Blossom

Dou Zhao avoided her aunt and ran pitter-patter toward Third Aunt.

Her aunt was stunned.

Third Aunt picked up Dou Zhao with a beaming smile. “Madam Zhao, the child is still too young to understand anything and can’t be without the maids and old women who serve her daily. If she gets frightened, it’ll be troublesome. I think it’s better for her to stay in a familiar place, don’t you agree?” Her tone couldn’t help but carry a hint of mockery.

The aunt’s face flushed red and then paled, but inwardly, she cursed the little maids at home to the high heavens.

The real reason for accompanying her husband to his post was something she hadn’t even told her own mother. Yet somehow, Zhang Ru, that little girl, had parroted it to the maids who usually played with her, and those maids had told their cousins… Before long, someone had tipped off the Dou family. By the time she arrived, the Dou family had already set up their defenses.

They had no right to take Shou Gu away in the first place. Now, with the Dou family having invited the matriarchs of several prominent families in Zhen Ding County as witnesses, and Shou Gu—who had clearly heard something—avoiding her like the plague, it seemed unlikely she would get her way this time.

Her eyes reddened involuntarily, and her voice grew choked. “Shou Gu, Auntie’s here to take you home to play.” She made one last effort. “Do you remember your cousin Zhang Ru? They’re all waiting for you to come play!”

Dou Zhao nodded but burrowed deeper into Third Aunt’s arms, her large, clear eyes filled with fear as she stammered, “I want to play with Cousin… but Ding Yinyinai said if I go with you, you’ll sell me to a remote mountain village…”

The room erupted in gasps.

Ding Yinyinai, flustered, quickly defended herself. “W-when did I ever say such a thing? Don’t spout nonsense, child!”

Third Aunt’s expression darkened, but she forced a smile. “Shou Gu, don’t say things like that!”

“Children tell the truth. I was wondering why Shou Gu, who’s always been so close to me, suddenly avoids me today!” The aunt’s face flushed with anger. “To manipulate an innocent child like this—you’ll pay for this!”

A woman stepped forward with a conciliatory smile. “It’s all just a misunderstanding! Once it’s cleared up, everything will be fine! Madam Zhao, you’ve come a long way—why don’t you come inside, rest, and have some tea…”

“What misunderstanding?” the aunt shot back sharply. “What kind of misunderstanding is this? Our paternal aunt’s body isn’t even cold yet, and you’re already driving a wedge between Shou Gu and her uncle! Are you eyeing some wealthy family’s daughter to marry into the Dou family as a replacement, afraid our Zhao family will ruin your plans?”

That was a loaded statement.

The matriarchs shrank back, none daring to respond.Seeing this, Aunt became even more emboldened. She snorted coldly and said, "I know the Dou family is powerful—just a stomp from you makes Zhen Ding County tremble. But that doesn’t mean you can bully others like this!" It was impossible to quietly take Shou Gu away now. The Dou family was already on guard. Even if they managed to slip out of Zhen Ding County while the Dou family was momentarily unprepared, they would still be caught halfway and forced to hand Shou Gu back. Since that was the case, she might as well make a scene—to show the Dou family that the Zhao family wasn’t to be trifled with and to prevent them from mistreating Shou Gu in the future. Having made up her mind, Aunt’s words grew sharper. "Who said we wanted to take Shou Gu to her father’s post? Where did you even hear such nonsense? Shou Gu’s father and grandfather are both alive. Though she has lost her mother, there’s no reason for her to be raised by her uncle’s family. The Dou family is, after all, a family of officials and scholars—countless members have studied and served in office. Even a woman like me knows this basic principle—how could you not? If you want to frame us, at least come up with a better excuse..."

Dou Zhao listened with great admiration.

What a masterful counterattack!

No wonder her uncle held Aunt in such high regard.

Third Aunt’s face had turned purple from the scolding, but at this point, she had no choice but to back down. However, she represented the Dou family. If she conceded, it would mean admitting to Madam Zhao’s accusations.

As the thought crossed her mind, she glanced at Ding Yiniang, whose face had gone pale.

The only way out now was to pin the blame on her.

After all, she was just a concubine—someone of low status. It wouldn’t be surprising for her to do something like this.

"Madam Zhao," Third Aunt handed Dou Zhao to a maid behind her, then curtsied in apology. "This is all my fault—I acted on hearsay. Please, as the greater person, overlook the faults of a lesser one. For the sake of our family ties, forgive this foolish old woman." With that, her expression hardened as she turned to Ding Yiniang. "Hurry up and apologize to Madam Zhao!"

Ding Yiniang’s face grew even paler.

They were the ones who had urged her to persuade Shou Gu, and now they were making her take the fall... But what could she say? Unless she wanted to leave the Dou family altogether.

"Madam Zhao," she forced down her humiliation, thought for a moment, then knelt tearfully before Aunt. "This is all my fault!" She kowtowed repeatedly, her forehead thudding against the floor.

Aunt sighed deeply.

She knew Ding Yiniang was just following orders—what more could she say?

Shou Gu was still young and couldn’t defend herself. If the Zhao and Dou families fell out, Shou Gu would be the one to suffer the consequences.

For Shou Gu’s sake, she had no choice but to let the matter rest.

Even so, she said to Third Aunt, "A woman who stirs up trouble is no good influence. Shou Gu is still young—having someone like that around her is truly worrying. This matter should be discussed with the master of the house. Shou Gu needs someone proper by her side to put our minds at ease!"

