The Black Chamber Dream: Daiyu's Revenge

With neither his principal wife nor his concubines showing any signs of pregnancy, Xiao Tingkai was very anxious. He not only consulted the imperial physicians but also privately sought out doctors outside the palace. Not only were his concubines taking medicine, but he himself had also taken a lot of medicine and tried various treatments, but to no avail.

But he was too embarrassed to say these things to his mother.

However, before he could speak, Consort Wu brought it up herself: "According to Mother, since the Princess Consort was able to get pregnant once, it means that the problem lies with the concubine."

The meaning is quite clear: there's nothing wrong with his son, after all, he got the princess pregnant.

At the same time, Consort Wu took out a palm-sized rosewood box inlaid with jewels, opened it, took out a piece of paper, and handed it to her son.

"Back then, when I entered the Prince's mansion and couldn't conceive for a long time, your maternal grandmother went to great lengths to find this prescription. It was quite a coincidence, but after drinking it for less than a month, I became pregnant with you." Consort Wu said with a sigh.

"I haven't taken it out yet, mainly because I was afraid that people in your household would suspect something. But now, the Crown Princess has a son, the Fourth Prince's concubine is also pregnant, and the Fifth Prince already has a son. So, it seems that you are the only one who doesn't have a son." Consort Wu was anxious, and her tone couldn't help but reveal her anxiety.

Xiao Tingkai was deeply moved and quickly thanked his mother after accepting the gift: "I understand, they have no reason to be suspicious."

After the mother and son talked for a while, they got up to say goodbye.

Upon returning to the Prince's residence, Xiao Tingkai couldn't wait to give the prescription given to him by his mother to his concubine, Wang Xiyun.

Wang Xiyun was naturally very grateful to receive the prescription, but she was also both happy and worried: happy that the prince gave it to her instead of the princess, but worried that if the medicine didn't work, it would be troublesome.

So, when Wang Xiyun returned home to pay New Year's visits, she naturally mentioned this matter to her wife.

To maintain good relationships with people in the capital, Wang Ziteng's wife never accompanied him to his post. Although Wang Xiyun was born to a concubine, she had been raised by her mother since childhood, so she was more accustomed to seeking her mother's help when needed.

"Don't worry. Since the Imperial Concubine said this prescription is effective, have your maid brew the medicine and make it for you. Remember to let Prince Rui know that you are taking the medicine." The lady reminded Wang Xiyun: As long as Prince Rui sees the concubine taking the medicine, even if she doesn't get pregnant, he can't completely blame the concubine.

After seeing Wang Xiyun off, Madam Wang Ziteng rubbed her temples: "She had a very difficult New Year." While instructing her maid to prepare things, she thought for a moment and decided she still needed to visit the Jia family.

This year was even more difficult for the Jia family, especially for Lady Wang.

Chapter 251 A Miserable Life Due to Many Unrighteous Deeds

Ever since Baoyu became a monk, Lady Wang's life has become increasingly difficult.

At that time, the Rongguo Mansion was still in existence, and Madam Wang was still the second wife. She ordered a maid to summon Baochai and gave her a severe scolding: "I'm calling you a jinx! A perfectly good man, entrusted to you, has become a nun."

In the past, when she criticized her, Baochai would remain silent. But now that Grandmother Jia was seriously ill and Lady Wang was also not in good health, even the medicine she drank was controlled by Baochai. So Baochai did not hold back, but the tone of Baochai's voice was unhurried.

“I dare not accept what you say, Madam. It wasn’t just me who sent Zhi’er to school; Madam also wholeheartedly agreed at the time.” If one didn’t listen to the content of her words, but only to her tone, one might think that Baochai was comforting her mother-in-law. “Baoyu was raised by Madam and the Old Madam; Madam didn’t just find out what kind of person he was today.”

After saying that, he didn't give Madam Wang a chance to make further trouble, but instead looked up at Madam Wang and said, "Madam, you should take good care of your health now, so that you won't feel uncomfortable as you get older."

After saying that, he turned and left.

Lady Wang was so angry that she pounded the bed. She remembered that year when Jin Chuan jumped into the well and died. Baochai was so understanding and had given her those words of advice. Now, Baochai's tone of voice was the same as it was back then, but the words she spoke were enough to tear her heart out.

