ATLAS TRANSLATES

She thought the Dou family would first resolve her engagement with the Wei family, but unexpectedly they had simply pushed the Wei family aside.

Marry Wu Shan?

Whose idea was this?

Hadn’t they always wanted to use her marriage for their own purposes? Why did they suddenly change their minds? Or had there been some change in Wu Songnian’s official position?

Dou Zhao asked Su Xin: “Is this news reliable?”

Logically, Fifth Uncle’s letter shouldn’t have been so easy to find out about.

Su Xin saw that Dou Zhao showed neither shyness nor joy upon hearing the good news. Her expression froze, and she looked at Dou Zhao in confusion, her voice lowering involuntarily: “This marriage was arranged by Madam Wu herself with Third Madam, and now Fifth Master has agreed. It’s almost certain, so the news spread…”

Dou Zhao frowned.

She had been too careless.

From the proposal to the agreement, some time must have passed, yet she had been completely unaware.

She needed to discuss this matter with Chen Qushui.

Dou Zhao stood up with a stern face and went to the study.

Second Madam was also very unhappy.

She privately complained to Madam Ji: “…They say in times of crisis, anyone not close to the Wang family will do. But Shou Gu could clearly marry better, why must she marry into the Wu family?”

“Fifth Uncle must have his own considerations that couldn’t be explained clearly in the letter,” Madam Ji had been beaming when she first heard the news, but now half-heartedly appeased Second Madam. “At least Master Wu and Madam Wu are of noble character, and we’ve watched the Wu family’s fourth young master grow up. He is honest and simple, and can be considered childhood sweethearts with Shou Gu. It’s better than marrying a stranger. Besides, Fifth Uncle’s words make sense – at least Shou Gu would be marrying someone close to our family. If she married someone else, we couldn’t prevent the Wang family from winning her over.”

Second Madam still stubbornly insisted: “Shou Gu has never been close to the Wang family people since childhood…”

“A daughter follows her father at home and her husband after marriage,” Madam Ji smiled. “No matter how much Shou Gu dislikes the Wang family people, she can’t defy her husband, can she? Otherwise, how would the Pang family dare to attempt their ‘heroic rescue’?”

Second Madam remained silent for a long while, then sighed and said somewhat helplessly: “Then you should go give the Wu family a response? While Madam Wu hasn’t returned to Beijing yet, exchange the birth dates.”

Suddenly, a clear laugh rang out in the room: “Who’s getting engaged? Can I have a cup of celebratory wine?”

Madam Ji and Second Madam turned around to see Ji Yong standing at the doorway with a smile.

Since things had come to this, saying more would be useless and might even make the Wu family uncomfortable, thinking they looked down on them, needlessly creating discord between the families.

This thought flashed through Second Madam’s mind as she laughed: “It’s your Fourth Cousin and Wu Shan. They’re getting engaged!”

Ji Yong was stunned, immediately picturing Dou Zhao’s dignified and spirited face and Wu Shan’s gentle, harmless smile.

These two were quite well-matched!

However, comparatively, Dou Zhao seemed more like a boy with her fortitude while Wu Shan seemed more like a girl with his gentleness.

He thought of the groaning men on the ground and the unrecognizable Pang Kunbai when he had arrived at the manor.

He wondered what kind of scene it would be when Dou Zhao and Wu Shan were together?

Ji Yong found it increasingly interesting as he thought about it.

He asked Second Madam: “When are they getting engaged? Do you need me to help deliver anything? I remember when my sister got married, I helped her move her dowry, and I also picked her up for her three-day return home visit…” His voice carried a hint of poorly concealed excitement.

Though he was already a successful examination candidate, he was still a child at heart, barely able to contain himself at the prospect of excitement.

Second Madam’s gaze softened as she looked at him and smiled: “That’s for the wedding and return visit. Right now they’re just matching birth dates, there’s nothing for you to help with yet. If you’re willing, come to Zhending in a couple of years for their wedding feast. Shou Gu doesn’t have a brother, so having you as an older brother help move the dowry then would be just as good.”

“Great, great!” Ji Yong said happily. “When the time comes, don’t forget to send an invitation to our family. No matter where I am, I’ll definitely come.”

“Of course, of course!” Second Madam smiled. They chatted for a while, and Second Madam gradually accepted the fact that Dou Zhao would marry Wu Shan. Her mood improved considerably, and she stayed at Madam Ji’s place for dinner before returning.

Dou Zhao arranged to meet Wu Shan tomorrow morning in Madam Ji’s courtyard.

She wanted to have a good talk with Wu Shan before exchanging birth dates. If they could part amicably, that would be best; if not, she would have to use some forceful measures.

She really didn’t want Wu Shan to hate her.

Chen Qushui advised Dou Zhao: “Miss should think this through carefully. Young Master Wu is really quite good. If you could form a good marriage, it might not be a bad thing.”

At least Wu Shan wouldn’t interfere with Dou Zhao’s decisions.

Dou Zhao smiled bitterly: “I really don’t want to accompany another boy as he grows up, and who knows what kind of person he’ll become when he’s grown…”

Chen Qushui didn’t understand.

Dou Zhao didn’t explain either. The next day she dressed as usual and went to pay her respects to Grandmother.

