Blossom

Though referred to as a small garden, the one at the Hall of Cultivating Will spanned about five to six acres, surrounded by winding corridors and shaded by lush trees. At its center lay two interconnected lakes—one large, resembling a full moon, and the other small, like a crescent. The larger lake housed an octagonal glazed pavilion, while the smaller one was flanked by a waterside pavilion, with two massive camphor trees standing on either side, embodying the refined elegance of a Jiangnan-style garden.

Dou Zhao smiled faintly and asked Song Mo, "Where should we build the flower shed?"

As this was the residence of the heir, its decor leaned toward a more robust and less delicate aesthetic, unlike the garden behind the main chamber of the Duke of England's Mansion. That garden, belonging to the Madam of the Duke of England, boasted not only a greenhouse but also artificial hills crafted from Taihu Rocks, a zigzag bridge of white marble, and a lakeside stage—each detail exquisitely designed.

Song Mo pointed to a patch of peonies beside the waterside pavilion. "How about there?"

Dou Zhao examined the spot carefully. Building there wouldn’t disrupt the scenic beauty—clearly not a spur-of-the-moment idea. He must have scouted the location and made up his mind beforehand.

When someone usually aloof and proud showed such thoughtful tenderness, it was especially touching.

"Let’s not disturb that patch of peonies," Dou Zhao said, her voice unconsciously brightening. "Next spring, I can interplant some peonies and camellias there, ensuring blooms year-round. Building a flower shed there would be a waste."

Song Mo frowned. "Then where should we put it?"

Only now did he feel the Hall of Cultivating Will was somewhat cramped.

Dou Zhao chuckled. "Isn’t there a small recessed space behind the kitchen? I was thinking we could convert that into the flower shed. If we grow radishes and cucumbers, they can go straight to the kitchen—no need to trek far to pick them." She said it lightly, as a joke.

But Song Mo considered it seriously and smiled. "That’s a great idea. Let’s do it!" He called for Chen He and instructed him to purchase stone materials, hire craftsmen, and inquire about where to buy radish and cucumber seedlings. "Price isn’t an issue," he added, "as long as we can catch this planting season."

To Chen He, this was pure fuss over nothing.

Radishes at five hundred coins a basket, cucumbers at one hundred fifty—why go through the trouble of building a shed and hunting for seeds when they could simply have the farmers from Fengtai deliver them anytime? And there was no guarantee the plants would even thrive... They’d probably need to hire a few maids just to tend to the shed...

Still, he bowed respectfully and replied, "Understood," before withdrawing.

Song Mo then discussed with Dou Zhao, "How about we buy a house by Shichahai too? You could stay there every now and then." That way, they could have a larger flower shed there.“We’ll talk about it later,” Dou Zhao said softly. “I’ve just married into the family. If we set up a separate residence outside now, people will surely gossip. Besides, I have another thought. Your mother only left you and Tianen as her flesh and blood. Logically, we should be very close. But these days, though your father is rarely home, Tianen dares not come to pay his respects to me openly—only sending me gifts in secret. This shows how strictly your father controls him. And since he was doted on by your mother and you, he can’t endure hardship. Over time, his temperament might become even more timid. I think before I’m officially conferred the title of Madam, it’s best to stay still and adapt to changes—not meddling in anything. Once I’m formally titled ‘Madam,’ I’ll try to reclaim the authority of managing the household from your father. Firstly, it would allow me to oversee Tianen’s daily life legitimately. Secondly, through minor details, I can learn what your father is doing—what he’s up to. Leave these two matters to me. You’ll then have more energy to focus on court affairs. The Emperor’s illness could affect the entire nation!”

Dou Zhao truly was unlike other women.

Song Mo nodded, his gaze filled with undisguised admiration, making Dou Zhao somewhat uneasy. Fortunately, Chen He came running over, panting heavily.

“Young Lord, Eunuch Wang Ge is here,” he said, wiping sweat from his brow. “He says he’s been sent by the Emperor’s order, instructing you to bring Madam tomorrow morning to pay respects to Her Majesty the Empress Dowager and Her Majesty the Empress.”

This meant she was to have an audience with the Empress Dowager and the Empress!

In her past life, even after over a decade as a marquise’s wife, she had never received such an honor.

Dou Zhao couldn’t help but gasp softly.

Song Mo, however, frowned and asked, “Why are we suddenly summoned to the palace?”

“I don’t know,” Chen He replied in a low voice. “They say that as soon as you left the palace, the Emperor inquired about you. When he learned you had returned, the Emperor remained silent, but the Empress spoke up, saying you had been worried about His Majesty—entering the palace just three days after your wedding and only leaving once you knew the Emperor was safe.” Here, he glanced discreetly at Dou Zhao and lowered his voice further. “The Empress also remarked that you had left your bride at home and wondered whether she might shut you out upon your return. Hearing this, the Emperor ordered Eunuch Wang to deliver the message.”

It likely wasn’t anything bad.

Dou Zhao relaxed slightly.

Song Mo asked, “Should I receive the decree alone, or should Madam come with me?”

