When Dou Shiying returned to Jing’an Temple Alley, the lanterns were just being lit.
He called out excitedly to Gao Sheng, “Do you know how to find Tao Qizhong?”
Gao Sheng immediately realized that Dou Zhao’s marriage prospects were looking promising. His face lit up with joy as he replied, “He didn’t leave an address, but since he works for Duke Ying’s household, I can go there to find him.”
In prestigious noble families like the Duke Ying’s, high-ranking stewards and advisors were well-paid. Besides having their quarters and servants within the estate, most would buy separate residences outside to house their families.
Dou Shiying nodded repeatedly, marveling, “I met the Duke Ying’s heir today. Indeed, as Tao Qizhong said, ‘Only the mediocre are free from jealousy.’ Song Yantang is not only handsome but also skilled in horsemanship and archery. He’s upright in character and highly valued by the emperor. Despite his illustrious background, he’s humble and courteous, maintaining good relationships with his superiors and colleagues. He truly embodies the saying, ‘A gentleman is humble and refined, like warm jade.'”
As he spoke, Dou Shiying recalled Song Mo’s beautiful face. Remembering that Dou Zhao was a year older than Song Mo and that women typically aged faster than men due to household duties and childbearing, he felt a twinge of regret. “I wonder if their temperaments are compatible? I was so focused on inquiring about his studies and official duties that I forgot to ask if he has any concubines or if he’s indulgent with women. When you go to the Duke Ying’s estate, you might as well inquire about that!”
But upon reflection, he realized that the Song family hadn’t yet proposed marriage, and it would seem too eager to ask such questions. If the Song family found out, they might look down on Dou Zhao. He quickly changed his mind, “Never mind, don’t inquire about concubines and such. We’ll discuss that after the Song family formally proposes.” Feeling that even seeking out Tao Qizhong seemed too hasty, he added, “Let’s not look for Tao Qizhong either. If the Song family truly values this marriage, they’ll naturally send him to mediate again.”
But what if the Song family considered Dou Zhao dispensable?
Dou Shiying found himself caught between hope and fear, unsure of how to proceed.
Suddenly, the sound of cheerful chatter came from outside.
Dou Shiying looked at Gao Sheng questioningly.
Gao Sheng smiled and explained, “It must be the Fourth Miss returning from her outing to Baiyun Temple with the Aunt and Miss Zhao. I’ll go see if the Fourth Miss needs anything.” His eyes brightened as he added, “Master Seven, isn’t the Aunt still here?”
“Of course! How could I forget?” Dou Shiying perked up at the suggestion.
Whether the maternal aunt was present or not, Dou Zhao’s marriage was certainly something to discuss with her. Rather than worrying alone, it would be better to consult with the aunt and make a decision together. They must ensure that Dou Zhao marries with dignity and honor.
He left the main hall, with Gao Sheng following closely behind.
They had bought many items, with seven or eight servants carrying things in a line towards the east wing.
Dou Zhao was chatting with Zhao Zhangru, her eyes curved like crescent moons, her cheeks slightly flushed. She looked like a child who had just eaten candy, laughing with unbridled joy.
Dou Shiying was momentarily stunned.
Was this Shou Gu?
He had never seen his daughter laugh so radiantly before!
A pang of sadness struck Dou Shiying’s heart.
If a simple outing could bring her such happiness, it was clear how constrained her daily life must be.
He silently vowed to himself.
No matter what, he would marry his daughter to a young man like Song Yantang!
If necessary, he’d increase the dowry.
Surely, even the wealthy Duke Ying’s household wouldn’t turn down additional money?
Dou Shiying took a deep breath and walked over with a smile.
Dou Zhao already knew that the Fifth Aunt had come to propose a match with Ji Yong, which her father had firmly rejected.
She was delighted.
Seeing her father approach, she didn’t wait for him to speak but greeted him cheerfully, “Father!” Then, she took a stone from her pouch and handed it to Dou Shiying. “I found this with my cousin at Baiyun Temple. It only cost fifty wen.”
It was a yellow-brown Shoushan stone.
The stone was smooth and fine-grained, with a solid, unpretentious quality. Unfortunately, there was a deep crack in the upper left corner, affecting its overall appearance.
Dou Zhao pointed to the crack and smiled, “Cousin and I both think it could be carved into a slanted gourd or a reclining Buddha.”
By skillfully carving around the flaw, it could become an excellent Shoushan stone seal, multiplying its value several times over.
Dou Shiying was skilled in seal carving and stone inscriptions.
He nodded with a smile, turning the stone over in his hands for a while before suggesting, “We could also carve a jade cicada resting on the stone.”
Dou Zhao giggled, “It’s a gift for you, Father. You can carve whatever you like!”
Dou Shiying was both surprised and delighted, repeatedly expressing his thanks.
The aunt and Zhao Zhangru covered their mouths, laughing nearby.
The atmosphere immediately became very cheerful.
Dou Zhao invited her father to sit in the hall.
Observing the propriety between men and women, the aunt and Zhao Zhangru excused themselves, claiming fatigue, and returned to their guest rooms.
Dou Zhao served tea to her father and sat down beside him with a smile. She took the opportunity to ask Dou Shiying, “Did Fifth Aunt come yesterday to arrange a marriage for me?”
Dou Shiying choked on his tea, exclaiming, “How did you know?”
“I heard it from someone,” Dou Zhao said without revealing her source. She continued, “Father, I don’t want to get married yet. Please don’t hastily arrange a match for me! I want to stay at home for a few more years. Look at Cousin Zhangru, she’s traveled to many places with Aunt. I want to do the same, to see the world. I don’t want to marry so early! If anyone comes to propose a match, you must tell me!”
Dou Shiying felt he could understand Dou Zhao’s feelings.
Dou Zhao’s marriage prospects had become complicated due to the Eastern Dou branch’s interference.
When Dou Ming was young, Dou Zhao even cared for her. Yet Dou Ming had acted so ungratefully. No wonder Dou Zhao was heartbroken and reluctant to discuss marriage. She feared her father might hastily marry her off, making her future life even more difficult.
“Don’t worry, don’t worry!” Dou Shiying hurriedly assured Dou Zhao, “I certainly won’t treat your lifelong happiness lightly.”
He thought that if he approved of the young man, finding him not only handsome but also exceptionally talented, surely Dou Zhao would be willing to consider the match.