TRBDM -Chapter 22 An Ill-Fated Bond

In her previous life, Dou Shuxin had also come to the Marquis Manor. At the time, because Wei Zhaorong detested Dou Shuyao, she disliked Dou Shuxin by association, and thus had scarcely given her a proper glance.

Now that she looked carefully, her heart could not help but jolt.

Dou Shuxin was fifteen, with a delicate oval face that inspired tenderness at first sight. Her clear, lively eyes seemed like dewdrops resting upon her cheeks—so pitiful and endearing that one could not help but feel moved.

Although the Prime Minister’s residence had declined, the Second Miss of the Dou family was still the very model of a noble lady in the capital.

Beautiful in appearance, accomplished in music, chess, calligraphy, and painting—and most importantly, kind-hearted.

It was precisely because of that kindness that she formed a fated bond with the new Emperor.

At the time, the Marquis Manor had been in utter chaos. Wei Zhaorong had been worn down, body and soul, by her troublesome children.

When she learned that the new Emperor had ascended the throne, she hastily tidied herself and went to the palace to offer her congratulations.

Only when Dou Shuxin, clad in a phoenix robe, stood upon the towering imperial steps and received the kneeling homage of the court, did Wei Zhaorong belatedly realize that the connection she could have relied upon had long ago been foolishly cast aside by her own hand.

Dou Shuxin had become Empress. She could have avenged her elder sister and righted past wrongs.

Yet in the end, she repaid resentment with virtue. When the new Emperor intended to strip Xie Chuan of his marquis title, she secretly intervened and helped preserve it. However, the title was to end with Xie Chuan and would no longer be hereditary.

Xie Chuan had no heirs, so whether it could be inherited meant nothing. Still, losing the hereditary right to the marquis title became one of Wei Zhaorong’s greatest regrets.

“Mother, Shuxin truly loved the Spring Day Painting you had sent. She had planned to visit Anhe Courtyard this afternoon to thank you in person, but I didn’t expect you would come first.”

Upon seeing her younger sister, Dou Shuyao’s mood brightened. A faint smile curved her lips as she spoke.

When she smiled, she looked far more radiant than when her face had been cold and expressionless before.

“Second Miss Dou, take a look at your sister—doesn’t she look much prettier when she smiles?”

Dou Shuxin pressed her lips together in a gentle smile. “Yes, Elder Sister does look lovely when she smiles.”

“Madam Dou, did you hear that? Both Second Miss Dou and I think you look better smiling. From now on, don’t keep such a cold face. Smile more.”

It was the first time Dou Shuyao had ever heard Wei Zhaorong say that she looked beautiful when she smiled. Embarrassed, she lowered her head and replied softly, “Mother’s teaching is correct.”

Wei Zhaorong sat in Ruixiang Courtyard sipping tea, while the two sisters accompanied her in light, intermittent conversation. After a while, Dou Shuxin returned to her room and came back with something in her hands.

“Old Madam, this is a sachet I embroidered myself. Inside are calming herbs. My craftsmanship is crude—I hope you will forgive it.”

Calling it crude was undoubtedly Dou Shuxin’s modesty.

The sachet was made of plain-colored brocade, smooth to the touch like drifting clouds. At its center, a crane in flight was vividly embroidered, the stitches fine and dense, every feather rendered in clear detail.

A fine work—of the highest quality.

Wei Zhaorong suddenly thought of Xie Wanyi’s embroidery. Compared to Dou Shuxin’s, it was so inferior it was almost unbearable to look at.

“How beautiful. Second Miss Dou’s skill could rival even the female officials of the Imperial Wardrobe Bureau.”

Wei Zhaorong spared no praise, and two rosy blooms rose upon Dou Shuxin’s cheeks.

“Old Madam overpraises me. My skills are crude—how could I dare compare myself to the officials of the Wardrobe Bureau?”

“I say it’s even more beautiful than theirs. Second Miss Dou, no need to be so modest.”

“Th-this…” Dou Shuxin did not know how to respond.

Aside from the matron who had taught her, no one had ever praised her like this to her face.

She had lost her mother at a young age and had never had an affectionate elder to offer her guidance.

After her elder sister married, Dou Shuxin grew even lonelier. Having once been belittled by Xie Wanyi together with other noble ladies, she had learned to hide her talents.

Wei Zhaorong’s affirmation truly made her happy.