Blossom

Song Mo raised an eyebrow upon hearing this, let out a cold laugh, took Yuan Ge'er from Dou Zhao's arms, and strode inside without another word.

Wuyi and the others dared not speak, keeping their heads bowed as they followed behind.

Dou Zhao silently mourned for half a minute for the person who had sought Song Han’s help to plead their case—given Song Mo’s resentment toward Song Han, it would have been better if they hadn’t involved him. If they had, that person would likely never have a chance with the Five Cities Garrison again.

However, to both Song Mo and Dou Zhao’s surprise, Song Han didn’t intervene, but Miao Anping privately approached Jiang Yi, claiming the person was his cousin and asking Jiang Yi to help secure a position. He even hinted that if the matter succeeded, he was willing to offer Jiang Yi five thousand taels of silver as thanks.

If it had been anyone else, they might have eagerly arranged the placement, then casually mentioned it to Song Mo later—forcing him to acknowledge the favor, not to mention the five thousand taels. But Jiang Yi happened to know about the discord between the Song brothers. After some inquiries, he discovered Miao Anping was nothing more than a freeloader. He wondered if the man was using Song Mo’s name to intimidate him. What if Miao Anping was lying, and Song Mo refused to acknowledge the favor? That would be a terrible loss.

So Jiang Yi found an opportunity to visit the Hall of Cultivating Will and tactfully asked Song Mo if he knew about the matter.

Song Mo hadn’t expected Miao Anping to be so bold. His face darkened instantly, and Jiang Yi didn’t need to ask further—it was clear Miao Anping was bluffing. He returned and rejected Miao Anping’s request, saying, “Appointments in the Five Cities Garrison are solely at Lord Song’s discretion. Since you’re relatives by marriage, why not ask Lord Song for a note? With that, you could pick any position you like. Why go the roundabout way?”

Miao Anping was deeply troubled.

He had already taken six thousand taels from someone else, confidently promising to get the job done. Now that the matter had fallen through, and he had already spent two or three hundred taels, how could he possibly cover the debt?

Left with no choice, Miao Anping went to Miao Ansu again.

Pressed to desperation, Miao Ansu came to Dou Zhao for help.

Dou Zhao laughed upon hearing the request. “You know me—I never dare interfere with the Young Lord’s affairs outside the household, let alone matters of buying and selling official positions.” She added, “This isn’t the conduct of a virtuous wife. You should think carefully about it, sister-in-law.”

Miao Ansu grimaced. “It’s truly a family matter—I couldn’t refuse. That’s why I’ve come to you, sister-in-law. Please mention it to my elder brother-in-law. The silver isn’t an issue.”

Dou Zhao smiled and lifted her teacup—a silent dismissal.

Miao Ansu left dejected.

When Song Mo found out, he was furious. “If Miao Shi bothers you with such matters again, just send her to me! I’ve seen plenty of these deceitful schemes. Miao Anping’s petty tricks aren’t even worth my attention—he should stop embarrassing himself.”

Dou Zhao handed him a cup of tea with a gentle smile. “Don’t be angry. We’ll just stay out of the affairs of the Four Alleys.” Then she changed the subject to Jiang Yan’s wedding: “When the Chen family comes for the Bridal Urging, you mustn’t look displeased.”

At the mention of his sister’s marriage, Song Mo’s expression softened involuntarily.

He chuckled. “When have I ever looked displeased? Haven’t I always done exactly as you say? Have I ever refused you?”Dou Zhao snorted, “You didn’t say anything, but your expression made it clear you were unwilling. You might as well have stayed in the study. At least then the joyous occasion wouldn’t have turned cold and cheerless because of you, making everyone afraid to even crack a joke.”

“I’ll make sure to smile brightly when the time comes,” he said, pushing Dou Zhao onto the bed and lowering his voice. “Why get upset with me over outsiders’ affairs? Let’s focus on making our own little life comfortable first.” As he spoke, his hands wandered mischievously into her robe.

Knowing he was in a sour mood, Dou Zhao let him have his way.

By the fifth day of the twelfth month, when the Chen family came for the Bridal Urging, Song Mo’s face, though not exactly joyful, appeared gentle enough to ease the visitors’ nerves.

Dou Zhao had invited Cai Shi to serve as the woman of complete blessings.

After Cai Shi and Yinghong followed the Chen family to Yuqiao Alley for the Bridal Chamber Settling, Ji Shi and the others also took their leave.

Dou Zhao then went to Jiang Yan’s place to share some advice on marital harmony.

Since Jiang Yan had been married before, Dou Zhao avoided discussing intimate matters and instead offered guidance on managing the household. Yet Jiang Yan’s face burned crimson, her lips trembling as if she wanted to say something but couldn’t.

Dou Zhao smiled warmly and took her hand. “What’s the matter?”

“I… I…” Jiang Yan lowered her head, murmuring anxiously, “Will he… despise me?”

Understanding her worry, Dou Zhao gently stroked Jiang Yan’s glossy black hair. “Of course not. You’re gentle and beautiful—Chen Zan Zhi is lucky to marry you. How could he possibly disdain you? If you don’t believe me, wait until after returning to your maiden home, and we’ll talk more privately.”

Jiang Yan’s cheeks flushed even deeper. “Twelfth Sister said the same thing.”

Dou Zhao encouraged her, “Then you must gather your courage and live well with Chen Zan Zhi.”

Jiang Yan nodded shyly.

A loud cough sounded outside the door.

Dou Zhao recognized it immediately as Song Mo’s.

