Blossom

"...The Duke of Yingguo truly had all the escaped guards executed and even had their corpses brought before the heir," Chen Qushui said with a sigh. "Perhaps having heard some rumors, nearly all the relatives and friends of the Duke of England's Mansion came on the twenty-first day after the funeral. The heir conducted himself with perfect decorum, showing no signs of his injuries, while the Duke maintained a solemn demeanor, appearing grief-stricken whenever Madam Jiang was mentioned. Only the second young master Song knelt weeping before Madam Jiang's memorial, his eyes swollen. After the evening banquet, the Duke retained the third imperial son-in-law and members of the Lu Family for discussions, intending to invite Lu Fuli, the younger brother of the Lu Family's matriarch, to mediate the division of Madam Jiang's dowry between the heir and the second young master Song. Though the Duke's mansion appears harmonious on the surface, the Hall of Cultivating Will and the main residence are now clearly divided. The heir has even secretly relocated some of his people to the imperial manor in Daxing bestowed upon him."

"Like a cunning hare with three burrows," Dou Zhao listened attentively, understanding that Song Mo and Song Yichun were still maintaining the facade of a loving father and filial son in public. While pleased that her goals had been achieved, she couldn't help but feel some melancholy. "Their relationship will be a constant struggle—either the east wind prevailing over the west wind or vice versa. The tragedy of father and son turning against each other will play out in the Duke's mansion for a long time to come."

The mood in the room grew somber at her words, the atmosphere becoming heavy.

Dou Zhao smiled, breaking the gloom. "Fortunately, these matters no longer concern us—we've done all we could and should, with clear consciences. As outsiders, we can neither intervene nor fully comprehend what has transpired between that father and son."

Her words didn't entirely lift the mood. Though Duan Gongyi managed a smile, his expression remained grave. Chen Qushui, understanding Dou Zhao's intention, said cheerfully, "When the heir wanted us dead, we instead saved his life. In a way, we've returned good for evil. This chapter should be closed now. Everyone has been losing sleep over the Duke's affairs these past days. Now that we're back in Zhen Ding, let's put those matters aside. You should all go rest, and the young miss can retire early too."

Duan Gongyi and the others rose with smiles and took their leave.

Dou Zhao instructed Duan Gongyi, "You've all worked hard these days. Arrange shifts so everyone can take a few days off to spend time with their families."

Duan Gongyi and the others thanked her and left the inner courtyard with Chen Qushui.

Dou Zhao then asked Su Lan to inquire about Ji Yong's departure time: "...so we can prepare the travel expenses."

Su Lan returned in the evening with news: "They're leaving at 8 a.m. tomorrow. The fifth young master is going to the Capital with Young Master Ji as well."

Though unexpected, it made sense.

Dou Zhao instructed Su Xin, "Prepare two hundred taels of silver for each as travel expenses."

Su Xin went to carry out the order.

Early the next morning, Dou Zhao and the women of the Dou family saw off Ji Yong and Dou Qijun.

Second Madam repeatedly advised Dou Qijun, "Don't rush. This trip is just for experience. Passing the exams would be good, of course," then turned to Ji Yong, "Be careful on your journey. Discuss things together and arrive safely in the Capital, so I won't worry!"

Both young men respectfully assented.

Second Madam accompanied them to the main gate.

Pages assisted the two into their carriage.

Ji Yong's gaze immediately found Dou Zhao in the crowd.She wore a plain moon-white brocade snow marten Zhaojun hood with a large snow marten wind collar, pearl earrings dangling at her ears. In the cold wind, her lotus-like cheeks flushed with a rosy hue, resembling a winter plum blossoming in the snow—exceptionally radiant.

Ji Yong couldn't help but clench his fists.

This time, he must not let her look down on him again!

He turned and entered the carriage, loudly instructing Zi Xi, "Let's go. We're heading to the Capital."

The carriage carrying the two of them vanished into the snowy wind.

Everyone chatted cheerfully as they made their way to the hall.

Dou Zhao walked side by side with Dou Qijun's wife, Lady Qi, listening to her ninth sister-in-law's amusing stories about her son while her mind wandered to her own affairs.

After the New Year, she would be coming of age.

Wang Qingyuan, the younger sister of Yan'an Marquis Wang Qinghuai, was only two months younger than her.

Back then, if she hadn't "appeared in time," and if Tian Shi hadn't held onto old sentiments, Wei Tingyu would have let Wei Tingzhen arrange his marriage to Wang Qingyuan.

The Wang family also seemed inclined to marry Wang Qingyuan to Wei Tingyu.

She still remembered the peculiar look in the eyes of Wang Qinghuai's wife, Lady Hu, when she first married into the Marquis of Jining's Mansion.

If Wei Tingzhen hadn’t, years later, lost her temper over a trivial matter and accidentally let slip the truth in her agitation, Dou Zhao might never have known.

But given Wei Tingzhen's temperament, would she, after disliking Dou Zhao for being too strong-willed, then scorn Wang Qingyuan for being too meek and docile?

Dou Zhao had her doubts.

Nevertheless, she decided to act on this front.

She recalled that Wang Qingyuan eventually married the eldest son of Metropolitan Commander Hua Tang of Weizhou Guard. Within a year, she was widowed and, having left no heirs, suffered under the dominance of her brother-in-law, living a miserable life in the Hua family. It was only because Wang Qinghuai pitied his sister that he forcibly brought her back to the Yan'an Marquis's Mansion. From then on, Wang Qingyuan lived a reclusive life as a lay Buddhist.

If she could facilitate this marriage, it might not be a bad thing.

Dou Zhao acted decisively. When Cui Shisan returned for the New Year, she asked him to keep an eye on the Yan'an Marquis's household.

