Chapter 226: Crossroads

Is it hard?

Hard.

But what is this hardship compared to the pain of separation from one's own children?

Dou Zhao thought of all the things in his previous life, a trace of confusion flashed across his eyes, but what was more in his heart was sadness.

After this separation, she and Song Mo may never have the chance to meet each other again.

Some things are better explained clearly.

Dou Zhao didn't want to leave any regrets or pain in Song Mo's heart.

Just like what she had experienced in her previous life, because she was separated from her mother by life and death and had no way of understanding the cause of her death, she would always speculate about her mother's death and wonder if it had anything to do with her. If Song Mo was allowed to die like this, in the years to come, when he thought of this incident, he would definitely be like herself back then, and would be bothered by it for the rest of his life.

She asked Song Mo: "You have been practicing martial arts since you were a child. Do you find it hard?"

Song Mo was a little surprised, and after thinking about it, he still said sincerely: "I don't think it's hard!"

"But we see you training in the coldest days of winter and the hottest days of summer, and you think it's very hard." Dou Zhao asked again, "Why don't you think it's hard?"

Song Mo thought: "Maybe it's because I believe that 'no pain, no gain', so I don't feel it's hard?"

"You have started managing Yizhitang at such a young age. Do you find it hard?"

Song Mo smiled and said, "I am the prince of the Duke of Ying's Mansion. Managing Yizhi Hall is my job. How could I find it hard?"

Dou Zhao said, "After you and your father fell out, you still have the upper hand everywhere. You must feel very proud, right?"

Song Mo was stunned.

Dou Zhao didn't wait for his answer and said, "I heard from Mr. Chen that since the Duke detained the Second Master in the upper room to study, you rarely see the Second Master. Do you feel bitter?"

Song Mo widened his eyes, looking thoughtful, and vaguely understood what she was thinking.

"So I don't find it hard to be in charge of Zhongfu." Dou Zhao smiled and looked at him, "When water comes, we cover it with earth; when enemies come, we stop them with generals. It's just the same things coming and going. Even if something goes wrong, we just have to find a way to make amends. It's not hard to play the balancing act with the people in Dongfu. They are my blood relatives, so why am I not their blood relative? If they can respect me one foot, I can respect them ten feet. Even if they may let me down, it's only a temporary sadness. I can only blame myself for not knowing people well." She turned her head, looked at the mottled shadows of the trees on the ground, and said softly, "When I was a child, I always... I felt that I was an orphan, without any siblings, and was very lonely. When I grew up, I especially wanted to have someone to accompany me, and especially hoped that person would treat me well as always after everyone else had abandoned me. So even though I knew that he had this or that problem, I was still willing to live with him. "When she said this, she smiled at Song Mo, "Besides, I am not a person without problems either. I tolerate others, but maybe others are also tolerating me? But having someone by your side is better than being alone, right?"

She should be talking about Wei Tingyu, right?

Under the moonlight, her smile looked so pale and thin, like a pair of invisible hands, tightly grasping Song Mo's heart, making him feel a little breathless.

"But the relationship between blood relatives is different," Dou Zhao murmured, "We are connected by blood, we share the same voice and spirit... no matter what, we can't let go." The child's face had long been blurred in Dou Zhao's memory, but what was engraved in her heart were the feelings that brought her sorrow and laughter. "When he was in pain, you were in pain, when he was happy, you were happy, you felt the same way. No matter where you go, no matter where you are, as long as you still remember, you will never let it go."

Song Mo was very shocked.

Dou Zhao, she is scared!

She is actually afraid of getting married!

What is the reason that makes her think like this?

Was it the death of her biological mother?

Or is it Dou Ming's proxy marriage?

Or, what role did Ji Jia play in it?

He remembered that Dou Zhao and Ji Yong grew up together!

Seeing Dou Zhao like this made him very heartbroken.

He thought of Chen Qushui, Duan Gongyi, and Su Xin who were beside Dou Zhao... Was it because of this that she was surrounded by so many experts?

He even remembered his father's cruelty to him.

Song Mo seemed to have returned to that cold night, to that night that was as warm as spring and lulling people to sleep, but when they closed their eyes they would fall into the underworld!

He could not help but grab Dou Zhao's hand and said, "Since you know that if you were seriously ill, my father would definitely cancel the engagement for the sake of face, why didn't you use this strategy before you met me?"

Song Hei's expression was very serious, which surprised Dou Zhao a little.

"Is it because you think that if you leave this matter to me, I will definitely give you an explanation?" Song Mo said in a serious voice.

Dou Zhao couldn't help but nodded.

She really thought so.

No one knows Song Mo's abilities better than her.

Since Song Mo was able to trick Song Yichun into proposing to him in just a few days, he must have a way to let her cancel the engagement with no problems.

Dou Zhao's answer made a strange light flash in Song Mo's eyes.

"Then can you trust me again like you did before?" He stared at Dou Zhao seriously, "Why don't you marry me! Even if I am poor, I can still protect you!"

Dou Zhao was stunned.

Even after she had said so much, Song Mo still wanted to marry her?

Of course, she wouldn't be so narcissistic as to think that Song Mo was attracted to her.

Dou Zhaoke still remembers what kind of women were around Song Mo in his previous life!

