Blossom

Such a significant matter naturally required notifying the master and the two younger uncles—what did Madam Cai have to do with it?

The thought flashed through Fifth Madam’s mind, and her heart tightened.

Wait a moment!

Wang Yingxue wanted to switch the marriages... meaning she intended for Dou Ming to marry Dou Zhao... while they were planning to have Dou Zhao break off the engagement with the Wei Family. Yet Wei Tingzhen had the audacity to try and pressure the Dou family... And then there was Wang Yingxue herself. Fifth Madam had treated her as a sister-in-law, yet she had shown no regard for Fifth Madam or the Dou family—first slandering Shou Gu without regard for her own status, making it seem as though the Dou brothers were at odds, and now coming up with such a ruthless scheme that disregarded the Dou family’s reputation. If Fifth Madam allowed her to act so recklessly, wouldn’t she be looked down upon?

Thinking this, Fifth Madam pressed her lips together, a cold glint flashing in her eyes.

The reason the Dou family hadn’t openly called off the engagement was that the grounds for doing so were simply too shameful to voice. The Wei family dared to challenge the Dou family because they had calculated that the Dous wouldn’t dare confront them head-on—both parties were guilty of moral misconduct, but if a man admitted fault, it was seen as repentance, while a woman’s admission was deemed shameless. The Dou family suffered from this double standard.

Since the Wei family refused to dissolve the engagement, then so be it.

After all, there would be a scapegoat when the time came—why not?

Fifth Madam’s smile deepened.

She leaned in and whispered to Madam Cai, “This matter may still require your assistance...”

※※※※※

Dou Shishu stared at the mutton-fat jade paperweight shaped like a crouching tiger on his desk, saying nothing.

After more than twenty years of marriage, Fifth Madam had long since learned her husband’s temperament.

She quietly refilled his teacup and sat down in the Grand Preceptor’s Chair beside the desk.

After another moment of silence, Dou Shishu finally spoke. “But this fraudulent marriage...”

If it went to court, the marriage would be invalidated.

The Dou family intended to ally with the Ji family, but there was no need to make a mortal enemy of the Wei family and become the laughingstock of the Capital.

Naturally understanding her husband’s concerns, Fifth Madam smiled. “Though the bride was switched, Wang Shi was acknowledged by both the Dou and Zhao families, with formal documents elevating her status. Mingjier is also a legitimate daughter. Marriage is meant to unite two families—Mingjier marrying in Shou Gu’s stead doesn’t blur the lines between legitimate and illegitimate; her status is a match for the Wei family. The law must yield to human sentiment—if no one complains, no one investigates. As long as the Wei family accepts this marriage, would the officials really forcibly annul it? Besides, since it’s a substitution, Mingjier must understand the situation. Earlier, Shou Gu openly refused to marry into the Wei family—one is willing to strike, the other to endure. And this was Seventh Madam’s idea. Though we care for these girls, as their uncle and aunt, we’re one step removed. In matters of marriage, we can only advise from the sidelines, not decide for them. Mingjier gets her wish, and Shou Gu is clever—I’m sure both will understand our difficulties.

“Moreover, Shou Gu and Jianming are practically childhood sweethearts. Jianming is erudite, with a bright future ahead. The Ji family’s patriarch personally came to propose, showing her such high regard—what more could she possibly want?”

The Ji family favored Dou Zhao precisely because she could keep Ji Yong in check. If Dou Zhao married resentfully, Ji Yong might distance himself from the Huai Tree Lane branch. The Dou family risked their reputation to ally with the Ji family because they valued Ji Yong’s prospects. If Ji Yong became estranged from Huai Tree Lane, what would be the point of the Dou-Ji alliance?The most important thing is Shou Gu's satisfaction.

Dou Shishu said slowly, "Then we must find a way to make the Wei family acknowledge this marriage. Otherwise, if Wei Tingyu feels deceived and starts making a scene after the wedding ceremony when the veil is lifted, it would be troublesome. But what if Wei Tingyu pretends to be ignorant and only causes trouble after the wedding night, during the three-day returning to her maiden home? Wouldn’t Mingjier suffer for nothing?"

Fifth Madam covered her sleeve and laughed, saying, "It seems even the master doesn’t know everything or can handle everything effortlessly. In this matter, you’ll have to ask for my help!" Her tone was lighthearted, carrying a hint of teasing.

Dou Shishu was quite surprised. He recalled the years when his mentor Zeng Yifen was forced to retire, and his own future was uncertain, stuck in the position of a vice minister. He would often sit blankly in his study like this, and his wife would come in to pour him a cup of tea, cheerfully discussing household trivialities with him. Occasionally, she would even tease him with his own words, and he would feel a sense of contentment, his gloom gradually dissipating, his mind becoming peaceful. But ever since his mentor regained power, he had been constantly busy and hadn’t spoken to his wife like this in a long time.

Suddenly feeling mischievous, he smiled and cupped his hands in a mock salute, adopting a respectful tone, "I’d love to hear your wisdom!"

Fifth Madam chuckled for a long while before finally composing herself and said seriously, "Since this was Wang Shi’s idea, even if Mingjier suffers, how could it possibly be blamed on us?" She added, "Besides, this isn’t just our family’s affair. Shouldn’t the Ji family also contribute some effort?"

Dou Shishu pondered thoughtfully.

Fifth Madam continued, "We’ll deliver the person to them. Whether they can keep her and make the Wei family acknowledge the marriage is the Ji family’s responsibility. Why should we exhaust ourselves while the Ji family waits to reap the benefits? They should show some sincerity too."

Dou Shishu’s eyes flickered.

