Blossom Episode 5 Recap
> Blossom Recap
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.
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