Blossom

Song Mo's voice was like a gentle spring breeze, like drifting willow catkins, lightly settling upon her heart, inexplicably stirring her emotions.

"Alright!" She gazed up into his clear eyes and mischievously called out, "Young Master Mei!"

Her brows and eyes relaxed like rippling spring water.

Suddenly, the poetic lines "Bright as the sun rising through morning clouds, radiant as a lotus emerging from clear waves" surfaced in Song Mo's mind.

"Shou Gu," he murmured, stroking her temple before lowering his head to place a tender kiss upon her forehead.

As if she were a treasure cradled in his palm—cherished and sweet.

Dou Zhao was momentarily stunned.

Perhaps after Song Mo's constant demands, she had come to realize her own physical allure. Yet this kiss, devoid of desire, seemed to prove that beyond the primal attraction between them, there existed other emotions, stirring a faint warmth in her heart.

But this warmth lasted less than a quarter of an hour before Song Mo trailed kisses down the bridge of her nose, finally claiming her lips. His tongue invaded deftly, teasing with fervor, brimming with an aggressive hunger that left Dou Zhao torn between laughter and dizziness. A hazy heat surged through her body, and she rose onto her tiptoes, helplessly swaying in his embrace like a dancer...

"Young Lord, Madam," a young maidservant's crisp yet unmistakably childish voice sounded at the door, "Young Master Gu has arrived and wishes to see the Young Lord."

Dou Zhao jolted awake and tried to push him away.

But Song Mo only tightened his grip around her waist, his lips and tongue growing even more fervent, laced with a hint of domineering.

Left with no strength, Dou Zhao could only lean limply against his chest.

Time lost all meaning in her mind before he finally released her slowly.

Her lips, thoroughly kissed, glistened with moisture, an especially vivid red, like spring blossoms freshly nourished by rain.

Song Mo's heart stirred at the sight, and he couldn't resist lowering his head once more to brush another kiss against those flushed lips.

"Careful, or Young Master Gu might barge in," Dou Zhao chided, shooting Song Mo a reproachful glance.

Gu Yu's moniker as the "Little Tyrant of the Capital" was not unearned. In their past life, he had once stormed straight into Song Mo's inner chambers, catching him in an intimate moment with a concubine. The concubine had attempted suicide by hanging to prove her chastity, though she survived—yet Song Mo had remained indifferent. After the incident spread, many had deemed Song Mo depraved and unorthodox.

Hearing Dou Zhao's words, Song Mo considered it carefully and realized this was indeed something Gu Yu might do.

With a chuckle, he kissed her cheek once more before finally turning to leave for the study.

Dou Zhao watched his retreating figure until he disappeared from the inner chamber. When she turned back, she caught sight of a beauty in a peach-red jacket reflected in the Western mirror atop her dressing table—her eyes and brows brimming with soft laughter, a faint blush on her cheeks lending her the delicate charm of a rose.

Was the woman in the mirror truly her?

When had she gained such radiance?

Was it because she was now with Song Mo?

Unconsciously, Dou Zhao stepped closer, her fingers lightly tracing the mirror's flawless surface.

The woman in the mirror tilted her head, her gaze puzzled.

※※※※※

Song Mo smiled faintly, as bright as a clear breeze under the morning moon.

Gu Yu scratched his head suspiciously. "What were you and sister-in-law up to so early in the morning? Why are you in such a good mood?"

"Am I?" Song Mo countered, involuntarily touching his own cheek. "Do I look that pleased?"

From yesterday until now, he had spent most of his time entangled with Dou Zhao.Gu Yu scrutinized him carefully once more before nodding approvingly. "Your complexion looks truly excellent!" His gaze was earnest as he studied Song Mo.

Song Mo recalled how Dou Zhao, lost in passion the previous night, had bitten his shoulder fiercely—the mark still lingered on his skin. Fearing Gu Yu might notice something amiss, he casually shifted the topic: "What did you need me for?"

Yet his thoughts drifted back to Dou Zhao.

That expression of mingled regret and remorse when she discovered the bite mark on his shoulder... how even in the throes of passion afterward, she only bit her lip to suppress soft moans... Those limpid eyes shimmering like lake waters... These intoxicating memories flooded his heart, his body seeming to remember the tight embrace of her delicate passage...

He felt heat rising within him again.

Song Mo hastily reined in his thoughts, clearing his throat awkwardly as his expression grew more solemn.

Gu Yu looked at him puzzled. "Brother Tianci, are you alright? Did you catch a chill this morning? Should we call a physician?"

"No need," Song Mo replied, sweating slightly. He coughed twice more before repeating, "What was it you wanted?"

"Oh!" Gu Yu never doubted Song Mo's words—if he said he was fine, then he was fine. His brief suspicion vanished like a passing shadow, quickly forgotten.

"Brother Tianci, didn't you ask me to help Sister-in-law retrieve all the contracts Dou-sama left at Risheng Silver House?" His tone grew animated. "Guess what I discovered?" Without waiting for a response, he continued, "The chief manager of Risheng Silver House, Zhang Zhiqi, turns out to be Liao Wang's man!"

This took Song Mo completely by surprise.

