At that moment, Dou Ming was cleaning Wei Tingyu’s wounds. Unaccustomed to such tasks, her touch was a bit heavy. Initially, Wei Tingyu endured it, but eventually, he couldn’t help but hiss and turn his face away.

Dou Ming’s movements froze, and tears glistened in the corners of her eyes.

Wei Tingyu quickly said, “Take a break. I’ll do it myself!” He took the cloth from her hand and hastily wiped his wounds.

Wang Qinghai, who had escorted Wei Tingyu back, looked at Wei Tingyu’s bruised and swollen face with a gloomy expression. “Think again. Is there no clue at all?”

Since Wang Qinghai’s marriage to the young daughter of Duke Dongping Zhou Shaochuan, Wang Qinghuai had begun delegating some of his duties to Wang Qinghai. Recently, Wang Qinghai had been overseeing the supply of stone materials for repairing the old Yellow River course in Kaifeng. He had rushed back from Kaifeng specifically for Wei Tingyu’s wedding, only to encounter the sister-swap incident.

This was Wei Tingyu’s family matter, so naturally, Wang Qinghai couldn’t say much. Estimating that Wei Tingyu should have some free time in the next few days, he invited him to a small gathering at Cuihua Tower.

Wei Tingyu, burdened with worries, had a few drinks and began to pour out his troubles before Wang Qinghai could even ask.

“…The Dou family is quite prominent in Beizhili. I never dreamed something like this would happen… At that time, I was so flustered. I lifted the veil but didn’t dare to look, and rushed out to toast… When I returned, I was so drunk I didn’t know anything… Later, Ming’er was crying and making a fuss, even threatening to end her life. Everything was in chaos, and I didn’t have time to think. My mind went blank, and I agreed to this marriage.” He drained the cup in front of him and refilled it. “When we returned for the third-day visit, I was so embarrassed. I kept thinking about what to say if I encountered the fourth miss… Who knew she would avoid us…”

“What’s done is done. Why dwell on it?” Wang Qinghai advised. “Since you’ve accepted this marriage, you should focus on living well with Lady Dou! Being so indecisive not only harms yourself but also hurts Lady Dou and leaves a thorn in the fourth miss’s heart!”

“I know,” Wei Tingyu said gloomily. “I just keep thinking about what the fourth miss said.”

Wang Qinghai couldn’t help but exclaim, “Oh? What did the fourth miss say to you?”

Wei Tingyu explained, “When Ming’er arranged to meet me at Daxiangguo Temple, the Dou family discovered it and wanted to cancel our engagement. At that time, the fourth miss asked me to meet her in Jing’an Temple Alley. She said she believed there was nothing between Ming’er and me. She also suggested postponing the wedding date since everyone was upset.” His eyes showed confusion as he continued, “But Ming’er said the fourth miss was jealous because I had agreed to meet her at Daxiangguo Temple, and that’s why she refused to marry me…”

Wang Qinghai shook his head inwardly.

The first time he met Dou Ming, he noticed her overly lively eyes, which usually indicated someone with many hidden thoughts.

Now it seemed that Dou Ming wasn’t as innocent in this sister-swap affair as she claimed.

But what could he say?

It’s better to demolish ten temples than to break up one marriage.

He could only offer comforting words to Wei Tingyu: “I once overheard my mother mentioning that the Dou family’s fourth miss was angry and unwilling to marry you at the time. Perhaps some things happened that we don’t know about. But regardless, it’s all in the past. Pursuing it further will only make things more awkward for everyone. You might as well consider yourself a heartbreaker this time…” Seeing the gloomy atmosphere, he joked, “What man hasn’t been a heartbreaker a few times in his life?”

Instead of laughing, Wei Tingyu became visibly uneasy.

He excused himself to use the restroom and left the private room.

When he didn’t return after a long time, Wang Qinghai sent a servant to look for him. They found Wei Tingyu beaten black and blue, collapsed on the ground near the restroom…

Seeing Wang Qinghai inquire about the incident, Wei Tingyu shook his head, somewhat ashamed and angry. “Those people didn’t say a word. They just put a bag over my head and started beating me with clubs…” He paused, then exclaimed, “I remember now! The bag was made of silk, very smooth…”

“Made of silk?” Wang Qinghai pondered. “The attackers must be either wealthy or noble… Who would want to harm you?” He asked Wei Tingyu, “Think carefully, have you offended anyone?”

Wei Tingyu thought very seriously but shook his head again.

Dou Ming, who had been listening nearby, suddenly turned pale.

She thought of Ji Yong.

Only Ji Yong would do such a thing!

Only Ji Yong would have a reason to trouble Wei Tingyu!

She shuddered and clutched Wei Tingyu’s collar tightly. “My lord, perhaps you should go out less from now on? And if you must go out, take more guards with you—those people are ruthless, and you’re at a disadvantage!”

Wei Tingyu nodded and smiled reassuringly. “It’s alright. I’ll be more careful in the future.”

As they spoke, the imperial physician they had sent for arrived.

Dou Ming retreated to the side room while Wang Qinghai helped Wei Tingyu as the physician examined his pulse and wounds. The doctor said they were only superficial injuries and prescribed some medicine to promote blood circulation and reduce swelling. He instructed Wei Tingyu’s servant to fetch the medicine and advised Wei Tingyu to rest and recover. Wang Qinghai told Wei Tingyu, “Take good care of yourself. I’ll go back to Cuihua Tower and see if I can find out anything more.”

