Blossom

Du Wei was originally under Duke Ding's command, skilled in tracking and espionage. When Duke Ding was in Fujian, Du Wei served as his eyes and ears in the Capital.

By the time the first spring rain fell in the Capital, Du Wei's intelligence had already reached Song Mo's desk.

Song Mo stood by the window with his hands behind his back, watching the rain cascade like threads from the eaves, his heart in turmoil.

Dou Zhao still found it hard to believe.

Seated in the Grand Preceptor's Chair by the window, she held a teacup and murmured, "How could this be?"

Song Mo turned around, his tall and straight frame leaning against the window frame. He gave her a bitter smile and said, "I don't wish for it either." His voice gradually softened. "I still remember accompanying my mother into the palace when I was young. The weather was scorching, and there were no trees in the palace. I stood under the eaves, drenched in sweat. My mother was terribly worried, afraid I might suffer heatstroke. It was the Empress who had a maid bring me a bowl of iced mung bean soup and even had me change into fresh clothes—clothes that belonged to Liao Wang... She and my mother were very close. When the Emperor favored Consort Wang and skipped morning court for several days, the Empress was furious. After the grand court assembly, she kept my mother behind for a private talk... All those memories feel so vivid, as if they happened yesterday... Yet now, everything has taken a sudden turn, as if the past was nothing but a cruel joke..."

He lowered his eyelids, his expression tinged with sorrow.

Dou Zhao's heart ached. She stepped forward and wrapped her arms around Song Mo's waist.

Song Mo gently stroked her black hair and whispered, "I'm fine... It helps to talk about it."

Dou Zhao nodded. "Can I see Du Ming's report?"

Song Mo handed Du Wei's report to her.

Before Song Mo received the Imperial Censure, the Empress's attendants had visited Mu Chuan's residence several times; Mu Chuan's advisers had met with the officials who impeached Song Mo; and it was clearly documented who Liao Wang had sent to Fujian and how many times they had met with Duke Ding...

If anyone claimed this had nothing to do with Liao Wang and the Empress, no one would believe it!

But Dou Zhao was even more certain that Song Mo was not the kind of man to serve a villain as a father or aid an evildoer.

She asked, "Should we investigate further?"

Song Mo shook his head. "Du Wei is good at tracking people's movements, but when it comes to what the Empress and the Emperor discuss, even the Imperial Bodyguards might not uncover it. I've already invited Wang Yuan to dine with me tonight. After I meet him, everything will become clear. I, too, want to know whether the Empress is involved in this!"

Dou Zhao sighed softly.

On rainy spring days, nightfall came especially early.

Pages carried lanterns through the rain to escort Song Mo to his carriage.

Wang Yuan, who rarely had the chance to leave the palace, had no interest in socializing. He invited Song Mo to drink in his private courtyard.

By the time Song Mo arrived, the wine had already been warmed, and the maid pouring it was radiant, like the spring breeze and dawn moon.

"Lord Wang has exquisite taste," Song Mo praised with a smile as they took their seats on either side.

Every plant and tree in Wang Yuan's courtyard had been carefully selected and arranged by him, yet his status limited the number of visitors he could entertain. It was like wearing fine clothes at night—no one could appreciate them, a thought that often pained Wang Yuan.

Song Mo's words struck just the right chord.

As he raised his wine cup, Wang Yuan began boasting about his residence.

Song Mo listened with a smile, occasionally asking a question or two, which only fueled Wang Yuan's enthusiasm.

The meal passed in lively conversation, lasting until nearly the hour of Hai.Wang Yuan waved his hand, and the charming maids and fine wine quietly withdrew. The once lively reception hall was now left in complete silence, with only a table of leftover tea and cold dishes remaining.

"Young Lord came to see me. Surely it wasn’t just for a drink?" He smiled at Song Mo, a hint of cunning in his eyes. "We’ve known each other for quite some time. There’s no need to beat around the bush. If there’s anything this old Wang can do for you, I’ll spare no effort, even at the cost of my life. I’ll make sure it’s done."

Song Mo chuckled and said, "Spare no effort, even at the cost of your life? You flatter me too much. However, there is indeed a small matter I’d like your help with." As he spoke, his smile faded, and his gaze sharpened. "I know you’ve always served closely by the Emperor’s side. I just want to know—after my uncle’s incident, what did the Empress say to the Emperor?"

Wang Yuan was inwardly horrified. But years of serving the Emperor had trained him to keep his emotions hidden.

He smiled at Song Mo and said, "Young Lord, you overstep. As servants, how can we comment on our masters? That’s a matter that could cost me my head! I’m afraid I can’t help you with this."

Song Mo gave a self-deprecating smile. "Desperate times call for desperate measures, I suppose. You oversee the Imperial Bodyguard, and Shi Chuan of the Imperial Bodyguard is on good terms with Liao Wang. Why would you tell me about the Empress’s affairs?" He raised his wine cup, which still held a few drops, in a toast to Wang Yuan before draining it, muttering almost to himself, "First, they framed my uncle, then had Grand Secretary Mu’s faction impeach me... I don’t know what I’ve done to offend the Empress. She could simply dismiss me—why play these games? Even a cornered rabbit will bite. How can the Empress be so sure I’ll just accept my fate?"

Wang Yuan felt his hair stand on end.

A regional prince associating with court officials—this was a grave taboo!

Though he oversaw the Imperial Bodyguard, Shi Chuan, the Metropolitan Commander, was also the Emperor’s confidant. His main duty was serving the Emperor. If Shi Chuan and Liao Wang were secretly in contact, how would he know?

But the real question was—would the Emperor believe him?

What was Song Yantang trying to do?

Threaten him?

