Blossom

Miao Anping gritted his teeth until they creaked, seething with anger as he spat out, "What's the matter? Just because I made a few harmless comments about the Song family, does Song Han have to hold a grudge against me for a thousand years? Not only did he refuse to help, but he even pushed out one of his family's guards to humiliate me—treating me like some poor relative here to sponge off them!" Then, heedless of the consequences, he stormed into the Duke of Yingguo's mansion.

Song Han had no idea about any of this.

His face turned livid with rage as he cast a cold glance at the Miao siblings and declared, "Whatever issues you siblings have, don’t drag me into them." With that, he flicked his sleeves and left.

Miao Anping jumped up as if he’d fallen into a vat of boiling oil, berating Miao Ansu mercilessly and forcing her to go to Song Yichun to demand a replacement.

Miao Ansu wept uncontrollably but remained rooted to her seat, unmoving.

How could things be such a coincidence? Just as her brother had mentioned seeking the position of constable in Jurong County, one of the house guards who had come with Dou Zhao from Zhen Ding was given the post... If anyone claimed there was nothing fishy about this, she would never believe it!

Song Han thought the same.

Though he disliked Miao Anping, the man was still his brother-in-law. To see Miao Anping humiliated like this was a blow to his own pride as well.

Gazing in the direction of the Hall of Cultivating Will, Song Han’s heart churned like boiling water.

Inside the Hall of Cultivating Will, the newly appointed guard was kowtowing to Dou Zhao in gratitude.

Dou Zhao smiled and said, "This matter has nothing to do with me—it was entirely the Young Lord’s decision. If you wish to thank anyone, go thank him!"

The guard, quick-witted, flattered, "Without you, Madam, the Young Lord would never have known about us lowly folk. I must thank the Young Lord, but I must also thank you."

His words pleased everyone present.

Dou Zhao rewarded him with fifty taels of silver to purchase his official uniform and grease the palms of his superiors.

The guard thanked her profusely before finally withdrawing.

Back in the East Wing Courtyard, he enlisted the help of Gaoxing’s wife to arrange a few tables of wine and invited the guards from the Hall of Cultivating Will to celebrate. The group reveled happily for two days.

Meanwhile, Dou Zhao pondered the matter. Since Song Mo had tacitly approved the marriage between Jiang Yan and Chen Jia, the thin veil between them needed to be lifted.

Judging by Chen Jia’s demeanor, he had likely never even considered such a possibility. Jiang Yan’s feelings also needed to be sounded out. Moreover, in matters of marriage, it was customary for the groom’s family to propose to the bride’s family—doing the reverse would lower one’s standing.

After much deliberation, she concluded that Jiang Lizhu was the only suitable intermediary.

Dou Zhao thus invited Jiang Lizhu over for an opera performance and subtly hinted at the matter.

Jiang Lizhu, sharp as ever, immediately grasped the situation and smiled, "Leave this matter to me!"

Upon returning home, she summoned the Wife of Yao the Second for a talk.

By the time the Wife of Tao the Second left the Wu residence, she was so dazed she could barely find her bearings.

She hurried back to Yuqiao Alley in excitement, pulling Tao the Second inside the moment she entered. "Pinch me quick—am I dreaming?" she demanded.

Tao the Second chuckled, "What nonsense are you spouting now?"

No sooner had he spoken than Chen Jia returned from the yamen.

The Wife of Tao the Second snapped to attention and blurted, "Sir, today the First Madam of the Wu family invited me to their residence for a chat."

Chen Jia’s heart tightened—if not for Jiang Yan’s sake, why would Jiang Lizhu summon his steward mammy? Yet his expression remained unreadable as he asked, "What did the First Madam Wu want with you?"

The Wife of Tao the Second hesitated.

Chen Jia led her into his study.Tao the Second's wife finally spoke up: "The Duke of Yingguo's Mansion's Cousin is to remarry. First Madam Wu summoned me to inquire about your household affairs, my lord."

Chen Jia spat out his tea in one breath, spraying Tao the Second's wife full in the face.

"What did you say?" he exclaimed in astonishment. "First Madam Wu asked you about my household affairs?"

Tao the Second's wife wiped the tea from her face and laughed, "Indeed! First Madam Wu also said she was acting on Madam Dou's behalf."

Chen Jia's jaw nearly dropped to the floor.

He paced around his study in circles, pondering Tao the Second's wife's words.

Could it be that the Jiang family intended to betroth Jiang Yan to him? And thus had First Madam Wu act as intermediary?

But this was impossible!

He knew exactly what his background was. Even if the Jiang family made a mistake in their selection, it would never fall to him. How could he have caught Madam Dou's eye?

Could it be that the Jiang family misunderstood there being some improper relationship between him and Jiang Yan?

If that were the case, it would be disastrous.

He didn't care—he was a grown man. At worst, he'd be mocked as "a toad lusting after swan's flesh," and some might even admire his ambition!

But what about Jiang Yan?

She might never be able to clear her name in this lifetime!

Perhaps he should go explain this misunderstanding to Madam Dou?

As Chen Jia thought this, one foot stepped out the door, but the other refused to follow.

He had a chance to marry Jiang Yan... delicate, gentle Jiang Yan, like a spring flower!

Chen Jia's heart grew warm.

If he missed this opportunity, he would never have another chance to marry Jiang Yan.

Should he go or not?

Standing at the threshold, for the first time in his life, he was at a complete loss.

※※※※※

Meanwhile, Jiang Yan was having a heart-to-heart with Jiang Lizhu.

