Blossom

Soon, Fifth Aunt arrived.

They exchanged pleasantries as expected.

The invited Eldest Sister-in-law also came, and with Guo Shi's daughter and Cai Shi's two sons adding to the lively atmosphere, the room became quite bustling.

Guo Shi and Cai Shi busied themselves leading the maids to set the table, while Fifth Aunt pulled Eldest Sister-in-law into her inner chamber, claiming she had recently acquired several boxes of palace flowers and wanted Eldest Sister-in-law to bring them over so everyone could pick a few to wear.

This left only Second Madam and Dou Zhao in the room, along with the silver-bell-like laughter of the three children.

Only then did Second Madam take Dou Zhao's hand and say softly, "Now that you're about to be married, it's only right that the properties under your name be handed over to you. Have you thought about who will assist you in managing them?"

Dou Zhao allowed Second Madam to hold her hand without showing any emotion, smiling as she replied, "I've discussed this matter with the Young Lord. He has thirteen trading firms in Guangdong, doesn't he? The Shopkeeper Zhong there has inherited his father's business and has been managing those firms all along. I originally planned to have Zhao Liangbi take over, but I was afraid he might be too young and impulsive for such a responsibility. The Young Lord suggested having Shopkeeper Zhong come and guide him for a while. I thought this was a perfect solution, so I agreed."

Second Madam wasn't surprised.

Anyone who wouldn't be tempted by such a vast estate would have to be a saint.

After a moment's thought, she said, "Though the husband is the head of the wife, wealth can sway hearts. You must keep your wits about you in such matters. I think for things like farmland and ponds, there's no need to trouble Shopkeeper Zhong. Just select a few reliable Manor Heads."

Dou Zhao smiled. "You're absolutely right. Better the devil you know than the devil you don't. I think for now, we can let the current Manor Heads continue managing their respective estates. When Third Cousin was helping me with the affairs, weren't these Manor Heads quite dependable? I've noticed the rents in recent years have increased significantly compared to before."

Second Madam chuckled wryly at this.

No matter what she said, Dou Zhao had a ready response, showing she had come prepared. But was it Dou Zhao who had guessed her intentions, or Song Mo?

The more this was the case, the more she felt compelled to speak plainly.

"Silly girl," Second Madam sighed. "Even if your husband has it, it's better to pass it from your left hand to your right. Some things are better kept in your own hands."

Had it not been for past events, Dou Zhao might have been moved by Second Madam's heartfelt advice. Unfortunately, her mother's death had hardened her heart across two lifetimes, leaving no room for even a ripple of emotion toward Second Madam.

She silently scoffed to herself.

Better to let Song Mo have it than let you take it.

Outwardly, however, she smiled and replied, "Yes, I'll remember your words and be careful."Second Madam had risen from a young bride to her current esteemed position as the family matriarch. She could easily see through Dou Zhao’s perfunctory attitude but could only sigh inwardly for now, setting the matter aside. “In that case, let your Third Uncle and Third Cousin come to the Capital. While your Aunt hasn’t yet returned to Qingyang, we’ll settle the accounts of the past few years and hand them over to you.” She added, “It’s also convenient since Boyan will be taking the Spring Examination next year. They can travel together for company.” Then she sighed. “If Boyan fails again this year, I plan to have him study with your Father in Jing'an Temple Alley. Why seek out so-called ‘renowned tutors’ who haven’t even passed the provincial exams when we have a current Hanlin scholar at home? That’s putting the cart before the horse.”

After Dou Qijun failed the exams, he didn’t shut himself away to study but instead traveled with two bookboys. Among the “Qi” generation, he was the first to achieve scholarly success. The Dou family had high hopes for him, so it was no wonder Second Madam was displeased.

Whether in her past life or this one, Dou Zhao had always held a favorable impression of Dou Qijun, considering him an upright and principled man. Moreover, regardless of the motives behind it, she was genuinely pleased that the properties under her name could be reclaimed so smoothly.

However, she remembered that Dou Qijun would likely become a Presented Scholar next year, the Renxu year, so her Father probably wouldn’t have the chance to mentor him.

“Let’s hope Boyan won’t need to study in Jing'an Temple Alley,” she said with a cheerful smile, her lips curving upward. “Instead, he’ll write a glorious tale of ‘three Hanlin scholars in one family, uncle and nephew both Presented Scholars.’”

Second Madam was taken aback, then burst into laughter, repeatedly saying, “May your words prove auspicious, Fourth Paternal Aunt. Let’s hope Boyan has that opportunity.”

“Boyan’s scholarship is excellent. Second Madam should have more faith in him,” Dou Zhao replied. They chatted about family matters over lunch, then spent the afternoon playing cards. It wasn’t until dusk that Dou Zhao, having eaten little, returned to the Hall of Cultivating Will.

As Gan Lu helped her change clothes, Dou Zhao asked, “What did Mr. Chen and the others do today?”

“Mr. Chen and Master Chen went out. Master Duan stayed home chatting with the guards who didn’t leave,” Gan Lu replied cheerfully. “They said they wanted to explore the Capital properly and familiarize themselves with the routes so they wouldn’t be clueless when accompanying Madam outside.”

Dou Zhao thought for a moment. “When Mr. Chen returns, go and tell him that Zhao Liangbi will be coming to the Capital in a few days with Third Master and the others. If any of them wish to bring their families, they can travel with Zhao Liangbi.”

To Gan Lu and the others, Zhen Ding was their true home. No matter how splendid the Capital was, it could still feel lonely. Having a few fellow townsfolk around would make life more lively and secure.

She eagerly agreed, “Understood. I’ll go tell Master Duan right away.”

