Blossom

Wei Tingzhen immediately felt flustered and uneasy.

She asked the matron, "What else did the person from the Dou family say?"

"That person seemed either honest or dull—she only answered one question out of three," the matron replied. "Even this bit of information was something I overheard when she accidentally let it slip."

Wei Tingzhen grew increasingly anxious and discussed the matter with her mother.

Tian Shi was also surprised. "This shouldn't be the case—the Dou family couldn’t possibly neglect Dou Zhao’s dowry. Besides, she should still have Zhao Shi’s personal savings. How could she come to the Capital to demand a dowry right before her wedding?"

"That’s exactly why I find this so suspicious!" Wei Tingzhen said, growing even more doubtful upon hearing her mother’s words. "I think we should send someone to investigate this thoroughly..."

"Is that really appropriate?" Tian Shi hesitated. "Even if the Dou family’s dowry is substantial, it has nothing to do with us..."

"Mother!" Wei Tingzhen interrupted with a headache. "Looking into Dou Zhao’s dowry doesn’t necessarily mean we’re trying to take advantage of it. Who wouldn’t want to add flowers to brocade? If Dou Zhao brings more dowry with her, she’ll have more financial freedom—wouldn’t that mean you’d have to support her less? If she could leave some assets for your grandchildren, wouldn’t their lives be easier? Our family is small, while the Dou family has many descendants. If Dou Zhao maintains close ties with her natal family, wouldn’t that mean more support for my brother? If she’s estranged from them, this marriage would be hollow—what’s the point then?"

Convinced by her daughter, Tian Shi relented. "Then help look into it, will you?"

Wei Tingzhen responded with a somewhat dejected "Yes" and sent Granny Jin to investigate Dou Zhao’s situation.

Hong Gu returned to the stationery shop in a state of unease. As soon as she entered, she pulled Chen Qushui aside. "I did as you instructed... But what if the Wei Family misunderstands and thinks our young lady has no dowry? What if they look down on her because of it..."

Before she could finish, Chen Qushui’s expression turned stern. "What kind of talk is that? Are you saying the Wei Family would only happily marry her if she brings a dowry, and call off the engagement if she doesn’t? If the Wei Family is that kind of people, then it’s better not to marry into them at all! I sent you there precisely to test the Wei Family’s character. Men fear entering the wrong profession, women fear marrying the wrong man. The Seventh Master is careless, and the Seventh Madam is even worse—she can’t even handle her own daughter’s affairs properly. They’re utterly unreliable. If we don’t keep an eye out for our young lady, won’t she suffer greatly? Now that we know the Wei Family’s attitude, we can plan accordingly. We can’t let our young lady be wronged, can we?"

His words struck Hong Gu like a thunderclap, making her realize the weight of her responsibility. She eagerly reported to Chen Qushui, "Madam Wei seems like a very kind person—she treated me politely. But her personal matron had eyes like hidden needles, probing me. It was that matron who was testing me."

"You see? This test revealed everything!" Chen Qushui declared righteously. "Our young lady’s future mother-in-law is benevolent, but her attendants dared to probe you. This shows Madam Wei lacks control over her household and is easily swayed. It’s like the King of Hell is easy to meet, but his minions are troublesome. If our young lady marries into that family, winning her mother-in-law’s favor will first require appeasing those around Madam Wei."Hong Gu found Chen Qushui's words very reasonable and nodded repeatedly.

She thought of how Dou Zhao had always been the one to call the shots at home, but now that she was to be married, she would not only have to defer to Madam Wei but even to the servants around her. This injustice and sorrow for Dou Zhao choked her voice as she said, "Mr. Chen, this is too unfair for our young lady!"

"Ah!" Chen Qushui sighed. "Why is it that a girl is a treasured daughter at home but becomes merely a 'wife' after marriage?" Then he consoled Hong Gu, "Which woman hasn't gone through this?"

Hong Gu was silent for a long while before whispering, "Then what should I do next?" Her demeanor showed she was ready to cooperate with Chen Qushui's plans.

Chen Qushui nodded inwardly and said, "Tomorrow, we'll go together to pay respects to Seventh Master and discuss the young lady's dowry with him. Although half of Western Dou's property is under her name, if it's all taken to the Wei Family at once—as you've seen, Madam Wei isn't someone who can manage affairs. Who knows what might happen? Isn't there a saying that sharing hardship is easy, but sharing prosperity is hard? If the Wei Family starts eyeing the young lady's wealth, it would harm her. We must ask Seventh Master to decide how to handle the dowry. After that, you can freely explore the Capital—after all, it's rare to come here! If anyone asks you anything, just answer truthfully, but don't reveal what we discussed with Seventh Master."

Hong Gu breathed a sigh of relief, her whole body lightening.

Having lived most of her life without ever deceiving or lying to anyone, she had agreed to Chen Qushui's plan because their trip to the Capital truly was to discuss Dou Zhao's dowry with Seventh Master.

"Don't worry, Mr. Chen. I understand that one mustn't gossip about the master's words," Hong Gu assured him quickly. "Apart from Consort Cui, I won't tell anyone else, no matter who asks."

Chen Qushui nodded approvingly.

The next day, they went to Jing'an Temple Alley.

The alley lived up to its name, "Jing'an" (Tranquil Peace).

Whitewashed walls, lush trees, and the silent alley exuded a timeless, natural simplicity that made anyone entering it unconsciously slow their steps and steady their breath.

Dou Shiying received Chen Qushui and Hong Gu in his study.

