Blossom

As soon as Shi An entered the farmstead, he saw his own men crouched on the roof ridge, crossbows in hand, while the Dou family's guards encircled the main house like a human wall, blocking the path to the central rooms.

Their expressions were equally tense; one even nervously tightened his grip on his quarterstaff. Yet not a single one retreated.

Spotting Shi An, Chen Xiaofeng stepped forward and barked, "Halt!" Tilting his chin up, he eyed Shi An disdainfully. "One of Young Master Mei's men?" His tone carried a hint of mockery.

Shi An couldn't help but curse under his breath.

Whether he was cursing the Tan family's sudden betrayal or the sheer humiliation of the situation—losing without even a chance to fight, forced to bow respectfully to the Dou family's guards—he clenched his fists and saluted. "I am Mei An. May I trouble you to inform Young Master Mei that I have urgent matters to report?"

Mei An was his public alias.

Chen Xiaofeng gave Shi An a once-over.

This must be the one who went to fetch reinforcements.

Seems he already knows what's happening inside.

Rather than launching a reckless assault, he came alone to seek Young Master Mei's orders—a loyal and courageous man indeed.

Impressed, Chen Xiaofeng's attitude softened. Recalling that Dou Zhao had no intention of antagonizing Young Master Mei, he paused briefly before saying, "Wait here. I'll inform them."

Shi An quickly thanked him.

Chen Xiaofeng didn't approach the hall doors but stood on the steps to announce the visitor.

Soon, Su Lan lifted the curtain. "Miss says to let Mei An in."

Shi An's heart skipped a beat.

Had his master lost his freedom?

He recalled how the Tan family man had torn a black cloth from a guard to cover his face, muttering, "Our families have been neighbors for generations. Even rabbits don't eat the grass by their burrows. I really don't want to face Miss Dou the Fourth's people." The memory made him bristle, and his steps grew heavier as he entered—earning a glare from the young maid.

What the hell was this?!

Back in the day, he'd ranked among the top hundred—no, top fifty—in the martial world. Later, though he became Duke Ding's personal guard, he was still a respected captain. Now some little maid looked down on him like he was a thief!

Suppressing his fury, he stopped outside the study and called respectfully through the pale green Hangzhou silk curtain edged with sapphire-blue Skirt Border, "Young Master."

"Come in." His master's voice was as calm and composed as ever, cool yet gentle. But instead of reassuring Shi An, it only deepened his unease.

The more critical the situation, the more serene Young Master Mei became.

Things must be dire indeed.

Steeling himself, Shi An straightened his back and entered.

Young Master Mei sat by the window in a Grand Preceptor's Chair, with Master Yan seated below him. Across from them was an elegant scholar in his sixties. A girl of fourteen or fifteen was also present, her skin like snow, long brows arching toward her temples, and clear, penetrating eyes. She cradled a child, her lips curved in a soft smile, exuding both grace and dignity. Her serene expression held an inexplicable solemnity that startled him.

This must be Miss Dou the Fourth!

No wonder the Tan family didn't want to face her!If it were me, I probably wouldn't have the heart to lay a hand on such a girl either!

As the thought flashed through his mind, he heard the young master call his name softly, as if to remind him.

He quickly composed himself and stepped forward, whispering into his ear about the reactions of the people from Tan Family Village.

Song Mo couldn't hide his surprise.

Tan Family Village was no ordinary place. Proud and unyielding, they stood apart from the rest. If not for the Jiang Family's generations-long friendship with them, and the fact that his fifth uncle was not only close to Tan Juren but also favored by Tan Laotaiye—not to mention that this child might be the Jiang Family's only remaining heir—Tan Family Village would never have stepped in to help. For Miss Dou the Fourth to earn their respect, it couldn't just be about aiding the distressed and sheltering the orphaned, could it?

A brilliant light, like a shooting star, flashed in his eyes as he looked at Dou Zhao.

"Miss Dou the Fourth," Song Mo suddenly stood up, his left hand behind his back and his right fist clenched at his waist, his posture casual yet elegant. His usually cold expression softened with a faint smile, warm as the return of spring after the melting of snow. "In that case, we'll trouble Mr. Chen to accompany us. Lu Ming," he called to the slender man, "you'll stay at the Dou residence for now, responsible for protecting Miss Dou the Fourth."

What exactly had happened at Tan Family Village?

How had the young master changed his stance so quickly?

Both Yan Chaoqing and Lu Ming were momentarily stunned but quickly masked their shock. Lu Ming respectfully acknowledged the order with a "Yes" and stepped forward to kowtow to Dou Zhao in a formal salute.

So you're leaving someone to keep an eye on me? And not just anyone—you're leaving your best fighter behind. Is this protection, or are you preparing to silence me at any moment?

Dou Zhao cursed Song Mo a thousand times in her heart, but her face betrayed nothing. She smiled and asked Lu Ming to rise, then called Duan Gongyi in to arrange his accommodations and duties.

You want him to protect me? Then he can't just eat for free—he'll have to work like the rest of the Dou family's guards, won't he?

Dou Zhao grumbled inwardly as she handed the child to Song Mo with a smile. "This child is so lovely! My arms are already tired from holding him for just a short while."

