Blossom

Also stunned by this news was Second Madam.

Despite her advanced age, she immediately wanted to rush to Jing'an Temple Alley to get to the bottom of it, but she was stopped by the weary-looking Fifth Madam: "Shouldn’t we wait for the master to return before deciding what to do? The most pressing matter is how to explain this to the Ji family."

The Duke of Yingguo's Mansion was not the Marquis of Jining's Mansion. Since the betrothal gifts had already been sent, even if they wanted to back out, it would depend on whether the Duke of Yingguo's Mansion agreed. Moreover, Fangzhou had already become the Provincial Administration Commissioner of Zhejiang—how could they repay such a favor? What could they even offer in return? The more Fifth Madam thought about it, the more tangled her heart became. She couldn’t help but say, "What has gotten into Seventh Uncle? Even if he didn’t agree to the Ji family’s marriage proposal, he should have discussed it properly with the master. How could he rashly accept the Duke of Yingguo's proposal just like that? What kind of family is the Duke of Yingguo's Mansion? They are the adopted descendants of the founding emperor, a prestigious family favored across multiple dynasties! Their heir could marry any young lady he wanted—why would he choose to ally with the Dou family and marry Shou Gu, who was just embroiled in the scandal of sisters switching grooms? I fear there must be something wrong with this heir… Wouldn’t this harm Shou Gu?" She added, "If only Seventh Uncle’s household had a proper woman to manage the household affairs, things wouldn’t have gotten so chaotic!"

Second Madam nodded repeatedly and instructed Nanny Liu, "Go and find out what kind of person the heir of the Duke of Yingguo's Mansion really is."

Nanny Liu acknowledged and withdrew.

Second Madam then discussed with Fifth Madam, "Should we have Sixth Brother’s wife go and relay a message to the Ji family?"

This was no ordinary marriage arrangement that could be smoothed over by a few women’s words. This was a matter settled between two families, with who knew how many twists and turns involved. How could the Dou family push Sixth Sister-in-law, a mere woman, to the forefront? Even if they had the intention, Sixth Sister-in-law might not be capable of handling it!

Not wanting to worry her mother-in-law, Fifth Madam smiled and said, "Even if we ask Sixth Sister-in-law to step in, we should still let the master know first."

No mother-in-law would be displeased to see her daughter-in-law showing such respect for her son.

Second Madam nodded, and together with Fifth Madam, she waited for Dou Shishu to return.

Dou Shishu was stunned for a long moment.

"Seventh Brother… really formed a marriage alliance with the Duke of Yingguo's Mansion?" he asked again, unable to believe it.

Fifth Madam nodded. "Though I didn’t go inside, the Song family’s betrothal gifts were lined up in the main courtyard, the main gate wide open for all the neighbors to see—one hundred and twenty-four dowry chests. I couldn’t possibly have mistaken it."

Dou Shishu could no longer sit still. "I’ll go to Jing’an Temple Alley right now."

Fifth Madam hadn’t entered earlier precisely to coordinate with her husband’s actions. Before he made a decision, she wouldn’t say or do anything.

The two of them went to Jing’an Temple Alley together.

As it was already dusk, the Dou family had closed their main gate. But the one hundred and twenty-four dowry chests, combined with the prestige of the Duke of Yingguo's Mansion, had the neighbors buzzing with excitement, gossiping nonstop. The entire alley was inexplicably filled with a lively, celebratory atmosphere.

Fifth Madam frowned slightly.

Dou Shishu, however, entered the gate without a change in expression.

Large red dragon-and-phoenix wedding boxes were neatly arranged in the center of the main courtyard. Upon hearing the announcement, Dou Shiying came forward to greet them, his expression resolute as he bowed in greeting.

Dou Shishu couldn’t help but sigh inwardly, realizing there was no room left for negotiation. A faint sense of disappointment washed over him as he said, "Have you thoroughly investigated the Song family’s situation?"When Dou Shiying accepted the Song family's betrothal gifts, he had already prepared himself for Dou Shishu's reprimand. Yet now, as Dou Shishu calmly inquired about Shou Gu's future, Dou Shiying was momentarily taken aback, feeling a twinge of guilt. He lowered his voice and said, "I've made inquiries... I've even seen the man myself... He's a worthy match for Shou Gu..."

