Blossom

Ji Shi remained silent.

Her thoughts turned to Ji Yong.

Not long ago, Old Master Ji had arranged a potential marriage for Ji Yong. Before the two families could even meet, the girl's family suddenly backed out. They sent a message to Old Master Ji saying, "Our daughter isn't so desperate that she needs to chase after your family." No matter how much the Ji family inquired or explained, the other side refused to engage. When pressed too hard, they simply retorted, "If you want to know why, ask your precious Presented Scholar Ji!" What was meant to be a marriage alliance ended in enmity.

Old Master Ji was furious and summoned Ji Yong for an explanation.

Ji Yong admitted everything openly, saying, "I want to find a wife who suits my own preferences. If you keep forcing mismatched pairs on me, I have ways to retaliate. Let's not turn friends into enemies over this!"

His words left Old Master Ji fuming.

Ji Yong's father tried to mediate with endless pleas.

Yet Ji Yong remained unmoved in his stance.

With no other options, Ji Yong's mother complained to Ji Shi during her New Year visit, asking her to persuade Ji Yong.

Ji Yong showed some restraint in front of Ji Shi, but his words were just as infuriating: "Stay out of this matter. I'll marry when I want to. My great-grandfather promised that once I became a Presented Scholar, he wouldn't interfere in my affairs. Not only have I achieved that, but I'm also dutifully serving in the Imperial Academy. If he goes back on his word, I won't keep mine either. Since my mother has asked you to intervene, aunt, please relay my exact words to the old master."

Hearing this, Old Master Ji was disheartened.

Confiding in Ji Shi, he said, "Do you think Jianming still has feelings for your family's fourth girl?"

Caught between her marital and natal families, Ji Shi found it difficult to answer.

"Probably not?" she hedged. "You know his temperament—if he still cared for Shou Gu, he'd have already schemed to break them apart. Why would he stay so quiet?"

Old Master Ji pondered this and sighed. "You're right. That's exactly how he is."

Ji Shi then advised, "Some men mature early, others late. Jianming is already a Successful candidate in the highest imperial examinations—why worry he won't find a good wife? Don't fret over this. Perhaps his romantic luck will turn in the new year!"

Old Master Ji nodded. "He's like a stubborn mule that won't drink when led to water. Maybe it's best to let this rest for now." And so, he stopped pressing Ji Yong about marriage.

But there was one thing Ji Shi dared not tell anyone.

When she was leaving, Ji Yong came to see her off and asked, "Is Song Mo treating Shou Gu well?"

The question nearly made Ji Shi's soul leave her body. She almost clapped a hand over his mouth in panic. Hurriedly, she replied, "They're doing very well. Shou Gu is about to become a mother. If you don't believe me, go ask around yourself," before hastily boarding her carriage.

Could it be that Ji Yong truly still harbored feelings for Shou Gu?

If so, this would be troublesome indeed.

Should she inform Dou Zhao?

But if she did, would it burden Dou Zhao's heart?

Torn between choices, Ji Shi spent the entire evening in a daze. She barely remembered what lanterns she saw or what snacks she ate. Only upon returning home did she snap back to reality when she saw Han Shi pulling a small oiled packet from her sleeve and feeding some treat to her son. The young couple's sweet intimacy was the envy of onlookers.

This scene made Ji Shi think of her own younger son.Ji Lingze no longer accepted anything her son sent her... She only hoped he would realize his mistakes and turn back.

Speaking of which, her son also carried half of the Ji family's bloodline.

How was it that the Ji family members were all so well-behaved, yet in this generation, not only did they have a Ji Yong, but also a Dou Dechang?

Ji Shi shook her head helplessly.

By the eighteenth day of the first lunar month, she went to see off Madam Zhao and her daughter—after the seventeenth, when the lanterns were taken down, the New Year celebrations were officially over. Aunt and Zhao Zhangru were also moving to Yuqiao Alley. Since Ji Shi had always been on good terms with Madam Zhao, it was only proper for her to bid them farewell. Moreover, the Ji family also lived in Yuqiao Alley, so she could introduce Madam Zhao to her elder sister-in-law. After all, a close neighbor was better than a distant relative. If the Zhao mother and daughter encountered any difficulties there, the Ji family could lend a hand.

Unexpectedly, others had arrived even earlier.

When she arrived, Fifth Madam, her daughter-in-law, and Dou Zhao were already there.

Seeing Dou Zhao wearing a bright red fur-lined jacket trimmed with black sable, her skin glowing like snow, elegant and radiant, Ji Shi couldn’t help but step forward and take her hand, smiling, "Now that you're expecting, you’ve become even more beautiful."

Dou Zhao turned to Zhao Zhangru with a laugh and said, "Elders always prefer women with full, moon-like faces—plump and blessed with good fortune. Sixth Aunt here is just saying I’ve gained weight."

Everyone burst into laughter.

Ji Shi said, "What’s wrong with gaining weight? Only when everything goes smoothly can one put on weight." She then pinched Dou Zhao’s cheek playfully and scolded, "How dare you tease your Sixth Aunt!"

Dou Zhao ran to Zhao Zhangru’s side, wrapping an arm around her shoulder as she laughed heartily.

Her laughter was bright and unrestrained, as radiant as a fine day in May.

Ji Shi had never seen such a cheerful Dou Zhao before.

Her feelings were somewhat complicated.

She decided to introduce her sister-in-law to Madam Zhao another day.

※※※※※

Although Song Mo’s residence in Yuqiao Alley wasn’t large, it was exquisitely refined.

In front of the gate stood a century-old camphor tree. Inside, a bluestone "Fu" character screen wall greeted visitors, and a cluster of bamboo by the corner grew taller than the eaves. The uniformly black-lacquered furniture had acquired a smooth, lustrous sheen over the years. Hanging in the central hall was a priceless ink painting by the master Zhao Yan from the previous dynasty, titled "Returning Home on a Snowy Night."