She stared at Jiang Lizhu in shock, nearly in tears from anxiety: "Twelfth Sister, I truly have nothing with Lord Chen! Why won't you believe me?" Then she began to swear, "If I have any improper relations with Lord Chen, may I be struck by—"

Jiang Lizhu was startled and quickly covered Jiang Yan's mouth, cutting off her words.

"My dear ancestor, how dare you swear so recklessly!" she exclaimed in horror. "It's because I think Lord Chen is a good man and you know him that I considered arranging a marriage for you. And here you are, cursing yourself." As she spoke, she released her hold. "Had I known it would come to this, I wouldn't have bothered."

Hearing this, Jiang Yan's face filled with guilt. "I know you mean well, Sister, but I don't wish to marry anyone. Though Lord Chen is good, he and I are not fated."

Jiang Lizhu hadn't expected Jiang Yan to say this and grew serious. "Why would you think that way?"

Jiang Yan lowered her lashes and whispered, "What man would want me knowing what I've been through? Ever since my failed suicide by hanging at the inn, I've known this is how my life would be. How could I dare hope for anything else?"

Jiang Lizhu asked, "What if Lord Chen came to propose?"

"Impossible." Jiang Yan shook her head like a rattle-drum.

"But what if he really did come to propose?" Jiang Lizhu pressed, unwilling to give up.

In all the world, no one knew her background better than Chen Jia. If Chen Jia were still willing to propose... did that mean he didn't disdain her?

Jiang Yan's heart stirred, suddenly thrown into turmoil.

She remained silent for a long while.Jiang Lizhu sighed in relief and said, "Then let's take a look?" She couldn't help but advise her further, "One must look forward. If you miss this opportunity, there may not be another. You're still young, unlike those divorced or widowed aunts from other families who can either assist their sisters-in-law in managing the household or help teach their nieces to read and write. Needlework is fine when you're young, but when you're older, do you really plan to go to a temple? With your temperament, even if you went to a temple, you'd likely end up being the one fetching water and tending the garden. Do you naively believe temples are truly peaceful places, untouched by worldly dust?"

"I... I don't," Jiang Yan murmured. "When I used to follow Li Tiaoniang to temples to offer incense, the nuns would always find ways to solicit donations. The more a patron donated, the more the abbess would favor them."

"Since you know this, think carefully about it!" Jiang Lizhu stood up to take her leave.

Jiang Yan lay in bed, wide awake.

What should she do?

Should she really marry Chen Jia?

What if one day Chen Jia grew tired of her...

The thought alone made her heart ache.

But if Chen Jia truly came to propose as Jiang Lizhu said, and she refused...

Jiang Yan tossed and turned in bed like a pancake on a griddle.

※※※※※

For a while, both were at a loss.

Dou Zhao waited for several days but Chen Jia never came to propose. She sighed inwardly.

Perhaps it just wasn't meant to be.

She buried the matter deep in her heart.

Song Mo, for his part, was happy to let things take their course and had no reason to bring it up.

Dou Zhao and Song Mo focused their energy on Song Han's relocation.

They invited Shuntian Prefecture Prefect Lord Huang Qi as a witness, with Dou Shiheng and Lu Fuli as mediators. Song Han signed the property division agreement.

Song Yichun hid in Cassia Fragrance Courtyard, unwilling to meet the guests.

Dou Shiheng asked Huang Qi to persuade Song Yichun: "Brotherly discord often stems from parental favoritism. Dividing the family early like this might not be a bad thing. If all noble families in the Capital were as clear-headed as you, our Shuntian Prefecture would see half as many lawsuits."

Though he knew Huang Qi was just comforting him, Song Yichun took the opportunity to save face and emerged gracefully to greet Dou Shiheng and Lu Fuli.

Dou Shiheng privately cursed Song Yichun, muttering, "He wants to have his cake and eat it too."

Dou Shiying said with a bitter smile, "At least the family is divided now. It wasn't for nothing that Sixth Brother made this trip."

Dou Shiheng felt a pang of pity for Dou Zhao and instructed Dou Dechang, "Shou Gu has had a hard life. After you move there, take good care of her."

Dou Dechang respectfully agreed.

As the youngest son, he had once been the most mischievous. But now that he had been adopted, recalling his father's doting affection over the years, he became more respectful toward him.

Dou Shiheng sighed and gently patted his second son's shoulder, dismissing him. He then spoke to Dou Shiying about Dou Dechang: "Since his name is already in the family register, don't hesitate on my account. Arrange for Zhigeer to move over soon. Dragging this out will only delay his studies—since you've chosen him, he should make progress in his scholarly pursuits and uphold the family's reputation."Dou Shiying was also preparing to discuss this matter with Dou Shiheng: "What do you think about moving over on the first day of the twelfth month? Firstly, it'll be easier to visit relatives during the New Year; secondly, I plan to hire an Old Academician as a private tutor residing at home so Zhigeer can focus entirely on preparing for the exams."

This year was an examination year, with the Provincial Examination scheduled for the following year.

Dou Shiheng nodded in agreement.

Dou Shiying then informed Song Mo about the plan.

Song Han was busy moving houses, while Song Maochun and the other three families, maintaining appearances, came to help. Many old acquaintances who usually flattered the Song family without success also gathered at Green Bamboo Residence to join the bustle. Uninterested in such trivial matters, Song Mo volunteered to assist Dou Shiying with the adoption arrangements for Dou Dechang.

Dou Shiying felt as comforted as drinking hot tea on a cold winter day and said with a smile, "What would require your effort? Just come over and keep me company with some tea."

Song Mo smiled and asked, "Have you informed the Wang Family about this?"

According to etiquette, after Dou Dechang's adoption, Wang Yingxue would become his legal mother, and he should pay her a visit regardless.