In the banquet hall of Princess Ningde, flower trees planted in pots adorned the room. Despite it being late autumn, the greenery remained lush and vibrant, creating a lively atmosphere.

As Dou Zhao entered, she felt a surge of energy. She respectfully approached Princess Ningde, who was seated on a luohan bed and performed a deep bow.

Princess Ningde was taken aback. “Quickly, get up! There’s no need for such formalities,” she urged.

Madam Lu, who accompanied her, hurried forward to assist the princess.

However, Dou Zhao refused to rise. “If it weren’t for your guidance, I wouldn’t have known what to wear to the palace today, let alone receive the rewards from Her Majesty the Empress and the Empress Dowager, or be granted the title of ‘Madam’ by the Emperor in advance.” She insisted on bowing deeply to Princess Ningde.

While one should not expect a reward for good deeds, sincere gratitude can bring immense joy.

Princess Ningde chuckled and gestured to the empty seat beside her. “Sit down and let’s talk.”

Dou Zhao, however, would not presume too much. She smiled in thanks and took a seat on the embroidered stool at the lower end of Princess Ningde’s position.

Seeing this, Princess Ningde nodded approvingly. Once the maidservants brought tea and snacks, she inquired about Dou Zhao’s visit to the palace. “Where did the Empress Dowager meet you? Who brought you in? Is the Empress Dowager well?”

Dou Zhao answered carefully, saying, “The Empress Dowager heard from you that I can play leaf cards, and she asked the Young Master to take me into the palace to accompany her in playing.”

Princess Ningde laughed. “I heard you grew up in Zhen Ding under the care of the Dou family matriarch. You must have often been by her side, showing filial piety, which is why you have such a good hand at cards!”

Dou Zhao felt a bit embarrassed. Due to memories from her past life and her current discontent, she rarely spent time with the second matriarch, even though she could play leaf cards. Her skill stemmed from her past life, where she often showed filial piety to the Tian family.

Regardless, Princess Ningde’s intention to mention her to the Empress Dowager provided Dou Zhao with a rare opportunity, and she expressed her gratitude once more.

Princess Ningde smiled. “We are family, so there’s no need for such formalities. When your second aunt entered the palace, I also offered her some advice, but she didn’t have your fortune. It shows that such matters depend on the individual.”

Madam Lu’s face flushed slightly.

Dou Zhao quickly added, “Success depends on human effort, but the outcome is in the hands of heaven. However, I will always remember your kindness, Princess, and I am deeply grateful.”

Madam Lu nodded repeatedly.

Suddenly, Dou Zhao reflected, “Everyone knows that the closest bond in this world is blood relations. Even if bones are broken, the tendons remain connected. Yet, when faced with difficulties, some people would rather give benefits to others than to their kin. They justify this by saying that giving benefits to others is a personal favor that earns them praise while giving to relatives is taken for granted. Not only do they not express gratitude, but if something goes wrong, they blame you for your incompetence and expect you to help them clean up the mess… They fail to realize that in life-and-death situations, it is often those very relatives who will wholeheartedly help you without counting the cost.”

Princess Ningde’s expression shifted slightly as she listened. She lowered her head to sip her tea and replied thoughtfully, “But in life-and-death situations, those who would kick you when you’re down and put you in peril are also those blood relatives…”

“Indeed!” Dou Zhao responded with a bright smile. “Look at me, here to see you and discussing such matters—this shows that relatives, like friends, must be judged as good or bad. We cannot simply look at closeness or distance, nor can we indulge or spoil them without discernment.” She then shifted the topic, smiling, “The Young Master mentioned that the court has regulations regarding the title of Young Master’s wife. The Emperor’s special decree has been rare since the founding of our dynasty, and it is a great favor from him. We should celebrate this properly. We plan to host a chrysanthemum banquet at home tomorrow while the weather is still pleasant, inviting relatives and friends to join us for some merriment.” She glanced at Madam Lu with a smile. “We would be honored to have you and my second aunt attend.”

Madam Lu was already aware of the plan and felt no surprise, but Princess Ningde was taken aback. She asked the maid beside her, “What day is tomorrow?”

The maid quickly replied with a smile, “Tomorrow is the fourth day of the month.”

Princess Ningde thought for a moment and said, “I happen to be free tomorrow… then we shall go early.” The last part was directed at Madam Lu.

Madam Lu responded respectfully.

Dou Zhao felt delighted.

After chatting for a while, she stood to take her leave.

Madam Lu escorted Dou Zhao to the door.

Princess Ningde was assisted back to her inner chamber by a maidservant.

“The daughter-in-law of Yantang is quite interesting!” she remarked to the maid, smiling. “Every word she speaks carries deep meaning.”

The maid understood Princess Ningde’s words and respectfully asked, “Will you be visiting Duke Ying’s residence tomorrow?”

“Of course! Why wouldn’t I go?” Princess Ningde replied with a smile. “What she said makes some sense. When the Duke of Dingguo faced difficulties, Yantang helped run around, just like a true son!” As she spoke, her smile faded, and her voice lowered. “Han’er and Qin’er are both older than Yantang, yet they are not as capable. The Lu family has already begun to decline. If Yantang could take care of them, perhaps one or two of Han’er and Qin’er’s descendants could still support the family…”

The maid was startled and quickly said, “Your Highness, you exaggerate. I see that Young Master Han and Young Master Qin are both filial and sensible…”

Princess Ningde waved her hand, interrupting the maid with a hint of displeasure. “You have served me since childhood; our bond is different from others. Such polite words are fine for others, but not for you.”

