Blossom

Dou Shishu immediately ordered his attendant, "Go and find out what exactly is going on!"

The attendant dared not delay. In no time, he returned wiping sweat and recounted the entire incident.

Unable to contain himself, Dou Shishu erupted in front of his attendant, "What is Seventh Master trying to do? Afraid people won’t know the Dou family has money? A whole chest of silver notes as dowry—what does he take the Dou family for? Nouveau riche? Or ignorant fools who don’t know the value of hard work? Isn’t he afraid of attracting bandits or being impeached by censors? Is he showing off wealth or ruining the family?" The more he spoke, the angrier he became, and he berated the sedan bearers, "Hurry to Seventh Master’s residence!"

Only then did the attendants snap out of it, murmuring their assent as they hastily carried Dou Shishu toward Dou Shiying’s home.

Fortunately, most of the onlookers had already dispersed, or they might not have been able to squeeze through.

Sitting in the sedan chair, Dou Shishu’s emotions were complex.

Most people didn’t know the Dou family was divided into Eastern and Western branches. Seeing Dou Shiying’s wealth, many would assume he held a higher official rank and thus should be richer. Yet Dou Shiying was merely a modestly paid Hanlin scholar—his wealth naturally came from ancestral inheritance. As a Grand Academician of the Grand Secretariat, if Dou Shishu appeared wealthy, it would be hard to explain!

The Emperor would surely inquire about this. What should he say then?

Dou Shishu couldn’t help but rub his forehead.

He blamed himself for being too careless.

He had known Seventh Brother intended to compensate Shou Gu but hadn’t assigned anyone to keep an eye on things. So many silver notes, all brand new—even Tongde Bank would need months to print them. Had he prepared this long in advance?

When exactly had he started preparing?

Had he anticipated the sisters’ marriage swap from the beginning?

Did he know about the agreement with the Ji family back then?

His head throbbed with confusion. Upon meeting Dou Shiying, he bluntly voiced all his questions.

The truth, however, was far simpler than Dou Shishu had imagined.

"These silver notes were originally prepared for Mingjier," Dou Shiying admitted honestly. "As you know, Shou Gu inherited half of Western Dou’s assets. Compared to her, Mingjier’s dowry seemed too meager. I thought since Shou Gu is a generous child, she wouldn’t mind if I prepared more for Mingjier. Who knew Mingjier would marry into the Marquis of Jining’s Mansion in Shou Gu’s place... I couldn’t let Shou Gu suffer just because she’s always been magnanimous. Otherwise, who would willingly yield to others? Who would accept losses? If no one in this world is willing to compromise, what kind of world would it be? So I gave the silver notes meant for Mingjier to Shou Gu as her dowry..."

When these words reached Wang Yingxue, who was already dazed by the chest of silver notes, she spat blood on the spot and fainted.

Dou Ming turned deathly pale. Watching the maids and old women in the room panic, she quietly slipped out of the rear chamber where her mother was confined and found Wei Tingyu pacing outside the main chamber. Listlessly, she said, "Marquis, it’s getting late. Shouldn’t we return to the mansion? Otherwise, Mother will worry again."

She felt like a joke, as if everywhere she went, people were pointing and whispering about her.

Wei Tingyu seemed distracted. He murmured an acknowledgment and glanced at the main chamber before turning to leave the central courtyard with Dou Ming.Dou Ming was worried that Wei Tingyu had also heard Father's words and might harbor resentment toward her. Thus, she paid even closer attention to Wei Tingyu's actions than usual. Noticing his distraction, she couldn't help but ask in a sweet, almost ingratiating tone, "What are you looking at, my lord?"

"N-nothing!" Wei Tingyu replied somewhat awkwardly, quickly regaining his composure and changing the subject with a smile. "Have you heard? Shen Qing made a complete fool of himself..." He then recounted the incident that had just taken place in the reception hall.

Dou Ming listened attentively, feigning great interest. "Who is this Shen Qing?" she asked, slowing her steps and stopping right where Wei Tingyu had been standing moments ago. She turned her head to look.

Wei Tingyu chuckled. "He's the nephew of the late Empress Shen. A marquis by virtue of being a relative of the imperial family. The Emperor is a man who cherishes old ties, and the Empress is virtuous and kind-hearted. That's why their family has remained safe and prosperous till now..."

But Dou Ming was no longer listening.

From where she stood, she had a clear view of the eastern wing where Dou Zhao resided.

※※※※※

Once a decision was made, the heart found its anchor. Whatever challenges lay ahead, she would face them head-on—soldiers with generals, floods with earthworks.

Dou Zhao slept soundly that night.

She woke up the next morning radiant and full of energy.

Her mood was contagious, lifting the spirits of those around her.

Su Xin and Su Lan moved with noticeably lighter steps as they packed their belongings.

Dou Zhao summoned Chen Qushui, Duan Gongyi, and Chen Xiaofeng for a discussion.

"It's unlikely we'll return to Zhen Ding often in the future," she began. "I’d like the three of you to speak with the household guards. Those willing to move to the Capital in October should settle their affairs here. Those who prefer to stay in Zhen Ding can look after Consort Cui’s household. And for those with other plans, we won’t force them—offer generous travel expenses as thanks for their years of service." Then, with solemnity, she extended a formal invitation to the three men. "You are my pillars. Without you, I wouldn’t be where I am today. Though the Young Lord’s household is currently in turmoil, chaos breeds heroes—it’s also an opportunity. I hope you’ll join me."

