Blossom

That evening, Dou Zhao, who had only been allowed one small cup of wine, slept together with her aunt and cousin Zhao Zhangru.

They talked about everything that had happened since they last met.

Though they often exchanged letters, the joy of squeezing onto one bed and gazing at those dearly missed faces was something letters could never satisfy.

Soon, the sound of the third watch drum echoed in their ears.

Zhao Zhangru had already fallen asleep, her head tilted to one side.

Dou Zhao, still full of questions, showed no sign of drowsiness: "...So the new Administration Commissioner and Uncle were in the same examination cohort?"

"So you don’t have to worry about us anymore." Since her questions all revolved around her uncle, her aunt naturally understood her concern. "Not only that, when Lord Li took the Spring Examination, he stayed at the same inn as your uncle. They got along well and kept in touch afterward. When Lord Li took office this time, the first person he summoned was your uncle. He often consults with him on governance matters, and your uncle’s smooth promotion to Prefect of Qingyang was largely due to Lord Li’s recommendation."

Wang Yixing had been stuck in the position of Shaanxi Pacification Commissioner for years, and the political landscape of the court had shifted dramatically—not to mention Shaanxi itself. Her uncle’s career had undergone earth-shaking changes.

Dou Zhao’s delight was evident. She smiled and said, "Then, Aunt, you should visit Madam Li often."

Her aunt chuckled. "Our Shou Gu has truly grown into a young lady, even knowing such things now."

Dou Zhao smiled faintly and asked about her three cousins.

"They’re all doing well," her aunt replied vaguely before inquiring about Dou Zhao’s coming-of-age ceremony. "Who will perform the hairpin ceremony for you? Who are the Mistress of Ceremonies and the Assistant?"

"Second Madam plans to do the hairpin ceremony. The Mistress of Ceremonies and Assistant were originally supposed to be Shu Jie'er, with another relative filling in as needed," Dou Zhao said with a smile. "At the time, we didn’t expect you and Sixth Aunt to return. Sixth Aunt even brought Cousin Ji, worried I might lack a Mistress of Ceremonies or Assistant. Now that you’re here, why don’t you perform the hairpin ceremony for me instead?"

Compared to Second Madam, Dou Zhao much preferred her aunt as the officiant. Moreover, since her aunt had traveled so far, the Dou family—out of respect for Dou Zhao’s maternal relatives—would likely suggest her aunt for the role if Dou Zhao hinted at it.

To think Second Madam herself would perform the hairpin ceremony for Dou Zhao!

Her aunt was surprised but even more pleased.

Having the esteemed Second Madam of Zhen Ding officiate would elevate Dou Zhao’s status—it could only benefit her.

Zhao Zhangru had returned partly out of concern that Dou Zhao might lack suitable attendants for the ceremony. Now that everything was settled, she set her mind at ease and didn’t even mention Zhang Ru’s role.

"Let Second Madam perform the ceremony for you," her aunt said warmly. "It’s rare for her to show such kindness. As for your Sixth Aunt, you must be filial to her—she treats you like her own daughter."

Dou Zhao nodded repeatedly.

With no more worries, her aunt urged her with a smile, "We’ll be staying in Zhen Ding for two months—there’s plenty of time for questions. Now, go to sleep. Tomorrow is your coming-of-age ceremony! It’s such an important day—you can’t afford to be tired." She then tucked the blankets around her.

Dou Zhao giggled like a child, far from sleepy. But remembering how far her aunt had traveled and how exhausted she must be, she fell silent.

Soon, she heard her aunt’s steady breathing.In the quiet night, this usually somewhat cold and desolate room suddenly became filled with a warm and cozy atmosphere.

Dou Zhao closed her eyes with a slight smile on her lips and soon fell into a deep sleep. The next day, she only woke up when Su Xin shook her vigorously.

She sat up in a hurry.

The calm yet slightly amused voice of her aunt reached her ears: "No need to rush. No need! It's still early! I wanted to let you sleep a little longer, but Su Xin said you asked her to wake you at mao hour. I couldn't very well stop her."

