“What are your plans?”

“We’ll have to find a better match for Dou Zhao! If we can’t find one, she can stay home and we can find a husband to join our family. We can’t let Dou Zhao suffer anymore!”

But saying it is easier than doing it. Not to mention Dou Zhao’s age, how many people can compare to Wei Tingyu, who has already inherited a marquisate? If finding a husband to join the family was so easy, why is Zhangru still unmarried?

Dou Shiying couldn’t help but look embarrassed.

Noticing Dou Shiying’s discomfort, Zhao Zhangru quickly tugged at Dou Zhao’s sleeve.

Dou Zhao was slightly taken aback. Seeing her father looking embarrassed under her aunt’s sharp gaze, she sighed inwardly and stepped forward to help her father out of the situation. “When did you arrive? Why didn’t you let us know?” She then invited her aunt, “It’s chilly at night. Let’s go inside and have some hot tea.” She took her aunt’s arm and smiled, “My cousin and I just found some interesting items, probably gifts from my grandmother to my mother when she got married. We were just about to ask you about them!” With a cheerful smile, she led her aunt into the north room, temporarily used as a resting area.

Zhao Zhangru smiled as she held the curtain open for Dou Shiying.

Feeling grateful, Dou Shiying smiled kindly at Zhao Zhangru and entered the north room. He listened to his daughter, Mrs. Zhao, and Zhao Zhangru chat happily for a while, absentmindedly drinking a few cups of tea, and seeing that it was getting late and most things were packed up, he took his leave.

His sister-in-law snorted coldly.

Dou Shiying, however, couldn’t sleep all night.

The next morning, he went to see Dou Zhao and said, “I’ve discussed it with the Wang family. Either Wang Shi returns to her hometown in Zhen Ding to serve the second matriarch, or she goes to the family temple for some time. You might as well stay in the capital; the family needs someone to manage the household.”

This way, it would be easier to explain to others!

Dou Zhao hadn’t planned to return to Zhen Ding so soon. She needed to settle her affairs before going back.

“Great!” Dou Zhao smiled. “Aunt said she only visited the capital once when she was young, following Uncle. I was thinking of having Aunt and Cousin Zhangru stay with us for a while longer and explore some famous places in the capital.”

Hearing this, Dou Shiying couldn’t help but feel relieved and started talking about the famous sites in the capital.

A servant had been peeking in for a long time, waiting for Dou Shiying to finish speaking before cautiously entering to report, “Seventh Master, Master Xu Zhiji from the Hanlin Academy sent an invitation, asking you to join him for drinks at Zuixian Tower tonight. He insists you must come.”

Dou Shiying immediately knew that Xu Zhiji probably needed something from him. He always believed that “helping others is helping oneself,” but at this moment, he had no mood to drink with Xu Zhiji at Zuixian Tower!

He thought for a moment and said, “Tell the messenger that I have some family matters to attend to and can’t go to Zuixian Tower. Thank him for his kind invitation. If he has urgent matters to discuss, he is welcome to come to my house for tea.”

The servant acknowledged and left.

Dou Shiying continued discussing the previous topic with Dou Zhao, “…Is there any place you particularly want to visit? I’ll have Gaosheng accompany you.”

If it weren’t for his sister-in-law, it would be inconvenient for a man and a woman to go out together. In a few days, it would be his day off, and he would accompany his daughter himself.

Dou Zhao mentioned a few places but then reconsidered and laughed, “Oh, there’s no rush. I’ll discuss it with Cousin first.”

Seeing her in good spirits, Dou Shiying felt happy too, and said, “I remember you loved inkstones. When you were little, you wouldn’t let go of them when you saw them in my study, insisting on taking them to your room. In a few days, I’ll take you to Yubaoxuan. In the capital, their antiques and jade are unique, even better than our Jifenge’s collection…” He carefully tried to please Dou Zhao.

Back then, Dou Zhao was upset and deliberately took things her father liked. She didn’t genuinely like them. Thinking about it now, she found it amusing. However, the opportunity to visit Yubaoxuan with her father was appealing.

She smiled and asked, “Didn’t they say our Jifenge is the best in the world? How come Yubaoxuan’s items are better than ours?”

“Our Jifenge is known for its wide variety, catering to all levels, with branches in major provinces. If you see something in the Nanjing branch and want it sent to Hangzhou, Jifenge can arrange it, which is why it’s famous. But in terms of quality, Yubaoxuan’s items are more exquisite…” Dou Shiying was explaining in detail when the servant returned, reporting, “Seventh Master, Master Xu’s attendant asks if he can visit you this afternoon.”

Dou Shiying couldn’t help but exclaim, “What could be so urgent?”

Dou Zhao quickly said, “Father, if you have matters to attend to, please go ahead. I’ll visit Aunt and ask where she and Cousin want to go.”

Dou Shiying didn’t insist and returned to his study.

After lunch, Xu Zhiji arrived with a scholarly gentleman in his fifties.

