Dou Wenyi wanted to develop the antidote for Pei Siyan as quickly as possible. After boarding the carriage, she headed straight to the West Market and only returned home after purchasing several dozen medicinal ingredients.
"…Be careful with this zither. It was crafted by Gu Fengchun. The young master said this instrument suits the Third Young Lady perfectly."
Dou Wenyi's hand, which had been lifting the carriage curtain, froze. Ahead, the voice of Xie Guidu's attendant Moyu continued:
"This pouch contains deer antler glue powder for repairing cracks in the zither. These are mugwort and camphor to place in the zither case for moisture and insect prevention. Ah, never mind… you probably won't remember all this anyway. The precautions are already listed on this note. The young master also said that if you encounter any real problems, don't hesitate to send someone to ask him."
"Understood. Thank the young master for the zither gift." Dou Mingyan's maid Hu Po beamed with delight, nodding repeatedly.
Gu Fengchun was currently the most renowned zither craftsman, and instruments made by him were priceless treasures.
Xie Guidu treated zithers as his life, collecting several precious ones.
Before each performance, he would purify his hands and burn incense. Even cleaning and maintenance were tasks he personally handled. Let alone gifting a zither – others weren't even allowed to touch his instruments.
She had once voluntarily gone to his zither room, wanting to help tidy and clean. That day, Xie Guidu had displayed rare anger, even issuing a ban forbidding her from ever setting foot in his zither room again.
Over that incident, she had sulked for a long time.
Later, he had explained with uncharacteristic gentleness and a warm smile that fine zithers needed to preserve the energy of heaven and earth, that soft silk shouldn't be used during the rainy season but rather soft cloth to wipe condensation, and he went on with numerous other details…
Back then, she couldn't comprehend the complex emotions often visible in his eyes. Perhaps he felt guilty about her sincere feelings, or maybe out of consideration for her having risked her life testing medicine for him, he had mercifully not divorced her.
Now she understood. The kindred spirit in his heart was Dou Mingyan, so naturally he was unwilling to teach her, unwilling to open his heart to her.
All those pretentious fastidiousness, whether about zither virtues or other matters, everywhere revealed his arrogance;
He fundamentally looked down on her – despising her foolishness, her lack of musical talent, and most of all despising that she wasn't his ideal wife.
Cuizhi felt it was unfair to her, "Young Lady? Young Master Xie is discussing marriage with you, yet he acts so ostentatiously like this – isn't this slapping you in the face?"
"Silly girl, I'm not going to marry him anyway, so how is it slapping my face?" Dou Wenyi corrected.
The past was beyond retrieval!
Having experienced life and death, she had long grown indifferent to these elusive emotions.
It would be best if he dared to take responsibility for his actions and bravely pursued love.
If he insisted on marrying her, that would truly be disgusting!
Not two days later, Madam Gu sent someone with an invitation to the Eldest Princess's estate.
Dou Wenyi's eyelid twitched. Given her status, the Eldest Princess would never under normal circumstances extend an invitation to someone like her.
Xie Guidu had achieved fame young, being a rare literary genius in Great Zhou and a regular attendee of the West Garden Elegant Gatherings. Since he had personally requested it, whether the Eldest Princess or her husband Cheng Shuo, they would naturally give him some face.
The Fu'an County Princess was determined to have him. If she learned he was discussing marriage with her, who knew how she would target her? He was truly creating trouble for her.
Seeing her reaction, Cuizhi expressed some regret, "Young Lady, invitations to the West Garden Elegant Gathering are rare and precious. Are you really not going?"
The one from Lanyue Pavilion will certainly attend. When she shines brilliantly there, who knows how the maids and servants will gossip, praising the high and trampling the low, using comparisons to disparage their own mistress.
Dou Wenyi shook her head. "I won't go."
No sooner had she spoken than Old Madam Dou entered, supported by Zijuan. With a loving expression, she said, "You silly girl, after all the commotion last time, you must go looking radiant and dignified to shut their mouths!"
Nobles outside were already gossiping about the Dou family, accusing them of being social climbers who favored their adopted daughter.
For this Western Garden gathering, The Eldest Princess had explicitly sent an invitation. Dou Mingyan would certainly attend. If Dou Wenyi didn't go, who knew what rumors would spread and how they would be portrayed!
Madam Gu had anticipated this long ago. As soon as the invitation arrived, she went to Shouhe Hall and poured out her grievances to Old Madam Dou.
Hoping for reconciliation between mother and daughter, Old Madam Dou took on the role of mediator.
Though she could protect her granddaughter for now, she was old after all—the family was her true support.
Dou Wenyi shook her grandmother's arm coquettishly. "Grandmother, I truly don't want to go."
Old Madam Dou snorted disapprovingly. "You must attend this banquet. As for Dou Mingyan, don't worry about overshadowing her—your grandmother will handle everything!"
The next day.
When Xie Guidu arrived at the Western Garden in his moon-white brocade robe, many officials and literati had already gathered for the banquet. The moment he stepped out of his carriage, several officials warmly greeted him.
Xie Guidu smiled courteously in return. Upon learning the Dou family had arrived, he quickened his steps into the garden.
His gaze swept across the scene: the banquet pool shimmered with emerald waves, cool breezes gently blowing.
Not far away, Lady Fu'an was boating on the pool with several princes, while Dou Mingyan chatted and laughed with noble young ladies in a pavilion.
Xie Guidu frowned, carefully scanning the area again, but still didn't see her figure.
"Who are you looking for?" Dou Mingxiu clapped him on the shoulder, his breath reeking of alcohol. "Fourth Sister didn't come."
Xie Guidu's expression darkened, irritation rising in his heart. He had specifically asked The Eldest Princess to send her an invitation—how dare she ignore his summons!
"I heard you gave Third Sister a fine qin?" Dou Mingxiu, clearly drunk, slung an arm over his shoulder and lowered his voice. "Xie Guidu, what are your real intentions?"
"It's just a qin. You're overthinking it," Xie Guidu replied dismissively.
"We're both men—do you think I don't understand your motives?" Dou Mingxiu saw right through him and snorted coldly. "Did you know Fourth Sister breaks out in rashes from lychees? Yet you send them every year. Who are you really sending them to?"
Xie Guidu remained silent.
Dou Mingxiu said bitterly, "I'm warning you—don't eye what's in the pot while eating from your bowl. She's the Crown Princess!"
Xie Guidu's expression shifted briefly before returning to normal. "You're drunk. Many court officials are here today—Prince Rui and the Crown Prince might even attend. Don't lose your composure. What's really bothering you?"
They had been friends since childhood. Though Dou Mingxiu could be frivolous at times, he never erred on important matters. Today, he was clearly not himself.
Suddenly realizing something, Xie Guidu asked, "Does this concern your beloved?"
Dou Mingxiu looked pained, hesitating to speak.
Just as Xie Guidu was about to press further, a clear voice sounded behind them. "Elder Brother, Guidu, you're both here?"
Dou Mingyan, dressed in a magnificent and flowing gown, cast a suspicious glance at the two of them. "What's wrong?"
Seeing them both remain silent, she immediately grew displeased. "Did… you two have a fight?"
Xie Guidu lowered his gaze and flatly denied it. "Not at all."
"He asked me why Fourth Sister didn't come," Dou Mingxiu hurriedly explained.
Dou Mingyan smiled brightly. "I thought it was something serious! Don't worry, she'll come!"