Blossom

The sky was faintly brightening as Dou Zhao stood beneath the veranda. Her posture resembled that of a plum blossom braving the cold—proud and independent, yet always exuding a touch of aloofness. She was like the serene, hidden mountains, gazing at him with tranquil calmness.

Memories flickered through his mind like a revolving lantern.

The stunning brilliance of their first meeting, the magnanimity of their reunion; the midnight rescue in times of peril, the silent care that soothed sorrow like spring rain; the deep, dreamless sleep after laboring in the chrysanthemum fields, the sudden clarity of standing atop a wild peach tree to gaze at distant villages—all of it was like the gentle breeze of this autumn morning, softly brushing against his heart.

Dou Zhao's beauty had always been subtle, like a nourishing rain that one might overlook inadvertently, yet also feel unexpectedly.

Song Mo suddenly felt a surge of emotion.

What was Dou Zhao thinking at this moment?

Had he, too, overlooked something without realizing it?

Song Mo turned and strode toward Dou Zhao.

Her face gradually came into clear focus within his vision.

Her jet-black hair, fair complexion, long brows that tapered toward her temples, and lips as red as blossoms—her smiling eyes and brows all grew vivid before him.

"Dou Zhao," he widened his eyes, gazing intently at her, "if fate allows, could we become husband and wife?"

The pale dawn at the horizon had, at some point, turned into a faint purple, as if the splendid glow hidden behind the clouds couldn't wait to reveal a hint of its brilliance.

Song Mo's face glowed with a lustrous sheen in the morning light, like fine jade, his dark eyes sparkling like stars in the night sky.

Dou Zhao looked at the radiant young man before her, who had long shed his youthful awkwardness and now stood a head taller than her, and for a moment, she felt dazed.

If fate allowed, could they become husband and wife?

Probably not.

Whether in her past life or this one, they had never walked the same path.

He was destined to be the center of attention, even in moments of downfall, his presence would manifest in another form. She, on the other hand, preferred tending to flowers and plants, imagining herself as a flowering tree, following the cycle of seasons—growing in spring, flourishing in summer, harvesting in autumn, and resting in winter.

One was the cloud atop the peak, the other a tree in the forest—forever destined to gaze at each other from afar.

Yet in the crisp autumn dawn, under the young man's expectant, radiant gaze, she couldn't bring herself to reject him so bluntly.

After a brief pause, she smiled and said, "If we can become husband and wife, then it must be fate!"

Though it was likely they would never have such a bond.

But Song Mo's face—

A faint smile flowed in his eyes.

He gazed deeply at Dou Zhao for a long moment, then turned and strode out of the main courtyard without a word.

Watching his steady, vigorous steps, Dou Zhao felt an inexplicable unease.

Had she said something wrong?

She carefully replayed their conversation in her mind.

The morning bells of Jing'an Temple resonated melodiously in the air, still carrying the chill of mid-autumn, while the dawn glow quietly painted half the sky.

Song Mo left the Dou family's residence with a buoyancy even he couldn't explain.

Duan Gongyi, Xia Lian, and the others, warmed from head to toe after drinking hot soy milk on this autumn morning, gathered in the alley beside the Dou residence, chatting and laughing softly, their expressions relaxed and content, like old friends reunited after a long separation.Hearing the commotion, several people tensed up and turned to look. When they saw it was Song Mo, their expressions relaxed.

"Young Lord!" they greeted respectfully.

Zhu Yicheng couldn't help glancing at Xia Lian from the corner of his eye, thinking to himself: No wonder my master said martial skills are just the stepping stone—to establish oneself in families of high officials, one must learn to anticipate the master's wishes. Xia Lian had said the Young Lord wouldn't appear for a while, and indeed they had waited nearly half an hour.

Song Mo nodded with a smile, but his gaze settled on Duan Gongyi and Chen Xiaofeng: "Since you've come to the Capital with the Fourth Miss, why haven't you visited Jing'an Temple Alley? Master Yan and I were just speaking of you the other day, wondering what you've been busy with lately."

Such courtesy was rare—not even the martial arts instructors of the Capital's Imperial Guards, let alone captains or commanders, received such treatment.

Zhu Yicheng couldn't help but view Duan Gongyi and Chen Xiaofeng in a new light.

The two men, flustered by the unexpected honor, hastily bowed deeper, murmuring, "We dare not."

※※※※※

Though he had gone to Jing'an Temple Alley early the previous morning and drunk heavily at the Marquis of Jining's Mansion until nearly dawn, Ji Yong had slept soundly. Yet he awoke at the first toll of the Capital's morning bell.

After freshening up energetically, he headed straight for Jing'an Temple Alley.

Dou Wenchang was discussing the Double Morning Celebration Red and recognition banquet with Fifth Madam.

Yesterday, Fifth Madam had been busy comforting the anger-stricken Madam Xu Wang, dealing with the two sisters-in-law from the Wang Family, reassuring Ji Shi, and worrying about the Wei Family's reaction—pondering who should take charge when visiting the Weis today. She hadn't slept a wink.

Hearing of Ji Yong's arrival, Fifth Madam was greatly relieved.

With Ji Yong's talent rivaling ancient diplomats Zhang Yi and Su Qin, the Wei Family would find it hard to reject this marriage. Moreover, his evident regard for Dou Zhao meant he'd likely help the Dou family in future matters.

She warmly received him: "Have you breakfasted? We haven't eaten yet—why not join us before going to the Marquis of Jining's Mansion with Jingwei?"

Jingwei was Dou Wenchang's courtesy name.

He was momentarily startled.

