Blossom Episode 22 Recap
> Blossom Recap
Wei Tingyu was determined to cut ties with Wei Tingzhen, but Wei Tingzhen still blamed Dou Ming for everything. Wei Tingzhen even lamented that if Dou Zhao had been married into their family, she could have supported ten marquis households on her own. Wei Tingyu firmly stated that Wei Tingzhen should stop meddling in the affairs of the Marquis Household and stop comparing herself to Dou Zhao.
Wei Tingzhen, heartbroken by her younger brother's disdain, watched as Wei Tingyu left without another word. After returning home, Wei Tingyu comforted Dou Ming and decided to pursue painting as his future career. Dou Ming, feeling hopeful about Wei Tingyu’s future, blamed herself for lacking the skills and abilities of her elder sister. However, Wei Tingyu didn’t care about such matters, only wishing to live a good life with Dou Ming and promising to work hard to improve their situation.
The members of the Cangbei Gang captured Wang Yingxue, demanding money from her. Wang Yingxue, fearless, laughed in their faces and boldly asked them to kill her, claiming that Wang Xingyi would never let them go if they did. However, if given a chance, she suggested they sit down and negotiate. The gang leader, after much deliberation, reluctantly let her go.
Desperate for money, the gang threatened Wang Yingxue, saying that if she didn’t pay, they would target the Marquis of Jining's residence. Wang Yingxue calmly informed them that the Marquis’s household was penniless and suggested targeting another estate. The gang leader’s eyes lit up, envisioning an endless stream of wealth. Dou Zhao blindfolded Song Mo and helped him remove his outer garments to measure his body.
Song Mo, nervous and flustered, thought Dou Zhao might have some ulterior motive, but to his surprise, she presented him with a soft armor. Although slightly disappointed, he couldn't deny how much he liked the gift. Later in his room, Song Mo stared at the armor for a long time, overthinking its significance. He consulted Yan Chaoqing and Lu Ming, wondering if Dou Zhao didn’t love him but only cared for him as a strategist would care for a general.
Yan Chaoqing and Lu Ming argued that Dou Zhao’s thoughtful actions proved her affection. However, after much discussion, they still couldn’t reach a definitive conclusion. That evening, Dou Zhao and Song Mo went on a lake tour to watch a play—a plan suggested by Lu Ming. However, Yan Chaoqing believed it wasn’t a good idea. Zhao Zhangru suddenly appeared, overhearing their conversation and finding it suspicious.
During the outing, Dou Zhao unknowingly drank too much and asked Song Mo if he liked her. Song Mo gazed at her deeply and admitted his feelings. Laughing drunkenly, Dou Zhao confessed she liked him too, then collapsed into his arms. Song Mo carried her all the way home. Along the way, when Dou Zhao saw a beautiful lantern, Song Mo immediately offered to get it for her.
Carrying Dou Zhao and the lantern, they were teased by a child for being shameless, but Song Mo paid no attention, declaring he would do anything as long as his wife was happy. After returning home, as Dou Zhao called out his name in her sleep, Song Mo couldn't resist leaning in to kiss her but held back, not wanting to take advantage of her drunken state.
To his surprise, Dou Zhao pulled him closer and whispered that she wasn’t drunk before passionately kissing him. The next morning, Dou Zhao woke up with vague memories of the previous night. Learning from Suxin that Song Mo’s neck was covered in marks, she blushed, recalling her bold actions. She sought out Song Mo to ask if she had done anything else, but he teased her by repeating all the affectionate words she had said, leaving her embarrassed.
She hurriedly urged Song Mo to head to the yamen. Meanwhile, Song Mo had retrieved the lantern Dou Zhao admired the previous night and placed it in the front courtyard. Though Dou Zhao found it ostentatious and ordered it to be moved to the back, her heart felt warm with sweetness. Wei Tingyu attempted to sell his paintings, but when the art dealer critiqued his work, Wei Tingyu became displeased.
Dou Ming apologized on his behalf, explaining that the dealer’s advice had helped many artists achieve fame, with just one painting covering a household’s expenses for an entire year. However, Wei Tingyu was outraged when the dealer complimented Dou Ming’s beauty and elegance, accusing him of being a scoundrel and driving him away.
Dou Ming worked to placate Wei Tingyu, suggesting they meet influential figures, but Wei Tingyu rejected the idea, stating his art was meant to cultivate his mind, not be tainted by worldly affairs. During their argument, Wei Tingyu made disparaging remarks about Wang Yingxue’s greed. Dou Ming, upset by his attitude toward her mother, scolded him. Wei Tingyu quickly apologized and reluctantly agreed to take up an official post.
A groom from the Duke of Ying’s residence, Ma Qiang, sought out Song Mo. His wife, Qixia, had once served Jiang Huisun, and after falling ill with madness, she had been abandoned, narrowly escaping harm. Song Mo and Dou Zhao quickly went to investigate and found Qixia, who was paranoid and refused to take any medicine, believing it was poisoned. This behavior had started after Jiang Huisun’s illness worsened.
Unable to decipher the medical situation, Dou Zhao sought Ji Yong’s help. Ji Yong examined Jiang Huisun’s prescriptions, which seemed fine, but discovered that she ate candied fruit to mask the bitterness of the medicine. Song Mo had preserved some of this candied fruit, and Ji Yong confirmed it was made with licorice, which, when consumed regularly, would lead to death within a month. Dou Zhao brought Qixia to Ji Yong for treatment, but her recovery remained uncertain.
Song Yichun was alarmed upon hearing that Qixia was at the Yizhi Hall, fearing that Song Mo’s continued investigation would ruin their plans. That evening, Song Yichun met with Wang Ge, Dou Shushu, and Su Yan. The group had already learned that Wang Yingxue planned to lure bandits into the city to raid Dou Zhao’s residence. With the emperor planning to travel soon, Song Mo would be accompanying him to ensure his safety.
If Dou Zhao were harmed, Song Mo would be unable to return and save her. They also planned to incite chaos, turning the bandit raid into a full-scale rebellion. While Song Yichun was focused on dealing with Song Mo, he showed affection for Song Han, instructing him to stay home and avoid danger. However, Song Han, suspecting his father’s true intentions, confronted him but was scolded in return. Meanwhile, Wang Yingxue prayed fervently, determined to eliminate Dou Zhao.
A fire broke out in the northern part of the city, and Dou Zhao, worried about potential casualties, urged Yan Chaoqing to lead a rescue team. Although Song Mo had instructed Yan Chaoqing to prioritize Dou Zhao’s safety above all else, her insistence left him no choice but to comply, leaving behind a few guards to protect her.
Chaos ensued as members of the Cangbei Gang broke through the city gates, only to be joined by more bandits intent on raiding Dou Zhao’s estate. Song Mo, noticing the flames engulfing the capital, became concerned and wanted to return to check on Dou Zhao. However, the empress stopped him, ordering him to fulfill his duty of protecting the emperor.
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