Blossom

The heart of a youth is like crystal—pure and transparent, offering itself before Dou Zhao with fearless sincerity and courage.

Dou Zhao was deeply moved, suddenly finding it hard to meet that gaze directly.

She stood up, slightly turning her body to block that line of sight, and said cheerfully to Wu Ya, "We're like sisters, no need for such formalities." Then she asked kindly, "Do you prefer playing Go or backgammon? How about we play a game?"

Wu Ya let out a long sigh of relief.

She had been too impolite earlier, and those present were all her brother's close friends. Even if her brother hadn't said anything, just to save his face, she should have apologized to Dou Zhao. However, in her mind, Dou Zhao had always been someone who wouldn't let others off easily. She had prepared herself to endure ridicule or sarcasm without retorting, never expecting Dou Zhao to give her a way out.

"I like playing backgammon," she nodded with a smile. Dou Pinshu quickly chimed in, calling for a maid to set up the board, resting her chin on her hands to watch the game.

Wu Shan sighed in relief, only to have someone clap him heavily on the shoulder: "Not bad! I underestimated you before."

He turned to see Dou Qijun standing behind him.

"I told you I'd handle it," Wu Shan said, his smile growing even brighter.

They didn't return to the Dou family until nightfall.

The large red lanterns hanging on bamboo poles outside illuminated the surroundings brightly. The troupe on the stage had changed, but the opera continued, and the crowd of listeners blocked the Dou family's main gate completely.

Dou Qijun and the others entered through a side gate.

Wu Shan escorted his sister to the guest quarters.

Wu Tai Tai was waiting for them on the daybed in the front hall, covered with a cool mat.

Seeing her children return, she smiled and asked, "Did you have fun today?"

Wu Ya nodded happily, "I played chess in the pavilion on the back hill, and Twelfth Brother even drew a portrait of me." She then had a maid bring the portrait for Wu Tai Tai to see.

"Does it look like me?" she giggled, linking arms with her mother.

The woman in the portrait wore a pale yellow summer dress, adorned with a snow-white magnolia flower, standing gracefully beside a Taihu Rock.

Wu Ya pointed at the rock, "This is the Taihu Rock behind Sixth Aunt's house."

"Hmm!" Wu Tai Tai nodded appreciatively, "It's very well done."

"Twelfth Brother said when he has time in a couple of days, he'll draw me a spring scene, an autumn scene, and a winter scene to complete the four seasons..." Wu Ya chattered on. Wu Shan didn't get a chance to share any personal words with his mother before leaving the guest quarters.

He was utterly frustrated.

Wu Tai Tai, however, frowned deeply: "For the sake of Fourth Miss Dou, you even scolded your own sister?"

Granny Bi hurriedly interjected, "Several of the Dou family's young masters and misses were present at the time, and Seventh Miss's voice was indeed a bit loud. Fourth Young Master was just considering the bigger picture..."

Before she could finish,

Granny Bi didn't dare say more and quietly retreated.

Wu Tai Tai tossed and turned, unable to sleep.

Though marriages are arranged by parents and matchmakers, what parent in the world doesn't wish for their child's happiness?She thought of how her son had always liked to be around Dou Zhao since childhood. Yet he only brought up the matter after achieving the title of Top Scholar—his perseverance and patience had all been for this day. He was determined to marry Dou Zhao! Then she recalled her own youth… and couldn’t help but let out a long sigh.

Dou Zhao, of course, knew nothing of what Wu Shan had done for her.

Upon returning home, she washed away the dust of the journey and went to pay her respects to her grandmother.

Her grandmother had already instructed someone to prepare mung bean soup and chill it in a well. She hurriedly told Hong Gu to serve Dou Zhao a bowl, saying, “Ice is too cold—it’s not good to have too much. Well-chilled water is gentler.” Then she sat behind Dou Zhao, fanning her, and asked, “The Wu family’s Seventh Miss was also there—did you play backgammon together?”

Dou Zhao understood her grandmother’s intentions, but she had already resolved never to marry.

The greater the hope, the greater the disappointment.

Not wanting to sadden her grandmother, she smiled and said, “We don’t get along well. She and Yi Jie’er are more suited to each other.”

Her grandmother sighed, her disappointment plain to see.

Dou Zhao’s mind briefly flashed with Wu Shan’s face.

She shook her head, and the fleeting image quickly faded.

Lying on the cool bamboo bed, she soon fell asleep.

Early the next morning, Wu Tai Tai emerged from her inner chamber with dark circles under her eyes.

Wu Shan and Wu Ya, who had come to greet her, were startled and called out uneasily, “Mother.”

“It’s nothing,” Wu Tai Tai said, rubbing her temples. “It’s just too noisy outside.”

The opera had been playing nonstop for three days and nights.

Wu Shan dutifully massaged his mother’s temples.

But she said, “No need. If you have something to do, go ahead. A Qi can keep me company here.”

Wu Shan knew well that haste made waste, so he smiled in agreement, exchanged a glance with Granny Bi, and left the hall.

Wu Ya giggled and threw herself into her mother’s arms.

Wu Tai Tai stroked her hair and said with a smile, “Go play with your little friends. I need to rest a bit more.”

Wu Ya left with her maid to find Dou Pinyi.

Wu Tai Tai stood up and said to Granny Bi, “Come, let’s go visit Sixth Madam.”

Granny Bi was startled. “You—what business do you have with Sixth Madam?”