Upon learning their purpose, he scratched his head and asked, "What does Shou Gu say?"

Chen Qushui silently counted to ten before replying, "Fourth Miss's intention is that, apart from what Madam Zhao left her, the rest should remain under Third Master Dou's management. After the marriage, they can decide based on the groom's attitude."

The husband is the sky, the wife the earth. If the couple is harmonious, such a vast estate—far beyond an ordinary dowry—should naturally be managed by the husband. But if Wei Tingyu did not treat Dou Zhao with due respect, she need not spare his feelings either.

Dou Shiying grasped the implication in Chen Qushui's words. He readily agreed, "Then let it be as Fourth Miss wishes."

This was within Dou Zhao and Chen Qushui's expectations. Smiling, Chen Qushui responded, "Yes," and handed Dou Zhao's dowry list to Dou Shiying. "This was written by the young lady's aunt during her coming-of-age ceremony. Consort Cui added a few items, and Sixth Madam added a few more. Please see if there's anything to add or remove."Dou Shiying glanced at it before handing it back to Chen Qushui, saying, "Since the aunt, Consort Cui, and Sixth Madam have all reviewed it, there shouldn’t be any mistakes. Just proceed with the preparations as planned." He paused slightly before adding, "I also have a few flower-and-bird paintings here that Shou Gu might like. Let’s include them in her dowry as well!"

Anything collected by Dou Shiying was naturally of fine quality.

Chen Qushui promptly expressed Dou Zhao’s gratitude to Dou Shiying.

Dou Shiying felt he deserved the thanks and accepted it graciously, instructing Chen Qushui, "As for the dowry portion from the family estate, you can discuss it with Sixth Madam later." He then insisted that Chen Qushui and Hong Gu stay at his residence. "Staying at the shop—what kind of arrangement is that?"

"With the young lady about to marry, the shop’s accounts need to be settled quickly," Chen Qushui replied respectfully. "Hong Gu is also here on Consort Cui’s behalf to purchase some fine items for the dowry. Staying at the shop makes it easier to come and go. Once things are more settled, we’ll gladly trouble Seventh Master again."

Dou Shiying, not one to fuss over minor details, found Chen Qushui’s reasoning sound and inquired about the family’s affairs.

Hong Gu answered each question in detail.

As noon approached, Chen Qushui rose to take his leave. "We must hurry to Mao’er Hutong—the young lady also asked me to deliver some items to Sixth Madam."

In Dou Shiying’s mind, Dou Shiheng’s home was no different from his own.

"Very well," he said without hesitation. "Since Shou Gu is marrying into the Capital, you should also visit Fifth Master on her behalf."

Chen Qushui inwardly rejoiced and respectfully agreed.

Dou Shiying had Gaosheng escort them out.

At the gate, however, Chen Qushui firmly stopped Gaosheng. "Between family, there’s no need for formalities. Don’t stand on ceremony with me, or you’ll make me feel like an outsider."

They were indeed family.

Gaosheng smiled and halted, watching as Chen Qushui and Hong Gu departed.

The two had a simple lunch at a small eatery near Jing’an Temple before heading to Mao’er Hutong.

Sixth Madam clung to Hong Gu’s hand, asking even about what Dou Zhao ate daily before finally inquiring about her purpose in the Capital.

Hong Gu merely mentioned discussing Dou Zhao’s dowry with Dou Shiying, revealing nothing further.

Sixth Madam understood the implication and chatted idly with Hong Gu until a page from the outer courtyard arrived, sent by Chen Qushui to summon her.

Hong Gu stood to leave. "Seventh Master instructed us to pay respects to Fifth Master on the young lady’s behalf."

"You should indeed go and acquaint yourselves," Sixth Madam said, personally escorting Hong Gu to the second gate. She asked what gifts they had prepared.

"For Fifth Master, a jade lion paperweight; for Fifth Madam, a string of Phoebe zhennan rosary beads..." Chen Qushui listed the items on the gift register.

Satisfied with the thorough preparations, Sixth Madam finally relaxed, offering a few reminders before having Wang Momo see them off.

Chen Qushui and Hong Gu then proceeded to Huai Shu Hutong, where Dou Shishu resided.

Dou Shiheng was not home, but Fifth Madam was surprised to hear that a servant from Consort Cui’s household had come to pay respects.

After some thought, she received Hong Gu in the reception hall.Hong Gu had long heard of this Fifth Madam, the daughter of Fan Junming, the chief examiner when Fifth Master was taking the Recommended Man examinations. Not only was she from an official family, but she was also shrewd and capable, serving as Fifth Master’s virtuous helpmate. However, Hong Gu had never met her before. Since society widely upheld the notion that "a wife's status depends on her husband's rank," and Dou Shishu was now a Grand Secretary, Hong Gu trembled with nervousness when meeting Fifth Madam, not daring to even lift her head, let alone speak much.

Hearing that Hong Gu was merely paying a courtesy visit on behalf of Dou Zhao, Fifth Madam felt slightly relieved.

Ever since Dou Shishu had joined the Grand Secretariat, their household had been bustling with visitors, most of whom came seeking favors. As for the Dou family’s Fourth Miss, though Fifth Madam had never met her, she had long been aware of her reputation—every move Dou Zhao made seemed to stir up waves. She had truly feared that Dou Zhao might come to ask for her help—her mother-in-law, Second Madam, had already instructed her that all matters concerning Dou Zhao must be decided by Second Madam herself. The reason behind this, as the wife of Dou Shiheng, she naturally understood all too well.