"Is it just mao hour?" Dou Zhao sighed in relief, only then noticing that Zhao Zhangru was still sleeping like a little pig, undisturbed by all the commotion.

"It's three quarters past mao hour," Su Xin quickly added. "In another half hour, Second Madam and the others will be arriving."

Dou Zhao calculated in her mind—there was still time—and relaxed further.

She let the hired matron help her dress while her aunt went to wake Zhao Zhangru.

Zhao Zhangru yelped and scrambled about, slipping on her shoes only to realize she hadn’t put on socks, then couldn’t find her handkerchief after putting them on. Frustrated, she cried out, "Shou Gu, lend me one of your handkerchiefs!" This sent the maids in the room into stifled laughter.

Her aunt was both amused and exasperated. "Look at you," she scolded. "You're two years older than Shou Gu, yet you don’t have a tenth of her composure. How can I feel at ease about marrying you off like this?"

Zhao Zhangru’s face flushed crimson.

Dou Zhao sensed there was more to this remark. Seizing the moment when her aunt stepped out, she whispered to her cousin, "Am I going to be celebrating another wedding soon?"

Zhao Zhangru nudged Dou Zhao and murmured shyly, "Father wants me to stay at home…"

Memories from her past life gradually surfaced in Dou Zhao’s mind.

Her uncle had never taken a concubine and only had three daughters. The eldest and second cousins had married into scholarly families from the places where he had served as an official, and the eldest cousin’s husband had even earned the title of Presented Scholar. The third cousin had taken in a son-in-law. However, apart from the eldest cousin, Dou Zhao had never met the other two, let alone formed any bond with them. She had no idea whom the third cousin had married.

Looking at Zhao Zhangru’s pouting face, Dou Zhao smiled and asked, "What’s the matter? Don’t you want to stay at home?"

"What I want doesn’t matter!" Zhao Zhangru grumbled. "We can’t just let Father and Mother grow old without anyone to rely on!"

What ambitious young man would willingly become a live-in son-in-law?

Dou Zhao understood Zhao Zhangru’s feelings, but as she had said, they couldn’t let her uncle and aunt grow old without support.

For a moment, the mood turned somber.

Zhao Zhangru quickly forced a smile. "Never mind my troubles. Today is your special day."

Still, no bad news had ever come from her uncle’s household, so life must have been decent enough… Besides, there was plenty of time—Zhao Zhangru wasn’t even betrothed yet.

Dou Zhao smiled and linked arms with Zhao Zhangru as they headed to the main hall.

Soon after, the women from the eastern household and some ladies who had come to witness the ceremony arrived.

Second Madam had dressed formally in the attire of a third-rank Madam, lightly powdered her face, and adorned herself with emerald jewelry, looking exceptionally spirited.

As soon as she entered, she took her aunt’s hand and said warmly, "Today, I’ll be the one to insert the hairpin for Shou Gu. Your daughter will hold the tray for Dou Zhao, and Miss Ji will serve as the assistant." Without waiting for any polite refusals, she added, "This is my decision. No objections. You’ve traveled all this way to celebrate Shou Gu’s coming-of-age—this kindness will be remembered not just by her, but by me as well."

Everything is subject to change.In the past, Second Madam had naturally suppressed Aunt for the sake of the Dou family. Now, to suppress Wang Yingxue, she had to elevate Aunt.

Dou Zhao understood this well and was even more pleased to see such a scene. She tugged at Aunt's sleeve, pleading for her to agree.

The wife of Pang Jinlou, who had been treated as an ordinary guest without even a proper seat, looked extremely displeased.

Aunt, thinking of how Dou Zhao had grown up alone in the Dou family, couldn’t bear to sadden her and quickly agreed.

The hall was filled with harmony.

