Blossom

Song Yichun was preoccupied with finding a suitable position for Song Han when the palace bestowed the Laba Festival's treasure porridge. Coincidentally, that day also marked Jiang Yan's return to her maiden home.

Song Mo invited Chen Jia to stay for porridge, while Dou Zhao accompanied Jiang Yan to the inner chamber of the main house for a private conversation.

Gazing at Jiang Yan, who looked as fresh and radiant as a blooming spring flower, Dou Zhao smiled and said, "Didn’t I tell you the truth?"

Jiang Yan shyly lowered her head.

Dou Zhao chuckled and advised her, "Don’t overthink things. What’s past is past. Live happily with your husband. No one enjoys being around someone who’s always gloomy."

Blushing, Jiang Yan softly replied, "Yes."

Jiang Lizhu and Wu Zijie arrived shortly after.

Jiang Yan was surprised.

Dou Zhao explained with a smile, "I invited them—since today is your return visit, I asked them to join us as companions."

Officially, Jiang Yan was considered a daughter of the Jiang Family, and Jiang Da Tai Tai and others had sent congratulatory gifts for her wedding.

Jiang Yan was fond of Jiang Lizhu, and her face brightened at the news. When Jiang Lizhu arrived, the two quickly huddled together, whispering intimately.

Meanwhile, the scene in the outer Reception Hall was quite different.

Wu Zijie, tall and handsome, wore a solemn expression, his demeanor exuding an air of dignified righteousness.

"Cousin," he addressed Song Mo familiarly, following Jiang Lizhu’s lead to show closeness, "this matter has been widely discussed outside. Could there be some misunderstanding?"

Recently, the Capital’s hottest gossip revolved around the dispute between Song Mo and Jiang Bosun over property.

It was said that neither would yield, and some who had previously sided with Song Mo had either stayed or left the Hall of Cultivating Will.

Wu Zijie refused to believe Jiang Bosun could be such a person. While discussing New Year’s gifts for Haozhou, he couldn’t help but bring up the topic.

Chen Jia kept his eyes downcast, silently cursing Wu Zijie for his foolishness—why bring up such unpleasant matters as a guest? It was as if his brain had been addled.

Because the Wu Family had honored their original agreement to marry Jiang Lizhu, Song Mo held them in higher regard. Besides, he was the one who had allowed the rumors to spread, so he didn’t dwell on Wu Zijie’s question. He explained, "There’s no misunderstanding. Fifth Uncle indeed asked me to return some items that Eldest Uncle had given me. I grew up hunting and fishing with Fifth Uncle—I know his temperament better than anyone. He never cared for material possessions before. I, too, feared a misunderstanding and sent someone to clarify, but Fifth Uncle was very clear: he wanted me to return what I had received to the Jiang Family. Perhaps circumstances have changed him..."

Wu Zijie fell silent, a flicker of disappointment crossing his brow.

Song Mo sighed inwardly.

With this news spreading, how many others like Wu Zijie would lose faith in Jiang Bosun?

A moment of hesitation flashed through his mind.

Was what he was doing truly right or not?

That evening, after seeing off the guests, he discussed the matter with Dou Zhao.

Dou Zhao asked, "Do you have a better alternative?"

"No," Song Mo replied, his resolve gradually strengthening again.

He took Dou Zhao’s hand and murmured, "Thank goodness you’re by my side." Without her, he might have lost his way in the confusion.

But the implications of this matter ran deep—not only had the Emperor learned of it, but even the Crown Prince had heard the rumors.

The Crown Prince inquired about it with concern when he next saw Song Mo.Song Mo said with some helplessness, "You know my fifth uncle—he's quite the expert in indulging in pleasures but has never cared about other matters. If those in Haozhou share the same mindset as my fifth uncle, I wouldn't hesitate to return the items my eldest uncle left for me to him. But my maternal aunt holds a completely opposite view. Since these things were left by my eldest uncle, how can I disregard my aunt's wishes?"

The Crown Prince nodded repeatedly. "Your fifth uncle was indeed rather reckless when he was in the Capital. No wonder you're reluctant to return your eldest uncle's belongings to him." He couldn't help but sigh over Duke Ding's fate. "Such a heroic man, yet he met such an end."

Hearing this, Song Mo felt a stir in his heart. Pretending to be grief-stricken, he lowered his head and wiped his eyes.

The Crown Prince let out a long sigh and picked up his tea.

Song Mo had sent people to investigate the matter but made little progress. Coincidentally, the Crown Princess sent Yuan Ge'er some New Year's clothes, and Dou Zhao had to enter the palace to express her gratitude. Seizing the opportunity, she tentatively brought up Duke Ding's affairs: "Although my husband was deeply saddened upon returning, he is also grateful for Your Highness's concern. He wished to come to the palace to thank you in person but feared causing trouble for Your Highness. So he specifically instructed me to ask the Crown Princess to convey his gratitude to you."

The Crown Prince and his advisers were not entirely unaware of Liao Wang's actions. The Crown Prince's strategy was to remain still in response to all changes—to be a dutiful and obedient heir who gave the Emperor no cause for concern. If he took action against Liao Wang, it would only alarm the Emperor, making him seem devoid of brotherly affection and eager to eliminate his siblings before even ascending the throne. Such a perception would jeopardize his position as heir.

Throughout history, countless crown princes had fallen due to reckless actions.

Yet, watching Liao Wang's growing ambitions and Empress Wan's relentless efforts to shield him, the Crown Prince felt as though he were sitting on the edge of a cliff, powerless to prevent his potential downfall.

This anxiety might escape others' notice, but not that of his devoted wife, who shared his burdens.

It was precisely for this reason that the Crown Princess had worked diligently to gain the Empress Dowager's support.

