Dai Jian and Wang Yuan were close associates, while Mu Chuan was loyal to the Empress. Both could exert influence over Wang Ge. But who was truly behind this?
Song Mo pondered for a moment before saying, “I’ll ask Wang Ge directly. We should first clear Kuang’s family from suspicion.”
For a matter involving only 20,000 to 30,000 taels of silver annually, Wang Ge would likely do him this favor.
Dou Zhao, however, had different thoughts.
In her previous life, after Liao Wang ascended the throne, Dai Jian briefly served as the Chief Grand Councilor. Unlike the peaceful prosperity during the Emperor’s reign, the court became more complex under Liao Wang. Due to Dai Jian’s limited abilities, he was eventually forced to retire. Later, he was implicated in a military embezzlement case, had his property confiscated, was exiled, and died en route.
Both men had intricate connections to Liao Wang.
She cautioned Song Mo, “Court eunuchs tend to be vindictive. Be careful not to offend Eunuch Wang over this matter.”
“I understand,” Song Mo replied, kissing her cheek. He then reminded her, “Hurry and get ready. We’ll go pay New Year’s respects to Old Madam Lu and Princess Ning De.”
Today was the second day of the New Year, traditionally for visiting maternal relatives.
Since Song Mo’s maternal uncles weren’t in the capital, they would visit his great-uncle’s Lu family instead.
Dou Zhao giggled as she dressed in a festive bright red lantern-patterned silk jacket with wide sleeves. She wore an elaborate headdress of pearls and filigree. Her pregnancy had enhanced her already flawless complexion, making her appear even more radiant and charming. Her entire being exuded a vibrant, dazzling aura that lifted everyone’s spirits.
Upon seeing her, Princess Ning De was delighted. She held Dou Zhao’s hand and said to the relatives who had come to offer New Year greetings, “No wonder the Empress Dowager praises this child as ‘beautiful’.”
Everyone laughed heartily.
Princess Ning De’s granddaughter, the third wife of the Jing Guo Gong household, Madam Feng, chimed in, “Grandmother, when have you ever not been pleased with my cousin-in-law? You make the rest of us seem like mere pebbles in comparison.”
The third wife of the Lu family, who had always been wary of her aunt’s sharp tongue, quickly intervened, “The Empress Dowager has sent over two baskets of tribute tangerines from Fujian. Help me peel some for the elders.”
Princess Ning De appreciated efficient people and wouldn’t tolerate any sloppiness from those serving her. Ordinary individuals rarely had the opportunity to assist with tasks like peeling tangerines.
Knowing her grandmother’s temperament, the third Madam Zhang rose and headed towards the tea room with the third Madam Lu. She playfully complained, “You’re always making me work. Don’t you realize I’m an aunt now? Is this how you treat an aunt who’s visiting her maiden home?”
The second Madam Lu retorted, “Today was supposed to be for your brother and sister-in-law. You insisted on coming along, so what can we do?”
This exchange elicited another round of laughter from everyone.
The younger members of the Lu family seized the opportunity to offer New Year greetings to Princess Ning De and Old Madam Lu, hoping for red envelopes.
Feng Shao’s wife, the sister-in-law of the third Madam Zhang, quietly conversed with Dou Zhao, “I heard your sister miscarried because the Duchess of Ji Ning Marquis’s household made her follow strict rules. Is that true?”
This was the first time Dou Zhao had heard about Dou Ming’s miscarriage.
She was shocked.
Fortunately, having lived two lives and experienced much, the surprise only flashed briefly across her face before she regained her composure.
“I’ve been staying at home to safeguard my pregnancy,” Dou Zhao smiled. “I haven’t heard much about outside affairs, so I don’t know if it’s true or not.”
The eleventh Madam Feng seemed displeased, feeling that Dou Zhao’s response was too polite and distant, not treating her as family.
