Blossom

Leaving aside how Song Mo pretended to be magnanimous, let us focus on Ma Youming, who woke up to find himself in an unfamiliar guest room. Startled, he ignored his pounding headache and leapt up, calling for his personal page.

The page answered promptly, entering with a basin of washing water and a smile. "You're awake, my lord! Yesterday, you drank with the Young Lord of Duke of Yingguo and his brothers-in-law until you were drunk. Brother Chen He arranged for you to rest in this guest room. I kept watch over you all night, but you ended up missing the bride’s wedding ceremony. Now, the Zhao Family’s newly recruited son-in-law is in the main hall meeting relatives—the Young Lord and Madam are also there. Would you like to freshen up and go over immediately, or wait until after lunch to greet Lord Zhao and return with the Young Lord?" He clicked his tongue in admiration. "The Young Lord’s brothers-in-law are so young, yet they could match you in drinking—truly impressive!"

Who in the Imperial Guards didn’t know that Ma Youming, the Deputy Commander of the Divine Machine Battalion, was a legendary drinker?

Ma Youming paled at the words. "I was drunk yesterday?"

The page nodded, handing him a warm towel.

Ma Youming took it and wiped his face haphazardly, his expression flickering uncertainly. "Did I... say anything foolish while drunk?"

The page thought carefully. "Brother Chen He helped you here. At the time, you kept shouting things like, 'Young Lord, don’t go! Every word I said is true—I’ve staked my life on you!' Seeing how serious it sounded, I didn’t dare let anyone else attend to you and stood guard outside. No one else came by. Soon after, you fell asleep and didn’t speak again until morning."

Damn it, damn it!

Truly, a troubled heart couldn’t handle liquor—not only was his tolerance weaker than usual, but he’d even started spouting nonsense.

His heart turned icy, realizing he’d kept his worries too deeply buried, with no one to confide in. Once drunk, he’d lost control and babbled.

Alcohol ruins everything—the ancients didn’t lie!

Ma Youming smiled bitterly.

And worst of all, he couldn’t remember a single thing he’d said to Song Yantang.

Pacing the room, he finally told the page, "We’ll stay here for now. If anyone asks, say I’m still hungover. But if the Young Lord of Duke of Yingguo inquires, tell him I’m waiting for him in this room."

If he had truly confessed everything to Song Yantang, then Song Yantang would surely come looking for him.

The page assented and helped Ma Youming wash up.

Meanwhile, Song Mo was cheerfully exchanging greetings with his newly acquired brother-in-law.

Song Yan’s face flushed crimson as he stammered, "Young Lord."

Song Mo chuckled. "Cousin-in-law, you mustn’t address me so formally. Call me 'Yantang' or 'brother-in-law.'"

Standing beside Song Yan, Zhao Zhangru blushed and glanced at Song Mo.

A faint smile surfaced in Zhao Si’s eyes.

But Song Yan was too embarrassed to call him "brother-in-law," murmuring "Yantang" instead before bowing and being led to the western hall to greet Madam Zhao and the other ladies.

Everyone’s gaze followed Song Yan westward.

Yet Song Mo lowered his eyelids, pondering Ma Youming’s words.

Of the three battalions and twenty-two guards of the Imperial Guards, the Divine Machine Battalion ranked first. For Ma Youming to become its Deputy Commander in his early twenties—aside from his noble background—his personal skill was unmatched.

So who could possibly make trouble for him?What was the reason for making enemies with him?

He thought of Jiang Yi.

Initially, it was Ma Youming who introduced Jiang Yi to him, and it was also Ma Youming who pleaded with him to transfer Jiang Yi to the Five Cities Garrison. This showed their close personal relationship, and within the Divine Machine Battalion, they were likely seen as allies. Now, both Jiang Yi and Ma Youming were having a hard time in the Divine Machine Battalion, indicating involvement in factional disputes. If he were to lend Ma Youming a hand now, he would likely be dragged into the factional struggles within the Divine Machine Battalion.

But Ma Youming was his friend, and he had to help.

The problem was, he belonged to the Golden Guard. Overstepping boundaries was a major taboo in the military.

Song Mo knew that he had been in the spotlight lately, and many people were enviously waiting to see him fall or suffer misfortune. But to completely suppress his father, he needed absolute, overwhelming power. He had to remain high-profile, even more so, until people feared him enough not to dare provoke him lightly—only then could he remain invincible.

If he were to openly interfere in the affairs of the Divine Machine Battalion now, it would only provoke resentment from its senior members. If it were just himself, he wouldn’t fear it, but since it involved his friend, he had to be cautious.

Last night, he had been too preoccupied talking with Dou Zhao and hadn’t given this matter much thought.

Song Mo quietly instructed Chen He, “Go tell Du Wei to investigate how many factions there are in the Divine Machine Battalion now.”

It was better to be prepared—knowing more wouldn’t hurt.

Chen He discreetly left the hall.

Song Mo smiled and turned his attention to the west side of the hall with the others.

※※※※※

Ma Youming waited until he and Song Mo had left Yuqiao Alley, but Song Mo still hadn’t mentioned yesterday’s matter.

His face turned pale.

How could he have forgotten this?

He had been drunk yesterday. Aside from not revealing everything, there was another possibility—Song Yantang might have taken his words as drunken ramblings and pretended not to hear them, letting the matter fade away unnoticed.

Ma Youming believed he hadn’t misjudged Song Yantang.

He felt that if it were any other matter, Song Yantang might not have acted this way, but since it involved… Song Yantang was not only an Assistant Prefect of the Golden Guard but also the heir of the Duke of England's Mansion. Even if not for himself, he had to consider his clan’s interests…

Thinking of this, Ma Youming wilted like frostbitten eggplants.

