Blossom

Chapter 48: Settling Accounts

Pang Yulou had three elder brothers: Pang Jinlou, Pang Yinlou, and Pang Xilou.

Pang Jinlou was capable—while his younger brothers were still naive and ignorant, he had already taken control of the Pang family's shops. Pang Yinlou was shrewd; knowing he wouldn’t gain much by working in the Pang family’s shops, he coaxed his father into secretly giving him some personal savings and opened his own teahouse. Pang Xilou had been a troublemaker since childhood, fond of martial arts. After learning a few moves at the local martial arts school, he found himself unable to contribute to the family business. Unwilling to humble himself like Pang Yinlou and dissatisfied with the meager monthly allowance—barely enough to cover food or drink—he simply joined a few martial arts brothers in the business of debt collection and loan-sharking.

Dou Shishu immediately understood what the Pang brothers were up to.

Eager to curry favor with the Wang family, they had eagerly acted as their enforcers. Now that the Wang family was about to form a marriage alliance with the Dou family, they feared being abandoned by the Wangs due to their past actions and earning the Dou family’s resentment. So, they resorted to a dramatic show of apology—bowing their heads in defeat before the neighbors, as if to say, "Surely the Wang and Dou families won’t crush us completely now?"

Though he saw through their scheme, Dou Shishu was still somewhat surprised by the Pang brothers’ grasp of the situation, their decisive boldness, and their shameless disregard for reputation.

He had no intention of interfering further in the affairs of the Eastern House and the Wang family, but he was displeased that the Pang family had learned of the impending Dou-Wang marriage so quickly. With a pointed smile, he remarked to Second Madam, who had come to see him off with the household’s womenfolk, "I wonder why the Pang family has suddenly switched from arrogance to humility?"

Second Madam turned her son’s words over in her mind and grasped his meaning.

She smiled and replied, "Every effect has its cause, and every cause its effect."

Meaning she would look into the matter.

Dou Shishu then said with a chuckle, "Who knows how much longer Seventh Brother will keep making a fuss. Magistrate Gong is waiting at the post station to see me off, so I’ll wait for Seventh Brother there. It’ll also give me a chance to chat with Magistrate Gong."

The newly appointed magistrate of Zhen Ding County was surnamed Gong.

Though Dou Shishu was not the Dou family’s clan leader, he held the highest official rank among them. Given that someone was causing trouble for the family, it would be customary for him to mediate. But considering why the Pang brothers had clashed with the Western House in the first place… Second Madam couldn’t help but grumble inwardly. How could she let her son, a dignified third-rank official, bother with such trivial matters? Naturally, she hoped he would leave this troublesome place as soon as possible.

She nodded eagerly and said, "Though you’ve risen to the third rank, a current official’s authority is greater than a higher-ranking one’s. Our family still relies on Magistrate Gong’s goodwill. You mustn’t act arrogantly or offend him—keeping him waiting would be even worse!" With that, she urged Dou Shishu to hurry and meet Magistrate Gong.

After a moment’s thought, Dou Shishu said, "Sixth Brother, why don’t you take Sixth Sister-in-Law and Shou Gu with me to the post station?"

Since Dou Shiying hadn’t arrived, and Dou Shishu was determined to draw Dou Zhao closer to the Eastern House, it was best to minimize her contact with the Western House.

As for Ji Shi, she didn’t want Dou Zhao entangled in the conflicts among the adults.

Holding Dou Zhao, she smiled brightly at Dou Shiheng, as if to say, "If you agree, I can set off with her right now."Dou Shiheng felt that this was ultimately a matter for the East Mansion. If Dou Shiying needed help, he would naturally send a steward to ask for assistance. If Dou Shiying didn’t need it, he shouldn’t rashly intervene. Seeing his wife looking at him, he smiled and picked up Dou Zhao, saying, “Shou Gu, how about we go with your Fifth Uncle to see the post station in Zhen Ding County?”

