Chapter 17 Eating what's in your bowl while eyeing what's in the pot

Dou Wenyi wanted to develop an antidote for Pei Siyan as soon as possible, so she went straight to the West Market in her carriage and bought dozens of medicinal herbs before returning home.

“…Be careful, this zither was made by Gu Fengchun. The young master said that this zither is most suitable for the third young lady.”

Dou Wenyi's hand, which had been lifting the carriage curtain, froze. Mo Yu, Xie Guidu's attendant, continued speaking from ahead.

"This bag contains deer antler powder, which can be used to repair any broken zithers; this contains mugwort and camphor, which can be placed in the zither case to prevent moisture and insects. Well... you won't remember it if I say too much. This list already lists the precautions. The Crown Prince also said that if you really encounter any problems, just send someone to ask him."

"Understood, thank you for the zither, Your Highness." Dou Mingyan's maid, Amber, smiled broadly and nodded repeatedly.

Gu Fengchun is the most famous luthier today, and the luthiers he makes are priceless.

Xie Guidu cherished his zither as if it were his life, and treasured several precious and fine zithers.

Before each performance, he would wash his hands and burn incense. He would also personally handle the cleaning and maintenance of the instrument. Not only would he not give it away, but others were not allowed to even touch it.

She had once gone to his music room to help tidy up and clean, but Xie Guidu was unusually angry that day and even issued a ban, forbidding her from ever stepping into the music room again.

She sulked for a long time because of that.

Later, with a gentle smile, he unusually explained that a fine zither needs the essence of heaven and earth, and during the rainy season, soft silk should not be used; instead, a soft cloth should be used to wipe away the dew. He went on and on...

At that time, she couldn't understand the complex emotions that often appeared in his eyes. Perhaps he felt guilty for not being true to her, or perhaps he was merciful and didn't divorce her because of her willingness to risk her life to test medicine for him.

Now she understands that his soulmate is Dou Mingyan, so naturally he is unwilling to teach her, let alone open his heart to her.

Whether it's his sophisticated manners or his virtuosity, everything about him exudes arrogance.

Deep down, he despised himself, despised her for being stupid and clumsy, despised her for not knowing music, and most of all, he despised her for not being the wife he wanted.

Cuizhi felt sorry for her, "Miss? Young Master Xie is discussing marriage with you, and he's doing it so ostentatiously. Isn't that a slap in your face?"

“Silly boy, I’m not going to marry him, so how is this a slap in the face?” Dou Wenyi corrected.

What's past can't be undone!

Having faced life and death, she had long since become indifferent to these ephemeral emotions.

He'd better be bold and take responsibility, and bravely pursue love.

If he insists on marrying her, that would be truly disgusting!

Two days later, Madam Gu sent someone to deliver an invitation from the Princess's residence.

Dou Wenyi's eyelids twitched. Given her status, the eldest princess would never send her an invitation.

Xie Guidu rose to fame at a young age and was a rare talent in the Great Zhou Dynasty, as well as a frequent guest at the West Garden Gathering. Since he had already spoken, both the Princess and the Prince Consort Cheng Shen would naturally give him some face.

Princess Fu'an is determined to have him. If she finds out that he is going to marry her, who knows what she will do to her? It will really cause her trouble.

Seeing her reaction, Cuizhi felt a little regretful. "Miss, the invitation to the West Garden Gathering is very valuable. Are you really not going?"

That lady from Lan Yue Pavilion will definitely be there. She'll be the center of attention, and who knows what those maids and servants will say, praising her and belittling her, trying to undermine their own mistress.

Dou Wenyi shook her head. "I'm not going."

As soon as she finished speaking, Old Madam Dou walked in, supported by Zijuan. She looked at her with a loving expression and said, "You silly girl, the incident last time caused quite a stir. You have to go there in a dignified and open manner to shut them up!"

Outside, powerful figures are already gossiping about the Dou family, saying they are opportunistic and only know how to favor their adopted daughter.

Princess Chang clearly sent an invitation to this gathering at the West Garden, so Dou Mingyan will definitely attend. If Dou Wenyi doesn't go, who knows what gossip will spread and how people will talk about them!

Madam Gu had already thought of this. As soon as she received the invitation, she went to Shouhe Hall and played the victim in front of Old Madam Dou, pouring out her grievances.

Old Madam Dou was eager for the mother and daughter to reconcile, so she took on the role of mediator.

She could protect her granddaughter for a while, but she was old after all, and her family was her only support.

Dou Wenyi shook her grandmother's arm and pleaded, "Grandmother, I really don't want to go."

Madam Dou snorted coldly in dissatisfaction, "You must attend this banquet. As for Dou Mingyan, you don't need to worry about stealing her thunder. Your grandmother will take care of everything!"

——

The next day.

When Xie Guidu arrived at the West Garden dressed in a moon-white brocade robe, many officials and literati had already arrived for the banquet. As soon as he got off the carriage, many officials greeted him warmly.

Xie Guidu smiled and returned the greeting humbly. Upon learning that the Dou family had arrived, he quickened his pace and walked into the garden.

He gazed intently, taking in the rippling blue waves of Yanming Pond, where a cool breeze was blowing.

Not far away, Princess Fu'an was boating on the pond with several princes, while Dou Mingyan was chatting and laughing with several noble ladies in the pavilion.

Xie Guidu frowned and searched carefully again, but still couldn't find her.

"Who are you looking for?" Dou Mingxiu patted his shoulder, his breath reeking of alcohol. "Fourth Sister, she didn't come."

Xie Guidu's expression darkened slightly, and a sense of irritation arose in his heart. He had even specially asked the Princess to send her an invitation, yet she actually dared to ignore it!

"I heard you gave your third sister a fine zither?" Dou Mingxiu, looking drunk, put his arm around Xie Guidu's shoulder and lowered his voice, "Xie Guidu, what are you really up to?"

"It's just a zither, you're overthinking it," Xie Guidu replied dismissively, not caring at all.

"We're both men, do you think I don't understand your little schemes?" Dou Mingxiu knew perfectly well what was going on, and snorted coldly, "Do you know that Fourth Sister gets rashes after eating lychees, yet you still send her lychees every year? Who exactly are you trying to give them to?"

Xie Guidu remained silent.

Dou Mingxiu said resentfully, "I'm warning you, don't be greedy and want more. She's the Crown Princess!"

Xie Guidu's expression changed slightly, but he quickly regained his composure. "You're drunk. There are many court officials here today, and Prince Rui and the Crown Prince might even be present. Don't lose your composure. What exactly happened to you?"

They had known each other since childhood. Although Dou Mingxiu was occasionally unreliable, he had never made a mistake on matters of principle. Something was wrong with him today.

Xie Guidu suddenly realized something and asked, "Could it be related to your sweetheart?"

Dou Mingxiu looked pained and hesitated to speak.

Just as Xie Guidu was about to ask further, a clear voice rang out behind him, "Brother, Guidu, you're both here?"

Dou Mingyan, dressed in a gorgeous, flowing dress, glanced at the two of them with a suspicious look. "What's wrong?"

Seeing that the two of them remained silent, she immediately became unhappy. "You two...did you have a fight?"

Xie Guidu lowered his eyes and vehemently denied it, "No way."

"He asked me why my fourth sister didn't come," Dou Mingxiu quickly explained.

Dou Mingyan smiled brightly, "I thought it was something serious. Don't worry, she'll come!"