Blossom

Second Madam sat on the heated brick bed by the window, her face dark as she flicked the sandalwood prayer beads in her hand with sharp, snapping sounds.

When Dou Zhao and Ji Shi entered, her expression grew even stormier. She gestured to the embroidered stools beside her for them to sit and asked Dou Zhao sternly, "What exactly happened?"

Dou Zhao recounted the events she had previously told Ji Yong to Second Madam.

Ji Shi turned livid with anger upon hearing it. Before Second Madam could speak, she burst out, "When we first heard the message from Third Uncle, we thought Pang Kunbai was just a reckless fool who came up with such a scheme. But it turns out he was trying to stage a 'hero rescues the beauty' act—this is clearly..." She couldn't bring herself to say the word "seduction" in front of Dou Zhao and instead said, "This is clearly taking advantage of Shou Gu's young age and naivety. If Shou Gu hadn't been quick-witted in the crisis, wouldn’t Pang Jia have succeeded?" Only then did she realize Second Madam hadn’t spoken yet and hastily added, "Mother, we can’t let this go! This is too much of an insult!"

Pang Kunbai had clearly aimed to kill two birds with one stone.

By rescuing Shou Gu from the bandits and using the late hour as an excuse to keep her overnight at the farmstead, he could then propose marriage to the Dou family under the pretense of protecting Shou Gu’s reputation. Even if Shou Gu disliked the Pang family and was unwilling to marry into it, the debt of gratitude for saving her life and the excuse of having shared a room would force her into the marriage. Over time, with children and Pang Kunbai’s attentive care, Shou Gu would naturally grow devoted to him. By then, even if the Dou and Zhao families tried to intervene, Shou Gu, out of consideration for her husband and children, would likely hand over her estate to Pang Kunbai to manage, allowing the Pang family to rightfully seize her assets.

Second Madam’s face darkened further, but she asked, "Why didn’t you inform the family first before reporting it to the authorities?"

Of course, it was because they feared the family might strike a private deal with the Wang family!

Dou Zhao replied, "Because it involved a murder case, Cousin Ji Yong, Twelfth Brother, and Fourth Brother Wu Shan decided to report it to the authorities."

"You mean Ji Yong was also involved?" Ji Shi’s eyes widened.

Since Ji Yong had deep connections and the Dou family wouldn’t dare offend him lightly, he might as well serve as a shield for Dou Dechang and Wu Shan!

Dou Zhao nodded.

Ji Shi looked embarrassed.

Second Madam was surprised but, as Dou Zhao had anticipated, didn’t press further.

Dou Zhao now played the part of a frightened young girl, saying with tears in her eyes, "Madam, if it weren’t for Su Xin and Su Lan, if I hadn’t taken them with me, I might never have returned! I beg you, Madam, please grant me one request—no matter what, you must agree!" She dabbed at her tears with a handkerchief.

If anyone else had dared offend the Dou family like this, Second Madam would have ordered them thrown into the yamen and beaten to death without hesitation. But since Wang Xingyi was involved, she felt simply disposing of Pang Kunbai would be a waste—back when the Zhao family agreed to let Wang Yingxue be legitimized, one condition was that the Wang family would have no say in Shou Gu’s marriage. Pang Kunbai was related to the Wang family by marriage, so even if the Wangs tried to deny involvement, it would be impossible.

After a moment of contemplation, she said, "Speak."

"Please help me find out who leaked my whereabouts!" Dou Zhao shared her suspicions with Second Madam.

Second Madam agreed immediately. "Even if you hadn’t asked, I would have investigated. Such traitors who betray their masters for personal gain—once found, they’ll be beaten to death, no matter whose people they are!" Her anger was palpable."I'd like to hire more bodyguards," Dou Zhao said. "I'm truly frightened now. You wouldn't believe how skilled Pang Kunbai's attendants were—that's why I didn't recognize him at first. Besides, since the Pang family harbors such intentions, others might too. I don't want to face such danger again. Even if just for deterrence, I want to employ some highly skilled guards."

Second Madam thought of the Wu family.

"Very well," she agreed without hesitation. "Discuss this matter later with your Third Uncle and Third Cousin."

Dou Zhao stood to thank Second Madam.

This way, she could openly recruit capable personnel.

Nanny Liu entered to report: "There's a message from Third Master."

It seemed Third Uncle regularly updated Second Madam about affairs at the farmstead—no wonder she had learned of the incident so quickly.

"Have him come in," Second Madam instructed.

A clever-looking page of about twelve or thirteen hurried in, bowed to Second Madam, and reported: "Madam, the physician says Young Master Pang's injuries are severe. He may need treatment in Zhen Ding. Third Master asks whether we should inform the Pang family."

"Inform them," Second Madam declared decisively. "Make a grand spectacle of it—let all of Zhen Ding know what kind of monster their son has become!"

The page dashed off.

Second Madam, wanting to inform Dou Shishu promptly, dismissed Dou Zhao to rest: "...It's too late. Stay at your Sixth Aunt's quarters tonight. Don't worry about matters there—your Third Uncle will handle everything properly."

Not wishing to alarm her grandmother by returning now, Dou Zhao went to Ji Shi's rooms.

Before bed, Ji Shi held Dou Zhao's hand and meticulously questioned her about every word Ji Yong had said, appearing rather tense.

Though puzzled, Dou Zhao answered impartially.

