Blossom

Or had something happened in her past life that she wasn't aware of, which led to that young girl becoming closer to Song Mo?

But she was a child raised outside the main household, with a mother of such questionable character, and Song Mo's situation was already quite difficult. What could have possibly improved their relationship?

She confided in Chen Qushui.

Chen Qushui was shocked, then reproached her: "Madam, why didn't you tell me earlier? Whether that child is the Duke of Yingguo's or not, we could have planned something to make him swallow a bitter pill in silence. If we could have taken the opportunity to force the Duke to hand over the affairs of the Duke of England's Mansion to the Young Lord, that would have been even better."

Dou Zhao hadn't actually considered this angle.

She tactfully replied, "Using a young girl to coerce the Duke of Yingguo seems somewhat dishonorable. It's better not to resort to such methods if possible."

Chen Qushui nodded approvingly and said, "Even if the child is the Duke's, if he wants to bring her back into the family, she's already married—it would just mean providing an additional dowry. Would he really expect the Young Lord and you to treat her like a sister? Besides, whether the Duke would even acknowledge the child is uncertain. There's no need for you to worry."

Indeed!

Why should she worry?

Given Song Yichun's nature—even choosing a bedroom servant requires someone from a respectable background—even if the child were his, he might not acknowledge her. Moreover, it's still uncertain whether the child is Song Yichun's. It's too early to say anything; better to wait until Chen Jia brings back some news.

Dou Zhao's anxious heart eased slightly, and she turned her attention to Jiang Lizhu's wedding.

Every afternoon, she visited Fourth Madam Jiang to see if there was anything she could help with.

Gradually, Fourth Madam Jiang became more familiar with Dou Zhao. Impressed by her easygoing and generous nature, she occasionally introduced Dou Zhao to the women who came to add to Jiang Lizhu's dowry.

These women all greeted Dou Zhao respectfully, praising Song Mo's noble character and benevolence. They commended him for not abandoning the Jiang Family despite their decline and still honoring them with his presence.

Dou Zhao had to politely respond countless times with phrases like "It's only natural, Madam, you flatter me." Yet, at the same time, it made her deeply reflect.

No wonder the Emperor had the Jiang Family executed in her past life.

With such strong support among mid- and lower-ranking soldiers, when the Duke Ding was wronged, Madam Jiang had relatives and old friends appeal for justice, creating a massive uproar. How could they not end up ruined?

She couldn't help but feel a sense of relief.

Had she not lived two lives, she would never have dreamed that the Emperor would execute the Duke Ding for this reason.

It seems every cause has its effect, and everything is predestined.

Lost in thought, Dou Zhao suddenly had an epiphany.

In her past life, was this the reason why Liao Wang took Song Mo under his wing?He wanted to incite rebellion among the Divine Machine Battalion and Golden Guard. How could he do without mid-level commanders who held real power? Without the Jiang Family, Song Mo, who grew up under the Duke Ding's care, represented the Jiang Family to some extent, embodying their will. The Emperor was gravely ill. As an adult feudal prince, Liao Wang had many restrictions on the status and number of attendants when entering the palace to visit the Emperor. Yet, he brazenly brought Song Mo—who had been disowned by the Duke of Yingguo's mansion for unfilial conduct and was now universally condemned—into the palace. It couldn’t have been merely because of Song Mo’s exceptional skills or wit. After all, Song Mo’s identity was too sensitive, and having grown up frequently entering the imperial palace, many would recognize him, making the risk of exposure high. A single misstep could jeopardize Liao Wang’s grand ambitions. Song Mo’s role in this was now self-evident.

Recognizing this, Dou Zhao became even more resolute in her decision to keep Song Mo away from Liao Wang.

She began paying close attention to the identities of these people.

The visitors offering congratulations were all women. The higher their status, the more likely they were to apologize to Fourth Madam Jiang before leaving, explaining they had prior engagements on Jiang Lizhu’s wedding day and couldn’t attend the celebration, asking for her understanding. Those of lower status, however, had no such reservations—some even brought their daughters and daughters-in-law to contribute to Jiang Lizhu’s dowry.

Fourth Madam Jiang couldn’t help but sigh.

Dou Zhao comforted her, "They have their own lives to lead. That they came to contribute to Cousin Twelve’s dowry is already more than enough. Once Uncle’s name is cleared, we can celebrate properly for Cousin Twelve."

"You’re so thoughtful," Fourth Madam Jiang said gratefully, patting Dou Zhao’s hand. "It’s not that I’m sighing over this. Given the Jiang Family’s current state, returning to court anytime soon is impossible. Their attendance at Lizhu’s wedding is their way of settling accounts with the Jiang Family. If the Jiang Family faces trouble in the future, they’ll be powerless if it’s major, and if it’s minor, being in the Capital, they won’t be held accountable. Seeing so many gathered here today, I just feel sentimental, knowing we may never have such a lively gathering again."

Was she lamenting the fate of the Jiang Family’s unmarried young ladies?

Not only were their marriages uncertain, but they would also never have a celebration like Jiang Lizhu’s.

As Dou Zhao pondered this, Jiang Xiexiu and Jiang Xieying entered, carrying a pair of plum vases for Jiang Lizhu’s dowry.

Hearing this, Jiang Xieying laughed and said, "This is Cousin Twelve’s good fortune. Don’t you always say, ‘Every blade of grass has its drop of dew’? Perhaps our blessings lie elsewhere!"

