Old friend

"Has someone proposed to Miaoyi?"

Lin Xu heard this news as soon as he woke up in the morning, and even stopped getting out of bed and getting dressed.

Zhu Ling nodded, helping Lin Xu to her feet while changing her into a clean, plain silk robe. "Madam, it's absolutely true. Before dawn, an official matchmaker arrived at the He family with a delegation to propose marriage. And this person is none other than..."

Lin Xu looked up at Zhu Ling, but was quite surprised to hear Dou Tonghan's name.

She remembered that when Dou Tonghan was temporarily staying at the Dou family's residence, he was very attentive to He Miaoyi, who occasionally came to visit. He even pretended to bump into her several times, deliberately trying to find an opportunity to get close to her. However, at that time, the He family was a famous military family, while Dou Tonghan was just a scholar from a remote area who came to the capital to take the imperial examination. He was naturally not worthy of He Miaoyi. But she never expected that even now, Dou Tonghan would still be so fond of Miaoyi.

They were even willing to risk disobeying the imperial edict at this moment.

After all, the list of several noble ladies has been initially drawn up, and Miaoyi is among them. Such a person who blatantly goes to propose marriage is bound to offend the emperor and may even lose his head.

She found Dou Tonghan's actions quite perplexing.

Zhu Ling saw through Lin Xu's thoughts and helped her with her simple washing and dressing while saying softly, "Such news spreads extremely fast. I heard that most of Mujingdu already knows about this matter, and many people are praising Dou Tonghan for his courage, responsibility, and deep affection. He is a rare and good man."

Lin Xu glanced at her reflection in the bronze mirror, where she had already dressed up and meticulously groomed her appearance. Suddenly, a deep sense of weariness washed over her.

She knew then that things were not so simple!

However, after only a few meetings with Dou Tonghan, she realized that he was opportunistic and cunning, and that he had only ever coveted Miaoyi's illustrious family background. Now that he had come to propose marriage, the He family was, after all, a prestigious clan. Even though they had been affected by Prince Mao's influence, their family status was still very high, and He Miaoyi was an only daughter. Old Master He would surely look down on Dou Tonghan, who was now just a minor Hanlin Academy probationary official.

His intervention not only relieved the He family's immediate crisis but also "unintentionally" earned him widespread praise. In the long run, this will undoubtedly benefit his career and future.

No wonder he was raised by the Dou family.

A cold smile crept across Lin Xu's lips.

Who says women are the most shrewd and calculating? Isn't this living example a perfect illustration of how men try every means to seize Miaoyi and her connections and family fortune? Although Emperor Su is usually indifferent and cold-hearted, if he were to actually issue an edict to break up someone else's marriage, he would inevitably be condemned by the people. In this way, he might actually be going along with Dou Tonghan's wishes.

As for He Miaoyi's fate, although Lin Xu already knew the ending of her past life and was deeply saddened, she didn't know how to stop it. But at this critical juncture, although Dou Tonghan wasn't exactly a good match, the choice of going to a foreign country alone for a political marriage... perhaps Old Master He and He Qijiang would eventually arrange this marriage for Miaoyi.

Lin Xu had suffered so much injustice from the Dou family over the years, so she naturally knew that Dou Tonghan was wicked... If he really succeeded in marrying Miaoyi, then Miaoyi's life would truly be ruined!

Seeing her anxious expression, Zhu Ling, who was unaware of what was going on, was also somewhat frightened.

But then Lin Xu said in a low voice, "This matter can't be delayed any longer... Prepare the sedan chair, I'm going to see Miaoyi."

However, before she could finish speaking, footsteps approached from outside the door. It was Rongwei who lifted the curtain and walked in from outside. After quickly bowing, she said in a low voice, "Madam, you have a guest requesting an audience."

These days, the Lin residence has been constantly filled with guests. Many noblewomen and women from prominent families, whom she wasn't particularly familiar with before, have come to visit, spending their days chatting and drinking tea. Lin Xu is already overwhelmed with entertaining guests. She frowned impatiently, but then heard Rong Wei say softly again:

"Yes... the Imperial Physician Xuan Feng requests an audience."

Lin Xu hadn't figured out who this Xuanfeng Doctor was yet, but after seeing Rongwei and Zhuling's happy yet embarrassed expressions, he understood.

It was him.

After she was kidnapped by Dou Zhen's men during the palace coup and saw his panicked state, the two never saw each other again.

