Blossom

What on earth is going on?

Dou Zhao was momentarily stunned.

Song Mo handed her the letter by his side.

Taking the letter, Dou Zhao skimmed through a few lines and was immediately filled with astonishment. "Fifth Uncle actually claims he's struggling to make ends meet in Liaodong and asks you to send him a few thousand taels of silver, citing the past kindness of Eldest Uncle?" she exclaimed.

The Emperor had not driven the Jiang Family to ruin.

Although most of the Jiang Family's assets had been confiscated, their ancestral sacrificial lands and mansion in Haozhou remained untouched. When Jiang Lizhu was married, Song Mo, fearing the Jiang Family might face financial difficulties, had discreetly offered them five thousand taels of silver through Dou Zhao. Not only did Fourth Madam Jiang decline, but she also hinted that despite their reduced circumstances, Madam Mei had made arrangements before her passing. This included a dowry of one thousand taels for each Jiang daughter and two thousand taels for each son's marriage—far more generous than most wealthy families. How could Jiang Bosun possibly be short of money? And why would he ask Song Mo for help?

She was utterly perplexed.

Song Mo lowered his voice. "When I was young, Eldest Uncle taught me to write family letters using 'The Thousand Family Poems.' The surface meaning is one thing, but the underlying message is another."

He carefully explained to Dou Zhao how to interpret the letter.

After studying it for a while, Dou Zhao grasped the gist, but deciphering a single line left her dizzy. She sighed, "Why don't you just tell me what Fifth Uncle wrote in the letter? I can ponder the details later when I have time."

Song Mo replied, "Fifth Uncle says Liao Wang has ambitions and warns us to be cautious."

It seemed her suspicions were correct—Liao Wang was beginning to bare his fangs.

Dou Zhao's expression turned grave.

"Fifth Uncle has performed exceptionally well in the military garrison these past few years. Liao Wang wants him to lead troops when the time comes, promising to clear the Jiang Family's name if successful. After much deliberation, Fifth Uncle decided to side with Liao Wang. But fearing that failure might implicate me, he wrote this letter. He also mentioned that he would soon send someone to demand silver from me and spread the word: 'Without Mother's efforts, how could the Duke of England's Mansion enjoy such prosperity today? While the Jiang Family suffers in Liaodong, the Song Family continues to live in luxury—how is this fair? Unless they compensate the Jiang Family with at least a hundred thousand taels, this matter is far from over!' He urged me to endure a reputation for stinginess and heartlessness to sever ties with him openly, so that if the Crown Prince ascends the throne, I can at least distance myself..."

Dou Zhao was displeased. "If Liao Wang fails, what will happen to the women and children in Haozhou? Must they endure the tragedy of confiscation and extermination again?"

Song Mo smiled bitterly. "Under the circumstances, Fifth Uncle has little choice. Under Liao Wang's rule, he may not be able to refuse."

"Can't we think of another way?" Dou Zhao pressed. "Despite their current plight, the Jiang Family still commands respect from former colleagues and friends solely because of their loyalty and bravery in 'serving the Emperor and defending the nation.' If they side with Liao Wang, even if he eventually becomes Emperor, he will be seen as a usurper and traitor. The Jiang Family's reputation will be ruined! If they face trouble in the future, who will dare to protect them?"In the previous life, Liao Wang used Song Mo; in this life, he is using Jiang Bosun.

She couldn’t help but sigh for the Jiang Family.

“How could I not know?” Song Mo said. “But Liao Wang’s offer is too tempting. Eldest Uncle and the others died so tragically—how could Fifth Uncle remain calm without a trace of resentment? And even if Fifth Uncle found a way to refuse Liao Wang, would the Crown Prince believe that Fifth Uncle hadn’t colluded with Liao Wang?”

“No,” Dou Zhao shook her head helplessly.

Could they just stand by and watch Jiang Bosun walk into danger?

Dou Zhao felt a pang of sorrow.

Meanwhile, Song Mo paced around the room.

Unsure of what he was thinking, Dou Zhao didn’t dare disturb him and sat quietly to the side.

After a while, Song Mo finally stopped and sat down beside her.

Dou Zhao quickly poured him another cup of warm tea.

As he drank, Song Mo said, “It seems we’ll have to test the Crown Prince’s intentions!”

Dou Zhao’s eyes widened.

Song Mo lowered his voice. “The Crown Prince has always appeared indifferent and detached, making it hard for me to gauge his thoughts. If he learns of Liao Wang’s ambitions, will he panic and act rashly against him, or will he quietly lay out a plan in secret? At this point, since Liao Wang has set his sights on the Jiang Family, he must also covet the things Eldest Uncle left behind. It’s already difficult for us to distance ourselves, so we might as well find out sooner whether the Crown Prince or Liao Wang holds the upper hand. We can then act accordingly when the time comes.”

This meant they would have to pick a side early!

Dou Zhao couldn’t help but silently curse Liao Wang.

The Jiang Family had already been torn apart by the Emperor—why must you push them into the fire? No wonder you used Song Mo so ruthlessly in the previous life.

Dou Zhao could only say, “I’m afraid Liao Wang has the greater advantage.”

To her surprise, Song Mo chuckled. “It’s still too early to say. Let’s wait and see how things unfold.”

That might be for the best.

Even if they ultimately sided with Liao Wang, they shouldn’t get too close to him—just avoid arousing his suspicion.

It seemed plans could never keep up with changes.

She had thought that with the status of the Duke of Yingguo’s Mansion, they could safely watch from the sidelines. Who knew they would still be dragged into the struggle for the throne?