At the auspicious hour, Zhao Zhangru held the gold hairpin inlaid with rubies that Dou Shiying had specially sent for Dou Zhao’s coming-of-age ceremony. With Ji Lingze assisting Second Madam, the hairpin was placed in Dou Zhao’s hair.

The golden phoenix hairpin was lifelike, and the rubies sparkled brilliantly. Paired with Dou Zhao’s grand red gold brocade robe adorned with blue Western lotus skirt borders, she looked dignified, radiant, and dazzling—a stark contrast to her usual heroic and spirited demeanor, which made Ji Lingze glance at her repeatedly.

Watching Dou Zhao pour wine for the elders with grace and warmth, Ji Lingze hesitated several times, wanting to speak but holding back.

Zhao Zhangru, however, whispered to her, “Shou Gu looks so beautiful today, don’t you think?”

Ji Lingze nodded but hesitated before asking, “Has she really been betrothed to the Marquis of Jining?”

“Of course,” Zhao Zhangru replied with a flower-like smile. “My mother came this time not only to congratulate Shou Gu on her coming-of-age but also to check on the preparations for her dowry. Didn’t the Marquis of Jining’s Mansion send word that Shou Gu must marry within a hundred days? My mother felt the Marquis’s family was somewhat disrespectful, so Shou Gu’s dowry must be even more impeccable…”

Ji Lingze murmured in agreement, listening absentmindedly.

※※※※※

Two days later, after the congratulatory guests had dispersed, Aunt took Zhao Zhangru back to her maternal home. Ji Shi, who rarely returned, stayed to attend to Second Madam, leaving Dou Zhao free to sort through the gift lists.

“Huh? Master Yan, Xu Qing, and Lu Ming all sent congratulatory gifts!”

“Yes,” Su Xin replied, having already reviewed the lists once and roughly memorized who had sent what. “Not only did those three send gifts, but Tan Family Manor also sent a longevity Buddha statue as a congratulatory present.”

“Ah!” Dou Zhao was surprised and chuckled. “I’m not celebrating a birthday.” Still, it piqued her curiosity, and she instructed Su Xin, “Let’s go take a look.”

Su Xin and Dou Zhao went to the storeroom where the gifts were kept.

There were so many presents that they were still being cataloged.

Su Xin and Gan Lu, along with a few maids, searched for a long time before finding it.

The longevity Buddha was only three feet tall but carved from flawless mutton-fat jade, exquisitely crafted and undoubtedly priceless.

Dou Zhao laughed. “Now we’ll have to send an extravagant gift when Tan Family Manor hosts any celebration.”

“What’s rare is the thoughtfulness,” Su Xin remarked with a smile. “Tan Family Manor is one of the most prominent households in Lingbi County.”

Dou Zhao nodded but wondered why she hadn’t seen Ji Yong’s congratulatory gift.

Given his personality, he wouldn’t have missed such a lively occasion.

She went back and reviewed the list again.

Indeed, there was no gift from Ji Yong.

Nor from Song Mo.

But she did find a painting by Zhao Boju, Immortal Mountains and Towering Pavilions , sent by Wu Shan.

It was tucked inside the Ru kiln rhombus-patterned brush washer that Dou Dechang had given her.

Dou Zhao couldn’t help but sigh.

She instructed Su Xin to carefully store Immortal Mountains and Towering Pavilions at the bottom of a chest.A few days later, Sixth Aunt came with Ji Lingze to bid farewell: "...The betrothal gifts will be sent in September, and there's still a pile of matters waiting for me at home." She attempted to persuade Dou Zhao through their grandmother to accompany her to the Capital: "...She'll be marrying into the Capital eventually, so it's better to go early and familiarize herself with the surroundings." She added to Dou Zhao, "You can stay with me at Catkin Alley when the time comes. If anyone asks, just say I invited you over to help out. At most, you'd need to pay a courtesy visit to Willow Leaf Alley. Would they really force you to stay?"

Even that courtesy visit was something she'd rather avoid with the Wang Family!

Dou Zhao smiled and shook her head.

She would go to the Capital, but not now.