Blossom

The plum blossoms at Fucheng Gate heralded an early spring.

Yet it was still only the end of January, and the wind sweeping through Fucheng Gate on the western side of the Capital left people shivering with cold.

Zhao Si stood in front of the teahouse, gazing at the unfamiliar woman before him with her hair styled in a falling horse bun—a married woman’s hairstyle. His eyes couldn’t help but grow moist.

Over a decade had passed in the blink of an eye. The little girl who had once been babbling her first words was now a wife and mother. What had he missed in all those years?

"Shou Gu!" His voice trembled slightly as he reached out to gently steady Dou Zhao, signaling for her to rise quickly.

Dou Zhao stood up and called out, "Uncle," tears already streaming down her face.

In her past life, she had misunderstood her uncle’s silent sorrow and regret. Now, it was thanks to him securing half of the Western Dou family’s assets for her that she could live so freely today. Across two lifetimes, her uncle had never failed her. In contrast, she had owed him so much—misunderstandings in her past life, helplessness in this one. But today, she was living happily, reunited with her uncle. Nothing could be more joyous. She shouldn’t cry; she should smile.

Lifting her face, Dou Zhao let a genuine smile bloom from her heart. "Uncle, since you’re being reassigned this time, will you be staying in the Capital a little longer?"

She made polite small talk, but tears still blurred her vision.

Zhao Si gave a soft "Mm," his own eyes glistening. "I’ll be here for ten more days. Once your cousin’s wedding is settled, we’ll set off for Huguang..."

There was so much he wanted to ask his only niece, but propriety between men and women, coupled with their long separation, left him at a loss for words. This restrained, proper exchange seemed the most appropriate.

Uncle and niece stood beneath the teahouse’s grand golden-lettered sign, surrounded by the bustling crowd, yet enveloped in silence. The awkwardness hung thick in the air.

Aunt’s tearful chuckle broke the stillness between them.

"Look at you two—longing for each other when apart, yet now that you’re face to face, you’ve run out of things to say." She took Dou Zhao’s hand and said to Zhao Si, "This isn’t the place for conversation. Shou Gu has been waiting here for you half the day. Her husband has rented us a house in Yuqiao Hutong. Let’s go home and talk properly."

Hearing that the heir of the Duke of Yingguo had rented them a residence, Zhao Si’s brow furrowed slightly. But remembering the joy of their reunion, he quickly smoothed his expression and nodded with a smile at his wife before boarding the carriage, following Dou Zhao’s to Yuqiao Hutong.

On the way, Dou Zhao remained lost in the whirlwind of emotions from seeing her uncle again. Meanwhile, Zhao Zhangru leaned in and whispered, "Are you disappointed? My father turned out to be such a stern old stick-in-the-mud." She sighed dramatically, slumping lazily against the large bolster. "Well, at least there’s a silver lining. He didn’t even glance at me today, so from now on, he’ll probably focus all his attention on you—leaving me free!" She mused, "I wonder if Song Yan will be nervous meeting Father. You wouldn’t believe it—last time, a scholar who came to propose to me was so intimidated by Father that he stuttered and couldn’t speak properly. Father rejected him outright..."

No matter how heavy Dou Zhao’s thoughts were, Zhao Zhangru’s chatter soon had her laughing.She teased Zhao Zhangru, "What? Having second thoughts now? You're already engaged. Even if Uncle leaves Song Yan speechless, you two will still have to get married when the time comes. Or are you worried that Song Yan might feel pressured by Uncle?"

After all, Song Yan was the man who would spend his life with Zhao Zhangru—how could she remain indifferent?

Zhao Zhangru's face flushed like the morning clouds as she reached out to pinch Dou Zhao's cheek. "Stop your nonsense!"

Dou Zhao dodged with a laugh, "I'm carrying two lives now. If you bully me, I'll go straight to Uncle and Aunt!"

"What else can you do besides tattling?" Zhao Zhangru glared at Dou Zhao, her eyes round as sweet almonds.

Dou Zhao chuckled softly, "I can also save up private funds for my dear cousin."

"Get lost!" Zhao Zhangru's face turned red again.

Her wedding date had been officially set for the second day of the second lunar month. A few days earlier, Dou Zhao had sent her dowry gifts—a four-courtyard, three-section residence and a farmstead. Aunt felt it was too extravagant and hesitated to accept, but Dou Zhao frowned and said, "Aunt, must we keep such strict accounts between us?"

After some thought, Aunt graciously thanked her and accepted the dowry gifts.

However, while Uncle was changing clothes, she took the opportunity to ask about Dou Zhao's recent situation and told him about the matter.

Zhao Si was furious. "How could you accept Shou Gu's gifts?"

Aunt knew her husband's temperament best. If he heard about Dou Zhao's dowry gifts from someone else, he would be livid. It was better to clarify things early to honor Shou Gu's kind intentions.

She retorted unhappily, "Who is Shou Gu to you? Must you draw such a clear line with her, afraid of taking even the slightest advantage? Aren't you worried about hurting her feelings? Why can't you put yourself in her shoes? When did you become so narrow-minded? The house we live in now belongs to Shou Gu's son-in-law—should we move out immediately? Even friends share wealth in times of need. Is Shou Gu less important to you than those friends of yours? I treat her as my own daughter. Every thread and fiber she gives me out of filial piety, I accept with joy. Not to mention, this is for her sister—to give her face and ensure she has private funds after marriage, sparing her any hardship."

Zhao Si fell silent.

