What was he trying to accomplish?
Ji Yong found himself perplexed. Logically, he should have been focused on dealing with someone like Song Mo, who was a worthy opponent. Yet, he was preoccupied with how to embarrass the weak Wei Tingyu. His grievances with Song Mo had become secondary—if they crossed paths again, they could settle it then; if not, once he dealt with Wei Tingyu, he could turn his attention back to Song Mo.
When had he become so cowardly, so afraid of the strong?
Reclining on a bamboo couch beneath the lush branches of the old locust tree in his garden, Ji Yong stared blankly at the verdant leaves above.
Zishang approached quietly and reported, “Young Master, Lord Yang from the Hanlin Academy has come to visit.”
Lord Yang referred to Yang Yunxiao. Recently, Ji Yong had been close to Yang Yunxiao and Chen Zhiji, often drinking together while plotting to spread rumors about Wei Tingyu.
Hearing Yang Yunxiao’s name now, Ji Yong waved his hand impatiently. “Tell him I’m under house arrest by my great-grandfather. I’ll visit him in a few days.”
Zishang left with a frown to relay the message to Yang Yunxiao.
Zixi then came over.
Ji Yong frowned, feeling irritated. “What is it now?”
Zixi hurriedly said, “The fourth young lady of the Dou family has come to the capital with the matriarch of the Dou family…”
“What did you say?” Ji Yong was taken aback, then filled with joy as he jumped up. “Really? My fourth sister has come to the capital?”
Zixi smiled in response. “It’s true; the matriarch has already sent word.”
Since the two families were related by marriage, Ji Yong’s mother and aunt should have gone to pay their respects when the matriarch arrived in the capital. Similarly, when the old Mr. Ji came to the capital, Dou Shishu, Dou Shiheng, and Dou Shiying had all come to inquire about him.
Ji Yong jumped off the couch. “Let’s go see my fourth sister!” Without waiting for Zixi’s reply, he dashed out of Yuqiao Alley.
Hearing the news, Han Shi was anxious and thought for a moment before heading to the old Mr. Ji’s courtyard.
The old Mr. Ji was in his study painting.
The old eagle, with some of its feathers already falling out, still had sharp eyes and gripped the rocky outcrop beneath it with its talons, maintaining a majestic posture that embodied the spirit of “an old steed in the stable still aspires to gallop a thousand miles.”
After listening to his granddaughter-in-law’s complaints, the old Mr. Ji set down his brush and examined his painting closely before responding slowly, “You say Ji Ming has gone to find the fourth young lady of the Dou family?”
“Yes!” Han Shi wiped her tears and choked out, “As soon as he heard the fourth young lady of the Dou family was in the capital, he ran out without a second thought. The matriarch also mentioned that the fourth young lady is here to discuss marriage with the Wei family. If Ji Ming runs around without any caution, it could lead to misunderstandings with the Wei family!
Ji Ming might only face a reprimand from the censors, and in time, everyone would forget. But what about the fourth young lady? Grandfather, you must intervene this time, or it could lead to a big problem!” She continued, “Last time, you mentioned you had plans for Ji Ming’s marriage. Do you have someone in mind? What’s her temperament like? What about her character? Ji Ming is of marrying age; if things go well, why not arrange his marriage by the end of this year?”
“Marriage isn’t urgent. As long as Ji Ming has the ability, he can marry anyone he wants!” The old Mr. Ji chuckled, still sounding unconcerned. “With me, his uncle, and his father watching over him, what could go wrong? His cousin has come, and he has studied at their home before. It’s only natural for him to visit. Even the censors wouldn’t reprimand him for this. You don’t need to worry about it. Even if you don’t trust Ji Ming, you should trust his aunt. If there’s anything unusual between Ji Ming and the fourth young lady, I’m sure the matriarch will come to me before you even notice. Don’t jump to conclusions and ruin your son’s reputation.”
Han Shi’s face flushed with embarrassment.
The old Mr. Ji added, “Alright, focus on your matters. I’ll handle this.”
Reluctantly, Han Shi retreated.
The old Mr. Ji continued painting, adding a few blades of grass in the crevices of the rock beneath the eagle’s talons.
Ji Yong hurried to Huai Tree Alley.
Dou Zhao was speaking with Dou Dechang. “Is Lingze living with the Han family or the Ji family now?”
Dou Dechang replied, puzzled, “How would I know?”
Dou Zhao was taken aback.
Compared to her previous life, Ji Lingze had only postponed his marriage; how could Dou Dechang be completely unaware of this?
Had she inadvertently altered Ji Lingze’s fate, and in a negative direction?
She suddenly broke into a cold sweat, her face turning pale.
Dou Dechang was confused.
Just then, a young maid came in to announce that Ji Yong had come to visit Ji Shi.
Dou Dechang was overjoyed and quickly pulled Ji Yong over, asking, “Where is Cousin Lingze living now?”
Ji Yong was baffled. “Of course, he’s at the Han family. Why do you ask?”
Dou Dechang pointed at Dou Zhao. “It’s what the fourth sister wants to know.”
Dou Zhao had regained her composure. Hearing that Ji Yong had arrived, she thought, “I was just worried about finding an excuse to see him, and now he’s come to me.” Ji Yong, however, was already angrily exclaiming, “The Han family is utterly shameless! Knowing that Han Liu is on the verge of death, they still send someone to urge a marriage. Grandfather just said he wanted to wait until Han Liu passed, and now he’s agreed…”
A cough interrupted from the doorway.
