Yi Lan Courtyard.
When Purple Lotus helped Old Madam Dou into the courtyard, Dou Wenyi was dressed in coarse clothing, directing several maids and elderly servants in clearing the wilderness to plant medicinal herbs.
"Grandmother? Why have you come to this courtyard?" Dou Wenyi wiped the sweat from her forehead and quickly stood up to greet her.
Looking around, the overgrown weeds nearly swallowed the stone path, making it resemble a wild mountain ridge. The walls were mottled and dilapidated, and the air carried a musty odor.
How could this be a courtyard fit for a young lady?
Old Madam Dou's expression immediately darkened. "You silly child, suffering in silence like this… This courtyard has become so desolate…"
Her own parents hadn't even bothered to have it repaired—how heartless!
"Grandmother, it's alright." Dou Wenyi felt a pang of sorrow in her heart, but took comfort in her grandmother's affection.
She had long given up hope on the rest of the Dou family!
Yi Lan Courtyard originally had a large grove of magnolia trees. But the year she turned five, Dou Mingyan entered the manor. They said Dou Mingyan's father had died saving Dou Bochang.
Remembering this debt of gratitude, the entire Dou family treated her exceedingly well.
Then Granny Ge, who served Dou Mingyan, claimed that Dou Mingyan had a weak constitution and couldn't stand the scent of magnolia flowers. Overnight, every magnolia tree in the Dou residence was cut down.
Dou Mingyan was like a parasitic vine clinging to a great tree—usurping the host, the dove occupying the magpie's nest. Outwardly playing the fragile victim, while secretly scheming, she had gradually turned Wenyi into her stepping stone.
In this life, she would reclaim everything that rightfully belonged to her!
Dou Wenyi helped Old Madam Dou inside and personally served her tea.
Old Madam Dou surveyed the simple, sparse furnishings in the room, her brow furrowed. "Why don't you come stay in my courtyard for a while?"
"Won't Grandmother find me noisy?"
"Such a glib tongue." Old Madam Dou poked her forehead affectionately.
"With the Fourth Young Lady accompanying you, Madam, your appetite will surely improve," Granny Cao couldn't help interjecting.
"Alright then, I'll come bother you." Dou Wenyi smiled slyly.
In her previous life, her grandmother's death had been suspicious, but despite her investigations, she had never found evidence. Perhaps by moving into her grandmother's courtyard first, she could slowly search for clues.
Old Madam Dou took a sip of tea and remembered her main purpose for visiting. She didn't mince words: "Are they so poor they can't support you? That they'd make you seek employment in the palace?"
Her grandmother's health was frail, and her family had kept the incident at the temple from her.
"Grandmother, it's not their fault. I was just curious and wanted to broaden my horizons. The selection process for the Imperial Kitchen is extremely strict, and I only know the basics of medicinal principles—how could I possibly be chosen?"
She only needed to go through the selection process; it was better her grandmother remained unaware of those unpleasant matters.
"Oh?" Old Madam Dou's expression softened slightly. She patted Wenyi's hand. "I've long prepared your dowry—it won't be inferior to anyone else's."
Dou Wenyi's eyes reddened instantly. "Grandmother, I don't want…"
Granny Cao presented an exquisite sandalwood box, smiling. "Fourth Young Lady, you should accept it. These property deeds and land contracts have already been transferred to your name—they've been yours for a while now."
Just like in her previous life, her grandmother had prepared a generous dowry for her: shops, property deeds, land contracts, estates, silver notes… enough to last her several lifetimes.
Old Madam Dou spoke earnestly, "The Marquis Dingyuan Manor is a highly prestigious household with complex interpersonal dynamics. Once you marry Xie Guidu and become the lady of the manor, how will you manage without ample silver to rely on?"
Whenever Dou Wenyi thought of Xie Guidu, she felt an unbearable discomfort, goosebumps crawling all over her body.
In this lifetime, she would never marry him again—he was simply not a worthy man.
Her grandmother, the only daughter of the Marquis of Zhongxin, had followed her great-grandfather to the battlefield in her youth, weathering storms and gaining vast experience. Her upbringing of Wenyi differed from that of typical noble ladies, instilling in her a backbone of courage and stubbornness.
It was time to make things clear to her grandmother.
"Grandmother, your granddaughter is unfilial, but I truly do not wish to marry Xie Guidu anymore." Dou Wenyi knelt down, bracing herself for the scolding.
To her surprise, Old Madam Dou’s deeply lined face softened, and her tone was gentle. "Weren’t you once completely devoted to Xie Guidu? Always chasing after him, ignoring all the other noble sons. Rise first, and tell your grandmother, what is the real reason?"
Dou Wenyi stood and sat down, a self-mocking smile tugging at her lips, her voice laced with sarcasm. "Grandmother, the world is harsh, and people’s hearts change easily. I was young and ignorant back then, infatuated with my own illusions. He never had me in his eyes."
She had never pushed Second Aunt Lady Yang, causing her miscarriage—it was actually Dou Mingyan. No matter how she explained, no one believed her.
Not only did she bear the wrath of the second branch, but her own mother personally sent her to Yuqing Monastery, where she stayed for four full years.
At that time, aside from Dou Mingyan’s maid, Hong’er, testifying against her, Xie Guidu had been nearby. She thought he would speak up for her, but he remained silent from start to finish, not uttering a single word in her defense.
In her past life, she had deceived herself, making excuses for him, stubbornly believing he hadn’t seen the truth clearly.
With vision as sharp as a hawk’s, how could he not have seen?
There were countless such instances, leaving no room for further reflection!
Xie Guidu had long made his choice. Even after decades of marriage, he still chose to sacrifice her to protect Dou Mingyan.
He was utterly unworthy of her sincerity!
Old Madam Dou lowered her gaze, hesitating to speak.
Dou Wenyi lifted her eyes, calmly gazing out the window. "I’ve long seen my own heart clearly. I don’t like him anymore, Grandmother. I want an engagement annulment."
An engagement annulment was no easy matter, but she was determined to see it through.
Old Madam Dou naturally stood by her, but this match was highly suitable. "Your father and mother… I’m afraid it won’t be easy to explain to them…"
Outside the door, Xie Guidu’s steps halted, his hands tightening imperceptibly beneath his sleeves.
Behind him, Dou Mingxiu grew even more agitated. He knew all too well how deeply his fourth sister had cared for Xie Guidu.
In the past, the slightest kindness from him would make her beam with joy. What had gone wrong?
Dou Mingxiu shot him a meaningful glance, and the two moved to the flower hall in the garden.
His expression grave, he lowered his voice. "Tell me the truth—did you do something to wrong Fourth Sister? Why has she stopped liking you?"
Xie Guidu lowered his gaze, remaining silent.
Dou Mingxiu’s expression shifted. "Nothing happened to Fourth Sister at the temple. I warn you, marriage is no child’s play. If you’re not sincere about marrying her, don’t come with a betrothal gift!"
Xie Guidu sneered in disdain.
"And what about you? What were you doing that night when she was in trouble? When she returned to the estate, did you, as her elder brother, step forward to speak up for her?"
The light in Dou Mingxiu’s eyes dimmed.
"I am resolved to marry her. The betrothal gifts are prepared. I will choose an auspicious day to formally propose."
Xie Guidu’s face was as still as water, his voice gentle yet unyieldingly firm.