Ji Yong was merely an in-law by marriage—though close enough to be called "cousin," he wasn't immediate family. Recognition banquets typically involved the bride's blood relatives—brothers, sisters-in-law, or nephews.

But since Fifth Madam had extended the invitation, he wasn't foolish enough to object that Ji Yong's presence was inappropriate.

Ji Yong accepted without ceremony, breakfasting with Fifth Madam and Dou Wenchang. Afterward, Fifth Madam detained Dou Wenchang for a private word.

"Yesterday, it was Mingjier who married over, not Shou Gu!" she whispered. "We only realized during the parental farewell—it was too late then, so we let the mistake stand. Since Jianming has always been close to your Seventh Uncle, I specifically asked him to support Shou Gu. Follow his lead in everything. Now that the marriage is consummated, we can't let Mingjier suffer." She implied the blame lay with Wang Shi. "...With Seventh Madam silent, we couldn't act rashly."

Knowing Dou Wenchang was straightforward, Fifth Madam had kept him in the dark yesterday to avoid any slips, only revealing the truth now.Dou Wenchang was utterly shocked and filled with confusion.

Even so, Fifth Madam was his elder sister-in-law. When it came to matters of principle, how could she allow Seventh Madam to act so recklessly?

However, he and Dou Shishu were as close as father and son. Voicing such thoughts would be disrespectful to Fifth Madam, so he suppressed his doubts and respectfully agreed, leaving the hall with her.

Ji Yong stood on the western Covered Corridors, a faint, amused smile playing on his lips.

Dou Wenchang walked over suspiciously and realized that from Ji Yong’s position, one could faintly hear the sound of a woman wailing.

Seventh Uncle’s household was small, so he wondered who could be crying. Before he could ask, Ji Yong said, "Eldest Cousin, let’s greet Seventh Uncle first, then head to the Marquis of Jining's Mansion."

Dou Wenchang had no choice but to follow.

Ji Yong, however, sneered inwardly.

Now the Wang family knew how to weep? What were they doing earlier?

In just one night, Dou Shiying seemed to have aged ten years.

He lay listlessly on the bed, ignoring Fifth Madam, only offering a few apologetic words to Dou Wenchang and Ji Yong, who were helping with the aftermath: "I’ve troubled you both."

No one felt good about such a situation, least of all a father!

Dou Wenchang understood Dou Shiying’s feelings and nodded silently, his expression grave as he assured him.

Ji Yong, however, spoke soothingly, "Please rest assured, Seventh Uncle. We will handle this matter properly." Only then did he leave with Dou Wenchang for the Marquis of Jining's Mansion.

Tian Shi had already received the news. The shock nearly made her faint, and as soon as she caught her breath, she urgently ordered her trusted maidservant to fetch Wei Tingyu, then burst into tears. "How could this happen? If word gets out, where will our Wei family’s dignity be?"

The one sent by Tian Shi to investigate was her most capable attendant, Old Woman Luo.

"Madam, keep your voice down!" She quickly handed Tian Shi a handkerchief to wipe her tears. "Not many know of this yet. If you cry like this, won’t you alert everyone? Though the Marquis and the Dou family’s young lady haven’t performed the ancestral rites, they’ve already entered the bridal chamber. Whether we accept this marriage or clarify matters with the Dou family, you must wait for the paternal aunt to arrive. We can’t let this spread now!"

Tian Shi immediately stifled her sobs and choked out, "You’re right, Zhen’er. The Dou family is truly no good. It’s all my fault for being indecisive and harming Yu’er." She wept again. "If I’d known, I should have agreed to Zhen’er’s suggestion to break off the engagement with the Dou family. At least then we wouldn’t have brought such a questionable bride into our home." She was filled with regret.

But now was not the time for such talk.

Fortunately, Old Woman Luo had served Tian Shi for decades and knew her temperament. Unhurried, she gently reminded her, "As for the Main Chamber, should we send someone to silence the maids and old women? It seems the Dou family also wants to keep this quiet. And regarding the elderly relatives—with this happening, the stove sacrifices, ancestor worship, and family introductions will likely have to be postponed. We must give them an explanation."

Tian Shi nodded repeatedly and said to Old Woman Luo, "Leave this to you. Before the paternal aunt arrives, make sure no one grows suspicious."

Old Woman Luo bowed and replied, "Yes," before withdrawing.At family celebrations, it's always the sons-in-law and brothers-in-law who take the seats of honor. This was especially true for Zhang Yuanming, a son-in-law from an illustrious family who had provided much support to the Wei Family.

He rose early, finished his breakfast, and dressed in fresh clothes while waiting for Wei Tingzhen to finish her toilette.

The servant sent by the Wei Family to fetch Wei Tingzhen naturally didn't dare mention the bride substitution in front of Zhang Yuanming. They simply said Tian Shi had urgent matters to discuss with Wei Tingzhen and requested her immediate presence.

Hearing this, Zhang Yuanming teased his wife: "Your mother probably woke up this morning thinking the wedding gifts you agreed on yesterday were too modest. Now she wants to add a few more pieces for the new bride and needs your help selecting jewelry. You'll have to match her generosity—after all, you're the paternal aunt. Don't be too stingy, or your new sister-in-law might think you're cheap. Then next time you visit your parents' home, they might not even serve you dinner."

"How dare she!" Wei Tingzhen, already in a foul mood, raised her eyebrows defiantly. "If she wants to run the Marquis of Jining's Mansion, she'll need the capability first."

Knowing his wife's strong-willed nature, Zhang Yuanming wasn't surprised by her response. He continued bantering with Wei Tingzhen until she finally laughed. The couple then cheerfully set off for the Marquis of Jining's Mansion with their children in tow.