Dou Zhao gently embraced Song Mo.
In her previous life, the Duke of Dingguo’s death had remained a mystery. In this life, she knew no more than before. Rather than making wild guesses and leading Song Mo astray, it was better to trust that he could find the answers himself.
All she needed to do was hold and comfort him in his moment of vulnerability.
Song Mo calmed down.
Dou Zhao continued to softly stroke his forehead.
After an indeterminate amount of time, the soft footsteps of maidservants could be heard outside.
The large red lanterns under the eaves were lit one by one.
Their warm glow brought a sense of comfort to the deep autumn, warming hearts as well.
Suddenly, Song Mo sat up from her embrace.
“Lady Shou, do you remember the incident at Risheng Silver Shop?” he asked.
Despite the warm light, the gravity in his expression was unmistakable.
Dou Zhao paused briefly, then nodded, saying, “It was Gu Yu who intervened and retrieved those contracts that Father had signed and sealed.”
“Lady Shou!” Song Mo leaned close to Dou Zhao’s side, whispering in her ear, “Emperor Taizong reigned for nineteen years, and Emperor Renzong for thirty-two. If His Majesty were in good health, do you think Prince Liao would dare to amass wealth in the capital?”
In her previous life, the palace coup in the twentieth year of Chengping occurred because news spread that the Emperor was on his deathbed. Indeed, the Emperor was terminally ill, and even without the coup, his days were numbered.
This was the definitive answer Dou Zhao could give Song Mo.
“He wouldn’t be that foolish,” she whispered back, taking the opportunity to share what she knew with Song Mo, despite being in a private room. “I have a feeling that His Majesty’s illness might be more severe than you all know. It might be a matter of just two or three years at most!”
Song Mo had always trusted Dou Zhao’s judgment. Not only did he not question her words, but he also showed a hint of excitement. “You think so too?”
What did he mean by “you think so too”?
Dou Zhao looked at Song Mo, blinking in surprise.
Could it be that based on just her few words, Song Mo had deduced future events?
She knew Song Mo was clever, but this seemed almost supernatural.
With a somewhat dazed expression, Dou Zhao asked, “What have you discovered?”
Song Mo found Dou Zhao’s surprise more gratifying than any praise or encouragement. He affectionately kissed her cheek and said softly, “When reading history books, I noticed that great emperors often become increasingly suspicious as they age and their energy wanes. His Majesty has been unwell these past few years, and as you said, his time may be limited. That’s likely why his suspicions are growing daily.”
“This is also one of the reasons why Prince Liao is becoming restless, especially considering that Empress Wan is the mother of the nation.”
Song Mo paused, then continued, “What might have seemed insignificant to His Majesty and your uncle before now weighs heavily on the Emperor’s mind as he battles illness. Look at the people His Majesty has been employing in recent years – all old-timers like Yao Shizhong and Dai Jian. He doesn’t use capable ministers in their prime like your fifth uncle. He’s given the position of Chief Minister to Liang Jifen, who is two years older than the Emperor himself, and he’s also favoring He Wendao. I suspect that your uncle might have displeased His Majesty somehow, and the Emperor initially intended only a minor punishment. However, Ding Wei interfered, causing your uncle to fall from grace and meet with misfortune on his journey. Schemers then took advantage of the situation, momentarily deceiving the Emperor. Fortunately, we followed your advice to appear weak, and although His Majesty was furious, he spared the Jiang family out of consideration for your uncle’s merits. Later, when the Emperor came to his senses, he regretted his actions and decided to secretly execute all the Imperial Guards involved in escorting your uncle. This led to the absurd events of Ding Wei’s murders and Wang Yuan’s cover-up…”
Dou Zhao listened carefully to Song Mo’s words, pondering for a while before saying, “I think your deductions make sense. I remember that when your uncle got into trouble, it coincided with Zeng Yifen’s death, leaving the cabinet without leadership. Perhaps someone took advantage of that opportunity.” She felt a headache coming on. “Your uncle had made too many enemies. It might be difficult to identify who exactly was behind this.”
However, Song Mo’s eyes sparkled with confidence. “My uncle may have offended many, but few could subtly influence the Emperor against him. I will find a way to investigate this matter thoroughly.” He smiled coldly. “When the time comes, we’ll deal with both him and Ding Wei in one fell swoop!”
Dou Zhao believed Song Mo could accomplish this.
Yet, she still felt a deep sense of melancholy.
She sighed, “The world of officialdom is truly treacherous!”
Song Mo agreed wholeheartedly but laughed, “That’s why only the most intelligent can succeed!”
What a troublemaker!
Dou Zhao didn’t know whether to laugh or cry. Her momentary sentimentality vanished into thin air.
Song Mo called for Yan Chaoqing to inquire about Chen Jia’s situation.
Yan Chaoqing reported, “Du Wei has confirmed that Chen Jia’s statement is true.” Concerned that Song Mo, being young, might not be a match for the cunning Wang Yuan, he tactfully asked, “Have you made any progress with Chen Jia’s case?”
Song Mo shared the details of his visit to Qudeng Alley and his deductions about the Duke of Dingguo’s unjust case with Yan Chaoqing.
Yan Chaoqing’s expression changed dramatically.
Before he could speak, Song Mo continued, “Wang Yuan enjoys watching operas. Have Du Wei find out if there are any famous actors he particularly likes. We can arrange to buy one and send them to Wang Yuan. This way, I can use it as an excuse to visit him and see if I can gather more information.”
His eyes sparkled with enthusiasm, showing no trace of his earlier vulnerability.