Song Mo, as the Metropolitan Commander of the Golden Guard, was responsible for the safety of the imperial palace and oversaw the Five Cities Garrison. If Song Mo stood on their side, no matter what schemes Liao Wang devised, Song Mo's capabilities would at least buy them some time. With that buffer, the Divine Machine Battalion and the Five Armies Battalion could rush to their aid.Dou Zhao's words stirred the Crown Princess's thoughts. After a moment's consideration, she dismissed her attendants and whispered to Dou Zhao, "The Emperor is well aware of Duke Ding's actions in Fujian. Even if there were one or two audacious deeds, they don't overshadow his merits. When the Emperor intended to punish Duke Ding, His Highness pleaded for leniency. I remember it clearly—it was in the side hall when the imperial grandson was ill, and the Emperor came to visit. The Emperor was deeply disappointed with His Highness, saying, 'Who is Duke Ding? A pillar of the state! Even if you wish to plead for him, you should wait until he's in the Imperial prison, when he can neither appeal to heaven nor earth. As the Crown Prince, if you can't even grasp such timing, how will you govern the vast lands left by our ancestors?' His Highness was overjoyed upon hearing this and told me, 'The Emperor is paving the way for me, reserving Duke Ding for my reign.' But who could have foreseen that just days after the Emperor's words, Duke Ding would die on the road... His Highness has been puzzled ever since, wondering whether the Emperor changed his mind or if someone took advantage of the situation to harm Duke Ding..."

Dou Zhao's heart pounded like a drum, her mind buzzing. It took her a long while to regain her composure.

By then, the Crown Princess had already shifted the conversation with a smile, inquiring about Yuan Ge'er's daily routines.

Dou Zhao quickly steadied herself and engaged in small talk about children until a palace maid informed the Crown Princess that the Empress Dowager requested her presence. Only then did Dou Zhao leave the Eastern Palace.

The palace corridors were broad and smooth, yet she couldn't recall how she had walked out.

Seeing Dou Zhao's pale complexion, Jin Gui and Yin Gui hurried forward to assist her into the carriage.

Dou Zhao took a deep breath and ordered the coachman, "Return quickly!"

Such urgency was rare from her. The coachman didn't hesitate, cracking the whip to speed the carriage toward the Duke of Yingguo's mansion.

Dou Zhao inhaled deeply, trying to calm her racing heart.

In less than the time it takes to burn two sticks of incense, the carriage came to a smooth stop before the Hanging Flower Gate of the Duke of Yingguo's mansion.

Dou Zhao instructed Jin Gui, "Go quickly and summon the Young Lord back. Tell him there's an urgent matter at home."

Jin Gui took Dou Zhao's carriage to the Golden Guard's office while Dou Zhao exhaled deeply and retreated to her chambers.

Even after Gan Lu helped her freshen up, Dou Zhao's legs still felt weak.

She lay down to rest on the heated brick bed by the window.

Song Mo rushed back in haste.

Before he could speak, Dou Zhao instructed Gan Lu, "Have everyone in the main courtyard step outside. I need to speak privately with the Young Lord."

Gan Lu promptly withdrew.

Dou Zhao then pulled Song Mo close to whisper in his ear.

Song Mo's expression changed dramatically. "Is this true?" he exclaimed in shock.

"I don't know," Dou Zhao replied. "But the Crown Princess told me this herself."

Song Mo couldn't sit still. He paced the room twice before saying, "There are matters I must investigate."

Dou Zhao urged him, "Be careful!"

Song Mo nodded with a smile, kissed her cheek, and left the chamber.

Unable to contain her anxiety, Dou Zhao lit several incense sticks before the Guanyin statue in their home shrine.

For several days, Song Mo left early and returned late, summoning both Yan Chaoliao and Chen Qushui to his study.

Meanwhile, Dou Zhao busied herself with delivering New Year's gifts.

This left Song Han with unexpected leisure.

He invited the vice ministers of the Ministry of Personnel and Ministry of War to dinner, hoping to secure an official position for Song Han.

The vice minister of Personnel spoke courteously but passed the responsibility to his War Ministry counterpart: "Grand Secretary Dou is your relative. This appointment merely requires your word—the War Ministry will handle the formalities as you instruct."The Vice Minister of the Ministry of War chuckled, "Isn't this using a sledgehammer to crack a nut? Your Young Lord holds the Golden Guard in his hands and keeps an eye on the Five Cities Garrison. Just give the order at home—why bother coming to us?"

The discord between the Duke of Yingguo and his son was something he had heard whispers about.

Song Mo was ruthless, and he had no desire to offend him.

Let the father and son settle their own affairs.

Whenever they spoke up, vacancies in the military would be theirs for the choosing!

Song Yichun couldn’t very well admit in front of outsiders that his eldest son wouldn’t obey him, could he?

He smiled and said, "When it comes to appointing and dismissing officials, we can’t do without the two of you. Having your endorsement is far more reliable than Yantang."

The two vice ministers laughed politely but offered no concrete response.

Fuming but helpless, Song Yichun sulked at home for days.

Song Han bribed one of Song Yichun’s personal pages.

He soon learned of the matter.

Song Han stood dumbfounded for a long while.

Had Song Mo really become so feared?

Did this mean his own appointment would remain unresolved unless Song Mo gave his approval?

Trapped like a caged beast, Song Han grew increasingly agitated.

Miao Ansu kept her distance, afraid his fury might turn on her.

Meanwhile, Song Mo, Yan Chaoqing, and Chen Qushui meticulously unraveled the clues, which gradually pointed toward Chief Grand Secretary Liang Jifang.

Amidst the heavy snowfall, they welcomed the arrival of the eighteenth year of the Chenping era’s New Year.