Fourth Madam Jiang nodded repeatedly, her expression softening.

Dou Zhao also nodded inwardly.

Who would have thought Jiang Xieying would be so forthright!

She glanced at Jiang Xiexiu.

Jiang Xiexiu was smiling faintly, but the shadow of sorrow between her brows had deepened.

Dou Zhao lowered her head to sip her tea.

Suddenly, a commotion erupted outside.

Everyone froze.

Then came a cheerful voice calling out "Aunt!" as someone rushed into the hall.

Dou Zhao looked up—it was Song Han.

Dressed in a silver-red brocade robe with bamboo patterns, his jet-black hair tied up with a white jade hairpin, his fair face slightly flushed from haste, his eyes sparkled with joy.

"Tianen!" Fourth Madam Jiang exclaimed in delight, barely standing before Song Han threw himself into her arms."Fourth Aunt, why didn't you come to see me at the mansion?" he complained playfully. "Brother didn't tell me either. I only found out by chance when passing by the accountant's office that you and Cousin Lizhu, Cousin Xiexiu, and Cousin Xieying had come to the Capital." He pouted angrily at Dou Zhao, "Even sister-in-law is the same. United with brother in keeping me in the dark."

Though Song Han was already of hair-pinning age, his handsome features gave him an advantage, making his behavior not seem affected but rather carrying a childlike innocence that made Fourth Madam Jiang laugh involuntarily.

She defended Dou Zhao: "This is men's business, what does it have to do with your sister-in-law? If you had a wife, and your sister-in-law came alone without inviting your wife, I'd scold her for being inconsiderate without you saying anything. As a younger brother-in-law, how can you speak to your sister-in-law like this? Hurry and apologize to her!"

Song Han was now under Song Yichun's tutelage. That he didn't come to pay respects immediately made Fourth Madam Jiang blame Song Yichun in her heart.

When Song Mo went to fetch Fourth Madam Jiang, he had personally informed Song Yichun. After bringing her back, he even visited Cassia Fragrance Courtyard, yet Song Yichun pretended not to know. With maids from Song Han's quarters going in and out of Cassia Fragrance Courtyard daily, she didn't believe Song Han hadn't heard about Fourth Madam Jiang's arrival in the Capital.

His appearance now—who knew if it was truly by chance or arranged by Song Yichun, or perhaps his own idea?

Dou Zhao simply smiled without speaking.

Song Han stuck his tongue out at Fourth Madam Jiang and sheepishly stepped forward to apologize to Dou Zhao.

Dou Zhao nodded gently with a warm smile.

Song Han immediately became lively again.

After greeting Jiang Xiexiu and Jiang Xieying properly, he took Fourth Madam Jiang's hand to show the gifts he'd brought: "This is for Cousin Twelve's dowry, this is for Aunt, this is for Cousin Thirteen, and this is for Cousin Fourteen..."

The excitement visible between Song Han's brows made both Jiang Xiexiu and Jiang Xieying laugh.

Encouraged, he opened one of the boxes, took out a Western clock, and said to Jiang Xiexiu, "Cousin Thirteen, adding this to Cousin Twelve's dowry should astonish the Wu family and make them view Cousin Twelve differently, right?"

Jiang Xiexiu tapped Song Han's forehead reproachfully, "You little rascal, do you think the Jiang Family are upstarts? What nonsense about astonishing them and viewing differently—the Wu family are proper people. If they meant to slight Cousin Twelve, they would have broken off the engagement long ago. Put away those messy thoughts and prepare a proper dowry gift for Cousin Twelve!"

Only then did she display the proud bearing of a Jiang Family young lady.

Fourth Madam Jiang and the others laughed, and even Song Han grinned ingratiatingly, clearly trying to please Jiang Xiexiu.

Jiang Xiexiu must be quite beloved at the Duke of Dingguo's Mansion, otherwise everyone wouldn't react this way.

Dou Zhao noted this silently.

When Song Mo came to fetch her later, she mentioned it to him.

"She's quick-tempered but treats people well. Though clever, she's not overly calculating," Song Mo said with a smile. "When I stayed at my uncle's house, I enjoyed playing with her the most."

"Did the elders never consider marrying her to you?" Dou Zhao blurted out.

Immediately after speaking, she felt somewhat awkward.Jiang Xiexiu was, after all, an unmarried young lady. If these words were to spread, the harm to her would be too great.

But spoken words were like spilled water—impossible to take back... leaving Dou Zhao utterly frustrated.

Yet Song Mo's eyes suddenly lit up.

"The elders at home seem to think I'm not good enough for Cousin Thirteen," he said, staring intently at Dou Zhao as layers of amusement welled up in his gaze, eventually bursting uncontrollably across his face. "Or perhaps they believe I should find someone a bit more petty, someone who likes to pick at faults, a bit fiercer, someone who can keep me in check so tightly I can hardly breathe..."

Dou Zhao's face burned hot. She grabbed the pillow behind her and hurled it at Song Mo.

"Ouch!" Song Mo caught the pillow and tossed it aside, pretending to clutch his head as he laughed uncontrollably. "You dare hit your own husband? Don’t want to eat anymore? Tonight, you’re sleeping on the floor! And without my permission, you’re not allowed back in bed!"

Looking at Song Mo’s antics, Dou Zhao couldn’t help but laugh as well.