Dou Shishu didn't press further and instead asked about the process of the two families' marriage arrangement.

Upon learning that Dou Shiying had already signed the marriage certificate and set the wedding date for the twenty-fourth day of the eighth month, Dou Shishu couldn't help but glance at Fifth Madam.

Fifth Madam's face immediately flushed red.

Dou Shiying murmured an explanation, "The wedding date is a bit rushed, but with my sister-in-law currently in the capital, it's better to settle Shou Gu's matters sooner rather than later..."

Dou Shishu nodded and instructed his wife with a smile, "Since Shou Gu's wedding is imminent, you should go and see her." Then he turned to Dou Shiying, "If there's anything your fifth sister-in-law can assist with, don't hesitate to ask."

As if I'd dare ask for your help now! Dou Shiying grumbled inwardly but outwardly responded with meek agreement.

Fifth Madam went to see Dou Zhao.

Meanwhile, Dou Shishu brought up Zhao Si: "...Recommended by his superior, the Shaanxi Administration Commissioner, he will soon be promoted to Counselor of the Huguang Administration Commission. This is a good opportunity for him. That Huguang Administration Commissioner Li has developed a boil on his back, making it impossible for him to sleep at night. By this summer, the stench had become unbearable, and his condition worsens by the day."

Though serving as Minister of Justice, with over twenty years of influence in the Ministry of Personnel and holding the prestigious position of Grand Secretariat Academician, such matters couldn't escape his notice.

Dou Shiying understood this as Dou Shishu extending an olive branch, attempting to make amends for past wrongs against the Dou sisters.

Though resentful, he couldn't let personal feelings interfere with his brother-in-law's career prospects.

Dou Shiying cupped his hands toward Dou Shishu and said, "My brother-in-law's matter will require Fifth Brother's generous assistance."

"The Zhao family and ours have been close for generations, and Ruifu and I are old friends. Seventh Brother, you're being too formal with such words."

After discussing some court affairs, Dou Shishu and his wife prepared to return home.

In the carriage, Fifth Madam said to Dou Shishu, "Sixth Sister-in-law also went over after hearing the news. When I arrived, she was sitting in Shou Gu's inner chamber crying. From what I gathered, the heir of the Duke of England's Mansion has quite a temper..."

Before she could finish, Dou Shishu waved his hand, "What's the use of saying this now? Just attend the wedding cheerfully when the time comes." Then he added, "You go home first later. I need to make a stop at Yuqiao Alley."

Fifth Madam hesitated, "It's so late..."

"Such matters are best handled sooner rather than later," Dou Shishu said calmly. "Delaying will only make the Ji family think we're being perfunctory—we must show sincerity."

Fifth Madam still seemed concerned, "About Lord Fang's matter..."

Dou Shishu waved his hand again, "I have my own plans!"

Fifth Madam asked no more. She alighted from the carriage at their residence gate, watching respectfully as it sped out of Huai Tree Alley before turning back into the mansion.

※※※※※

Old Master Ji lay half-reclined on his Drunken Old Man Chair, pondering Dou Shiying's unexplained absence.

His invitation to Dou Shiying had merely been to establish a connection. Yet Dou Shiying had bluntly refused—there could only be one explanation: the Dou family had conveyed the Ji family's intentions to him, and he was extremely dissatisfied with this proposed marriage!Seeing that Ji Yong was a handsome and talented young man, already successful in his career and flourishing in his youth, by all accounts he was the ideal son-in-law. What more could Dou Wanyuan possibly be dissatisfied with?

Perhaps he should send another invitation tomorrow. If Ji Yong still didn’t come, he would personally visit Jing'an Temple Alley to see him.

After all, it’s harder to refuse someone face to face.

Would Ji Yong really have the nerve to reject the marriage proposal right in front of him?

