The news also stunned the Second Madam.

Despite her advanced age, she immediately wanted to go to Jing’an Temple Alley to inquire but was stopped by the exhausted Fifth Madam. “Let’s wait for the master to return before discussing this matter. The pressing issue is how to explain this to the Ji family.”

The Duke Ying’s household was not the Jining Marquis’s family. Once the betrothal gifts were presented, even if they wanted to back out, it would depend on whether Duke Ying’s family agreed. Moreover, Fang Zhou had already become the Provincial Administration Commissioner of Zhejiang. How could they repay this favor? With what? The Fifth Madam felt her mind in chaos and couldn’t help but complain, “What’s wrong with Seventh Uncle? Even if he didn’t agree to the Ji family’s marriage proposal, he should have discussed it with the master.

How could he rashly agree to Duke Ying’s proposal? Who are the Duke Ying’s family? They’re the adopted son of the founding emperor, a prestigious family favored for generations! Their Young Master could marry any noble young lady, yet they chose to ally with the Dou family, specifically marrying Shou’gu who just went through the sister-swap scandal! I fear there might be something wrong with this Young Master… Isn’t this harming Shou’gu?” She added, “If Seventh Uncle’s household had a proper woman managing it, things wouldn’t be in such disarray!”

The Second Madam nodded repeatedly and instructed Liu Mama, “Go and find out what kind of person the Young Master of Duke Ying’s household is.”

Liu Mama acknowledged and left.

The Second Madam consulted with the Fifth Madam, “Regarding the Ji family, should we ask the Sixth Brother’s wife to pass a message?”

This was no ordinary marriage, not something that could be settled by a few women’s mediation. It was an agreement between two families, with who knows how many twists and turns. How could the Dou family push Sixth Sister-in-law, a mere woman, to the forefront? Even if they had the intention, the Sixth Sister-in-law might not be up to the task!

The Fifth Madam, not wanting to worry her mother-in-law, smiled and said, “Even if we were to ask the Sixth Sister-in-law to intervene, we should inform the master first.”

A daughter-in-law respecting her son always pleased a mother-in-law.

The Second Madam nodded repeatedly, waiting with the Fifth Madam for Dou Shizhu’s return.

Upon hearing the news, Dou Shizhu was stunned for a long time.

“Seventh Brother allied with Duke Ying’s family?” he asked again, unable to believe it.

The Fifth Madam nodded, “Although I didn’t go in, the betrothal gifts from the Song family were displayed in the main courtyard, with the main gate wide open for neighbors to see. One hundred and twenty-four sets of gifts, I couldn’t have mistaken that.”

Dou Shizhu couldn’t sit still. “I’ll go to Jing’an Temple Alley right away.”

The Fifth Madam hadn’t gone in earlier because she wanted to act by her husband’s decisions. Before he made up his mind, she wouldn’t say or do anything.

They went to Jing’an Temple Alley together.

As it was already dusk, the Dou family had closed their main gate, but the one hundred and twenty-four sets of betrothal gifts, along with Duke Ying’s family name, still excited the neighbors, who discussed it endlessly. This gave Jing’an Temple Alley an unexpectedly festive atmosphere.

The Fifth Madam frowned slightly.

Dou Shizhu, however, entered without showing any emotion.

The bright red dragon and phoenix gift boxes were neatly arranged in the center of the main courtyard. Dou Shiying, who came out to greet them upon hearing the announcement, had a resolute look in his eyes as he stepped forward to pay his respects.

Dou Shizhu sighed inwardly, knowing there was no room for change in this matter. Feeling a slight disappointment, he asked, “Have you inquired thoroughly about the Song family?”

When Dou Shiying accepted the Song family’s betrothal gifts, he had prepared himself for Dou Shizhu’s reproach. Now, with Dou Shizhu calmly inquiring about Shou’gu’s future, he was slightly taken aback. Feeling a bit guilty, he lowered his voice and said, “I’ve inquired… and I’ve also met the person… He’s worthy of Shou’gu…”

Dou Shizhu didn’t say more, only asking about the progress of the two families’ alliance.

