The Black Chamber Dream: Daiyu's Revenge

“Mom, crying won’t do any good now. Quickly call my second brother over so I can hear what’s going on.” Baochai had no choice but to try to comfort her mother.

Aunt Xue cried for a while, then wiped away her tears and asked her maid to invite Xue Ke, saying that the family didn't need to be discreet. Soon Xue Ke came in and explained the situation in a few words.

Xue Pan not only committed a crime this time, but his past killing of someone in Jinling was also brought up. In addition, he was accused of extortion. This time, he was punished for multiple crimes and sentenced to be executed in the autumn.

Upon hearing this, Baochai felt weak in the knees, realizing that the matter was more complicated than she had anticipated. She had originally thought that by spending some money to smooth things over and by asking her uncle for help, she could at least get a lighter sentence.

Now, the case of someone being beaten to death in Nanjing has also come to light, and the person has been sentenced to death. It's probably going to be difficult to smooth things over.

"Why don't we go and beg your uncle again? No matter how much money it costs, he must rescue your brother." After thinking it over, Aunt Xue realized that she could only ask Wang Ziteng for help.

Baochai sat there without speaking for a while. After thinking carefully for a long time, she said to her mother and Xue Ke, "We should naturally ask our uncle for help, especially since he and my aunt helped with the Jinling matter last time. So, Mom, you should also go and ask my aunt for help yourself."

"Why don't you just go and tell your aunt?" Aunt Xue thought. Now that her daughter was married to Baoyu, she could just tell her daughter to go to the Wang family instead.

Baochai shook her head and said, "Mom, you and Aunt are sisters, and I am your daughter-in-law. Our statuses are different, so our words carry different weight. Also, bring us our pair of white jade elephant-knob double-ring handle beast-face pattern vases."

"What? You're going to give this pair to your aunt? That's a bit too precious." Aunt Xue was reluctant to part with it. Those were very valuable treasures. They were something that Baochai's father had worked hard to acquire when he was alive. It was said to be something from the previous dynasty's royal family, and it cost ten thousand taels of silver when he bought it.

“Mom, it’s already this late, don’t be reluctant to spend the money. That’s for my brother.” Baochai advised her mother. “Besides, it’s not for Aunt or Uncle. I’ll take it to Lin Daiyu and give it a try.”

When Aunt Xue heard that her daughter was going to ask Daiyu for help, she immediately snorted: "I don't think it's necessary. Last time I went, I brought some nice things, but she accepted the things but didn't agree to the request."

Baochai was unwilling to ask Daiyu for help. She had gone to great lengths to scheme and plot, even knowing that Baoyu and Daiyu were in love, she still tried to please her aunt and even Grandmother Jia, and finally got her wish to marry Baoyu. Who would have thought that Daiyu would be so lucky to be betrothed to a prince?

But at this point, Baochai was also at a loss. If she wanted to save her brother, perhaps she could only try.

“Mom, you can’t catch a wolf without risking your cub.” Baochai made up her mind. “Also, when you go to Aunt’s, don’t go empty-handed. Take those two wooden statues of the Heavenly Kings and give them to Aunt. You must persuade Aunt to ask the Empress in the palace for help.”

She immediately explained the seriousness of the matter, and that without the approval of the royal family, other officials would likely not dare to give in.

Aunt Xue was naturally very worried about Xue Pan, and only after hearing that Wang Ziteng probably couldn't handle it did she relent.

After discussing how to handle favors, Baochai instructed Xue Ke to take good care of the remaining shops in the next few days. Now that many of their shops had been sold, the remaining ones had to be managed well, otherwise things would only get more difficult.

After taking the things, Baochai didn't dare to delay and hurried back to Rongguo Mansion. She called a maid to bring water and asked Ying'er to help her wash up properly.

"Miss, let's eat first. It's so hot right now. We can go to Xiaoxiang Pavilion in the afternoon when it's cooler." Ying'er, who knew the situation, advised Baochai when she saw that she was very tired.

Baochai nodded. It was indeed lunchtime, and it wouldn't be appropriate to disturb them on such a hot day.

Besides, I also need to think about how to talk to Daiyu.

