Blossom

After the midday meal, the family recognition ceremony came to an end.

Song Mo personally escorted Dou Jichang and the others to the main gate.

The female relatives of the Song family moved to the garden in the East Wing Courtyard.

Princess Ningde and Old Madam Lu, accompanied by the wives of Lu Chen and Lu Shi, played Leaf Cards in the heated room next to the Reception Hall. Meanwhile, Feng Lu-shi, the mother of Third Madam Zhang, led the wives of Lu Han and Lu Qin, along with the women of the Song family and the Gu family of Yunyang, to play Mahjong in the Reception Hall. As for Lu Chen, Lu Shi, and the others, they were entertained by Song Yichun and Song Mo in the garden, listening to opera. Gu Yu pulled Wang Qinghuai, Feng Shao, and others into the mountain lodge to gamble.

Dou Zhao followed behind Eldest Madam Lu, attending to Princess Ningde and Old Madam Lu, while Young Madam Wang sat beside the princess sipping tea. Casually, Dou Zhao advised Old Madam Lu on a few moves in the card game, prompting the old lady to laugh and remark, "Who would have thought Yantang’s wife is such an expert?"

The First and Second Madams of the Lu family smiled warmly at her.

Dou Zhao replied with a smile, "I have many uncles and cousins in my maternal family, and we often played Leaf Cards when gathered together. Over time, I picked up a little knowledge."

Old Madam Lu nodded and cheerfully inquired about Dou Zhao’s daily life in her maternal home.

Among all the relatives present today, none were as concerned about Song Mo as the Lu family.

Dou Zhao didn’t hold back, sharing amusing anecdotes from her time in Zhen Ding, filling the heated room with laughter and lively chatter.

Feng Lu-shi chuckled, "Who knew Yantang’s new bride would be so quick-witted? She’s barely stepped through the door and already has my mother and the princess in stitches. I daresay she’ll end up just like Sister Jiang, always winning their favor..." As she spoke, she cast a glance at Second Madam Lu (wife of Lu Han) and Third Madam Lu (wife of Lu Qin).

The "Sister Jiang" she referred to was Song Mo’s mother, Jiang Huisun.

The two women smiled but remained silent.

First Madam Song and Third Madam Song exchanged glances at this, both excusing themselves to visit the privy before gathering behind the Lake Tai Rockery near the Reception Hall to talk.

"You were the one who checked the bridal sheets this morning," Third Madam Song said shrewdly. "How did things go between them?"

This was typically the mother-in-law’s duty, but since Dou Zhao had none and Song Yichun couldn’t intervene, First Madam Song had been asked to inspect the sheets.

"They consummated the marriage last night," First Madam Song replied, her tone tinged with disappointment. "I asked the maids from Yizhi Hall, and they all confirmed Yantang stayed in the bridal chamber." Then, as if recalling something, she added, "Honestly, why did you have to send Jin’er to test them? If Yantang grows suspicious and takes it out on her, what then? You should find a chance to explain things to Dou Shi."

"Don’t you think I know that?" Third Madam Song grumbled. "But Third Master insisted I send Jin’er, saying no ordinary maid would dare. If things backfired, it’d be disastrous. Now look—Yantang has his eye on Jin’er... If anything happens to her, I swear I’ll fight Third Master to the death!"

First Madam Song quickly soothed her, "It won’t come to that. Yantang may be aloof, but he’s not petty. Just warn Jin’er to stay out of trouble from now on."Third Madam Song nodded, offering a sheepish defense: "This was also what the eldest uncle said—that the second uncle doesn’t like Yantang and wants to properly nurture Tianen... That’s why Third Master made up his mind, and no amount of persuasion could sway him!"

Clearly, it was the Third Master and his wife who wanted to curry favor with the second uncle, yet they claimed it was under the eldest uncle’s direction!

First Madam Song was deeply displeased upon hearing this, but she was always composed and this time, she simply pretended not to have heard.

Then Third Madam Song remarked, "I noticed that Dou Shi is quite poised. In speech and action, there’s none of the shyness or timidity typical of a new bride... Could it be that our household is getting another Jiang Shi?"

"Surely we’re not that unlucky?" First Madam Song hesitated, a shadow flickering in her eyes. "Even if that’s the case, we are still her elders, unlike when Jiang Shi was around..." She glanced up and saw Third Madam Song wink at her, prompting her to abruptly change the subject: "...Where did you get this dress? It’s quite lovely. Look at this skirt border—it must be the latest style from the south, right?" Before she could finish, Third Madam Song was already smiling and greeting someone: "Fourth Sister-in-law, why have you come out too?"

So she had arrived!

First Madam Song sneered inwardly but turned with a smile to greet Fourth Madam Song: "Who’s having the best luck at the tables now?"

Fourth Madam Song pursed her lips discreetly.

She had suspected that the two of them disappearing together meant no good, and sure enough, they were hiding here whispering.

"It seems Second Madam Lu is on a winning streak," Fourth Madam Song replied cheerfully. "I’ve already lost four or five taels of silver in this short time. I stepped out for some air, hoping to change my luck."

"This Second Madam Lu—every time we play with her, she wins. If she wins again this time, she ought to treat us..." First Madam Song said as the three sisters-in-law chatted amiably and entered the Reception Hall.

※※※※※

After dinner, the relatives began to take their leave one after another.

Old Madam Lu, Ningde Princess, and Young Madam Wang all warmly invited Dou Zhao to visit their homes in the coming days. Dou Zhao accepted with a smile and escorted them all the way to the Hanging Flower Gate, waiting until their carriages departed before turning back.

