Blossom – Meng Ziyi, Li Yunrui

In the twenty-seventh year of the Chengping era, during the severe winter, the emperor fell gravely ill and ceased court affairs. Taking advantage of the situation, Song Mo, the General of the Cavalry, supported Prince Qing under the guise of attending to the emperor's illness and launched a surprise attack on the capital at night. His intent was to redress the injustice suffered by the Duke of Dingguo in the past.

Song Mo imprisoned the crown prince, forcing him to abdicate. Although the crown prince knew Song Mo's motives were to clear the Duke of Dingguo's name, he would rather die than comply. Before taking his own life, the crown prince cryptically warned Song Mo that he was seeking revenge on the wrong person, leaving Song Mo puzzled. Madam Dou Zhao of the Marquis of Jining’s household had long anticipated Prince Qing and Song Mo's rebellion.

She made preparations in advance, though outside, Song Mo’s forces caused a massacre. The household servants, terrified, attempted to flee with stolen belongings but were harshly punished by Dou Zhao. Even the Marquis, Wei Tingyu, scolded the servants for gossiping about the situation. At this time, Song Mo entered the palace, seeking an audience with Prince Qing, but was blocked by Wang Ge, the eunuch holding the imperial seal.

Wang Ge claimed that Prince Qing was discussing state affairs with the emperor and could not meet him. He suggested Song Mo leave the seal to earn merit. Song Mo, however, insisted that his only purpose was to rectify past wrongs and left with the seal. He stationed his troops outside the city, refusing to leave until Prince Qing agreed to see him, which plunged the situation into deeper chaos.

To protect the Marquis's household, Dou Zhao, despite her deteriorating health, took charge of all matters. She ordered materials to be brought into the courtyard, claiming her illness required constant care. This kept Wei Tingyu from leaving the house, ensuring temporary safety from the external turmoil. Dou Zhao’s health worsened, and she began coughing blood. Her maid, Tuo Niang, blamed Wei Tingyu for neglecting Dou Zhao. Yet Dou Zhao remained indifferent to his absence, continuing to manage the household diligently.

One day, noticing blooming flowers outside, she went out to enjoy them but caught the scent of medicinal herbs. Realizing Dou Ming was making medicine for her, she was comforted and hurried to the kitchen to thank her. However, she unexpectedly discovered Dou Ming and Wei Tingyu in a clandestine affair. Overhearing their conversation, she learned that Wei Tingyu harbored no feelings for her and wished for her death so he could marry Dou Ming.

Heartbroken, Dou Zhao interrupted them, yet proposed a shocking solution: she suggested taking Tuo Niang and leaving, believing that Dou Ming, as a Dou family member, could solidify relations between the two families through marriage. However, she soon overheard another revelation—Dou Ming’s mother and Dou Zhao’s mother had been sworn sisters, but Dou Zhao’s father had an affair with Dou Ming’s mother, leading to her mother’s death.

Overcome with rage and grief, Dou Zhao realized all her efforts for the household had been for the benefit of others. Dou Zhao instructed Tuo Niang to spread word of a fire in the kitchen, drawing everyone to extinguish it. She then exposed Dou Ming and Wei Tingyu's affair and demanded answers about her mother’s death. In the aftermath, Dou Zhao burned Dou Ming and Wei Tingyu's clothes, trapping them inside and publicly declaring their disgrace to the household staff.

She renounced her title as Madam of the Marquis of Jining, severed all ties with the household, and left. Dou Ming, humiliated, regretted not heeding her mother’s earlier advice to poison Dou Zhao and end her life sooner. Dou Zhao, now traveling by carriage, distributed food to refugees she encountered, unable to bear their plight. Watching the snow fall mirrored her emotions. Recalling her mother’s death during her childhood, she asked Tuo Niang about suspicious events from that time.

Tuo Niang revealed that after Dou Zhao’s father became a Jinshi scholar, coinciding with Dou Ming’s birthday, her mother sent Dou Ming to share the good news with her uncle Zhao Si. Shortly after, her mother passed away, and Wang Yingxue married into the household. Suddenly, Dou Zhao’s carriage overturned when she swerved to avoid a child on the road. Fortunately, Song Mo arrived in time to save her.

Despite his rumored cruelty, Dou Zhao found him to be quite different. Song Mo comforted the child with a few words, stopping their tears. At that moment, Ji Yong, a monk, approached, advising Song Mo to avoid further bloodshed since he could bring peace to others. Song Mo was displeased with the chaos caused by war but listened as Dou Zhao explained her return journey.

When she coughed violently and couldn’t continue, Ji Yong checked her pulse and sarcastically commented that her condition suggested she was rushing to the afterlife. Under Song Mo’s arrangements, Dou Zhao and her companions found temporary shelter. As the turmoil continued, Song Mo investigated the reasons behind Dou Zhao’s sudden departure. Dou Zhao revealed the truth, and Song Mo expressed sympathy, admiring her decisiveness amidst misfortune. Dou Zhao, curious about Song Mo’s white hair, questioned him.

Song Mo, coughing up blood, avoided explaining, saying it wasn’t worth discussing. Feeling a shared fate as two dying individuals, Dou Zhao empathized with him. Ji Yong then entered, declaring that the strange celestial phenomenon of the day signified intertwined destinies, though Dou Zhao dismissed his words as overly flattering. Soon, Wang Ge and Wei Tingyu arrived with troops, accusing Dou Zhao and Song Mo of collusion and demanding the return of the seal followed by their deaths.

Unfazed, Song Mo lamented Prince Qing’s betrayal and revealed he had already made arrangements. He hinted that Prince Qing was likely dead, but Wang Ge dismissed this as a bluff. Amid the standoff, Ji Yong took the opportunity to help Dou Zhao and Tuo Niang escape. A fierce battle ensued. Wang Ge’s subordinate Chen Jia pursued Dou Zhao and her group, intent on proving Song Mo’s guilt by killing her.

Despite his fears, Wei Tingyu believed that Dou Zhao’s death would solidify their plans. Chen Jia caught up with Dou Zhao and her companions in Shandong, killing Tuo Niang and Ji Yong. When he was about to strike Dou Zhao, Song Mo arrived just in time to save her, though he was injured in the process. Dou Zhao blamed herself, explaining she was unaware of Wei Tingyu’s schemes.

Song Mo reassured her, believing his actions had brought misfortune upon her as well. As they prepared to leave, Ji Yong handed them a book, *Records of the Enlightened Age*, urging them to change their fate before dying. While fleeing, Song Mo and Dou Zhao were ambushed again, falling into a deep ravine after being struck. As time seemed to reverse, Dou Zhao glimpsed the book floating toward her and slowly closed her eyes.

When Dou Zhao awoke, a boy nearby told her she had been daydreaming while reading, hitting her head on a mirror. Looking at her reflection, she saw a wound on her forehead and realized she had returned to her childhood. Before she could process the situation, her mother, Zhao Guqiu, and Tuo Niang rushed in, worried about her injury. Seeing her family alive and well, Dou Zhao tearfully embraced them, learning it was the eighth year of the Chengping era.

Recalling the events recorded in *Records of the Enlightened Age*, Dou Zhao resolved to change her fate and prevent past tragedies from repeating.

After Zhao Guqiu returned to her room, she was pressured to agree to Dou Shiying marrying Wang Yingxue. This led to a heated argument between Zhao Si and Dou Shiying’s elder brother. Dou Shiying’s brother argued that since Zhao Guqiu only had one daughter, Wang Yingxue, with her respectable family background, was a suitable choice. Wang Yingxue feigned sorrow, even pretending to want to end her life. Zhao Guqiu, frustrated, threw her hairpin at Wang Yingxue, effectively conceding.

Wang Yingxue continued her act of despair, and Dou Shiying held her tightly. Dou Zhao overheard everything in the room and rushed in to ask what had happened. Dou Shiying lied, claiming Wang Yingxue was merely an ordinary person. Seizing the opportunity, Dou Zhao tried to expel Wang Yingxue. However, Wang Yingxue feigned weakness and fell, prompting Dou Shiying to show concern.

He declared that Wang Yingxue had cared for him closely during his illness, which led to his asthma, and thus he couldn’t abandon her. Carrying Wang Yingxue in his arms, Dou Shiying left, determined to look after her. Dou Zhao, heartbroken, comforted her mother. Dou Zhao reassured Zhao Guqiu that as long as she didn’t consent, Dou Shiying wouldn’t be able to take a concubine, and Wang Yingxue would remain an outsider.

