Song Mo did not notice the tension in the air. His gaze fell on Song Han, who had been silent since entering the flower hall. Song Han cautiously watched his brother, and when their eyes met, his eyes reddened. He pitifully called out, “Brother,” then cast a fearful glance at their father, Song Yichun, who was chatting amiably with Lu Zhan, as if to say, “It’s not that I don’t miss you, but I’m afraid of being punished by Father, so I must keep my distance.”

Song Mo’s heart sank. His younger brother, born of the same mother, had grown into such a timid figure. At three years old, he would cry when wronged, which seemed endearing; at ten, it appeared innocent. But now, at thirteen…

The last time he saw Song Han was during the ancestor worship at the Spring Festival. Back then, Song Han was only up to his chest. After more than half a year apart, Song Han had shot up to his shoulder, looking even taller than he had been at thirteen. Yet he was painfully thin, his complexion pale and sallow, as if he were underfed, and his spirit seemed low.

Caught between himself and their father, he must be suffering greatly.

Song Mo turned his gaze away from Song Han. Sometimes, excessive concern can be a poison. It might be better to observe from a distance and offer a helping hand when needed.

With a smile, Song Mo walked over to his father. His smile was warm and bright, concealing any hint of gloom.

Suddenly, hurried footsteps echoed from outside.

A young servant rushed in, panting, “The heir of Duke Guang’en has arrived!”

Song Yichun paused and looked at Song Mo.

Song Mo’s expression remained unchanged, his smile still intact, as if he wore a flawless mask. Even if one knew it was a facade, they could find no fault in it.

He silently cursed under his breath.

Dressed in a bright red official robe, Dong Qi entered with a grin.

“Apologies, apologies!” he clasped his fists in greeting to everyone in the room. “Brothers, I’m late! I hired a new coachman, but he turned out to be incompetent. He didn’t do his homework beforehand, and when I got into the carriage, he didn’t say a word. After wandering around for a long time, I realized he didn’t know the way. If I hadn’t kicked him out and offered a reward of ten taels to hire someone who could drive, he’d probably still be lost on Andingmen Street!” He laughed, turning to Song Mo, “Song Da, your family is truly grand, occupying an entire alley. No wonder my coachman couldn’t even find the door.”

Is that so?

Wang Qinghuai and the others merely smiled in silence. Only Gu Yu, with a sarcastic tone, remarked, “I thought you were wandering in some back alley. Turns out you were on Andingmen Street. But you have quite the temper, just kicking that coachman out. If it were me, I would have whipped him to death. The Guang’en family has a good reputation!”

Dong Qi laughed, but his eyes flashed with coldness, wishing he could bite Song Mo in retaliation.

He resented that he had to come; otherwise, when his colleagues at the Jinwu Guard asked about it later, they might think he was taking advantage of the situation, inadvertently enhancing Song Mo’s reputation for generosity.

He stepped forward to bow to Song Yichun, smiling, “My father knows I’m here to celebrate the wedding, so he specifically asked me to bring a gift. He also said that once you finish the wedding arrangements, you should come over for a cup of tea. My father still treasures the osmanthus wine you gifted him back in the day!”

Upon hearing this, Song Yichun raised an eyebrow slightly and politely replied, “Please thank your father for me.” He then turned to Tao Qizhong and asked, “How long until the auspicious time?”

There was no unnecessary small talk.

Song Mo’s gaze sharpened. He knew there were some past grievances between the Song and Dong families, but he had never heard the specifics of their conflict. In this world, things that are united will eventually divide, and things that divide will eventually unite. The relationships among these noble families were no different. He felt that as long as he was strong enough, the Dong family would have no leverage over him. If he could not support this family, even if he extended an olive branch to the Dong family, they might not spare the Song family. Everything spoke of strength, so he hadn’t taken this matter to heart.

His father valued reputation, which was why he stood here chatting with his friends. Duke Guang’en had sent Dong Qi with such a message to his father, providing him with a way out. Logically, his father should have taken this opportunity to resolve the grievance with the Dong family, but judging by his father’s demeanor, he seemed determined not to engage with Duke Guang’en, harboring significant resentment.

Could it be that he had underestimated the complexity of this situation?

Song Mo recalled that Duke Guang’en seemed to have some issues with his maternal uncle as well.

He glanced at Dong Qi. Dong Qi’s expression was calm, clearly anticipating his father’s attitude.

It seemed he should send someone to investigate this matter thoroughly!

As he pondered, Tao Qizhong checked the time and returned with a smile, “There’s still half an hour until the auspicious time.”

Wang Qinghuai, upon hearing this, smiled and said to Shen Qing and the others, “Shall we head over together?”

Shen Qing, eager for the chance to show off, had specifically worn a golden embroidered fish robe that sparkled like moving brocade.

He was excited and urged everyone, “Let’s not miss Song Da’s auspicious time!” He was the first to exit the flower hall.

The group made their way toward Jing’an Temple Alley in a grand procession.

Official robes often serve as the best identification.

Passersby paused to watch, expressing their admiration and envy.

Shen Qing couldn’t help but feel proud, thinking this was the life he aspired to.

He glanced around and noticed that only Gu Yu and Song Han were of similar age to him.