This was a demand for the Dou family to punish Ding Yiniang.Third Aunt had no choice but to brace herself and say, "You're absolutely right, dear relative," then tried to smooth things over. "Look at us, getting so caught up in conversation. Since you'll soon be accompanying your husband to his new post and likely won't return to Anxiang for three to five years, and with several ladies visiting today, I'll take this opportunity to host two tables in the Reception Hall as a farewell for you." As she spoke, she took Aunt's arm and instructed her maid, "Go inform Da Taitai that I'm hosting a farewell for Madam Zhao and would like her to join us."

The maid hurried off to deliver the message.

Aunt didn't refuse and smiled, "After rushing over so early this morning, I could really use a cup of tea."

One of the other ladies immediately chimed in, "When will you be leaving, Madam Zhao? We'd love to see you off properly."

"In the next couple of days," Aunt replied with a smile. "I wouldn't want to trouble Madam Zheng to go out of her way..."

The group chatted and laughed warmly as they moved to the adjacent Reception Hall.

No one mentioned what had just happened.

Dou Zhao peered over the maid's shoulder at the main hall.

The empty hall was vast, spacious, and eerily quiet.

Ding Yinyinai lay trembling on the floor like a withered autumn leaf, as if a gust of wind could blow her away.

Dou Zhao turned her head, her eyes calm and unreadable.

If you let others use you as a weapon, you must be prepared to be discarded when no longer needed!

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That evening, Aunt stayed overnight at the Dou residence.

She invited Yu Momo for a private conversation.

Dou Zhao didn't need to guess what they would discuss—it would undoubtedly be about entrusting her care to Yu Momo.

Unfortunately, although her mother had brought half of the Zhao family's wealth when she married into the Dou family, it paled in comparison to the Dou family's riches.

Wealth tempts the heart.

Trying to win people over with mere words might work temporarily or when there's no alternative, but over time, surrounded by the Dou family's splendor, anyone could lose their bearings.

The events of her past life were proof enough.

She had no interest in hearing it.

Finding Tuo Niang was already a stroke of luck.

Dou Zhao slept soundly and woke early the next morning. Before dawn, she had Tuo Niang carry her to Aunt's guest quarters.

Aunt was still in bed when she heard Dou Zhao had arrived, which surprised her.

Dou Zhao had already scampered in and was clambering onto the kang. "Aunt, Aunt, I want to sleep with you!"

Aunt chuckled and lifted her onto the kang, wrapping her in the quilt and holding her close.

Aunt smelled pleasantly of magnolia blossoms.

Dou Zhao said, "Aunt, I'll write to you in the future, okay?"

Aunt looked surprised.

Dou Zhao grinned. "I know about writing letters—you put your thoughts on paper so you can know what I've been up to."

Aunt hugged her tightly. "Shou Gu is such a good girl! If your mother were alive, she'd be so happy!" Her voice was thick with emotion.

Peng Momo gently reminded her, "You shouldn't say such things in front of the child."

"No, no, I won't," Aunt said with a smile, then asked Peng Momo to summon Yu Zan.

Dou Zhao's eyes sparkled with understanding.

"Yu Zan isn't here," she said cheerfully. "Ding Yinyinai is arranging a marriage for her."

Aunt's expression tightened, but she kept her voice gentle. "Who is Ding Yinyinai marrying her off to?"

"I don't know!" Dou Zhao shook her head carelessly.

After a moment's thought, Aunt turned to Peng Momo. "Then call Tuo Niang instead."Peng Momo acknowledged the order and called Tuo Niang inside.

Aunt instructed Peng Momo to reward her with twenty taels of silver, "If anything happens to the Fourth Miss, you must inform Yu Momo. If even Yu Momo can't handle it, have someone write me a letter."

Peng Momo handed Tuo Niang a small slip of paper: "This is the master and mistress's address. Later I'll teach you how to read it—you must memorize it."

Tuo Niang nodded repeatedly, tucking the slip close to her body, but refused to accept the twenty taels.

"Take it," Aunt insisted. "I've already instructed Yu Momo to give you five taels every month from now on—this is for Fourth Miss's expenses. I know the Dou family provides her with a monthly allowance, but having some silver on hand will give you peace of mind. Also, if any emergencies arise, you'll need money to send word to us."

Tuo Niang nodded and tucked the two silver ingots into her robe.

Dou Zhao nestled in Aunt's arms as they chatted.

"I want to play with Cousin, but I don't want to go to Anxiang," she said with a troubled expression. "Mother has gone to the South Sea to pray to Bodhisattva. What if she returns and can't find Shou Gu? I must wait for her at home. What if Father forgets about Mother? What if Yu Momo gives Mother's beautiful clothes to someone else? Then when Mother returns, no one will play with her, and she'll have no clothes to wear..."

Aunt froze.

Then she became emotional.

"All these years I've lived, yet I'm not as wise as a three-year-old child." Aunt cupped Dou Zhao's face and planted a loud kiss on her cheek. "Shou Gu is right—this is your home. The Dou family should properly care for you. Why should you sneak off to the northwest with us, leaving this home for others to dominate? Good child, we won't go to the northwest. In a couple of years, Aunt will return to see you. If the Dou family dares treat you poorly in any way, I won't let them off easily."

Dou Zhao smiled and nodded repeatedly.

She had never intended to go to her uncle's official post.

This was her home—why should she retreat without a fight? Why should she surrender what rightfully belonged to her?

She wouldn't leave.

If she ever left, it would be because she had grown tired of the Dou family and wanted a change of scenery.

Not because she was forced out.

As Dou Zhao stepped out of the guest room, the morning clouds painted the sky crimson.

"An immortal touches my crown, bestowing eternal life."

She stood beneath the eaves, gazing quietly at the sky.

If rebirth could happen to her, what couldn't be possible?

She would choose her life—never again would she let life choose for her.

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O(∩_∩)O~

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