She was filled with anxiety, fearing for his safety by Prince Mao's side. She even risked her own life, as well as the lives of Liao Yan and Liang Si, to go to Yan Ying Hall to rescue him. But in the end, they were unable to meet.

Later, Liang Si was seriously injured while saving her. She was shocked and terrified, and exhausted, she fainted immediately. When she woke up, the palace coup had been quelled, and the ground was covered with a vast expanse of snow, as if it had all been nothing but a nightmare. She had also worried about his safety and couldn't sleep, but in these days, even on New Year's Eve, he had not shown up, nor had he sent anyone to come. Even Yan Ya, who had always secretly protected her, had suddenly disappeared without a trace.

Until she heard the news that he was rising rapidly in the court and thriving.

According to the ladies of noble families who came to the mansion to drink tea and play cards.

She knew nothing about his current situation and needed someone else to tell her.

Their relationship seems to have truly returned to its initial state.

He seems to have truly let go.

Now that they are divorced, and it was she who insisted on leaving him from the beginning, they owe each other nothing now. Perhaps this is the final outcome. From the initial sting of hearing his name to the numbness she feels now, she can no longer even remember his current official position.

Time has passed, and he has become a powerful minister with immense influence in the imperial palace, while she is now a wicked and scheming woman. There is no longer any possibility for the two of them to be together.

Lin Xu recovered from her surprise and asked calmly:

"...Did the Grand Master Xuanfeng say what the matter was about?"

Rongwei shook her head. "The master only said he wanted to see you. He also said you must come."

Lin Xu glanced at Mianxue, who was still fast asleep by the bedside. The little one's long eyelashes trembled slightly, and she occasionally smacked her lips as if dreaming of something delicious. Mianxue was also his flesh and blood. Perhaps his visit today was only to see Mianxue.

Thinking this, Lin Xu agreed, "Take Mianxue with you and come with me."

.

The corridors are winding, and although the weather is getting warmer, there are still some patches of snow that have not melted in the shady areas under the corridors.

She walked slowly, thinking she could remain calm, but for some reason, as she approached the flower hall, her heart couldn't help but tremble slightly. Mianxue was still asleep and had been carried out by Zhuling. She had been sobbing in her swaddling clothes, but upon seeing the tall figure sitting in the hall, perhaps out of curiosity, she immediately stopped crying.

Looking out the window, the bare branches in the courtyard were adorned with unmelted ice flowers, which rustled down in the wind. A few rays of sunlight streamed in through the carved window frame, falling on the profile of the person sitting in the hall, casting a faint, cool golden glow.

He wore his usual black long robe, as if covered in ink by night snow.

His long, narrow shadow fell to the ground, exuding an air of majesty. In just over a month, his every gesture had become immeasurably dignified and noble, making him seem increasingly unfamiliar to her.

The hall was filled with the smoke of burning sandalwood incense, which made his features appear somewhat hazy and indistinct. Although he seemed to have a gentle and refined demeanor, there was an inexplicable sense of cold detachment about him.

As if hearing the footsteps gradually subside, Dou Yanxun turned around with a focused gaze.

The previously blurry face gradually became clear as the smoke dissipated. His features were exactly the same as before, but he looked thinner. After only a month apart, she almost didn't recognize him.

Lin Xu knew that he was busy with political affairs now and was not as busy as before, so he secretly pinched the palm of his hand hidden in his sleeve and walked forward with a calm appearance.

"I was completely unaware of the arrival of the Imperial Physician, and I have failed to greet you properly."

Dou Yanxun had a cup of tea beside him, with only a wisp of steam rising from it, as if he had been waiting for her for quite some time.

"please."

He gestured for her to sit down.

Lin Xu couldn't help but find it amusing. This was clearly the Lin residence, yet he had not only come uninvited but had now turned the tables and acted as if he were the host.

Seeing her smile, his gaze deepened, and the expression that had just emerged from the shadows became unfathomable. After a long pause, he spoke again:

"Are your injuries any better?"

Regardless of how he acted in front of outsiders, Dou Yanxun rarely had such a serious expression when the two of them were alone. She couldn't tell whether he was just being polite or if he really wanted to know the answer.

But now that we're strangers, what good would it do to clarify things?

"Thank you for your concern, sir," her voice was as light as a cloud in the sky, "The weather has warmed up, and I am much better now."

Dou Yanxun's gaze shifted from her dark, cloud-like hair to her empty ears.

