The pearl headpiece, with pearls the size of lotus seeds, emitted a soft yet dazzling glow. It was understated yet luxurious, so much so that anyone with a less commanding presence would be overshadowed by it, making the pearls more noticeable than the wearer. However, Dou Zhao, with her tall stature and striking, spirited brows, was not diminished by the pearls' radiance. Instead, the luster softened her features, making her appear even more radiant and captivating.
The Empress Dowager couldn’t help but silently exclaim "excellent" in her heart and said with a smile, "This child certainly knows how to dress well."
Dou Zhao curtsied gracefully in thanks.
Her demeanor was poised and dignified, neither submissive nor arrogant, as if she had experienced such occasions countless times—regal and elegant.
The Empress Dowager nodded repeatedly, openly expressing her admiration.
Song Mo’s lips curled into an involuntary smile.
The Empress watched with amusement, covering her sleeve as she chuckled. She rose and whispered a few words to the Empress Dowager, who looked surprised and then turned her gaze toward Song Mo before bursting into laughter.
Dou Zhao, puzzled, glanced at Song Mo.
Song Mo, equally bewildered, looked back at the two noblewomen.
Seeing this, the Empress Dowager laughed even more heartily and instructed Aunt Lan, "Go, bring out the tangerine cakes that Fujian recently presented as tribute. Let Yantang and his wife have a taste."
Aunt Lan was momentarily taken aback but quickly complied with a smile, retreating to carry out the order.
Song Mo and Dou Zhao stepped forward to express their gratitude.
The Empress Dowager gestured to the embroidered stools nearby and said warmly, "Yantang grew up before our eyes. Now that you’ve married him, you’re family. Sit and speak freely!" Her tone was affectionate and relaxed.
Song Mo thanked her with a smile and took a seat.
Dou Zhao followed his example.
Aunt Lan returned with several palace maids, serving tea and pastries.
In addition to the tangerine cakes mentioned by the Empress Dowager, there were also treats like "donkey rolls" and pea-flour cakes.
Dou Zhao thanked Aunt Lan.
The Empress Dowager then asked Dou Zhao, "How old are you this year? How many siblings do you have?"
Dou Zhao stood up and replied respectfully, "Your servant is seventeen years old and has only one younger sister."
"Sit, sit," the Empress Dowager said with a laugh. "You seem so poised, yet you act so formally?" She then glanced at Song Mo with a smile and added, "You’re a year older than our Yantang!"
Dou Zhao nearly broke into a sweat.
In her past life, she had looked the same and responded with the same respectful courtesy, yet neither the Empress Dowager nor the Empress had ever remarked that she was too deferential!
Suppressing a smile, Dou Zhao simply and cheerfully replied, "Yes."
The Empress Dowager appreciated her straightforwardness and proceeded to ask about the books she had read, her usual pastimes at home, whether she had adjusted to life at the Duke of England's Mansion, and if she had learned household management while still in her maiden home—all casual, familial topics, spoken with the warmth of a neighborly elder.
Recalling Ningde Princess’s advice, Dou Zhao answered each question clearly and confidently.
The Empress cast a thoughtful glance at Song Mo, her expression momentarily contemplative.
The Empress Dowager was very pleased with Dou Zhao’s responses and suddenly sighed, "Your mother-in-law was truly capable. It’s such a pity she passed so early..."
Dou Zhao noticed the Empress wiping the corner of her eye, while Song Mo grew silent.
It dawned on her—Jiang Shi must have been dearly beloved by the Empress Dowager.
Indeed, Aunt Lan hurried forward to console the Empress Dowager.
After a long pause, the Empress Dowager composed herself and resumed her conversation with Dou Zhao, Song Mo, and the Empress.A eunuch entered and reported, "The Emperor has finished court and is asking if the Young Lord of the Duke of Yingguo and Dou Shi have arrived. If they have, they are to proceed to the Palace of Heavenly Purity for an audience."