Fifth Madam knew her husband had agreed to her idea and smiled, saying, "Just pretend you don’t know about this matter, master. I’ll handle the negotiations with Old Master Ji. If we can’t reach an agreement, you can step in later."

"Then let it be so," Dou Shishu said. "In the end, it’s the Ji family who stands to gain the most."

Fifth Madam thought of the half of Western Dou’s assets under Dou Zhao’s name and nodded emphatically.

※※※※※

Ji Yong returned from the Imperial Academy and heard that Fifth Madam Dou had spent a long time speaking with his great-grandfather in the study and had just left. Anxious, he barged into Old Master Ji’s study.

Old Master Ji was speaking with Ji Fu and couldn’t help but laugh heartily at the sight. "What are you worried about?" he asked.

Ji Yong said dismissively, "What did Fifth Madam come for?"

Old Master Ji pretended to sigh helplessly and teased, "They say a married daughter is like spilled water, but you—your bride isn’t even here yet, and you’re already defending her family."

Ji Yong wasn’t fooled and snorted. "Fifth Madam wouldn’t come to see you for no reason. Is it about Dou Zhao…?" For the first time in his life, he felt a sense of apprehension, afraid of hearing bad news from Fifth Madam.

Old Master Ji sighed genuinely this time and said, "The way of marriage is like the art of war—you must remain composed." Then he told Ji Yong the purpose of Fifth Madam’s visit.Even Ji Yong was taken aback. "Would Wang Shi really be that foolish? It's not like Dou Ming can't get married. Is it worth degrading herself like this?"

Old Master Ji, however, smiled and said, "Fourth Miss Dou and Seventh Madam Dou haven't seen each other for over a decade, which shows their grievances run deep. It's likely just a momentary outburst of resentment." He didn’t want to dwell on the messy affairs of the Dou family and instead asked, "Tell me, what are your thoughts?"

"Only a fool would pass up such a golden opportunity!" Ji Yong replied. Recalling how his great-grandfather had spoken of the matter—as if this marriage proposal were another test for him—he felt uncomfortable but continued, "What's so difficult about this? The Dou family is just afraid of bearing the responsibility, right? We can step in when the time comes.

"When Dou Zhao gets married, Dou Zhengchang and Dou Dechang will surely accompany the bridal procession. We can get Wei Tingyu drunk until he’s muddled, then have him stumble into the bridal chamber. Early the next morning, as soon as there’s any noise, the dowry maids can rush in and preemptively accuse Wei Tingyu of wrongdoing—it’s not like he doesn’t know the bride. If he knew the bride had been switched yet still consummated the marriage, what were his intentions? Then, summon the Dou family to acknowledge the marriage." At this point, he thought of how Dou Ming had once outmaneuvered him and snorted coldly. "If Wei Tingyu refuses to admit it, there’s still Dou Ming. Since she dared to pull such a stunt, she should be prepared for the consequences of being rejected. If we threaten to take the Wei family to court, would they really dare to fight the Dou family in a lawsuit? As long as the Wei family doesn’t make a fuss, the matter will be settled."

Old Master Ji asked, "What if Wei Tingzhen kicks up a storm? If things escalate, it’ll ultimately harm the Dou family."

Ji Yong chuckled. "Isn’t that easy to handle? Just compensate the Wei family when the time comes."

Old Master Ji nodded approvingly.

※※※※※

Meanwhile, Dou Zhao was also speaking with Chen Qushui.

"The Gao family arranged a marriage for Dou Ming. After meeting the suitor, instead of discussing it with Father or seeking out Fifth Madam, she went to great lengths to track down Madam Cai’s whereabouts and managed to meet her. As for Madam Cai, she stayed quietly at home for several days before finally going to Huai Tree Lane for Ren Ge'er’s birthday." Dou Zhao mused, "I can’t help but feel there’s something more to this..."

In the Capital, her people couldn’t openly appear in the Dou residence, which meant she no longer had the same level of control over matters as before.

She asked Chen Qushui, "Any movements from Seventh Madam’s side?"

Chen Qushui replied, "Seventh Madam seems to have been ordered by Seventh Master to prepare for your wedding."

That doesn’t make sense!

Wang Yingxue had long been stripped of her authority to manage the household. Even if Father was unaware that the Huai Tree Lane side was helping her dissolve the engagement with the Wei family, he wouldn’t have assigned Wang Yingxue to prepare for her wedding. Even in her past life, when Wang Yingxue had every advantage, Father had still asked Sixth Aunt to give her private advice before the wedding. There was no reason for him to act differently this time.

But it was also possible Father had changed his mind again.

In her past life, Father had often wavered.

At this thought, Dou Zhao’s heart stirred.

In her past life, Gao Shi had discovered that Gao Mingzhu’s death was linked to Dou Ming and flew into a rage, storming into Jing'an Temple Alley to confront Wang Yingxue in a heated argument.Father was both anxious and angry, so he asked Fifth Aunt and Sixth Aunt to help find a husband for Dou Ming.

At that time, her wedding date with Wei Tingyu had already been set. When Wei Tingyu brought people to deliver the betrothal gifts, for some reason, Dou Ming saw him and suddenly changed her mind—she wanted to marry Wei Tingyu. Shockingly, Wang Yingxue actually listened to her and discussed with Father about letting Dou Ming marry Wei Tingyu instead. Father seemed hesitant at the time, but after she ran to him in tears, he finally refused Wang Yingxue’s request.

Because of this, she had always been wary of Wang Yingxue and Dou Ming. From the betrothal gifts to the wedding day, she feared eating something unclean that might cause diarrhea or some other illness, preventing her from boarding the bridal sedan. So she had Gan Lu boil a whole basket of white-shelled eggs for her, refusing to touch any other food at home...