Chen Qushui had already guessed why Dou Zhao called them. Either she’d ask them to accompany her to the Duke of Yingguo’s Mansion or discuss returning to Zhen Ding. The three had already agreed on the journey to stand by her, but they privately hoped for the former—fewer overseers would make life easier. As for risks, even walking could lead to an accidental fall. What endeavor was without risk? Besides, risk and fortune often went hand in hand.

Naturally, they were overjoyed at her invitation and eagerly pledged to follow her to the Duke of Yingguo’s Mansion.

The four spent the morning discussing details of the move. As lunchtime approached, Dou Zhao’s Aunt (Mother's Brother's Wife), Sixth Aunt, and the ever-present Zhao Zhangru came to chat with her. The three men took their leave, barely able to conceal their excitement.

With Dou Zhao’s marriage approaching, there were naturally matters to discuss.

Sixth Aunt and Aunt paid little attention to the men’s departure, but Zhao Zhangru leaned on Dou Zhao’s shoulder and teased, "Seems like everyone thinks going to the Duke of Yingguo’s Mansion is a good thing!"Aunt lightly tapped Zhao Zhangru on the head and said, "Everyone's been busy with Shou Gu's affairs these past two days. If you go running around carelessly, don't expect me to take you anywhere ever again!"

Zhao Zhangru immediately begged for mercy, making both Aunt and Sixth Aunt—who had been exhausted since yesterday from directing the maids in packing the dowry boxes—burst into laughter.

After lunch, Sixth Aunt asked Dou Zhao if she had any special requests for the bridal chamber before heading to the Duke of Yingguo's Mansion with Su Xin to deliver the dowry and arrange the new room.

Aunt, being an honored guest, stayed behind at Jing'an Temple Alley.

Once the dowry was sent off, Fifth Madam arrived with a group of women from the Dou family, but Dou Ming was noticeably absent.

Dou Zhao had no desire to see her either. She invited Fifth Madam and the others to sit in the hall, where Su Juan and the others served tea and snacks. Her demeanor was neither warm nor cold—merely polite—which somehow made the atmosphere feel awkward.

Tenth Sister-in-law Cai Shi then launched into a lively retelling of Shen Qing's story, eliciting laughter from everyone and gradually lightening the mood.

Su Lan, who admired Zhao Zhangru's forthright and unpretentious nature, quietly sought her advice: "Do you think we should bring more dried goods like shark fin, bird's nest, abalone, or bamboo fungus? Last time I was at the Marquis of Jining's Mansion, I saw them serving shredded chicken with bean starch sheets as a cold appetizer..."

This remark happened to be overheard by Sixth Sister-in-law Guo Shi, who had been left out of the conversation. She couldn't help but exclaim softly, "Oh dear! Isn't the Marquis of Jining's family descended from founding heroes? How could their banquet for the Marquis's wedding be so plain?"

"Exactly!" Su Lan whispered. "I even went to take a look—walnut candies and peanut brittles were served as four dried fruits on the table. Forget about whole fish or slabs of meat—there wasn't even fish maw or dried scallops to be seen!"

Guo Shi had always appreciated Su Lan's blunt honesty and playfully tapped her forehead, teasing, "You and your sharp eyes!"

Su Lan giggled behind her hand.

This caught Fifth Madam's attention.

Noticing Cai Shi holding court among the crowd, Fifth Madam raised her voice and asked Guo Shi with a smile, "What are you chatting about with Cousin that's so amusing? Share it with the rest of us!"

All eyes turned to Guo Shi.

Flustered under the sudden attention, Guo Shi blushed and stammered, "N-nothing much!"

Hopelessly timid! Fifth Madam sighed inwardly.

Zhao Zhangru decided to needle Fifth Madam and said cheerfully, "We were just discussing the Marquis of Jining's banquet—nothing but pork and chicken, no fish or dried delicacies at all. They're really stingy!" She added, "Come to think of it, when Mingjier came for the wedding banquet, she seemed to be wearing old dowry clothes too. With the season changing, surely they aren't skimping on that as well? They're worse off than our family!"

Her words left everyone speechless.

The sudden loud entrance of Fifth Madam's personal maidservant seemed deafening in the silence.

Fifth Madam's expression darkened. "What's the matter? Why the commotion?"

The flustered maidservant grew even more agitated and blurted out, "Fifth Madam, it's terrible—Seventh Master has gifted Fourth Miss an entire chest of silver notes as dowry..."

The room fell deathly quiet before erupting into a buzz of shocked murmurs.

No one even bothered to reprimand the maidservant for her impropriety."What exactly happened?" Fifth Madam frowned. "Speak slowly!"

Those silver notes had been prepared by Dou Shiying long ago. Fearing they might attract thieves if discovered, he had them hidden under Gaosheng's bed after they were delivered by Detong Silver Shop. Gaosheng's wife had stayed in bed for several days because of this, and the notes were only brought out when it was time to distribute the dowry. Some medicinal herbs were added at the last minute, making up a total of one hundred and twenty-six dowry chests, which were then carried out of the Dou family.

The Dou family hadn’t noticed anything amiss, while the Song family assumed it was a precaution against theft. It wasn’t until Dou Shishu confronted Dou Shiying that the news spread like wildfire through every nook and cranny of Jing'an Temple Alley.

Dou Zhao was so furious she didn’t know what to say!

She excused herself from Fifth Madam and the others, swiftly leaving the hall—thus missing Fifth Madam’s dark expression, Cai Shi’s thoughtful gaze, Zhao Zhangru’s excited eyes, and Guo Shi’s look of envy.