Blossom

Dou Zhao simply held Song Mo tenderly in her arms.

In her previous life, the death of Duke Ding had been an unsolved mystery to her. In this life, she knew no more than before. Rather than leading Song Mo astray with wild guesses, it was better to trust that he would find the answers himself.

All she needed to do was comfort him with an embrace in his vulnerable moments.

Song Mo grew quiet.

Dou Zhao continued to gently stroke his forehead.

After an indeterminate amount of time, the muffled footsteps of servants could be heard outside.

The large red lanterns under the eaves were lit one by one.

Their crimson glow radiated warmth in the late autumn, bringing a comforting warmth to the heart.

Suddenly, Song Mo sat up from her embrace.

"Shou Gu, do you remember the incident with Risheng Silver House?"

Despite the festive lighting, the gravity in his expression was unmistakable.

Dou Zhao paused briefly before nodding. "It was only after Gu Yu intervened that we managed to retrieve Father’s signed contracts."

"Shou Gu!" Song Mo leaned closer to Dou Zhao, whispering into her ear, "Emperor Taizong reigned for nineteen years, and Emperor Renzong for thirty-two. If the Emperor were in good health, do you think Liao Wang would dare to embezzle funds in the Capital?"

In her previous life, the palace coup in the twentieth year of Chengping occurred precisely because news spread that the Emperor was on his deathbed. And indeed, the facts proved that the Emperor was gravely ill—even without the coup, his days were numbered.

This was the definitive answer Dou Zhao could give Song Mo.

"He wouldn’t be that foolish." Given the gravity of the matter, even though the room was empty, caution was never excessive. Dou Zhao whispered back, seizing the opportunity to share what she knew. "I have a vague feeling that the Emperor’s illness is far more critical than what you’ve been told. At most, he has only two or three years left!"

Song Mo had always trusted Dou Zhao’s judgment. Not only did he not question her words, but a hint of excitement also flickered in his eyes. "So you think so too?"

What did he mean by "you think so too"?

Dou Zhao blinked at Song Mo in surprise.

Had Song Mo deduced future events based solely on her few words?

She knew he was astute, but this was almost supernatural!

Her expression slightly dazed, she asked, "What have you discovered?"

Seeing Dou Zhao’s astonishment was more gratifying to Song Mo than any praise or encouragement.

He affectionately kissed her cheek and whispered, "While reading historical records, I noticed that the greatest emperors, as they aged and their vitality waned, became increasingly prone to suspicion. The Emperor has been frequently unwell these past years. As you said, his time is near, which is why his paranoia grows.

"This is also one of the reasons why Liao Wang is becoming restless—after all, the one who reigns as Empress is Empress Wan."Song Mo paused, then continued, "What might have been insignificant matters to the Emperor and your uncle in the past could now weigh heavily on the Emperor's mind during his illness. Look at the officials the Emperor has appointed in recent years—all seasoned veterans like Yao Shizhong, Dai Jian, and your fifth uncle, who are in their prime. He hasn’t used any of them, instead handing the position of Chief Grand Secretary to Liang Jifen, who is two years older than the Emperor. He also heavily relies on He Wendao. I suspect that perhaps your uncle did something to displease the Emperor, and the Emperor merely intended a minor reprimand. But then Ding Wei intervened, causing your uncle to fall from grace and meet his demise during his journey. Petty individuals further muddied the waters, temporarily blinding the Emperor. Fortunately, we followed your advice and appeared weak. Though the Emperor was furious, he spared the Jiang Family out of consideration for your uncle’s contributions. Later, when the Emperor came to his senses, he deeply regretted his actions and secretly ordered the execution of all the Imperial Bodyguards involved in escorting your uncle. That’s what led to the absurd chain of events—Ding Wei’s killings and Wang Yuan’s revenge..."

Dou Zhao listened carefully to Song Mo’s words, pondered for a long moment, and then said thoughtfully, "I think your reasoning makes sense. I recall that when my uncle met his misfortune, Zeng Yifen had just passed away, and the Grand Secretariat was left without leadership. Perhaps someone seized the opportunity during that chaotic period." She rubbed her temples, feeling a headache coming on. "My uncle offended too many people—it won’t be easy to identify the culprit."

Song Mo, however, had a determined glint in his eyes, brimming with confidence. "Your uncle did make many enemies, but few could subtly manipulate the Emperor’s perception. I’ll find a way to uncover the truth." He smirked coldly. "When the time comes, I’ll deal with both him and Ding Wei in one fell swoop!"

Dou Zhao believed Song Mo could do it.

Yet, she couldn’t shake off a deep sense of melancholy.

She sighed, "The political arena is truly treacherous!"

Song Mo wholeheartedly agreed but chuckled, "That’s why only the most cunning can thrive in it!"

What a troublemaker!

Dou Zhao didn’t know whether to laugh or cry, and her fleeting sorrow vanished into thin air.

Song Mo called Yan Chaoqing in to inquire about Chen Jia’s situation.

Yan Chaoqing reported, "Du Wei has verified that Chen Jia’s claims are true." Concerned that Song Mo, being young, might struggle against the crafty Wang Yuan and fail to extract useful information, he tactfully asked, "Have you made any progress regarding Chen Jia’s matter?"

Song Mo shared his visit to Wang Yuan and his suspicions about the wrongful case involving Duke Ding.

Yan Chaoqing’s expression darkened.

Before he could speak, Song Mo added, "Wang Yuan enjoys opera. Have Du Ming investigate whether there’s a particular actor Wang Yuan favors. We’ll arrange to buy them out and send them to Wang Yuan as a gift. That’ll give me an excuse to visit him and see if I can learn anything."