Cui Shisan was puzzled. "The Yan'an Marquis's heir, Wang Qinghuai, is skilled in managing affairs, and the Marquis trusts him completely, entrusting all household matters to him. The Yan'an Marquis's Mansion may seem unremarkable, but they live quite comfortably. It's just that they’ve always been low-key and restrained, strictly disciplining their family members, so they don’t draw attention. Our business is small—even if we establish connections with the Wang family, there might not be much profit."

For the past two years, he had been involved in loan sharking in the Capital, and as the saying goes, "You never know until you try, and once you do, you’re shocked." Not only did Capital officials borrow money, but the scions of noble families borrowed even more frequently. Officials would repay as soon as they had funds, but the noble heirs wouldn’t repay even if they had money. Only when absolutely forced would they pawn heirlooms. Fan Wenshu felt heartache on behalf of their ancestors and suggested quietly venturing into antique trading.

Dou Zhao, of course, knew the Wang family's situation better than anyone.

Wei Tingzhen's interest in Wang Qingyuan had much to do with her generous dowry.

But this wasn’t something she could explain to Cui Shisan.

She simply smiled and said, "I’ve heard a rumor that come spring, the Emperor will undertake river conservancy projects. That’s a huge opportunity. The Yan'an Marquis surely won’t let it slip by. Just keep an eye on their household—maybe while they feast, we can at least sip some broth!"Cui Shisan thought the idea was terrible, but he was still young at the time. Though something felt off, he couldn’t find any flaws in Dou Zhao’s plan. He solemnly agreed and went to discuss the matter with Zhao Liangbi: “Do you think Fourth Miss is hiding something from us?”

Zhao Liangbi was already the manager of the Dou family’s grain shop in Zhen Ding Prefecture.

He glanced at Cui Shisan and said, “Even if Fourth Miss is keeping something from you, would knowing it change anything?”

Cui Shisan thought seriously and replied, “No!”

“Then there you have it,” Zhao Liangbi laughed. “Just do what Fourth Miss asks you to. When the time comes, you’ll naturally find out.” Then he invited him, “I’m heading to East Lane Street. Want to come?”

“What are you going there for?” Cui Shisan was on his New Year’s break and had come to Zhen Ding Prefecture specifically to spend time with Zhao Liangbi. “You’re the only one I know here, so of course I’ll go with you.”

Zhao Liangbi smiled. “The young lady has entrusted me with overseeing the other martial arts schools and Mr. Chen’s residence. There are a couple of old caretakers helping out, but with the New Year approaching, I should go check on things.”

Cui Shisan didn’t suspect anything. He spent the day with Zhao Liangbi before returning to Cui Family Village.

Fourth Sister-in-law Tuo Niang was in the kitchen with the newlywed Ninth Sister-in-law, preparing the family’s dinner. Fourth Brother’s son Zhongyuan and daughter Changqing sat on small stools, helping to pick beans to make tofu for the New Year.

Seeing Cui Shisan return, Tuo Niang smiled and asked, “Did you see Fourth Miss?”

She had asked Cui Shisan to deliver two pairs of shoes she had made for Dou Zhao.

Zhongyuan and Changqing obediently called out, “Uncle Thirteen!”

Cui Shisan smiled and patted the children’s heads, pulling out a bag of malt candy from his pocket for them.

The children cheered with delight.

Only then did Cui Shisan reply, “I delivered them. Fourth Miss said they fit perfectly and asked you to make her two more pairs embroidered with floral branches next time. She also sent two boxes of pastries for Zhongyuan and Changqing. According to Gan Lu, they were imperial gifts from the Capital, specially brought back by Seventh Master for Fourth Miss. They were placed with the other gifts Fourth Miss sent to the family.”

Tuo Niang’s face lit up with joy. She repeatedly murmured “this is too much” and asked in detail about Dou Zhao’s shoes: “Fourth Miss’s coming-of-age ceremony is in a few days. I must take Zhongyuan and Changqing to kowtow to her.”

The family had been discussing this for days. Father Cui had even gathered Cui Shisan and his brothers to decide on a gift. Since Cui Shisan had spent the last two years in the Capital, the task fell to him, and he was racking his brains over it. Hearing Tuo Niang’s words, he couldn’t help muttering, “Fourth Sister-in-law has it easy—just two pairs of shoes.” Then an idea struck him, and he sat down to help Changqing pick beans. “Fourth Sister-in-law, you served Fourth Miss before. What does she like?”

Tuo Niang kept talking while her hands remained busy. “Fourth Miss appreciates anything given with sincerity.” She began reminiscing about Dou Zhao’s childhood. “...Even as a tiny child, she remembered every kindness and slight. She’s always been generous, never petty...”

Ninth Brother’s wife listened to Tuo Niang’s stories with an envious expression.Among Cui Si's brothers, he was the most dull-witted, but because he married Tuo Niang, no one in the Cui family dared to slight him. Even his parents-in-law treated the couple with a certain degree of respect. Fourth Miss Dou frequently bestowed gifts upon them, and the entire household benefited as a result. Fortunately, Tuo Niang had a good temperament and never grew arrogant because of this. When it was her turn to deliver meals to the fields, she did so without complaint; when it was time to tend the fire and cook, she did that too. Her sisters-in-law all admired her for her kindness and integrity. She managed her husband well and kept relatives in line. Among the women in the surrounding villages, nine out of ten spoke of her with envy, while the tenth harbored jealousy.

At this thought, her gaze involuntarily fell upon the still-young Zhong Yuan and Chang Qing.

With the connection to Fourth Miss Dou, what future worries could these two children possibly have?