Dou Zhao nodded but then remarked, “This Zhao Liangbi—I left him in Zhen Ding hoping he’d alert me if Dong Dou made any moves, but he ended up knowing nothing.” Her tone carried clear dissatisfaction.

Gan Lu was surprised.

Dou Zhao never spoke this way about those around her. What was wrong today?

She could only smile and say, “Don’t be upset, Madam. Have some tea to calm yourself.”

Dou Zhao glanced at her.

Gan Lu’s gaze was clear, her expression unreadable.Dou Zhao sighed inwardly and repeated the same words to Su Xin.

Su Xin's smile faltered for a moment before she quickly explained on Zhao Liangbi's behalf, "Shopkeeper Zhao is so capable—perhaps he just didn’t notice this time. When he arrives, you can ask him directly, and everything will be clear."

Perhaps their fates had already shifted the moment Wang Yingxue became a concubine.

Dou Zhao discussed with Song Mo, "When Zhao Liangbi arrives, I plan to finalize the marriage arrangements for both Su Xin and Su Lan."

Song Mo, who had been lying on the heated brick bed reading, immediately sat up. "So, you agree to let Su Lan marry Chen He?"

"Only if they’re willing," Dou Zhao replied, her smile fading slightly. "Su Xin and Su Lan have taken care of me for so many years. They deserve their own lives too."

"Ah!" Song Mo flopped back onto the bed in disappointment. "I thought you’d agreed to let Su Lan marry Chen He!"

Dou Zhao chuckled and stroked Song Mo’s forehead. "Even if my personal maids don’t marry into the Hall of Cultivating Will, does that mean we’re not family?"

Song Mo mumbled, "Wouldn’t it be better if they did?"

Dou Zhao laughed and then brought up her visit to Huai Tree Alley that day. "Could you ask Shopkeeper Zhong to come as soon as possible? I think Third Uncle and the others will arrive very soon."

Song Mo rolled over, resting his head on Dou Zhao’s lap. "No need to rush. Shopkeeper Zhong is already on his way."

Dou Zhao was taken aback.

Song Mo closed his eyes and pointed to his forehead, signaling for her to continue massaging it. Lazily, he added, "Every year at the start of winter, he comes to the Capital to settle accounts with me. I figured he’d arrive in the next few days."

Seeing Song Mo sprawled comfortably across her lap like a big cat, Dou Zhao felt both amused and exasperated. But in the end, her heart softened—he rarely had moments this relaxed. She continued gently stroking his forehead.

The room fell into silence.

When Dou Zhao looked down, Song Mo had already drifted into a peaceful sleep.

These past days, he had been busy apprehending the thieves who set fire to the Duke of England's Mansion, helping his cousin find a suitable match, and handling the aftermath. He must be exhausted.

Without thinking, she leaned down and pressed a light kiss to his forehead.

The lingering warmth on her lips made her pause.

When had she and Song Mo become so intimate?

Outside, the cold wind howled, but inside, the room was as warm as spring.

Dou Zhao carefully pulled a quilt over Song Mo, covering him gently.

※※※※※

From a distance, Tao Qizhong heard Chen Qushui’s voice.

The same voice that had startled him awake several times in his dreams since returning to the Capital.

"Is that Chen Bo you mentioned?" Tao Qizhong asked Chang Guard, his lips slightly pale.

Though they were standing atop the Lake Tai Rockery, looking down at the covered corridors below, the bright red lanterns hanging along the corridors illuminated the surroundings clearly. Mr. Chen and his companions, who had just returned from visiting the Great Xiangguo Temple, walked along the corridors, chatting and laughing. Under the light, they were as visible as if they stood in broad daylight.

"That’s him," Chang Guard said, his hands clenched into tight fists. "I’m not mistaken. I’d recognize him even if he were reduced to ashes."

"He was indeed Madam’s accountant when she was still in her maiden home," Tao Qizhong said. "I met him once when I went to Zhen Ding. Everyone in Zhen Ding knows of this Mr. Chen."

If the person who rescued the Young Lord was Mr. Chen, then what about Madam...?

Chang Guard grew excited, his fists tightening even more.Tao Qizhong's mind was completely blank.

The night wind howled past, bitingly cold.

Both men shivered and snapped back to reality.

"I think... we should report this matter to the Duke," Tao Qizhong said slowly, his thoughts still sluggish as if filled with paste. "Let the Duke decide how to handle it."

Contrary to his usual demeanor, Chang Guard immediately pulled Tao Qizhong toward Cassia Fragrance Courtyard.

Song Yichun had spent the entire day anxiously awaiting news from Tao Qizhong. When he saw the two men enter together, he disregarded propriety between master and servant and rushed forward, asking, "What have you found out?"

"That Mr. Chen is indeed the missing adviser Chen Bo from back then," Chang Guard blurted out before Tao Qizhong could speak. "Moreover, Chen Bo was indeed the accountant from Madam's maiden family. Those guards were also former attendants of Madam."

Song Yichun's face turned pale.

In other words, it was this Chen Bo who had rescued Song Mo that night.

And behind Chen Bo stood Dou Shi.

So did the Dou family know about his attempt to kill Song Mo?

Why hadn't they shown any signs of it when he went to propose marriage?

How had the Dou family's former accountant ended up in Hall of Cultivating Will?

And how had Chen Bo learned about his plot against Song Mo?

Chen Bo, a scholar who couldn't even harm a chicken, couldn't have personally rescued Song Mo. So how had he managed to help Song Mo escape?

Song Mo had always been one to repay both kindness and grudges. Among these newly arrived people, were there any who had once saved Song Mo and thus earned his gratitude?

Song Yichun's temples throbbed as if struck by a heavy hammer, and he collapsed into the Grand Preceptor's Chair.