Gu Yu and the others were so engrossed in gambling that they hadn’t even stopped for dinner.

Song Mo, concerned, went to the mountain lodge to check on them.

Dou Zhao thought for a moment and headed straight for the Hall of Cultivating Will.

Su Xin voiced her worry: "Aren’t you going to pay respects to the Duke?"

"I have no mother-in-law, and the heir is not here, so I won’t go to the Duke’s quarters," Dou Zhao replied with a smile. "If the Duke wishes to set rules for me, he’ll naturally send an old woman to inform me."

She had only heard of mothers-in-law setting rules for daughters-in-law, never fathers-in-law doing so.

Su Xin mused silently as they returned to their quarters.

Being new and unfamiliar with the customs of the Duke of England's Mansion, Su Lan and the others had not dared to act without instructions. They had been sitting idly in the room all day and were overjoyed to see Dou Zhao return. Su Lan even tugged at Dou Zhao’s sleeve, pleading, "Miss, please give us something to do!"

Dou Zhao couldn’t help but laugh heartily.

Learning that Song Mo had been dragged into gambling by Gu Yu, she freshened up, changed into an everyday dark green lined jacket, and reclined on the nanmu bed to read.

Su Xin quietly brought in a brand-new set of crimson silk bedding embroidered with mandarin ducks and spread it over the heated brick bed in the Resting Chamber.

Dou Zhao’s fingers paused as she turned the page.

That bedding set was part of her dowry.It seemed that Su Xin and the others were all aware that she hadn't consummated the marriage with Song Mo last night.

She couldn't help but sigh softly.

Song Mo returned to the room.

Dou Zhao rose to assist him with his ablutions.

Song Mo waved his hand with a smile, saying, "No need! You can continue reading. I usually don’t require assistance."

Is that so?

Dou Zhao pursed her lips in amusement and listened intently. Soon, the clattering sound of a copper basin falling came from the washroom.

She got up and went to the washroom.

Song Mo was there, looking rather disheveled as he wrung out his sleeves.

Dou Zhao instructed Su Xin to fetch fresh water while she found a change of clothes for Song Mo and walked over silently.

"Here, let’s get you out of those wet clothes," she said, helping him untie his sash. "The weather is getting colder—you don’t want to catch a chill!"

"No need!" Song Mo replied with a smile. "I can manage on my own!" His tone was calm and composed, carrying his usual elegance.

Dou Zhao looked up at Song Mo.

But she noticed his ears were bright red.

She took a step back with a smile and said, "Alright, I’ll take the wet clothes out for you."

"No need!" Song Mo insisted. "The maids can take care of it."

"It’s fine," Dou Zhao replied. "I’ve already sent her to fetch water for you."

Song Mo gave an "Oh" and, under Dou Zhao’s gaze, tugged at the simple bow of his sash—which should have loosened with a slight pull—but somehow, the more he pulled, the tighter it became, until it turned into a knot.

"Let me help," Dou Zhao offered, stepping forward.

"No need!" Song Mo said, still smiling. "I’ll have it in a moment!" Yet beads of sweat had formed on his forehead.

This version of Song Mo, like a child trying to act tough in front of an adult, struck her as utterly endearing.

Dou Zhao suppressed her amusement, reminding herself not to let her expression betray her thoughts.

"Stop fidgeting!" she chided softly, though her tone was unexpectedly gentle. "Let me undo it for you."

Song Mo was thoroughly embarrassed. But the hands working on his sash were not only fair and delicate but also nimble, quickly unraveling the mess he’d made.

He gave an awkward laugh, unsure where to put his hands and feet.

Dou Zhao pretended not to notice, helping him out of his clothes and preparing warm water for him to wash.

Song Mo took the towel and murmured his thanks.

"Don’t mention it," Dou Zhao said with a smile before leaving.

Song Mo exhaled in relief.

But then Dou Zhao peeked back in and said, "Isn’t being together supposed to make life more comfortable and pleasant for both of us?"

Song Mo was taken aback, then fell into thought.

Dou Zhao turned and left the washroom, calling over her shoulder cheerfully, "Call me when you’re done bathing—I’ll help wash your hair."

Her voice was clear and melodious, inexplicably reminding Song Mo of the oriole he’d kept as a child.

He couldn’t help but smile and called back, "I usually wash my hair before bathing."

"Alright then!" Dou Zhao said, her eyes curving as she walked back in. "I’ll help you wash your hair."

Song Mo sat down on a small stool nearby.

※※※※※

When Song Mo emerged from the washroom, Dou Zhao and Su Xin were spreading a sapphire-blue satin quilt embroidered with twin lotus flowers on the heated brick bed by the window in the inner chamber.

Hearing the noise, Dou Zhao looked up and said with a smile, "I’m used to having maids keep watch at night. Why don’t you sleep in the inner chamber?" Then, in a teasing tone, she added, "It wouldn’t do to have you fetching tea and water for me in the middle of the night, would it?""Why not?" Song Mo raised an eyebrow with a smile and sat on the heated brick bed by the window. "Didn't you say that living together should make each other feel more comfortable and happier?" He had regained his usual composure.

Dou Zhao couldn't help but chuckle.

Song Mo really adapted quickly!

This marriage had been decided too hastily—neither she nor he was fully prepared.

But when she moved his bedding from the Resting Chamber to the inner chamber, he accepted it without a word. That could be considered a good start, right?