Though Dou Zhao hadn’t been officially titled Madam yet, Song Mo had already submitted the memorial requesting her title days ago. Following convention, the household referred to her as “Madam.”

“It’s an oral decree,” Chen He explained. “Eunuch Wang is here to deliver the summons.”

Song Mo turned to Dou Zhao and nodded. “I’ll be right back.”

“Let’s go together,” Dou Zhao said with a smile. “After all, he’s a palace eunuch. I should at least greet him. And since I’ll inevitably enter and leave the inner palace in the future, making another acquaintance is another bond of goodwill.”

Eunuch Wang Ge—the adopted son of Wang Yuan. In her past life, after Liao Wang ascended the throne, he became the chief eunuch of the Palace of Heavenly Purity. Though not as powerful as the grand eunuch who wielded the brush, he was still one of Liao Wang’s trusted confidants. Moreover, he was notoriously narrow-minded and vindictive.Noble families often looked down upon eunuchs, considering them physically incomplete and meddlesome in court politics. Yet they failed to realize that for the Emperor and Empress living within the palace walls, these eunuchs who clung to them like vines were far more familiar than the Grand Academicians of the Grand Secretariat.

Song Mo found Dou Zhao's words quite reasonable and accompanied her to the main hall of the Hall of Cultivating Will.

Wang Ge appeared to be in his mid-twenties, with a decent appearance and exceptionally lively eyes that marked him as intelligent and quick-witted.

After exchanging greetings, Wang Ge repeated what Chen He had said earlier, smiling as he added, "Young Lord need not worry. With Her Highness the Empress interceding on your behalf, His Majesty surely won't make things difficult for you or your Madam."

While those within the household could address Dou Zhao as "Madam," she didn't want to give Wang Ge any leverage. She quickly demurred, "This humble wife is unworthy of such an address," and handed him a Red Envelope. "As a country woman with limited knowledge, I beg for your guidance regarding tomorrow's palace audience."

Wang Ge hastily replied, "Madam speaks too modestly. The Young Lord and I share an extraordinary friendship," and attempted to return the Red Envelope. "This would overwhelm me with shame."

Dou Zhao insisted, "Precisely because of your special bond with the Young Lord, you've taken the trouble to deliver this message. We should properly offer you tea, but fearing to delay your imperial duties, this is merely compensation for tea." She pushed the envelope back toward him.

Song Mo also laughed, "It's just tea money for the honorable eunuch. Please don't decline."

Only then did Wang Ge accept the Red Envelope. After exchanging pleasantries, he departed from the Hall of Cultivating Will.

Dou Zhao felt slightly relieved.

Song Mo comforted her, "No need for nerves. He's merely a minor seventh-rank attendant. Should he show you disrespect, I have ways to deal with him."

Dou Zhao shot him a glance, thinking to herself that he wouldn't speak so lightly if he knew what Wang Ge would become in the future.

Her rare girlish expression delighted Song Mo, who teased, "What? Don't you trust me?"

"Of course I do!" Seeing Song Mo acting like a child begging for candy, Dou Zhao couldn't help laughing and urged him, "Let's have dinner! With tomorrow's early palace visit, I still need to prepare my attire after the meal." Remembering her outfit dilemma, she added, "Send someone with Su Xin to Ningde Princess's residence. I need to consult Her Highness about appropriate court attire."

According to etiquette, as a new bride she could wear the wide-sleeved jacket of an official's wife to court. But with strict palace regulations, she worried about committing a faux pas that might be exploited.

Song Mo looked puzzled. "This requires consulting the Princess?" Nevertheless, he instructed Chen He to accompany Su Xin to Ningde Princess's residence.

After dinner in their quarters, they retired to the inner chamber, sipping tea while awaiting Su Xin's return.

Seizing the opportunity, Song Mo briefed Dou Zhao on the backgrounds and interpersonal conflicts among several palace consorts, cautioning, "These are after all inner palace matters—some merely hearsay. You'll need to judge for yourself. I share this only so you won't be completely unprepared."

"I understand," Dou Zhao smiled. "I'll observe the consorts carefully during this audience."Life in the palace was lonely, and sometimes, the concubines were even more fond of gossip than women in the streets. Nine times out of ten, those rumors turned out to be true—more reliable than the news from the Grand Secretariat officials.

As the two were talking, Su Xin returned.

"Princess Ningde said you should just wear a crimson-sleeved lined jacket when entering the palace," she said, curtsying to Dou Zhao and Song Mo. "The Emperor has grown increasingly fond of casual family talk in recent years. Since you're a newlywed, this outfit would be perfect. She also said there’s no need to be nervous when speaking. Just answer His Majesty’s questions as you would your own uncle—respectful yet warm. As for Her Majesty the Empress, she’s the easiest to talk to. As long as you remain respectful, even if you answer incorrectly, it won’t matter. But with Her Highness the Empress Dowager, you must be more careful. She’s advanced in years and her hearing isn’t what it used to be, yet she dislikes others knowing she’s hard of hearing. When replying to her, remember to speak a little louder."

Song Mo couldn’t help but chuckle. "I never expected you’d win Princess Ningde’s favor! In all my years, the words she’s spoken to me don’t add up to what she told you today!"