Blossom

Chen Jia immediately felt caught in a dilemma.

Given Jiang Yan's temperament, she must have already explained the situation to Madam Dou. Yet Madam Dou had still urgently sent someone to relay her message, clearly indicating she didn't believe Jiang Yan's words.

If he were to confirm that he harbored no improper thoughts toward Jiang Yan, would Madam Dou then misunderstand Jiang Yan?

Jiang Yan had grown up in the Li family. Though she shared blood ties with Song Yantang, their bond wasn't deep. The Duke of Yingguo refused to acknowledge her, and after the Wei He incident, her presence in the Song household was already awkward—lacking proper standing. She relied entirely on Song Yantang and Madam Dou's protection. If Madam Dou were to misunderstand her, her situation would become more than just uncomfortable. One misstep, and she might lose even a place to call home.

But to let Song Yantang pin this baseless accusation on him... he couldn't accept that either!

He had worked so hard to get where he was today. Should he really throw away his future over a groundless charge?

Chen Jia paced back and forth in his room until he heard the third watch drum. Only then did he undress and go to bed.

Yet even in bed, sleep eluded him.

One moment, he thought: Shao Wenji is locked up in the Imperial prison. Song Yantang must be eager to know what Shao Wenji has revealed. He could use this as an excuse to discreetly visit Song Yantang and, while there, mention that he had already taken a liking to a certain young lady from a respectable family. He could ask Song Yantang to act as a matchmaker, and this crisis would resolve itself.

The next moment, he worried: If Jiang Yan found out he was so eager to distance himself from her, would she think he had only been attentive to her to curry favor with Song Yantang? That at the slightest sign of Song Yantang's displeasure, he would withdraw, proving himself shallow and opportunistic? Would she look down on him for it?

Truly, he was damned if he did and damned if he didn’t!

He had a perfectly good way to extricate himself, yet he couldn’t shake a deep unease, as if he were doing something dishonorable.

No—when he had done dishonorable things before, he could brush off the discomfort by recalling the scorn he’d endured during his struggles. But this time, he simply couldn’t make up his mind!

Chen Jia pulled the blanket over his head, resigning himself to the fact that nothing could be done tonight. No matter how much he racked his brain, he wouldn’t see Song Yantang now. The matter would have to wait until morning.

Besides, he didn’t even have a suitable marriage prospect in mind. Even the best plan required a target.

He forced himself to close his eyes.

But the next morning, as soon as he rose, one of his trusted subordinates from the Pacification Office rushed to inform him: "Commander Shi secretly went to the Imperial prison!"

"Commander Shi" referred to Metropolitan Commander Shi Chuan of the Imperial Bodyguard.

The Imperial prison fell under the jurisdiction of the Pacification Office. For Shi Chuan to visit without notice alarmed Chen Jia. He hastily donned his flying fish uniform and hurried to the prison.

By the time he arrived, Shi Chuan had already left.

He whispered to his subordinate, "Who did Commander Shi meet?"

"Shao Wenji," the man replied in a hushed tone.

To Chen Jia’s knowledge, Shao Wenji and Shi Chuan had no personal ties.

A sense of foreboding crept over him. He ordered his subordinate, "Quickly, search Shao Wenji thoroughly—inside and out. Leave no crevice unchecked, not even between his teeth."The Emperor had become increasingly unpredictable in recent years. One day he might throw you into the Imperial prison, and the next day he might release you. Moreover, those qualified to enter the Imperial prison were at least high-ranking officials from the Six Ministries. There was no telling when someone might remember you, and after your release, they might do nothing else but make life difficult for you first. Therefore, for someone like Shao Wenji, before an imperial decree of exile or demotion to commoner status was issued, the Pacification Office would not easily offend him, let alone subject him to humiliating acts like a body search.

Chen Jia’s trusted aide had always admired his foresight and wisdom, so without asking any unnecessary questions, he personally led the search of Shao Wenji.

They found a sharp blade hidden beneath Shao Wenji’s robes.

The aide’s expression darkened, and he presented the blade to Chen Jia.

