Blossom

Dou Zhao couldn't sleep and lay awake until dawn.

Seeing her looking weary, Song Mo thought he might have disturbed her during the night and said with a smile, "Should I set up a daybed by the bed tomorrow and sleep there instead?"

He couldn’t bear the thought of sleeping in separate rooms.

Dou Zhao chuckled, "Then I’d have to get up in the middle of the night to check if your blankets are tucked in properly—that’s even more troublesome. Just rest properly in bed and stop coming up with these ideas."

Hearing her words, Song Mo couldn’t help but raise his brows and smile.

That warm, gentle smile brightened the morning air.

※※※※※

A few days later, Du Wei came to report to Dou Zhao: "What the Li sisters said was true. Their father’s martial brother didn’t just become an outlaw—he also kidnapped the concubine of the Vice Commissioner of Fuzhou’s Pacification Office and stole their silver, which is why the Imperial Bodyguards were after him."

Dou Zhao couldn’t help but laugh.

Seeing her interest, Du Wei continued, "The Li family was just unlucky. A Recommended Man surnamed Yin from Wuyi had long coveted the Li family’s three hundred acres of fertile land but never had a chance to seize it. When the Li family got into trouble, this Yin Recommended Man seized the opportunity to send a hundred taels of silver to the Vice Commissioner of Fuzhou’s Pacification Office, who then framed the Li family as 'colluding with bandits' and confiscated their property. Fortunately, the Vice Commissioner was on good terms with Lord Chen, who intervened to secure their release and even returned the three hundred acres to the Li family."

Dou Zhao nodded silently and sent word to Chen Jia, instructing him to bring Jin Gui and Yin Gui to her.

Naturally, Chen Jia was overjoyed.

He repeatedly admonished the two Li sisters to be loyal, obedient, and diligent: "If Madam asks you anything, don’t act like last time when you saw Manager Zhao’s wife—grabbing her leg and crying for help. Nobles only like to hear happy things…" He said everything he could think of. Finally, he didn’t forget to intimidate the two girls: "If you make even the slightest mistake, I can send your family back to where I pulled them out from." As a result, when the two girls met Dou Zhao, they were still shaken, their faces pale.

Su Xin couldn’t help but glance at Chen Jia.

Though the two girls weren’t particularly lively, they had previously been well-mannered. How had they become so lifeless in just a few days?

What on earth had Chen Jia said to them?

They looked so timid and fearful, their eyes filled with terror—completely different from before. They were even worse than the rough maids sent from the Duke of England's Mansion’s farmstead. How could they possibly serve Madam properly?

She mused silently, wondering where to place the two girls if Madam found them unsuitable.

But Dou Zhao thought the two girls were fine.

Though their skin was somewhat tanned and their fingers rough, there was an air of uprightness in their demeanor—clearly the result of proper upbringing. With some guidance, she believed they would quickly adapt to life in the Hall of Cultivating Will.

She smiled and asked about their family.

The younger sister, Jin Gui, was too timid to speak and hid behind her sister, Yin Gui.Though Jin Gui's legs were trembling with fear, she dared not remain silent. Summoning her courage, she stammered, "Our family has many brothers and few sisters. Both my elder cousins have already married, leaving only me and my younger sister at home. Besides helping Mother prepare meals for the whole family every morning, we also sweep the courtyard, wash clothes, and do mending..."

She was afraid of displeasing Chen Jia, truly terrified that he might send her entire family to prison, so she didn't dare mention anything about her family affairs. Even less did she dare plead her innocence before Dou Zhao.

Dou Zhao, unaware of this, was merely intrigued by this girl from a martial family background and asked with a smile, "Do you wash and mend clothes for the entire family?"

Jin Gui nodded, trembling as she replied, "Our family has lived in Wuyi for generations without dividing the household. There are over forty of us living together. Tasks like washing and cooking are done under the guidance of our Eldest Aunt."

Dou Zhao pondered and asked, "When your family encountered trouble, was your Eldest Aunt also arrested?"

Tears immediately streamed down Jin Gui's face as she choked out, "Except for my Seventh Uncle who was away with several cousins gaining experience, everyone else was taken..."

At this point, she desperately wanted to beg this kind noblewoman before her to rescue her family. But remembering Chen Jia's words, she didn't dare speak up, only gazing pitifully at Dou Zhao, hoping she might suddenly have a change of heart and inquire about her family's situation.

Seeing this, Dou Zhao sighed inwardly and said gently, "Don't worry about your family matters. I've already sent someone to investigate—it's not a serious issue. Official Chen has intervened to clear your family's name. They've all been released from prison, and your confiscated lands have been returned. Stay here peacefully for now. When you're older, you'll naturally be allowed to reunite with your family."

Jin Gui and Yin Gui wept for joy, kowtowing repeatedly to Dou Zhao.

Dou Zhao had Gan Lu help the sisters up and entrusted them to Su Xin for training, telling them, "If you miss your family, you may write letters to them. Just give them to Madam Zhao, who will arrange to have them delivered to Wuyi."

The two girls stood stunned for a long moment before coming to their senses. They dropped to their knees to kowtow again but were swiftly stopped by Su Xin's quick reflexes. Realizing Su Xin's surprising strength despite her gentle and delicate appearance, the sisters exchanged amazed glances.