After all, her mother had already visited, but was dismissed by Lin Daiyu with a single sentence: She is not yet a prince's consort, and even if she were, she wouldn't dare interfere in the affairs of the court.

Finally, as dusk approached, Baochai instructed Ying'er to take Wenxing and the gifts to Xiaoxiang Pavilion.

Xueyan saw this from afar and was a little worried, fearing that the young lady would be heartbroken if she saw Baoyu, since Baoyu was now married to Baoyu.

So Xueyan quickly found Zijuan and they began to discuss the matter.

Zijuan felt there was no time to lose, so she came in first to report: "Miss, be careful, Miss Bao, no, Second Madam Bao is here."

To their surprise, the girl didn't seem sad at all. Instead, she shook her head and said, "Zijuan, why are you acting so recklessly? Let Bao Er's wife come if she wants. Do you think I should be afraid of her?"

"Of course not, we were just confused for a moment." Zijuan and Xueyan breathed a sigh of relief.

"I heard that Madam Bao's brother has been sentenced to death and will be beheaded in the fall. I'm afraid she's here to beg you, Miss," Xueyan said, recounting the news she had overheard in the garden.

"It seems so. Aunt Xue came last time." Zijuan thought of Aunt Xue with disdain.

Daiyu nodded: "Don't worry, your young lady knows what to do, there's no need to worry."

Daiyu guessed that Baochai had come to plead for her help. Otherwise, given their current situation, Baochai wouldn't have come to Xiaoxiang Pavilion on the second day after their wedding.

When Baochai entered, she first presented a gift, her words somewhat resembling those of Wang Xifeng: she had come to add to Daiyu's makeup, thus fulfilling the bond between sisters.

Without her saying a word, Daiyu pretended not to know and praised the pair of white jade elephant-knob double-ring handles with animal face patterns.

"Sister-in-law Bao is too kind." Daiyu had already changed her form of address, and deliberately added, "It's fortunate that Sister-in-law Lian went to Ping'an Prefecture, otherwise, having two sisters-in-law would be a headache to deal with."

When Baochai heard Daiyu change her way of addressing her, she knew that today would likely be difficult.

But no matter how difficult it was, for her brother's sake, she could only say, "Little sister, you're too kind. I only came here today because I have something to ask you."

Looking into Daiyu's watery eyes, she knew: Daiyu knew everything, but Daiyu wanted her to say it herself.

The words that were on the tip of my tongue were so hard to say.

Chapter 21 Baochai's Plea for Help and Daiyu's Ironic Retort (Part 2)

But no matter how difficult it was to say it, Baochai had to say, "I wonder if my sister knows about my brother's affairs?"

Daiyu shook her head: "Sister-in-law Bao knows me. I've never been popular, and the maids and servants think I'm petty. So I know nothing about what's going on outside."

These words made Baochai even more embarrassed: In the past, Baochai had always been generous to the maids and servants of the Jia family, spending a little money to buy a good reputation. It was also at Baochai's behest that the words about Daiyu being petty and narrow-minded were spread by Xiren and others.

But Baochai dared not refute her words and continued, “Sister, you are too modest. I have always admired your true nature. I originally dared not disturb you, but my brother has been sentenced to be executed in the autumn. I have no other choice but to ask you for help. Considering our past relationship, please ask the Third Prince to say a word.”

If they are to be executed in the autumn, it seems that neither Prince Teng, nor the Rongguo Mansion, nor even the empresses in the palace can save them.

If the ladies in the palace are intelligent, it's best not to speak. However, after two visits to the palace, Daiyu had already figured it out: the Virtuous Consort was probably both naive and incredibly foolish.

Daiyu thought of Xiangling.

The Xue family had moved out by then, and not long after, news came that Xiangling had passed away. Daiyu refused to believe it and specifically asked Xueyan to inquire about it.

Xiangling was beaten so badly by Xue Pan that she fell ill and died.

The memory of Xiangling learning poetry from her was still vivid in Daiyu's mind, and she couldn't help but shed tears whenever she thought of it.

"Sister Bao, considering we've spent time together, why isn't anyone going to save Xiangling?" Daiyu stared intently at Baochai, changing her form of address.

