Blossom

Chen Jia had made his calculations well, but given his social circle, finding a matchmaker who could move freely among high-ranking families was no easy task. Especially after the Vice Commissioner of the Embroidered Uniform Guard Garrison Command was transferred to serve as a vanguard officer in the Divine Machine Battalion, leaving the Vice Commissioner position vacant. Metropolitan Commander Shi Chuan of the Imperial Bodyguard personally summoned Chen Jia, hinting that if the Young Lord of the Duke of Yingguo, Song Yantang, would speak on his behalf, the Vice Commissioner position would be his. Thus, finding a well-connected woman who could converse with Madam Dou, the wife of the Duke of Yingguo's heir, became crucial.

He was so anxious that his mouth was covered in blisters.

He had already exchanged what he knew for Wang Yuan’s forgiveness. The fact that Song Mo hadn’t silenced him was already a mercy—how could he dare to approach Song Mo again?

Let alone ask Song Mo to intervene on his behalf.

But if he failed to enlist Song Mo’s help this time, his recent bluffing under Song Mo’s name would be exposed, and the consequences would be a living hell.

What should he do?

Chen Jia paced frantically in his room.

Huzi offered a suggestion: “Why not try to get in touch with Magistrate Dou from Jing'an Temple Alley? I’ve noticed the Young Lord seems to hold his father-in-law in high regard.”

Lately, to pave the way for future connections with the Young Lord’s wife, they had thoroughly investigated Madam Dou’s background.

“That probably won’t work,” Chen Jia dismissed the idea. “When Wang Shi entered the Dou household, the Dou and Zhao families fell out. Otherwise, Western Dou wouldn’t have given half their silver as dowry for the Young Lord’s wife. Over the years, Madam Dou has lived in Zhen Ding, exchanging monthly letters with her uncle and aunt, but she’s been at odds with her stepsister Dou Ming. And right after arriving in the capital, the sisters’ marriages were swapped—proof enough of her strained relationship with Magistrate Dou. Even if filial piety prevents her from openly resenting him, she can’t genuinely respect him. Getting close to Jing'an Temple Alley might backfire.” As he spoke, he thought of the properties under Dou Zhao’s name and winced.

A woman like this—powerful, wealthy, well-connected, and with a resolve fiercer than any man’s—even if they managed to meet her, how could they possibly sway her?

Chen Jia sighed deeply, muttering to himself, “What does Madam Dou lack, anyway?”

Huzi couldn’t help but grumble, “Exactly! A woman from a long line of officials, hiring a Recommended Man as her adviser and keeping a group of highly skilled guards—even the men managing high-ranking households don’t carry themselves like that. She’s more formidable than any man. How does the Young Lord tolerate it? And even letting her advisers and guards stay in the Hall of Cultivating Will…”

“Wait!” Chen Jia’s expression sharpened, his gaze locking onto Huzi. “What did you just say? Madam Dou’s people are staying in the Hall of Cultivating Will?”

“Yes!” Huzi replied. “Didn’t you know? The Dou family’s Third Master and Third Young Master have returned to Zhen Ding, but the escorts who accompanied them stayed behind. I checked discreetly—they’re the same people who used to follow Madam Dou in Zhen Ding…”"No, no," Chen Jia rubbed his hands excitedly, his face glowing with enthusiasm. "I know about this matter—I'm just kicking myself for not having thought of it earlier." He sat down on the Grand Preceptor's Chair beside Huzi. "Think about it. She's a woman who married into the Duke of England's Mansion, and the Young Lord holds her in such high regard. With just a word from her, the Young Lord's people would be at her disposal. So why hasn't she dismissed her former advisers and guards? She must have an agenda—one that aligns with the Young Lord's interests! I always wondered how the Young Lord, who had no prior connection with her, suddenly came to value her so much. Huzi, in this world, no matter what you do, if you get ahead of others, you'll achieve twice the result with half the effort. That's why so many high-ranking regional officials curry favor with minor court officials—even eunuchs. Tell me, if I, as a Vice Commissioner of the Pacification Office, pledge my loyalty to the Young Lord's wife and offer her the use of the Imperial Bodyguard, do you think she'd refuse?"

"W-what?" Huzi jumped up in alarm. "H-how can that be? The Pacification Office is the Emperor's eyes and ears, monitoring all officials..."

Chen Jia waved his hand impatiently, cutting him off. "I'm not talking about becoming the Young Lord's wife's personal servant. I'm just suggesting we use the Pacification Office's authority to help her with a few minor tasks within certain limits—nothing that would harm the court. Every Captain and Commander in the Pacification Office has done this kind of thing. Otherwise, how could they strut around the office acting so high and mighty?"

Huzi still felt uneasy. "Wouldn't it be better to align ourselves with the Duke of England's Young Lord? After all, he already has leverage over us. He'd find us more convenient to use!"

"You're being shortsighted!" Chen Jia retorted. "Given the Duke of England's Young Lord's current status and position, even Shi Chuan would probably jump at the chance to do a few private favors for him. Countless people are desperate to gain his favor—what do we have to offer him? We have to find another path!"

Huzi gave an awkward chuckle.

Even if they wanted to be a blade in the Duke of England's Young Lord's hand, they'd need to be sharp enough to satisfy him first!

