Blossom

Chen Qushui saw Yan Chaoqing enter, yet he forced a friendly smile and respectfully bowed to him.

Yan Chaoqing returned the courtesy with equal politeness.

The two took their seats as host and guest.

A slender man quietly served them tea.

Chen Qushui noticed that although this man appeared quite ordinary, his movements were steady and composed. He couldn’t help but glance at him a few more times before turning to Yan Chaoqing with a smile. “Does Master Yan still remember this old man? My surname is Chen, given name Bo, courtesy name Qushui. I once owed my life to Duke Ding’s great mercy. Now, in my old age, I serve as an accountant in the household of Seventh Master of the Dou Family of the Northern Mansion. Unexpectedly, the prolonged rains in Zhen Ding County have caused concern. Our Seventh Master is currently serving in the Capital, and Madam Dou, the elder, worried about the crops in the fields. Fourth Miss Dou, being filial and pure-hearted, couldn’t bear to see her venture out in such harsh weather. After much persuasion, she managed to convince Madam Dou to stay and went in her stead. As the eldest among the servants, I was chosen to accompany her, should any assistance be needed. Never did I imagine encountering Master Yan here.

“It truly startled me at first. Thinking of my current destitution, how could I face an old acquaintance? Yet, I also recalled Duke Ding’s immense kindness, which I’ve never repaid, filling me with unease. If I could share my shame with someone from those days, it would be a rare chance. Thus, I’ve come uninvited. I beg Master Yan’s forgiveness for any disturbance!”

His words carried multiple layers of meaning.

First, he expressed his gratitude for Duke Ding’s mercy in sparing his life. Second, he subtly warned Yan Chaoqing that Dou Zhao was a young lady of the Dou Family of the Northern Mansion, and her visit to the farmstead had the family’s approval, implying that any misconduct would provoke the Dou family. Third, he claimed his current poverty had forced him to work as an accountant for the Dous, and his presence with the young lady was solely due to his seniority, not any special favor—hinting that the Dous knew nothing of his past. Fourth, he conveyed contentment with his present life, hoping Yan Chaoqing wouldn’t expose his identity, and in return, he wouldn’t reveal theirs to the Dous.

Yan Chaoqing didn’t believe a single word of it!

When the pirates retreated, Duke Ding, in his mercy, allowed Zhang Kai’s followers to choose their fate. Chen Qushui had been the first to flee Fujian.

If this Fourth Miss Dou was so cherished by Madam Dou, why would she personally visit the farmstead in such weather? A steward’s inspection would have sufficed.

If Chen Qushui were merely an ordinary accountant, why did he seek an audience only after meeting Fourth Miss Dou?

His claim of secrecy about their identities was an outright lie—if Fourth Miss Dou knew nothing of them, why would he even mention it?

Yan Chaoqing had no intention of engaging further. The decision had already been made by his master, and further words would be wasted."You flatter me, Mr. Chen," Yan Chaoqing replied with a tolerant, amiable yet perfunctory smile. "Those are all matters of the past—there's no need to dwell on them. Speaking of which, meeting you here truly is fate. I still remember those days vividly. That autumn was unusually hot, and when news came that the Japanese pirates were besieging Fuzhou, Duke Ding and I were in the courtyard enjoying freshly harvested autumn pears..."

He deliberately avoided mentioning today's events.

Chen Qushui's heart sank slowly, as if submerged in water.

※※※※※

Half an hour later, Yan Chaoqing saw Chen Qushui off.

He then went to Song Mo's inner chamber.

Song Mo was sitting on the heated brick bed by the window, studying a map with his head lowered. The same person who had served tea to Chen Qushui now stood meekly behind Song Mo, as silent as a wooden carving on the nearby curio shelf.

Hearing the movement, Song Mo looked up and asked indifferently, "Has he left?"

"He has," Yan Chaoqing reported their conversation in detail.

Song Mo gave a slight nod. "Leave them be," he said, then turned to the man behind him. "Lu Ming, go check if Shi An has returned."

Lu Ming obeyed and left.

Yan Chaoqing looked puzzled.

Song Mo smiled. "I plan to act at the hour of Hai tonight."

Yan Chaoqing's gaze sharpened.

The seemingly simple and honest Xu Qing entered.

"Young Master," he saluted Song Mo with a cupped fist. "The Dou family's patrolling guards have suddenly been summoned to the front courtyard, fully armed and seemingly preparing to leave."

"Oh?" Song Mo raised an eyebrow and glanced at Yan Chaoqing with amusement. "I didn’t expect Mr. Chen to act so swiftly. Judging the situation well—he’s quite the capable man." After a moment’s thought, he stepped down from the heated bed. "Let’s go see how they plan to leave."

He had stationed men at every possible exit.

Both men assented and accompanied Song Mo out of the chamber.

The rain showed no sign of letting up, pattering noisily on the roof tiles, leaves, and ground, filling the air with moisture.

The Dou family guards, cloaked in raincoats and bamboo hats, were hurriedly escorting a similarly attired young woman—though she wore wooden clogs unlike the others. Chen Qushui, who had sworn not to reveal their whereabouts, held a tung oil umbrella and stayed close to her. No maids or old women were in sight—clearly, they had abandoned the less important to focus on escorting Miss Dou the Fourth away from the farmstead.