Dou Zhao giggled.

She couldn’t be bothered with the messy affairs between the Wang and Dou families.

Dou Dechang also clamored to go but was stopped by Second Madam, who instructed Nanny Liu to hold him back by the waist. “Your father and mother have important matters to attend to. What are you doing trying to tag along?”

Dou Dechang pouted in frustration.

Ignoring him, Dou Shiheng and Ji Shi took Dou Zhao and boarded the carriage.

Magistrate Gong was a man around Dou Shishu’s age, dignified and impressive in bearing. He introduced himself as a Presented Scholar of the Xinchou year, four terms behind Dou Shishu, and showed him great respect.

Dou Shishu also appeared very humble.

After exchanging greetings, Magistrate Gong, Dou Shishu, and Dou Shiheng conversed in the main hall of the post station. Ji Shi excused herself and took Dou Zhao to the backyard to admire the flowers and plants.

It wasn’t until noon that Dou Shiying finally arrived.

He bowed repeatedly to Dou Shishu and the others, apologizing for his tardiness.

Dou Shishu waved it off and introduced Magistrate Gong to him.

Magistrate Gong praised Dou Shiying’s striking appearance: “Truly a scion of the Xie Hall.”

After some modest exchanges between Dou Shishu and Dou Shiying, Magistrate Gong hosted a farewell banquet for them, with Dou Shiheng in attendance.

In the back hall, Ji Shi noticed the dishes were heavily seasoned with oil and sauce, so she picked only a few light dishes to feed Dou Zhao. “Bear with it for now. When we get back, Sixth Aunt will make you lotus leaf soup.”

Dou Zhao was never picky. After finishing the dishes, she ate a steamed bun and was so full she grew drowsy, not even realizing when they returned to the East Mansion.

As they stepped out of the carriage, Caishu greeted them with a bright smile. “Sixth Master, Sixth Madam, Madam Zhao from Anxiang has returned from Ganquan and is currently chatting with the Old Madam. She asked that you and Sixth Madam bring Fourth Miss to pay respects to Madam Zhao as soon as you returned.”

Dou Zhao, Dou Shiheng, and Ji Shi were all taken aback, with Dou Zhao especially overjoyed. “My Aunt is here? When did she arrive?”

Caishu quickly replied, “She’s been here for nearly an hour. She had a meal in the Old Madam’s quarters and should now be having tea with her in the Resting Chamber.”

Dou Zhao tugged at Ji Shi’s hand. “Let’s hurry!”

Ji Shi chuckled and picked her up. “First, let’s wash your face and change your clothes, so your Aunt doesn’t end up covered in dust when she holds you.”

Dou Zhao grinned sheepishly and followed Ji Shi to freshen up before heading to Second Madam’s quarters.

Her Aunt had grown thinner since their time in Anxiang but looked much more spirited.

Dou Zhao threw herself into Madam Zhao’s arms, calling out “Aunt!” and asking, “How is Uncle? How are my three cousins? Why did you suddenly return to Zhen Ding?” One question after another, her earnest words nearly bringing tears to her Aunt’s eyes. “It’s only been two or three years, but our Shou Gu has suddenly grown into a young lady who knows how to greet people properly.”

Second Madam quickly added, “For the past half year, Shou Gu has been under the care of her Sixth Aunt—you know her, from a prestigious family in Jiangnan, the most virtuous and gentle soul. She takes her everywhere and even arranged for her to sleep in her own Green gauze cabinet room at night to look after her. You needn’t worry.”Her tone carried a hint of exaggeration, which made Madam Zhao suspicious. Raising her eyes, she saw Dou Zhao looking fair and adorable, without a single mosquito bite after the summer. It seemed Ji Shi had indeed taken good care of Dou Zhao, so it was only natural for her to claim some credit.

She curtsied to Ji Shi and said, "Thank you for your trouble, Sixth Madam."