Wu Tai Tai looked both exasperated and amused. “What are you afraid of? My own son is infatuated with someone—am I supposed to go argue with them? You’ve all been scheming behind my back—can’t I at least sound out Sixth Madam’s opinion? If Fourth Miss Dou is already betrothed, and we still send a matchmaker, wouldn’t we become a laughingstock?” She added, “If only the Dowager could decide Fourth Miss Dou’s marriage—then I wouldn’t have to deal with that Wang Shi.”

Granny Bi was so shocked she couldn’t think of anything else and quickly flattered Wu Tai Tai: “Our Fourth Young Master knows that no one in the world loves him more than you, Madam. That’s why he dared to act so recklessly. With anyone else, he would never lower himself like this…”

“Enough, enough,” Wu Tai Tai waved her hand, cutting off Granny Bi’s words. She chuckled, “No need to speak up for him. My own son—do you think I don’t know him? How much did he bribe you?”"Wronged, Madam!" Granny Bi could tell Wu Tai Tai wasn't truly angry. With a playful grin, she humored her, "How would this old servant dare? Harmony in the family leads to prosperity in all endeavors. I merely wish for no discord between Madam and the young master, so everyone may live in peace and harmony..."

As they spoke, they made their way to Ji Shi's quarters.

The courtyard was half-filled with maids and old women attending to Ji Shi.

Wu Tai Tai exclaimed softly, "Oh dear," murmuring, "This isn't a good time," and turned to leave, only to be spotted by Cai Shu, who had just lifted the curtain to step out.

"Madam Wu!" Cai Shu called out promptly, smiling. "Our Madam has just finished her matters. Shall I announce you?"

Wu Tai Tai expressed her thanks.

After Cai Shu went in to announce her, Ji Shi came out to welcome Wu Tai Tai, and the courtyard full of maids and old women dispersed.

Naturally, Wu Tai Tai didn't inquire about what had transpired with Ji Shi. Once tea and snacks were served and pleasantries exchanged, Wu Tai Tai tactfully broached the purpose of her visit: "...Only when speaking with Third Madam Xiu yesterday did I learn that Yi Jie'er is already betrothed. The Fourth Miss is just a few months younger than Yi Jie'er, isn't she? With even the niece engaged, I wonder when we might celebrate Fourth Miss's wedding?"

Ji Shi, sharp as she was, immediately grasped the implication behind Wu Tai Tai's words.

Gazing into Wu Tai Tai's eyes, which held a glimmer of anticipation, Ji Shi felt a surge of pride and emotion—her daughter had grown into a fine young lady.

The Wu family was well-known and trustworthy, far better than marrying far away to the Marquis of Jining's Mansion!

However, Dou Zhao's situation was unique. Regardless of what Wu Tai Tai might have heard, certain things shouldn't be spoken of by her.

Ji Shi quickly formed a plan.

She took a sip of tea and replied vaguely, "As you know, Shou Gu's birth mother is no longer with us. Her marriage likely depends on her uncle's wishes, hence the delay."

Reassured by this confirmation, Wu Tai Tai praised the tea enthusiastically and exchanged a few more casual words with Ji Shi before taking her leave to visit Second Cousin-in-Law Yu.

"You wish to marry Shou Gu into your family?" Yu Er Nai Nai widened her eyes in astonishment upon hearing Wu Tai Tai's request to propose a match between Wu Shan and Dou Zhao.

Wu Tai Tai felt a flicker of displeasure.

Though Dou Zhao had her flaws, now that she had openly sought her for Wu Shan, as a daughter married into the Wu family, Yu Er Nai Nai shouldn't have reacted this way.

When Yu Er Nai Nai saw Wu Tai Tai nod firmly, she was momentarily at a loss.

Why had her aunt suddenly taken a liking to Dou Zhao?

Could it be that during her stay at the Dou family, she had heard some rumors?

Although Second Madam had imposed a gag order back then, citing Dou Zhao's safety—warning that if anything happened to her, whoever leaked the information would be held accountable, with no regard for their life—the Dou family was large and talkative. Now that Dou Zhao was of marriageable age, it was possible someone had let something slip...

The thought crossed her mind, but she dismissed it immediately.

Her aunt had always been aloof. If such a matter had arisen, she would have steered clear, let alone sought her help to propose a match for her son.

At this realization, she couldn't help but feel a thrill of excitement.If Dou Zhao could marry into the Wu family, the Wu family's wealth would double. Although the Wu family wouldn't scheme against Dou Zhao, having such a wealthy relative would still be beneficial. It would also bring honor to those married daughters in their marital homes!

Second Madam Yu couldn't help but laugh, "I never imagined Auntie would take a liking to Shou Gu?"

If Dou Zhao married into the Wu family, she would become the Wu family's daughter-in-law. Any talk of Wu Shan's admiration for Dou Zhao must never be mentioned—those who knew might call it mutual affection, but those who didn't would assume improper conduct between them!

Dou Zhao's reputation would suffer, and the Wu family would lose face!

Wu Tai Tai smiled and said, "During my stay at your home these past few days, I noticed how steady and composed Shou Gu is despite her young age. You know how gentle Shan'er's temperament is—I've been hoping to find someone who can keep him in line."

This matter would likely require Second Madam's approval.

Second Madam Yu smiled, "Shall I first ask the Madam's opinion then?"

Wu Tai Tai asked happily, "Won't you need to discuss it with Wang Shi?"

Second Madam Yu replied with a laugh, "Since Shou Gu is from the Western household, it would be better for the Madam to inquire about Seventh Uncle's thoughts."

"True enough!" Wu Tai Tai smiled. "Then I'll leave this matter in your hands."

"Nothing would make me happier than to see our families further united!" Second Madam Yu said cheerfully.

After seeing Wu Tai Tai off, she went to Second Madam's quarters.

Meanwhile, Ji Shi headed to the Western household.