Hearing this, Ji Shi relaxed, had maids assist Dou Zhao with washing up, lit benzoin incense in the inner chamber, and urged her to rest well, saving further talk for morning.

Whether due to the incense or prior exhaustion, Dou Zhao fell asleep instantly without turning once, waking with a numb arm.

Ji Yong, Dou Dechang, and Wu Shan had already returned and were eating breakfast.

Dou Dechang and Wu Shan sported dark circles—clearly having stayed up all night—while Ji Yong looked radiantly energetic, as if freshly risen.

How does he maintain such vigor? Dou Zhao wondered silently.

Ji Shi updated her: "...The Pang family absolutely denies Pang Kunbai attempted to rob you, instead accusing you of bullying him into severe injury. Now Pang Yinlou has taken Pang Kunbai to Zhen Ding for treatment, Pang Jinlou has gone to the Capital, and Pang Xilou has hired Recommended Man Hu as a litigation master to sue us." She gave a cold laugh, reassuring Dou Zhao, "One of Criminal Eighth's subordinates survived and is willing to testify against the Pangs in court. Let's see what excuses they'll make then!"

Dou Zhao nodded.

Any lawsuit would await stances from Dou Shishu and Wang Xingyi.

She asked: "Have we discovered who leaked my whereabouts?""There's still no news," Ji Shi said. "Nanny Liu made an excuse about something being stolen at home and took people to the Western Dou residence overnight." She looked worried. "We must find this person no matter what. Otherwise, your situation is precarious!"

Ji Yong, who had been sitting quietly listening, suddenly spoke up: "Do you want me to help investigate?"

Before Dou Zhao could respond, Ji Shi hastily interjected, "Jianming, you're a guest here!"

Ji Yong dismissed her concern. "Since I'm involved, how can I stand by?"

Ji Shi tried to stop him: "This matter should be left to the elders."

Seeing the aunt and nephew on the verge of an argument, Dou Zhao quickly mediated: "Thank you, Cousin Ji. Since Nanny Liu has already gone over, let her investigate first. If she finds nothing by the end of the day, then you can step in."

Ji Yong nodded and took a sip of tea.

Ji Shi gave Ji Yong a surprised glance, then looked strangely at Dou Zhao, hesitating to speak.

Dou Zhao didn't notice.

Her thoughts were on Chen Qushui.

A full day and night had passed—could he have uncovered anything?

She didn't want Ji Yong involved in this matter.

His attitude was too ambiguous.

After lunch, Dou Zhao returned to the Western Dou residence.

Her grandmother still didn't know about the incident but was displeased with Nanny Liu's interrogation of the household servants: "This concerns the Western Dou. Even if an investigation is needed, it should wait until you return."

"This is to prevent evidence from being lost over time," Dou Zhao reassured her grandmother before stepping outside and seeing Chen Qushui waiting at the door.

He gave her a confident smile.

Dou Zhao knew he had found something and felt instantly relieved.

They walked and talked.

"...The informant was Liu Wan, but he died at the robbery scene... I traced Du An to an inn called Ping'an in Lingshou County yesterday and sent Chen Xiaofeng to fetch him... Nanny Liu is checking everyone one by one, making slow progress. She likely won't have results today."

The route to the Capital doesn't pass through Lingshou County.

"Then let's help Nanny Liu with some guidance," Dou Zhao said with a smile. "It would be better if Second Madam handled this."

"Agreed!" Chen Qushui nodded. "I think you should hire more skilled bodyguards. We can't risk someone targeting you again."

"You and I think alike," Dou Zhao replied, informing him about her annual fixed allowance of ten thousand taels of silver. "What about hiring Chen Xiaofeng and the others?" She listed several candidates she had noted, including Duan Gongyi.

Mr. Chen smiled. "You have excellent judgment, Fourth Miss. I'll arrange it immediately."

Soon, Nanny Liu found fifty taels of pristine silver in Liu Wan's room.

Second Madam was furious: "Keep digging! We must find out who bribed Liu Wan!"

That evening, Chen Xiaofeng brought Du An back.

When Du An saw Dou Zhao, he looked disheveled and protested, "What is the meaning of this, Fourth Miss? Even if you're wiping us out, you should at least give me a reason."

Dou Zhao laughed. "Since when do I need a reason to wipe you out?" She then instructed Chen Qushui, "Hand him over to Second Madam."

Du An froze. "You... you're not going to interrogate me?""Do you think you'd confess if I interrogated you?" Dou Zhao said disdainfully. "Besides, what difference does it make whether you talk or not? All that matters is making Second Madam believe you're involved in this matter, that Wang Yingxue is involved in this matter. Whether you speak or not is irrelevant!"

Du An was instantly dumbfounded.

Dou Zhao returned to her room.

Su Xin hurried after her: "Fourth Miss, the Eastern Residence has received a letter from Fifth Master in the Capital."

If it was about Pang Kunbai's robbery attempt, the news couldn't have arrived this quickly, could it?

Dou Zhao asked: "Do you know what it says?"

Su Xin pursed her lips in a smile, her gaze carrying a hint of mischief as she looked at Dou Zhao: "Fifth Master says it would be wonderful if the Dou and Wu families could form another marriage alliance. He also mentioned that the Wu family has a spotless reputation—they're proper scholars—so you wouldn't suffer if you married into their household."