Song Mo couldn’t help but scoff and called out, "Miss Dou the Fourth!"

The young woman turned to look.

Beneath the bamboo hat was a fair face, with long eyebrows arching toward her temples and bright, spirited eyes—delicate yet bearing a touch of valor.

He was momentarily taken aback.

Yan Chaoqing had already signaled.

From the surrounding rooftops, men emerged like phantoms, their waists laden with heavy quivers and their hands gripping military-grade crossbows, all aimed steadily at the figures in the courtyard.

Chen Qushui’s scalp prickled.

Those crossbows could pierce a man clean through from a hundred paces.

"Miss," he warned Dou Zhao, "beware those crossbows!"

Duan Gongyi also rumbled, "Miss, quickly hide behind me!"

Dou Zhao nodded but took a few steps toward the eastern chamber where Song Mo stood and asked clearly, "Young Master Mei, what are your intentions?"

The Dou family guards shuffled noisily, repositioning themselves to shield her once more.Song Mo observed the Dou family's guards moving in an orderly manner and couldn't help but show an appreciative gaze.

"Miss Dou, the wind is strong and the rain heavy," he said with a smile. "I merely wish to invite Miss Dou back to her room." His tone was gentle, but the words sent chills down one's spine.

Dou Zhao seemed furious and raised her voice, "Young Master Mei, I kindly allowed you to lodge here, yet you repay kindness with enmity, seeking my life. Is this the behavior of a gentleman?"

Song Mo responded with a cold laugh.

This Miss Dou the Fourth appeared quite beautiful. Who would have thought she could utter such foolish words? What he intended to do was obvious, wasn't it? What a pity for such a lovely face.

"Miss Dou the Fourth, you are mistaken!" Suddenly losing interest, he said, "I am merely asking you to return to your room. Where does this talk of life and death come from? Please do not misunderstand." As he spoke, he made a gesture, and a sharp tearing sound pierced the air. Several arrows thudded into the ground near the feet of the house guards closest to the gate, startling them into retreat. Their backward movement pushed those behind them, disrupting the formation around Dou Zhao. The scene became chaotic, and if not for Duan Gongyi's protection, Dou Zhao might have stumbled from the jostling.

"Young Master Mei, you go too far!" Dou Zhao's face flushed with anger as she shouted, "How can you harm the innocent?" Her voice trembled with emotion.

Song Mo couldn't be bothered to spare her another glance. Coldly, he said, "Since Miss Dou the Fourth has such a merciful heart, why endanger these guards needlessly? Please return to your room!"

"You—" Dou Zhao stamped her foot in fury.

Song Mo remained unmoved.

As the standoff continued, the sound of a baby's cry suddenly echoed through the courtyard.

"Miss!" Su Lan emerged from behind a holly bush and darted to the veranda of the main house. "This servant has fulfilled her duty!" She held a child in her arms and smiled at Dou Zhao.

Song Mo and his men paled in shock, rushing out from the veranda of the east wing. The Dou family's guards had already formed a solid barrier between them and the main house, while Dou Zhao, under the protection of Duan Gongyi and Chen Qushui, retreated to the veranda of the main house.

She took the child and gently rocked it, humming a soft, cheerful tune that was unintelligible yet soothing. The baby soon quieted.

Song Mo stood in the rain, letting the water beat against his face, his expression dark. Behind him, Yan Chaoqing and the others looked ashen.

The wet nurse rushed out from the house.

"Young Master, someone has taken the child—" she wailed, tears streaming down her face.

Song Mo raised a hand to silence her.

The wet nurse fell quiet, weeping silently, but then her eyes widened in horror as she spotted Dou Zhao on the opposite veranda, soothing the child.

"Miss Dou the Fourth," Song Mo said, his voice still carrying that same gentle, languid tone as he fixed his gaze on her, "Why don't we sit down and have a proper talk? What do you say?"

Dou Zhao smiled faintly, her eyes seeming to shine even brighter than before. "Young Master Mei, I also think we should sit down and have a proper talk."

※※※※※

The hall was scented with lily incense, its faint fragrance mingling with the damp air, creating a stifling atmosphere.

Song Mo had changed into a clean, plain dark blue Straight Robe and entered at a measured pace, accompanied by Yan Chaoqing and Lu Ming.Dou Zhao sat on the Grand Preceptor's Chair at the head of the hall, holding the child in her arms, with Chen Qushui and Duan Gongyi standing behind her on either side.

Dou Zhao nodded at the visitor and smiled politely, saying, "Young Master Mei, please have a seat."

Song Mo glanced at the child.

The child seemed to be asleep, very quiet.

He took a seat below Dou Zhao, with Yan Chaoqing and Lu Ming standing behind him.

Su Xin swiftly served them tea.

Song Mo couldn't help but look at Su Xin.

It was this maidservant who had entered the room and snatched the child away.

He truly hadn't expected that Fourth Miss Dou would have someone like this by her side.

He raised his head and, for the first time, looked carefully at the young girl sitting across from him.