Chapter 54 – Appreciating Fragrance

Author’s Note:

Last night, due to rushing to update, I didn’t have time to properly explain. My dear readers, there’s no need to blame others. I believe everyone has no ill intentions, merely expressing personal preferences. I deleted the controversial comments and removed the note from the previous chapter.

One reader last night said I love writing flawed characters and getting entangled in complex situations. This is a common criticism I receive; my characters often evoke strong dislike. I’m accustomed to it, as changing it is difficult. Perhaps I haven’t thought of a better writing style, or maybe I’ve encountered too many grey characters in life, a mix of good and bad… So, I don’t take it to heart. Last night, the discussion escalated until 3 AM. After finishing my work and taking a shower, I checked the comments section on my phone and sensed trouble. The original poster was clearly upset, and the thread was filled with insults and name-calling, both sides displaying impressive fighting spirit. It was 3 AM, shouldn’t everyone be sleeping? Health should come first, reading isn’t that important. I hurriedly deleted the heated arguments, leaving only a few normal discussions. After working all morning, the comments stacked up again. Oh well. Reading is meant to be enjoyable, so avoid arguments. If you disagree, simply ignore it. I’ll reconsider the issue of writing flawed characters. In this story, I’ve tried to accelerate the domestic strife plot, with cases planned long ago, not abruptly introduced. I’ve reduced domestic strife scenes, avoiding detailed descriptions of Xu Gu’s side, which many readers have guessed. I admire your insights.

Regarding Lady Sheng, she’s career-oriented. In her youth, she faced dilemmas between career and children, undoubtedly feeling guilt. She’s an ancient woman, bound by ancient limitations, making her feel even more guilty and ashamed for neglecting her maternal duties. Furthermore, for a high-ranking noble prince, failing to excel academically or pass the imperial exams is common. A dukedom, akin to enjoying the treatment of a general in modern times, leaves little reason to struggle further. Whether a child succeeds isn’t solely determined by parents. Children are independent beings, not shaped entirely by parental expectations. From the perspective of ancient nobility, sleeping with a couple of book boys or maids, or indulging in romantic escapades, isn’t significant. Remaining unmarried and childless, however, is a major concern. But the prince is already eighteen, considered an adult in both ancient and modern times. With existing estrangement, strict management and control are impossible. At this point, minimal interference is best to avoid greater alienation and rebellion, respecting the child’s choices for their life, as long as they can bear the consequences. In modern terms, if a child hates studying, strict management only pushes them towards depression and suicide, as you never know where their limits lie. Moreover, from a plot design standpoint, you probably don’t want to read about the lovers’ bond, followed by the lover’s mother leading a raid to capture the male fox spirit, sobbing, creating a scene, and threatening suicide, with the attacker ruthlessly punishing the lover’s mother. This story’s protagonist isn’t Lady Sheng, so her thoughts aren’t elaborately described, leaving much to the imagination.