Dou Zhao darted past her aunt, running towards her third aunt with quick steps.
Her aunt stood dumbfounded.
The third aunt smiled broadly as she embraced Dou Zhao. “Madam Zhao, the child is still too young and doesn’t understand much. She can’t be separated from her familiar maids and nannies. It would be troublesome if she gets frightened. I think it’s best to let her stay in a familiar place. Don’t you agree?” Her tone carried a hint of mockery.
Madam Zhao’s face alternated between red and white. Inwardly, she cursed the little maid at home.
She hadn’t revealed the true reason for accompanying her husband to his new post even to her mother. Somehow, Zhangru, that little girl, had parroted it to the maid who usually played with her, and the maid had told her cousin… Through this chain of events, someone had tipped off the Dou family. As a result, before she even arrived, the Dou family had already prepared their defenses.
They never had the right to take Shou Gu away in the first place. Now, with the Dou family having invited the matriarchs of several prominent households in Zhending County as witnesses, and Shou Gu having heard who knows what and now avoiding her, it seemed unlikely that she would get her way this time.
Her eyes reddened involuntarily, and her voice became choked with emotion. “Shou Gu, your aunt has come to take you home to play.” She made a final effort. “Do you remember your cousin Zhangru? They’re all waiting at home for you to come and play!”
Dou Zhao nodded but burrowed deeper into her third aunt’s embrace. She stared at her aunt with clear, fearful eyes and stammered, “I want to play with my cousins… but Aunt Ding said if I go with you, you’ll sell me to the old mountain valley…”
The crowd erupted in shock.
Aunt Ding, flustered, quickly defended herself. “I… when did I ever say such a thing? Children, don’t make up stories.”
The third aunt’s expression turned grim, but she forced a smile. “Shou Gu, you mustn’t tell lies, okay?”
“Children speak the truth. I was wondering why Shou Gu, who is usually as close to me as a daughter, would suddenly hide from me today,” Madam Zhao said, her face flushed with anger. “You’re corrupting an innocent child like this. Be careful of karmic retribution!”
A woman smiled and tried to mediate. “It’s all a misunderstanding, just a misunderstanding! Once it’s cleared up, everything will be fine. Madam Zhao, you’ve come from afar. Please, come in and rest, have some tea…”
“What misunderstanding?” Madam Zhao retorted sharply. “Is there such a thing? Our lady’s body is barely cold, and you’re already trying to alienate Shou Gu from her uncle. Have you set your sights on some wealthy family’s daughter to be our brother-in-law’s new wife, and you’re afraid we Zhaos will ruin your plans?”
This accusation carried some weight.
The matrons hurriedly avoided getting involved, with no one daring to speak up.
Seeing this, Madam Zhao grew bolder. She snorted coldly and said, “I know the Dou family is powerful and influential. When they stomp their feet, all of Zhending County trembles. But you can’t bully people like this!” Realizing it was now impossible to quietly take Shou Gu away, as the Dou family was on guard, Madam Zhao decided to make a scene. Even if they managed to leave Zhending County when the Dou family was momentarily off guard, they would still have to hand Shou Gu over if caught on the road.
So, she might as well cause a commotion now, to show the Dou family that the Zhao family wasn’t to be trifled with and to prevent them from mistreating Shou Gu. With this resolve, her words became even sharper. “You claim we want to take Shou Gu to her uncle’s new post.
I don’t know where you heard such nonsense. Shou Gu’s father and grandfather are still alive. Even though she’s lost her mother, there’s no reason for her to be fostered by her uncle’s family. The Dou family is a prestigious official family with many educated and high-ranking members. Surely you know what even I, a mere woman, understand? If you’re going to frame us, at least come up with a better excuse…”
Dou Zhao listened with great admiration.
What a masterful way to turn the tables!
It was no wonder her uncle valued her aunt so highly.