Chen Jia ran his fingertip along the blade expressionlessly, though his mind churned like boiling water.

Why would Minister Shi do such a thing?

Who had ordered him?

A thought faintly surfaced in his mind. He suddenly felt as though his powerful patron, Song Yantang, was standing on the edge of a cliff.

Beads of sweat formed on Chen Jia’s forehead.

He instructed his aide, “Tell no one about this. Keep Shao Wenji under discreet watch—don’t let anyone notice. I’ll be back shortly.”

The aide assumed Chen Jia must be seeking advice elsewhere.

He respectfully acknowledged the order.

Chen Jia went to visit a close friend, but he sent Huzi to see Du Wei.

Within two hours, Du Wei sent word back, instructing Chen Jia to give Shao Wenji a chopstick.

Understanding the implication, Chen Jia returned to the Imperial prison.

During the midday meal, Shao Wenji broke the chopstick and drove it into his own throat.

By the time Chen Jia sent someone to save him, Shao Wenji had already died with a faint smile directed at Chen Jia.

Lying in a pool of blood, the sight was horrifying.

Chen Jia gently closed his eyes and left the cell.

What did Song Yantang know?

Why was he, despite being several years younger, so much more experienced in handling matters?

It was as though he held the world in his hands—confident, composed, and commanding.

When would Chen Jia ever stand as tall and see as far as Song Yantang?

Then Chen Jia thought of Jiang Yan.

What should he do?

Having just rendered a service to Song Yantang, now was the time to request an audience. Song Yantang would surely hear him out.

This was a perfect opportunity!

But if he went, what would happen to Jiang Yan?

For a man, romantic indiscretions could be forgiven—a prodigal son was still worth his weight in gold. But for a woman, ambiguous words or actions with another man would be seen as improper, licentious, and depraved...

Should he go or not?

Due to Shao Wenji’s death, Chen Jia was kept busy at the Pacification Office until midnight before returning home.

As he entered Yuqiao Alley, he heard a commotion outside.

He lifted the curtain to look.

It was Young Master Ji of the Ji family seeing off guests.

Dressed in fine attire, they joked and laughed among themselves.

The glow of red lanterns illuminated their faces, each brimming with self-satisfaction.

He couldn’t help but watch for a moment longer.

Huzi, who was accompanying the sedan, quickly explained, “That’s Young Master Ji of the Ji family. Before even completing his term as a Bachelor of the Imperial Academy, he was appointed Censor of the Censorate, overseeing the thirteen circuits of Jiangnan’s historical administration.”

Chen Jia nodded and lowered the curtain.

But suddenly, he felt a pang of envy toward Ji Yong.

Someone like him, who had steadily climbed the ranks through diligent study and imperial examinations, advancing securely through biennial evaluations toward the Grand Secretariat—surely he didn’t have to exhaust himself currying favor with superiors like Chen Jia did?These people. Even if they offend their superiors, they can simply toss their official seal in front of them and walk away, returning to Jiangnan to continue their lives as renowned scholars—dressed in fine clothes, riding spirited horses, indulging freely in wine and revelry, and immersing themselves in the beauty of nature.

Chen Jia inexplicably felt exhausted.

He stepped out of the sedan chair with unsteady steps and slowly made his way toward the inner courtyard.

As for Jiang Yan’s matter, let it be!

He couldn’t be bothered to explain or defend himself anymore!

If Song Yantang wants to misunderstand, let him!

He had done all he could, and his conscience was clear. Whatever Song Yantang wanted to do, so be it.

At worst, he could always return to his hometown and farm the land!

Then he recalled the expressions of his uncles.

For a moment, his heart grew numb.

※※※※※

Dou Zhao knew Chen Jia had sent someone to request an audience with Song Mo. She asked him, “What did Chen Jia want with you?”

“It was about Shao Wenji’s matter,” Song Mo replied, sighing inwardly at the thought of it. He then told Dou Zhao about Shao Wenji’s suicide.

Dou Zhao’s face paled.

She gestured toward the north.

