Blossom

While Dou Zhao and Song Mo were enjoying their sweet time together, Song Yan tossed and turned all night, unable to sleep.

He recalled the care his clansmen had shown him in his childhood—the steaming bowl of porridge from his aunt on the back street during the harsh winter, the summer cloth jacket his third aunt had sewn for him during the scorching heat.

His uncle had four sons. When he went to Zhen Ding to teach, he had originally planned to take his youngest son along, both to continue his studies and to reduce household expenses. Yet in the end, he took Song Yan instead.

His aunt had nothing to her name but still prepared clothes for him to wear in all seasons.

Over the past two years, she had even tried to arrange a marriage for him. However, since he had no property or stable livelihood, respectable families demanded high betrothal gifts. With his uncle’s third and fourth cousins already married, the family was temporarily stretched thin. Those willing to marry their daughters to him were either families with problematic daughters or unscrupulous ones greedy for dowries. His aunt could have easily gone along with it, securing him a marriage just for the sake of it and earning herself a reputation as a "virtuous woman." But she insisted on finding him a partner who could truly share a life with him...

Song Yan’s eyes welled up with tears.

At the break of dawn, disregarding the strange looks from the servants, he knelt outside Song Yumin’s door.

When Song Yumin opened the door and saw the dew clinging to Song Yan’s hair, he stood frozen in the doorway.

After a long pause, he finally spoke hoarsely, “You already know?”

Song Yan nodded and said softly, “Uncle, I agree to this marriage!” His face was flushed with unmistakable shame.

“What nonsense are you saying?” Song Yumin quickly pulled Song Yan to his feet. “Did we raise you all these years just to send you off as a live-in son-in-law? Never mention this again. As for the Duke of Yingguo’s heir, I’ll handle it... At worst, I’ll go back to teaching for a few more years!”

“No,” Song Yan argued urgently. “It’s not because I’m afraid of the Duke of Yingguo’s heir’s persuasion. I want to go myself.”

His uncle’s eldest son was already a Recommended Man, and the third son had passed the imperial examination at the county level. Soon, his eldest nephew would also take the exams—there were many expenses ahead. In the past, there had been the Dou family’s tuition fees, but now they were living off dwindling savings. Many in his position would have long starved or frozen to death. He had grown up, received some education under his uncle’s guidance—what more could he ask for?

The only regret was that he couldn’t achieve success in the imperial exams to repay his uncle and clansmen’s kindness.

Song Yumin didn’t believe him.

Just two days ago, they had discussed how to register at the government office and take the preliminary exams upon returning to Quzhou. How could he change his mind so suddenly?

“Uncle!” Song Yan knelt at Song Yumin’s feet. “Magistrate Zhao and Madam Zhao are good people—they won’t treat me poorly. Please agree to this!”

He refused to rise from his knees.

Tears streamed down Song Yumin’s aged face.

The homeowner, Zheng Jiuyan, was a friend of Song Yumin’s.

Hearing from the servants that uncle and nephew were kneeling and talking outside, unsure of what had happened, he hurried over.Upon hearing it was about Song Yan's marriage, Zheng Jiuyan couldn't help but burst into laughter, chiding Song Yumin: "The Zhao family are scholars, naturally hoping their son-in-law understands poetry and literature. Otherwise, they wouldn't have kept their daughter unmarried for so long. Since your nephew is marrying into the Zhao family, he'll surely serve by Zhao Daren's side. The whole family are successful candidates in the highest imperial examinations—studying under Zhao Daren would be a hundred times better than studying with you! Even future generations would have the Dou family as a mighty tree to rely on. If you truly care for your nephew, just maintain frequent contact with the Zhao family in the future to uphold his reputation." He then teased Song Yumin, "Surely no one in your family covets the Zhao family's silver?"

This speech left Song Yumin both amused and exasperated.

Seizing the opportunity, Zheng Jiuyan said, "How about I act as the matchmaker?"

Song Yumin remained silent.

Song Yan quickly stood up to express his thanks.

Zheng Jiuyan laughed, "That's more like it! A true man acts openly and honorably. Once decided, he should carry it out with dignity!"

Song Yan nodded repeatedly.

Song Yumin heaved a long sigh and turned to enter the house.

Zheng Jiuyan winked at Song Yan, "You'll be living with the Zhao family from now on. Even if he knows you'll be well taken care of and treated like a son, he'll still feel reluctant. Go and have a good talk with your uncle."

Song Yan gratefully bowed to Zheng Jiuyan again.

Zheng Jiuyan waved his hand with a smile and, upon exiting the Hanging Flower Gate, sent someone to inquire about Dou Shiying's whereabouts. He timed his visit to Jing'an Temple Alley with twelve gift boxes, arriving just as Dou Shiying returned from his official duties.

When Dou Shiying heard Zheng Jiuyan's proposal, his jaw dropped in shock, and it took him a while to react.

He cautiously verified, "You're not mistaken, are you? Acting as matchmaker for Song Qianli and my cousin's daughter? My elder brother-in-law's family is seeking a son-in-law!"

"Exactly!" Zheng Jiuyan chuckled. "I've long heard your cousin is quiet and refined. Young Master Song has been studying under Mr. Song in your residence for years—his appearance and character are well known to you..."

Before he could finish, Dou Shiying was already excited. He hastily called Zheng Zhengchang to entertain the guest and dashed off to the guest quarters.

Aunt had also spent a sleepless night.

Would the Song family agree?

If not, what would become of Zhang Ru's marriage?

All possible friends had been approached, all suitable candidates had been considered—where else could they find an appropriate match?

If this matter got out, would people think the Zhao family was desperate to marry off their daughter, looking down on Zhang Ru?