The third aunt’s face had turned purple from the scolding, but at this point, she had no choice but to back down. However, she represented the Dou family, and if she gave in, wouldn’t it be admitting to Madam Zhao’s accusations?
As this thought flashed through her mind, she glanced at Aunt Ding, whose face had gone pale.
The only solution now was to let her take the blame.
After all, she was just a concubine, not fit for polite company. Such behavior from her would be understandable.
“My dear in-law,” the third aunt handed Dou Zhao to a maid behind her and curtsied to Madam Zhao in apology. “It’s all my fault. I jumped to conclusions. Please, forgive this old sister of yours, for the sake of our family ties.” Then, her face hardened as she ordered Aunt Ding, “Quickly, apologize to Madam Zhao!”
Aunt Ding’s face paled even further.
It was they who had instructed her to influence Shou Gu, and now they were making her take the fall… But what could she say? Unless she no longer wished to stay in the Dou family.
“Madam Zhao,” she said, barely containing her humiliation. After a moment’s thought, she knelt before Madam Zhao with tears in her eyes. “It’s all my fault!” She bowed her head to the ground, knocking it repeatedly.
Madam Zhao heaved a long sigh.
Though she knew Aunt Ding was merely following orders, what could she say?
Shou Gu was young and couldn’t protect herself. If the Zhao and Dou families fell out, Shou Gu would be the one to suffer the consequences.
For the sake of peace, she had to let the matter rest.
Nevertheless, she said to the third aunt, “This woman’s gossiping is no small matter. Shou Gu is still too young to understand, and having such a person by her side is truly worrying. I think we should discuss this with your husband. Shou Gu needs someone proper by her side to put our minds at ease!”
This was a request for the Dou family to punish Aunt Ding.
The third aunt could only reluctantly say, “You’re right, my dear in-law,” before trying to smooth things over. “Look at us, we’ve been talking all this time. You’re about to leave with your husband for his new post, and it might be three to five years before you return to Anxiang. Since we’ve met by chance and several ladies are here as guests, why don’t I set up a couple of tables in the flower hall? We can consider it a farewell party for you.” As she spoke, she took Madam Zhao’s arm and instructed a nearby maid, “Go tell the first madam that I’m hosting a farewell party for Madam Zhao and ask her to come and keep us company.”
The maid hurried off with a quick acknowledgment.
Madam Zhao didn’t refuse and smiled, “I rushed over so early this morning, I could use a cup of tea.”
One of the matrons immediately picked up the conversation, saying with a smile, “Madam Zhao, when are you departing? We’d like to come and see you off properly.”
“In the next day or two!” Madam Zhao replied with a smile. “How could I trouble Madam Zheng to come all that way…”
The group chatted and laughed as they made their way to the nearby flower hall.
No one mentioned the incident that had just occurred.
Dou Zhao watched the main hall from over the maid’s shoulder.
The empty hall was spacious, wide, and desolate.
Aunt Ding trembled on the ground like a withered autumn leaf, seeming as if a gust of wind could blow her away.
Dou Zhao turned her head, her eyes calm and unreadable.
Those who dare to be used as pawns by others should be prepared for the consequences when they’re no longer needed!
That evening, Madam Zhao stayed at the Dou residence.
She summoned Nanny Yu for a conversation.
Dou Zhao could guess what her aunt would say without even trying.
It would be about entrusting her to Nanny Yu’s care.
Unfortunately, although her mother had brought half of the Zhao family’s wealth when she married into the Dou family, it was insignificant compared to the Dou family’s fortune.
Wealth and finery can sway people’s hearts.
Trying to win someone over with a few words might work for a while, especially when there’s nothing to compare it to. But over time, with the Dou family’s splendor and riches constantly in view, people’s minds would inevitably be swayed.
What happened in her previous life was the best proof of this.
She had no interest in knowing the details.
Finding Mao Niang was already fortunate enough.
Dou Zhao slept soundly that night and woke up early the next morning. Before dawn, she had Mao Niang carry her to the guest room where her aunt was resting.