Or was he hoping Wang Yuan would pass on a message of surrender to the Empress?

Wang Yuan stared fixedly at Song Mo.

Song Mo’s expression remained calm, without a trace of pleading.

Wang Yuan cursed inwardly.

Do you really think you’re some imperial descendant, that the Emperor would turn against the Empress for you?

Wait—

Wang Yuan’s mind raced.

What was Song Yantang implying?

The Empress was secretly targeting him.

One was the ruler, the other the subject. If the ruler demands the subject’s death, the subject has no choice.

If the Empress wanted to deal with Song Yantang, a single word would suffice. Why scheme against him in secret?

Song Yantang was no easy opponent. What was his purpose in telling him this?

What had happened between the Empress and Song Yantang?

And Liao Wang—Song Yantang mentioned Shi Chuan’s private ties with Liao Wang. Was he hinting at something?

The thought flashed through Wang Yuan’s mind, and his face paled.

He recalled that day when the Emperor had held Liao Wang’s memorial for a long time before sighing and going to see the imperial grandson.

Beads of sweat formed on Wang Yuan’s forehead.Song Mo watched as the fire burned down sufficiently, then stood up with a smile and said, "I've troubled Lord Wang today. Shi Chuan has been giving my brother-in-law a hard time lately. I was afraid that if I clashed with Shi Chuan, it might put you in a difficult position, so I took this opportunity to mention it to you." He laughed heartily, his expression light and carefree. "If this ends up before the Emperor, you’ll have to put in a good word for me!"

Clashed...

Wang Yuan’s face darkened.

The Duke of Yingguo’s mansion might paint a picture of peace, but it couldn’t deceive him, the overseer of the Imperial Bodyguard.

The so-called "burglary" at the mansion—those guards had been killed by Song Mo himself. Not only had he killed them, but he had also neatly arranged their bodies in the courtyard for the Duke to find upon his return.

Was this something an ordinary person would do?

Damn it!

Song Mo looked so refined and proper. After spending time with him, Wang Yuan had almost forgotten this side of him.

What infuriated him was that he hadn’t known the truth at the time. When the Emperor questioned him, he had been misled. By the time he learned the truth, it was too late to clarify things to the Emperor. He had watched helplessly as Song Mo brought down a third-rank civil official and a third-rank military officer.

Thinking of this, Wang Yuan felt uneasy.

Song Mo always planned meticulously before acting. What was his intention this time?

Wang Yuan barely slept that night.

When he returned to the palace, dark circles shadowed his eyes.

The Emperor teased him, "What were you up to last night? Don’t tell me you’ve hidden away some beauty?"

Wang Ge, who was attending to the Emperor’s morning routine, led the others in laughter.

Wang Yuan quickly knelt with an ingratiating smile. "Your Majesty knows me better than that! Even if I had the desire, I wouldn’t dare!"

"Get up!" The Emperor kicked him lightly and chuckled. "Let Wang Ge serve in the study today. Go and catch up on your sleep." With that, he strode out of the side hall.

Wang Ge and the others hurried after him.

Only Wang Yuan remained, kneeling alone in the vast side hall.

He slowly rose to his feet and stood on the steps, staring blankly at the Emperor’s retreating figure.

A young eunuch peeked furtively in his direction.

Wang Yuan frowned.

Immediately, a palace attendant dragged the young eunuch forward.

Wang Yuan recognized him—he was from the Empress’s palace.

He spoke gently, "What are you doing here? Thankfully, the Emperor isn’t present, or you’d be in for a paddle beating."

The young eunuch begged for mercy repeatedly.

Wang Yuan asked, "Why are you here?"

The eunuch replied, "This servant was merely passing by."

Wang Yuan hummed in acknowledgment and had him released.

The young eunuch fled like the wind.

Wang Yuan’s expression darkened as he ordered his attendants, "Find out where he was going."

Soon, a eunuch returned respectfully with a report: "Empress sent him to look for Deputy Director Wang."

Deputy Director Wang—that was Wang Ge.

Wang Yuan’s face grew even stormier.

How could he have forgotten? The Palace of Heavenly Purity still had Wang Ge.

Hands clasped behind his back, Wang Yuan slowly made his way to the servants’ quarters behind the palace.

※※※※※

Dou Zhao asked skeptically, "Do you really think Wang Yuan will speak up?"

"He’s deeply suspicious by nature. Even if he doesn’t say anything, this will plant a thorn in his mind," Song Mo replied calmly. "He’s served the Emperor for years and knows His Majesty’s health better than anyone. When the Emperor passes, where will Wang Yuan go? This gives him a choice."

In their past life, Wang Yuan had stayed by Empress Wan’s side.

This alone proved that Wang Yuan wasn’t one to abide by the rules. Otherwise, he could have simply done nothing and gone to guard the imperial tombs after the Emperor’s death.

Zhao Liangbi returned from Huguang.He couldn't hide his joy: "Huguang grows Champa rice twice a year and has already replaced Jiangnan as the land of fish and rice. Uncle helped purchase nine farmsteads of varying sizes—the largest covering six thousand mu, the smallest two thousand mu. Soon, just our own farmsteads will be enough to supply our rice shops, eliminating the need to buy from Jiangxi and other places." He also told Dou Zhao that Zhao Zhangru had given birth to a healthy baby boy weighing eight jin.

These were merely a drop in the bucket of Dou Zhao's vast assets, but Zhao Zhangru's childbirth brought her even greater joy.

She instructed Zhao Liangbi, "You weren't home during the New Year, and Su Xin was quite worried. Go rest now—we can discuss these matters in a couple of days." Then she added, "Look, even my cousin's husband has become a mother, yet you two still haven't made any progress."

Zhao Liangbi retreated in embarrassment.