Dou Zhao explained that Wang Yingxue’s father, Wang Xingyi, would never approve of the situation. Zhao Guqiu was stunned by her daughter’s wisdom. Dou Zhao also reminded her mother that she could seek a divorce. If Zhao Guqiu left, Dou Zhao promised to follow her, and they could rely on Zhao Si, who was well-versed in law, to ensure they stayed together.

Wang Yingxue blamed her asthma on the magnolia trees, which were Zhao Guqiu’s favorite flowers and a symbol of her love with Dou Shiying. Whenever Zhao Guqiu saw the trees, she remembered their sweet moments. Yet, Dou Shiying ordered the trees to be cut down to avoid triggering Wang Yingxue’s asthma. Zhao Guqiu resisted, but Dou Shiying knelt and pleaded. Reluctantly, Zhao Guqiu agreed, but as the flowers fell, so did her emotions.

She returned to her room and coughed uncontrollably, her heart heavy with sorrow. One day, Dou Zhao played on a swing alongside her cousin from Zhao Si’s family. Dou Shiying came to push the swing, explaining that he had built it for Zhao Guqiu. Dou Zhao furiously rebuked her father for dividing his love between two women and failing to weigh the importance of his promises.

Although Dou Shiying cared deeply for both Zhao Guqiu and Dou Zhao, he resolved to send Wang Yingxue away to ease their pain. However, his elder brother dissuaded him, encouraging him to focus on expanding the family lineage. Meanwhile, Wang Yingxue revealed she was pregnant, leaving Dou Shiying unable to act. As he wrestled with his dilemma, a servant rushed in to report that Zhao Guqiu had passed away.

Dou Shiying hurried to the scene, finding Dou Zhao weeping bitterly while holding Zhao Guqiu’s lifeless body. Zhao Guqiu had hanged herself using a jar of *zhuangyuan hong* wine she had buried beneath a tree to bless Dou Shiying’s academic success. Stricken with guilt, Dou Shiying read her final letter, where she expressed her only wish: for him to care for Dou Zhao.

At the mourning hall, Wang Yingxue came to pay her respects but was nearly pushed over by Dou Zhao. Dou Shiying, overcome with grief, turned to alcohol and ignored household affairs. Wang Xingyi and Dou Shiying’s elder brother began plotting to make Wang Yingxue his principal wife. Zhao Si was outraged that Wang Yingxue had taken Zhao Guqiu’s dowry and argued with her.

Meanwhile, Dou Zhao continued eating the snacks Wang Yingxue prepared for her, which Zhao Si misinterpreted as a lack of concern. Unexpectedly, Dou Zhao collapsed from poisoning. This incident prompted Dou Zhao’s grandmother, Madam Cui, to return home. Having lived in seclusion on the family estate, Madam Cui stepped in to seek justice, reclaiming Zhao Guqiu’s dowry for Dou Zhao and demanding Wang Yingxue compensate the family with 3,000 taels of silver.

Wang Yingxue resisted, arguing that Dou Zhao was too young to manage property, but Madam Cui insisted she take charge. Dou Zhao, grieving her mother’s suffering and death, refused to accept Wang Yingxue as her stepmother. She proposed observing a three-year mourning period for her mother, during which Dou Shiying agreed not to cohabit with Wang Yingxue. He even moved into Zhao Guqiu’s room to honor her memory. Terrified by these developments, Wang Yingxue knelt to beg for forgiveness.

Standing under the magnolia tree, Dou Zhao mourned her mother and finally felt some relief. However, she realized this was no longer her home or her mother’s. She moved to the family estate with Madam Cui, who doted on her greatly. Dou Zhao confided to Madam Cui that Wang Yingxue constantly schemed against her, forcing her to endure and protect herself. However, she vowed to seek revenge when the time was right.

Touched by Dou Zhao’s resolve, Madam Cui embraced her, urging her to grow strong and rise above petty household conflicts. She gave Dou Zhao a repaired bracelet that once belonged to Zhao Guqiu, symbolizing her hope for Dou Zhao to be resilient like the robust *jiuchongzi* flowers. Dou Zhao silently resolved to thrive, unyielding in the face of adversity. From that point forward, Dou Zhao apprenticed under the renowned scholar Chen Qushui, gaining a deep understanding of worldly affairs.

She also hired two skilled warrior-maids, Su Lan and Su Xin, to ensure her safety. Ultimately, Dou Zhao established herself as a formidable figure in commerce, navigating every challenge with ease. Meanwhile, in the Dingguo Duke’s military camp, a young recruit, Song Mo, arrived. His aunt, Jiang Meisun, immediately opposed his enlistment. However, Song Mo cleverly evaded her and even managed to capture General Yan Chaoqing.

Recognizing his potential and learning that Song Mo had been beaten and expelled from his home by his father, Song Yichun, Jiang Meisun reluctantly allowed him to stay. Song Mo vowed to rise through the ranks, starting from the kitchen staff. Years passed in the military camp, and Song Mo matured into a young general. At the same time, Dou Zhao grew into a sharp and capable businesswoman, amassing wealth and influence.

Observing the political and military landscape, she accurately predicted that Jiang Meisun’s military campaigns would make her stockpiled goods as valuable as gold in the near future. One day, Dou Zhao recalled advice from an elderly man she had once met. He had instructed her to toss a stone into a river, explaining that a mere stone couldn’t alter the river’s course. Only by amassing enough power to “tip the strait” could she change her fate. Inspired, Dou Zhao resolved to acquire that level of influence.

Song Mo led his brothers in a surprise attack on the pirate ships of the Eastern Yu people and successfully forced them to reveal their base on Zhou Island. Filled with enthusiasm, Song Mo immediately proposed attacking Zhou Island to leave his name in history. The residents of Futing were filled with joy, and when they heard that the Dingguo Army had returned victorious, they lined the streets to welcome them.

Young General Song Mo had led his troops to conquer Zhou Island and achieved a significant victory. Yan Chaoqing suddenly reported to Song Mo that Song Yichun, the Duke of England and Song Mo’s father, had arrived. In the military camp, Song Yichun had been tied up by Jiang Meisun for delaying military affairs and was about to be whipped. At that moment, Song Mo returned.

Having achieved a great victory against the odds with limited supplies, he offered to take the punishment in his father’s place. Others also pleaded on his behalf. Jiang Meisun, while heartbroken, ordered ten lashes for Song Mo. He knew all along that Song Mo had launched the sudden attack on Zhou Island to plead for his father’s sake. As Jiang Meisun applied medicine to Song Mo’s wounds, he regretted marrying his sister to Song Yichun.

He also pointed out that Song Mo’s daring assault on Zhou Island was to save his father, lamenting the misfortune of having such a father. Zhao Si's daughter, Zhao Zhangru, prayed daily for prosperity and wealth. Dou Zhao, however, dismissed such prayers, stating it was better to rely on her. She predicted the pirates would be wiped out this year, leading to significant profits. Zhao Zhangru teased Dou Zhao, calling her a "female Zhuge Liang.

" Dou Zhao, in turn, joked about Zhao Zhangru’s failure to find a husband this year. As the two sisters playfully argued, the maid, Susu, came with good news, and they teased her too, causing Susu to drop her silver notes into the water. They stopped their antics to dry the notes. Susu praised Dou Zhao for her foresight, noting that the goods they stockpiled last year, such as tea and silk, had risen in value.

She believed Futing would grow even more prosperous. However, Dou Zhao decided to sell all the goods and ships, predicting that after the pirates were eradicated, the local officials would increase taxes, making business less profitable. Zhao Zhangru, fully trusting Dou Zhao, joked that if Dou Zhao became the richest person in town, her stepmother and the Marquis of Jining's family would beg to propose marriage.

Suddenly, a messenger from the Dou family arrived, claiming Dou Shiying was gravely ill and wished to see his daughter. Dou Zhao initially refused but agreed after receiving a nod of approval from her mentor, Chen Qushui. When Song Mo returned home, he brought a battle sword as a gift for his younger brother. Song Yichun, however, continued to belittle Song Mo, particularly resenting Jiang Meisun’s attitude toward him. Song Yichun accused Jiang Meisun of targeting him intentionally.

Jiang Huisun, hoping to ease tensions, comforted her son and persuaded her husband while hurrying to the kitchen to cook Song Mo’s favorite dishes. Despite her efforts, Song Yichun kept complaining. When Song Mo defended Jiang Meisun, Song Yichun angrily questioned whose son he truly was. Feeling frustrated, Song Mo wandered the streets. Watching a father accompany his child reminded him of how kind his father was to his younger brother, deepening his feelings of loneliness.