The maid felt embarrassed and lowered her head.

Princess Ningde sighed, gazing thoughtfully. “It all depends on what kind of person this Dou family member is! If she is someone who knows gratitude and repays kindness, I wouldn’t mind lending her a bit of support… It all depends on her choices…” After saying this, she seemed to be waiting for something, delicately savoring her tea.

The room fell silent, with the sound of a pin drop audible.

The maid held her breath, not daring to make a sound.

After a while, a young servant rushed in.

“Your Highness,” he reported, “the Young Master’s wife has gone to the residence of the second elder.”

Upon hearing this, Princess Ningde let out a long breath, instructed the maid to reward the young servant with a silver tael, and revealed a pleased smile.

Dou Zhao returned to Duke Ying’s residence just as dusk fell, coincidentally encountering Song Mo and Yan Chaoqing coming out of the study.

“Have you had dinner yet?” Song Mo asked Dou Zhao.

Dou Zhao shook her head. “I left Madam Lu’s place and then visited the residences of the Yan’an Marquis and the Jingguo Duke to invite the Wang and Zhang families to the banquet—since we’ve decided to treat them like relatives, we might as well start interacting early.”

Song Mo nodded. “I haven’t had dinner either; let’s eat together!”

Yan Chaoqing quickly took his leave.

Dou Zhao felt a bit shy.

However, Song Mo casually walked to the hall.

Dou Zhao had no choice but to follow him inside.

Neither of them noticed Yan Chaoqing, who had turned back at the door, staring at them until the curtain of the hall fell, blocking their figures. Only then did he turn and leave.

Dou Zhao asked Song Mo, “Why haven’t you had dinner yet?”

“I was discussing my father’s marriage with Mr. Yan!” Song Mo replied candidly. “I thought of a few ideas. While they are all feasible, I feel they only address the symptoms, not the root cause. I want to think it over some more!”

Dou Zhao changed her clothes and came out, just as Song Mo instructed Su Xin to bring dinner.

“Should I greet my fifth uncle?” Dou Zhao asked as she and Song Mo sat at the square table in the hall, one on the east and the other on the west. “Promotions for officials are handled by the Ministry of Personnel. My fifth uncle has been in the Ministry for many years and is now a Grand Secretary in the Cabinet. Those people will surely give him face.”

“Not for now,” Song Mo replied. “I want to see how much support the Marquis of Changxing, Shi Ruilan, can provide for Huatang.”

Dou Zhao, recalling the Marquis of Changxing’s character, felt a bit worried. “I heard that to get the Marquis of Changxing to help, you need to pay him. But once he accepts the money, there’s nothing he can’t accomplish. Even if things don’t work out, the money will be returned intact… Everyone says he is very trustworthy!” As she spoke, Dou Zhao found her own words absurd, revealing a bitter smile. “If he’s just trying to secure a position for his son, the price might not be low. I’m just afraid the Marquis of Changxing won’t want to return the money…” As long as the Marquis of Changxing turns a blind eye, he can get away with it.

Song Mo scoffed, “If he doesn’t return it, he better have the life to spend it!”

Dou Zhao was taken aback, wiping her forehead, which was not even sweaty.

Why does everything become… so nerve-wracking when it comes to Song Mo?

Dou Zhao quietly reminded Song Mo, “The Marquis of Changxing is the General of Datong.”

Song Mo dismissed it, saying, “Many people want to be the General of Datong.”

Dou Zhao was left speechless.

After they finished dinner, they went to pay their respects to Song Yichun.

In the afternoon, Song Mo had already sent word to Song Yichun, explaining that they would host a chrysanthemum banquet at home the next day to celebrate Dou Zhao receiving the title of ‘Madam.’ However, at this moment, Song Yichun did not mention this matter at all. Instead, he spoke to Song Mo about his marriage with the Hua family: “… There’s no one at home to manage the household, so I plan to invite your aunt over to assist. You don’t need to worry about this matter.”

In reality, he was preventing Dou Zhao from seizing the opportunity to take control of the household.

Song Mo responded calmly, “Alright.”

Song Yichun glanced at Dou Zhao, noticing her standing there with her eyes downcast, unusually docile.

She didn’t seem like someone with a fiery temper at all!

Could there be some misunderstanding in this?

This thought flashed through Song Yichun’s mind, and he felt it necessary to call Tao Qizhong back for further questioning.

Meanwhile, Tao Qizhong, who was enjoying drinks with his attendants, sneezed several times and muttered, “Who is cursing me?”

Just before sunset, Chen Qu Shui entered the capital city, also sneezing several times.

A young servant asked him, “What’s wrong? Do you want to see a doctor?”

“No need,” Chen Qu Shui rubbed his nose and instructed the servant, “Go to Duke Ying’s residence and find the Young Master’s aide, Yan Chaoqing. Tell him I’m waiting for him at the ink shop on Gulou Street.”

That place was closer to the Duke Ying’s residence.

He wondered what urgent matter Yan Chaoqing had to discuss with him.