Everyone was quite surprised, and the Empress asked the eunuch, "Is Dou Shi also to attend?"
The eunuch replied affirmatively.
The Empress glanced at the Empress Dowager.
After a moment's thought, the Empress Dowager said, "Then let them go."
Song Mo and Dou Zhao quickly rose to take their leave.
The Empress Dowager instructed them, "Do not keep the Emperor waiting." She then ordered Aunt Lan, "Present Dou Shi with that string of red agate beads the Emperor gifted me a few days ago—young people look good wearing such bright things!"
Only then did the Empress say, "In that case, I shall join in the fun." She called out, "Yunying," and a plain-looking palace maid in her thirties stepped forward. The Empress said, "Reward Dou Shi with a pair of jade hairpins!"
Clearly, this had been prepared in advance.
Song Mo and Dou Zhao knelt to express their gratitude.
The Empress Dowager then said to Song Mo, "Yantang, when you have time, bring your wife to the palace for some fun. I heard from Ningde that Dou Shi is quite skilled at playing Leaf Cards. She can join us for a game. The imperial concubines here are afraid of losing money when they lose and afraid of displeasing me when they win—it makes for a rather dull game..." Her tone was full of complaint.
Everyone laughed.
Seizing the opportunity, Song Mo and Dou Zhao took their leave of the Empress Dowager and the Empress and headed to the Palace of Heavenly Purity.
Outside the Imperial Study, several men in crimson official robes stood waiting under the veranda.
When they saw Song Mo and Dou Zhao approaching, they couldn't help but look up in astonishment.
Someone exclaimed, "Huh?"
Dou Zhao's peripheral vision caught the sound, and she glanced over.
A tall, upright figure with fair skin, bright eyes, and a warm, spring-like smile.
It was actually Fifth Uncle!
Dou Zhao was stunned and couldn't help but lift her gaze.
Their eyes met in mid-air.
Dou Shishu's expression instantly turned somewhat blank.
Dou Zhao was considering whether to smile and greet him when a eunuch emerged and said cheerfully, "The Emperor was just asking why the Young Lord hasn't arrived yet and instructed us to hurry you along... I shall go and announce you now." With that, he re-entered the Imperial Study.
She had no choice but to blink at Dou Shishu and stand there quietly, eyes downcast, waiting.
The surroundings fell silent.
A tall, plump minister wearing a crane-patterned robe emerged from the Imperial Study, his brows tightly furrowed.
When he saw Dou Zhao, he looked utterly bewildered, as if at a loss.
Song Mo whispered to Dou Zhao, "That's Mu Chuan," then smiled at him.
Dou Zhao's eyes widened.
So this was what Mu Chuan looked like.
Mu Chuan, meanwhile, gaped, pointed at Dou Zhao, then slowly lowered his hand, composed his expression, nodded with an air of dignity, and strode past them with his head held high.
Now it was Dou Zhao's turn to be astonished.
Another person emerged from the Imperial Study.
"Young Lord, Madam," he greeted Song Mo and Dou Zhao with a smile, "the Emperor invites you both inside for a word."
Dou Zhao looked closely—it was Wang Ge.
She had no time to correct his improper address and composed herself as she and Song Mo entered the Imperial Study.
The Emperor was in his forties, of average height, and like all middle-aged men, had begun to gain weight. Yet traces of his youthful handsomeness could still be seen in his features.He sized up Dou Zhao a few times and said to Song Mo, "Now that you're married, you're an adult. You must uphold the reputation of the Duke of Yingguo's Mansion. Think carefully before acting and be more prudent in your conduct. Don’t tarnish the century-old prestige of the Duke of Yingguo's Mansion."
Song Mo respectfully replied, "Yes."
The Emperor nodded and said, "You may leave."
Dou Zhao was secretly surprised.
Was that all?
Had they been summoned to the palace early in the morning just for these few words?