On the bustling street, a storyteller was performing a shadow play of Records of the Enlightened Age. Unintentionally, Song Mo found himself near the scene. He picked up a mask and put it on. At the same time, Dou Zhao descended from her carriage, returning to her family home, where she noticed the guests invited for the day's banquet were all children of high-ranking officials. Her younger sister, Dou Ming, rushed to greet her, noticing Dou Zhao’s plain attire.

Dou Ming tried to persuade her to change, but Wang Yingxue interrupted and urged them to meet the guests. Despite Dou Ming's reluctance, she followed her mother’s orders. Dou Shiying and his brother, Dou Laowu, came out with the guests. Dou Laowu publicly criticized Dou Zhao for dressing plainly, comparing her to Dou Ming’s maid. Dou Zhao, however, explained her simplicity as intentional, pointing out that due to the recent wars, even the emperor and empress practiced frugality.

As officials, they should set an example. Dou Laowu, realizing his oversight, praised her observation. Dou Shiying immediately ordered Dou Ming to change her attire and replaced the lanterns in the mansion with simpler ones. Dou Zhao’s remarks also caught Wu Shan’s attention. Under the magnolia tree, Dou Zhao admired the blossoms, which were especially vibrant this year. Dou Shiying explained that he personally tended the tree to restore its bloom.

Dou Zhao bluntly revealed that her earlier remarks about frugality were deliberate. In reality, her plain attire was because her mother’s death anniversary was approaching. She also exposed the true purpose of the banquet—to present the Dou family's daughters to potential suitors. She declared that she would not be used to secure court alliances, urging them to pin their hopes on Dou Ming instead. This left Dou Shiying feeling deeply remorseful.

Dou Zhao overheard several young men mocking them, calling Zhao Zhangru a “sugarcane tail” and describing Dou Zhao as a wealthy target. Furious, Dou Zhao deliberately spilled water on them and threw some coins to attract Wu Shan’s attention. Wu Shan avoided the commotion but noticed Dou Zhao’s presence, which further increased his admiration for her.

Dou Zhao and Song Mo both unknowingly entered the same theater to watch a play. Separated only by a screen, they each expressed their interpretations of the play. Eventually, they removed the screen to see whose understanding was more accurate. To their surprise, the play turned out to be neither a tragedy nor a happy ending. In their conversation, Song Mo revealed his inner conflict between familial affection and moral principles.

Dou Zhao, seeing through his thoughts, advised him to separate the two: to be a son behind closed doors and to follow reason in public matters. On stage, a riddle-guessing game began, drawing a crowd. Dou Zhao repeatedly guessed correctly. Song Mo, amazed by her ability even to identify weaponry, jokingly suspected she was disguised as a man. Dou Zhao retorted with a smile, asserting that women are no less capable than men.

Though both were wearing masks, it felt as if they could see each other clearly. They answered every riddle correctly until, during the last question, Song Mo hesitated. Memories of feeling like an outsider in his family surfaced—watching his father show kindness only to his younger brother. Lost in thought, he missed his chance to answer, and Dou Zhao seized the victory. As Song Mo left, Dou Zhao observed his departing figure and pondered his thoughts.

She asked Su Xin to send the prize lantern to him along with a letter. Song Mo was surprised by Dou Zhao’s perceptiveness. When Yan Chaoqing later visited him, he noticed a scented sachet tied to Song Mo’s waist and realized it must have accidentally come from Dou Zhao during their encounter. He decided to return it in the future. Shortly after Dou Zhao left the theater, she was ambushed and taken to an abandoned temple by Pang Kunbai.

Pang Kunbai had malicious intentions toward her, but Dou Zhao had anticipated this and prepared accordingly. Her men captured Pang Kunbai, killed several of his subordinates, and planned to hand him over to the authorities. Just then, Yuan Tong arrived, kicked Pang Kunbai away, and urged him to flee. Su Xin was puzzled by Yuan Tong's actions, wondering why he would help Pang Kunbai escape.

Pang Kunbai hurriedly returned to report to Wang Yingxue, who was revealed to be his aunt and the mastermind behind the plot. Yuan Tong, leading Dou Zhao and her people, searched Wang Yingxue’s room and found Pang Kunbai hiding there. Dou Zhao praised Yuan Tong’s resourcefulness, noting that reporting the case to the authorities would likely have been ineffective due to the Wang family's influence. However, exposing the matter on the spot left Wang Yingxue with no room to maneuver.

Dou Shiying furiously reprimanded Wang Yingxue in private. Wang Yingxue tearfully lamented that ever since Zhao Guqiu’s death, Dou Shiying had blamed everything on her. She argued that she had been entirely devoted to the Dou family. Seeing her distress, Dou Shiying softened and consoled her. Meanwhile, Dou Ming arrived and attempted to mediate between her mother and Dou Zhao, but Wang Yingxue dismissed her daughter as useless.

She regretted leaving her daughter to be raised by others, feeling it led to her own lack of male heirs and a lifetime of conflict. Tearfully, Dou Ming begged her mother not to take risks on her behalf. Wang Yingxue reassured her that everything she did was for Dou Ming’s future. Her dowry and background would be essential for survival; otherwise, she would always live cautiously. Later, Dou Shiying caught up with Dou Zhao and blamed himself for her constant grievances.

Dou Zhao brushed it off, saying she had grown accustomed to it. Watching her walk away, Dou Shiying’s guilt deepened. Yuan Tong stayed at the manor, and Dou Zhao personally cooked for him. When asked how they met, Dou Zhao thought of Ji Yong, the monk from her past life, but she lied, saying they met at a temple. Cui Shi’s illness worsened, but due to gender propriety, she refused treatment.

Yuan Tong took her pulse and determined it wasn’t serious. With Dou Zhao’s persuasion, Cui Shi agreed to treatment and gradually recovered, for which Dou Zhao felt deeply grateful. Yuan Tong asked for Dou Zhao’s perspective on life, to which she replied that death is inevitable, so one must make the most of life and help others if possible.

Images of her past life flashed in her mind, and she decided to learn medicine from Yuan Tong, who readily agreed and began teaching her the art of healing. Cui Shi noticed the closeness between Ji Yong and Dou Zhao, feeling comforted but also aware that their relationship could never blossom. Ji Yong soon prepared to leave for his imperial examination, bidding farewell to Dou Zhao.

She couldn’t understand why someone so talented as Ji Yong would eventually choose to become a monk. Meanwhile, the common people suffered greatly from hunger. Song Mo raided corrupt officials’ homes, uncovering hidden treasures behind walls. Knowing Song Mo’s reputation, some officials voluntarily surrendered their wealth. However, Eunuch Ding disapproved of Song Mo’s actions and complained to Jiang Meisun, who took full responsibility, asserting that the people’s suffering took precedence over all else.

Dou Zhao, too, organized efforts to repair a dam, fearing it might collapse due to relentless rain. She assured Cui Shi that she would be safe at the manor. Elsewhere, Song Mo gave a jade hairpin he had taken from a prisoner to a little girl, telling her to exchange it for food. However, the girl accidentally dropped the hairpin and was nearly struck by a carriage. Song Mo saved her but was injured by the carriage’s cargo, losing consciousness.

At the same moment, Dou Zhao felt a sharp pain in her chest. While unconscious, Song Mo dreamed of the masked girl and the flower behind her ear. Upon waking, he examined the scented sachet. Legend had it that Emperor Xuanzong used such a sachet to dream of Yang Guifei when he missed her. Song Mo believed the girl had saved his life. While Dou Zhao tended to refugees, Wu Shan also assisted the people.

Amid the crowd, the two exchanged smiles. That night, Dou Zhao dreamed of Song Mo and woke up startled. Su Xin reported that a group claiming to be merchants had arrived at the manor, seeking shelter. However, their hands were calloused, raising Chen Qushui’s suspicions. Uneasy, Dou Zhao asked Su Xin to invite Chen Qushui for a discussion.

Jiang Meisun was urgently summoned back to the capital by the Emperor. Song Mo, worried about his uncle, helped organize his clothing while expressing concern about the injury on his shoulder. He pressured Commander Chen to reveal the reason for the Emperor’s summons. Although Commander Chen appeared uneasy, Jiang Meisun reassured Song Mo, advising him to focus on managing military affairs in his absence. He speculated that the Emperor might want to inquire about disaster relief efforts.

