Blossom

"Father, I know you care for me deeply. But as the second son, it's only natural for me to establish my own household sooner or later. What difference does the timing make?" Moreover, the earlier he moved out, the more people would perceive Song Mo as ruthless and cold-hearted, unwilling to spare even his own younger brother.

He mused silently, though his expression remained humble and respectful. "And even if I move out, won't I still be your son? Perhaps you could even stay with both of us occasionally, enjoying a change of scenery." If his father frequently stayed at his residence, it might even tarnish Song Mo's reputation as "unfilial"—all the better. "Father, please don't quarrel with Elder Brother over my affairs. What if you harm your health? At your age, we children only wish for your well-being and longevity, so we may always have your guidance. You mustn’t let anything happen to you!"

Miao Ansu's heart leaped with joy upon hearing this.

Though the matchmaker had mentioned when she married in that Song Han, as the second son, would eventually establish his own household, it had merely been talk. After all, which family would divide so soon after a new bride's arrival?

Thus, while she knew separation was inevitable, she hadn’t expected it to happen this early.

Had she not heard the rumors about Song Han's origins or witnessed Song Mo's indifference toward him, she might have assumed Song Mo was simply cruel and intolerant of his younger brother. But now, she hoped for an early separation—the sooner, the better. At least with Song Han no longer underfoot, Song Mo’s disdain might lessen, and her own position would become safer.

Miao Ansu quickly lowered her voice and asked, "What does the Duke say?"

"Still unclear," Ji Hong whispered. "The maids only overheard snippets while serving tea."

Miao Ansu nodded, pondering for a moment before saying, "Let’s return for now. Today isn’t the right time to bring up my brother’s matter."

With the household division looming, Song Han surely had his own plans. Raising her brother’s issue now might not only fail to help him but could also provoke Song Han’s displeasure.

Ji Hong understood and gently escorted Miao Ansu back to the inner chambers.

Song Han didn’t return until nightfall.

Miao Ansu personally attended to him, helping him wash and change, then brewing a pot of hot tea before speaking softly, "Second Master, why are you so late today? I had the kitchen prepare pigeon soup—would you like some?"

Song Han waved her off and headed to his study.

Miao Ansu stamped her foot in frustration.

Meanwhile, at the Hall of Cultivating Will, Dou Zhao sat by the window on the heated brick bed, sewing a bellyband for Yuan Ge’er as she spoke with Song Mo. "So, the Duke refuses to divide the household?"

Song Mo took a sip of tea and snatched the needlework from her hands. "It’s too late—you’ll strain your eyes. Do it tomorrow." Then he added, "Father will never agree, but this isn’t up to him. I’ve already discussed it with Uncle. If Father remains stubborn, we’ll secure an official post for Song Han and send him away. Let’s see if his resolve holds when Song Han is stationed at the northwestern camp!"

Dou Zhao looked surprised. "If the Duke refuses the division, you’ll send Song Han to the northwestern camp?"That is a harsh and bitter land where many go but few return, and it's rare to come back even once a year. It's practically the same as being exiled.

Song Mo sneered coldly.

But Song Yichun flew into a rage.

Pointing at Lu Zhan, who had come to persuade him, he shouted, "Get out of here!"

Lu Zhan had never suffered such humiliation before; his face turned so red it seemed blood might drip from it.

He hastily bowed to Song Yichun and hurriedly left the Duke of England's Mansion.

Upon hearing the news, Dou Zhao quickly urged Song Mo, "Go after Uncle Lu immediately. He suffered this humiliation today entirely for standing up for you."

"I know," Song Mo replied, his face darkening slightly as he said solemnly, "I will give Cousin Zhan an explanation for this." With that, he changed his clothes and left the mansion.

Dou Zhao instructed her people to continue monitoring the situation at Cassia Fragrance Courtyard.

Unexpectedly, it was Song Han who stepped in to persuade Song Yichun.

"Father, I know you care deeply for me. But as the second son, it's only right that I move out and live independently—whether sooner or later makes little difference." Moreover, the earlier he moved out, the more people would perceive Song Mo as ruthless and cold-hearted, unwilling to spare even his own younger brother. That would make Song Mo someone to be feared and avoided. He mulled this over silently while maintaining a respectful and humble expression. "And even if I move out, won’t I still be your son? Perhaps you could even stay with me sometimes, getting away for a change of scenery." If his father frequently stayed at his residence, it might even tarnish Song Mo’s reputation as "unfilial"—that would be even better. "Father, you mustn’t quarrel with Elder Brother over my sake. What if you ruin your health? You’re getting older now, and all we children want is for you to stay healthy and live a long life, so we’ll always have someone to guide us. You mustn’t let anything happen to you!"

Song Yichun’s expression softened slightly at this.

Song Han then smiled and said, "What do you think about me setting up a residence in Fourth Lane? It wouldn’t need to be too large, and it would be close enough for me to visit you easily. If anything happens, I can come over quickly..."

The Duke of England's Mansion was located in one lane, and Fourth Lane was just three lanes away—close, but property there was expensive and often hard to come by. Securing even a modest residence there wouldn’t be easy.

Yet Song Han’s words deeply moved Song Yichun.

If he refused to let Song Han move out, Song Mo would surely find a way to send Song Han to the Northwest Camp. And since Song Mo, as the nephew of Duke Ding, held considerable influence in the military, he likely had connections in the Northwest Camp. With just a word from Song Mo, Song Han could die without him even knowing. It would be better to do as Song Han suggested—let him move out and establish a residence nearby. If anything happened, he could summon Song Han back to provoke Song Mo and ensure Song Mo never had peace either...