When he learned that Dou Shiying had already written the marriage contract and set the wedding date for August 24th, he couldn’t help but glance at the Fifth Madam.

The Fifth Madam’s face immediately turned red.

Dou Shiying mumbled an explanation, “The wedding date is a bit rushed, but with Aunt in the capital, it’s better to settle Shou’gu’s matter sooner…”

Dou Shizhu nodded and smiled, instructing his wife, “Since Shou’gu is about to be married, go and see her!” Then to Dou Shiying, he said, “If you need any help from your Fifth Sister-in-law, just ask.”

How dare I ask for your help now?!

Dou Shiying grumbled inwardly but verbally agreed.

The Fifth Madam went to see Dou Zhao.

Dou Shizhu then brought up Zhao Si: “…He’s been recommended by his superiors in the Shaanxi Provincial Administration Commission and will soon be promoted to Counselor of the Huguang Provincial Administration Commission. This is a good opportunity for him. The Huguang Provincial Administration Commissioner, Lord Li, has developed a boil on his back that won’t heal. He’s in so much pain he can’t sleep at night. By this summer, the smell has become unbearable, and his spirits are declining day by day.”

Although he had been transferred to Minister of Justice, he had worked in the Ministry of Personnel for over twenty years and was now a Grand Secretary of the Inner Court. How could such matters escape his ears?

Dou Shiying knew this was Dou Shizhu’s way of showing goodwill, trying to make up for the previous harm done to Dou Zhao and her sisters.

Although he felt indignant, he couldn’t be selfish when it came to his brother-in-law’s career.

Dou Shiying cupped his hands towards Dou Shizhu and said, “Regarding my brother-in-law’s matters, we still rely on Fifth Brother’s care and attention.”

“The Zhao family and our family have been friends for generations. Ruifu and I are old acquaintances. Seventh Brother, you’re being too formal.”

After discussing court politics for a while longer, Dou Shizhu and his wife headed home.

In the carriage, the Fifth Madam said to Dou Shizhu, “Sixth Sister-in-law also went over after hearing the news. When I arrived, she was sitting in Shou’gu’s inner room crying! From her tone, it seems the Young Master of Duke Ying’s household might have a bit of a temper…”

Before she could finish, Dou Shizhu waved his hand and said, “What’s the use of talking about this now? Just go and enjoy the wedding feast when the time comes.” Then he added, “You go back first. I need to go to Yuqiao Alley.”

The Fifth Madam hesitated, “It’s so late…”

“In matters like this, the sooner we deal with it, the better,” Dou Shizhu said calmly. “Dragging it out will only make the Ji family think we’re brushing them off—we need to show sincerity.”

The Fifth Madam was still a bit worried and said, “About Lord Fang’s matter…”

Dou Shizhu waved his hand again, “I have my plans!”

The Fifth Madam didn’t ask further. She got off the carriage at their home’s entrance, respectfully seeing the carriage off as it left Huai Tree Alley before turning back to enter the house.

Old Master Ji was lying on his reclining chair with his eyes half-closed, pondering Dou Shiying’s unannounced absence.

He had invited Dou Shiying merely to socialize, but Dou Shiying had bluntly refused his invitation. There was only one possibility—the Dou family had conveyed the Ji family’s intentions to him, and he was very dissatisfied with this marriage arrangement!

Jian Ming was handsome, accomplished, and successful at a young age. From any perspective, he was the best candidate for a son-in-law. What could Dou Wanyuan be dissatisfied with?

Perhaps he should send another invitation tomorrow. If Dou Shiying still didn’t come, he would personally visit Jing’an Temple Alley.

People fear face-to-face confrontations.

How could Dou Shiying refuse this marriage proposal to his face?

Thinking of this, he called out loudly to his servant, “Has the Sixteenth Young Master returned?”

