning her over. Su Rong did not recognize her. Duanhua, who was beside Su Rong, quietly told her, "That’s the wife of Mr. Shen, the Minister of Personnel from Shen Residence where your elder brother is staying."
Upon hearing this, Su Rong quickly went to greet her, bowing in respect, "Aunt Shen."
Duanhua also called out, "Lady Shen."
Lady Shen didn’t typically enjoy attending banquets. She and Mr. Shen both preferred to live undisturbed lives. Considering that they had two sons, one already married and living elsewhere, and the other being only thirteen and too young to discuss marriage, she was perfectly content staying at home. The only reason she decided to attend this banquet was to meet Su Rong after Su Xingze had moved into the Shen residence.
So, her main objective in attending today’s banquet at the Rui’an King’s residence was to meet Su Rong. She sized up Su Rong observing her pretty appearance and clear eyes, it was hard to believe that she had caused such a stir in the capital in such a short period of time.
Lady Shen reached out and took Su Rong’s hand, offering warmly, "Tomorrow morning, I’ll send someone to the Princess’ residence to pick you up, or you could come back with me to the Shen residence today?"
Duanhua immediately replied, "Lady Shen, you don’t need to be in such a hurry to take her. I’ll send her tomorrow."
Su Rong also laughed and responded, "Let the Princess send me tomorrow!"
Acknowledging it, Lady Shen gave a nod, "Alright, tomorrow you and your brother should come over early. The Princess has never been to Shen Residence before, so you should stay for lunch before leaving. If you want, you can bring some things and stay over, we might not be as grand as the Princess’s Residence, but we can provide a place to stay."
Duanhua quickly shook her head, "Thank you for the offer, but I won’t be staying over tomorrow. I’ll only stay for the meal to taste your cook’s dishes."
Lady Shen laughed, "Alright."
After exchanging a few more words, Lady Shen let go of Su Rong’s hand. Duanhua pulled Su Rong as they found their seats at the banquet.
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