Gu Yu… had never gotten along with him, so he was not worth considering.

He quietly asked Song Han, “Have you gotten engaged yet? When you marry, I’ll come to help you with the wedding! What do you think?”

Song Han seemed distracted, nodding absently.

Shen Qing felt a bit displeased.

He thought, “Even someone as impressive as Song Da treats me with kindness, yet you, a little brat who hasn’t even grown up, dare to ignore me.”

Indeed, it was easy to meet the king of hell, but difficult to deal with a little ghost!

In an instant, he lost interest in talking to Song Han and turned to chat with Zhang Xuming about trivial matters.

In less than a quarter of an hour, they arrived at the entrance of Jing’an Temple Alley.

Gao Xing, who had been waiting there with several young servants, immediately set off firecrackers.

This attracted a crowd of onlookers.

The Song family’s large red lacquered bridal preparation box, filled with whole pigs and sheep, was carried through the gates of the Dou family amidst the thunderous sound of firecrackers and the fluttering red paper scraps.

The Dou family’s ceremonial committee sang praises as Gao Sheng directed the young servants to unpack the bridal preparation box sent by the Song family.

Wang Qinghuai and the others were led by the Dou family’s attendants to pay their respects to Dou Shiying, who stood on the steps of the main house.

Dou Shiying looked at these young men of high status, some dressed in first-rank dragon robes and others in third-rank military attire, and nodded in satisfaction.

Wei Tingyu, standing beside Dou Shiying as a son-in-law, gazed at the familiar faces, momentarily lost in thought.

How did all these people gather together?

It wasn’t until Wang Qinghuai and the others approached to greet Dou Shiying that Wei Tingyu snapped back to reality and called out, “Brother Wang!” in surprise. “What brings you here for the bridal preparations?”

“Old Master Song sent word; how could we not come?” Shen Qing puffed out his chest, reveling in the respectful and envious glances from the Dou family’s servants. He answered before Wang Qinghuai could, then added with a look of astonishment, “You, how did you end up here?” He glanced curiously at Dou Shiying standing next to Wei Tingyu.

Wang Qinghuai, aware of the relationship between Wei Tingyu and the Dou family, smiled and said, “The Marquis of Jining is Dou’s second son-in-law.”

“Oh!” Shen Qing’s eyes nearly popped out. “So that means he’s related to Song Da!” He suddenly seemed to realize something and exclaimed, “Peijing, from now on, you must call Song Da your brother!”

The guests and servants of the Dou family turned to look, and some even whispered to inquire about the reason.

Wei Tingyu’s face flushed, a hint of embarrassment crossing his brow.

Everyone assumed it was because he was older and would have to address Song Mo as a brother, but they didn’t think much of it. Only Shen Qing found it amusing and said, “Ironically, Song Da’s status is even higher than yours. Otherwise, with your title, if the fourth miss of the Dou family were to marry an ordinary person, she could still hold her own against the Dou family’s eldest son. Who would have thought you’d end up with Song Da? Peijing, you’re so unlucky!”

Wang Qinghuai, considering Dou Shiying’s presence, quickly pulled Shen Qing aside and apologized to Dou Shiying with a bow, “We’re quite familiar with the Marquis of Jining and tend to speak without thinking. Please don’t take it to heart, Uncle!”

Today was a joyous occasion for the bridal preparations, and Dou Shiying certainly wouldn’t hold a grudge against these young men.

Moreover, Shen Qing’s words had some truth to them.

Everyone knew he had found a good match for Dou Zhao, right?

He smiled and instructed Gao Sheng to invite Wang Qinghuai and the others to the flower hall for refreshments as a gesture of thanks.

Wang Qinghuai, fearing Shen Qing would stir up more trouble, pulled him along.

Meanwhile, a little maid sent by Wang Yingxue to gather information quickly dashed back to the inner chamber.

Dou Ming, who had returned to her family for Dou Zhao’s wedding, did not sit with the Fifth Madam and the others but remained in her mother Wang Yingxue’s inner chamber.

Seeing her mother anxiously waiting for news from the maid, she couldn’t help but say, “Mother, what does it matter to us who Duke Ying’s residence sends for the bridal preparations? You shouldn’t keep comparing me to my sister! From now on, we’ll each go our own way. No matter how good she is, it has nothing to do with me. Please stop pacing; it’s making my eyes dizzy!”

Wang Yingxue felt that her daughter was too concerned about appearances and couldn’t let go, which would only lead to her being taken advantage of.

She retorted without hesitation, “If that’s the case, why are you sitting here listening? Why didn’t you stop me when I instructed the maid?”

“You…” Dou Ming was both angry and frustrated, biting her lip in silence.

Wang Yingxue continued, “Don’t bring the things you learned from books into real life. I used to care too much about your father’s reputation, fearing he would look down on me, which is why I was so lenient. Otherwise, how could your sister have acted so arrogantly at home? Look, haven’t I successfully married you off to the Marquis of Jining?”

Dou Ming remained silent.

But in her heart, she thought: But your own life is ruined! You’ve lost even the basic dignity! If no one respects you in this world, what’s the point of living?

Is it worth it?