Aunt walked out, instructing the maids to serve the meal, then stood on the veranda waiting for her husband's anger to subside.

Soon, Zhao Si emerged with a hint of shame on his face and stood beside his wife on the veranda. Expressionless, he said, "When's dinner? I'm starving! These days, it's been nothing but dry rations or those awful post-station meals—not a single decent bite!"

Aunt suppressed a smile and told the maid, "Go invite the young lady and Cousin to dinner."

The maid hurried off.

Aunt adjusted her husband's collar before turning to enter the hall.

Zhao Si quickly followed.

By the time Dou Zhao and Zhao Zhangru arrived, the couple was sitting peacefully at the table chatting, with no trace of their earlier quarrel.Uncle sincerely thanked Dou Zhao and said, "Your mother only has you, and I only have Zhang Ru and her two sisters. In this world, you are each other's closest kin. You must support one another in the future." He then regretted, "Your eldest cousin originally wanted to come along, but her husband failed last September's Metropolitan Examination. He's been feeling down, so I didn’t let her come."

Dou Zhao knew that three years later, this cousin-in-law would pass both the Provincial and Metropolitan Examinations, becoming a Bachelor of the Imperial Academy and serving in the Ministry of Works.

She comforted her uncle, "Cousin-in-law will surely succeed in the examinations. Don’t worry. Life isn’t always smooth sailing. He’s still young—more experience will only benefit him."

Uncle chuckled at her words. "You’re so young, yet you speak like an adult, even knowing life isn’t always peaceful and smooth!" He seemed to underestimate her.

Dou Zhao couldn’t help but pout.

Seeing her display such a girlish demeanor was rare, and both Aunt and Zhao Zhangru burst into laughter.

The atmosphere instantly became lively, and Dou Zhao felt her relationship with her uncle had grown closer.

They chatted casually until the maids began setting the table, and everyone quieted down.

Then a page came to report, "The Young Lord of Duke of Yingguo has arrived."

Dou Zhao was shocked.

Song Mo should have been on duty at the palace today.

Zhao Zhangru, however, winked mischievously at Dou Zhao.

Aunt, overjoyed, stood up and said to Uncle, "Yantang must have heard of your arrival in the capital and took leave to welcome you!"

Since this marriage was Dou Shiying’s idea, Uncle had been skeptical despite his wife’s letters describing Dou Zhao’s marital happiness. Moreover, news of Song Mo suppressing martial arts world figures like "two peaches killing three warriors" had reached the northwestern army, leaving Uncle somewhat displeased with Song Mo. Hearing of Song Mo’s visit, he pondered briefly before telling the page, "He’s no stranger. Invite him to join us for dinner in the hall."

The page, originally from the Hall of Cultivating Will, dashed off and soon returned with Song Mo.

Song Mo respectfully bowed to Zhao Si.

Zhao Si’s heart grew even more conflicted.

With striking beauty yet ruthless methods—how could Shou Gu possibly match him?

He nodded slightly and, ignoring the maid about to serve tea, said to Song Mo, "Come with me to the study."

Song Mo followed respectfully.

Zhao Zhangru immediately leaned toward Dou Zhao. "Oh no, oh no! Father must be testing the Young Lord’s knowledge now. Even my eldest cousin-in-law crumbled before Father—let alone the Young Lord!"

Dou Zhao glared at her. "Have a little faith in the Young Lord, won’t you?"

She wasn’t worried about Uncle testing Song Mo’s knowledge, but rather that Uncle might judge Song Mo unfairly due to Father’s influence, causing him distress.

Still, why had Uncle become like this?

Dou Zhao pondered.

Zhao Zhangru retorted, "What good is my faith? He’s the one who has to pass!"

Aunt, overhearing their whispers, scolded Zhao Zhangru. "Always making a fuss over nothing. Do you think your father lacks judgment?"

Yet she couldn’t help but glance toward the study, fearing Song Mo might lack the knowledge to save face before her husband.

I hope the Young Lord truly has some substance, as you say!

Zhao Zhangru exchanged a look with Dou Zhao, straightened her posture, and fell silent.

For a moment, the hall was utterly quiet.As the tea in the cups gradually cooled, Zhao Si and Song Mo finally emerged from the study one after the other.

Dou Zhao watched her solemn-faced uncle and let out a long sigh of relief.

No change was the best outcome.

She glanced at Song Mo and indeed caught the glimmer of amusement in his eyes.

Only then did Dou Zhao fully relax.

Her aunt also breathed easier.

She knew of her husband's lingering resentment toward Dou Shiying. Since he hadn't taken a dislike to Song Mo, it was clear their conversation in the study had gone well.

"Let's eat, let's eat," she quickly interjected with a smile. "We can talk more after the meal."

Song Mo cheerfully took his seat below Zhao Si and poured wine for him.

A faint smile appeared on Zhao Si's face.

The meal passed with everyone in high spirits.

Afterward, they moved to the western Resting Chamber for tea, where Zhao Si even began discussing and critiquing various generals from the Northwest Army with Song Mo.

On their way back, Song Mo pretended to wipe sweat from his brow and sighed dramatically, "Uncle is much harder to deal with than Father-in-law!"

Dou Zhao burst into giggles.

Song Mo suddenly declared, "I've decided—if we have a daughter, I'll treat her like your father treated you. If we have a son, I'll raise him like uncle treated me."

Dou Zhao laughed until tears nearly came to her eyes.

Yet her heart ached with sorrow.

Song Mo wanted to be a good father, but the only references he had were his father-in-law and uncle.

Song Yichun was of no help at all.