Madam Zhao hadn’t risen yet and was surprised to hear that Dou Zhao had come.
Dou Zhao had already run inside, climbing onto the kang bed with her hands and feet. “Aunt, aunt, I want to sleep with you!”
Madam Zhao chuckled, lifting her onto the bed and wrapping her in the quilt, holding her close.
Her aunt’s body carried a pleasant scent of magnolia.
She said to her aunt, “Aunt, can I write letters to you in the future?”
Madam Zhao was taken aback.
Dou Zhao smiled and explained, “I know how to write letters. It’s when you write what you want to say on paper, so Aunt will know what I’ve been doing.”
Madam Zhao hugged her tightly. “Shou Gu is so good! If your mother were alive, she would be so happy!” There was great sadness in her voice.
Nanny Peng advised Madam Zhao, “You shouldn’t say such things in front of the child.”
“I won’t, I won’t,” Madam Zhao said with a smile, asking Nanny Peng to call for Yuzhan.
Dou Zhao quickly understood.
“Yuzhan isn’t here,” she said with a grin. “Aunt Ding wants to arrange her marriage.”
Madam Zhao’s expression tightened, and she asked gently, “Who does Aunt Ding want to marry her to?”
“I don’t know!” Dou Zhao shook her head carelessly.
Madam Zhao thought for a moment, then said to Nanny Peng, “Then call Mao Niang.”
Nanny Peng acknowledged and called Mao Niang in.
Madam Zhao had Nanny Peng reward her with twenty taels of silver. “If the Fourth Miss has any problems, you tell Nanny Yu. If Nanny Yu can’t handle it, have someone write a letter to inform me.”
Nanny Peng gave Mao Niang a small note. “This is the master and mistress’s address. I’ll tell you how to read it later, and you memorize it.”
Mao Niang nodded repeatedly, tucking the note away securely, but she refused to accept the twenty taels of silver.
“Take it,” Madam Zhao said. “I’ve instructed Nanny Yu to give you five taels of silver every month for the Fourth Miss’s expenses. I know the Dou family will also provide an allowance for the Fourth Miss, but having some silver on hand will give you peace of mind. Also, if there’s any emergency, you’ll need Silver to send someone to inform us.”
Mao Niang nodded and tucked the two silver ingots into her bosom.
Dou Zhao leaned against her aunt, chatting with her.
“I want to play with my cousins, but I don’t want to go to Anxiang,” she said, looking troubled. “Mother went to the South Sea to worship the Bodhisattva. What if she comes back and can’t find Shou Gu? I need to wait for her at home. What if Father forgets about Mother? What if Nanny Yu gives away Mother’s pretty clothes to someone else? When Mother comes back, she’ll have no one to play with and no clothes to wear…”
Madam Zhao was stunned.
Then she became excited.
“I’ve lived all these years, and I’m not as wise as a three-year-old child,” Madam Zhao cupped Dou Zhao’s face and planted a kiss on it. “Shou Gu is right, this is Shou Gu’s home, and the Dou family should take good care of Shou Gu. Why should you sneak off to the Northwest with us, letting others lord over this house? Good child, we won’t go to the Northwest. In a couple of years, your aunt will come back to see you. If the Dou family dares to mistreat you even a little, I won’t let them off easily.”
Dou Zhao smiled and nodded repeatedly.
She had never intended to go to her uncle’s new post.
This was her home. Why should she retreat without a fight? Why should she give up what should be hers to others?
She wouldn’t leave.
If she were to leave, it would be because she had grown tired of the Dou family and wanted a change of scenery.
Not like this, being forced to leave the Dou family.
As Dou Zhao left the guest room, the morning glow filled the sky, painting the azure heavens red.
“The immortal stroked my head, my hair was bound, and I received long life.”
She stood quietly under the eaves, gazing at the sky.
If something as incredible as rebirth could happen to her, what else was impossible?
She would choose her life, no longer letting life choose for her.