Seizing the opportunity, Su Xin led the girls away, instructing them on how to behave appropriately to ease others' wariness and what constituted proper conduct for senior maids...

Jin Gui and Yin Gui received these lessons humbly.

With her mind at ease about this matter, Dou Zhao turned to discussing Su Xin's marriage arrangements with Chen He's mother when she suddenly received news that her uncle Zhao Si had arrived in Tongzhou for his capital assessment.

She was overjoyed.

Calculating carefully, it had been fourteen years since she'd last seen her uncle.

How was he faring now?

Would he be as gaunt and weary with graying temples as in her previous life, or would he appear vigorous and spirited, his fortunes having taken a better turn?

Unable to contain her eagerness, Dou Zhao changed clothes and hurried to Yuqiao Lane.

There, her Aunt and cousin were busily directing maids and old women in cleaning the courtyard, arranging decorations, and purchasing poultry and meat—all in a whirl of activity.Dou Zhao could tell from her aunt's demeanor that she had already received the news. She asked, "When exactly will Uncle arrive in the capital? What did his personal attendant say?"

To ensure a smooth journey, personal attendants were always sent ahead to arrange accommodations, meals, and deliver messages.

"He's expected to enter the city the afternoon of the day after tomorrow," her aunt replied, unable to contain her joy as she led Dou Zhao into the inner chamber. She instructed the maids to bring fresh fruits and said, "Don’t worry. As soon as your uncle returns to the capital, I’ll let him know you came to visit!"

Dou Zhao nodded eagerly. "Then I’ll go to the city gates early that morning to welcome him. I was only three when Uncle left for his post. He probably wouldn’t recognize me now..." She seemed visibly excited.

Her aunt patted her hand with a smile. "Good, we’ll go together then."

Dou Zhao beamed in agreement.

Just then, Song Mo arrived.

"I knew you’d come to Yuqiao Lane to visit Aunt," he said cheerfully. "I thought I’d join you for a meal here too."

Her aunt was overjoyed, repeatedly saying it was "more than welcome," and personally prepared several of her signature dishes for dinner.

Zhao Zhangru leaned close to Dou Zhao’s ear and teased, "Look, he’s followed you here! Doesn’t it get tiresome having him cling to you like this every day?"

Dou Zhao wouldn’t tolerate anyone speaking ill of Song Mo. "Not at all! I think it’s wonderful. I like it very much."

Her response left Zhao Zhangru stunned and speechless.

Meanwhile, Song Mo, who had overheard, couldn’t stop the corners of his mouth from curling upward.

After dinner, Dou Zhao and Song Mo prepared to leave.

Suddenly, as if performing a magic trick, Song Mo pulled a sandalwood box from his sleeve and handed it to Dou Zhao.

Curious, she asked, "What’s this?" as she opened the box.

Inside, nestled against crimson Zhangzhou velvet, lay a flawless mutton-fat jade bangle.

The bangle was adorned with a simple yet elegant lotus motif, exuding a natural and dignified beauty.

"What is this for?" Dou Zhao looked at Song Mo in confusion.

With a faint smile, Song Mo replied, "It’s a reward for you."

"A reward? For what?"

He refused to elaborate. "Just keep it."

Baffled but unable to pry an answer from him, Dou Zhao accepted the bangle. "Where did this come from? Why were you suddenly carrying jewelry?" Her tone was skeptical.

Song Mo grinned. "Dai Jian invited me to dinner today. On the way, I passed by Jade Treasure Pavilion and thought this bangle looked nice, so I bought it."

Dou Zhao’s birthday had been a quiet affair due to guests at home and Song Yichun’s presence, marked only by a bowl of longevity noodles. But Song Mo had remembered and gifted her a lotus-patterned jade hairpin. Seeing how well the bangle matched the pin, he had purchased it, intending to find an excuse to give it to her later. However, moved by her words earlier, he couldn’t resist presenting it to her in the carriage.

"Really?" Dou Zhao eyed him sideways.

"Why would I lie?" Song Mo was completely unfazed.

As long as it wasn’t a bribe, Dou Zhao was content. She tucked the bangle away and asked, "Is the matter with the Kuang family settled?"

"Naturally," Song Mo replied with a hint of pride. "Boyan is about to take the Spring Examination. If I hadn’t resolved this properly and distracted him, wouldn’t that be my fault?"

Dou Zhao gazed at him with a smile, then suddenly kissed him and said leisurely, "This is your reward."Song Mo said seriously, "Tomorrow I'm inviting Boyan and Brother Twelve for drinks. Since I'm helping out and even footing the bill, don't I deserve a reward?"

Dou Zhao laughed until she could barely straighten up.

The two chatted and laughed all the way back to The Duke of England's Mansion.

As their carriage passed the main gate of the mansion, they crossed paths with Song Yichun, who had just returned drunk.

When Song Yichun heard the silver-bell-like laughter coming from the carriage, his face darkened like a storm cloud.

Completely unaware of Song Yichun's displeasure, Dou Zhao busied herself at home, rummaging through boxes and cabinets. She found two inkstones she had taken from Father, two boxes of Hu Ding ink, two boxes of Wolf Hair brushes, two pieces of Hetian jade for seals, and a silver cloisonné ink warmer. She packed them all into gift boxes and headed to Yuqiao Alley the next day.