Blossom

What are your plans?

We can only try to find a better marriage prospect for Dou Zhao!

If we can't find one, at least we must ensure she doesn't suffer any more grievances!

But saying this is easier than doing it.

Not only is Dou Zhao's age a factor, but how many can compare to Wei Tingyu, a hereditary marquis who has already inherited his title? If finding a suitable son-in-law were that easy, why would Zhang Ru still be unmarried at her age?

Dou Shiying couldn't help but look embarrassed.

Zhao Zhangru, who had long noticed Dou Shiying's discomfort, quickly tugged at Dou Zhao's sleeve.

Dou Zhao paused momentarily, then seeing her father's flustered expression under Aunt's sharp gaze, sighed inwardly and stepped forward to rescue him: "When did you arrive? Why didn't you let us know?" Then she greeted her aunt: "The night air is chilly. Why don't we all go inside for some hot tea?" Taking her aunt's arm, she added cheerfully: "Cousin and I found some interesting items earlier—likely gifts from Grandmother to Mother when she married. We were just about to ask you about them!" With these words, she smilingly led her aunt into the northern chamber serving as their temporary Resting Chamber.

Zhao Zhangru held up the curtain with a smile, waiting for Dou Shiying to enter.

Grateful, Dou Shiying gave Zhao Zhangru a warm smile before entering. He listened absently as his daughter chatted merrily with Madam Zhao and Zhao Zhangru, sipping tea intermittently. Seeing that it was getting late and most things had been packed, he rose to take his leave.

Aunt snorted coldly at this.

Dou Shiying spent a sleepless night.

The next morning, he went to see Dou Zhao and said: "I've discussed with the Wang Family—Wang Shi can either return to our ancestral home in Zhen Ding to serve Second Madam or spend time in quiet reflection at the family temple. Why don't you stay in the Capital? The household still needs someone to manage its affairs."

This would also make it easier to find her a match!

Dou Zhao hadn't planned to return to Zhen Ding so soon anyway.

She intended to settle her affairs properly before going back.

"That sounds perfect!" Dou Zhao replied cheerfully. "Aunt mentioned she last visited the Capital in her youth with Uncle. I'd love for her and Cousin Zhang Ru to stay with us longer so we can visit all the famous sights together."

Relieved by her response, Dou Shiying began describing the Capital's landmarks.

A page had been waiting outside, peeking in nervously. Only when Dou Shiying paused did he cautiously enter to announce: "Seventh Master, Lord Xu Zhiji from the Imperial Academy has sent an invitation, requesting your presence at Drunken Immortal Tower tonight for drinks. He insists on your attendance."

Dou Shiying immediately understood Xu Zhiji likely needed a favor.

While he generally believed in "doing others favors brings favors in return," he was in no mood for drinks at Drunken Immortal Tower.

After some thought, he said: "Tell the messenger I'm occupied with family matters and cannot attend, but I appreciate his invitation. If he has urgent business, he's welcome to come here for tea instead!"

The page departed to relay the message.

Dou Shiying resumed his earlier conversation with Dou Zhao: "...Are there any particular places you'd like to visit? I'll have Gaosheng accompany you."

Were it not for propriety concerns regarding an unmarried woman traveling alone with a man (and Aunt's presence), he would have joined his daughter himself during his upcoming day off.

Dou Zhao named a few destinations, then reconsidered. "Actually, there's no rush. Let me discuss it with Cousin first," she said with a laugh.Dou Shiying noticed her improved mood and felt uplifted himself. He said, "I remember you were always fond of seal stones. As a child, whenever you saw them in my study, you'd cling to them, insisting on taking them back to your room to keep. In a few days, I'll take you to the Jade Treasure Pavilion. Here in the Capital, their antique jade pieces are quite distinctive, even surpassing the quality of our own Accumulated Fragrance Pavilion..." He carefully coaxed Dou Zhao into happiness.

Back then, Dou Zhao had been acting out of spite, deliberately taking things her father cherished rather than any genuine fondness. Recalling it now, she found it rather amusing. Still, this was a rare opportunity—it wouldn't hurt to visit the Jade Treasure Pavilion with her father.

She smiled and asked, "Didn't you always say our Accumulated Fragrance Pavilion was the finest under heaven? How could the Jade Treasure Pavilion surpass ours?"

"Our Accumulated Fragrance Pavilion excels in its comprehensive variety, offering pieces of all grades, with branches in every major city. If you spot something in the Nanjing branch and want it sent to Hangzhou, we can arrange delivery, hence our reputation. But in terms of sheer craftsmanship, Jade Treasure Pavilion's pieces are more refined..." Dou Shiying was explaining in detail when the page burst in again, announcing, "Seventh Master, Lord Xu's attendant is here to inquire if he may visit you this afternoon."

Dou Shiying let out a surprised "Hmm," murmuring, "What could be so urgent?"

Dou Zhao quickly said, "Father, if you have matters to attend to, please go ahead. I’ll visit Aunt and ask where she and Cousin would like to go."

Dou Shiying didn’t press further and returned to his study.

After lunch, Xu Zhiji arrived with a scholarly man in his fifties dressed in blue.