She turned to the second Madam Lu beside her and began discussing royal gossip, “…Princess Fu Yuan has already married. I wonder who will marry Princesses Jing Yi and Jing Tai? At least Princess Jing Yi was raised by the Empress, but Princess Jing Tai was only raised by Consort Shu, who didn’t even bear a prince. How does she have the audacity to be so picky about marriage?”
The second Madam Lu laughed, “The Emperor’s daughters need not worry about marriage. How would I know?”
Dou Zhao, however, knew.
Although Consort Shu hadn’t borne a prince, she was incredibly skillful at navigating relationships and influencing others.
The title “Shu” had previously been part of Empress Wan’s title. Not only was it bestowed upon her, but after Liao Wang ascended the throne, she was the only Imperial Consort who resided with Empress Dowager Wan in Cining Palace.
Dou Zhao sat there smiling, listening to the conversations around her, while her mind dwelled on Dou Ming’s situation.
Logically, even if her relationship with Dou Ming was strained, she should have been informed about the miscarriage. Yet neither the Jing’an Temple Lane nor the Locust Tree Lane households had notified her. Could the eleventh Madam Feng’s words be true? Did they withhold the information to avoid distressing her during her pregnancy?
Upon returning home, she questioned Song Mo.
Song Mo had known about it for some time.
He explained, “Both the sixth aunt and your mother instructed me not to tell you. Moreover, the Ji Ning Marquis’s household didn’t mention it when sending New Year’s gifts, so I didn’t bring it up.”
In truth, he also preferred that Dou Zhao not focus too much on the Ji Ning Marquis household’s affairs.
Dou Zhao asked him, “So, it’s true that Dou Ming miscarried because her mother-in-law imposed strict rules on her?”
Song Mo nodded, “That’s what the sixth aunt and your mother said.”
Dou Zhao couldn’t help but sigh.
In her previous life, she had also miscarried her first child after marrying into the Wei family.
However, her miscarriage had been her responsibility.
Reflecting on it, Madam Tian was someone without initiative or intelligence. The only person who could have thought to torment Dou Ming in this way was Wei Tingzhen.
From Dou Zhao’s perspective, Madam Tian was easy to get along with. If you flattered her a bit and acted submissive, she would dote on you and treat you as someone needing her protection. In her previous life, Dou Zhao had managed to gain Madam Tian’s approval and then used her to manipulate Wei Tingzhen.
Dou Ming had been married for less than half a year and had already positioned herself against her mother-in-law and sister-in-law. She likely had more “pleasant” days ahead of her.
Was this the “blessing” Dou Ming had schemed so hard to obtain by marrying into that family?
Dou Zhao smiled sardonically.
Since her sixth aunt and mother didn’t want her to worry about Dou Ming’s situation, she decided to pretend she didn’t know. The next day, she changed into a sapphire blue brocade jacket embroidered with ten auspicious patterns and a sapphire blue skirt embroidered with deep red lotus patterns. She switched to a kingfisher feather and filigree headdress, looking resplendent as Song Mo accompanied her to visit her maiden family.
Dou Shixing was delighted to see Dou Zhao. He didn’t mention Dou Ming’s situation at all, only saying, “Your eleventh brother has taken his wife to pay New Year’s respects to her family elders. Your sixth uncle and aunt will bring your twelfth brother over for dinner later.”
Dou Zhao was overjoyed. She was led by the Gao family’s servant to the inner courtyard to offer New Year greetings to her aunt and female cousins, while Song Mo went to study with Dou Shixing.
A maid brought in tea cups.
Looking at the bright color and rich aroma of the tea, Song Mo inwardly sighed for himself.
The cups contained high-quality Tieguanyin tea.
Yet Dou Shixing seemed oblivious, continuing to urge Song Mo, “I specially arranged for this to be brought from Anxi in Fujian. Try it and see how it tastes. If you like it, I’ll pack some for you to take home.”
Faced with his father-in-law’s expectant expression, what could Song Mo do but express gratitude and feel honored?
