Duke Ying Song Yichun’s sudden visit to Jing’an Temple Alley caught Chen Qushui off guard, as he had been focusing his attention on Huai Tree Alley. This event in Jing’an Temple Alley should have been more apparent to Dou Zhao.
Anxiously, Chen rushed to see Dou Zhao, only to find she had gone shopping on Drum Tower Street with her aunt and cousin. By the time he reached Drum Tower Street, they had already returned to Jing’an Temple Alley. Chen hurried back.
Upon entering, he encountered Gao Sheng, who greeted him with a broad smile. “What perfect timing, Mr. Chen! The Fourth Miss just returned and is speaking with the master. Is there an urgent matter at the shop?”
“Nothing too pressing,” Chen replied casually. “There’s a business deal I’m unsure about. I wanted to seek the Fourth Miss’s advice.”
Gao Sheng offered enthusiastically, “Would you like my help?”
Compared to the Dou family’s enterprises, Dou Zhao’s small stationery shop was insignificant.
“I’ll need to consult with the Miss first,” Chen deflected.
Gao Sheng, unsuspicious, nodded and personally escorted Chen to the accounting room. He instructed a servant, “As soon as the master finishes speaking with the Fourth Miss, inform Mr. Chen immediately.” This unusual hospitality made Chen uneasy.
By the time Dou Zhao finished her conversation with Dou Shiyingm, it was time for the evening meal. Dou Zhao met Chen in the flower hall.
Chen informed Dou Zhao about Duke Ying’s visit to Dou Shiying and asked, “Do you know why Duke Ying came to see the Seventh Master?”
Their relationship with Song Mo had always been clandestine. If Duke Ying discovered it, the consequences were unpredictable.
Dou Zhao was stunned. “What did you say? Duke Ying visited my father?”
Chen nodded. “I’ve checked. It seems Duke Ying’s advisor, Tao Qizhong, arranged the meeting through the Seventh Master’s colleague at the Hanlin Academy, Xu Zhiji. But I couldn’t find out why due to time constraints.”
Beads of sweat formed on Dou Zhao’s forehead.
Duke Ying and her father were two individuals with no connection. Under normal circumstances, Duke Ying couldn’t notice her, given her lack of status. If there was a link between them, it would be Song Mo.
If Duke Ying knew she had rescued Song Mo, he would have ways to deal with her directly, rather than politely visiting Jing’an Temple Alley.
This meant Duke Ying was likely unaware of any connection between her and Song Mo.
So why did he visit her father?
Dou Zhao recalled Song Mo’s eyes, as calm as the night sky.
That day, upon learning Dou Ming had married Wei Tingyu in her place, he impulsively said, “Dou Zhao, I’ll marry you.”
She had dismissed it as youthful passion, not taking it seriously. She was certain he couldn’t persuade Duke Ying to agree to their marriage.
So, she had confidently told him, “If we’re meant to be husband and wife, it will happen.”
Could Duke Ying’s visit be to propose on Song Mo’s behalf?
After her sisters’ marriages, her father’s greatest hope was to find her a match no less prestigious than the Jining Marquis family. But how had Song Mo convinced Song Yichun to agree to marry her?
She remembered her previous suggestion that Song Mo marry a princess.
Even if he had hinted at this to Song Yichun, how had he discreetly brought her to Song Yichun’s attention? And how had he made Song Yichun see her as a suitable daughter-in-law?
Once again, Song Mo demonstrated his formidable abilities.
Dou Zhao wiped her forehead with a handkerchief.
She instructed Su Xin, “Quickly, find out why Duke Ying came to see my father!”
Su Xin left immediately.
Chen Qushui was also anxious, pacing like an ant on a hot pan.
Dou Zhao was usually meticulous, which was why he had focused on Huai Tree Alley. Who would have thought Dou Zhao would be careless this time?
Not being Dou Zhao, and without knowing the full extent of her conversations with Song Mo, Chen hadn’t considered her marriage prospects. He muttered, “I know Tao Qizhong sought Xu Zhiji’s help, and later Xu Zhiji brought him to meet the Seventh Master. I thought it was just a routine introduction. Although I had someone keep an eye on it, I didn’t investigate thoroughly.” He regretted, “If I had known, I should have told you earlier, Miss.”
Dou Zhao was even more anxious but still comforted Chen. “What’s done is done. Worrying won’t help. The most urgent task now is to uncover Duke Ying’s intentions!”
“I know that,” Chen smiled bitterly, “but given the gravity of the situation, I can’t calm down.” As night had fallen, he couldn’t stay long and left Jing’an Temple Alley with a heavy heart.
It wasn’t until the hour of Hai (9-11 PM) that Su Xin returned, looking ashamed.
“Miss,” she said uneasily, “I couldn’t find out anything… Tao Qizhong met with the master alone, without Xu. When Duke Ying spoke with the master, they dismissed all servants from the room. Chief Steward Gao personally served tea… He’s tight-lipped, and even his wife is clueless, knowing nothing when asked.”
Dou Zhao furrowed her brow. “There must be something unusual. Think carefully. Was there anything out of the ordinary? For instance, what did Chief Steward Gao do after Duke Ying left? Did Father summon anyone for questioning after meeting Tao Qizhong? Or did he go somewhere?”
“I remember now!” Su Xin’s eyes lit up at the prompting. “After Tao Qizhong met with the Seventh Master, the master went out with Chief Steward Gao. The Chief Steward drove the carriage himself, but no one knew where they went. Also, didn’t the Seventh Master instruct the Chief Steward to put away all items with red celebratory characters or decorations a few days ago? When I went to find the Chief Steward earlier, I saw him directing servants to inventory lanterns, curtains, incense, and candles…”
Dou Zhao’s expression changed dramatically, realizing her guess was likely correct.
Without waiting for Su Xin to finish, she urgently said, “Quickly, go find Mr. Chen. First, ask him to investigate where my father went with Gao Sheng. Second, have him find a way to send a message to Song Yantan, saying I have urgent matters to discuss with him!”
The two families hadn’t formally exchanged betrothal gifts yet. She hoped it wasn’t too late!
Su Lan solemnly responded “Yes” and found an excuse to go to the stationery shop on Drum Tower Street.
Dou Zhao couldn’t sleep all night.
The next day, she had no desire to go out.
Her aunt thought she was tired and told her to rest well. Zhao Zhangru teased her for having less stamina than herself and stayed to chat idly.
Dou Zhao responded half-heartedly until Chen Qushui arrived in the afternoon.
His expression was grim.
“A few days ago, Chief Steward Gao drove the Seventh Master to the Summer Palace. They reportedly met a colleague from the Court of State Ceremonial who was in the same imperial examination cohort,” Chen said gravely. “Regarding the Young Master, I’ve asked Mr. Yan to help pass a message. Mr. Yan said the Emperor is about to move to the Forbidden Palace in the next couple of days, so the Young Master will be very busy. But if he receives the message, he’ll find a way to see you, Miss. He asked you not to worry too much.”
How could the timing be so coincidental?