Dou Shiying observed the man’s elegant attire, the flawless Hetian jade pendant at his waist, his ruddy complexion, and the inch-long fingernail on his little finger—a clear sign of a privileged Confucian scholar. Though puzzled, he remained composed and invited them to sit.

Before the page could serve tea, Xu Zhiji apologized, "I’ve come unannounced without Wanyuan’s consent, driven by urgency. Please forgive my presumption."

Dou Shiying guessed Xu Zhiji’s request must involve the man in blue. He smiled and said, "We both serve in the Imperial Academy and should support one another. You flatter me, Zhiji."

After exchanging pleasantries, Xu Zhiji introduced the scholar: "This is my fellow townsman, Tao Chi, styled Qizhong, currently an adviser at the Duke of Yingguo’s mansion. When I first came to the Capital for the imperial exams, Tao helped me greatly. Now he seeks assistance, but my position is too humble. I had no choice but to turn to you, Wanyuan." He rose and bowed deeply. "I beg you to lend a hand."

The scholar in blue also stood and bowed.

"Please, rise!" Dou Shiying helped them up. "Zhiji, you know my temperament. For fellow officials in the Capital, friendship alone is fate. If I can help, I won’t refuse."

Xu Zhiji had counted on this very trait when he dared to bring the man unannounced.

Blushing, he explained the situation: Tao Qizhong had a merchant nephew who had been implicated in a theft case in Baoding Prefecture, and Tao hoped Dou Shiying could put in a word with the local authorities there.Dou Shiying knew they wanted him to leverage Dou Shishu's influence—Dou Shishu was the Minister of Justice.

Tao Qizhong, fearing Dou Shiying might refuse to help, quickly added, "My nephew has always been honest and upright, with ample family means. He couldn’t possibly commit theft. If his innocence can be proven, we would be deeply grateful."

Such cases were common. Dou Shiying wouldn’t aid wrongdoing for mere silver, especially since Xu Zhiji was a Successful candidate in the highest imperial examinations and served in the Imperial Academy. Surely, he could find someone to intervene with the Baoding prefect. That they came to him suggested the so-called theft case was more complicated. Thus, he smiled and said, "No need for thanks. I’ll inquire first. If I can help, all the better."

Tao Qizhong rose promptly to express his gratitude, sighing, "I initially thought to ask the Duke of Yingguo for assistance, but he said high-ranking officials must avoid befriending local officials, citing too many constraints. It’s still better among scholars like us—wherever we go, we find mutual support."

This both explained why his patron couldn’t intervene and flattered Xu Zhiji and Dou Shiying.

Xu Zhiji coughed pointedly.

Usually so tactful, why blunder now?

Since they were seeking Dou Shiying’s help, they should focus on pleasing him—why bring up Xu Zhiji?

Realizing his slip, Tao Qizhong swiftly changed the subject to recent gossip in the Capital, restoring a congenial atmosphere.

After several rounds of tea, noticing Dou Shiying’s weariness, Xu Zhiji signaled Tao Qizhong. Exchanging a few more pleasantries, they took their leave.

Dou Shiying courteously escorted them out of his study.

Servants were taking down the red lanterns adorned with double happiness characters.

Tao Qizhong remarked cheerfully, "I didn’t know your household had a celebration! Had I known, I’d have visited sooner."

Dou Shiying stiffened slightly, replying tersely, "My daughter was married."

"Oh!" Tao Qizhong pressed on eagerly, "To which family?"

Dou Shiying grew visibly uncomfortable. Xu Zhiji, who had attended the wedding, thought Tao Qizhong—being an adviser at the Duke of England's Mansion—might recognize or at least know of the Marquis of Jining. Perhaps this could foster rapport. He chimed in, "The groom is a descendant of the founding hero, the Marquis of Jining. A fine young man, inheriting the title before even reaching adulthood—"

Fearing Xu Zhiji might reveal the sister-switch scandal before it became public, Dou Shiying cut in, "Brother Zhiji flatters him."

Noting Dou Shiying’s reluctance, Xu Zhiji assumed the son-in-law was disliked and smoothly dropped the topic. But Tao Qizhong, with unctuous curiosity, asked, "What fortune, Madam Dou! If your younger daughter married so well—becoming a marchioness upon entry—surely the elder son-in-law is equally distinguished. Which family is he from?"

Dou Shiying bristled.

"Xiao nü" meant "my daughter," not "younger daughter"!

Was this man even literate?

Yet with the question posed, silence would invite suspicion. He had to respond.He had no choice but to say, "I have no sons, so I wish to keep my eldest daughter at home for now. She hasn’t been betrothed to anyone yet."

Upon hearing this, Tao Qizhong’s eyes lit up, and he eagerly asked, "Does Lord Dou intend to keep your daughter at home to take in a son-in-law, or are you planning to marry her off when a suitable match arises?"

Dou Shiying sensed something implied in his words, and his heart skipped a beat. Could it be that Tao Qizhong had a suitable candidate in mind?

He replied slowly, "Precisely because I haven’t made up my mind that I haven’t arranged any marriage talks for my eldest daughter yet..."

Tao Qizhong, growing excited, said, "Lord Dou, I’d like to propose a match for your daughter. What do you think?" His smile was exceedingly ingratiating.