Why hadn't they thought of Song Yan earlier?

If this had been proposed back in Zhen Ding, whether successful or not, it would have been settled, and they wouldn't have had to bring it to the Capital.

There are no walls without ears. While the Cat Alley side might be manageable, if the Locust Tree Alley folks found out, wouldn't they secretly gloat? And the Wang family also resides in the Capital...

The mere thought gave her a headache, leaving her listless all day.

Seeing Dou Shiying arrive in high spirits, Aunt was astonished.

Before she could speak, Dou Shiying dismissed the attendants, saying, "All of you, leave. I have something to discuss with Aunt."

The maids hurriedly withdrew.

Dou Shiying relayed Zheng Jiuyan's proposal to Aunt.

Aunt was stunned for a long moment before exclaiming, "Amituofo!" and saying, "Yantang—I've never seen anyone more steady and reliable than him in handling matters!"

"What does this have to do with Yantang?" Dou Shiying asked, bewildered.Aunt then told Dou Shiying about Dou Zhao and Song Mo's visit the previous day to discuss Zhao Zhangru's marriage.

Dou Shiying was stunned, finally understanding why Song Mo had tested Song Yan.

He couldn't help but beam with joy and recounted the events in the Reception Hall to Aunt: "...You see, this boy is not only steady but also meticulous and thoughtful. Most importantly, he's achieved success at a young age yet remains humble. Tell me, how did our Shou Gu end up with such a fine son-in-law?" Then, realizing that Zhao Zhangru, like Dou Zhao, had faced repeated setbacks in marriage and was now at risk of becoming an old maid, he comforted Aunt, "As the saying goes, those who wait get the best broth. If our Shou Gu married so well, our Zhangru will surely do the same!"

Aunt nodded repeatedly, smiling as she replied, "Thank you for your kind words."

This was the first time since Zhao Guqiu's passing that Aunt had spoken so calmly with Dou Shiying. Emboldened, he ventured, "Should we write to your brother and ask for his opinion?"

"Of course!" Aunt said. "If we're discussing a match with the Song family, we might need to stay in Jing'an Temple Alley for a while..."

"Please, stay as long as you like!" Dou Shiying hastily offered a few polite words before heading to the Reception Hall, where he invited Zheng Jiuyan to stay for dinner and subtly conveyed the Zhao family's willingness to proceed with the marriage.

This was a foregone conclusion, but for the sake of the Zhao family's dignity, it was better for the Song family to make the first move.

With Dou Zhengchang attending to them, Zheng Jiuyan and Dou Shiying toasted each other, their conversation flowing smoothly.

Aunt immediately sent someone to inform Dou Zhao.

Dou Zhao kissed Song Mo's face several times in delight. "You're amazing!" She then called her maid to freshen up her makeup before preparing to leave for Jing'an Temple Alley.

Song Mo touched his cheek, chuckling as he watched her. "The bride isn't even through the door yet, and the matchmaker is already tossed aside. How ruthless!"

Dou Zhao flashed him a radiant smile and playfully adopted a lofty tone. "Fine, you can come with me to my parents' home!"

Song Mo burst into laughter and indeed accompanied her to Jing'an Temple Alley.

Gaosheng, seeing the fourth paternal aunt and her husband return, rushed to announce their arrival and urgently instructed the kitchen, "Quick, prepare a fresh banquet—the fourth son-in-law is here!"

The servants sprang into action.

A slightly tipsy Dou Shiying insisted Song Mo sit in the Reception Hall, ordering Dou Zhao, "Go, keep your aunt company!"

Dou Zhao stifled a laugh and went to Aunt's quarters.

"My dear!" Aunt clasped Dou Zhao's hands, her eyes glistening. "You truly care for your cousin." She then inquired in detail about Song Yan.

Dou Zhao knew her cousin Zhangru's marriage was important to the Zhao family, but she hadn't expected her usually unflappable aunt to feel such pressure.

Had she known earlier, she would have intervened sooner.

Forget the past—this lifetime, she would ensure her uncle, aunt, and cousins lived happily!

Chagrined, Dou Zhao answered Aunt's questions earnestly.

A young maid entered and announced, "Madam, I've given the letter to Steward Gao. He said it's a bit late today, but he'll send it to the courier station first thing tomorrow."

Dou Zhao asked curiously, "What letter?"“A letter from your uncle,” said Aunt with a smile. “Such an important matter must be reported to him.”

“The Northwest is thousands of miles away. The round trip will take until after the New Year,” Dou Zhao replied. “Let me ask the heir to help you with this. If we send it through the Ministry of War, it’ll arrive in at most twenty days.”

“Good!” Aunt didn’t stand on ceremony. Without a definite reply from her husband, they couldn’t exchange the marriage matching cards. With the New Year approaching, the Song uncle and nephew were still staying at a friend’s place—they couldn’t keep everyone waiting in the Capital. “Talk to Yantang about it.”

Such a small matter was naturally handled flawlessly by Song Mo.

That very night, he had the Ministry of War include the letter in an urgent dispatch to the General Military Headquarters in Gansu, sending it off to Qingyang.

Before long, the entire Northwest knew that Zhao Si’s nephew-in-law was the heir of the Duke of Yingguo’s household!

But that was a story for later.

Since the Zhao and Song families were considering a marriage alliance, Song Yumin naturally wrote home to inform his family.

With waterways in Quzhou, correspondence was faster. Song Yumin’s wife soon replied, asking where the wedding would be held and if they needed assistance. She also enclosed a fifty-tael silver note, saying it was pooled by the clan for Song Yan’s wedding expenses.