She wasn't one for elaborate attire; her cool, aloof appearance was always complemented by the simplest accessories. This unpretentious adornment was all the more captivating. Seeing her again now, she clearly still looked the same, but the allure in her eyes had faded considerably. Instead, she possessed a serene and peaceful air. Today, when she came to see him, she wasn't even wearing her usual earrings.

A woman dresses up for the one she loves. But she no longer cared that it was she who came to see her.

Dou Yanxun frowned imperceptibly before turning his gaze back to the little figure in Zhu Ling's arms.

Mianxue had stopped crying long ago, and her face was still covered with snot bubbles that glistened in the sunlight. She blinked her big eyes and looked at Dou Yanxun, who was dressed in black, with great curiosity, but she didn't make a sound. She just stretched out her little hand and quietly looked at the tall figure.

"Mian Xue."

He softly murmured his daughter's nickname.

Lin Xu's eyelashes trembled; this was the first time she had heard him softly utter her daughter's name.

She took a sip of the freshly brewed tea that the maid had just brought, and said gently with a smile, "Mianxue is very well-behaved and rarely cries."

Dou Yanxun raised her hand, and before she could finish speaking, she looked at Zhu Ling and said calmly, "Bring the child here."

Zhu Ling glanced at Lin Xu for help. Lin Xu considered that since the child was born, he had never really looked at Mian Xue closely, let alone held her, so such a request was not unreasonable. He nodded.

Dou Yanxun took the swaddling clothes, his expression quite solemn and full of caution.

Mian Xue also looked at Dou Yanxun, the two staring at each other. The little one, perhaps very curious, couldn't help but reach out and grab Dou Yanxun's collar. For a moment, everyone in the hall was stunned. Dou Yanxun was only surprised for a moment, but soon he laughed heartily, even squinting his eyes and looking at the little dumpling in his arms with almost doting eyes.

The world would never know that Doctor Dou, who is currently caught in the vortex of political turmoil in Mujing, has such an approachable and ordinary side... Even Zhu Ling and Rong Wei, who were guarding the hall, were astonished, as they had never seen Dou Yanxun like this before.

As if noticing the gaze from not far away, Dou Yanxun suddenly raised his head, only to meet Lin Xu's gaze before he could look away.

She naturally felt embarrassed, and before she could even compose herself, she heard him say:

"Her smile looks a lot like yours."

Lin Xu raised his eyes, his serious expression meeting hers. The next moment, Dou Yanxun spoke softly in a lower, gentler tone:

"Has our daughter been named yet?"

"...Never."

She had thought of her daughter's nickname a long time ago, and to this day, everyone around her is used to calling her Mianxue. Her father often affectionately calls Mianxue "Little Mianxue," but apart from that, she has not yet given Mianxue a formal name.

Sure enough, Dou Yanxun spoke again:

"Then let's call him Jichu."

After the rain...

The wind and rain have ceased, the snow has stopped, and the clouds have parted.

It means everything becomes clear again.

Lin Xu looked at Dou Yanxun, subconsciously reciting the name Dou Jichu. It was undoubtedly an excellent name. As the child's biological father, it was perfectly reasonable for him to name Mianxue, and besides, the name was truly remarkable, which she liked very much.

Seeing her hesitate for a moment before nodding, he gently raised the corners of his eyes, "After the rain, in early spring, the grass and trees shine. From now on, our daughter will be named Jichu."

The two sat quietly for a while longer. Dou Yanxun glanced at the darkening sky outside the window, a somber expression settling on his face. "It's getting late, I'll be going now."

Mianxue was already fast asleep in his warm embrace, but was suddenly awakened by Dou Yanxun's action of getting up. She was very dissatisfied and not only pushed away Zhuling who came forward to hug her, but also stretched out her little hands to tightly grab Dou Yanxun's collar.

I won't let go no matter what.

Lin Xu blushed and quickly stepped forward to coax Mianxue, saying:

"Mianxue, be good, come with your mother, your father should leave now."

To everyone's surprise, the usually well-behaved and adorable little girl was not happy to leave the warm embrace. Her fair face was flushed from just waking up, and she was about to burst into tears.

Seeing this, Dou Yanxun, who was about to let go, quickly hugged the little one in his arms even tighter.

"Perhaps she was sleeping soundly and got upset when her sleep was disturbed. She'll be fine after a while of coaxing."

Before Lin Xu could finish speaking, Dou Yanxun glanced out the window. Birds flew low overhead, and the starry sky was beginning to appear. His head was slightly lowered, his features mostly obscured by the dim light, and he said gently:

"Since you don't want me to leave, then I'll stay a little longer."