Blossom

Upon hearing that Dou Shibang had arrived, Father personally went to welcome him in.

He was carrying a basket of oranges. Since they were all family, Mother and Ding Yinyinai did not retreat. After exchanging greetings, Dou Shibang pointed to the oranges and said to Grandfather with a smile, "These were sent by Eldest Brother. I brought some especially for you to try." Then he took an orange from the small basket and handed it to Dou Zhao: "Shou Gu, have an orange."

Dou Zhao was still somewhat dazed.

Mother nudged her.

She murmured a "Thank you."

Dou Shibang smiled and patted Dou Zhao's head.

Grandfather then said, "Come sit on the kang! I have some Big Red Robe tea sent by Shenxing."

Ding Yinyinai immediately turned and went to the adjacent small tea room to brew the tea.

Dou Shibang didn’t stand on ceremony either, climbing onto the kang and sitting cross-legged opposite Grandfather.

Dou Zhao held the orange, quietly nestling in Mother’s embrace, staring unblinkingly at Dou Shibang.

Her third uncle, who had passed away ten years ago, was now standing alive before her, offering her an orange!

Back when she lived at the farmstead, Third Uncle would visit Grandmother periodically, each time bringing her little gifts—sometimes fashionable handkerchiefs, sometimes pretty hair ornaments, sometimes rare delicacies. Once, he even gave her a pair of Wuxi clay dolls. With their big eyes, round faces, and red gold-trimmed jackets, they smiled while bowing, making all the children at the farmstead envious. She placed those dolls on the windowsill, and it wasn’t until she left the farmstead at twelve that they were packed away in a chest, traveling with her from Ding County to the Capital, where they remained at the Marquis of Jining's Mansion.

In those days, each of Third Uncle’s visits was like a ray of sunshine shining upon her, making her radiant and dazzling.

She had never forgotten.

Dou Zhao’s vision blurred slightly as she heard Dou Shibang say with a laugh, "...Eldest Brother’s health is declining day by day. Lan Ge'er wrote recently, saying that since autumn began, Eldest Brother has already suffered three bouts of angina. But with the river works unfinished, he dares not slack off. Eldest Brother wrote that once this period is over, he plans to resign and return home to study the I Ching with Little Uncle."

Grandfather laughed heartily and said, "Though officialdom is glorious, the paperwork is bitter. Who told him to become an official!" As he spoke, his smile faded, and he said solemnly, "His angina is getting worse by the day. Has he seen a physician?"

"We’ve consulted all the famous doctors in Jiangnan," Dou Shibang replied. "But none have any effective remedies. They all just tell him to rest quietly. But is Eldest Brother the type who can sit still..."

Dou Zhao listened, but her thoughts had already drifted far away.

Eldest Uncle was named Dou Shiyang, the eldest son of the eldest grandfather. He was thirty-nine years older than Father and four years younger than Grandfather. Like Grandfather, he had studied under their grand-uncle since childhood, and though they were uncle and nephew in name, they were as close as brothers. By the time Dou Zhao could remember, he had already passed away. It was said he died from exhaustion while serving as the prefect of Yangzhou, overseeing river construction. His deeds were inscribed on the green stone tablet in the ancestral hall. In the fourth year of Jianwu, a great flood struck Jiangnan, and many riverbanks collapsed—except for the section Eldest Uncle had repaired during his tenure, which remained intact. His achievements were revisited, and the Emperor issued a special edict commending him.Lan Ge'er was the only son born to the eldest uncle at the age of forty-three. He passed the Provincial Examination at twenty-one but repeatedly failed subsequent attempts. The Emperor, remembering the eldest uncle's contributions, granted him the position of Record Keeper in Jurong County. When he came to the Capital to express gratitude, the Dou clansmen in the Capital held feasts in his honor. Due to her stepmother, Dou Zhao kept her distance from the Dou family and only sent congratulatory gifts.

Should she remind Third Uncle?

But would Third Uncle even listen to her?

Dou Zhao hesitated.

Ding Yiniang entered with two maids carrying tea and pastries.

Her mother set her down and helped Ding Yiniang serve the tea and arrange the snacks.

Dou Shibang took a sip of tea and praised, "Excellent tea!" then sighed, "Truly, 'those near mountains live off mountains, those near waters live off waters'!"

Shenxing was the courtesy name of Dou Zhao's second uncle, Dou Shiqi, Dou Shiyang's younger brother by eight years and four years older than Dou Shibang. He became a Presented Scholar at twenty-six and served as an official outside, retiring from the position of Provincial Administration Commissioner in Jiangxi.

Dou Zhao had only heard of him but never met him—when she was in Zhen Ding, he was posted elsewhere; by the time he retired and returned home, she had already married into the Capital.

Big Red Robe tea came from Wuyi. Judging by Third Uncle's tone, he must currently be serving as an official in Fujian.

Grandfather laughed heartily and said, "'Those near mountains live off mountains, those near waters live off waters'—the key is 'near.' How can that compare to you? We all depend on you for our livelihood!"

The Dou family had many officials serving outside, and even more who, for the sake of the imperial exams, "closed their ears to worldly affairs and devoted themselves solely to virtuous books."

Dou Shibang managed the affairs of both the eastern and western Dou branches.

Hearing this, he gave an awkward chuckle, his expression sheepish.

Dou Zhao remembered.