Thinking this, Song Yichun allowed a faint smile to cross his face and sighed. "You’re truly filial... Don’t worry about the residence—I’ll arrange it. When you return, explain things properly to your wife, so her family doesn’t think our Song Family can’t tolerate you two and is forcing you out."

What else could it be if not intolerance?

His father said this because he was worried about losing face in front of the Miao Family, wasn’t he?What kind of people are those Miao family members? Even the dogs of the Song family are more noble than them. Why should we be afraid of them?

At least he got a house out of it, so it wasn’t a total loss.

But Father couldn’t possibly expect him to move out just like that!

Song Han sneered inwardly but respectfully sought Song Yichun’s advice: “Then how should I explain the move to my father-in-law? Miao Shi’s marriage was granted by imperial decree. If we split the household right after she just entered our doors... You know how the Miao family is—down on their luck and capable of anything. I’m afraid they might come to our house and make a scene, giving others a reason to laugh at us.”

Song Yichun thought of how the Miao family had even dared to pocket his betrothal gifts and nodded repeatedly at Song Han’s words.

After a long silence, he said, “How about this? Tell them that according to ancestral customs, the second son must establish his own household separately. Only the mother’s dowry and the father’s personal savings can be divided, while the public assets of the Duke of England's Mansion cannot be touched. I want to give you a larger share of the property, so I’m taking this opportunity to split you off first. I doubt the Miao family will have anything to say against this reasoning.”

Song Han was secretly delighted but replied calmly, “Yes.” However, upon returning, he said nothing to Miao Ansu. Instead, he instructed Qi Xia to pack their belongings: “We’ll be moving out in a few days.”

Qi Xia was shocked and quickly asked what had happened.

“Don’t worry about it. Just pack,” Song Han dismissed her without further explanation.

Qi Xia dared not press further and hurried out to direct the maids in sorting through the trunks while her mind raced.

Though she served the Second Master, her deed of sale belonged to the Duke of England's Mansion. The Second Master was kind-faced but cruel-hearted—even Madam Jiang, who had raised him as her own son, had not been spared, let alone others. Even if she devoted herself wholeheartedly to serving him, she might not gain any favor. Instead, she might as well seize this chance to beg Madam to let her stay in the mansion. After all, she was already getting older, and even if she were randomly matched with one of the mansion’s pages, it would still be better than being married off from Song Han’s household after the split.

Having made up her mind, Qi Xia could no longer sit still.

She whispered a few words to a trusted maid, gathered some jewelry, and went to find Ruo Zhu.

Meanwhile, Dou Zhao was discussing the fate of Qi Xia and others with Song Mo.

Song Mo loathed everything and everyone related to Song Han from the bottom of his heart. He said impatiently, “This isn’t a charity house. Why should we take in all those strays? You should make him take all his riffraff with him and be done with it!”

But Dou Zhao replied, “I want to keep Qi Xia and a few others.”

Song Mo raised an eyebrow.

Dou Zhao continued, “By making Song Han move out, are you planning to let him go his own way from now on, with all past grievances settled?”

“As if he deserves that!” Song Mo said sharply. “I’m making him move out to draw a clear line between us, so that if anything happens to him in the future, it won’t drag us down!”

“In that case, it’s better to keep Qi Xia and the others,” Dou Zhao said with a smile. “There will come a day when Song Han’s deeds are settled. We may not fear rumors, but having witnesses on hand is far more convincing than empty words.”

Song Mo fell into thought.Dou Zhao smiled cleverly and said, "Aren't we about to divide the family? Coincidentally, Qi Xia and the others are getting older and should be released from service. I think it would be best to arrange marriages for Qi Xia and the others. As for Song Han's side, let Miao Shi take charge and purchase new maids and old women to serve him. I’m sure Miao Shi would be willing. Moreover, this would accumulate blessings for Song Han—who could possibly object?"

Song Mo smiled faintly.

Since Dou Zhao managed the household affairs in the Duke of Yingguo's Mansion, matters like arranging marriages for maids naturally fell under her authority. She decided which servants would be released to Father, which would be married into good families, and which would be matched with the mansion's prominent stewards as wives. For someone like Qi Xia, who had once served Song Han closely, being paired with a distinguished steward was a perfectly suitable and honorable arrangement.

Once a woman married, she would focus on serving her husband and raising children, settling down peacefully.

And if the day came when they were needed to speak about their past service to Song Han, would they risk their husbands' and children's futures to shield him?

Song Mo nodded and said, "You’ve considered everything thoroughly. Let’s proceed as you suggest."

Dou Zhao smiled demurely.

Song Mo was about to tease her further when Ruo Zhu requested an audience.

He stepped aside to practice calligraphy.

Ruo Zhu spread out a bundle of jewelry before Dou Zhao and relayed Qi Xia’s wish to remain in the mansion.

Dou Zhao couldn’t help but laugh. "This is truly a case of mutual benefit. I’m aware of Qi Xia’s situation—you may reassure her on my behalf."

Ruo Zhu withdrew with a smile, promising Qi Xia she would plead her case before Dou Zhao.

Over the following days, Qi Xia sent several more pieces of jewelry to thank Ruo Zhu, all of which Ruo Zhu presented to Dou Zhao for inspection.

Dou Zhao gifted all the jewelry to Ruo Zhu.

A few days later, Dou Zhao summoned the mansion’s steward mammies and announced, "With the New Year approaching, whether rich or poor, it’s time to marry off daughters. This time, all maids in the mansion who have reached eighteen will be released. If any of your sons are seeking wives, let me know."

The Duke of Yingguo's Mansion immediately erupted in excitement.