Dou Zhao couldn’t help but mutter to herself as she rose to refill Song Mo and Yan Chaoqing’s tea.
Yan Chaoqing quickly stood up to thank her, then turned back to Song Mo, saying, “Wang Yuan is not easy to deal with. It might be better to approach Wang Ge instead…”
“No!” Song Mo said, his solemn expression conveying a sense of confidence and composure. “At Wang Yuan’s position, money is unlikely to sway him. The fact that he shared such important information with me suggests that he sees some value in associating with me. This indirectly confirms that His Majesty does indeed have some fondness for me.” At this point, he smirked slightly and said calmly, “What do you think would happen if His Majesty were to learn that the real reason for the discord between my father and me was that after the Duke of Dingguo was stripped of his title, my father, fearing implication, sought to eliminate me?”
The Emperor would likely never look favorably upon the Duke of Ying again.
But wouldn’t that be too harsh?
After all, Song Yichun and Song Mo were father and son. What if Song Yichun’s downfall implicated Song Mo?
Yan Chaoqing hesitated for a moment.
Dou Zhao, however, clapped her hands in approval of the “brilliant plan.”
In any case, it was uncertain whether the Emperor would be alive or dead four years from now. With Song Mo’s intelligence, even if he were implicated in Song Yichun’s downfall, his life wouldn’t be in danger. When the new emperor ascended the throne, this misfortune might even turn into a blessing!
Song Mo smiled at Dou Zhao and raised his teacup, saying, “Then it’s settled.” He instructed Yan Chaoqing, “Find out everything you can about Wang Yuan quickly.”
Yan Chaoqing couldn’t help but sigh.
The young master had indeed grown wings, but would these wings make him even more cold-hearted and ruthless?
He bowed respectfully and withdrew.
Dou Zhao then instructed Suxin to prepare the evening meal and called for a young maid to help Song Mo change his clothes. “Wash your face and hands, then come out to eat!”
Song Mo didn’t want to move, saying, “Just help me wipe my face. I’ve been using my brain all day, I’m tired!”
“You’ve been using your brain, not your hands and feet!” Dou Zhao pushed him towards the washroom.
Song Mo wouldn’t let Dou Zhao leave. “I have no intention of taking concubines. Why did you send those young maids over?”
Seeing the two young maids lower their heads almost to their chests upon hearing this, their faces as flushed and delicate as peach blossoms in March, Dou Zhao didn’t know whether to laugh or cry. She had no choice but to dismiss the young maids and help him wash up herself.
After washing up, Song Mo wanted to have dinner with her at the kang table in the inner room. “Since there’s no one else at home, it’s just the two of us. We can eat casually. We don’t need anyone to serve us; I’ll serve the dishes for you.” He looked at her expectantly.
Dou Zhao naturally wouldn’t argue with Song Mo over such a small matter. In the end, although they dined at the kang table in the inner room, it was Dou Zhao who ended up serving the dishes… After the meal, she also brewed Song Mo’s favorite Xinyang Maojian tea…
Meanwhile, in Qudeng Alley, Wang Yuan was also having his evening meal.
Serving him was another of his adopted sons – the young eunuch Wang Ji.
Wang Yuan liked to chat while eating.
Catering to his preferences, Wang Ji engaged in conversation: “Everyone says that the Duke of Ying’s heir is aloof, but he was so polite when he met you, Father. It shows that you…”
“Nonsense!” Before he could finish his sentence, Wang Ji was scolded by Wang Yuan. “How dare you comment on the Duke of Ying’s heir? Do you know why Wang Ge can serve in Qianqing Palace while you can only run errands for me? You have no discernment at all. You still dream of going to the Department of Ceremonial, but I think you’re only fit for the Bureau of Wines and Vinegars!”
Wang Ji cowered under the scolding.
Wang Yuan instructed him, “Go and relay my message now. That Chen Jia, we don’t need to bother with him anymore.”
Releasing the man right after the Duke of Ying’s heir came to plead his case? This was unprecedented!
It seemed that the Duke of Ying’s heir should be treated with more respect in the future!
Wang Ji was startled but quickly responded with multiple “Yes, sir.”
Wang Yuan’s expression softened slightly as he muttered, “Who would have thought that such an insignificant person I can’t even remember could move Song Mo to intervene on his behalf? How did he manage to persuade Song Mo?”
As the thought crossed his mind, he suddenly felt a strong urge to meet Chen Jia.
Meanwhile, Madam Wang was telling Wang Qinghuai about her visit to his younger sister Wang Qingyan’s home earlier that day.
Hearing that Wang Qingyan’s in-laws were kind and her husband attentive, Wang Qinghuai felt relieved.
Madam Wang then brought up her visit to the Duke of Ying’s mansion: “…From the looks of it, the relationship between the Duke of Ying’s daughter-in-law and the Marchioness of Jining is no trivial matter. It seems both have firmly decided to cut ties with each other!”
Wang Qinghuai was quite surprised and questioned, “Could it just be words spoken in anger?”
“It doesn’t seem so,” Madam Wang recounted everything Dou Zhao had said to Wang Qinghuai in detail.
Wang Qinghuai’s brow furrowed deeply. After a long silence, he quietly instructed his wife, “In the future, visit the Marquis of Jining’s mansion less frequently.”
Madam Wang nodded and hesitantly asked, “What about Fourth Uncle’s place?”
“Just give your fourth aunt a gentle reminder,” Wang Qinghuai said. “Dahe and Peijin are one matter, but if she becomes too close to the inner court of the Marquis of Jining’s mansion, that’s another issue entirely.”
“I understand!” Madam Wang rose to help Wang Qinghuai make the bed.