As Jiang Meisun exited the tent, the gathered generals knelt, seeking guidance on how to proceed with disaster relief. Jiang Meisun sternly commanded that regardless of what happened, relief efforts must not cease, and the people's livelihoods should be prioritized. Meanwhile, Song Mo led a group to the manor where Dou Zhao resided. Chen Qushui recognized Yan Chaoqing among the visitors, who was a trusted aide of the Duke of Dingguo.

Chen Qushui, once a subordinate of Zhang Kai, recalled how Zhang Kai abandoned the city during a crisis and neglected its people, leading to his execution by Jiang Meisun on the battlefield. Chen Qushui confessed his past actions to Dou Zhao, fearing that Yan Chaoqing would recognize him and implicate Dou Zhao. Dou Zhao supported her mentor Chen Qushui, reminding him of the promise she made when taking him as an advisor—to never question his past.

However, Chen Qushui remained worried that his history could endanger everyone in the manor, as Yan Chaoqing's group had brought along a child, indicating potential trouble. Dou Zhao recalled the "Records of the Enlightened Age," which mentioned a child connected to the Duke of Dingguo. She deduced that the respected young man traveling with the group was likely Song Mo, the heir. Hearing this, Chen Qushui grew more anxious and offered to surrender himself, but Dou Zhao firmly stopped him.

In another room, Song Mo held Jiang Meisun’s son while listening to Yan Chaoqing’s report. He concluded that those associated with Chen Qushui were untrustworthy and resolved to eliminate everyone to protect the child’s identity. Dou Zhao and her group were soon surrounded by Song Mo’s forces. Dou Zhao claimed to be a court official investigating matters related to the Duke of Dingguo, but Song Mo quickly saw through her guise.

Holding a sword to Dou Zhao’s throat, he pointed out the flaws in her fabricated identity. Dou Zhao, maintaining her composure despite her racing thoughts, locked eyes with Song Mo and unexpectedly called out his name. Song Mo was briefly taken aback, sensing familiarity in Dou Zhao’s gaze, but pressed on. Just as Song Mo was about to act, Su Xin and Su Lan captured the wet nurse and child, forcing Song Mo to halt.

Dou Zhao explained that her actions were not meant to harm the child but to create an opportunity for negotiation. During the ensuing discussions, both Dou Zhao and Chen Qushui analyzed the current political situation and shared their insights into the Emperor’s intentions, offering a strategy to resolve the crisis and save the Duke of Dingguo while earning the Emperor’s favor. Song Mo found Dou Zhao’s reasoning compelling but remained suspicious of her identity and motives.

When the child began crying and the wet nurse couldn’t calm him, Dou Zhao suggested feeding him goat’s milk, which surprisingly worked. Her knowledge of childcare amazed the group, as it was unexpected for a young woman like her to possess such skills. Dou Zhao later arranged a meal for everyone, with Song Mo’s men assisting in preparation. The tense atmosphere gradually eased.

Song Mo questioned why Dou Zhao would risk herself in such a dangerous matter, warning her of the potential consequences if the Shadow Guard discovered her involvement. Dou Zhao cryptically replied that she wanted to safeguard someone’s future, though she privately recalled Song Mo’s tragic fate in her past life. At that moment, Manor Master Tan arrived with his men, expressing gratitude to the Duke of Dingguo’s household.

He also vouched for Dou Zhao, pledging to protect both her and the child. Song Mo acknowledged this gesture and informed Dou Zhao that her actions had secured the manor’s safety. The following day, Dou Zhao noticed Song Mo interacting with a young girl, discussing dogtail grass. The warm and kind youth seemed completely different from the cold and ruthless man she had faced the previous night.

Song Mo also spotted Dou Zhao and, perhaps reflecting on their recent negotiation, seemed lost in thought. Song Mo requested to take Chen Qushui as a hostage, which Dou Zhao understood was a precautionary measure. In return, she asked Yan Chaoqing to remain as a guest. Both parties reluctantly agreed to this exchange. After Song Mo left, he investigated Dou Zhao’s background and learned she was abandoned by her family and sent to the manor.

However, he noted that all her maids and servants were skilled fighters, which contradicted the rumors of her being discarded. Song Mo concluded that Dou Zhao was far from an ordinary noblewoman. Meanwhile, Dou Zhao finally relaxed, drinking several cups of water after the tension of dealing with Song Mo. She silently hoped to avoid confronting his penetrating gaze again. Later, Su Ansu and Zhao Zhangru visited Song Mo.

Meanwhile, due to Lady Cui’s charitable efforts, Dou Shiying petitioned for her recognition, which delighted Lady Cui. She personally made wontons as a gesture of gratitude, bringing a smile to Dou Zhao’s face. Elsewhere, Wang Yingxue prepared desserts for Dou Shiying, hoping he would comment on Dou Ming’s calligraphy. However, Dou Shiying dismissed it as merely a hobby and encouraged Dou Ming to pursue it for personal enjoyment rather than results.

At Dou Ming’s urging, Dou Shiying eventually tasted the dessert and praised Wang Yingxue’s cooking. Using this opportunity, he proposed moving Lady Cui in with them after her commendation was approved. Though Wang Yingxue outwardly agreed, she secretly resented his favoritism toward Lady Cui and wished Dou Zhao would also return home. Following Dou Zhao’s advice, Song Mo maneuvered court officials into forming two factions to impeach Jiang Meisun.

The contradictory accusations created the impression that Jiang Meisun was not forming cliques, paving the way for his release. However, Dou Wushou, unaware of this plan, clashed with Elder Wu during court debates, accusing Jiang Meisun of harboring personal ambition. Though he apologized afterward, Elder Wu placed him on leave as punishment. As Song Mo left the court, he encountered Elder Wu outside, crossing paths with Dou Wushou.

Yunyang Bo came to find Song Mo and learned that there was a woman, comparable to Zhuge Liang, advising Song Mo behind the scenes. Yunyang Bo had also contributed significantly to these efforts. Noticing the sachet ball hanging on Song Mo’s waist, he immediately guessed it belonged to someone Song Mo admired.

Yunyang Bo offered to help propose marriage on his behalf, reassuring Song Mo not to worry and asserting that the Duke of Dingguo would surely emerge from this crisis unscathed. However, Song Mo still felt uneasy. From Wu Ge’lao, Song Mo heard about Dou Shishu’s comments in court. Wu Ge’lao also mentioned he should try the Dou family’s zongzi when he had the chance.

Song Mo didn’t understand the deeper meaning behind this, but the remark deepened his suspicions about the Dou family. His guards, Lu Zheng and Lu Ming, even began to question why Dou Zhao, an unmarried woman from the inner chambers, had such a grasp on court affairs. They speculated that the Dou family might all be pieces on her chessboard and worried they themselves might fall under her control.

Song Mo, though disturbed, decided to observe the situation quietly for now. Dou Shishu, frustrated at being forced into a leave of absence, sought to strengthen court alliances. He approached Wang Yingxue, suggesting they arrange marriages between Wu Shan and Dou Ming, as well as Wei Tingyu and Dou Zhao. Wang Yingxue understood his intentions but saw potential mutual benefits and readily agreed to facilitate the matchmaking. She immediately sent out invitations.

Her subordinate worried that Dou Ming would be overshadowed since Wei Tingyu’s status was higher than Wu Shan’s. However, Wang Yingxue had already done her research. Although Wu Shan's rank was relatively low, Wei Tingyu was a notorious playboy who wasted his family’s wealth and frequented brothels. His family had long been in decline, with his elder sister Wei Tingzhen marrying into an ordinary household with no real standing.

When Wei Tingzhen received the invitation, she found Wei Tingyu at a brothel, discussing poetry and painting. She demanded he meet the Dou family’s daughters and fulfill the arranged marriage. Wei Tingyu, already biased against Dou Zhao for her rumored vulgarity, initially resisted. Wei Tingzhen, however, persuaded him by highlighting Dou Zhao’s beauty and wealth. Reluctantly, Wei Tingyu agreed to meet her.

Hearing that Wei Tingyu was coming to visit, Dou Zhao recalled her previous life, where she had suffered under his abuse after their marriage. He had even falsely accused her of colluding with Song Mo. This time, she was determined to settle the score. When Wei Tingyu arrived at the Dou residence, he first saw Dou Ming chasing butterflies and was moved by her delicate grace. Then he noticed Dou Zhao shooting arrows and was startled by her bold demeanor.

