Blossom

What exactly was this Chen Jia trying to do?

Could this be some kind of provocation tactic to lure him into making a mistake?

But he quickly dismissed his own suspicion.

Angering him into investigating his uncle's matter would implicate the Duke of Yingguo's Mansion as well. Even if he were foolish, he wouldn't be that foolish.

Could it be Liao Wang?

Hinting that this was the Emperor's intention.

At this thought, Song Mo shook his head inwardly.

The Duke of Dingguo's Mansion was ultimately stripped of its title. Even if it wasn't directly ordered by the Emperor, it was done with his approval. Even if he knew it was the Emperor's will, what could he do?

A thought struck Song Mo.

Or perhaps Liao Wang wanted to tell him that as long as the Emperor remained on the throne, his uncle's grievances would never be redressed... No, no, that couldn't be... Even if Liao Wang had ambitions, he wouldn't dare violate the rightful order... But it was possible he couldn't wait any longer... Even so, apart from his status as the Young Lord of the Duke of Yingguo's Mansion, which still carried some weight, his positions as Commander of the Vanguard of the Golden Guard and hereditary fourth-rank Vice Commissioner held little real influence. Liao Wang had no reason to invest so much effort in him...

Then who was behind Chen Jia?

And what was their goal?

Ever since being framed by his father, Song Mo had become extremely suspicious.

He noticed Zhu Yicheng and the others had quietly closed in. Smiling, he draped an arm over Dou Zhao's shoulder, then suddenly roared at Zhu Yicheng's group, "Seize him!" His expression instantly turned icy as he half-embraced, half-pulled Dou Zhao back several steps.

Immediately, men stepped forward to shield Song Mo and Dou Zhao, coordinating with Zhu Yicheng's group to surround Chen Jia.

Yet Chen Jia remained utterly composed, as if Song Mo's reaction was exactly what he'd anticipated. With a swift motion, he drew the flexible sword at his waist and said, "Young Lord, let me be frank. If not for the storm you stirred in the Capital and the methods you displayed, I wouldn't have dared approach you... Clearing the Duke's name isn't something just anyone can accomplish. If you don't trust me, investigate my background at the Imperial Bodyguard—I'm no nobody there. That's all I'll say. The choice is yours to make!" With that, he advanced toward Zhu Yicheng, the most skilled among them.

Zhu Yicheng's heavy broadsword met Chen Jia's agile flexible sword in a clash of steel, their skills evenly matched as they became a whirl of blades.

Song Mo's other guards automatically split into two groups—one encircling Song Mo and Dou Zhao, the other surrounding Zhu Yicheng and Chen Jia, ready to reinforce Zhu Yicheng at any moment.

The terrified gardener hid behind a large vat.

Chen Jia let out a long laugh.

Several men in Imperial Bodyguard uniforms leaped from the rooftop, drawing their xiuchun blades to attack Song Mo's guards.

The guards were caught off guard.

In the confusion, someone broke through the encirclement and launched a surprise attack at Zhu Yicheng.

Zhu Yicheng dodged.

Chen Jia disengaged, cupped his hands toward Song Mo, and under the cover of several Imperial Bodyguards, fought his way back to the fence. Passing through it, he vanished into the woods beyond.

Only then did Zhu Yicheng's group realize the fence had been cut through earlier, merely disguised with branches.

"After them!" Zhu Yicheng's face darkened as he led the chase, only to halt when Song Mo bellowed, "Come back!""No need to pursue them," Song Mo said calmly. "They were well-prepared. Continuing the chase would be futile. Have Du Wei investigate their backgrounds."

Zhu Yicheng responded resentfully with a "Yes" and hurried off with two guards toward the sundry shop where Du Wei was stationed.

Song Mo signaled Chen He to help the trembling flower farmer to his feet, then cupped his hands in apology with a smile. "A misunderstanding—my apologies for startling you."

The flower farmer dared not ask further, hastily smoothing things over. "Just a misunderstanding, just a misunderstanding."

"I'm afraid we won't be able to enjoy the flower market today," Song Mo said apologetically to Dou Zhao. "Let me accompany you another day."

Dou Zhao, who had been clutching Song Mo's sleeve nervously, let out an "Oh" and replied cheerfully, "Then we'll come back another time!" Her expression was bright, as if they hadn’t just encountered ruthless Imperial Bodyguards but merely an inconsequential rain shower.

Song Mo felt even more remorseful.

Trouble always seemed to follow Dou Zhao when she was with him. Even a simple trip to the flower market could stir up chaos!

At this moment, he desperately wished to resolve the tangled mess around them. At least some of it had to be settled before their child was born—to provide a safe and peaceful environment for their growth.

Song Mo couldn’t help but glance at Dou Zhao’s abdomen.

Given their recent closeness, she might already be carrying his child.

To secure the home, one must first eliminate external threats!

Then let’s start with Chen Jia.

He helped Dou Zhao into the carriage.

Dou Zhao rested her chin on her hand, lost in thought about Chen Jia.

Dressed in Imperial Bodyguard attire, agile movements, light footsteps... She had definitely seen him somewhere before...

Dou Zhao suddenly gasped.

Distracted by thoughts of Chen Jia, Song Mo immediately asked, "What’s wrong?"

"Nothing, nothing," Dou Zhao replied, masking her unease. "I just bumped into something."