Being ambushed wasn’t a trivial matter, and since the attackers came prepared, neither Wang Qinghai nor Wei Tingyu reported it to the authorities. They only sent personal guards to question the manager and waiters at Cuihua Tower.

Wei Tingyu apologetically thanked Wang Qinghai.

Wang Qinghai smiled and patted his shoulder. “What’s there to thank between brothers?” Then he took his leave.

Wei Tingyu saw him off at the main gate.

Wang Qinghai returned to the Yan’an Marquis Manor and went straight to Wang Qinghuai’s study.

Wang Qinghuai was talking with Gu Yu.

The last time Gu Yu had asked to borrow money, by the time Wang Qinghuai had gathered the funds, Gu Yu said that Song Mo’s shop in Guangdong had a significant income and no longer needed the money.

Although the loan didn’t happen, Wang Qinghuai’s righteousness, decisiveness, and capability left a deep impression on Gu Yu. He gradually became less perfunctory and more friendly towards Wang Qinghuai.

This time, Gu Yu came to see Wang Qinghuai because he knew that Wang Yuan had made a fortune selling silk in Jiangnan, and he wanted to propose a silk business partnership with Wang Qinghuai.

Who didn’t know Gu Yu’s reputation as the little tyrant of the capital?

Although he hadn’t been bullying people much in the past two years, who among the various social circles in the capital dared not to give this young master a face?

Wang Qinghai didn’t conceal anything. In front of Gu Yu, he told Wang Qinghuai about Wei Tingyu being ambushed and asked his brother for help: “…Could you send a couple of people to help me investigate what happened?”

Wang Qinghuai frowned.

Whoever dared to ambush the Duke of Jining was likely no pushover!

Gu Yu, however, became interested. “What’s the use of asking your brother? Ask me!”

Wang Qinghai hadn’t expected Gu Yu to be so agreeable. Overjoyed, he repeatedly bowed and thanked Gu Yu.

Gu Yu grabbed Wang Qinghai and started to leave.

Wang Qinghuai’s head felt like it was about to explode.

This guy could find trouble even when there was none, let alone when there was a real issue like helping Wei Tingyu.

He quickly stopped Wang Qinghai: “Don’t force it! It’s better to clarify some things first.” He hinted to his brother not to let things get out of hand.

Wang Qinghai nodded, but before he could speak, Gu Yu had already pulled him away.

Ji Yong, who had beaten Wei Tingyu, returned to his room in high spirits. He washed up and, as usual, read a few pages of a book. According to his daily routine, he should go to sleep now, as he had to report to the government office early the next morning. But for some reason, his joy seemed to slowly drain away like sand in an hourglass. His heart felt empty, without any sense of accomplishment, and he couldn’t find a trace of sleepiness.

“Ji Jianming, I will never marry a man who steals another’s wife in this life.”

“From today on, don’t concern yourself with my affairs! You go your way, and I’ll go mine. Let’s never cross paths again!”

Dou Zhao’s cold face appeared in his mind again.

Had he done something wrong?

A gentleman is good at planning, while a petty man is good at taking advantage of situations.

It’s survival of the fittest.

What’s wrong with that?

Or was it because Dou Zhao still had feelings for Wei Tingyu and wanted to speak up for him?

Ji Yong tossed and turned, unable to sleep, just like the past few days.

The events that had occurred since he met Dou Zhao played over and over in his mind like a kaleidoscope.

The dim lamplight cast a golden glow on Song Mo’s silhouette.

He put down his brush and asked Chen He, “The fourth miss wants to see me?”

The young master is engaged to the Dou family’s fourth miss!

From now on, the Dou family’s fourth miss will be his mistress!

Chen He still felt as if he were in a dream, without any sense of reality, ever since he heard this news.

He lowered his head and softly replied, “Yes.”

The young master could accomplish anything he set his mind to.

On the surface, it seemed that the Dou family’s fourth miss and the young master had no connection whatsoever. How did the Duke suddenly decide to propose to the Dou family? If the young master hadn’t had a hand in this, he wouldn’t believe it even if you killed him!

But what exactly had the young master done?

He was still confused and couldn’t make heads or tails of it!

Song Mo said, “Go tell the fourth miss that I’m returning to the palace tomorrow, so I probably won’t be able to see her until the evening or the day after. If she has any urgent matters, she can send me a message or find Mr. Yan. I’ve already informed Mr. Yan!”

His expression remained somewhat cold, but the patience in his voice made Chen He’s heart tremble.

The young master only used to speak like this to Madam Jiang, the second young master, and the Duke.

But ever since the young master had a falling out with the Duke, he had never spoken to anyone in this tone again.

Chen He composed himself, bowed respectfully, and withdrew.

Song Mo lowered his head and continued practicing calligraphy.

The corners of his mouth turned up ever so slightly.

Dou Zhao, who had received the reply, felt a bit lost.

She wouldn’t be able to see Song Mo until late tonight or early tomorrow morning.

The longer things dragged on, the harder they would be to resolve.

Her father had already hastily announced her engagement, as if doing so could wash away the humiliation she had suffered earlier.

Thinking of this, she couldn’t help but smile bitterly.

Song Mo had been right after all.

Standing on his shoulders, she had indeed become honored and respected.