Blossom

Tian Shi, upon hearing this, angrily retorted, "At this point, you still dare to say such things? The one who was cast away was your own flesh and blood! Is your heart made of iron?" As she spoke, she took out a handkerchief to dab at the corners of her eyes and began to sob softly.

Wei Tingyu's expression was indescribably grim.

The young maid, A'xuan, looked fearful.

She gently tugged at Tian Shi's sleeve and murmured, "It was my fault. The Dowager Madam was kind enough to take me in, and I am already endlessly grateful. Please, Your Ladyship, do not argue with the Marquis over my affairs. I am not worth it!"

Hearing these soft-spoken words of plea, Tian Shi felt even more repulsed by Dou Ming's arrogance and scolded lightly, "Nonsense! How is this just your family's matter? Clearly, the Marquis lacks authority in his own household..."

Wei Tingyu, feeling both ashamed and guilty, called out, "Mother," but hesitated to continue.

After all, how could he stir up trouble with his lawful wife over a mere maid?

If word got out, how could he face others?

Yet, he had always been filial to his mother, making it impossible for him to voice such thoughts.

Tian Shi watched him, unable to hide her disappointment.

She said quietly, "If that's the case, then let's invite your sister back to make a decision." Then she instructed Tian Momo, "Go and ask the eldest paternal aunt to return to the mansion."

Even though she was his own sister, Wei Tingyu didn’t want Wei Tingzhen to know about his disgraceful affairs.

He said awkwardly, "Mother, I will handle this matter. There’s no need to trouble Sister."

But the usually gentle Tian Shi seemed resolute this time and shook her head. "I know exactly how you’ll handle it—either keeping A'xuan outside or finding her a husband. As someone who has been a lawful wife myself, would I ever tolerate maids who seduce their masters? But ask yourself honestly, who caused this mess? If all household matters were truly your own decisions, I wouldn’t say a word. If you want to keep A'xuan outside, I’ll pretend not to know; if you want to marry her off, I’ll prepare her dowry immediately. But is this really your decision? Since Dou Ming entered this household, how many things have actually been your call? Did I raise you all these years just for you to be trampled by a woman? Say no more. We’ll discuss this after your sister arrives."

She turned away, refusing to look at Wei Tingyu again.

A'xuan bit the corner of her quilt and cried.

Helpless, Wei Tingyu glanced at his mother and A'xuan before lowering his head and leaving Tian Shi’s inner chamber.

In the main chamber of the Marquis of Jining's Mansion, Dou Ming was sipping bird’s nest soup.

Upon hearing that Wei Tingyu had rushed straight to Tian Shi’s residence upon his return, she sneered repeatedly and said, "Now I see what a devoted man he truly is! What, does he plan to oppose me just because I dealt with his beloved? No wonder the Marquis of Jining's Mansion has declined—with a daughter-in-law like my mother-in-law, three generations are doomed. She actually took in a maid who had an abortion and let her recuperate in her own chambers. Is this something a mother-in-law should do? And she calls herself a Marchioness! I think she’s worse than those illiterate old women on the streets..."

Zhou Momo and the others kept their heads bowed, silent as clay statues, not daring to utter a word.

Seeing this, Dou Ming felt her anger flare uncontrollably. She raised her hand and hurled the bowl of bird’s nest soup at a young maid.

Fortunately, the soup wasn’t scalding hot. Though the maid was drenched, she wasn’t burned. Clenching her teeth, she stood motionless, enduring Dou Ming’s outburst.Dou Ming felt even more aggrieved as she watched. She shouted "Get out!" at the little maid, who fled as if her life depended on it.

Zhou Momo quickly had someone clean the inner chamber and personally fetched hot water to help Dou Ming wash her hands.

Only then did Dou Ming's tears begin to fall.

"How could he treat me like this?" She grabbed Zhou Momo's hand and sobbed against her shoulder. "She's just some brat who hasn't even grown into her looks yet! And he actually let that old hag elevate that little wretch. For his sake, I even turned my back on my own family. And this is how he repays me... Coming back and going straight to see that little wretch instead of me—how am I supposed to hold my head up in this household now?"

Zhou Momo patted her back gently, comforting her as she had when Dou Ming was a child, though inwardly she could only sigh.

Now that Tian Shi and Wei Tingzhen had joined forces against Dou Ming, with Wei Tingyu being so easily swayed and Dou Ming having alienated the Dou family, how could she possibly win?

She couldn't help but whisper, "Perhaps... this servant could send word to Jing'an Temple Alley? Seventh Master has always held you in high regard. If he's ignored you, it's only because he was upset with your disobedience before. But now that you're in trouble, he won't stand by and do nothing."

"No! You are not to go!" Dou Ming shoved Zhou Momo away abruptly, her face streaked with tears but her lips pressed stubbornly together. "If he doesn't have me, then I don't have him either!"

Zhou Momo wanted to persuade her further, but Dou Ming cut her off. "Don't say another word. I used to hope he'd change his mind and treat me well again, like before. But now I see clearly—Wei Tingyu is nothing but an ungrateful wretch! He eats my food, wears my clothes, spends my money, and still can't be tamed. His whole family wants to fight me? Fine, I'll fight them! Let's see who comes out on top. In this world, it's either the mother-in-law crushing the daughter-in-law or the daughter-in-law crushing the mother-in-law. She managed to snatch that little wretch back from me only because she has a few rough old women in her service. Momo, go open my trunks right now. Take out five hundred taels in silver notes and buy me a few burly old women to serve me. I refuse to believe that with money in hand, I can't get things done!"

At this, she suddenly thought of Dou Zhao.