Wu Shan, on the other hand, admired Dou Zhao's confidence and strength. Dou Zhao deliberately portrayed herself as someone with interests opposite to Wei Tingyu’s, hoping to dissuade him. When Dou Ming expressed interest in archery, she was scolded by Wang Yingxue, who admonished her that such activities were inappropriate for women. Wu Shan, observing Dou Zhao miss several shots, stepped in and hit the target effortlessly with his own bow and arrow.

Dou Zhao then challenged Wei Tingyu to try archery. Wei Tingyu, eager to impress Dou Ming, boasted about his archery skills, only to miss repeatedly and hit the roof instead of the target gourd. Dou Zhao mocked him by perfectly following the techniques he had bragged about, hitting the target in one shot. Embarrassed and frustrated, Wei Tingyu desperately wanted to withdraw from the marriage but couldn’t find a valid excuse.

Meanwhile, Dou Ming felt inadequate, comparing her skills to her elder sister’s and blaming herself for not being as capable. Wei Tingyu, however, consoled her, remarking that branches and arrows each had their own roles and strengths, and there was no need for self-doubt. He even gently removed a leaf from Dou Ming’s hair, causing her heart to flutter as she hurriedly excused herself. Later, both Dou Ming and Dou Zhao presented embroidered tiger tokens.

Dou Zhao intentionally used coarse stitches to make hers look rough, ensuring Dou Ming’s would stand out. Wei Tingyu grudgingly accepted Dou Zhao’s token but secretly admired the one Wu Shan held, which Dou Ming had embroidered. Wu Shan, however, preferred Dou Zhao’s rugged work. Wang Yingxue organized a butterfly-catching event, hoping to foster connections among the young guests. She subtly tried to pair Dou Ming with Wu Shan.

However, in the garden, Wei Tingyu dropped his tiger token, which Wu Shan picked up. When Wu Shan attempted to return it, Wei Tingyu insisted on swapping tokens, favoring the one Dou Ming had made. Just then, a swarm of butterflies, which had been intentionally arranged, flew toward Wu Shan. Meanwhile, in the kitchen, a servant deliberately dirtied Dou Zhao’s clothes, prompting an elderly maid to insist she go to another room to change.

Dou Ming wanted to follow her in but was stopped by the maid. This raised Dou Zhao’s suspicions, so she barged in with others, discovering Wu Shan unconscious on the bed. Upon inquiry, they learned he had been stung by phoenix butterflies. Dou Zhao examined Wu Shan and found him wearing the tiger token she had made. He was struggling to breathe and had developed red rashes.

Remembering an account from the *Records of the Enlightened Age* that stated Wu Shan had died on this very day during the Dragon Boat Festival, Dou Zhao became furious. She slapped the maid, warning that if anything happened to Wu Shan while he was a guest in their home, no one could bear the consequences. Seeing his worsening condition, she immediately ordered him to be moved to an open area outside.

In another room, Sheng Tianfu Yin, Dai Jian, was chatting with Dou Shishu, who presented him with zongzi as a gift. Dai Jian casually touched the zongzi, as though realizing something. Unexpectedly, Song Mo arrived with soldiers carrying the zongzi from Wu Ge’lao’s residence. These zongzi, also sent by Dou Shishu, were examined by Song Mo, who revealed they contained gold.

He sternly warned Dou Shishu that if he dared to frame Jiang Meisun again, he would present these zongzi directly to the emperor. At this moment, news arrived that Wu Shan had been carried to the open ground outside. Wu Shan was the grandson of Wu Ge’lao. Fearing harm, Song Mo rushed to the scene, only to find Dou Zhao about to administer acupuncture. Dai Jian, furious, insisted Wu Shan be taken to a doctor.

Dou Zhao explained that she had already sent for one, but the closest doctor was ten miles away, and Wu Shan might not survive the journey. Dou Zhao grabbed Song Mo’s sleeve and implored him to look into her eyes. She knew he had the ability to read people’s true intentions and pleaded with him to trust her, assuring him she genuinely wanted to save Wu Shan and could do so.

Song Mo, moved by her sincerity, gave the order for his guards to surround them with screens, forbidding anyone to look in their direction under threat of death. Terrified of Song Mo, the onlookers complied. Dai Jian accused Song Mo of defiance, and Dou Shishu criticized him for acting arrogantly on their estate. However, Song Mo rebuffed them both. Just then, Wu Shan coughed up blood onto one of the screens. Wang Yingxue accused Dou Zhao of endangering the Dou family, while Dou Shishu and Dai Jian shifted all blame onto Song Mo.

Dai Jian testified that Song Mo had unlawfully broken into a private residence, pinning all the blame on him. At this moment, Madam Cui and Dou Shiying arrived. Madam Cui advised Song Mo to assess the situation clearly, warning him that his efforts to help Jiang Meisun might inadvertently harm him instead.

Song Mo humbly apologized to Madam Cui, acknowledging that while this matter could not be brought to court, it had revealed many truths to him, which he now understood. Madam Cui then turned to Dai Jian, asking him to let this issue go for her sake. Dai Jian took the opportunity to de-escalate the matter and agreed not to pursue it further with Song Mo. When Wu Shan vomited blood again, the physician finally arrived.

After examining Wu Shan, he declared that there was no major health issue, and it was fortunate that Dou Zhao had acted to save him in time. Wu Shan expressed his deep gratitude toward Dou Zhao, but Song Mo reminded Wu Shan that the cause of his illness must be investigated further.

Wu Shan explained that his condition originated from a lung disease contracted during disaster relief efforts and that the episode triggered by the phoenix butterflies was beyond human control, completely unrelated to Dou Zhao. Song Mo did not elaborate further but had Wu Shan sent home while discreetly removing the tiger talisman from Wu Shan's waist. When no one else was around, Song Mo confronted Dou Zhao about the tiger talisman, accusing her of having ulterior motives.

Dou Zhao hastily explained that her rescue of Wu Shan proved she had no hidden agenda. However, Song Mo remained skeptical, staring intently at her. Dou Zhao grew uneasy and, realizing that Song Mo had seen through her lies, he warned her that she owed him an explanation. Dou Zhao then approached Wang Yingxue with the tiger talisman in hand, demanding an explanation.

She pointed out that the talisman had been soaked in Hehuan incense, clearly an attempt to implicate her and Wei Tingyu in a scandal. However, Dou Zhao firmly declared that she would never marry Wei Tingyu. Wang Yingxue feigned ignorance, claiming she had no idea what had happened, but emphasized that Wu Shan was someone she had carefully chosen for Dou Ming and would not allow Dou Zhao to interfere. She insisted that Dou Zhao should marry Wei Tingyu instead.

On the way home, Wei Tingyu repeatedly voiced his dissatisfaction with Dou Zhao. However, Wei Tingzhen argued that the family needed a bride who could bring wealth to their household. She pointed out that, while their family had an empty reputation, Dou Zhao’s dowry would be substantial. Wei Tingzhen added that if Wei Tingyu didn’t like Dou Zhao, he could always take a concubine. Unable to bear the nagging, Wei Tingyu reluctantly agreed to marry Dou Zhao.

Song Mo visited Wu Shan, who scolded him for doubting Dou Zhao, pointing out that she had saved his life. However, Song Mo, while acknowledging that Dou Zhao was uninvolved in the incident, also noted that she had concealed certain truths. He warned Wu Shan to stay away from the Dou family, as they were not as simple as they seemed.

Wu Shan, on the other hand, believed that Dou Zhao might have feelings for him, which filled him with delight. Seeing that he could not dissuade Wu Shan, Song Mo could only shake his head in resignation. Back at home, Song Mo shared his concerns about the Dou family, noting that Dou Shishu’s hunger for power and Dou Zhao’s cleverness made them a dangerous combination.

However, Jiang Huisun offered a different perspective, stating that Dou Zhao, having been ostracized since childhood, likely developed her cunning as a means of self-preservation. Just then, Lu Ming and Lu Zheng reported back, confirming that the phoenix butterfly incident was not orchestrated by Dou Zhao, which aligned with Song Mo’s earlier suspicions. Dou Zhao knelt before her father and Dou Shishu, pleading for them to cancel her engagement to Wei Tingyu. However, Dou Shishu slapped her harshly.

