Zhao Liangbi said, “Here is the inventory of properties under Madam’s name and the account books from recent years.” He then explained to Song Mo, “The Third Master led us into the city at dawn. We first paid respects to the Second Madam in Huaishu Alley, had lunch, and then went to Jing’an Temple Alley. The Seventh Master suggested we review the accounts there. However, the Third Master said that since Madam understands the books and these properties are in her name, we should come to Duke Ying’s mansion to review them. If anything is unclear, Madam can ask the Third Master directly. So he had me bring the inventory, account books, and accompanying female attendants here. He asked me to request instructions from the Heir and Madam on setting a date for the account review.”
There was something else Zhao Liangbi didn’t mention.
When the Third Master and Second Madam were discussing where to review the accounts, the Second Madam had also said, “It’s good to give the Heir an explanation.” Zhao Liangbi felt this comment thoroughly revealed the Second Madam’s self-serving nature and would embarrass Madam, so he kept it to himself.
Zhong Bingxiang clicked his tongue in amazement.
Song Mo glanced at the seals on the camphor wood boxes and smiled slightly. “Then let’s follow the Third Master’s suggestion and review the accounts in Yizhi Hall’s flower room,” he said. He added, “Where are the Third Master and Third Young Master staying? As juniors, my wife and I should visit them.”
Zhao Liangbi quickly replied, “The Third Master and Third Young Master are staying in Huaishu Alley.”
Song Mo wondered silently if they would be able to sleep tonight. He instructed Chen He to send a message to Huaishu Alley: “My wife and I will visit the Third Master and Third Young Master early tomorrow morning.” Then he asked, “What is Madam doing? Please inform her and ask when she’d like to review the accounts.”
Chen He acknowledged the orders with a smile and went to the inner courtyard to report.
Dou Zhao was holding the hand of Duan Gongyi’s mother, saying, “Master Duan saved my life. You’re like an elder to me. I’ll only feel at ease if you stay comfortably in Yizhi Hall. Please don’t stand at the ceremony. If anything is inconvenient or unfamiliar regarding food, clothing, or daily necessities, just tell Suxin.” She called Suxin over and introduced her maid to Old Mrs. Duan, “If she’s not around, you can find Sulan, Ganlu, or Sujuan. Have them take care of things…”
“That won’t do!” Old Mrs. Duan hurriedly said. “How could I trouble the young ladies who serve Madam?”
“You shouldn’t say that. They’re all your juniors. What’s there to trouble about?” Dou Zhao knew that elderly people often feel uncomfortable when away from home. Only when the family was settled could those guards truly focus on helping her with tasks?
As the two were chatting happily, Chen He arrived.
He respectfully relayed Song Mo’s message to Dou Zhao.
Dou Zhao thought for a moment and said, “We’ll visit the Third Master and Third Young Master tomorrow. Let’s start reviewing the accounts the day after.”
Chen He withdrew with a smile.
Dou Zhao spoke briefly with the families of Chen Xiaofeng and others. Thinking they must be tired from their long journey, she escorted them out to the main gate.
When Old Mrs. Duan saw her son, she couldn’t help but remark, “No wonder you declined your senior brother’s invitations to become an instructor at the Ministry of War in the capital. Madam truly treats people with kindness and righteousness!”
Duan Gongyi chuckled.
Old Mrs. Duan admonished him, “A drop of kindness should be repaid with a gushing spring. Although you saved Madam’s life, she paid you a reward at the time and has taken good care of you over the years. If we speak of favors, they’ve been mutually repaid. You must not become arrogant or try to take advantage…” She went on at length, leaving Duan Gongyi both amused and exasperated. He repeatedly assured her “Alright” and spent half the day persuading his mother to wash up and rest.
After seeing Old Mrs. Duan, Dou Zhao changed her clothes and met with Zhao Liangbi.
Zhao Liangbi first presented the clothes and shoes made by Aunt Cui and Miss Hong. He updated Dou Zhao on Aunt Cui’s recent situation and then reported on various household matters since Dou Zhao’s departure.
As she listened, Dou Zhao observed Suxin.
She noticed that during the half-hour conversation with Zhao Liangbi, Suxin had refilled their tea six times.
Dou Zhao’s lips curled into a slight smile. Knowing Zhao Liangbi wanted to stay at the stationery shop and have a good chat with Cui Thirteen and Tian Fugui, she didn’t keep him. She had Sujuan stay for night duty and went to arrange Song Mo’s dinner.
Seeing crispy duck on the dinner table, Song Mo knew Dou Zhao had cooked again. He said, “You should have let the kitchen staff cook. Be careful not to freeze your hands in this cold weather.”
Dou Zhao smiled, “How could they cook as well as I do?”
“That’s true,” Song Mo replied, feeling somewhat regretful.
He enjoyed seeing Dou Zhao fuss over him and tried to find ways to have her serve him. One day Dou Zhao made this crispy duck dish. He found it delicious and asked the kitchen staff to make it the next day. However, it didn’t taste the same as Dou Zhao’s version, so he dropped the matter. Unbeknownst to him, Dou Zhao had taken it to heart. She had the kitchen make it occasionally, but finding their version lacking, she taught the cook a few times. For some reason, the cook’s attempts always fell short. Dou Zhao grew tired of trying to find the cause and simply made it herself when she was in the mood.
Who knew Dou Zhao would be so attentive? He had only mentioned liking one dish, and she remembered.
Song Mo grumbled inwardly, but his heart felt as sweet as if wrapped in sugar that wouldn’t melt away.
He sat down next to Dou Zhao and smiled, “It’s the dead of winter. We can’t always eat crispy duck! How about some rice wine tangyuan instead?”
