"But aren’t the Grand Princess Sheng An and the Duchess sticklers for rules?" Xie Yuan changed the topic, "Educating children and choosing daughters-in-law remain different matters. Ladies from prestigious families always have high expectations of their daughters-in-law and granddaughters-in-law."
Zhou Gu chose his words carefully, "The final decision in the Duke Residence is given by my grandfather. Despite valuing tradition, my grandmother and mother mostly focus on the eldest son and grandson. I am the fourth child at home, and the youngest, thus they are more lenient with me."
The underlying meaning was that while the highest expectations fell upon the eldest daughter-in-law, there would be more room for flexibility for his wife.
Xie Yuan nodded with a chuckle, "That does sound reasonable."
His tone shifted, and he laughed again, "I wonder what Xiaoqi’s mother was thinking when she unilaterally decided to finalize the marriage arrangement with the Duke Residence. Old Su didn’t object. As Xiaoqi’s mentor, I didn’t entirely agree when I found out. Two people with different backgrounds and upbringing, if they were to marry, harmony would be hard to achieve. However, since everything has been arranged, the matter had to be dropped."
Zhou Gu was clueless and waited for Xie Yuan to continue.
Xie Yuan chuckled again, "Now it’s not just about whether the Duke Residence will keep its promise. Xiaoqi has grown up; her personality has developed and she knows her own mind completely. Like yesterday when she forcibly dragged you to the third-floor pavilion for music and drinks. She often behaves like this. If she dared to bring you to such places yesterday, she would dare to do more unconventional things tomorrow. I don’t know how you feel about it, but in my opinion, the Duke Residence would definitely disagree. Therefore, your marriage arrangement is still up for debate."
Zhou Gu was left speechless.
"If she decides to break off the marriage, the Duke Residence wouldn’t insist on it, right?" Xie Yuan asked again.
Zhou Gu didn’t know how to respond for a moment. Recalling Su Rong’s behavior yesterday, it could be construed as a test. Or, since arriving at Jiangning County, Su Rong has been testing him. Not just Su Rong, but even the Governor Su, the first lady, Su Xingze who returned hastily for Su Rong, and Xie Yuan who came back a few days early, all of them have been testing him.
He was wearied by the realization that Su Rong held such a critical place in these people’s hearts. Contrary to his initial beliefs, she wasn’t a humble daughter struggling to survive under her mom’s rule in the governor of Jiangning County’s backyard. At least from his experiences living in the governor’s house, no one dared provoke her. Governor Su and the first lady treated her gingerly, while the rest of the aunts and sisters stayed respectful and distant.
Even him, as the youngest member of the Duke Residence, who was known to be spoiled, didn’t hold as high a status as Su Rong in his family home. At the very least, his grandfather would punish him without a second thought, and he couldn’t complain about it.
Zhou Gu felt helpless, "Of course, they wouldn’t insist."
Xie Yuan smiled sincerely at Zhou Gu, "Good, that’s a relief!"
Seeing Xie Yuan’s smile, different from before, Zhou Gu immediately regretted what he had just said. An uneasy feeling crept up on him and he quickly added, "Although my grandfather hasn’t met Su Rong, he’s very fond of her. My grandfather is the kind of person who never forces others."
Xie Yuan understood now, "Then the Grand Princess Sheng An and the Duchess surely wouldn’t object to it."
Zhou Gu wanted to say that they might not insist on it, but what about him? If it had been before, he would, of course, be glad. But now, he realized that if Su Rong wanted to break off their engagement, he might not be pleased.
He was fully aware that this was a trap, a test, but he couldn’t help but speak, "Su Rong and I have been getting along very well, Master might be worrying too much."
Only now did Zhou Gu genuinely recognize the extent of Xie Yuan’s cunningness. Xie Yuan, who was praised by Grand Tutor Qin, was truly extraordinary. With a few words, he was far more sharp and direct than Su Xingze’s subtle tests, leaving Zhou Gu barely able to withstand.
Upon saying this, he saw Xie Yuan promptly ask, "Oh? Does that mean Young Master Zhou might insist on it if your family doesn’t?"
Zhou Gu resolutely said, "Master’s use of the term ’insist’ might be a bit harsh. We get along just fine right now, and we haven’t encountered any major issues that would make her unhappy. Perhaps it wouldn’t be so bad that she’ll be unwilling."
He didn’t dare say there were no issues at all. After all, he was upset when Su Rong took him to the Fengyue Building yesterday.
Xie Yuan chuckled, "Since you say so, we don’t need to rush to a conclusion. It’s still early and things can change. We’ll know for certain in the future."
Zhou Gu nodded and didn’t want to discuss his marriage arrangement with Su Rong anymore with Xie Yuan. He would rather be discreetly quizzed about his scholarly knowledge like Su Xingze did, which was far better than feeling like he was being grilled over a fire.
"You haven’t had lunch yet, right? I know Xingze would bring you here today, so I arranged for a meal. Let’s eat first." Xie Yuan stood up, seemingly transformed back into a kind elder.
Zhou Gu agreed, feeling a sense of relief. He never thought there would come a time when he would love to eat as much as at that moment.
Noticing Zhou Gu, Su Xingze gave him a sympathetic look and patted his shoulder in an unusual comforting gesture.
Zhou Gu was taken aback. Although Su Xingze had never been cold to him, he could feel a distance and formality between them in their past interactions. It was impossible for someone like him to genuinely befriend Su Xingze, let alone witness any intimate gestures from him. This shoulder pat was indeed unprecedented.
Seeing Zhou Gu’s shocked expression, Su Xingze hesitated, then naturally pulled his hand back and said with a smile, "The seventh sister is a girl with strong determination. She always knows what she wants, so Master’s words aren’t wrong."
Zhou Gu: "..."
After being with Su Rong for a while, he felt she was indeed quite headstrong. He couldn’t help but wonder if Su Rong wasn’t satisfied with him and wanted to break off their engagement someday, would he insist on it?
He suddenly felt choked up.
Su Rong was learning some traditionally feminine principles and ethics with her wet nurse, subjects that she used to look down upon. Now she sat obediently, listening to the wet nurse recite them one by one. During the break, Yuewan brought in a big watermelon which caught Su Rong’s eye, "Where did you get the watermelon from?"
"Master Xie brought it." Yuewan put the watermelon on the table. "Miss, do you want it cut into pieces, or dig it with a spoon like before?"
"Definitely with a spoon." Su Rong didn’t hesitate.
Yuewan looked towards the instructing wet nurse.
The instructing wet nurse, barred the surname Zhao and had a good temperament. Unlike those stern and strict manners others usually had, she always wore a kind smile. Seeing Yuewan’s look, she replied, "Rules are a framework for all things in life. Some people are willing to accept their constraints, while others are not. Even though there’s a saying that norms are what make a society, I personally believe that in private, when there are no outsiders around, it’s more natural to be a bit casual."
Yuewan’s eyes widened, "Nurse Zhao, you are so good!"
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