Song Mo gazed at her, his eyes bright, and replied with a meaningful smile, "The child is indeed a bit heavy. No wonder Miss Dou the Fourth finds it tiring."

Dou Zhao was tempted to retort, but remembering his vindictive nature, she quickly switched to flattery, beaming as she said, "That's why Young Master Mei is much better suited to hold him."

Song Mo's eyes flickered as he handed the child to Yan Chaoqing and strode out with light steps.

Yan Chaoqing and the others hurriedly bowed to Dou Zhao before following him out.

Only then did Dou Zhao let out a long sigh of relief.

Su Lan, unable to understand her mistress's fear, widened her eyes and said, "And here I thought he was a good man! Who would have guessed he'd even think of killing you? Truly, you can't judge a book by its cover—fine feathers don't make fine birds, and beneath that noble appearance... Who knows how many more will be fooled by his handsome face in the future?"Chen Qushui couldn't help but laugh. "Alright, alright. Instead of wasting energy scolding people, you'd better hurry and tell my page to pack my belongings. It seems the people coming to fetch the child have arrived. They'll likely depart soon. Anyway, I've learned all there is to know—and even things I shouldn't have. I might as well go with them. Perhaps I'll uncover something more, giving us a few extra cards to play when things turn sour." He then advised Dou Zhao, "Just look at Duan Gongyi and the others. Once Duke Ding is accused, countless knights-errant and righteous men will surely mobilize. Zhen Ding lies on the essential northern route. I'll remind Duan Gongyi to keep the guards in line. No matter what happens, young mistress, bear with it and stay indoors to avoid unnecessary trouble. As for Consort Cui, don't worry—Hong Gu is attending to her. She'll rest quietly and be fine. Though the marriage arrangement with the Marquis of Jining's Mansion isn't ideal, it's not without merit. You're exceptionally clever—I'm sure you've already devised a countermeasure..." He covered every detail, his tone almost like delivering last words.

Dou Zhao's eyes reddened as she cut him off. "Don't worry. My plan will surely work, and you'll return safely!" Not wanting the mood to turn somber, she smiled and conspired with Chen Qushui: "He sent skilled men to watch me, but do we lack our own? When you go to the Capital, have Guardian Duan pick the most capable guard to accompany you. If that Young Master Mei dares to skimp on your provisions, send me word. We'll make sure Lu Ming also goes hungry—let's not allow that Young Master Mei to have all the glory!" Her words sent Chen Qushui into hearty laughter, though his sigh carried both warmth and melancholy.

Warmth, because Dou Zhao treated him as family. Melancholy, because she was now entangled in Duke Ding's rescue due to his involvement—if her plan wasn't adopted, this pledge of loyalty would be for naught. What must come would come.

If her plan was adopted and succeeded, Song Mo might let bygones be bygones. If it failed, the misfortunes of Duke of Dingguo's Mansion would likely be blamed on Dou Zhao. As a hostage, he would surely lose his life, and she too would face danger.

No matter how he calculated, they stood to lose. How could he not sigh deeply?

As Song Mo's carriage vanished into the curtain of rain, Dou Zhao also sighed. "Finally, we've sent that plague god away!"

Earlier, Su Xin, who had slipped out of the farmstead unnoticed while Dou Zhao feigned a breakout to lure Song Mo's men away, saw the signal and emerged from her hiding place in the haystack. After freshening up, she pieced together the events from her sister's chatter but couldn't bring herself to smile. She longed to ask whether Mr. Chen would truly return safely, but seeing the weariness on Dou Zhao's face, she swallowed her words.

Su Lan and the others only knew their young mistress had bested that Young Master Mei, oblivious to the peril involved. They covered their mouths and giggled at the remark.

Dou Zhao clapped her hands cheerfully. "We should get going too. Hurry and pack your things!"

The young maids scattered with laughter.

But Su Xin asked anxiously, "Young mistress, would anyone truly dare to harm Duke Ding on the road?"When Young Master Mei was leaving, she heard the young lady repeatedly instruct him to send people to secretly protect Duke Ding, lest he be harmed by villains. She also mentioned something about forged edicts and decrees, at which Young Master Mei turned slightly pale and hurriedly set off.

"I hope not," Dou Zhao sighed deeply, her mood turning somber. "I hope I'm just being overly anxious."

Su Xin couldn't help but look up at the sky.

Only then did she realize that the rain had lightened without her noticing. A golden light pierced through the dark, crow-like clouds, illuminating the horizon as if the sun was about to break through.

Dou Zhao called out to Duan Gongyi, who was directing the groom to harness the horses: "After returning to the estate, withdraw five hundred taels of silver from the accountant. Buy some ginseng, bird's nest, and the like, and visit Old Master Tan on my behalf. Just say I'm grateful for his efforts in maintaining peace in the four villages, and that if there's anything I can do to help the villagers in the future, I'll certainly lend my full support."

If the Tan family village got involved, who knew what the situation might become.

The people from Tan family village hadn't shown themselves, and Duan Gongyi wasn't aware of the inside story. But since Dou Zhao was preparing generous gifts to visit Old Master Tan, he, as a junior disciple, felt honored too.

He responded loudly and personally harnessed the chestnut horse with the reins.