Dou Zhao raised an eyebrow and glanced at him sideways. “Are you sure?”
Song Mo suddenly felt uncertain.
Dou Zhao burst out laughing. “You don’t even eat ludagun. You want to eat tangyuan?”
Song Mo was at a loss for words.
He had only wanted to spare Dou Zhao the trouble and suggest the simplest food to make, hoping to divert her attention.
Dou Zhao giggled like a child.
This guy, even when trying to be considerate, he had to be so roundabout about it.
But she used to be like that too, to the point where not everyone could appreciate her good intentions.
Two lifetimes of experience had made her more open and less restrained. She was finally learning to refuse others.
Dou Zhao personally ladled a bowl of soup for Song Mo. Joyful laughter spread from her eyes to her heart, filling it with warmth. “Drink the soup quickly before it gets cold and loses its flavor.”
Song Mo lowered his head and drank the soup.
Dou Zhao ate quietly, but for some reason, she couldn’t take her eyes off the handsome youth across from her. She kept glancing up at him, her mood soaring like Willow catkins.
Song Mo grew annoyed and glared at her.
Dou Zhao couldn’t help but laugh again.
“Still laughing!” Song Mo stormed off to the study, embarrassed and angry.
Ganlu, who had been serving their meal, turned pale with fright.
“It’s fine,” Dou Zhao reassured her before going to wash up.
Song Mo was still in the study.
Was he really angry?
Dou Zhao pondered as she had Ganlu brew a pot of Maojian tea, which she carried to the study.
Song Mo was lounging on the kang by the window, reading. He looked surprised when Dou Zhao entered with the tea.
Dou Zhao sat on the edge of the kang and handed him the tea, smiling. “Still angry?”
Song Mo was taken aback. A hint of an indescribable light flashed in his eyes as he lifted the quilt. “Get in!” he growled. “Keep me company, and I’ll forgive you!”
Dou Zhao couldn’t sense any real malice from Song Mo. Instead, she felt he was putting on a fierce act to hide his true feelings.
Suppressing her laughter, she removed her outer robe and obediently lay down in his arms, asking softly, “What are you reading?”
Song Mo immediately wrapped her up tightly. His voice involuntarily softened as he replied, “The ‘Great Teachings of Wenhua.’ In case the Emperor asks, I don’t want to be ignorant.”
Dou Zhao half sat up and said, “I think Cousin Ji was involved in writing it.”
Song Mo sat up too, leaning against the head of the kang. He flipped to the title page and pointed to Ji Yong’s name. “It’s right here!”
Dou Zhao glanced at it and asked, “What’s it about?”
“The Emperor’s early admonitions to his officials.”
“Oh! There are books like that?”
“Why wouldn’t there be?” Song Mo said matter-of-factly. “I even found a collection of poems written by Emperor Taizong in the imperial study.”
Dou Zhao could tell from Song Mo’s expression what he thought of the poetry’s quality.
“I wonder whose idea this was,” Dou Zhao said, leaning on Song Mo’s shoulder. “That’s some impressive flattery.”
Song Mo grimaced. “Liang Jifang.”
“Really?” Dou Zhao was surprised. “Isn’t he supposed to be upright and principled?”
“It depends on who he’s dealing with.” Song Mo pinched Dou Zhao’s flawless cheek. “Only a little girl like you would be fooled!”
“Who are you calling a little girl?!” Dou Zhao protested coyly. “I’m a year older than you!”
“Alright then, big sister.” Song Mo tossed aside the book and rolled onto the kang with Dou Zhao in his arms, nibbling her ear and calling her “big sister.”
“Stop it!” Dou Zhao giggled, pushing at Song Mo. “It tickles…”
Song Mo released her and tenderly kissed her forehead.
Outside, the cold wind rattled against the window frames. Inside, passion burned hot enough to scorch one’s heart.
Finally, Dou Zhao pleaded with Song Mo: “Ganlu and the others are still outside. Can we continue later?”
Having temporarily satisfied his appetite after thoroughly ravishing Dou Zhao, Song Mo craftily decided to suppress his current fervor in exchange for even more enchanting scenes later. He grunted in agreement and rolled over to lie beside her.
Dou Zhao sighed in relief.
If she had let Song Mo continue his mischief, wouldn’t everyone in Yizhi Hall soon know?
She got up to call Ganlu for some water. Her snow-white skin and alluring curves came into full view for Song Mo.
With a sweep of his long arm, Song Mo pulled Dou Zhao back under the covers.
“We’ll call them later,” Song Mo said, his hand grasping the heavy fruit on her chest. “Let’s talk for a while.”
Is this how people talk?
Dou Zhao didn’t know whether to laugh or cry.
Song Mo had already asked, “What did you do when you were little?”
“Huh?” Dou Zhao was surprised.
Song Mo smiled. “When I was little, every winter like this, I’d hide in my mother’s arms and listen to her tell stories about Nüwa and Fuxi. There’d be a big brazier in the middle of the room, and the broad beans buried in the ashes would pop and fly everywhere…”
The aftermath of their lovemaking still lingered under the covers, but Dou Zhao was drawn in by the carefree joy in Song Mo’s voice.
She quieted down, thinking about her childhood.
In her previous life, she sat ramrod straight on the kang, doing needlework.
In this life, she lazily lay in bed, watching her maids sit perfectly straight as they sewed.
She laughed. “Needlework!”
“Think harder. Don’t brush me off!” Song Mo leaned over Dou Zhao, demanding imperiously, “Didn’t you ever build a snowman, have a snowball fight, or run around in the snow with your maids?”