Chen Jia instructed Huzi, "For the next few days, don't do anything else. Keep a close watch on the Hall of Cultivating Will yourself. Whenever Madam's carriage goes out without the Young Lord accompanying her, notify me immediately. I'll find a way to meet the Young Lord's wife. I refuse to believe the Embroidered Uniform Guard Garrison Command won't sway her!"

Huzi nodded repeatedly.

Dou Zhao had no idea someone was scheming so meticulously just to meet her.

While Zhao Liangbi was reviewing account books with Zhong Bingxiang, she sat in Song Mo's small study with Chen Qushui, discussing Su Xin and Su Lan's marriages: "...Do you think this arrangement is appropriate?"

After all, Chen Qushui was practically an elder to the Bie sisters. It would be best for Mr. Chen to sound out Su Xin's feelings on the matter."Liangbi is a child I've watched grow up. These past two years, while Suxin and Sulan have been in the capital with you, it's been Liangbi who personally tended to Master Bie's grave and conducted the annual memorial rites. He's upright in character and diligent in his work. If these two could be matched, I believe even Master Bie would have no objections." Mr. Chen was visibly pleased by this. "Sulan marrying Chen He would also be excellent. This way, our ties with the Hall of Cultivating Will would grow even stronger. Though Sulan is lively while Chen He is steady—I wonder if they'd suit each other... If Sulan isn't willing, perhaps consider Ganlu and Sujuan. They're not young anymore and should be thinking about marriage."

Dou Zhao smiled. "You've experienced much of life's intricacies—this matter still requires your guidance."

In her past life, she couldn't make things work with Wei Tingyu, but as the saying goes, "Marry a chicken, follow a chicken; marry a dog, follow a dog." She had resolved to make the best of it, enduring hardships and grievances without complaint. But in this life, being with Song Mo, she finally understood the joy of living with someone who truly cherished her. She wished the same happiness for those around her, hoping they wouldn't end up in miserable marriages.

Chen Qushui readily agreed.

The next day, Ganlu was the one sent to deliver tea to Zhao Liangbi.

Dou Zhao hid a smile.

Zhao Liangbi, however, grew as restless as an ant on a hot pan. That evening, he even sent Ganlu to ask Suxin, "Sister, why aren't you the one bringing tea to Manager Zhao anymore?"

Suxin, her face flushing crimson, glanced at Dou Zhao, who sat cheerfully on the kang sewing clothes for Song Mo, and retorted sharply, "I only did it because Madam was visiting him. Did you expect me to serve him?" Her unusually sharp tone startled Ganlu, who returned to Zhao Liangbi in confusion.

When Song Mo returned, Dou Zhao recounted the incident to him.

Song Mo wrapped an arm around Dou Zhao's shoulders, kissed her cheek affectionately, and teased, "You—you're becoming quite mischievous!"

Am I?

Dou Zhao reflected and realized she had indeed grown less rigid these days.

Before she could dwell on it, Song Mo kissed her forehead again and whispered warmly in her ear, "But I like you this way." A woman only lets go of her guardedness when she fully trusts the man beside her, no longer worrying about the storms outside.

Dou Zhao, however, thought of their recent intimate moments.

In both lifetimes, she had never allowed herself such abandon.

She really had been too "mischievous."

The thought gave her pause.

Her monthly courses... hadn't come on time.

Could it be?

Her heart raced with excitement—then she quickly suppressed it.

She mustn't jump to conclusions.

Somehow, she instinctively knew that if she were mistaken, Song Mo would be deeply hurt.

She took a deep breath to steady herself, but it caught Song Mo's attention.

"What's wrong? Are you feeling unwell?"

"No, no." In her past life, during her pregnancies, aside from occasional morning sickness, she had experienced no discomfort. The midwife had even joked, "A blessed lady like Madam ought to bear more children."

She decided to wait until two months had passed—when the pregnancy pulse could be reliably detected—before telling Song Mo.

With her mind made up, she dared not let Song Mo touch her that night.He was too fierce in this matter, completely unlike his usual composed and dignified demeanor in public. She was afraid he might harm the child.

Song Mo naturally wouldn’t force her. Seeing her restless, he held her in his arms like a child.

Dou Zhao, who had always been strong-willed—having gone through pregnancy and childbirth alone in her past life—now inexplicably felt suffocated and restless in Song Mo’s embrace. She tossed left and right, now wanting water, now finding the light too harsh, tormenting Song Mo for most of the night before finally drifting off to sleep.

Song Mo gazed at Dou Zhao curled up in his arms, his brows furrowed into a deep frown.

Dou Zhao was clearly hiding something from him!

The next noon, he discreetly summoned Su Xin for questioning.

Su Xin’s mind was entirely preoccupied with Chen Qushui’s words and had no idea why Dou Zhao was acting unusual. Her face flushed crimson as she stammered, unable to give a clear explanation.

Song Mo then went straight to Chen Qushui.

Chen Qushui laughed heartily and told Song Mo about the matter Dou Zhao had entrusted to him, adding, “After serving by her side for so many years, they’re like sisters. How could she bear to part with her?”

Song Mo returned and discussed it with Dou Zhao: “How about letting Su Xin stay at the Hall of Cultivating Will? Zhao Liangbi is a grown man—he can walk a few extra steps if needed. Su Xin can just keep you company and chat as before.”

If Su Lan were to marry Chen He, she would naturally also live at the Hall of Cultivating Will. This arrangement would ensure Dou Zhao’s life remained unchanged, just as it had always been.