Blossom

Shu Jie'er had hit a wall with Dou Zhao, been mocked by Dou Ming, and now was scolded by Yi Jie'er. Frustrated and angry, she pushed aside her maids and ran outside.

She ran straight into Haitang.

"Shu Jie'er," Haitang greeted her with a smile, curtsying gracefully. Behind her, a young maid carried a beautiful glass lantern depicting the Four Beauties Welcoming Spring. "Our Fourth Young Miss said the Eight Immortals Crossing the Sea lanterns were sold out, so she could only get this Four Beauties one for now. She asks you to enjoy this first, and next year, she'll send someone early to buy the other one for you."

This made Shu Jie'er feel slightly better.

But in a large household like this, nothing stays hidden for long.

Fifth Aunt asked Yi Jie'er, "Was it really Mingjier's idea to have Shu Jie'er ask Shou Gu for the lantern?"

"I think so?" Yi Jie'er wasn't present when Dou Ming encouraged Shu Jie'er to ask for the lantern, so she answered hesitantly. "Shu Jie'er might not be the brightest, but she's always asking Fourth Aunt for things. If it was her own idea, she wouldn't have trouble admitting it—no need to blame Fifth Aunt." As she spoke, she seemed to realize something strange. "Ever since Fifth Aunt returned from the Capital, she's been different—always talking about how wonderful the Capital is, how great her maternal family is..."

This made Yi Jie'er vaguely uncomfortable.

Fifth Aunt frowned and warned her daughter, "She is still your elder. You must show her respect when you see her. Don't always drag her into things—if you want to play, play with Shu Jie'er. You and Shu Jie'er are of the same generation."

The older Yi Jie'er grew, the more competitive she became. Unfortunately, her father was the least capable among the Chang generation. Dou Ming's occasional displays of superiority had long irritated her, and her mother's reminder that the girl three years her junior was still her aunt—someone she should greet with deference—left her sullen. She listlessly replied, "I know."

Meanwhile, Third Aunt was berating Shu Jie'er: "You believe whatever others tell you? If someone told you to steal from the Grand Madam, would you do it? At least it was Shou Gu you ran into. Anyone else—what would they think of you? So young and already so shameless, taking things without returning them. I thought you'd grow out of it, but instead, you're getting worse. If someone refuses you, you resent them? Crying—all you know is crying! Now you feel ashamed? Where was this shame earlier?" She then ordered Shu Jie'er's governess, "Gather everything she's taken from Shou Gu. I'll return them myself."

There were too many things, and too much time had passed. Even Shu Jie'er couldn't remember which items were hers and which were Dou Zhao's. Third Aunt pounded the kang in frustration. "How did I raise such a careless child!"

When Dou Qijun and his brothers returned from school, they were shocked. One comforted their mother, another asked what had happened to their sister, while the youngest, Dou Qishun, blinked innocently and said, "Fourth Aunt isn’t like that. You don’t need to fuss over returning things..."

Four pairs of eyes glared at him.

He quickly added, "Last time you went to the farmstead..."Dou Qitai swiftly stepped forward to cover his younger brother's mouth, dragging him outside while bowing apologetically to his mother and sister with an ingratiating smile. "This matter could be big or small. At worst, it could ruin my sister's reputation; at best, it could damage our family's relationship with Fourth Aunt. My brother and I will go fetch Father right away..."

Third Aunt-in-law and Shu Jie'er wore expressions full of doubt.

Dou Qijun had no choice but to clear his throat lightly and speak in a steady tone, "Fifth Brother makes a valid point. It would be best to discuss this matter with Father."

Hearing these reliable words from their eldest son, Third Aunt-in-law's doubts dissipated completely.

Outside the door, however, Dou Qishun pried his brother's hand away and muttered defiantly, "I wasn't wrong. Last time you caused such a big mess, Fourth Aunt didn't say a word and even covered for you. Don't think I don't know..."

"You know we caused trouble, yet you're shouting about it everywhere?" Dou Qitai said through gritted teeth. "Are you afraid people won't find out?"

Dou Qishun wilted.

"Let's go find Fourth Aunt," Dou Qitai said.

"I thought we were going to find Father?" Dou Qishun asked in confusion. "Why look for Fourth Aunt?"

"You fool," Dou Qitai said, so frustrated he wanted to slap his brother. "With all this commotion, everyone in the household probably knows by now. If Fourth Aunt is willing to appear and say a few words for our sister, claiming these items were gifts from her, that would change everything..."

Finally understanding, Dou Qishun nodded repeatedly. Without even taking a carriage, the two brothers hurried on foot to the Western Residence.

Dou Zhao pondered the matter for a long while after hearing their story.

Truth be told, she was also at fault.

Whenever she saw Shu Jie'er's eyes light up at something she liked, Dou Zhao would think of her own daughter, Yin Jie'er, and her heart would soften. She would think they were just small things—if Shu Jie'er liked them, she could take them. But she hadn't considered the potential harm to Shu Jie'er's reputation.

"I'll go with you to the Eastern Residence," Dou Zhao said, changing her clothes and following the two brothers to the Third Household.

Third Aunt-in-law was both ashamed and embarrassed upon seeing her.

Before she could speak, Dou Zhao smiled and said, "Third Aunt-in-law, surely you don't expect me to return Shu Jie'er's gifts as well?"

Dou Qijun and the others were taken aback.

Dou Zhao chuckled. "You only see the things I've given Shu Jie'er, but not the things she's given me." She sighed deeply, feigning regret as she continued, "At the beginning of the year, Shu Jie'er gave me a scented sachet. I thought it was lovely and wore it to pay respects to the Dowager, but I must have lost it on the way back—I still haven't found it. What am I supposed to return to Shu Jie'er now?"