He was rebellious and unruly at that time, and without the restraint of his elders, those people could not please him to marry. And himself... not to mention that he was one year older than Song Mo, his personality became obviously dull because of reading a lot of books. Apart from looking at the account books and being the director of the family, he could only take care of the crops and flowers. Not to mention that he was not humorous, he was far from being gentle and demure.

She couldn't help but blurt out: "Why?"

Why?

Song Mo was in deep thought for a moment.

yes!

Why?

Although Dou Zhao's experience was regrettable, she was not a weak person. On the contrary, she became stronger, more decisive, and more resolute. What did he have to worry about?

The mid-autumn night wind blew over, the leaves rustled, and there was a chill that penetrated the bones. But because of Dou Zhao beside him, because there was someone like him talking to him in confidence, the chill that penetrated the bones became negligible.

"Didn't you say that having someone by your side is worse than being alone?" He smiled. "Instead of letting my father control my marriage, I'd rather marry you. At least we can still talk about it. It's better for us to keep each other company."

"Ah?!" Dou Zhaoxing's eyes widened as he thought of the feud between the Song father and son.

For a moment, she seemed to see Song Mo again, who was surrounded by people but had a lonely expression and a desolate figure.

In fact, the two people's situations are very similar.

A faint sadness surged in Dou Zhao's heart.

Under the eaves, the light of the big red lantern was reflected on the ground, and the sound of unknown insects could be heard in the yard.

Song Mo whispered, "Dou Zhao, you might as well think carefully about what I said. Instead of struggling so hard in the Dou family, it is better to go to Yizhitang. At least, Chen Qushui and Duan Gongyi can follow you openly."

Dou Zhao remained silent.

Song Mo said goodbye: "I'll wait for your news!"

Dou Zhao did not sleep all night.

Perhaps Song Mo in her previous life left too deep an impression on her.

No one else had the ability to make her feel as at ease as Song Mo, and no other family made her as wary as the Duke of Ying's Mansion.

But what Song Mo said also makes sense.

Rather than struggling in the Dou family, not knowing when she would be able to make a breakthrough, it would be better for her to marry into the Duke of Ying's mansion.

She wouldn't have to hide it like she does now.

To go or not to go?

When Song Mo said he was waiting for her news, did he mean that he would wait for her to spread the word that she had a serious illness, and then he would take the opportunity to cancel their engagement? Or did he wait for her reply and then cancel their engagement?

Dou Zhao felt as if he was standing at a crossroads.

Marrying into a British mansion is obviously difficult.

Staying in the Dou family would bring predictable difficulties.

Is there no third way for me?

After his rebirth, Dou Zhao was in a daze and couldn't make up his mind for the first time.

I just hope that time can freeze at this moment, allowing her to come up with an idea and then the sun rises and the moon sets.

Song Mo stood in front of the moon-lit window in the study and couldn't help but let out a long breath.

It's already the third day, and there has been no movement from the Dou family.

There was no news that Dou Zhao had a serious illness, nor did the Song family have to face difficulties in marrying off their daughter.

Painting the house, decorating the new room, sending out invitations, setting up an account...all matters concerning the wedding went smoothly.

After receiving the invitation, Dou Ming rushed to Jing'an Temple Hutong.

"My sister is really engaged to Song Yantang, the prince of the Duke of Ying?"

She asked Dou Shiying with a look of disbelief on her face.

"Is this true?!" Having solved his eldest daughter's marriage, Dou Shiying was not only in a good mood, but also full of energy. He seemed to be ten years younger. Thinking of what his second daughter had done to his eldest daughter, he reminded Dou Ming, "When you add a box to your sister, you must give her a big gift. You and Marquis Jining must remember to come back together for the wedding!"

Dou Ming was unhappy, but thinking that his father was angry with him these days, how could he dare to lose his temper? Not only that, he also hugged Dou Shiying's arm and said coquettishly: "Don't always call him Marquis of Jining, Marquis of Jining, he is your second son-in-law! His courtesy name is Peijin."

Dou Shiying did not laugh and joke with her as usual, but nodded randomly and said to her seriously: "You are married now, you should stand and sit properly. How can you pull my sleeve and act coquettishly at every turn?"

Dou Ming pouted and said with a playful smile: "I just miss my daddy!"

Facing his daughter like this, Dou Shiying shook his head, sighed, and his expression relaxed slightly.

Dou Ming asked Dou Shiying: "Why did the Duke of Ying take a fancy to you? I heard that the prince is one year younger than you, and he is a murderer by nature, and he even killed his own guards..."

"Don't talk nonsense!" Dou Shiying scolded with an angry look on his face, "You are my sister, how could you be like those women in the market, who believe everything they hear and spread rumors!" He added, "I personally asked the Duke of Ying about this matter, and the Duke of Ying also said that it is not true. You are Shougu's sister, don't let me hear such words again!"

Dou Ming didn't take it seriously and was about to say something when Gao Sheng came in and reported, "Master, Master Cai and Master Xu from the Hanlin Academy are here."

Dou Shiying's face brightened slightly, and he scolded Dou Ming a few words like "Don't do this again in the future", straightened his clothes, and then went to the flower hall.

Dou Ming couldn't help but stamp his feet, turned around and went to the room where Wang Yingxue was detained.