Although Dou Shiying was displeased with Dou Shishu’s actions, he dared not interfere with the marriage arrangements. Dou Zhao accused her father of being weak. Just then, Madam Cui arrived and scolded her two sons for pressuring Dou Zhao. Dou Shishu retorted, blaming their mother for raising Dou Zhao in a way that brought harm to the family.

As Madam Cui was grieving, Wang Yingxue hurriedly entered with a commendation decree, misleading Madam Cui into believing that Dou Shiying had coerced her into agreeing to Dou Zhao’s marriage. Outraged, Madam Cui left with Dou Zhao, vowing never to return. Wang Yingxue pretended to chase after them, while Dou Shiying attempted to follow, only to be stopped by Dou Shishu, who advised him not to let himself be caught in the crossfire.

Dou Zhao saw through Wang Yingxue’s ploy and warned her that while she had previously overlooked Wang Yingxue’s schemes, any harm to Madam Cui would result in consequences a hundredfold worse. Feeling distressed over Dou Zhao’s injuries, Madam Cui regretted not retaliating against Dou Shishu earlier. As she caressed Dou Zhao’s face with tears in her eyes, Dou Zhao comforted her grandmother and asked about her past.

Madam Cui recounted that her marriage to Dou Duo, arranged by her parents, had been a disaster. Dou Duo was depraved, preying on every woman around him. When he tried to harm Cui’s maid, Tuo Niang, who had already been betrothed, Madam Cui struck him with a vase to save her maid. However, her actions led to her condemnation by the Dou family, who accused her of harming her husband and banished her to a rural estate as an outcast.

Even her own son, Dou Shishu, rebuked her for being unfit to be a mother. From then on, Madam Cui refused to carry the Dou surname and lived in the countryside. She expressed her determination not to let Dou Zhao suffer the same fate. Dou Zhao reassured her grandmother, stating that such Dou family members did not deserve to be called family. She added that their true family was comprised of themselves, Zhao Zhangru, and Miao Ansu.

Madam Cui felt comforted by her words. Wu Shan came to thank Dou Zhao personally, expressing his feelings and offering to marry her, reasoning that her actions to save him had tarnished her reputation as a woman. However, Dou Zhao dismissed these concerns, pointing out that their families were incompatible. She enjoyed her current carefree life, which was not something a prominent family could accept.

Wu Shan seemed to understand her, sharing his admiration and promising to protect her from societal constraints. Dou Zhao, however, did not wish for Wu Shan to sacrifice too much for her and simply encouraged him to pursue a successful career. She hinted that they might not meet again. Before parting, Wu Shan gifted her a handmade item. Zhao Zhangru noted Wu Shan’s sincerity and asked Dou Zhao if she had been moved.

Dou Zhao replied that falling for someone was easy, but heartbreak was even easier. Shortly afterward, Dou Ming sent her a letter requesting to meet under the full moon. Dou Zhao found herself thinking that Dou Ming seemed different from the person she had previously thought to be hypocritical. Dou Ming, while writing, noticed that the paper was unlike what she usually used.

She recalled Wei Tingyu’s earlier remarks about tree bark being used to make paper, which stirred her feelings toward him. Dou Shishu’s memorial was rejected, forcing him to personally deliver it to Wu Ge’lao, who tossed it aside. Wang Xingyi retrieved it and handed it back to Dou Shishu, offering a few words of advice out of respect for Wang Yingxue and Dou Shiying. The Emperor’s Shadow Guard escorted Jiang Meisun to the court, giving Song Mo hope.

He believed that if the Emperor met Jiang Meisun, his uncle might finally return home. Song Mo even prepared medicine for his uncle. However, upon reaching the palanquin, he found it empty. Together with Yunyang Bo, he boarded a boat but found no one. Realizing something was wrong, Yunyang Bo created a loud commotion to distract the guards, while Song Mo snuck below deck, where he found Jiang Meisun’s lifeless body.

The Shadow Guard claimed that pirates were responsible, but the wounds suggested otherwise. Overwhelmed with guilt, Song Mo knelt before his uncle’s body, blaming himself for not accompanying him back to the capital. He removed half of his uncle’s measuring stick and wore it on his waist before apprehending the Shadow Guard eunuch to seek answers from the Emperor.

The Emperor and Empress were paying respects to their ancestors when Song Mo barged in, kneeling before the Emperor and demanding an explanation for Jiang Meisun’s death. The Emperor was incredulous, claiming that he had been eagerly awaiting Jiang Meisun’s report and would never harm him. Song Mo presented a token, an item from the Emperor’s past.

The Emperor took the broken ruler in his hand, tears falling as he remembered their youth. Back then, Ji Yong had always protected him. When the Emperor had Ji Yong secretly escort him out of the palace, Ji Yong ended up being punished with beatings. Every plan had been the Emperor’s idea, yet it was always Ji Yong who bore the consequences. The Emperor felt that having Ji Yong by his side had been his greatest fortune.

The Emperor had once broken the ruler himself, gifting Ji Yong half of it, symbolizing an unbreakable bond of trust between them. It was a personal agreement akin to an ironclad promise: no matter what Ji Yong did, the Emperor would never punish him and would always believe in him. Song Mo questioned the Emperor, asking why he had broken his promise and started doubting Ji Yong.

Stricken with grief, the Emperor ordered an investigation to find those responsible for harming Ji Yong, vowing not to let any of them escape. Overwhelmed with emotion, the Emperor collapsed, coughing up blood, and the Empress ordered Song Mo to be detained. Song Yichun informed Jiang Huisun, who was gravely ill, about Song Mo’s situation. Although the Emperor had regained consciousness, he had yet to pass judgment.

Song Yichun suggested gambling on the Emperor’s sentiments, which made Jiang Huisun even more anxious, worsening her condition. Meanwhile, Yan Chaoqing, along with Lu Zheng and Lu Ming, learned of Song Mo’s predicament and wanted to rescue him. They blamed everything on the Dou family, vowing to make the entire family pay if anything happened to Song Mo. However, Dou Zhao intervened, cautioning them against rash actions that could worsen the situation.

She explained that the Emperor had not convicted Song Mo yet because Ji Yong was already dead, and the Emperor likely hoped for a turning point. She reminded them that the court was now controlled by Wu Ge’lao and Wang Xingyi, and any reckless rescue attempt would only give them an excuse to convict Song Mo. Yan Chaoqing acknowledged Dou Zhao’s reasoning and knelt to beg her for help.

Dou Zhao agreed and took them to her paper mill, which supplied most of the paper used in the capital. The mill also served as a hub for gathering information. She believed that locating the Emperor’s whereabouts could lead to a solution. Yan Chaoqing expressed concern that Song Mo might be harmed in prison, but Dou Zhao reassured him, saying she had already sent Suxin to handle the matter.

In prison, Wang Ge attempted to torture Song Mo, but Yunyang Bo appeared and claimed he had been punished with imprisonment specifically to keep an eye on Wang Ge’s actions. Wang Ge, intimidated, left without daring to act further. In reality, Yunyang Bo had deliberately provoked someone to get himself imprisoned. When Song Mo learned of this, he couldn’t help but laugh, realizing it was Dou Zhao’s plan that had allowed Yunyang Bo to gain entry.

Song Mo bribed a eunuch in charge of paper supplies in the palace to gather intelligence. He learned that the Emperor had only met with Wu Ge’lao in recent days and spent most of his time staring at the broken ruler or writing. After three days without results, Yan Chaoqing angrily confronted Dou Zhao, demanding answers. Dou Zhao, pretending to show him something, caught him off guard and had her subordinates detain him in an abandoned house.

The Emperor summoned Dou Shishu to the palace, asking for advice on how to handle Song Mo. Dou Shishu, aware of the Emperor’s intent to release Song Mo, praised him as a pillar of the nation and suggested that the blame lay with Song Mo’s subordinates, not Song Mo himself. The Emperor entrusted Dou Shishu with handling the matter and commended him for being capable of taking on great responsibilities.

Soon after, an imperial decree pardoned Song Mo, Yunyang Bo, and Gu Yu while exiling the entire Jiang family. When Song Mo was released, Dou Zhao celebrated with fireworks and draped a cloak over him, expressing her hope that he would also release Chen Qushui. Song Mo, understanding that his release was thanks to Dou Zhao, sincerely thanked her, which made her secretly happy.

After Dou Zhao left, Yan Chaoqing approached Song Mo, confessing his recklessness and revealing their failed jailbreak attempt that had been thwarted by Dou Zhao. Song Mo reprimanded them lightly and told them to go home. Back at home, Song Mo’s younger brother awaited him at the door. When he entered to greet his parents, he overheard their conversation. Song Yichun feared being implicated and urged Jiang Huisun to distance herself from the Jiang family.

