Blossom

Regardless of right or wrong, she respectfully curtsied to Gu Yu and signaled Su Xin to present him with a spare set of scholar's treasures as a greeting gift.

Gu Yu was quite surprised.

Since Dou Zhao had married Song Mo, she was now his wife. No matter how displeased Gu Yu was with her, he wouldn't openly embarrass her in front of everyone—that wouldn't just shame Dou Zhao but would also disgrace Song Mo. This principle he understood well. However, he couldn't stand how Dou Zhao, clearly a country girl, now carried herself with such dignified manners before the Song family, acting like a noble Madam.

He had stepped forward merely to complete the formal greeting with Dou Zhao quickly and leave.

He hadn't expected Dou Zhao to treat him with such courtesy.

Unwarranted flattery must mean ulterior motives!

Gu Yu grumbled inwardly. Noticing everyone watching them, he had no choice but to abandon his plan to leave immediately. Instead, he politely returned the courtesy, accepted the gift with a smile, and cheerfully called her "Sister-in-law" before stepping aside.

Dou Zhao was baffled.

Gu Yu had seemed aggressive when he first stepped forward, so how had he suddenly become so refined in such a short time?

In her past life, the Marquis of Huichang, Gu Yu, had been a man who wouldn’t even spare the Emperor’s face when his temper flared. She wasn’t so arrogant as to think a mere respectful curtsy would change his opinion of her!

But since this incident had neither warning nor reason, Dou Zhao knew she’d never figure it out no matter how hard she pondered. She decided not to dwell on it and instead smiled as she greeted Song Mo’s cousins.

According to Chen Qushui’s information, Song Mo’s eldest cousin, Song Qin, and second cousin, Song Duo, were both sons of his eldest uncle, Song Maochun.

Song Qin was seven years older than Song Mo. His wife, Tan Shi, was the daughter of the Eastern District Vice Commander of the Five Cities Garrison. He had passed the Prefectural Examination this April but failed the Provincial Examination in June. Now, he was studying hard at home, preparing for next year’s Provincial Examination.

Song Duo was four years older than Song Mo and currently studying alongside his elder brother, Song Qin.

Song Mo was the third in line, followed by Song Han as the fourth. The fifth, Song Jun, was the son of Song Mo’s third uncle, Song Fengchun, and seven years younger than Song Mo. The sixth was Song Yao, the son of Song Mo’s fourth uncle, Song Tongchun.

Both Song Jun and Song Yao were still in their childhood years.

Dou Zhao gave them money pouches as greeting gifts, each containing two ten-tael silver notes.

The two boys were overjoyed, shouting "Third Sister-in-law!" so loudly that the women in the western hall couldn’t help but glance their way.

Wang Qinghuai then emerged from a corner.

Song Mo couldn’t hide his surprise upon seeing him, clearly not expecting Wang Qinghuai to be present. Song Maochun, too, seemed at a loss for how to introduce him. Fortunately, Wang Qinghuai was prepared. Feigning embarrassment, he scratched his head and said, "Yantang, I originally brought my wife to join in the celebration, but I didn’t expect your family to have so many relatives..."

He gave an awkward laugh.

A flicker of gratitude crossed Song Mo’s face as he smiled and said, "I’m honored by your presence, Brother. Please stay for a drink later."

"Of course, of course," Wang Qinghuai replied with an awkward smile, inwardly relieved.

Dou Zhao, however, found this odd.

In her past life, Wang Qinghuai had been praised as "humble and courteous," yet now he had come uninvited. Could a person’s character change so drastically?

She maintained her composure, served Wang Qinghuai tea, and then followed Eldest Madam Lu to the western hall.Due to the misfortune that befell the Duke of Dingguo's Mansion, none of Song Mo's maternal relatives attended their wedding. Since Song Yichun had no sisters, his maternal relatives became the honored guests.

Dou Zhao, led by Eldest Madam Lu, first paid respects to Ningde Princess and Old Madam Lu.

Both elderly ladies were kind-faced and spoke amiably, clearly well-read individuals with serene temperaments and broad-minded dispositions. Dou Zhao took an immediate liking to them.

Afterward, she greeted the various relatives of the Lu Family.

Lu Fuli had two sons—one died shortly after birth, while the other was Lu Chen, father of Lu Han. Lu Chen only had Lu Han as his son, so although Lu Han was merely twenty-five this year, his son Lu Gui was already ten, and his daughter Lu Qi was eight.

Ningde Princess's branch was only slightly better off than Lu Fuli's.

Ningde Princess had one son and one daughter. Her son, Lu Shi, fathered two sons—Lu Han and Lu Qin—both already married with children. Her daughter married the nephew of the Earl of Yong'en and bore a son, Feng Shao, and a daughter, who became Third Madam Zhang, wife of Zhang Xuming.

This time, the entire Lu Family attended, including Feng Hui's parents and elder brother's family.

Earlier, when serving tea to Lu Shi and others, Lu Han, Lu Qin, and Feng Shao had teased Song Mo a few times, making it evident that Song Mo had excellent relations with the Lu Family.

For the elders, tea was served, red envelopes received, and gifts presented; for the younger ones, greetings were exchanged, red envelopes given, and gifts offered.

Third Madam Zhang not only generously gifted Dou Zhao a golden hairpin but also took her hand, inviting her to visit the Duke of Jingguo's Mansion whenever she had time. She added, "...My father-in-law enjoys cultivating chrysanthemums, and our mansion's chrysanthemums are somewhat famous in the Capital. Though the season of autumn osmanthus has passed, it's now the time for winter chrysanthemums to bloom."