Dou Zhao couldn’t help but let out a long sigh.

Song Mo comforted her. “Don’t worry, I know what I’m doing. Whether Fifth Uncle sides with Liao Wang or not, as long as Liao Wang harbors rebellious intentions, Fifth Uncle and I will have to appear at odds on the surface. After all, it’s still unclear who will emerge victorious. I won’t let blind loyalty bring suffering upon you and our child.”

“As long as you understand,” Dou Zhao said, trying to anchor him. “Throughout history, those involved in the struggle for the throne—whether they succeed or fail—rarely meet a good end.”

Song Mo smiled. “I promise.”

Still uneasy, Dou Zhao confided in Chen Qushui.

Chen Qushui laughed. “The Crown Prince has so many people around him, and the Young Lord has never sought his favor. Even if he wanted to side with the Crown Prince, would the Crown Prince trust him? I agree with the Young Lord’s approach—wait and observe for now. If it comes to the worst, we may have to sacrifice a pawn to save the king.”

Was that pawn referring to Jiang Bosun?

Dou Zhao felt slightly reassured.By noon, Ruo Zhu came to report to her: "Thankfully, Madam instructed me. If I hadn't sent some wound medicine to the little maid in Second Master's room who cares for the cat, she might have already lost her life. Knowing I was from Madam's quarters, she cried uncontrollably, saying she could only repay Madam's great kindness in her next life. She also mentioned that Second Master feeds the cat during every meal, giving it whatever he eats. This has made the cat accustomed to crouching under the kang table. Qi Xia had even warned her to be careful not to let the cat run onto the kang too often, lest it overturn the teacup and scald Second Master. She blamed herself for not taking Qi Xia's words to heart, which led to this mishap."

Dou Zhao had other matters on her mind and had little patience for this. She asked, "Has the little maid been sent to the farmstead?"

"Yes," Ruo Zhu replied. "She lost a leg, but at least her life was spared."

Dou Zhao quickly put the matter out of her mind. When Song Mo returned in the evening, she instructed Gan Lu to prepare a bowl of noodles for his late-night supper, using chicken soup stewed for half a day.

Song Mo tasted the soup and found it exceptionally delicious. He scooped a spoonful for Dou Zhao: "It's very good. Try some."

Dou Zhao was currently eating small, frequent meals and had just had a bowl before Song Mo returned. Not wanting to dampen his spirits, she took a sip from the spoon.

Song Mo asked, "Is it good?"

Dou Zhao nodded with a smile.

He scooped another spoonful, blew on it, and handed it to her: "Have another sip."

As Dou Zhao looked at the steaming soup, an image suddenly flashed in her mind—Song Han sitting at the kang table, transferring his favorite dishes to a small plate to feed the cat.

Her mind buzzed, and her expression changed drastically.

Song Mo was startled and quickly asked, "What's wrong, Shou Gu? Are you feeling unwell?" His face was full of alarm.

Dou Zhao took a deep breath and regained her composure but could eat no more. Pale-faced, she asked Song Mo, "I recall you once mentioned that before your mother passed away, she was bedridden. You were in Liaodong at the time, and it was Song Han who attended to her?"

Dou Zhao referred to his brother by name directly.

Song Mo instinctively sensed something was amiss, his expression turning grave as he nodded in affirmation.

"I also remember you said your mother liked keeping cats, but when you returned, they had all disappeared?"

Song Mo nodded again.

Dou Zhao said softly, "Song Han keeps cats. Moreover, during meals, he feeds his favorite foods to the cat first before eating himself..."

Song Mo's eyes narrowed, sharp as a blade, his expression stiffening: "What are you implying?"

Dou Zhao placed her hand over his.

Song Mo's hand was trembling.

"He has two new cats now, doesn't he?" Dou Zhao continued. "I wonder if he still has this habit. If the cats disappear, would he start feeding a dog instead?"

Song Mo closed his eyes for a long moment before reopening them. When he did, his gaze was devoid of any emotion, cold as still well water.

He ordered Wuyi, "Summon Lu Ming to see me immediately!"

Wuyi retreated nervously.

Song Mo had lost his appetite entirely.

Gan Lu noticed half a bowl of soup remained and was about to ask if Song Mo wanted anything else when she caught Dou Zhao signaling to her. She quietly withdrew.After Lu Ming left, Song Mo finally returned to the room to rest, but he kept tossing and turning, unable to sleep.

Dou Zhao hugged Song Mo's arm.

Song Mo quieted down and whispered softly in the darkness, "Did I wake you? Should I go sleep on the kang?"

"No," Dou Zhao tightened her grip on his arm. "I can't sleep either!"

Neither of them spoke.

The inner chamber was utterly silent.

Suddenly, Song Mo chuckled softly and gently placed his hand on her prominently rounded belly. "Do you think," he said, "since this child has already experienced so much while still in your womb, they might grow up to be an overthinker?"

"Possibly!" Dou Zhao laughed. "But it's good that it's our first child. Whether it's a daughter or a son, such a temperament would be fine."

Song Mo sighed and turned to embrace Dou Zhao.

It was too hot.

Yet, thinking of Song Mo's low spirits, Dou Zhao endured it.

Not only that, but these days she had been going to bed early and rising early, no longer accustomed to staying up late. Before she knew it, she drifted into a hazy sleep.

Half-asleep, she seemed to hear Song Mo say, "It's so good that you married me."

Dou Zhao couldn't help but feel overjoyed and wanted to ask, "Really?" But her eyelids felt as heavy as lead, and she couldn't open them no matter how hard she tried.

She mumbled something unintelligible and fell asleep.