Blossom

The Duke of England's Mansion was a century-old noble household, and over the years, its relationships with the various powerful families in the Capital had become so entangled that they were impossible to sever or sort out. The Spring Banquet was the perfect occasion for these families to deepen bonds, mend rifts, and rebuild connections. If you thought hosting the Spring Banquet for the Duke of England's Mansion was difficult, that wasn’t necessarily the case—there were established standards and etiquette to follow, and those managing the household only needed to adhere to the rules. But if you assumed it was that easy, you’d be mistaken—last year, a certain guest might have required a first-class banquet, while this year, they might only merit a third-class one.

Song Yichun found it challenging to strike the right balance, let alone Dou Zhao, who had just married into the family.

He was more than happy to hand over the Spring Banquet preparations to Dou Zhao.

Dou Zhao was indeed unfamiliar with these matters, but she could freely and easily mobilize Song Mo’s people—Yan Chaoqing and Liao Bifeng were at her disposal. Moreover, she had Song Mo himself.

"This year’s Spring Banquet, I’ll handle it," he said, patting Dou Zhao’s hand reassuringly. "I’ve already spoken to the Emperor. The Duke of England's Mansion has few heirs, and you’re pregnant—it’s not good for you to overexert yourself. The Emperor agreed, which is why he granted me five days off."

Yet, even now, she hadn’t received the guest list for the banquet.

Dou Zhao giggled.

She increasingly felt that Song Yichun behaved like a woman.

Song Mo couldn’t fathom what Song Yichun was thinking, but from a woman’s perspective, it was easy for her to guess his intentions.

She was determined to make Song Yichun’s eyes pop out of his head.

After instructing those around her not to reveal a single word, she leisurely stayed at home, enjoying her snacks.

So when Zeng Wu, under Song Yichun’s orders, brought the guest list for the day’s banquet for Dou Zhao’s review, she set down her half-finished bowl of bird’s nest soup and called out crisply, "Yantang!" She said, "The Duke has sent over the list of guests for today’s banquet. You’d better hurry to the main courtyard. The stewardesses are all waiting there for instructions!" She added, "It’s almost lunchtime, and the invited guests will be arriving soon. If the food isn’t ready when they arrive, that would be disastrous."

Her tone was as if she were directing a household steward.

Zeng Wu was horrified.

How dare Madam speak to the Young Lord like that?

Yet Song Mo responded as if it were perfectly natural: "Understood. I’ll go now. It’s too cold outside—stay home and don’t wander around. Be careful not to catch a chill."

Zeng Wu felt sweat bead on his forehead and a chill run down his spine.

Why had he listened to the Duke and gotten himself tangled up in this mess?

If the Duke offended the Young Lord, what could the Young Lord possibly do to his own father?

But if he offended the Young Lord, Lü Zheng’s fate would be his example.Zeng Wu tiptoed out of the Hall of Cultivating Will with Song Mo, circled around, and then came back. With a thud, he knelt before Dou Zhao: "Madam, it's not that I didn't want to bring the list earlier, but I just got my hands on it. I didn't delay for a moment! If you don't believe me, you can ask the pages around me! I wouldn't dare deceive you! In my heart, I've always been loyal to you, Madam. Take the last incident, for example—the silver frost charcoal in the Duke's room was almost used up. According to the Duke's wishes, I was to buy it directly from outside, but fearing it might tarnish your reputation, didn't I immediately send a message to your Ruo Zhu sister through a little maid?"

That's because you were afraid of getting yourself involved, wasn't it?

Dou Zhao waved her hand dismissively.

She wasn't about to argue with someone like Zeng Wu.

Still, she couldn't help but marvel.

Song Mo's reputation was truly useful!

Otherwise, even if Zeng Wu feared getting involved, he wouldn't have groveled so much.

Watching Zeng Wu hang his head and shuffle toward the door, she suddenly had an idea and called him back: "There are three maids in the Second Master's room who will be released after the New Year. Has the Duke made any arrangements?"

Zeng Wu perked up immediately and eagerly replied, "Rest assured, Madam, I'll go inquire about this for you right away."

Dou Zhao sneered, "No need. If you still have to inquire, I might as well have Ruo Zhu ask the Duke directly—it might even be faster than you."

Zeng Wu deflated instantly and stammered awkwardly, "The Duke intends to assign a maid named Chuan'er from his own staff to serve the Second Master. As for the third-rank maids, he hasn't said anything."

Probably because he didn't think much of them!

Dou Zhao gave him a knowing smile and asked, "What about you? Has anyone come begging to you? Serving in the Second Master's room, even as a third-rank maid, means wearing gold and silver and commanding old women—quite a good position, isn't it?"

Zeng Wu's face flushed crimson, and he hurriedly said, "These are matters for the masters—how could I possibly interfere?"

"Good that you know your place!" Dou Zhao cut him off before he could finish. "You may leave. I'll summon you if I need anything."

Zeng Wu retreated uneasily.

Su Lan pouted and said, "Madam, why bother talking to him about this? Since the Duke has already arranged for the second-rank maid, there's no need for us to compete. If the Second Master notices, it might reflect poorly on us. Why not invite the Second Master over, promote the maids he favors to second or third rank, and add our people as low-ranking maids? Usually, the masters are least wary of the low-ranking maids and old women."