Even Sixth Aunt, who was particular about food, clothing, and furnishings, couldn’t help but praise its elegance.

Aunt, however, felt somewhat uneasy and said, "I didn’t expect the residence to be so well-kept. I’m afraid hosting the banquet here might ruin it."

Zhao Zhangru would hold her wedding here.

Dou Zhao smiled and said, "No matter how fine a residence is, it’s like wearing brocade at night if no one appreciates it. Feel free to use it—it’ll do the place good to air out."

This drew another round of laughter.

The residence’s stewardess promptly brought maids and old women to greet them.

Seeing that Song Mo had even arranged for night-watch old women, Aunt was deeply moved.

The stewardess had already been instructed that the temporary residents were Madam’s maternal uncle and aunt, and she was to serve them attentively. Now, witnessing Dou Zhao personally escort Madam Zhao over, she understood they were close relatives, not distant kin seeking favors. Thus, she became even more meticulous, personally preparing two signature dishes to treat Dou Zhao and the others. Since it was nearly noon by the time they saw Aunt settled in Yuqiao Alley, and the stewardess had prepared the meal, they didn’t stand on ceremony and stayed for lunch.

Though the dishes were simple home-style fare, they were exceptionally delicious.

Both Ji Shi and Fifth Madam couldn’t stop praising Song Mo for his thoughtfulness.Dou Zhao smiled faintly, deciding to reward Song Mo properly once they returned home.

Since Aunt was still packing her belongings, they sat for a while before preparing to take their leave. Just then, a page rushed in and announced, "Master Chen from the Embroidered Uniform Guard Garrison Command has heard that Madam is here and wishes to pay his respects."

Only then did Dou Zhao recall that Chen Jia lived in this neighborhood—as did Ji Yong, who also resided in Yuqiao Alley.

It seemed all their acquaintances had gathered in one place.

She wondered how Ji Yong was doing these days.

Had he been dutifully fulfilling his duties at the Imperial Academy?

He wasn’t the type to grow more composed with age!

With a smile, Dou Zhao said to the page, "I’ll be returning to the mansion shortly. Please inform Master Chen that I’m currently accompanying several elders and it would be inconvenient to meet him. Since my aunt resides here, I’d appreciate it if he could extend his care to her if the opportunity arises."

The page bowed and left.

Cai Shi clicked her tongue in admiration. "The fourth son-in-law is truly impressive! Even the officials from the Embroidered Uniform Guard Garrison Command come to pay their respects when they hear the fourth paternal aunt is here!"

Fifth Madam frowned, displeased by Cai Shi’s blatant flattery.

Guo Shi quickly stepped in to smooth things over. "Now the fourth paternal aunt can rest assured, yes? Even the guards for Aunt have been arranged."

Fifth Madam chuckled.

Guo Shi then said, "Since Cousin is about to get married, why don’t I come by tomorrow to help Aunt with errands?"

Both Fifth Madam and Cai Shi were taken aback.

Guo Shi had always been quiet and reserved—why had she suddenly become so sociable?

Aunt, of course, was delighted to have someone familiar with the Capital assisting her and eagerly agreed.

Dou Zhao, however, gave Guo Shi a thoughtful glance before following the others as Aunt escorted them to the Hanging Flower Gate. They then returned to the Duke of England's Mansion.

Song Mo was in the study, conversing with Master Yan.

Dou Zhao was surprised. "Why has the heir returned so early today?"

Gan Lu shook her head.

Just then, Su Xin came by to visit.

Dou Zhao promptly set the matter aside and joyfully welcomed Su Xin inside.

"Let me see if there’s any change in you!" Dou Zhao took Su Xin’s hands and examined her closely.

Her jet-black hair was now styled in a married woman’s round bun, adorned with a pale yellow lilac and a purple silk bauhinia flower. She wore a plain yet elegant blue brocade back coat, with filigree lantern-shaped gold earrings dangling from her ears—her delicate beauty now carried an air of dignified grace.

Dou Zhao nodded approvingly. "You look every bit the part of a steward’s wife now!"

Su Xin blushed.

Su Juan then entered with Ruo Zhu, and upon seeing Su Xin, they exchanged excited greetings before Su Juan asked Dou Zhao for instructions: "The manager of the silk shop has brought the summer fabric selections. Should we follow the usual practice of giving each person a set of dark blue linen back coats, or would you prefer a different color this year?"

The household had two to three hundred servants, and it was customary to prepare summer clothes in spring and winter clothes in summer.

Dou Zhao smiled. "Let’s stick to the usual arrangement."

Su Juan curtsied and was about to leave when Su Xin spoke up. "Madam, I recall you brought over a dozen bolts of fine plain silk when you married. Unlike other fabrics, these will deteriorate if stored too long. Perhaps you could spare a few to reward the servants, lest they go to waste in the storeroom."

The moment the words left her mouth, Su Xin regretted them deeply.

She was no longer Madam’s personal maid—such matters were no longer her place to advise. Yet old habits died hard, and she had once again overstepped.Dou Zhao had always regarded Su Xin as one of her own, so she didn't dwell on it too much. With a sigh, she remarked, "You're so thoughtful! I can't even remember what's in my own treasury anymore!"

"I could still come back to serve you!"

The words nearly escaped Su Xin's lips, but she quickly swallowed them back.

Every household had its own rules. A maidservant who had married had her own family to care for and couldn't serve her mistress full-time—it simply wasn't done for her to return to service.

After a moment's thought, she said, "Madam, have you found a new personal maidservant yet? Perhaps Su Lan could delay her wedding for a while. Without a capable person by your side, I think even if Su Lan were married, she wouldn't be at ease."