Satisfied with Song Mo’s response, Dou Shixing began discussing his official duties, “The Jinwu Guard is the Emperor’s guard and is only responsible to him. The Five-Division Army Command is different; they interact more with common people. Their main duty is to uphold justice and address the grievances of the people. You need to balance the differences between these two roles, maintaining both the Emperor’s favor and the people’s support…”
Song Mo listened attentively, appearing even more respectful than he would before the Emperor. Inwardly, however, he thought: I’m not trying to become Emperor, so why do I need the people’s support? As long as things are done adequately, there’s no need to go overboard. Overcompensating might even cost me the Emperor’s favor.
Unaware of Song Mo’s thoughts, Dou Shixing saw his son-in-law’s obedient demeanor and was reminded of his other son-in-law, Wei Tingyu.
When a daughter has conflicts with her mother-in-law, the son-in-law is naturally in a difficult position. Even if he sides with his mother, it’s understandable. But Wei Tingyu had blamed everything on Dou Ming, even wanting to confiscate her dowry and make her learn etiquette from Madam Tian! He seemed to forget that Dou Ming was carrying the Wei family’s child and showed no regard for their marital bond… The thought pained Dou Shixing.
A hint of displeasure crossed Dou Shixing’s face.
Song Mo was secretly alarmed. While continuing to converse with Dou Shixing, he inwardly reviewed his recent words and actions.
He couldn’t think of any inappropriate responses!
After pondering for a while, Song Mo still couldn’t determine the reason for Dou Shixing’s frown.
Dou Shixing, however, had already put the matter out of his mind, as was his usual approach to troublesome issues.
He asked Song Mo, “I hear that Shou Gu is now managing the household affairs of the Ying Guo Gong manor. Is she managing well? Should I buy a few more maids to assist her?”
“That won’t be necessary!” Song Mo, not one to dwell on worries, decided to investigate the matter later if needed. Putting aside his concerns, he replied, “Shou Gu says there are established routines for household matters, so she just follows them. It’s quite easy. If we ever need help, we’ll certainly ask for your assistance, Father-in-law.”
This response warmed Dou Shixing’s heart like a cup of hot tea on a cold day.
After some thought, he retrieved a palm-sized box from a hidden compartment in his desk and handed it to Song Mo. “See if you like this.”
Song Mo opened it to find a black, dirty object resembling an old tree root.
His expression changed slightly as he asked, “This couldn’t be the legendary meteorite inkstone, could it?”
“Indeed it is!” Pleased that Song Mo recognized it, Dou Shixing proudly explained, “This is the meteorite inkstone known as ‘Celestial Immortal’. It’s yours now! Whether you use it yourself or save it for my grandson, it’s certainly a rare treasure.”
It was more than just rare; it was priceless!
For an ordinary family, such an inkstone would be considered a precious heirloom.
Song Mo knew that his father-in-law, being a scholar, valued this inkstone even more than a famous sword to a warrior or rouge to a beauty. His instinct was to refuse, but catching a glimpse of Dou Shixing’s hopeful expression, he felt a pang in his heart.
Father-in-law must be very lonely, he thought.
For so many years, Dou Shixing had lived within the boundaries he’d drawn for himself. Others couldn’t enter, and he was unwilling to step out. Over time, others forgot how to approach him, and he forgot how to reach out.
Remembering his father-in-law’s unconditional kindness towards him, Song Mo’s eyes grew moist.
“Father-in-law!” Song Mo grinned cheekily, “Since you’ve kept so many fine inkstones, you must have some excellent ink as well, right? What use is an inkstone without ink? Why not gift me some good ink too? How can your grandson write well in his future exams without quality ink?”
Dou Shixing laughed heartily, his mood greatly improved.
He beckoned to Song Mo, “Come with me—I do indeed have some fine ink. It was collected by Shou Gu’s grandfather. I’ll give it to you as well!”
Song Mo eagerly followed him to the storeroom.
Just then, sixth uncle Dou Shiheng and his family arrived.