Dou Zhao smiled faintly.

Yet her heart was filled with emotion.

In her past life, she had caught a fatal chill while attending the Duke of Jingguo's chrysanthemum banquet to support Wei Tingyu. Never did she imagine that in this life, she would receive such an invitation again!

Moreover, in her previous life, she had frequent dealings with this Third Madam Zhang of the Duke of Jingguo's Mansion. Back then, Third Madam Zhang had always looked down her nose at her, barely acknowledging her with a disdainful "hmm."

Now, reborn into a new life, the same woman treated her with such warmth.

Was this not a perfect example of how fortunes change over time?

On the Song side, apart from Song Mo's paternal aunt and two aunts, there were only Tan Shi, wife of Song Qin, and a twelve-year-old girl by her side.

Song Mo's aunt was in her forties, plump and seemingly kind-hearted. Third Madam was of average height and quite beautiful, though her high cheekbones gave her a somewhat harsh impression. Fourth Madam was dressed flamboyantly, appearing barely twenty, her eyes constantly drawn to the golden phoenix hairpin on Dou Zhao's head or the jade pendant at her waist.

Tan Shi was only seventeen or eighteen, delicate and shy. The young girl beside her resembled Song Family's Third Madam, with large, bright eyes that darted about restlessly—clearly not one to sit still.Without waiting for Eldest Madam Lu's introduction, she called out "Third Sister-in-law" to Dou Zhao and loudly complained, "I went to see you last night, but your maid stopped me outside. She even claimed it was on my third cousin's orders—my third cousin never acted like this before. That maid must have been falsely claiming imperial decree..."

The Reception Hall fell so silent one could hear a pin drop.

This young girl must be Song Mo's only cousin, Song Jin.

"Did this really happen?" Dou Zhao smiled. "My maids just arrived and haven't started their duties yet. I'll only know who stopped you after they report this afternoon. Please be patient—once I've questioned them, I'll have them apologize to you. How does that sound?"

Her implication was clear—she was suggesting Song Jin was lying!

Song Jin's face flushed crimson.

Dou Zhao smirked coldly, but when she looked up, she saw Song Mo glaring at her.

Her heart skipped a beat.

Last night, Song Mo had instructed her to say nothing and let him handle things. How could she have forgotten?

When one grows accustomed to solitude, it's easy to forget there's someone by your side.

She gave an awkward smile and retreated a few steps to stand behind Song Mo.

Song Mo's expression softened slightly before he turned to Song Jin with a smile. "Who did you come with yesterday? Why did you go to the bridal chamber?"

Song Jin immediately pouted and said tearfully, "I came with Father, Mother, and younger brother to celebrate cousin's wedding. Everyone said cousin married a wealthy sister-in-law, so I just wanted to see..."

She spoke in a coquettish tone.

But Song Mo didn't even glance at her. Instead, he gently addressed Third Madam Song. "Aunt, my wedding was arranged by the Director of the Imperial Observatory, who matched our birth charts. Every ritual and decoration followed divination. As someone who has managed household affairs for years, you should understand these customs. How could you let Jin run around? I think her attendants need replacing. Jin is already twelve—marriageable age. If rumors spread, it wouldn't reflect well."

Third Madam Song broke into a cold sweat, stammering "Yes, yes" in embarrassment. She stepped forward to slap Song Jin. "How dare you spout nonsense—"

Song Jin covered her head and burst into tears.

Song Mo caught Third Madam Song's raised arm, his gaze icy. "Aunt, today is my wedding day..."

"It's my fault, my fault!" Third Madam Song hastily apologized, then hissed at Song Jin, "If you keep crying, I'll throw you into the lake to feed the fish!"

Song Jin immediately stifled her sobs.

Young Madam Wang quickly intervened. "Sister Dou, do you remember me? I was your bridesmaid yesterday. Today I've come uninvited to ask for a cup of tea."

Dou Zhao couldn't be bothered with Song Jin anymore. She stepped forward with a curtsy, addressing her as "Sister An."

Young Madam Wang looked surprised. "How did you know my maiden name is An?"

Exposed!

Just as Dou Zhao was about to explain, Song Mo smoothly interjected, "I mentioned it to my wife last night—Brother Wang and I are as close as brothers. Thank you again for your help yesterday, sister-in-law!"

Young Madam Wang beamed. "It was nothing worth mentioning!" She then presented Dou Zhao with a gift.

Dou Zhao served her tea, and they exchanged pleasantries.

Old Madam Lu and Ningde Princess exchanged glances, chuckling softly. "We worried the Duke of Yingguo might have made a mismatched pairing, but it seems we were overthinking."Ningde Princess smiled and nodded, discussing with Old Madam Lu, "What do you think? Should we invite the couple over for a casual meal in a couple of days?"

"Of course," Old Madam Lu replied with a laugh. "I also have a few words to share with Dou Shi!"

As it was nearing noon and the family introductions were complete, Song Yichun ordered the banquet to begin.

Song Mo went to accompany Dou Jichang and Dou Dechang from the Dou family who had come for the introductions, while Old Madam Lu took Dou Zhao by her side to sit with her.

Everyone chatted and laughed as if nothing had happened earlier.

Only Song Yichun seemed distracted.

This daughter-in-law of his didn’t seem as docile as he had imagined!