Midway through the banquet, with bold Dou Mingxi leading the way, several younger sisters plucked up courage to press a few cups of wine on Dou Xueci. She leaned half against the corridor railing, the laughter and chatter around her breaking through the winter chill, turning the snow-covered garden into a picture of prosperity and familial joy.
“Miss, Young Master Cousin has come. He’s waiting in the outer corridor, saying he wishes to speak with you.”
A smile flickered in Dou Xueci’s eyes—such a good opportunity, how could he miss it?
“Very well.” She deliberately brought Xuelu along. From afar, she saw Zou Yunjian seated in a wooden wheelchair, Xiao Wu standing behind him. His thin frame hung loosely in wide robes, like a bamboo stalk bent under snow and wind.
Approaching, Dou Xueci said, “Cousin, with your leg injured, why come out at all?”
Zou Yunjian’s gaze darkened, as though stabbed in the heart. Yet he forced a smile, though it was tinged with bitterness.
“Today the skies cleared at last. The physician often urges me to take the sun—always brooding indoors is no good. When I heard the maids say you sisters were feasting here, I dared not intrude, but thought to speak with you for a moment.”
Dou Xueci heard the loneliness in his words and stepped closer.
“These past days, the household has been busy. I’ve just taken charge, and much is still confusing. Mother cannot help me, so I haven’t visited you. How is your health, Cousin?”
“Still the same. Though lately at night my bones itch—the physician says it means the wound is healing.”
Dou Xueci’s phoenix eyes brightened, seeming genuinely glad for him.
“That’s wonderful. Cousin’s leg will surely recover.”
As they spoke, a group of little maids passed by, dressed in fresh cotton vests, carrying trays.
This spot was not far from Wangxue Pavilion—likely they were delivering refreshments there.
Dou Xueci paid them no mind, walking straight behind Zou Yunjian. Xiao Wu instinctively stepped aside.
“Since you’re out, let me push you around for a stroll, Cousin.”
Zou Yunjian’s lips curved into a faint, warm smile, just as he was about to agree—when suddenly his expression changed in alarm!
“Cousin, watch out!”
From among the group of maids passing behind Dou Xueci, one suddenly drew a sharp blade from her sleeve, its cold gleam flashing as she thrust it toward Dou Xueci’s back!
Not far away, Xuelu’s palm clenched tightly around a finely crafted throwing knife, ready to strike the moment danger arose.
But just as she was about to act, Zou Yunjian seized Dou Xueci’s hand and pulled her into his arms. Enduring the agony in his injured leg, he forced himself upright, turned, and shielded her behind him.
The knife pierced flesh—driving straight into Zou Yunjian’s back. Blood instantly soaked his azure robe, shocking to behold.
“Master!” Xiao Wu cried out, then hurled himself at the maid with reckless fury. But he was kicked aside, blood spilling from his mouth.
The maid tried to flee, but Xuelu’s prepared throwing knife flew true, striking her calf. She collapsed to the ground.
Xuelu leaped forward, pinned her down, and shouted back, “Bring rope! Tie up this wretch who dares defy death!”
Before losing consciousness, Zou Yunjian clutched Dou Xueci’s hand, his gaze tender, his breath faint.
“Cousin… thank heaven you are safe…” With those words, he fainted.
The assassination attempt shook even the Old Madam.
When Madam Zou heard, she made a great uproar.
But since this was her nephew, and he had been wounded saving Dou Xueci, the Old Madam permitted Madam Zou to leave her confinement for now.
At Danxia Pavilion, basin after basin of bloody water was carried out. Dou Xueci summoned imperial physicians from the palace, who declared his life was not in danger.
The wound was not deep—properly treated, it would heal. But his leg—still not healed—was forced to bear weight when he suddenly stood, injuring the bone once more. This time, it would never fully recover.
When Madam Zou heard, she wept bitterly.
Zhuang Wanqing, having recovered from her fever, was now well enough to support Madam Zou, speaking gently to comfort her. “Mother, take care not to cry your eyes blind. If Cousin wakes and sees, it will only add to his sorrow.”
But Madam Zou only cried harder.
“That foolish child—his leg not yet healed, and still he threw himself forward to save Xueci. How am I to explain this to my elder brother? He is his only son…”
“Cousin and Elder Sister grew up together, bound by childhood affection. He saved her for the sake of his own heart. When Uncle learns of it, he will not blame Elder Sister or Mother.” Zhuang Wanqing spoke again.
Yet the meaning of her words was heavy—what did she mean by “for his own heart”? What heart was that?
Even the Old Madam frowned at this, while Second Madam let out a cold laugh.
“Miss Zhuang, mind your words. Our young lady’s reputation is of utmost importance. If such talk spreads, what will people say?”
Second Madam had been resentful ever since Madam Zou tried to extend her influence into her courtyard. Now, given the chance to jab at her foster daughter, she would not let it pass.
Dou Xueci sat calmly at the Old Madam’s side, silent, her expression unreadable. To use the debt of a life-saving act to force her hand—if it were her past self, she would have gladly yielded, for she had once truly cared for Zou Yunjian. But now, even if Zou Yunjian were stabbed a thousand times before her eyes, her brows would not twitch. Besides, such schemes depended not only on her will but on the approval of the household. And in truth, Zou Yunjian was not the only one who aspired to become the Duke’s son-in-law.
The second and third branches each had their own candidates.
This advantage—no matter what—would never be allowed to fall into Zou Yunjian’s hands.
Madam Zou did not refute Second Madam, but turned instead to Dou Xueci. “Xueci, Yunge is such a foolish child. I never imagined he would risk his very life for you…” Her hopeful gaze rested on Dou Xueci, as though waiting for her to declare herself.
Madam Zou had already resolved: if Dou Xueci showed even the slightest softness, she would immediately secure this marriage! What did a crippled leg matter? If her nephew married Dou Xueci, their children could inherit the Duke’s title. Such boundless wealth and glory would ultimately belong to the Zou family.
Dou Xueci’s eyes reddened, and two tears fell.
Madam Zou’s heart grew more certain—though this girl had been cold of late, she still cared for Yunge! She was her own daughter; how could she not know her? Thinking thus, joy began to glimmer in her eyes.
Dou Xueci rose, walked before the Old Madam, and knelt. “Grandmother, I, Xueci, boldly beg a favor of you.”
The Old Madam frowned, but said, “Very well. What do you ask?”
Second Madam grew anxious. She had thought this daughter of Madam Zou had grown wiser after her trip to Yongzhou, but clearly she was still a fool!
If she agreed to the marriage, then the future of the Duke’s household would have nothing to do with the second branch. This must not be allowed!
“Eldest Miss, have you thought carefully? He saved you—that was his choice. Gratitude is natural, but you must distinguish between kindness and affection. Do not throw yourself away.”
Dou Xueci turned back. “Thank you, Second Aunt, for the reminder. I know what I am doing.”
Madam Zou’s emotions surged, growing ever more excited.
Dou Xueci kowtowed again to the Old Madam, then said, “Grandmother, Cousin’s great kindness—henceforth I will regard him as a parent and serve him. Today I ask Grandmother to bear witness: if Cousin should be left with illness, unable to marry or establish a household, then I and my future husband will care for him until the end of his days.”