Moving on from addressing her as his wife, to calling her sister signified that the apology was accepted.
The inspector’s wife understood; having tried to apologise for half of the day, late to realise that it was in vain and instead, it was Su Rong they had been waiting for. She was confused as to how Su Rong, a minor concubine’s daughter, had managed to wield such power in the Governor’s residence. Had she not verified Su Rong’s background, she would have assumed her to be a figure of great influence. Despite stirring up trouble, Su Rong remained well-treated.
Even more puzzling, was the matron of the house. This woman was an anomaly within the jurisdiction of Jiangzhou. She took great care of the daughters of the concubines in the house, providing them with quality education, and treating them like her own children.
She packed up her belongings and asked the matron, "Sister, when will Miss Seven return?"
The matron shook her head, "She went to Phoenix Mountain and has yet to return. She left early this morning."
The inspector’s wife turned to the governor.
By now, the governor had learned from his wife that Zhou Gu had gone out to have fun and said, "In this case, I’ll trouble you, brother Su, to wait here for Young Master Zhou to return."
Governor Su nodded, "Why stand on ceremony?" He turned to the matron, "Since it’s almost lunchtime, did Young Master Zhou and Miss Seven mention if they would return for the meal?"
The matron shook her head, "No, but it’s likely they won’t be back. After all, Phoenix Mountain is rather large and can’t be toured within a day."
Given her understanding of Su Rong, it would be unlike her to keep the inspector and his wife waiting all day.
Governor Su had no choice but to inform the inspector, "I’ll have the kitchen prepare some food. You and Young Master Ning could have some. Young Master Zhou and Miss Seven probably won’t be back until evening."
Since the inspector couldn’t meet Zhou Gu, he couldn’t leave. Even if he had to wait, he would. He could only thank Governor Su, "Then, I should thank brother Su for the trouble."
Considering the need for apology, the matron was happy to serve good food and wine to all. Orders are given.
After having lunch at Governor Su’s residence, they waited until dark. Zhou Gu and Su Rong were nowhere to be seen. Instead, a guard from the Duke Residence arrived. The guard bowed to Governor Su and the matron, "Sirs, Madam, Young Master Zhou is tired and decided not to return. He and Miss Seven have chosen a nearby inn to stay."
Governor Su and the matron couldn’t help but admire Zhou Gu’s audacity. He really wasn’t giving Jiang Sheng any face; he simply wouldn’t return.
Guard again said, "Young Master Zhou asked me to assure both of you not to worry. He knows how to behave and will not do anything inappropriate to Miss Seven."
Governor Su nodded, "Alright, then when will Young Master Zhou return."
Guard shook his head, "Young Master didn’t say."
Governor Su looked at the inspector, "Sir, this..."
The inspector managed to keep a poker face and did not show any displeasure. He stood up to address the guard, "I am Inspector Jiang Sheng of Jiangzhou, please tell Young Master Zhou that I came with my daughter to apologize to him and will wait to see him tomorrow."
Guard glanced at the inspector, nodded, and left.
The inspector has to take his leave, "Brother Su, since Young Master Zhou is not returning today, we will take our leave now."
"Sir, why not stay at my house?" Governor Su stood up to retain the guests.
"No, we have troubled you enough today. I have already arranged for an inn. I’ll come again tomorrow." the inspector shook his head.
Having made a perfunctory offer of hospitality, Governor Su was not intending anyone to stay. Ever since Zhou Gu and his people moved in, there were not enough rooms. The governor and the matron, together, saw the inspector and his group out.
Upon returning to the inn, the inspector looked grim. He had not expected Zhou Gu to avoid meeting him after having him wait for most of the day.
Zhou Gu holds no official position, while he, an inspector of Jiangzhou, a third-grade official, yet Zhou Gu dishonored him in this way. By saying he was tired from all the fun and did not wish to return, without a proper excuse, it was clear that he did not want to meet.
The wife of the governor was impatient, she exclaimed, "Inspector, you represent the Imperial Court. Do we really have to wait for Zhou Gu and keep begging for an apology? If he does not appear tomorrow, do we still wait and beg for his attention? Won’t you be laughed at if word gets out? Where did this young boy get such a big face?"
"Such an arrogant kid," the inspector said.
Ning Chi, seeing the couple, spoke up softly, "Given the respect the Imperial Court bestows upon Duke Residence and the honor the old Duke gained through his military campaign beside the Founding Emperor, Duke Residence is held in high regard through three generations. Though the old Duke has ceased to hold court, he still shows up at the Imperial Court when anything significant happens. Even the current Emperor names himself as a junior relative before the old Duke. The old Duke is allowed to sit when there is only one seat available. This is the power Duke Residence holds."
Jiang Sheng calmed down, "You’re right."
It is precisely because of this that he brought his daughter to apologize, having an eye on Zhou Gu’s backing, the Duke Residence.
The inspector’s wife, feeling unjust, said, "Even so, shouldn’t he show some respect to you?"
"And what was your lovely daughter saying to people? Regardless of who’s at fault, if you have Duke Residence backing, what’s there to fear?" Jiang Shen, after a day’s work, was exhausted, "Enough, we’ll deal with it tomorrow. Get some rest after dinner!"
He then turned to Ning Chi," Young Ning, you were originally here for a visit, sorry to have dragged you into this. Please do not feel guilty about the incident."
"Uncle, you flatter me too much. Whether or not I have fun is not a big deal. The trouble caused by cousin Jiangsu also has something to do with my failure to deter her in time. You don’t need to be so polite to me."
Jiang Sheung nodded, "Right, we are not strangers, let’s not indulge in such polite conversation."
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