She lifted the curtain with a smile.

Song Mo strode in with a stern expression.

Jiang Yan shrank under his gaze, nervously twisting the hem of her dress.

He pulled a document from his sleeve and handed it over. “These are the deeds to two shops on West Street. They weren’t listed in your dowry. Keep them safe. If there’s ever anything you don’t want Chen Zan Zhi to know, use the income from these shops.”

Jiang Yan was baffled by the phrase “anything you don’t want Chen Zan Zhi to know.”

She glanced uncertainly between Dou Zhao and Song Mo, stammering, “You’ve already given me twenty thousand taels for my dowry. I have no need for more money. I can’t accept this farmstead—please keep it for Yuan Ge’er instead.”

Song Mo’s expression darkened. He glared at her, slammed the deed onto the kang table, and stormed out, the curtain fluttering violently behind him.

Jiang Yan paled, clutching Dou Zhao’s sleeve in silent plea for help.

Dou Zhao sighed. “Your brother is just preparing for contingencies. Once you’re married, won’t you need to reward the Chen family’s old servants? Or tip Chen Zan Zhi’s attendants? If you need to send word to your family, won’t the pages move faster with silver in hand?”

Realization dawned on Jiang Yan, followed by shame. “Sister-in-law, I should go apologize to Brother.”

(Note: Some terms like "kang" (a heated brick bed) and "taels" (a unit of currency) are retained for cultural accuracy.)"There's no need for that." Dou Zhao tucked the deed into Jiang Yan's hand and said, "Keep this safe and be careful not to lose it. Your brother won't blame you."

Jiang Yan obediently murmured an "Mm" and took the deed.

Dou Zhao stood to take her leave. "Rest early. Tomorrow is your big day—you wouldn’t want to look tired."

Blushing, Jiang Yan agreed and escorted Dou Zhao out of Green Water Residence.

Dou Zhao returned to the main quarters.

Song Mo was in the study practicing calligraphy with large strokes, clearly still fuming.

Dou Zhao couldn’t help but laugh. "She’s simple-minded and doesn’t understand your concerns. Instead of giving her private funds, why not send her a couple of capable maids or old women? With Jade Bridge Lane so close, do you really think Chen Zan Zhi would dare neglect her?"

"I just don’t know what goes on in her head," Song Mo grumbled, exasperated. "All my worries are wasted on her."

Dou Zhao gently looped her arm through his and soothed, "I know you’re afraid Chen Zan Zhi might discover you’ve placed people in his household, causing a rift between him and Yan. As for giving her those two shops—don’t be disheartened. She was never properly guided before, and she’s still young, which is why she was so easily manipulated. Now that she has us watching over her, she’ll grow in time."

With Dou Zhao’s reassurance, Song Mo gradually calmed down.

The next day, when Jiang Yan left for her wedding, he stood lost in thought for a long while.

Song Yichun hadn’t attended the wedding at all. He had long since arranged to go snow-viewing with friends outside the city and didn’t return until evening.

Spotting the pages sweeping up firecracker remnants at the gate, he coldly asked Zeng Wu, "Has Cousin left?"

Zeng Wu quickly bowed and replied with a smile, "She left less than two hours ago."

Song Yichun stood silently for a moment before heading to Cassia Fragrance Courtyard.

Song Mo’s words—"Liao Wang wants to take Jiang Yan as his Madam, and if it happens, you’ll have a prince as your son-in-law"—had been echoing in Song Yichun’s mind. At first, he thought it was just Song Mo’s way of provoking him. But after Geng Li’s repeated visits and the urgent handwritten letter delivered six hundred li away, he began to waver. A few days ago, he finally sent someone to investigate.

To his shock, it turned out to be true!

The news threw him into disarray.

If the girl had grown up in the household, she would’ve been more than qualified to become Liao Wang’s princess consort—not just a mere Madam!

Regret and resentment surged within him.

But like a fleeting firework, the emotions quickly dissipated.

Compared to Jiang Shi’s heartache, having Song Han raised in the household amused him far more.

Song Yichun strode toward the main quarters.

A page guarding the entrance spotted him and scurried over. "Duke, the Second Master is here."

Song Yichun paused.

The curtain to the hall was already lifted, revealing Song Han’s handsome smile.

"Father, you’re back," he said respectfully, stepping aside to let Song Yichun enter.

Song Yichun gave a dignified "Mm" and remarked, "You came for the wedding banquet."

Song Han smiled. "I wasn’t planning to, but I wanted to see you, so I came. Who knew you’d be out visiting friends?" As he spoke, he helped Song Yichun sit and took the tea from a maid, placing it before him.

Song Yichun lifted the cup for a sip before lazily asking, "What did you need me for?"Song Han smiled and said, "I've already established my own household now. I can't continue burying my head in books like I did back at the manor, oblivious to worldly affairs. I want to find something to do and was hoping Father could advise me on what would be suitable."

Song Yichun had also been considering this matter.

Since he intended to elevate Song Han's status, he couldn't let him idle around at home doing nothing.

He said, "With the year-end approaching, I'll have more opportunities to enter the palace. When the chance arises, I'll try to secure an imperial decree for you!"

Song Han hadn't expected this matter to be resolved so easily. Overjoyed, he repeatedly expressed his gratitude to Song Yichun.

Pleased with Song Han's humble demeanor before him, Song Yichun said, "Just enjoy the New Year peacefully and wait for my good news."

Song Han returned to Sitao Hutong in high spirits.