Song Mo nodded slightly, stepping forward to wrap an arm around her shoulders. With a smile, he said, “Don’t worry! If he wants to confront me, he’ll have to wait until the matter between me and Fifth Uncle is settled. It all depends on whether he sides with me or with Fifth Uncle.”

If Liao Wang sided with Song Mo, he would have to persuade Jiang Bosun to back down. But Jiang Bosun had only clashed with Song Mo over Liao Wang’s affairs—if Liao Wang treated him this way, how could he not feel wronged? It would be natural for him to resent Liao Wang. On the other hand, if Liao Wang sided with Jiang Bosun, why should Song Mo pledge allegiance to him?

Dou Zhao immediately grasped the brilliance of Song Mo’s move.

She raised her thumb in admiration, her gaze filled with respect. “You’re truly remarkable!”

“It’s just a matter of leveraging the situation,” Song Mo replied modestly, though his eyes betrayed a hint of pride.

Dou Zhao couldn’t help but smile and asked, “Did Chen Jia mention anything else when he came to see you?”

“No,” Song Mo said, puzzled. “Has he done something wrong?”

Perhaps it was best not to let Song Mo know about this for now.

Dou Zhao thought for a moment and chuckled. “What could he have done? I was just asking casually.”

Song Mo didn’t dwell on it, as the wet nurse happened to bring in Yuan Ge’er just then, shifting the conversation elsewhere.

Meanwhile, Chen Jia, having waited in vain for any response from the Duke of England’s Mansion, began to grow suspicious.

Had he misread the situation?

Eager to gather information, he sent Wife of Tao the Second to the mansion with a basket of tangerines—a recent gift from his subordinates.

Dou Zhao accepted them without revealing anything.

Relieved, Chen Jia asked Wife of Tao the Second, “What did Madam Dou say?”

“This servant did not see Madam Dou,” Wife of Tao the Second replied respectfully. “Her father was returning to Zhen Ding and came to bid her farewell, so Madam Dou had no time to receive me.”

Chen Jia was surprised.

Why would Dou Shiying return to Zhen Ding outside of any festival or holiday?

He soon learned about Dou Shiying’s plans to adopt an heir.

Miao Ansu, however, lacked Chen Jia’s extensive network of informants.

After several days of inquiries, Ji Hong still couldn’t uncover the reason for Dou Shiying’s return to Zhen Ding.

Miao Ansu sighed in frustration. “Forget it. Even if I knew, it wouldn’t make a difference! It’s none of my business anyway.” Yet inwardly, she was alarmed—the Hall of Cultivating Will was as tightly guarded as an iron barrel, making it impossible for her to uncover anything. In contrast, she had learned about Song Yichun’s bedroom servant shortly after her marriage to the Cassia Fragrance Courtyard.No wonder Father-in-law couldn't compete with Eldest Uncle!

Just based on this point alone, Father-in-law had already lost.

She began worrying about the relationship between Song Han and Song Mo.

A young maid entered and reported: "Your two maternal uncles have come to visit you!"

Miao Ansu was startled and asked, "Which two uncles?"

The maid was one of her Dowry Servants and very familiar with the Miao family situation. She smiled and said, "It's Fifth Uncle and Sixth Uncle."

Fifth Uncle was her full brother Miao Anping, while Sixth Uncle was the youngest son of her eldest uncle.

"Please show them in!" Miao Ansu changed her clothes and went to the Small Flower Hall for receiving guests.

Miao Anping wore a fashionable sapphire-blue brocade robe embroidered with deep purple bats surrounding the character for longevity, with a golden hairpin symbolizing continuous promotion in his hair. Her sixth cousin wore a dark red brocade robe patterned with symbols of peace throughout the seasons, adorned with a golden hairpin representing abundance year after year. Both were dressed so brilliantly that they dazzled the eyes.

Thinking of the jade bonsai displayed in the Dou family's Reception Hall, Miao Ansu couldn't help but frown slightly. She gestured indifferently toward the Grand Preceptor's Chairs in the hall and said, "Please sit down and speak, brothers."