Blossom

His gaze fell upon Song Han, who had remained silent since entering the reception hall.

Song Han had been cautiously watching his elder brother. When Song Mo looked his way, his eyes immediately reddened, and he pitifully called out, "Brother," then fearfully glanced at Song Yichun, who was all smiles as he chatted with Lu Zhan, as if to say, "It's not that I don't miss you, but I'm afraid of Father's punishment, so I had to keep my distance."

A shadow passed through Song Mo's eyes.

His own flesh and blood, his younger brother, had grown into such a timid and shrinking figure.

At three years old, tearing up when wronged might have seemed endearing; at ten, it might have appeared naive. But now, he was already thirteen...

The last time Song Mo had seen Song Han was during the ancestral rites at the Spring Festival.

Back then, Song Han had only reached his chest.

Yet in just over half a year, Song Han had shot up to his shoulders—perhaps even taller than Song Mo had been at thirteen. But he was painfully thin, his complexion sallow and pale, as if deprived of food and clothing, and his spirits seemed low.

Caught between him and their father, it must have been hard on the boy.

Song Mo averted his eyes.

Sometimes, too much concern could be poison.

Perhaps it was better to watch from afar, offering a helping hand only when needed—that might be what was best for him.

With a smile, Song Mo walked over to his father's side.

The smile was warm and bright, without a trace of shadow.

Hurried footsteps sounded from outside.

A page rushed in, panting: "The Young Lord of Guang'en County has arrived!"

Song Yichun was taken aback and looked at Song Mo.

Song Mo's expression remained unchanged, not a hint of extra warmth in his smile, as if wearing a flawless mask—even if you knew it was false, you couldn't find a single flaw.

Song Yichun cursed inwardly.

Dong Qi, dressed in a bright red official robe, strode in with a laugh.

"My apologies, my apologies!" He clasped his hands in greeting to the room. "Brothers, I'm late! Just promoted a new carriage driver. Who'd have thought the ingrate wouldn't do his homework beforehand? Didn't say a word after I boarded, drove in circles without finding the place—only then did I realize he didn't know the way. If I hadn't kicked him off the carriage and offered ten taels on the spot to hire someone who could actually drive, I might still be circling Andingmen Street!" He chuckled, clicking his tongue at Song Mo. "Song Da, your family's estate is massive—takes up a whole alleyway. No wonder my driver couldn't even find the gate."

Is that so?

Wang Qinghuai and the others smiled without comment.

Only Gu Yu sneered sarcastically, "I thought you were lost in some back alley. Turns out it was Andingmen Street. But you're too soft—just kicking him off? If it were me, I'd have whipped him to death on the spot. The Guang'en County household truly upholds virtuous traditions!"

Dong Qi laughed heartily, though his eyes glinted coldly, wishing he could take a bite out of Song Mo right then.

Using me to polish your reputation? Hope you can handle the weight—might be more than you deserve!

Yet he had no choice but to come. Otherwise, when colleagues in the Golden Guard asked about it later, they'd think he was putting on airs, letting Song Mo effortlessly claim the moral high ground.He stepped forward and bowed to Song Yichun with a smile, saying, "My father knew I was coming to Uncle's house for the wedding banquet and specifically instructed me to bring a congratulatory gift. He also said that once Uncle is done with Yantang's wedding, you should drop by our place for tea. Father still treasures the Jin Gui wine you gifted him all those years ago!"

Upon hearing this, Song Yichun's eyebrows twitched almost imperceptibly as he replied politely, "Please convey my thanks to your father." Then he turned to ask Tao Qizhong, "How much longer until the auspicious hour?" Not a word of further pleasantries was exchanged.

Song Mo's gaze sharpened slightly.

He knew there was some unresolved conflict between the Song and Dong families, but he had never heard the specifics of how or why the feud began. In this world, long unions inevitably divide, and long divisions inevitably reunite—such was also the nature of relationships among noble families. He believed that as long as he was strong enough, the Dong family wouldn't be able to touch him. If he lacked the ability to uphold the family's standing, even if he offered his face for the Dong family to slap, they might still not spare the Songs. Everything depended on strength, so he hadn't paid much attention to the matter.

His father valued reputation, which was why he stood here exchanging pleasantries with his friends. The Earl of Guang'en had sent Dong Qi with such a message, already offering his father a way to save face. Logically, his father should have taken the opportunity to reconcile with the Dong family—that would have been the wisest course. Yet judging by his father's demeanor, he seemed determined not to engage with the Earl of Guang'en, his resentment running deep.

Had he underestimated the complexity of this matter?

Song Mo then recalled that the Earl of Guang'en also seemed to have some friction with his maternal uncle.

He couldn't help but glance at Dong Qi.

Dong Qi's expression remained calm, clearly indicating that his father's attitude was within his expectations.

It seemed he ought to send someone to investigate this matter thoroughly!

As he pondered, Tao Qizhong checked the water clock and returned with a smile to report, "There's still half an hour until the auspicious hour."

Wang Qinghuai, understanding the cue, said cheerfully to Shen Qing and the others, "Shall we head over together then?"

Shen Qing, rarely given such a chance to shine, had deliberately worn an embroidered feiyu robe that glittered gold, making him look like a walking brocade.

Eagerly, he urged the group, "Let's not delay Brother Song's auspicious hour!" and led the way out of the reception hall.

The procession marched grandly toward Jing'an Temple Alley.

Official robes sometimes served as the best proof of status.

Pedestrians along the way stopped to watch, murmuring envious praises.