Dou Zhao had always stayed holed up in Zhen Ding.

Before this, Dou Ming had assumed Dou Zhao was just being stubborn with their mother. She had even privately mocked Dou Zhao for giving up the chance to go to the capital—how foolish!

But in this moment, she realized that Dou Zhao was the truly clever one.

Though Dou Zhao lived in obscurity, she had people, money, and the Dou family's protection. She could do whatever she wanted and had even hired so many guards for herself. When she married into the Duke of Yingguo's household, she even brought those guards with her.

How would Song Yantang dare to slight Dou Zhao?

The thought made Dou Ming's chest tighten with frustration.

So the real fool was her!

She should have followed Dou Zhao's example long ago—spending her own money, using her own people. Who would dare disobey her then?

But as soon as this thought surfaced, an indescribable discomfort twisted in her heart.

Did she always have to trail behind Dou Zhao?

Yet this was also the best way to escape her current predicament!

Dou Ming shook her head violently, suppressing the chaotic thoughts in her mind. She said to Zhou Momo, "I don't care what that old hag does. I'm going to replace all the maids and old women in this household. Let's see who she can still order around then!"Zhou Momo felt that Dou Ming should have done this long ago and repeatedly said, "Good," before turning to go to the storeroom.

Dou Ming leaned against the large bolster by the window, staring blankly at the big red lanterns hanging under the eaves, when a thought suddenly crossed her mind: I wonder what Dou Zhao is doing now?

※※※※※

Dou Zhao, drenched in sweat, pushed Song Mo away, still slightly out of breath.

Song Mo immediately clung to her again, nibbling her ear and asking, "What’s wrong? Are you feeling unwell somewhere?"

Dou Zhao’s voice was already hoarse as she replied, "I want some water."

"I’ll get it!" Song Mo tightly wrapped Dou Zhao in the quilt and got out of bed naked to pour her a cup of warm water.

Dou Zhao gazed at his broad shoulders and narrow waist, his elegant physique making it hard for her to look away.

Song Mo, feigning nonchalance, placed the teacup on the small table by the bed, though inwardly he was quite pleased with himself.

Dou Zhao, somewhat embarrassed, turned her head away.

Song Mo smirked and asked, "Should I bring in some water for washing?"

The quilt felt sticky, and her body was covered in sweat. Dou Zhao gave a soft "Mm" in response.

Song Mo picked her up, quilt and all, and said with a laugh, "Let’s bathe together."

Wouldn’t that just lead to another round of exertion?

Dou Zhao’s face burned, and she quickly protested, "No need, I’ll do it myself!" She struggled to get down.

"Careful, you’ll catch a chill!" Song Mo only held her tighter, laughing as he turned toward the screen.

Dou Zhao caught sight of the spacious pine bathtub behind the screen, large enough for two, and couldn’t help but plead, "Next time, okay? Next time I’ll listen to whatever you say!"

Song Mo cheekily replied, "You said the same thing earlier—this is the ‘next time’ you promised." Ignoring her protests, he stepped into the tub with her.

Dou Zhao had no choice but to say, "We still have to visit Grandmother tomorrow!"

She had picked up Song Mo’s habit of referring to her grandmother as "Grandmother."

Song Mo grinned. "I already took the day off. I’ll go with you tomorrow."

The sound of Dou Zhao’s passionate moans filled the bathing chamber... so much so that the next day, sitting in her grandmother’s hall, Dou Zhao’s legs still felt weak.

She couldn’t help but glare at Song Mo.

Song Mo pretended not to notice, sitting upright with a teacup in hand as he watched Dou Dechang kowtow to Grandmother.

"Good child, I never expected you to be adopted into the Western Dou family," Grandmother said kindly, bending to take Dou Dechang’s hand. "From now on, your father and your younger sisters will be in your care."

"I will heed Grandmother’s instructions," Dou Dechang replied solemnly.

Grandmother nodded with a smile and gestured for Dou Shiying, who was standing nearby, to sit. "Come, let’s talk."

Dou Shiying respectfully took a seat.

Dou Dechang had officially moved into Jing'an Temple Alley the day before, and Dou Shiying had informed Song Mo and Dou Zhao. He had specially brought Dou Dechang to kowtow to Grandmother.

After some casual conversation, it was soon time for lunch. Once the meal was over, Dou Shiying and the others chatted outside while Grandmother and Dou Zhao stayed by the sleeping Yuan Ge'er, speaking softly.

"Why isn’t Mingjier here?"

"She said she wasn’t feeling well," Dou Zhao replied, not wanting to worry Grandmother about her relationship with Dou Ming. "The Marquis of Jining came over for drinks yesterday, so we didn’t invite him today."

Grandmother asked, "Still no news from Mingjier? It’s been over a year since she married."

"They say her health is still weak and she needs more time to recover," Dou Zhao said, gently patting Yuan Ge'er, who was stirring restlessly in his sleep.The grandmother sighed and said, "The adults' misdeeds have brought suffering upon you children!"

Dou Zhao smiled noncommittally.

In her previous life, her circumstances had been far more difficult than Dou Ming's, yet she had still persevered.

It just goes to show whether life is good or bad depends entirely on how one lives it!

The family happily spent the day playing in Housi Alley. Upon returning to the Hall of Cultivating Will, Wuyi quietly reported to Song Mo: "The second son of the Qianhu from Daxing Guard wants to join the Five Cities Garrison. He approached the Miao family, hoping they could get Second Master to put in a word with you. Second Master ignored the request, and now Uncle Miao is making a scene in Sitiao Alley."

Although Song Han had moved out, Song Mo had still arranged for people to keep an eye on him.