Lady Wang was heartbroken day and night after losing her son, Baoyu. Little did she know that Grandmother Jia would pass away so suddenly. Without this titled lady, the Rongguo Mansion would be taken back by the Emperor.

Hearing the eunuch say that enough time should be given for everyone to move, Madam Wang felt a growing resentment in her heart.

So she waited for Jia Zheng to come to her room, and immediately began to cry and complain: "Master, it's not that I want to complain, but my niece is now the Crown Princess, and you are her uncle. She can't just watch us, a family of men, have nowhere to go. Does she expect us to sleep on the streets?"

Jia Zheng was already very angry. The whole family had made a mess of things, which had even angered the old lady to death. And Wang Shi still had the nerve to mention the Crown Princess.

"Now you remember that the Crown Princess was once your niece? Back then, you spent the Lin family's money and dared to say you'd find a good husband for your niece? How much grievance did the Crown Princess suffer in the mansion all those years? Do you still think I'm as naive as I was back then, believing whatever you say? Now you have the nerve to bring up your niece? Don't you even remember that her surname is Lin, not Jia?" Jia Zheng's words exposed Madam Wang's true colors.

"In the end, Baoyu was forced into this by you. His marriage was not what he wanted, which is bad enough, but why did you have to take his son away and send him to the Song family to study? If you hadn't been so greedy, and if your grandson hadn't gotten into trouble, would Baoyu have become a monk?" Jia Zheng didn't know this before, but as soon as Baoyu became a monk, he inquired about it, and Aunt Zhao told him the whole story she had heard.

Aunt Zhao deeply resented Lady Wang, so naturally, she would shift more blame onto Lady Wang in her words. Originally, Grandmother Jia also bore some responsibility for this matter, but Aunt Zhao, being shrewd, naturally wouldn't mention it.

"I advise you to give up your ambitions to entangle yourself with the Crown Princess and focus on taking care of your health. Otherwise, don't blame me for disregarding our years of marital affection." After saying this, Jia Zheng swept his sleeves and left.

With tears still on her face and her mouth agape, Lady Wang could only curse Daiyu in her heart.

However, she did not expect that her days would be even more difficult.

First, there was Xue Baochai, who was always good at winning people's hearts. She made an excuse, saying, "Now that the Rongguo Mansion is gone and the family has been divided, the houses we bought are not as good as they are now, and the estates have also been taken back. We should cut back on expenses in the future."

This was supported by Jia Zheng. Then, Baochai added, "Naturally, we don't need so many maids, servants, and boys. Our family has always been a kind and honest family. Those who are willing to leave are exempted from paying their dowry. This is also to accumulate blessings for Madam and the ladies in the palace."

Upon hearing this, not only those bought from outside, but even those born into the family were tempted: the Jia family was now in decline, and they had offended the Crown Princess years ago. If the Crown Princess became Empress in the future, the Jia family would definitely be in even worse shape. It would be best to leave as soon as possible.

It's one thing for others to leave, but Yu Chuan'er, the maid that Madam Wang relies on most now, is also leaving.

Upon hearing this, Lady Wang immediately tried to stop it, but little did she know that Baochai had already agreed.

Yu Chuan'er had very complicated feelings towards Madam Wang: her elder sister, Jin Chuan'er, had jumped into a well because of Madam Wang and Master Bao. Later, Madam Wang promoted her and gave her a monthly allowance of two taels of silver. Although she had helped support her family and saved a lot over the years, her sister would never come back.

Although she still harbored resentment, Yu Chuan'er still kowtowed to Madam Wang before leaving.

Not only Yu Chuan'er, but almost all the maids who served Lady Wang left.

The whole family moved out of the Rongguo Mansion soon. It wasn't that Baochai was so eager, but the date when the Rongguo Mansion would be taken back was set. If they didn't move, would they sleep on the streets?

The whole family moved into a three-courtyard house. This was the capital city, and being able to live in such a large house was only possible thanks to the family's accumulated savings. In addition, when Grandmother Jia passed away, the emperor bestowed a thousand taels of silver, and the Crown Prince and Crown Princess naturally followed suit, giving eight hundred taels as well. There were also gifts from relatives. Otherwise, Jia Zheng's meager income would not have been able to support such a large expense at all.