Grandmother had probably heard about this matter too. She smiled and kept looking at her, saying: “Our Shou Gu has grown into a young lady, becoming more and more beautiful.” Then she had Hong Gu bring her a red-lacquered gold-painted box, “This is my favorite set of hair ornaments, now I’m giving them to you.”

Dou Zhao was secretly anxious.

Fortunately, she had quickly arranged to meet Wu Shan. If this dragged on for a few more days, the situation would probably become difficult to handle.

She pretended not to know anything and asked Grandmother with a smile why she was giving her gifts. She also pretended to be very pleased as she accepted the set of pure gold hairpins inlaid with southern pearls, saying: “Once you’ve given them to me they’re mine, you can’t take them back!”

Grandmother was very happy, smiling broadly.

Only then did Dou Zhao go to Sixth Aunt’s place.

She had lived there for several years before, and even now Madam Ji still kept the west wing room where she had stayed in its original state. She would occasionally stay overnight there even now. It was like a second home to her, so no one was surprised by her arrival.

After chatting with Madam Ji about flowers and plants for a while and accompanying her on a walk around the house, Wu Shan arrived.

Dou Zhao casually asked Wu Shan to help her paint a fan: “…Just like the one you painted for Third Sister-in-law last time.”

Wu Shan looked at Madam Ji with a red face.

Madam Ji smiled and said: “Go ahead, go ahead! Hui’er and the others’ study has ready ink and brushes.”

Wu Shan respectfully agreed and went to Dou Zhengchang’s study.

Dou Zhao followed as before to watch.

Madam Ji sat on the kang calculating the accounts for these past few months.

Cai Shu whispered: “Should we send someone to follow them?”

“No need,” Madam Ji didn’t even look up as she said. “That would only make it seem suspicious, which wouldn’t be good.”

Cai Shu smiled in agreement, but looking up she saw that the windows of the south-facing study in the east wing were wide open, allowing anyone in the main hall, side rooms, or passing through the courtyard to see Wu Shan bent over his painting and Dou Zhao helping him grind ink beside him.

Their expressions were so open, their behavior so upright. Cai Shu thought of what she had just said and her face reddened with shame.

Madam Ji looked up, saw the two in the study, nodded secretly to herself, smiled and lowered her head to continue calculating her accounts.

Ji Yong, who had come to pay respects to Madam Ji, clicked his tongue twice.

Childhood innocence, young love.

One gentle and refined, one spirited and bright – they did seem quite fitting together.

He entered the main hall.

After paying his respects to Madam Ji, he smiled and pointed at the two in the study: “Aunt, aren’t you going to keep an eye on them?”

“An honorable man is open and forthright, while a petty person is always anxious,” Madam Ji pretended to be displeased as she scolded him. “They are being proper and open, why should I interfere?”

“Alright, alright, it’s always my fault,” Ji Yong said, rubbing his nose. He smiled and stood behind Madam Ji, helping massage her shoulders. “Aunt, do you really approve so much of Fourth Cousin and Wu Shan? I don’t see anything special about that Wu Shan?”

“What’s more important than this for living together as a family?” Madam Ji said dismissively. “What matters is being suitable – and I think Shou Gu and Wu Shan are quite suitable.”

Ji Yong nodded, but his eyes were rolling about.

Meanwhile, Dou Zhao was speaking with Wu Shan: “I heard about the marriage. But I don’t want to marry so early…”

So she knew!

Wu Shan’s face burned hot and his ears buzzed, only vaguely hearing something about not wanting to marry early. He hurriedly stammered: “I, I also don’t want to so early… I need to take the provincial examinations. After I succeed… I, I won’t let you down… don’t worry… you can stay at home for a few more years, until you want to… then…”

He was stuttering so much, this usually composed person squirming like a young girl, making Dou Zhao feel a pang of guilt. The words she had prepared wouldn’t come out. After a long while, she finally hardened her heart and said quietly: “I already have an engagement!”

“What?” Wu Shan’s mouth fell open.

Dou Zhao said: “You must have heard about my situation. Before my mother passed away, she arranged a marriage for me, and the betrothal gifts are still with my uncle. But my uncles seem unsatisfied with this marriage, and haven’t interacted with that family… but I keep thinking about this matter… I cannot marry you!”

The color drained from Wu Shan’s face until it was as white as paper. The brush in his hand dropped onto the fan with a “plop,” instantly turning the carefully painted plum tree into a blob of ink.

“Fourth Brother Wu,” Dou Zhao said sincerely, “I’ve always thought of you as a real brother. Your future wife will surely be a hundred times more virtuous than me.”

She mechanically tried to comfort Wu Shan.

Wu Shan lowered his eyes, motionless like a clay statue.

Dou Zhao sighed inwardly and said: “I’ll leave first, Fourth Brother Wu, take care.”

“Wait,” just as she was about to step over the threshold, Wu Shan said hoarsely, “If, if that family… never comes to propose, I, I’ll wait for you…”

Wu Shan was the gentlest person she had met in both lifetimes.

If she didn’t have the experience of her previous life, would she have married Wu Shan without hesitation?

Unfortunately, her heart was already riddled with wounds, and though she appreciated this gentle pink-tinted affection, she couldn’t act impulsively.

Dou Zhao shook her head gently and said: “Fourth Brother Wu, thank you, but I’ve made my decision and won’t change it.”

Upon hearing this, Wu Shan’s body swayed and he collapsed with a “thud” into the armchair behind him.

Dou Zhao walked straight out of the study.