Upon seeing Song Mo, Song Yichun scolded him as usual. Jiang Huisun, distressed by Song Mo’s injuries, coughed heavily and advised him to find someone who truly understood him. Song Mo became momentarily lost in thought, recalling the girl in the mask with a red flower behind her ear. Jiang Huisun speculated that Dou Zhao might be Song Mo’s love interest. Song Mo seemed surprised but did not confirm it.

Jiang Huisun remarked that Dou Zhao was loyal and kind, though it was unfortunate she was born into the Dou family, as that might corrupt her over time. Jiang Huisun revealed that Wu Ge’lao refused to form a marriage alliance with the Dou family due to Dou Shishu’s involvement in Ji Yong’s death. He had ordered Wu Shan to marry someone else.

However, Wu Shan, deeply in love with Dou Zhao, knelt in the pouring rain to express his determination, resulting in a high fever. Jiang Huisun worried that if Wu Shan’s condition worsened, it would devastate Wu Ge’lao. The tension between Wu Ge’lao and the Dou family had escalated, becoming common knowledge in the capital. Wu Shan, already suffering from lung disease, now refused medicine or treatment due to his fever, causing concern for both Yan Chaoqing and Song Mo.

They learned that Imperial Physician Li would return to the capital that evening. While waiting, Song Mo spotted Chen Qushui from a distance and planned to release him as agreed. Yan Chaoqing, however, cautioned that honorable intentions could not guard against treachery. Meanwhile, Wu Ge’lao tried to reason with Wu Shan, urging him to see the bigger picture. He reminded Wu Shan that he had always protected him, but if he were gone, no one would shield the Wu family.

Though Wu Shan enjoyed woodworking as a hobby, the situation was different now. If he disliked the Liang family’s daughter, Wu Ge’lao suggested someone else. However, Wu Shan refused, leading to another argument. In frustration, Wu Ge’lao smashed one of Wu Shan’s wooden creations. As the two quarreled, a carriage carrying Imperial Physician Li arrived at the gate. Yet, the person stepping out of the carriage was Dou Zhao in disguise.

Grand Secretary Wu scolded his grandson Wu Shan angrily, emphasizing that imperial power outweighed everything. He lamented that Wu Shan, hiding in his room working on carpentry, couldn’t shield himself from danger. In his fury, the Grand Secretary smashed Wu Shan’s wooden craft. When news came that Imperial Physician Li had arrived, the Grand Secretary calmed himself and ordered the physician to be brought in. However, Wu Shan refused treatment.

A servant brought out a wooden box, explaining that Imperial Physician Li had said Wu Shan could open it if he refused to see her. Wu Shan looked back and recognized it as a piece of carpentry he had gifted to Dou Zhao. Meanwhile, Song Mo prepared a farewell meal for Chen Quishui. Both Song Mo and Yan Chaoxing acknowledged that while Chen Quishui had once served a questionable master, he was undeniably talented.

They wondered why he chose to serve Dou Zhao. Chen Quishui admitted he carried guilt from past mistakes, and Dou Zhao had taken him in as a strategist despite his history, allowing him a peaceful life in his later years. This deepened Song Mo's curiosity about Dou Zhao. Dou Zhao visited Wu Shan, urging him not to be stubborn. She shared his perspective on arranged marriages, noting that it was cruel for unwilling individuals to be forced together.

Wu Shan explained that he hadn’t fallen ill to manipulate Dou Zhao. He recalled the time he gifted her a present and she asked him how someone without the freedom to choose his responsibilities could protect himself. Wu Shan admitted he had always respected his grandfather and never defied him, except in marriage.

Dou Zhao advised that if Wu Shan supported the Grand Secretary in court, the elder wouldn’t have to worry about his marriage, as Wu Shan’s abilities could revive the family. Her words enlightened Wu Shan. As Dou Zhao left, Wu Shan expressed his desire to see her again, but Dou Zhao simply hoped he could find happiness, which would ease her worries more than their meeting again.

Su Lan arrived to escort Chen Quishui back, which puzzled Song Mo as he had expected Dou Zhao to come. Around the same time, Imperial Physician Li was brought back by Lu Ming. Song Mo had originally invited the physician to treat Wu Shan, but Dou Zhao had impersonated the physician. Lu Ming had captured Su Xin and reported this to Song Mo, who ordered Lu Ming to summon Dou Zhao for questioning.

As Dou Zhao left, she encountered the Grand Secretary in the hallway. Wearing a large cloak, she avoided recognition, but the Grand Secretary grew suspicious and ordered her to turn around. Just as Dou Zhao panicked, Lu Ming intervened, claiming to escort "Physician Li" to see Song Mo. The Grand Secretary relented, allowing her to leave. Wu Shan, back in his room, stared at the wooden bird Dou Zhao had brought him.

The Grand Secretary, now certain Dou Zhao had visited, urged Wu Shan to rest assured. Wu Shan apologized to his grandfather and confessed his feelings. He admitted that his life had always been prearranged by his grandfather, leaving him envious of Dou Zhao and Song Mo’s freedom. Now, however, he understood the deep waters of court politics and wanted to support his grandfather in overcoming challenges. The Grand Secretary, moved to tears, helped Wu Shan to his feet.

Song Mo learned that the court had begun taking action against the Duke of Ding’s army and that the imperial edict was delivered by Dou Shishu. Suspecting Dou Zhao had stalled him to allow this, Song Mo grew angry and ordered her intercepted for questioning. Dou Zhao, unable to provide a satisfactory explanation, lost the chance to reclaim Chen Quishui, retrieving only Su Xin. Su Xin asked why Dou Zhao didn’t explain herself, but Dou Zhao, feeling helpless, shook her head.

Without evidence, the coincidences were impossible to clarify. Lu Ming, frustrated by Dou Zhao’s unpredictability, suggested that marrying her would be the only way to keep her in check. Song Mo remained silent but believed Dou Zhao might be innocent in this matter. Meanwhile, Song Mo continued investigating the escort responsible for returning Jiang Meisun to the palace. He learned that the travel permit listed nine individuals, but there were only eight casualties aboard the ship.

The missing individual was Chen Jia, a former Shadow Guard dismissed due to his gambling habits. Chen Jia’s foster father, however, valued his skills and kept him close, despite not officially listing him as part of the crew. The night of the ambush, high-ranking officials led a surprise attack against the Shadow Guards, killing everyone aboard, including Chen Jia’s foster father. The attackers used Dongyu-style blade techniques, seemingly to frame others. Chen Jia, arriving late, found his foster father slain.

Knowing escape was futile, he jumped into the water and fled, overwhelmed by guilt. He lived in gambling dens, drowning his sorrows, until Song Mo tracked him down. After paying Chen Jia’s debts, Song Mo forced him to reveal the truth, chastising him for forgetting his foster father’s death. Chen Jia, regretful, vowed to follow Song Mo and avenge his foster father.

Ji Yong sent a letter reporting that officials at the Maritime Trade Bureau had detained ships belonging to Miao Ansu’s family and demanded she sever ties with Dou Zhao. Realizing the matter involved court politics, Dou Zhao decided to travel to Futing to investigate. Song Mo, too, prepared to leave for Futing, determined to uncover the truth behind Jiang Meisun’s death.

His mother, Jiang Huishun, worriedly reminded him to stay safe, personally draping a cloak over his shoulders and watching tearfully as he departed. Song Mo assured her he would return, urging her to wait for him. As he left, Jiang Huishun’s coughing worsened. While resting on the journey, Dou Zhao appeared preoccupied. Miao Ansu urged her to eat something, reminding her not to worry the Cui family.

Dou Zhao had kept her departure a secret from them, instead instructing her maid to feign illness and cover for her. Zhao Zhangru provided additional support, praying for Dou Zhao’s safe return. In Futing, refugees filled the streets, struggling with hunger. Dou Zhao and her maid began distributing food to the needy. The locals, once reliant on tea farming, were now suffering because their tea couldn’t be sold after the Duke of Ding’s death.

The head of the Maritime Trade Bureau, Ding Wei, summoned Dou Zhao and Miao Ansu. Dou Zhao discreetly signaled Su Xin to stay hidden. In court, Ding Wei accused them of colluding with pirates, demanding their confessions. Refusing to confess, they were threatened with harsher punishment. Dou Zhao rebuked Ding Wei, pointing out the risks of wrongfully convicting them. Ding Wei, undeterred, presented weapons allegedly found on their ship, a clear attempt to frame them.