Song Mo smiled, wrapped an arm around her shoulders, and gently kissed her temple before sinking back into contemplation.

Dou Zhao didn’t disturb him, quietly leaning against him, though her mind was in turmoil.

She had seen Chen Jia before—but he hadn’t looked like this back then.

Clad in the crimson robes of a third-rank Imperial Bodyguard, he had walked reverently through rows of armored guards in the pouring rain, kneeling humbly before Song Mo with bowed head, reporting something in a submissive tone...

Chen Jia was the very same Imperial Bodyguard who had reported to Song Mo in her past life when she first met him.

Like an inescapable loop, they had crossed paths again in this lifetime—but under such different circumstances.

Had Chen Jia won Song Mo’s trust and become his confidant in the same way in her past life?

And what exactly was the Emperor’s connection to Duke Ding’s wrongful conviction?

She thought of the arrow Song Mo had shot at the Crown Prince... an act that not only branded him a notorious executioner but also shattered the Emperor’s hopes and life, paving the way for Liao Wang’s ascension to the throne.

Dou Zhao’s hands clenched tightly.

In this life, would Chen Jia sway Song Mo again? What kind of leverage did he hold? Was it genuine or fabricated?

A fine sweat broke out on her forehead.

"What’s wrong?" Song Mo’s gentle voice reached her ears. "Did you hurt yourself earlier?" His tone was thick with concern.

Dou Zhao instinctively grasped his hand."I'm fine!" Song Mo's hand was dry and warm, like the gentle winter sun, gradually calming Dou Zhao's heart. "You should think carefully about Chen Jia's words. He didn’t come to see you earlier or later, but only after witnessing your methods—clearly harboring ulterior motives. You mustn’t act rashly for the sake of righteousness. Wait a few years. Once the Emperor passes, some truths will come to light naturally. Sometimes, it’s about who can hold their ground longer."

"I know," Song Mo replied softly, squeezing Dou Zhao’s hand. "But no matter what his intentions are for approaching me, since he’s set his sights on me, if he fails this time, there will likely be a next. Rather than constantly guarding against thieves, it’s better to follow the trail and perhaps seize the initiative." He smiled. "I’m a family man now—no longer as reckless as before. I still want to grow old with you and fill our home with children and grandchildren! You can rest assured."

Grow old together, fill the home with children and grandchildren...

Could she?

Would she wake up one day to find Song Mo was just a dream?

Dou Zhao’s eyes grew moist as she tightened her grip on his hand.

She had been too stubborn about certain things before.

Whatever Song Mo wanted to do, she would support him.

As long as it brought him some happiness.

For the first time, she leaned her head against Song Mo’s shoulder.

Though unaware of the reason, Song Mo could sense her attachment to him.

His heart felt as sweet as honey, warmth spreading through him.

He let her rest against his shoulder as they returned to the Duke of Yingguo’s mansion.

Yan Chaoqing had already received word and was waiting at the entrance of the Hall of Cultivating Will with Liao Bifeng, Zhu Yicheng, and Xia Lian.

"Let’s talk in the study," Song Mo said calmly, heading inside.

After a few steps, he paused thoughtfully and turned back to Dou Zhao. "You should join us—three cobblers equal one Zhuge Liang. Sometimes outsiders see more clearly than those involved." His gaze swept over Yan Chaoqing and Xia Lian, as if explaining why Dou Zhao was included.

Having witnessed Dou Zhao’s decisive actions during Song Mo’s rescue, the two harbored no doubts about her judgment and thus raised no objections to his decision.

Liao Bifeng and Zhu Yicheng, however, couldn’t hide their astonishment, both casting shocked glances at Dou Zhao.

Once inside the study, Zhu Yicheng remained composed, but Liao Bifeng respectfully invited Dou Zhao to sit, personally pouring her tea before taking a seat two Grand Preceptor’s Chairs away from her.

Song Mo asked, "What’s the situation?"

Yan Chaoqing replied respectfully, "According to Du Wei, Chen Jia is twenty-four this year and joined the Imperial Bodyguard by inheriting his uncle’s position. His wife passed away four years ago, leaving no children, and he never remarried. Four years ago, he was indeed on official duty in Fujian. After returning to the Capital, he began associating closely with Chen Zuxun, a thousand-household officer of the Northern Pacification Office who had also been to Fujian. He even acknowledged Chen Zuxun as his godfather and, under his patronage, was promoted to a minor officer in the Imperial Bodyguard. However, two years ago, after Chen Zuxun offended Wang Yuan and was executed on false charges, Chen Jia lost his backing and struggled within the Imperial Bodyguard—nearly being dismissed. The men who attacked the Young Lord today were not imposters but sworn brothers of Chen Jia, two of whom had also been to Fujian with him..."Song Mo slowly sipped his tea before finally speaking after a long pause, "Master Yan, what do you make of this matter?"

Yan Chaoqing weighed his words carefully, "It's possible they've noticed your recent actions and wish to curry favor, seeking advancement. However, we can't entirely rule out the possibility that someone is behind this, pushing them to take desperate measures..."

Song Mo gave a slight nod and turned his gaze to Liao Bifeng.

Though Liao Bifeng had a tendency to differ with Yan Chaoqing, he wouldn't speak recklessly.

He agreed with Yan Chaoqing's assessment, "I believe Master Yan makes a valid point."

After some thought, Song Mo asked Dou Zhao, "What do you think?"