With this thought, he called out loudly to the page attending him, "Has the Sixteenth Young Master returned yet?"

Ji Yong was the sixteenth in his family’s generational order.

Old Master Ji realized he hadn’t seen Ji Yong for several days.

The page hurriedly replied, "This servant will go fetch the Sixteenth Young Master at once."

Old Master Ji gave a hum of acknowledgment, just as another page entered to report, "Old Master, Grand Secretary Dou from Huai Tree Alley has arrived."

Old Master Ji was quite surprised and immediately instructed the page to show Dou Shishu to the Reception Hall while he changed into more formal attire to receive his guest.

Dou Shishu got straight to the point, his face full of remorse as he said, "To put it bluntly, this matter is entirely my fault. I never imagined that after my fifth niece’s marriage, my seventh brother, fearing that the fourth niece might remain unmarried, hastily arranged a betrothal with the Duke of Yingguo’s Mansion without informing us..."

Even someone as composed as Old Master Ji couldn’t help showing astonishment. "How could that be?"

A child’s marriage is not like buying vegetables—how could it be settled so casually?

And where did this Duke of Yingguo’s Mansion come from?

The Duke of Yingguo’s Mansion was no Marquis of Jining’s Mansion. It was a true family of high officials, one that had enjoyed imperial favor for generations, flourishing without decline.

Not to mention a minor figure like Dou Wanyuan—even Old Master Ji himself couldn’t possibly command the Duke of Yingguo’s Mansion to put on such a charade!

Old Master Ji couldn’t help but ask gravely, "Are you certain it’s truly the Duke of Yingguo’s Mansion?"

Dou Shishu hadn’t expected such a question from Old Master Ji, but recalling the betrothal gifts—including a Shoushan stone carving as large as a washbasin depicting "Abundance Year After Year," as well as dazzling brocades and Shu embroidery—how could the Duke of Yingguo’s Mansion possibly be an impostor?

He replied tactfully, "This afternoon, the Song family delivered one hundred and twenty-four betrothal gifts to Jing'an Temple Alley. That’s when I found out. By the time I rushed over, it was too late. Not only had the marriage certificate been signed, but the wedding date had also been set for the twenty-fourth day of the eighth month."

Old Master Ji couldn’t help but scoff at himself.

He really was getting old and careless, asking such a question.

Gazing at the earnest expression on Dou Shishu’s face, his mind raced.

"Ji Yong’s uncle has been in the Ministry of Works for many years, always wanting to repair the waterways in Yixing. But if it were funded privately, it might be seen as seeking fame. It would be better for the government to take the lead, with our Ji family following suit..."

To govern is to bring prosperity to the people.

But if one could benefit their hometown, it would leave a lasting legacy and bring advantages to future generations.

Yixing was just a small county—hardly something the Emperor would pay attention to, especially with the court having recently dredged the Grand Canal and the old course of the Yellow River.

Dou Shishu inwardly sighed.

This was the Ji family demanding compensation from him.

Debts must be repaid—it was only natural. How could he refuse?

"This is a good thing," Dou Shiying said with a smile. "If there’s anything I can assist with, Minister Ji need only ask!"

Old Master Ji saw Dou Shiying off with satisfaction.

Ji Yong returned.

He was beaming, full of high spirits. Seeing this, Old Master Ji felt a pang in his heart, unsure of what to say, and for a moment, he was at a loss for words.As for Ji Yong, he smiled and asked Old Master Ji, "What did you want to see me about?" His expression clearly said, 'If you don't speak up soon, I'm leaving.'

Old Master Ji thought for a moment before countering, "What have you been up to? You've been in and out these past few days—hardly seen hide nor hair of you."

Ji Yong grinned. "Nothing much, just went out for a few drinks with friends." Then he yawned and added, "Whatever it is, can we talk about it tomorrow? I'm dead tired."

With that, he walked straight out of Old Master Ji's room without waiting for a response, leaving the old man fuming with anger.

Ji Yong, however, was secretly delighted.

Having ambushed Wei Tingyu together with He Yu, he felt much better now.