Blossom

"Song Yan?" Aunt stared at Dou Zhao in astonishment, clearly taken aback.

"Yes!" Dou Zhao, however, seemed quite enthusiastic. "He's an orphan with no other family. Having lived in Zhen Ding with Mr. Song all these years, you've seen him too—his character is the most honest and kind. If we could have him marry into our family, it would be perfect!"

Aunt finally regained her composure. Seeing Dou Zhao's earnest expression, she felt both exasperated and amused. "You didn't just come up with this idea on the spot, did you?"

If she admitted it was a spur-of-the-moment decision, Aunt, being cautious by nature, would surely reject it outright.

Dou Zhao denied it firmly. "Of course not. I've had this in mind for a while, but the Song family background is too humble. Since you insisted on finding someone from a scholarly family, Song Yan is the most suitable candidate." She pressed Aunt for a decision. "Just tell me if it's feasible or not. If you approve, while Mr. Song and Song Yan are still here before they return home, I can have Yantang help arrange the matchmaking. If you're not satisfied, we can think of something else." She muttered under her breath, "For a son-in-law marrying into the family, isn't it better to have fewer relatives involved? Besides, we've watched Song Yan grow up—we know him inside out. Could there be a more suitable match?"

Since they were considering a son-in-law marrying in, it was clear the family lacked male heirs. Although property inheritance and support agreements were usually settled before the marriage, there were many cases where, as the father aged and weakened, the capable and shrewd son-in-law gradually gained influence, eventually scheming to take the family's wealth before remarrying and having children of his own. This was one of the main reasons why the mistress was so cautious about choosing a son-in-law and placed great importance on the man's character.

From this perspective, Song Yan's character was truly beyond reproach.

However, having the woman's side bring it up first seemed somewhat rushed and forced.

Aunt hesitated.

Dou Zhao, on the other hand, grew more convinced that Song Yan was the right choice—not only was he handsome, but he was also gentle, diligent, and loyal. With Song Yan taking care of Uncle and Aunt in their old age, their lives would surely be comfortable.

Seeing Aunt's hesitation, she quickly added, "Whether it works out or not, shouldn’t we at least try? Cousin is already twenty—how many more years can you keep her at home?"

After some thought, Aunt decided to play it safe. "Test the waters first. If the Song family is open to the idea, we can propose it formally later."

Dou Zhao gave an affirmative "Mm" and happily headed to the Reception Hall at the front.

Song Mo was speaking with Song Yan. "...So we share the same surname? May I ask where you're from? How old are you? What did your father do? Are there others in your family? Have you studied?"

Mr. Song assumed Song Mo was merely curious about meeting someone with the same surname and didn’t suspect anything. Song Yan, even less so. He answered respectfully, "I'm from Quzhou, just turned twenty. My father was a Successful Candidate in the Imperial Examination who made a living as a Private tutor residing at home. He passed away when I was three, and my mother followed when I was seven. There’s no one else in the family. I studied with my uncle for a few years and learned to read a little."

His humble and polite demeanor made Song Mo nod inwardly in approval. He asked further, "Since you’ve come of age, do you have a courtesy name?"

"Yes," Song Yan replied. "My uncle gave me the courtesy name 'Qianli.'"

Hearing this, Song Mo's smile grew warmer. "What books have you studied? Have you taken the imperial examinations?"

"I’ve only studied the Four Books and Five Classics under my uncle’s guidance. He says my level is still limited..."Song Mo knew that literary talent flourished in the south, where even passing the lowest imperial examination was far more difficult than in the north. Moreover, Song Yan was orphaned, and Song Yumin was serving as a private tutor in Zhen Ding. The journey from Zhen Ding to the southern regions spanned thousands of miles and incurred significant expenses—likely another reason Song Yan hadn’t returned home to take the exams.

"Since you’re preparing to sit for the exams, I assume you must have some insights into the Eight-legged Essay?" Song Mo said with a smile.

Song Yan, as usual, responded modestly: "I’ve only just begun learning to write them—barely managing to avoid straying from the form."

Song Mo chuckled. "Last time, at my father-in-law’s place, I came across a question: ‘To know how to cultivate oneself, and to unite with the lower section.’ I’m familiar with the first part—‘To know how to cultivate oneself is to know how to govern others; to know how to govern others is to know how to govern the world and the state.’ But I’m not sure what ‘to unite with the lower section’ refers to?"

Song Yumin, who had been smiling at them, as well as Dou Zhengchang and Dou Dechang, immediately sobered.

This was a "linked-topic question," one that required deep familiarity with the Four Books and Five Classics—the most challenging type of Eight-legged Essay prompt.

Song Mo claimed not to know the next line, but Song Yumin and the Dou brothers didn’t believe him. Yet Song Yan and Song Mo had no prior grievances—why would he deliberately make things difficult for Song Yan?

Song Yumin straightened in his seat.

Dou Zhengchang and Dou Dechang exchanged puzzled glances.

Song Yan, however, smiled and replied, "It’s from the Doctrine of the Mean: ‘There are nine standards by which to govern the world and the state: cultivating oneself, honoring the worthy, being affectionate to relatives, respecting high ministers, understanding the officials, caring for the common people, attracting artisans, being kind to distant peoples, and cherishing the feudal lords.’"

He was beginning to sense something—this fourth son-in-law of the Dou family, the Young Lord of the Duke of England’s Mansion, was testing him!

But why?

Compared to Song Mo, he was of humble origins, without even an official title—how could he possibly have any connection to this nobleman? Why was he singling him out?

Song Yan was utterly bewildered.

Then he noticed Song Mo staring intently at him, smiling as he said, "The principle of self-cultivation in the Doctrine of the Mean encompasses all aspects of governance."