Dou Shiying noticed the gentleman’s elegant attire, a flawless Hetian jade pendant at his waist, a ruddy complexion, and long pinky nails, giving him the appearance of a well-cared-for scholar. Dou Shiying was secretly curious but remained composed as he invited them to sit.

Before the servant could serve tea, Xu Zhiji apologized, “I came without your permission, but I’m in a hurry. Please forgive me.”

What Xu Zhiji wanted likely involved this scholarly gentleman.

Dou Shiying pondered and smiled, “We both serve in the Hanlin Academy and should support each other. You’re too polite.”

After some pleasantries, Xu Zhiji introduced the scholarly gentleman to Dou Shiying, “This is my fellow townsman, Tao Chi, courtesy name Qizhong. He currently serves as an advisor in the Duke Ying’s household. When I first came to the capital for the imperial exams, I received his help. Now, he has a request, and I, being of low rank, can only turn to you for assistance.” Saying this, he stood and bowed deeply to Dou Shiying, “Please, no matter what, lend a hand.”

The scholarly gentleman also stood and saluted Dou Shiying.

“Please, rise!” Dou Shiying quickly helped them up, saying, “You know my temperament. We are all officials in the capital, and knowing each other is fate. If I can help, I will.”

Xu Zhiji, knowing this, dared to bring someone unannounced.

He awkwardly explained the situation.

It turned out that Tao Qizhong had a merchant nephew who got involved in a theft case in Baoding Prefecture, North Zhili, last year. Tao Qizhong wanted Dou Shiying to put in a good word with the officials there.

Dou Shiying understood they wanted him to leverage Dou Shishu’s influence—Dou Shishu was the Minister of Justice.

Fearing Dou Shiying might refuse, Tao Qizhong quickly added, “My nephew is honest and well-off; he couldn’t have committed theft. If you can clear his name, I will be deeply grateful.”

Such cases were common, and Dou Shiying wouldn’t abuse his power for a few silver coins, especially since Xu Zhiji was a jinshi and an official in the Hanlin Academy. He could find someone to speak to the Baoding Prefect. Since they came to him, the theft case might not be straightforward. So he smiled and said, “No need to mention gratitude. I’ll inquire first, and if I can help, I certainly will.”

Tao Qizhong quickly stood to thank him, remarking, “I thought of asking Duke Ying to intervene, but he said it’s inappropriate for high officials to associate with outsiders. It’s us scholars who can find help wherever we go.”

This explained why his master didn’t help and flattered both Xu Zhiji and Dou Shiying.

Xu Zhiji coughed.

Usually careful with his words, why make such a mistake now?

Since they were asking Dou Shiying for help, they should focus on him, not mention others.

Tao Qizhong realized his slip and quickly changed the subject, talking about recent anecdotes in the capital, creating a pleasant atmosphere.

After several rounds of tea, Xu Zhiji noticed Dou Shiying’s fatigue and signaled Tao Qizhong. After a few more casual remarks, they took their leave.

Dou Shiying courteously saw them out of the study.

Servants were busy taking down the red lanterns with double happiness characters.

Tao Qizhong smiled and asked, “What joyous occasion is this? Had I known, I would have visited earlier.”

Dou Shiying felt a bit awkward and briefly replied, “My daughter got married!”

“Oh!” Tao Qizhong seemed interested, “To which family did your daughter marry?”

Dou Shiying felt even more uncomfortable. Xu Zhiji had attended the wedding and knew that Tao Qizhong, being an advisor in Duke Ying’s household, should have heard of the Jining Marquis. Perhaps this could help build a connection, so he smiled and said, “The groom is a descendant of the founding hero, the Jining Marquis, a handsome young man who inherited the title before coming of age…”

The news of the sisters’ marriage swap hadn’t spread yet. Dou Shiying, fearing Xu Zhiji might say too much and cause embarrassment, quickly interjected, “You’re too kind, Brother Zhiji,” cutting him off.

Xu Zhiji, seeing Dou Shiying’s reluctance to discuss further, guessed that the son-in-law might not be to Dou Shiying’s liking. He smiled and changed the subject. However, Tao Qizhong, with a hint of flattery, said, “You are truly blessed! Even your second daughter married so well, becoming a marquis’s wife. Your eldest son-in-law must be exceptional too. Which family is he from?”

Dou Shiying was exasperated.

The second daughter refers to my daughter, not my younger daughter, right?

Is this Tao Qizhong a scholar?

But since he asked directly, Dou Shiying couldn’t ignore it, lest it arouse suspicion. He reluctantly replied, “I have no sons, so I plan to keep my eldest daughter at home for now and haven’t arranged a marriage for her yet.”

Tao Qizhong’s eyes lit up, and he eagerly asked, “Are you planning to find a husband to join your family, or will you marry her off to a good family?”

Dou Shiying sensed an underlying meaning in his words and wondered if Tao Qizhong had a suitable candidate in mind.

He slowly replied, “I haven’t decided yet, which is why I haven’t arranged a marriage for my eldest daughter…”

Tao Qizhong excitedly said, “I would like to propose a match for your daughter. What do you think?” His smile was full of eagerness.