She followed Song Mo in kowtowing to express gratitude before withdrawing from the imperial study.
Dou Shishu was waiting outside. Seeing them emerge, he hurriedly asked in a low voice, "Why did the Emperor summon you?" His tone was urgent, and fine beads of sweat dotted his forehead.
"Nothing much," Song Mo replied briefly. "He just acknowledged our marriage and advised us to live well."
Dou Shishu was stunned.
The Emperor had set aside all his trusted ministers to summon Song Mo to the imperial study just to tell him to live well?
His face was full of suspicion. He wanted to ask more, but Wang Ge had already smiled and said, "Grand Secretary Dou, His Majesty summons you inside."
Dou Shishu glanced at Dou Zhao and followed Wang Ge hastily into the imperial study.
The Emperor reclined on the heated brick bed by the window. After watching Dou Shishu pay his respects, he remarked, "Your niece resembles you quite a bit."
Dou Shishu broke into a cold sweat, unsure of the Emperor's implication. He quickly replied, "All my brothers share a strong resemblance."
The Emperor gave a noncommittal hum, and an attendant handed a memorial to Dou Shiheng.
"Take a look," the Emperor said. "This is a memorial from Huai'an. It mentions a successful candidate in the imperial examination named Wu Sheng, who was accused of abducting a respectable woman to be his concubine. Three years ago, he was imprisoned but allegedly died of a sudden illness in jail. Earlier this year, his concubine was implicated in another case, and it was revealed she was never a respectable woman. Send someone to reinvestigate this case with the Court of Judicial Review..." He then moved on to official matters.
Dou Shishu quickly composed himself and responded earnestly.
But as soon as he left the palace, he rushed back to Huai Tree Alley.
"Go see Shou Gu," he instructed his wife. "And ask her what the Emperor discussed with her during the summons to the Palace of Heavenly Purity."
Fifth Madam was startled. "Shou Gu went to the Palace of Heavenly Purity?"
Dou Shishu recounted his encounter with Dou Zhao outside the imperial study.
Fifth Madam was dumbfounded. After a long pause, she said, "But Shou Gu has only just married—yesterday was just the ninth day since the wedding..."
As an elder, how could she visit her niece without reason at such a time?
Dou Shishu frowned.
Fifth Madam suggested, "Perhaps we could send Cai Shi to check on her?" Though still somewhat improper and might seem like currying favor with the Song family, it was better than an elder making the visit.
Dou Shishu agreed. "Have her find out exactly what the Emperor said to them. Young people may not grasp the deeper implications behind the Emperor's words."
"I understand," Fifth Madam said before going to Cai Shi's quarters to instruct her to visit Dou Zhao.
When Cai Shi heard that Dou Zhao had entered the palace and been summoned to the Palace of Heavenly Purity, her initial shock quickly turned to envy. She eagerly agreed, but as soon as Fifth Madam left, she powdered her face and pinned up her hair while sending a messenger to inform her mother, Madam Cai. Only after completing her preparations did she set off for the Duke of Yingguo's Mansion.
The Duke of Yingguo's Mansion was alive with the crackling sounds of firecrackers.Song Mo and Dou Zhao left the palace at noon, and by early afternoon, an imperial decree arrived, conferring upon Dou Zhao the title of "Madam of the Heir Apparent," a rank surpassing the first grade.
"Truly, the Emperor's will is unfathomable!" Su Xin, who knew the details of Dou Zhao's audience with the Emperor, clasped her hands together and bowed toward the west in gratitude. "You said the Emperor only glanced at you a few times without asking a single question. I was so worried, wondering what His Majesty was thinking. Yet in the blink of an eye, the imperial decree was issued—this must truly be the blessing of the Bodhisattva!" She bowed again.
But Dou Zhao was preoccupied with Wang Ge's address—"Madam."
Had he done so intentionally? Or was it merely accidental?
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