Of course, it would also stir up some trouble between the Duke and the Second Master, creating a bit of discord.

But that wasn't something she could say outright to Madam. After all, the Duke was also Madam's father-in-law, and speaking too plainly would only put her in an awkward position.

Dou Zhao exclaimed in surprise, "How much you've grown in just a few days! Ever since you got engaged to Chen He, our Su Lan seems to have gained new insight—even understanding such matters now. Tell me honestly, was it Chen He who explained this to you?"

Su Lan's face turned bright red.

Fortunately, she was naturally forthright. Though embarrassed, she answered candidly, "Yes. He noticed I was upset and asked me what was wrong, then explained it to me."Song Yichun wanted to assign his second-rank maid Chuan'er to serve Song Han, a matter Dou Zhao had already learned about. However, seeing how terrified Zeng Wu was of Song Mo, she decided to give Zeng Wu another hard lesson to make him remember—perhaps he might prove useful in the future.

Hearing this, Dou Zhao couldn’t help but smile, though she also felt a pang of melancholy. It was like watching a daughter grow up and marry—there was an inevitable reluctance to let go.

Song Mo wanted her to feel a stronger sense of belonging in the Hall of Cultivating Will and suggested selecting one of her favored senior maids to marry Chen He. She liked Chen He for his loyalty and righteousness, but the one getting married was Su Lan, and Su Lan’s approval was essential. Worried that Su Lan might agree out of gratitude for her kindness without thinking it through, Dou Zhao had hesitated for a long time. Unexpectedly, after learning of the proposal, Su Lan ran to the outer courtyard, demanding by name to see Chen He. She bluntly told him, "If you’re loyal to the heir and Madam, I’ll marry you. Otherwise, even if we become husband and wife, it won’t last."

Dou Zhao was so anxious she nearly saw stars, blaming herself for spoiling Su Lan too much. When she met Song Mo afterward, she gloomily suggested finding someone else. Yet, to her surprise, Chen He and his mother not only approved of Su Lan’s words but also learned why the Bie sisters had sought refuge with Dou Zhao. Recognizing Su Xin and Su Lan as women of unwavering loyalty, they immediately agreed to the marriage.

Now, it seemed Chen He treated Su Lan quite well, even teaching her how to conduct herself properly.

Only this way could Su Lan grow.

This was something both Dou Zhao and Su Xin had failed to provide for Su Lan—the former treating her like a daughter, the latter burdened by guilt due to past family misfortunes.

If marrying Chen He could make up for Su Lan’s shortcomings, then this was truly an excellent match!

Dou Zhao clasped her hands together, silently praying to the Bodhisattva that both Bie sisters would enjoy harmonious marriages and grow old together with their husbands.

After her prayers, her thoughts turned to Gan Lu and Su Juan.

Her headache returned.

This life had already diverged greatly from her past one. What was to be done about these two?

She listed all the eligible candidates from the Hall of Cultivating Will on paper, pondering carefully.

When Song Mo entered, he saw his wife lost in thought under the lamplight. Her fair face glowed like jade, her dark eyes bright and clear, while her long, arched brows lent her a spirited charm. There was also a serene grace about her, the beauty of time’s quiet passage.

Motioning for the attending maids to stay silent, he stood there admiring her for a long moment before quietly approaching.

The paper spread on the kang table was filled with various names.

Song Mo chuckled softly. "Practicing calligraphy?"

Dou Zhao startled, pressing a hand to her chest as she exhaled sharply. "Must you sneak in like that?" she chided.

Song Mo hadn’t expected to frighten her and quickly embraced her in apology. "My fault. I won’t do it again."

Dou Zhao frowned slightly. "Have you been drinking heavily today?"

He sniffed his sleeve. "Is the smell still strong? I washed up before coming in. I’ll go rinse my mouth again."

Dou Zhao herself could hold her liquor, and besides the scent of wine, Song Mo carried a faint herbal fragrance that wasn’t unpleasant at all.She wrapped her arms around Song Mo's waist and laughed, "No need, it's just that the smell is a bit stronger than usual. How was the Spring Banquet today? I heard the dishes at noon were quite mediocre, but thankfully the drinks were good, and they invited an opera troupe for a Private Performance, so at least there weren’t any complaints!"

Song Mo nibbled her ear and said suggestively, "Didn’t you already know—those people were too busy staring at the famous actors to even notice what they were eating?"

Dou Zhao chuckled.

She was just being cautious, after all!

In any case, she was happy to see Song Yichun take a fall.

But Song Mo sincerely thanked her, "You’ve worked hard! Coming up with such a clever plan."

Dou Zhao smiled, "Then what do you call you praising me in front of Zeng Wu today?"

Song Mo didn’t answer, his eyes sparkling like morning stars as he gazed at her quietly.

Dou Zhao’s heart pounded wildly, feeling as though she had fallen into a sea of starlight, drifting along with it.

Song Mo chuckled softly and kissed her lips tenderly, "Shou Gu, you silly little fool!"

Dou Zhao snapped out of it, her face burning, and glared at him fiercely.

Unaware that her eyes were filled with affection, the sidelong glance she gave him was more alluring than anything else.

The lights in the room suddenly went out.

In the darkness, rustling sounds could be heard, along with Dou Zhao’s soft gasp...