For a moment, Song Yan didn’t understand what Song Mo meant. Only after a pause did he realize Song Mo was composing an Eight-legged Essay on the topic "To Know How to Cultivate Oneself, and to Unite with the Lower Section."

But why was he looking at him like that?

Song Yan muttered inwardly.

Song Mo simply gazed at him, smiling without a word.

Then it dawned on Song Yan—Song Mo wanted him to continue the essay!

He was stunned.

Song Mo leisurely lifted his teacup, took a sip, and praised, "Silver tips unfurled—truly excellent tea!"

The Dou family had served them Jiangxi Shuangjing green tea.

Beads of sweat formed on Song Yan’s forehead as he glanced pleadingly at Song Yumin.

The Dou brothers and Song Yumin finally caught on. Just as Dou Dechang was about to intervene, Song Mo turned to Song Yumin with a smile and asked, "Mr. Song, where are you staying?"

Uncertain of Song Mo’s intentions, Song Yumin answered vaguely, "At a friend’s place."

But Song Mo pressed further, "In the eastern or western part of the city? Which ward?"

Song Yumin frowned almost imperceptibly.

During his time in the capital, he had heard much about this Young Lord of the Duke of England’s Mansion—not only was his lineage illustrious, but his tactics and strategies were also formidable. As a mere scholar, Song Yumin naturally preferred to avoid and endure rather than provoke.

"In the western part of the city, Chong’an Ward, Fourth Alley," Song Yumin replied. "Staying with a friend."Song Mo smiled and nodded, his gaze returning to Song Yan as if urging him to quickly proceed with the elaboration.

Fortunately, Song Yan had a solid foundation. Originally planning to take the imperial exams upon returning to his hometown with his uncle, he had been focusing on the Eight-legged Essay for the past two years. Taking a deep breath, he calmed himself and pondered for about the time it takes half an incense stick to burn. Then he said, "To govern is to follow the classics, extending naturally in an orderly manner. Indeed, one must cultivate oneself. The Doctrine of the Mean here links governance to self-cultivation, extending from the self to governance." Though his tone was somewhat hesitant, the essay flowed naturally and coherently.

The most crucial part of this excerpt was connecting the preceding and following sentences seamlessly. Moreover, Song Mo had set the topic, and Song Yan was elaborating on it.

Everyone in the room brightened at this.

Song Yan secretly sighed in relief, gaining more confidence as he continued, "Is this not significant? Zisi recounts Confucius’s response to Duke Ai’s inquiry about governance, stating that governance fundamentally lies in self-cultivation. The principles of the self are the principles of others. Truly understanding self-cultivation leads to virtue and the practice of the Way... The principles of one are the principles of all... Yet the state and the world must be governed, and there are nine constant principles of governance..."

Suddenly, someone outside the Reception Hall clapped and exclaimed, "What a splendid line—'The principles of one are the principles of all'!"

Everyone turned to see Dou Shiying, dressed in his court robes, walking in with a smile.

"Wanli, I never expected your scholarship to be so profound!"

The group rose to greet Dou Shiying before resuming their seats as host and guests.

Dou Shiying chuckled, "What brings you all to compose Eight-legged Essays?"

The gazes of Song Yumin and the others fell upon Song Mo.

But Song Mo remained unfazed and said with a smile, "We were just idly chatting."

As a scholar, Dou Shiying naturally hoped Song Mo would also excel in learning. Hearing this, he immediately grew interested and pressed for details.

Dou Zhengchang quickly recounted the events, stirring Dou Shiying’s curiosity as he began discussing the Eight-legged Essay with Song Yumin.

Meanwhile, Song Mo found an excuse to seek out Dou Zhao. "What did Aunt say?"

"It’s settled!" Dou Zhao flashed a triumphant smile. "As long as the Song family agrees, the marriage can be finalized."

"The Song family might still pose some trouble," Song Mo said, sharing his test of Song Yan with Dou Zhao. "With such strong scholarship, he’s bound to pursue the imperial exams. He likely won’t agree to a matrilocal marriage."

Dou Zhao’s mouth fell open, and she said sheepishly, "No wonder Uncle and Aunt have struggled all these years to find a suitable match for Cousin."

"Still, it’s not impossible," Song Mo said, far more resolute than Dou Zhao. After a thoughtful pause, he added, "I’ve already found out where Song Yumin lives. Later, I’ll personally visit him and ensure he agrees to this marriage—since Song Qianli grew up relying on the kindness of many and owes Song Yumin a debt of gratitude, if Song Yumin agrees, how could he refuse?"

"But how do you plan to make Mr. Song agree?" In Dou Zhao’s impression, though Mr. Song was gentle, he was no pushover.

"Everyone has weaknesses," Song Mo replied. "Time is short, so I’ll engage with him first and see."

That was all they could do for now.

Dou Zhao felt somewhat disheartened.

Having struck out twice in matchmaking, she clearly lacked the talent for it. After finding a perfect match for Cousin Zhang Ru, she vowed never to meddle in such matters again.One went back to the inner courtyard, while the other returned to the Reception Hall.

After lunch, Song Yumin and Song Yan took their leave.

About the time it takes for an incense stick to burn, Song Mo and Dou Zhao also departed from Jing'an Temple Alley.

Dou Dechang pestered Dou Shiying: "Seventh Uncle, 'Knowing how to cultivate oneself and harmonize with the seasons'—was that the question you gave to Fourth Sister's husband?"

"I didn't!" Dou Shiying said in surprise. "Wasn't it Mr. Song who set the question?"

How would he dare to give Song Mo such a difficult question? If Song Mo couldn't answer it, wouldn't that damage their father-in-law and son-in-law relationship?

Dou Zhengchang and Dou Dechang couldn't help but exchange glances.

Dou Shiying grew anxious: "What exactly is going on? Quickly, tell me!"