Dou Zhao and the others turned to see Dou Zhengchang and his wife standing there, looking awkward.
Ji Yong sneered, his gaze fixed on Han Shi, Dou Zhengchang’s wife.
Han Shi blushed and curtsied, calling out, “Cousin,” and stammered, “It’s just that our matriarch is worried about Han Liu…”
“Stop right there!” Ji Yong interrupted mockingly. “Your matriarch is the second madam. When has she ever cared about Han Liu?”
Han Shi’s face turned crimson as if she could bleed.
Dou Zhengchang glared at Ji Yong. “Ji Ming, don’t nitpick!” He defended Han Shi.
Han Shi shot a grateful glance at Dou Zhengchang.
Dou Dechang quickly tried to mediate. “Cousin Ji, what brings you here today? My mother just went to visit my fifth aunt. She said they were discussing accompanying the matriarch to Baiyun Temple tomorrow, so she should be back soon. Please, have a seat!”
Due to the arrival of the second madam, the sixth branch was usually in Huai Tree Alley.
Ji Yong snorted and boldly sat down.
Dou Zhao felt as if she were dreaming; everything was different from what she had known in her previous life.
Seeing Dou Zhao’s pale face, the maid Su Xin quickly brewed a cup of hot tea.
After sipping a few mouthfuls, Dou Zhao’s complexion gradually improved. She stood up and addressed Ji Yong, who had just sat down. “Cousin Ji, I have something to ask you. Can we step outside to talk for a moment?”
Given their earlier conversation, although Dou Zhengchang and his wife were puzzled, they didn’t think much of it.
Dou Zhengchang assumed Dou Zhao wanted to ask about Ji Lingze. As Dou Zhao and Ji Yong left the room, he quietly explained to his parents why Dou Zhao sought Ji Yong.
Despite this, Han Shi couldn’t help but feel incredulous as she watched Ji Yong silently follow Dou Zhao outside.
When did the arrogant Ji Ming become so agreeable?
Dou Zhao, unaware of Han Shi’s feelings, stood under the pomegranate tree in the courtyard and asked Ji Yong, “What happened at Thousand Buddha Temple Alley?”
“Eh?” Ji Yong’s eyes widened. “How do you know about that?” Then, realizing a possibility, he felt a pang of jealousy and said, “I didn’t expect you to care about Wei Tingyu! Have you sent someone to keep an eye on him? If that’s the case, why are you asking me? Just go ask Wei Tingyu directly! See what he has to say before coming to question me! Don’t you know what kind of person he is? Are you considering marrying him?”
Dou Zhao glared at Ji Yong, who was speaking without thinking. Angered by his comments about Dou Ming, she took a deep breath to calm herself and said, “So, you think it’s justified to ruin Duke of Jining’s reputation?”
“I ruined his reputation?” Ji Yong scoffed, raising his chin dismissively. “Does he even have a reputation in the capital? If it weren’t for Duke Ying’s son, Song Mo, do you think anyone in the capital’s noble circles would even know who he is?”
Why was Song Mo being dragged into this again?
Dou Zhao frowned.
Ji Yong was even more displeased.
He had come to see Dou Zhao with excitement, but instead of a friendly greeting, they were already arguing, and it was all about that cockroach of a Wei Tingyu!
Both fell into an uncomfortable silence.
Dou Zhao advised Ji Yong, “You shouldn’t act like this in the future. Good deeds bring good outcomes, and bad deeds bring bad outcomes. Would you rather everyone like you or hate you? I think if everyone hates me, I wouldn’t be able to sleep soundly…”
“He’d have to have the ability to keep me awake for that to happen,” Ji Yong muttered, but he didn’t continue to spar with Dou Zhao.
Dou Zhao smiled.
Ji Yong’s mood lightened as well. He turned to Dou Zhao and said, “Tell me the truth, why did you come to the capital?”
Dou Zhao genuinely hoped Ji Yong wouldn’t get involved any further. His actions were loud and conspicuous, and if he caught Song Mo’s attention, it could lead to complications.
There were some debts of gratitude she couldn’t repay.
Dou Zhao finally said, “I’ve thought it over. I’m going to marry eventually, so why not marry Wei Tingyu? At least he’s honest and reliable…”
“Is being honest and reliable enough to choose a husband?” Ji Yong exploded. “There are plenty of such men in the world; what’s so special about that? Besides, is Wei Tingyu honest and reliable, or is he just weak and incompetent? Open your eyes and see! Even if you want to marry, you don’t have to marry someone like Wei Tingyu! You don’t know that when he saw Zhao Zhi Shu, his eyes nearly popped out! He couldn’t even control his emotions; what could he possibly do?”
How many people in the world could be as strong-willed as you, Ji Yong?!
Most were just ordinary folks.
Dou Zhao smiled bitterly.
Ji Yong took this as a concession.
Finally, he couldn’t help but flick his sleeve and leave.
He ran into Ji Shi, who had heard Ji Yong was there and had hurried back.
“Ji Ming…” she greeted her nephew with a bright smile.
Ji Yong, however, walked past her with a blank expression.
Ji Shi, confused, turned to Dou Zhao, who stood in the courtyard with a helpless look. “What’s wrong with him? Who upset him?”