When Dou Zhao demanded witnesses, Ding Wei failed to provide any and had them imprisoned and tortured. Dou Zhao remained steadfast, knowing Ding Wei feared public backlash if he punished her openly. He claimed that Miao Ansu had already confessed and warned Dou Zhao not to drag others down with her. Dou Zhao, however, trusted that Miao Ansu would never betray her. As Ding Wei prepared to escalate the torture, Song Mo arrived, mocking Ding Wei’s ineffective methods.

Sensing an opportunity, Ding Wei handed the case to Song Mo, believing he would be harsher on Dou Zhao and thus gain his favor. Alone, Song Mo interrogated Dou Zhao, accusing her of colluding with Dou Shishu. Dou Zhao pleaded not to be associated with Dou Shishu, but Song Mo feigned preparing to torture her. Instead, he secretly applied medicinal powder to her wounds and whispered for her to scream convincingly.

Dou Zhao’s exaggerated cries only reinforced Ding Wei’s belief in Song Mo’s ruthlessness. Quietly, Song Mo pressed Dou Zhao for answers. He questioned her substantial investments in Futing, suspecting she had long foreseen the pirate-clearing operation and profited from it. Dou Zhao explained that Jiang Meisun’s valor made such an outcome inevitable. Song Mo, unconvinced, pushed further, revealing that Miao Ansu had disclosed Dou Zhao’s sale of all her ships earlier in the year. It seemed as though Dou Zhao had predicted future events, including Jiang Meisun’s death, and Song Mo demanded to know why.

Song Mo questioned Dou Zhao, and she offered a surface-level explanation. However, Song Mo was not easily fooled. He could sense the turmoil in her heart and detect unspoken words that seemed related to him. Yet, he couldn’t understand why Dou Zhao refused to confide in him. Dou Zhao leaned in and told Song Mo that if they could survive and leave safely, she would explain everything. Song Mo chose to trust her.

Meanwhile, Ji Yong arrived at the prison with an imperial token, demanding to see Miao Ansu and Dou Zhao. Ji Yong had been ordered to take over the case involving Dou Zhao and Miao Ansu. Upon arrival, he immediately recognized that Song Mo was no fool and likely realized Dou Zhao had been wronged.

Knowing Ding Wei was secretly spying from outside, Ji Yong deliberately staged a conflict with Song Mo, even pretending to be injured and bleeding from Song Mo's "attack. " This ruse excited Ding Wei, who wanted to see both sides suffer before stepping in. Leaving guards to monitor the situation, Ding Wei departed, allowing Ji Yong to check Dou Zhao's injuries. Noticing she had already been treated, Ji Yong glanced knowingly at Song Mo.

Despite this, Ji Yong personally reapplied medicine to Dou Zhao’s hand and acted overly familiar, claiming they had grown up together—a relationship Song Mo could never compare to. Song Mo felt a tinge of displeasure at this display. Outside, Lu Zheng and Lu Ming watched the scene unfold. They began to regret allowing Ji Yong inside.

Lu Ming had long suspected that Song Mo harbored feelings for Dou Zhao; otherwise, he wouldn’t have rushed to her side as soon as he heard she was in trouble. They feared Ji Yong might clash with Song Mo over Dou Zhao. Inside the cell, Song Mo, Dou Zhao, and Ji Yong discussed the current situation. Song Mo wanted to board the ship to uncover the truth and clear the Duke of Dingguo's name.

Dou Zhao also insisted on going to seek justice for the Miao family. Seeing their resolve, Ji Yong reluctantly agreed to feign loyalty to Ding Wei to obtain the necessary token for Song Mo and Dou Zhao to access the ship. However, he warned Song Mo not to drag them down. When Song Mo and Dou Zhao reached the dock with the token, the guards, following Ding Wei's earlier orders, refused to let them board.

As Song Mo prepared to use force, Dou Zhao feigned tears, claiming her newly purchased jewelry was aboard the ship. Song Mo seized the opportunity to offer silver, and the guards, tempted by the bribe, secretly allowed them to board with an escort. To the guards, Song Mo appeared to be a lust-driven man who would do anything for a woman. Once aboard, Song Mo kept Dou Zhao close, justifying it as necessary for maintaining their cover.

However, his overly intimate gestures made Dou Zhao blush, and even the escort felt embarrassed to look at them directly. Upon reaching the lower deck, Song Mo knocked out the escort, and he and Dou Zhao began searching for clues. While investigating through the wooden planks, they accidentally glimpsed each other, suddenly recalling their masked encounters in the past. In that moment, their mutual affection deepened.

The ship's steward, hearing that Song Mo had brought a woman aboard, ordered a search and issued a kill-on-sight command for any intruders. However, Song Mo eliminated the steward. In the ensuing chaos, the steward fired an arrow at Dou Zhao. This reminded her of a past life where Song Mo died protecting her from an arrow. Once again, Song Mo shielded her, leaping into the water with Dou Zhao in his arms.

When Ding Wei learned that Dou Zhao and Song Mo had boarded the ship, he dared not follow and instead ordered his subordinates to flee by carriage. Emerging from the water, Dou Zhao and Song Mo lit a fire to dry their clothes. Dou Zhao noticed Song Mo’s injury and bandaged it for him. Song Mo, unable to resist, asked Dou Zhao if she had ever seen a certain performance.

Dou Zhao thought of the performance and her past life, recalling Song Mo's sacrifice for her. She denied having seen it, unwilling to admit the truth. While escaping, Song Mo was intercepted by Lu Ming and Lu Zheng. At the same time, Su Xin, under orders, broke into the prison to rescue Miao Ansu. The guards attempted to stop her, but Ji Yong and Dou Zhao arrived with evidence of Ding Wei’s crimes.

Just as they were about to leave, the steward appeared and captured Dou Zhao, using her as leverage. Meanwhile, Song Mo captured Ding Wei and demanded to know who was behind him. Ding Wei, however, warned Song Mo not to ruin his own future. Ignoring the warning, Song Mo stabbed Ding Wei, who claimed he was acting out of personal revenge. Song Mo, convinced that Ding Wei was working for someone else, pressed him further.

Frightened, Ding Wei bit off his own tongue to avoid revealing the truth. Later that night, the steward brought Dou Zhao to exchange her for Ding Wei. Song Mo, however, dismissed Dou Zhao as a pawn and coldly remarked that if she died, he would burn incense in her memory. Firing an arrow, Song Mo appeared to miss Dou Zhao, but the arrow struck the steward behind her, killing him instantly. Releasing Dou Zhao, Song Mo blamed himself for involving her.

Seeing her trembling hands, he wanted to comfort her, but Dou Zhao assured him she was fine. Song Mo, impressed by her resilience, mused that someone who had survived being shot twice in two days was no ordinary person. Dou Zhao cryptically remarked that she had been shot in her dreams before, leaving Song Mo with more questions. However, they were interrupted by the sound of fighting outside. Emerging from the cabin, they found the ship engulfed in flames.

Wrapping themselves in a blanket, Song Mo vowed to learn the truth if they survived. Outside, Song Mo’s men captured the individuals sent to rescue Ding Wei and attempted to interrogate them. Just as someone was about to reveal the mastermind, Eunuch Wang arrived. Song Mo demanded answers, but Eunuch Wang declared the emperor's decree, blaming all crimes on Ding Wei. To Song Mo’s dismay, Eunuch Wang executed all the captives, leaving no survivors.

Confronting Eunuch Wang, Song Mo held a blade to his throat, questioning the emperor's motives. Eunuch Wang explained that loyalty required sacrifice, urging Song Mo to abandon the investigation to protect those around him. Witnessing this, Dou Zhao’s heart ached for Song Mo. Later, Song Mo stared at a pair of matching daggers, recalling how the emperor had once gifted them to Jiang Meisun in recognition of his service.

Jiang, however, had passed the daggers to Song Mo, signifying his succession. Distraught, Song Mo discarded the daggers, vowing to no longer serve the emperor. Handing Dou Zhao a token to retrieve a ship, he bid her farewell, hoping never to meet again. As Dou Zhao walked away, she remembered Song Mo’s sacrifice in her past life and the words he had spoken, burdened by infamy and unwilling to implicate her. She turned back, gazing at his departing figure.