Gu Yu chuckled, "Using the investigation into the Duke of Yingguo's mansion fire and theft as pretext, I visited Risheng Silver House. At first Zhang Zhiqi tried to evade, but when he learned who I was, he became completely compliant. Not only did he reveal his background thoroughly, but also confessed Liao Wang sent him to the Capital to raise funds. Tell Sister-in-law she needn't worry about keeping money there—since Zhang Zhiqi operates under Liao Wang's banner, he wouldn't dare embezzle her funds, or I'll make him regret it!" His tone turned fierce toward the end.

Meaning Gu Yu hadn't actually retrieved the contracts Dou Zhao's father left at the silver house.

Song Mo frowned slightly, recalling Dou Zhao's concerns: "...If they merely sought patronage, Magistrate Guo would suffice—why involve Father, an impoverished Hanlin scholar? I suspect Zhang Zhiqi targets Fifth Uncle. You know Father has frequently disagreed with Fifth Uncle about household management these past two years. I too feel over-reliance on Fifth Uncle is unwise—the fewer entanglements, the better. Otherwise, how could Father maintain grounds to oppose Fifth Uncle's methods in the long run?"

After consideration, he explained, "Gu Yu, this isn't about money. It concerns tensions between your sister-in-law's natal family branches..." He proceeded to share details about the Dou family situation.

Gu Yu listened agape, unable to close his mouth for a long while."So the Dou family is divided into Dong Dou and Western Dou," he mused. "Every family truly has its own difficulties. I never imagined Sister-in-law had such a pitiful childhood—her mother was driven to death, and she had to acknowledge her enemy as mother... No wonder she was unwilling to come to the Capital."

The inexplicable hostility he felt toward Dou Zhao vanished in an instant, replaced by a faint sense of sympathy.

Gu Yu was like a younger brother to him. Naturally, Song Mo hoped Gu Yu and Dou Zhao could get along well. Though Gu Yu was domineering, he had a kind heart, which was one reason Song Mo had shared Dou Zhao's past with him.

"If it's Liao Wang's people, then it's simple," Song Mo said with a smile. "No need to say anything to him. Just retrieve all the contracts bearing my father-in-law's seal, and I'll personally explain it to Liao Wang later."

Gu Yu was surprised. "Are you going to Liaodong? How can you leave now?"

Song Mo chuckled. "The Empress mentioned a few days ago that she wanted me to go to Liaodong to deliver something to Liao Wang. Since I just got married, the matter was temporarily postponed."

Gu Yu grew excited. "Brother Tianci, when are you going to Liaodong? You must tell me—I'll go with you. It's been a long time since I last saw Liao Wang. I heard he married three concubines in a row and fathered four sons," he grinned. "I wonder how he's doing now?"

"Good!" With Gu Yu accompanying him and keeping Liao Wang company, he could not only visit his fifth uncle but also have a private conversation with him. "We'll go together then!"

Gu Yu nodded.

Song Mo reminded him, "Take care of the Risheng Silver House matter in the next couple of days. That way, I can give your sister-in-law a proper answer."

Like a child, Gu Yu became sulky again upon hearing that Dou Zhao had asked Song Mo to handle this. He responded weakly with an "Understood" and began telling Song Mo about the scenery of Liaodong he had read about in books.

Song Mo shook his head with a smile. After seeing Gu Yu off, he went to give Dou Zhao an update: "...Don’t worry. It’s all settled."

With her suspicions confirmed, Dou Zhao couldn’t even muster a smile.

She murmured, "If he’s already using Liao Wang’s influence, why fear being discovered? And why go through such lengths to associate with the Crown Prince’s people? Doesn’t he worry Liao Wang might suspect him of duplicity... This is truly bizarre!"

Song Mo pondered briefly, his expression shifting slightly.

Dou Zhao took the opportunity to step away, giving him space to think.

※※※※※

Meanwhile, Ji Yong, who had just left Shuntian Prefecture, was trembling with anger.

Thanks to his status as a Successful Candidate in the highest imperial examinations and Dou Shiheng’s visiting card, Huang Qi—though newly appointed to Shuntian Prefecture and still settling in—had promptly received Ji Yong.

Knowing Ji Yong was connected to the Dou family and had come to inquire about the fire at the Duke of Yingguo’s mansion, Huang Qi spoke candidly: "With our manpower at Shuntian Prefecture, it’s unlikely we’ll capture all the thieves. Now it depends on whether the Five Cities Garrison takes any action. Regardless, out of respect for our shared scholarly ties, I’ll increase patrols around the Duke of Yingguo’s residence. If the Duke’s household has any matters requiring our attention, they need only send a request, and we’ll handle it swiftly. Please rest assured, Dou Zhongzhi. Once things settle down, we’ll share a drink together."The implication was that Shuntian Prefecture would follow the lead of the Five Cities Garrison and no longer expend effort investigating the fire at the Duke of England's Mansion.

What kind of organization was the Five Cities Garrison? Everyone in the Capital's official circles knew—expecting them to catch thieves was like hoping they wouldn't be the first to flee in fear of the thieves.

He immediately voiced his thoughts.

Unexpectedly, Huang Qi chuckled and said, "But we can't help but admire them. After all, the Five Cities Garrison always finds a way to report to the Emperor."

He was just one step away from spelling it out—telling Ji Yong that the Five Cities Garrison would find someone to take the blame for this incident.

Those good-for-nothing officials occupying their positions without doing any work!

Remembering Huang Qi's friendship with Dou Shiheng, Ji Yong forcibly suppressed his anger. With a forced smile, he exchanged a few pleasantries with Huang Qi before standing up to take his leave.