Ji Yong was the sixteenth son in the family.

Old Master Ji felt like he hadn’t seen Ji Yong for several days.

The servant quickly replied, “I’ll go and summon the Sixteenth Young Master right away.”

Old Master Ji grunted in acknowledgment. Another servant came in to report, “Old Master, Grand Secretary Dou from Huai Tree Alley has arrived.”

Old Master Ji was quite surprised. He immediately instructed the servant to show Dou Shizhu to the flower hall while he changed into more formal attire to receive guests.

Dou Shizhu got straight to the point, explaining his purpose for coming. With an apologetic expression, he said, “All in all, this matter is my fault. I didn’t anticipate that after my fifth niece’s marriage, my seventh brother, fearing that my fourth niece wouldn’t be able to marry, hastily allied with Duke Ying’s family without informing us…”

Even as experienced as Old Master Ji was, he couldn’t help but show a surprised expression. “How could this happen?”

Children’s marriages weren’t like buying vegetables; they couldn’t be decided on a whim.

Where did this Duke Ying’s family suddenly come from?

Duke Ying’s family wasn’t like the Jining Marquis’s family. They were truly a noble family, long-standing recipients of imperial favor, a prestigious lineage.

Not to mention a minor figure like Dou Wanyuan, even the Ji family couldn’t manipulate Duke Ying’s family into putting on such an act!

Old Master Ji couldn’t help but ask in a deep voice, “Have you confirmed that it’s Duke Ying’s family?”

Dou Shizhu hadn’t expected Old Master Ji to ask such a question, but he thought of the betrothal gifts, which included a basin-sized, whole Shoushan stone carving of “Abundance Year After Year,” as well as dazzling silk embroideries and Shu brocades. How could Duke Ying’s family be an impersonator?

He tactfully replied, “This afternoon, the Song family brought one hundred and twenty-four sets of betrothal gifts to Jing’an Temple Alley. That’s when I found out. By the time I rushed over, it was too late. Not only had the two families written the marriage contract, but they had also set the wedding date for August 24th.”

Old Master Ji couldn’t help but smile wryly.

He was getting less astute with age, to have said such a thing.

Looking at Dou Shizhu’s face full of sincere apology, his mind began to race.

“Jian Ming’s uncle has been in the Ministry of Works for many years and has always wanted to properly renovate the waterways in Yixing. But if it were privately funded, it might seem like seeking undeserved fame. It would be better if officially sponsored, with our Ji family following suit…”

To serve one term in office and benefit the people was good.

But to benefit one’s hometown would bring eternal glory and benefit to future generations.

Yixing was just a small county town, how could it catch the Emperor’s eye? Moreover, the court had consecutively dredged the Grand Canal and the old course of the Yellow River in recent years.

Dou Shizhu inwardly smiled bitterly.

This was the Ji family asking for compensation.

Repaying debts was only right. How could he refuse?

“This is a good thing,” Dou Shizhu smiled. “If Old Master Ji needs any help from me, please don’t hesitate to ask!”

Old Master Ji, satisfied, saw Dou Shizhu off.

Ji Yong returned.

He was all smiles and in high spirits. Seeing him, Old Master Ji’s heart sank, not knowing what to say, momentarily at a loss for words.

It was Ji Yong who smiled and asked Old Master Ji, “Did you need me for something?” He looked as if he would leave if the old man didn’t speak soon.

Old Master Ji thought for a moment and asked instead, “Where have you been? You’ve been in and out these past few days, I haven’t seen you at all.”

Ji Yong smiled and said, “Nothing much, just went out for a few drinks with friends.” Then he yawned and said, “Can we talk about whatever it is tomorrow? I’m exhausted.”

Without waiting for Old Master Ji’s response, he left the room, leaving the old man fuming.

Ji Yong, however, was secretly pleased.

Having beaten Wei Tingyu with He Yu, he felt much better.