Third Aunt-in-law knew Dou Zhao was trying to help her daughter out of this predicament. She called out, "Shou Gu," her eyes reddening.

Seizing the opportunity, Dou Zhao took Third Aunt-in-law's arm and signaled for Dou Qijun and the others to take Shu Jie'er away. Then she sat beside Third Aunt-in-law on the kang and spoke earnestly, "To be honest, I'm also to blame. If I hadn't spoiled Shu Jie'er like this, she wouldn't have overstepped. But to say she's developed bad habits because of this—I don't see it that way. Why does she only take my things and not others'? It shows she knows who to be close to and who to keep at a distance, understanding what's important."

No parent is without bias.Dou Zhao's words were so considerate that Third Sister-in-law felt as if she had drunk a cup of hot tea on a freezing winter day, her face showing gratitude. "I also think Shu Jie'er didn't mean it," she said.

After giving birth to Shu Jie'er, Third Sister-in-law went on to have four more sons: Dou Qiyuan and Dou Qi'an. With so many children, she hardly had time to care for Shu Jie'er.

Dou Zhao smiled. "It's good that the misunderstanding is cleared up. Otherwise, as her aunt, I would also be at fault."

With the matter settled, the atmosphere lightened.

Dou Zhao chatted with Third Sister-in-law for a while longer before taking her leave.

Later, however, she inquired carefully about Shu Jie'er's monthly allowance and learned that it wasn't a lack of funds but rather that Shu Jie'er would immediately spend her allowance on gifts for others, leaving herself with no savings. When she saw something nice, she couldn't afford it and ended up taking Dou Zhao's things. Dou Zhao then taught her how to manage her maids, save money, and even how to increase income and reduce expenses. She also took Shu Jie'er to visit the farmstead, showing her how to manage it. Eventually, Shu Jie'er became skilled in financial matters—though that, of course, is a story for another time.

Third Sister-in-law went to see Second Madam.

She wanted to clear her daughter's name.

After recounting the incident, she sighed. "...It was Dou Ming who caused the trouble, yet Shou Gu didn't blame her at all, taking all the fault upon herself. She truly is Seventh Aunt's own daughter, carrying the bloodline of the Zhao family of Anxiang."

Second Madam said nothing. Only after Third Sister-in-law left did she mutter, "She brought this upon herself."

By the time Wu Shan learned of the matter, the Lantern Festival had already passed.

He tossed and turned in bed for several nights like a pancake on a griddle, unable to contain himself any longer. He pulled Dou Dechang aside. "Could you accompany me to the West Mansion to borrow a book from Seventh Uncle?"

Dou Dechang was still rather naive and later became obsessed with antiques, spending every day with Dou Qijun browsing antique shops.

"What book? Don't we have it at home?"

Wu Shan fibbed, "A book on epigraphy and collectibles. I can't remember the title, and I couldn't find it at your place. I thought I'd check with Seventh Uncle."

Dou Dechang immediately perked up. "Let's call Boyan and go together."

Dou Qijun had just come of age this year, and Fifth Uncle had given him the courtesy name "Boyan."

Wu Shan was secretly pleased, and the three of them headed to the West Mansion.

Dou Shiying was overseeing repairs in the East Wing Courtyard when he heard Wu Shan had come to borrow a book. He washed up, changed his clothes, and received Wu Shan, Dou Dechang, and Dou Qijun in his study.

"What books have you been reading lately, Boyan?"

Dou Qijun had failed last year's Provincial Examination.

"Rereading the 'Annotations on the Four Books,'" he replied. When it came to serious matters, he remained respectful in front of Dou Shiying.

Dou Shiying nodded. "Don't focus solely on the 'Annotations.' You should also read more of the 'Spring and Autumn Annals' and 'Records of the Grand Historian.'"

Dou Qijun smiled. "Fifth Uncle said the same thing and even asked if I'd like to visit the Imperial Academy."

"Oh?" Dou Shiying chuckled. "And what did you say?"

"I've heard the Capital is full of hidden talents. I'd like to see it for myself."

As the two discussed scholarly pursuits, Dou Dechang listened with keen interest, while Wu Shan's eyes darted around the room—yet not a single maid was in sight. Finally, when Dou Shiying finished questioning them and let them browse the study, Dou Dechang and Dou Qijun pestered Wu Shan about the book he wanted. He had no choice but to help them search while making up excuses, but after nearly half an hour, he still couldn't shake them off. Wu Shan grew increasingly restless.Outside the study, Dou Zhao's clear voice suddenly rang out, "Didn't they say Father had returned to the study? Where has he run off to now?"

Wu Shan instantly felt his whole body relax. Without regard for Dou Dechang and Dou Qijun beside him, he hurriedly stepped outside.

"Fourth Sister!" His gaze fixed intently on Dou Zhao, he asked, "What brings you here?"

"Ah, Fourth Brother Wu," Faced with a boy about the same age as her son and given their families' close friendship, Dou Zhao found it difficult to strictly observe the usual proprieties between men and women. She smiled and asked, "What are you doing here?"

"I came to borrow a book," Wu Shan replied, waving the book in his hand. He wanted to phrase his words more subtly, but such opportunities were fleeting, and he had to seize the moment. "I didn't know you liked lantern carousels. Otherwise, I would have given you one as a gift."

Dou Zhao was surprised, noticing Wu Shan's pitch-black eyes that radiated absolute sincerity.