But Ji Shi sensed something else in her words.

It seemed her mother-in-law still wanted her to help the Western Dou family with childcare.

Dou Zhao had also picked up on Second Madam’s intentions. After settling her aunt into the guest quarters of the Eastern Dou residence, she said to her, "...Grandaunt asked me if I liked Sixth Aunt and whether I wanted her to stay with me forever!"

Madam Zhao had no desire to see anyone from Western Dou, so when Second Madam offered her lodging in the Eastern Dou guest quarters, she immediately agreed.

Hearing Dou Zhao’s words, she dismissed everyone except Peng Momo and took Dou Zhao’s hand, asking, "Do you like Sixth Aunt?"

"Yes!" Dou Zhao replied. "She buys me pretty puppets, makes me new clothes and socks, fans me at night, and even paints my nails." She stretched out her little hand for Madam Zhao to see. "Aunt, isn’t it pretty?"

Madam Zhao’s heart ached with sorrow.

These were things a mother should have done, yet they were now being done by a distant aunt.

Peng Momo whispered beside her, "If Cousin stays with that Sixth Madam, it might be better than bowing and scraping before Wang Yingxue."

"I think so too," Madam Zhao said. "Children grow up like those who raise them. Even a random person from the Eastern Dou family would be better than Wang Yingxue. But this matter requires careful consideration. I need to observe what the Madam truly intends. With half of Western Dou’s property as her dowry, Shou Gu is no longer the same as before."

Peng Momo sighed. "The master’s move was too risky. I fear Cousin might be led astray."

"It was the only option left," Madam Zhao sighed as well. "We never expected the Dou family to agree." She paused before continuing, "When the master received the letter from Shou Gu’s Fifth Uncle, he immediately said it was bad news. He also mentioned that Shou Gu’s Fifth Uncle never speaks idly—if he asked us to bring the consent letter and return, he must have been absolutely certain Shou Gu’s grandfather would agree to our terms... And so it was. Fortunately, we had a backup plan and brought along the master’s financial advisor. Otherwise, with just us women and children, how could we possibly figure out the Dou family’s wealth? Which farmsteads yield good harvests? Which shops are profitable? If they tried to pass off barren farmsteads as part of the dowry, we’d never know. Over the next few days, we’ll engage the Dou family in discussions while the advisor quietly assesses their assets. That way, we won’t be left in the dark, blindly accepting whatever they say, and Shou Gu won’t be cheated out of her rightful share of Western Dou’s property."

Just then, a young maid called from behind the curtain, "Madam, Gaosheng’s wife from the Western residence has come with a few maids and old women to pay their respects."

Gaosheng was Dou Shiying’s personal page.

Madam Zhao was puzzled. "If it’s just a courtesy visit, shouldn’t Yu Momo be the one to greet us? Why is she here?"

Ever since Zhao Guqiu’s passing, the Zhao family had harbored deep resentment toward anyone from Western Dou.Aunt Gu persuaded, "You should still meet her! Listen if you like what she says, ignore her if you don't."

Madam Zhao nodded in agreement.

Aunt Gu went to bring in Gaosheng's wife.

Gaosheng's wife was a fair-skinned young woman who appeared no more than seventeen or eighteen years old.

She shyly curtsied to Madam Zhao and Dou Zhao, then pulled out a thick letter from her bosom: "Before the Seventh Master left, he specifically instructed my husband to have me deliver this to you."

Dou Zhao was momentarily stunned.

Did Father already know about Fifth Uncle's arrangements?

She couldn't help but lean against her aunt's shoulder, eager to see what the letter contained.

※

With the New Year approaching, there were many household affairs to attend to. This chapter was written in a bit of a hurry, so there might be quite a few typos. Please bear with it for now—I'll go back and catch those bugs soon... To be continued. If you enjoy this work, please consider voting to recommend it or casting monthly votes. Your support is my greatest motivation.) RQ