Dou Zhao, on the other hand, was in high spirits.

Having resolved her uncle’s worries and given him advice, she believed that compared to her past life, her uncle would now live more comfortably.

She discussed with Song Mo, “Uncle said they’ll set off on the twelfth of February. I’d like to give him two thousand taels as travel expenses and invite him to a farewell meal. What do you think?”

Song Mo pondered and said, “Why not host the banquet at home? That way, Uncle can see how we’re doing.”

Dou Zhao nodded with a smile. “Perfect. After seeing Uncle off, we can hold Su Lan’s wedding.”

Song Mo gently reminded her, “You’re further along in your pregnancy now—be careful not to overexert yourself.”

Dou Zhao smiled and nodded. Upon returning home, she eagerly began preparing for her uncle’s banquet.

Lü Zheng’s wife, the stewardess from Song Han’s quarters, came to seek her instructions: “Madam, two second-rank maids and two third-rank maids from the Second Master’s quarters are due to be released. When should I summon their families to take them home?”Dou Zhao asked Ruo Zhu to bring in the almanac and said with a smile, "Then let's set it for the third day of the third month. It's an auspicious day."

Leaving some extra time would give those restless people in the mansion ample opportunity to stir up trouble.

Lü Zheng's wife respectfully acknowledged the order, curtsied, and was about to withdraw when Dou Zhao called her back.

Smiling, Dou Zhao asked, "How is your husband doing these days? Are the children well? Is there anything difficult at home?"

Lü Zheng's wife was taken aback and quickly replied, "Thank you for your concern, Madam. My husband is currently working at the estate, and the children are well-behaved. Everything is fine. There are no difficulties!"

As soon as she finished speaking, she grew uneasy.

Originally, she and her husband had been under the Duke of Yingguo's service. If Madam hadn't humiliated them, it would already be a kindness—how could they expect any favor? Madam's question was surely just politeness, so how could she presume to mention any hardships? That's why she said everything was fine.

But then she thought that such an answer might make Madam feel that she and her husband were still under the Duke's care, naturally drawing a clear line between themselves and the Young Lord and his wife, who were at odds with the Duke in every way.

Her husband's experiences had long made her realize that their family was as insignificant as ants. If the Young Lord and Madam wanted them dead, the Duke of Yingguo would never speak a word in their defense.

She wanted to explain herself to Dou Zhao but didn’t know how to begin.

For a moment, she was filled with regret and resentment.

To her surprise, Dou Zhao didn’t press the matter. Instead, she spoke gently, "The Young Lord values his full-blooded younger brother, Second Master, above all else. As Second Master grows older, and I am merely his sister-in-law, there are certain matters where it would be inappropriate for me to intervene. You must take extra care with his affairs. If you look after Second Master well, the Young Lord and I will not forget your contributions."

An elder sister-in-law is like a mother.

Now that Dou Zhao was also managing the Household Affairs of the Duke of England's Mansion, was there anything she couldn’t oversee in Song Han’s quarters?

Despite the rift between the Duke of Yingguo and the Young Lord, Lü Zheng's wife didn’t doubt Dou Zhao’s words in the slightest.

She was utterly surprised and, faced with Dou Zhao’s goodwill, nearly wept with joy.

It was true, as Madam had said, that the Young Lord cherished Second Master above all. Since she was the steward mammy in Second Master’s quarters, dedicating herself wholeheartedly to his care might indeed be a viable path forward.

Lü Zheng's wife kowtowed respectfully to Dou Zhao, swearing earnestly that she would take good care of Song Han.

Dou Zhao smiled faintly and said, "I’m not familiar with the affairs in Second Master’s quarters, so you’ll have to put more thought into selecting his maids."

Lü Zheng's wife hesitated briefly.

Dou Zhao added, "Since they are to serve by Second Master’s side, it’s best to defer to his preferences."

Lü Zheng's wife relaxed and withdrew with a bow.

Dou Zhao smiled slightly and instructed Ruo Zhu, "Bring me the menu for Uncle’s banquet. I’d like to review it carefully."

Ruo Zhu went to fetch the menu but returned to report, "Madam, the Elder Master has arrived and says he has urgent business to discuss with you."

The Elder Master referred to Dou Zhao’s father, Dou Shiying.

Dou Zhao hurried to the Small Flower Hall.

Dou Shiying was pacing restlessly inside. Before she could even greet him properly, he burst out indignantly, "Tell me, what does your uncle want before he’ll finally let go of his anger? All these years, I’ve endured his cold shoulder without complaint, yet he still refuses to relent. Must I die before he forgives me?"Dou Zhao remained silent.

She really wanted to tell him, "I am Zhao Guqiu's daughter. Isn't it inappropriate for you to say these things to me?"

But seeing her father slumped despondently in the Grand Preceptor's Chair, she couldn't bring herself to say it.

Not only that, but a faint pang of sorrow also welled up in her heart.

Ruo Zhu, noticing the situation, quickly slipped away to the study in the outer room.

By the time Song Mo arrived, he saw Dou Shiying and his daughter sitting face to face, staring blankly at each other with wooden expressions.

He shot Dou Zhao a meaningful glance and chided her, "Why didn't you tell me Father-in-law was here?" Then, with a smile, he bowed to Dou Shiying and said, "Father-in-law, it's rare for you to visit. I happen to have a bottle of imperial wine in my study. Let Shou Gu prepare a feast for us, and we can enjoy a few drinks together."

Even her son-in-law was more considerate than her own daughter!

Dou Shiying snorted angrily and followed Song Mo to the Small Flower Hall in the front courtyard.