Baochai understood. At this moment, when Daiyu called herself Sister Bao, she was actually criticizing her for not saving Xiangling.

“Sister, I’m afraid you don’t know about Xiangling’s matter. She was originally bought and is my brother’s concubine. How can I, as her sister, speak about matters in my brother’s room?” Baochai had no choice but to defend herself. “Back then, when my brother left home, I quickly brought Xiangling to the garden because I knew she admired the scenery there.”

Upon hearing this, Daiyu's heart sank even further. She looked at Baochai as if she didn't recognize her: "In Baochai's eyes, it's not just Xiangling, but anyone who can't be used by Baochai's sister-in-law is worthless. They're dead, nothing to worry about."

Before Baochai could speak, Daiyu continued, "Back then, I didn't know that your brother had already killed someone in Jinling. If I had known, I'm afraid I would have woken up sooner."

"Since someone has been killed, the matter should be handled in accordance with the laws of this dynasty. It is said that even the emperor is subject to the same laws as the common people. I dare not violate the law and disregard human life."

"Sister-in-law Bao, please go back."

Daiyu refused outright.

Baochai was rendered speechless by Daiyu's long string of words, but she was still not giving up and decided to argue back.

"I know, my sister hates me for taking Baoyu away..."

Before she could finish speaking, Daiyu interrupted her. Daiyu suddenly stood up from her seat, her face cold and resolute: "Sister-in-law Bao, watch your words! If you continue to spout nonsense, don't blame me for disregarding family ties!"

In that instant, Daiyu's imposing aura stunned Baochai. The oppressive presence that only a person in a high position could give her made Baochai have to look up, almost as if she were looking up at Daiyu, just to see her clearly.

Under Daiyu's cold gaze, Baochai suddenly became clever: Now that the palace has sent two nannies, if the nannies hear about what happened between Baoyu and Daiyu back then, wouldn't they see Daiyu as a promiscuous girl?

Therefore, Daiyu must have been afraid of revealing what happened back then.

This idea made Baochai think she had grasped Daiyu's weakness, so she smiled slightly and said, "Sister Lin, don't be angry, don't be anxious. Back then, everyone in the mansion knew what you were thinking. Now that you are about to become a prince's consort, you should think about your reputation, shouldn't you?" She thought she could control Daiyu with this, and she became smug.

Upon hearing this, Daiyu couldn't help but take a closer look at Baochai. At this moment, Baochai's expression was just like that year when she came to read and study miscellaneous books.

She was so naive back then; she still thinks she's the same person she was back then.

Since Bao Er's wife had decided to threaten her, Daiyu smiled and slowly sat down: "Of course, many people know my thoughts, but I'm afraid not many people know the thoughts and methods of the dignified and generous Bao Er's wife. Going to my cousin's room late at night, embroidering a bellyband in front of my cousin's bed, and deliberately showing off with the red musk beads, all of that is fine. She even sang about the ambush from ten sides. Why did Ying'er only recognize Mingyan's mother as her godmother?"

Daiyu's words, every single one, left Baochai stunned. She had no idea that Lin Daiyu knew everything.

“Your cousin has taken a fancy to your maternal aunt’s niece. As a result, I’m afraid your maternal aunt will have to support Baochai more, won’t she?” Daiyu saw that Baochai’s expression had changed and knew that she had hit a nerve.

“In the past, I never thought that those who called themselves good sisters were all scheming and plotting behind my back. To put it arrogantly, I was taught by a scholar from a young age. I have studied the Four Books, Five Classics and Six Secret Teachings in detail. So when it comes to methods, Sister-in-law Bao should hold back a bit.”

After saying this, Daiyu looked at Baochai with a smile.

Baochai retorted, "I have nothing to be afraid of. Anyway, I'm already married into the family. Lin sister, this is only a bestowed marriage. If something goes wrong, you might not be able to become a prince's consort."

It seems that the dignified and elegant Madam Bao Er has finally lost her temper and revealed her ugliest side.