His eyes sparkled with energy—no trace of his earlier vulnerability remained.

Dou Zhao couldn’t help but silently grumble to herself as she stood up to refill Song Mo and Yan Chaoqing’s tea.

Yan Chaoqing hurriedly rose to thank her, then turned back to Song Mo. "Wang Yuan is a difficult man to deal with. Perhaps it would be better to approach this through Wang Ge instead...""No!" said Song Mo, his solemn expression exuding a composed confidence. "At Wang Yuan's position, wealth can hardly sway him anymore. The fact that he shared such important information with me shows he still values my acquaintance, which incidentally confirms the Emperor's lingering favor toward me." Here, he gave a faint, wry smile and added coolly, "Tell me, if the Emperor were to learn that the real reason for the discord between me and Father is because after the Duke of Dingguo's Mansion was stripped of its title, Father feared implication and sought to eliminate me... what do you think the Emperor would feel?"

The Emperor would likely turn his back on the Duke of Yingguo forever.

But wouldn't this be too ruthless?

After all, Song Yichun and Song Mo were father and son. What if Song Yichun's downfall dragged Song Mo down with him?

Yan Chaoqing hesitated momentarily.

Dou Zhao, however, clapped her hands in admiration, calling it a "brilliant scheme."

In any case, whether the Emperor would live or die four years later remained uncertain. With Song Mo's intelligence, even if implicated by Song Yichun, his life wouldn't be in danger. When the new emperor ascended the throne, he might even turn misfortune into fortune!

Song Mo smiled at Dou Zhao and raised his teacup. "Then it's settled." He instructed Yan Chaoqing, "Investigate Wang Yuan's affairs as quickly as possible."

Yan Chaoqing couldn't help but sigh inwardly.

The Young Lord was indeed like a tiger with wings now—but would those wings make him even more ruthless?

He bowed respectfully and withdrew.

Dou Zhao then instructed Su Xin to prepare dinner and called for maids to help Song Mo change. "Wash your hands and face so we can eat!"

Song Mo refused to move. "Just wipe my face for me. Using my brain is exhausting!"

"You used your brain, not your limbs!" Dou Zhao pushed him toward the washroom.

Song Mo wouldn't let her leave. "I have no intention of taking a bedroom servant. Why are you sending these maids over?"

Seeing the two young maids lower their heads in embarrassment, their cheeks flushed like peach blossoms in March, Dou Zhao was torn between laughter and exasperation. She dismissed them and personally attended to his washing.

Afterward, Song Mo insisted on having dinner with her at the kang table in the inner chamber. "There's no one else at home anyway. Just the two of us—we can eat casually. No need for servants. I'll serve you." He looked at her expectantly.

Naturally, Dou Zhao wouldn't argue over such a trivial matter. In the end, though they dined at the kang table, it was Dou Zhao who served the dishes... After the meal, she also brewed his favorite Xinyang Maojian tea...

※※※※※

Meanwhile, in Qudeng Alley, Wang Yuan was also having dinner.

Attending him was another of his adopted sons—the young eunuch Wang Ji.

Wang Yuan liked to talk while eating.

Wang Ji catered to this habit and chatted: "Everyone says the Duke of Yingguo's Young Lord is cold and aloof, but when he meets Father, he’s still perfectly polite. It just shows how—"

"Fool!" Before he could finish, Wang Yuan scolded him harshly. "How dare you speak of the Duke of Yingguo's Young Lord? Why is Wang Ge serving in the Palace of Heavenly Purity while you’re stuck running errands for me? You lack even basic discernment—dreaming of the Directorate of Ceremonial? You belong in the Wine and Vinegar Bureau!"

Wang Ji cowered under the reprimand.

Wang Yuan ordered, "Go and relay my message: that Chen Jia is no longer to be pursued."The Young Lord of the Duke of Yingguo had just come to plead, and they released him just like that?

This was an unprecedented exception!

It seems we’ll have to treat the Young Lord of the Duke of Yingguo with more respect from now on!

Wang Ji was startled and hurriedly responded with a string of "Yes, yes."

Wang Yuan’s expression softened slightly as he muttered to himself, "Who would have thought that such a minor figure—one I don’t even remember—could actually get Song Mo to speak up for him? How did he manage to sway Song Mo?"

As the thought crossed his mind, he suddenly felt a strong urge to see Chen Jia.

※※※※※

Meanwhile, Young Madam Wang was recounting to Wang Qinghuai her visit to her sister-in-law Wang Qingyuan’s home that day.

Hearing that Wang Qingyuan’s in-laws were kind and her husband considerate, Wang Qinghuai felt deeply relieved.

Young Madam Wang then brought up her visit to the Duke of England's Mansion: "...From the looks of it, the Young Lord’s wife of the Duke of Yingguo and the Madam of the Marquis of Jining aren’t just feuding for fun—it seems both have firmly decided to cut ties with each other!"

Wang Qinghuai was taken aback and questioned, "Could it just be words spoken in anger?"

"It didn’t seem like it." Young Madam Wang recounted the conversation in detail to Wang Qinghuai.

Wang Qinghuai’s brows furrowed tightly, and after a long silence, he quietly advised his wife, "From now on, visit the Marquis of Jining's Mansion less."

Young Madam Wang nodded hesitantly and asked, "What about Fourth Uncle’s household?"

"Just give Fourth Sister-in-law a heads-up," Wang Qinghuai said. "Dahe and Peijin are one matter, but if she gets too close to the inner household, that’s another matter entirely."

"I understand!" Young Madam Wang stood up to help Wang Qinghuai prepare the bed.