Third Uncle had taken the Provincial Examination not only with Second Uncle, Fourth Uncle, and Fifth Uncle but also with Sixth Uncle, Father, Eldest Cousin Dou Wenchang, Second Cousin Dou Yuchang, Third Cousin Dou Xiuchang, and Fourth Cousin Dou Rongchang... and it seemed he had never passed.

Seeing this, Father picked up his teacup and urged repeatedly, "Drink tea, drink tea!" then called loudly to Mother, "Third Brother rarely visits. Tell the kitchen to prepare some dishes for wine. I'll have a few drinks with Father and Third Brother."

"No need, no need," Dou Shibang glanced at Father and smiled. "Eldest Brother asked me to relay a few words to Uncle. It's getting late—I'll leave after delivering the message." He added, "The New Year is approaching, and there's much to attend to at home."

"It won't delay you for long," Grandfather said with a laugh, but Father pulled Mother aside. "Since Third Brother has matters to discuss with Father, we'll return to our rooms first." Ignoring Mother's surprise, he ushered her out of Crane Longevity Hall. "Third Brother's visit at this hour must be urgent."

Mother relaxed, and having not seen Father for a long time, her gaze softened like vines. "Very well. This humble wife will attend to you so you may rest early."

"Good, good," Father replied absentmindedly, glancing back at Crane Longevity Hall.

Dou Zhao followed his gaze.

The surroundings were silent, the snow gleaming coldly under the moonlight, while the warm orange light from Grandfather's study seemed especially inviting.

Dou Zhao was puzzled.

But Mother noticed nothing, chatting and laughing with Father all the way back to the main chamber.A servant woman with graying temples stepped forward, performing a curtsy and addressing them as "Seventh Master" and "Seventh Madam."

Her expression was stern, yet her eyes held warmth.

Dou Zhao immediately took a liking to her.

Her mother handed her over to the woman, saying, "Nurse Yu, you'll take care of Shou Gu in the heated room tonight."

Nurse Yu smiled and replied, "Yes."

Father asked curiously, "Where is Shou Gu's wet nurse?"

"She's caught a chill," Mother said, heading straight into the house. "I was afraid she might pass the illness to Shou Gu."

Father had no choice but to follow.

The group entered the main hall.

Father and Mother went into the inner chamber, while Nurse Yu carried Dou Zhao toward the heated room behind it.

She hadn't yet encountered that woman—how could she leave Mother's side now?

"Mother, Mother!" She squirmed in Nurse Yu's arms.

"Fourth Young Miss, don't cry, don't cry!" Nurse Yu coaxed her, quickening her steps. "How about Nurse Yu plays string games with you?"

Father hesitated. "Perhaps Shou Gu could sleep with us tonight."

"This..." Mother cast a resentful glance at Father.

As if oblivious, Father instructed Nurse Yu, "Bring Shou Gu here."

Nurse Yu hesitated, stealing a glance at Mother. Seeing Mother biting her lip in silence, she smiled and said, "Seventh Master must be weary from your journey..."

"Just bring her here!" Father snapped impatiently.

Nurse Yu no longer hesitated and handed Dou Zhao to Mother.

But Father took her and carried her into the inner chamber.

Maids brought in hot water and towels for washing up.

While Mother attended to Father, he amused himself with Dou Zhao, who clung tightly to Mother. The chaotic scene held an oddly warm and lively atmosphere, filling Dou Zhao's heart with contentment and joy.

When peace finally settled, Dou Zhao clutched Mother's sleeve and lay between her parents.

Mother propped herself on one elbow, resting her cheek in her hand as she spoke softly to Father: "Are you still staying in the alley near Jing'an Temple? Did Baoshan come with you?" Her hand reached over Dou Zhao to gently stroke Father's arm. The bright red undergarment embroidered with twin lotus flowers glowed vividly under the lamplight, its snowy-white fullness barely concealing the curves beneath. The sight made Dou Zhao blush furiously, and she quickly shut her eyes, silently thinking: Mother, I know absence makes the heart grow fonder, and I shouldn't interfere, but I have no choice. I'll leave once I help you drive that woman away...

Father kept his eyes closed, grunting twice before saying, "Go to sleep now! Father will test me early tomorrow morning!" With that, he rolled over.

Mother's hand fell empty.

She pouted.

Father's soft snores soon followed.

The room grew even quieter.

Mother lay down and gently pinched Dou Zhao's little nose, whispering, "You little troublemaker!"

This version of Mother—genuine yet still playful—nearly made Dou Zhao burst into laughter.

Then a maid rushed in with hurried footsteps, announcing through the bed curtains, "Seventh Master, Seventh Madam, Ding Yinyinai has come. She says the Old Master has urgent business and requests Seventh Master's immediate presence."

Mother was stunned.

Father, who had been asleep, scrambled up instantly. "What did you say? The Old Master wants me now?" His voice was tense.

The maid confirmed, "Yes."

Father hesitated briefly.

Mother urged, "You'd better go. It might be related to the message Third Uncle brought from First Uncle..." As she spoke, she sat up."Yes, yes!" Father murmured, throwing off the covers and hastily putting on his outer robe. Ignoring Mother's calls from behind to add another layer, he hurried after Ding Yinyinai to Crane Longevity Hall.

Mother Yu tiptoed over and whispered, "Seventh Madam, should we send someone to check on them?"

"Better not," Mother said hesitantly, torn between hope and fear. "What if it's about court affairs... Besides, there's Ding Yinyinai. I can ask her about it later."

Dou Zhao's mind was filled with suspicion.

From the moment she entered until she left, Ding Yinyinai kept her head bowed, never once looking directly at Mother.