After returning home, Zhao Guqiu was pressured into agreeing to let Dou Shiying marry Wang Yingxue. This led to a heated argument between Zhao Si and Dou Shiying’s elder brother, who argued that Zhao Guqiu had only one daughter and Wang Yingxue, coming from a good family, was suitable for the household. Pretending remorse, Wang Yingxue feigned an intent to take her own life. Moved, Zhao Guqiu threw down her hairpin, symbolizing consent. Wang Yingxue then dramatically “collapsed” into Dou Shiying’s arms, reinforcing his determination to take care of her.
Dou Zhao, aware of everything, intervened, demanding an explanation. Dou Shiying falsely claimed Wang Yingxue was a mere servant. Dou Zhao tried to drive Wang Yingxue away, but Wang feigned weakness and fell, claiming her asthma had worsened due to caring for him during his illness. Moved, Dou Shiying carried her off, pledging to look after her. Heartbroken, Dou Zhao embraced her grieving mother.
Dou Zhao assured Zhao Guqiu that as long as she refused, Dou Shiying could not officially take Wang Yingxue as a concubine. Wang Yingxue’s father, Wang Xingyi, would never approve of such a situation. Dou Zhao even suggested her mother could divorce and promised to follow her. She reminded her mother that Zhao Si, skilled in legal matters, could help them leave the household.
Feigning frailty, Wang Yingxue blamed her asthma on the magnolia trees—flowers Zhao Guqiu cherished as symbols of her bond with Dou Shiying. Dou Shiying ordered the trees cut down despite Zhao Guqiu’s protests. He knelt before her, and Zhao Guqiu tearfully relented. Watching the trees fall broke her heart, a reminder of the promises Dou Shiying had once made. Back in her room, Zhao Guqiu coughed uncontrollably.
Later, Dou Zhao sat on a swing with her cousin, only for Dou Shiying to join them, pushing the swing himself. This swing had been built by Dou Shiying for Zhao Guqiu, sparking Dou Zhao’s anger. She scolded her father for dividing his affections and failing to prioritize the right person.
Although Dou Shiying cared for his daughter and wife, he struggled with the conflicting demands. He resolved to send Wang Yingxue away but was persuaded otherwise by his elder brother, who urged him to expand the family line. Matters worsened when it was revealed that Wang Yingxue was pregnant. Torn between loyalties, Dou Shiying received the devastating news that Zhao Guqiu had taken her own life.
Dou Shiying arrived to find Dou Zhao holding Zhao Guqiu’s lifeless body in tears. Zhao Guqiu had hanged herself from a tree using a red wine jar ribbon she had buried beneath it, hoping it would bring good fortune to Dou Shiying’s examination success. Dou Shiying, filled with regret, read her will, which pleaded with him to care for their daughter, Dou Zhao.
At Zhao Guqiu’s funeral, Wang Yingxue attempted to pay her respects but was nearly pushed over by Dou Zhao. Dou Shiying, consumed by guilt, drowned himself in alcohol, neglecting his responsibilities. Wang Xingyi and Dou Shiying’s elder brother began plotting to make Wang Yingxue the official wife.
Zhao Si, outraged by Wang Yingxue’s use of Zhao Guqiu’s dowry, confronted her, but Dou Zhao seemingly ate the snacks Wang Yingxue prepared without complaint. Zhao Si thought Dou Zhao was naive, only for her to suddenly collapse from poisoning. This incident brought Dou Zhao’s grandmother, Lady Cui, back to the family. Lady Cui demanded justice, redistributing Zhao Guqiu’s dowry to Dou Zhao and ordering Wang Yingxue to pay 3,000 taels in compensation. Wang Yingxue protested, claiming Dou Zhao was too young to manage finances, but Lady Cui entrusted Dou Zhao to handle matters.
Dou Zhao, unable to accept Wang Yingxue as her stepmother, vowed to mourn her mother for three years. Dou Shiying agreed, promising not to cohabit with Wang Yingxue during this time and moving into Zhao Guqiu’s room to observe mourning rituals. Fearing repercussions, Wang Yingxue knelt to beg forgiveness from Lady Cui.
Standing by the magnolia trees, Dou Zhao mourned her mother and felt some relief for taking a stand. Yet, she realized this was no longer her or her mother’s home. Moving to the countryside with Lady Cui, Dou Zhao found solace in her grandmother’s care and affection.
Dou Zhao confided in Lady Cui about Wang Yingxue’s scheming, vowing to protect herself and take revenge. Lady Cui, moved, encouraged Dou Zhao to rise above the petty struggles of the household and handed her a repaired bracelet that had belonged to Zhao Guqiu. Inspired, Dou Zhao resolved to be as resilient as the flowers on the bracelet, weathering all hardships.
Dou Zhao began studying under the renowned scholar Chen Qushui, gaining knowledge about the world. She recruited skilled bodyguards, Su Lan and Su Xin, to protect herself, and eventually established herself as an independent and astute merchant, thriving in the business world.
Meanwhile, in Duke Dingguo’s army, a young soldier joined the ranks. This soldier, Song Mo, was initially opposed by his aunt Jiang Meisun but quickly proved his mettle by capturing General Yan Chaoqing. Though Jiang Meisun wanted to send him back, she learned that Song Mo had joined the army after being severely beaten by his father, Song Yichun. Reluctantly, she allowed him to stay, and Song Mo vowed to rise through the ranks.
Years passed. Song Mo grew into a formidable young general, while Dou Zhao, now a sharp and capable businesswoman, had her finger on the pulse of political and economic affairs. Predicting that Jiang Meisun’s military campaign would increase the value of her stockpiled goods, Dou Zhao prepared to reap the rewards.
Reflecting on a lesson from an elderly man, who once told her that only with the strength to shift mountains and seas could one reverse fate, Dou Zhao vowed to achieve such power.