Shen Qing couldn't help but feel smug, thinking this was truly the life worth living.

He glanced around—the only ones who appeared close to his age were Gu Yu and Song Han.

Gu Yu... had never gotten along with him, so he wasn't worth considering.

He whispered to Song Han, "Are you betrothed yet? When it's your wedding, I'll come help fetch the bride too! What do you think?"

Song Han had been somewhat distracted and nodded blankly.

Shen Qing was displeased.

He thought to himself: Even someone as formidable as Brother Song treated him amiably, yet this little brat who hadn't even grown all his feathers dared to brush him off.

Truly, it's easier to meet the King of Hell than deal with his petty minions!

His enthusiasm for chatting with Song Han waned, and he turned instead to whisper trivialities with Zhang Xuming.

In less than three quarters of an hour, they arrived at the entrance of Jing'an Temple Alley.

Gaoxing (Happy), who had been waiting there, along with a few pages, set off firecrackers with a loud crackling, drawing a crowd of onlookers.The Song family's bright red and gold Bridal Urging boxes, laden with whole pigs and sheep, were carried through the gates of the Dou family amidst the deafening sound of firecrackers and a flurry of red firecracker confetti, drawing curious gazes from all around.

The Dou family's ceremonial steward announced the gifts, while Gaosheng directed the pages in arranging the Bridal Urging boxes sent by the Song family.

Wang Qinghuai and his companions were led by the Dou family's ceremonial attendants to pay respects to Dou Shiying, who stood on the steps of the main hall.

Dou Shiying looked upon these distinguished young men—some dressed in imperial-bestowed python robes of the highest rank, others in the attire of third-grade military officials—who had come for the Bridal Urging, and nodded with satisfaction.

Wei Tingyu, standing beside Dou Shiying on the steps in his capacity as a son-in-law, stared blankly at the familiar faces.

How had they all gathered here?

It wasn't until Wang Qinghuai and the others approached to greet Dou Shiying that Wei Tingyu snapped out of his daze. He called out, "Brother Wang!" and asked in surprise, "Why are you the ones here for the Bridal Urging?"

"Song Laoda gave the order—how could we refuse?" Shen Qing puffed out his chest, basking in the awed and envious glances from the Dou family's servants. He answered before Wang Qinghuai could, then suddenly looked puzzled. "You—what are you doing here?" He glanced confusedly at Dou Shiying beside Wei Tingyu.

Wang Qinghuai, however, knew of Wei Tingyu's connection to the Dou family and explained with a smile, "The Marquis of Jining is the Dou family's second son-in-law."

"Well, well!" Shen Qing's eyes nearly popped out of his head. "So that means he and Song Da are brothers-in-law!" As if struck by a sudden realization, he exclaimed excitedly, "Peijin, that means you'll have to call Song Da 'elder brother'!"

The guests and servants of the Dou family turned to look, and some who didn’t understand the situation began whispering inquiries on the spot.

Wei Tingyu flushed red, a flicker of shame crossing his brow.

Most assumed his embarrassment stemmed from being older yet having to defer to Song Mo as an elder brother, and paid it no mind. Only Shen Qing found the situation amusing and chuckled, "And to think Song Da outranks you in status. Otherwise, with your title, if the Fourth Miss Dou had married an ordinary man, you could have negotiated terms separately with the Dou family's eldest son-in-law. But fate had you run into Song Da. Peijin, you really are unlucky!"

Mindful of Dou Shiying's presence, Wang Qinghuai quickly tugged at Shen Qing and bowed apologetically to Dou Shiying. "We're all quite familiar with the Marquis of Jining and often speak without restraint. Please don’t take offense, Uncle!"

Today was a joyous occasion for the Bridal Urging, and Dou Shiying naturally wouldn’t hold it against the young men.

Besides, Shen Qing’s words held some truth.

Now everyone would know he had secured an excellent match for Dou Zhao, wouldn’t they?

With a smile, he instructed Gaosheng to escort Wang Qinghuai and the others to the Reception Hall for a feast as a gesture of gratitude.

Fearful that Shen Qing might cause more trouble, Wang Qinghuai quickly pulled him away.

Meanwhile, a young maid sent by Wang Yingxue to gather information darted back to the rear chambers upon seeing this.

Dou Ming, who had returned to her maternal home for Dou Zhao’s wedding, was not seated with Fifth Madam and the others but remained in her mother Wang Yingxue’s rear chambers.

Seeing her mother anxiously awaiting the maid’s report, she couldn’t help but say, "Mother, what does it matter who the Duke of Yingguo's Mansion sent for the Bridal Urging? Stop comparing Sister and me! From now on, she and I will live our own lives. No matter how well she does, it has nothing to do with me. Please stop pacing—you’re making me dizzy!"Wang Yingxue felt that her daughter's behavior—caring too much about face yet unable to let go—was a surefire way to get the short end of the stick.

She said bluntly, "If that's the case, then why are you sitting here listening to me? Why didn't you stop me when I was giving orders to the maids?"

"You..." Dou Ming was both angry and humiliated, gritting her teeth in silence.

Wang Yingxue continued, "Don't bring those book-learned principles here. Back then, I took your father too seriously, always worrying about reputation and fearing his disapproval. That's why I was too soft-hearted. Otherwise, how could your sister have strutted around the house like she owned it? And look at me now—didn't I still manage to marry you off smoothly to the Marquis of Jining's Mansion?"

Dou Ming remained silent.

But in her heart, she thought: Yet the rest of your life is ruined! You've even lost basic dignity! What's the point of living when no one respects you anymore?