Daiyu, however, remained unhurried and even smiled slightly: "Sister-in-law Bao, how about I immediately invite two nannies out? Sister-in-law Bao, do you think that if I really can't become a prince's consort, the Rongguo Mansion or even the Ningguo Mansion will be in a good position? Why don't we give it a try?"

Daiyu's confident demeanor left Baochai unsure of what to do.

Daiyu was about to call for help when Baochai hesitated and quickly softened her tone, saying, "Sister Lin, I was just in a hurry and said something I shouldn't have. Please don't take it to heart."

“I’m a very temperamental person. It’s not like Sister-in-law Bao has known me for just one day.” Daiyu called Zijuan in. “Zijuan, see the guest out. Xueyan, go and invite Granny Xu. I have something to say.”

Baochai was about to persist when Zijuan came up and gestured for her to leave: "Second Madam Bao, please. If you don't leave soon, when Granny Xu arrives, she might embarrass you."

Baochai had never met the two old women before, and since she had already offended Daiyu, she thought she might as well test them. So she deliberately dawdled, and only got up to say goodbye when she heard footsteps.

Xu Mama, who followed them in, bumped into them.

Baochai smiled and stepped forward to chat for a few words, but Xu Mama said to her politely, "Second Madam Bao, although our Princess Consort is temporarily staying here, this Xiaoxiang Pavilion was bestowed upon her by His Majesty, who also specifically instructed that she should not be disturbed. Second Madam Bao, you have just married into the family and do not know the rules, so we will not hold it against you today. Please show more respect in the future."

Having been rebuffed, Baochai still forced a smile, though burning with anger inside, before turning and leaving.

Chapter 22 Jia Zheng, heartbroken, punishes his wife.

Xue Baochai gained nothing from her visit to Xiaoxiang Pavilion, but her mother received permission from Lady Wang to enter the palace and ask the Empress for help. She also mentioned that she would ask Jia Zheng for assistance.

But Lady Wang would have to wait until the Mid-Autumn Festival to have a chance to enter the palace, which was far too long.

So that very night, Lady Wang told Jia Zheng about it.

Upon hearing this, Jia Zheng's face darkened immediately: "You still have the nerve to say that? If your brother hadn't sent someone, I wouldn't have known that your nephew was such a despicable person."

Madam Wang was stunned: Brother? What's going on? Brother, why aren't you helping to save Pan'er, and why are you saying such things?

"What makes you say that, sir?" Madam Wang asked hurriedly.

"That year, regarding the incident in Jinling, your nephew had already killed someone. In his letter, he claimed that he had been set up, and neither I nor my brother-in-law knew about it. That's why my brother-in-law sent someone to help." Jia Zheng was furious when he mentioned it. If he had known that the Xue family would treat human life so lightly, he would not have agreed to let them live in his mansion, much less agree to a marriage alliance with the Xue family. Even if the Empress had sent word from the palace, he, as their father, would not have agreed.

"That happened so many years ago, why are you bringing it up again, sir?" Madam Wang knew the whole story and decided to gloss over it for now. "No matter what, saving lives is the priority now."

"Save someone? He actually beat someone to death, and he still dares to talk about saving someone? Now Jia Yucun has not only been dismissed from his post because of his case, but he will also be held accountable." Jia Zheng slammed the table in anger. He didn't know that the Xue family was not only audacious and reckless, but his own wife was also so muddle-headed.

What Jia Zheng didn't know was that Wang Ziteng was simply shifting the blame onto Jia Yucun to protect himself, seeing that things were going badly.

The reason Wang Ziteng promptly sent someone to inform Jia Zheng of the matter was that he feared Jia Zheng and Lady Wang might misunderstand the situation and agree to help. If they were implicated, he himself would find it difficult to extricate himself.

Given the current situation, Wang Ziteng has decided to completely abandon Xue Pan and even the entire Xue family. In recent years, the Xue family has been unable to make ends meet, and many of the imperial merchants' businesses have been taken back by the Ministry of Revenue and given to others. As far as Wang Ziteng is concerned, the Xue family is no longer of any use.

But Wang Ziteng would naturally not say these things. He knew Jia Zheng's character well; he was extremely pedantic and rigid. If he knew that Xue Pan had killed someone, he would certainly not tolerate it.