But people are always more prone to going from frugality to extravagance than from extravagance to frugality.

Especially Lady Wang. It's fine that she shares a small courtyard with Jia Zheng now, but the problem is that Aunt Zhao's room is just to the east of hers. Although it's smaller than hers, Jia Zheng almost always stays at Aunt Zhao's place these days.

Not only that, Aunt Zhao has now realized that Madam Bao is quite dissatisfied with Madam Bao.

Aunt Zhao, who had long harbored resentment, now deliberately spoke ill of Lady Wang at home during the day while Jia Zheng was at the yamen.

"Sigh, I wonder how Master Bao is doing out there these days? Speaking of which, he's the only one who hasn't looked down on his third brother for being slow-witted over the years. Such a good person, yet his family can't tolerate him."

Madam Wang was so angry that her liver ached, and she immediately started cursing. But Aunt Zhao was not afraid at all and instead became even more aggressive.

"Alas, the old lady had a hard life. She was already old when she was driven to her death by her unfilial children and grandchildren. The old lady only loved Bao Er Ye."

Hearing Aunt Zhao repeatedly mention Master Bao, Madam Wang, who was not good with words, was almost driven to the point of vomiting blood.

"And Princess Qingjia, after all, she was born from my womb. Now, if it weren't for Princess Qingjia, the family would probably be in a much worse state."

Now, all the maids and servants in the household are Baochai's people. Lady Wang already has to take medicine every day and is often exhausted, so it can be said that every day is like a year.

Finally, upon hearing that Lady Wang Ziteng had arrived, she quickly invited her sister-in-law over for a chat.

When Madam Wang saw how haggard Madam Wang looked, she was shocked: How could she look like this in such a short time? She looked more than ten years older.

After listening to Madam Wang's complaints, Madam Wang thought for a moment and decided to sit down alone with Baochai to have a proper talk.

Chapter 252 Deep Integration for Long-Term Planning

When Lady Wang Ziteng arrived, Baochai was naturally very humble and hospitable. She immediately served tea with her own hands, and also brought out a plate of chicken fat rolls and a plate of cream and pine nut pastry rolls, both of which were Lady Wang Ziteng's favorites.

Lady Wang Ziteng was certainly not lacking in such matters, but Baochai's methods and ability to please people were truly first-rate.

“That year, my aunt even sent someone to deliver chicken oil rolls, which all the ladies in the garden loved,” Baochai said with a smile.

In fact, Lady Wang Ziteng's relationship with Baochai and her daughter was always so-so. At that time, she looked down on the Xue family. Aunt Xue also knew that her sister-in-law did not like her, so she preferred to stay in Rongguo Mansion rather than go to the Wang family.

But times have changed. After eating a piece of cream puff pastry and drinking some tea, Madam Wang Ziteng said earnestly, "Logically speaking, it's not my place to speak on your family's affairs, but I see that your mother-in-law is not in good condition. Should we find her a different doctor?"

Baochai nodded and said, "Aunt is quite right. It's really busy during the New Year holidays. I was planning to inquire carefully after the Lantern Festival to see if there were any good doctors. But Aunt knows about our family's situation. Do you have any doctors you can recommend?"

Hearing Baochai's sincere words, Lady Wangziteng didn't think much of it and proceeded to name several well-known doctors in the capital. Little did she know that this niece was a ruthless person who dared to tamper with prescriptions.

"We really have to thank Aunt. Now that our family is in such a state, there aren't many families who are still willing to keep in touch. We are so happy that Aunt could come." After thanking her aunt, Baochai personally got up and took a rosewood box with a carved ruyi pattern from the multi-treasure pavilion, presenting it to Lady Wang Ziteng with both hands.

“Now that Aunt has arrived, we don’t have much to offer in our home. And since Second Sister is at Prince Rui’s residence, we should also express our gratitude. We hope Aunt won’t find it offensive.” Baochai presented the gift, and Lady Wang Ziteng hesitated for a moment before accepting it.

Upon opening it, one finds a white jade Guanyin statue of Guanyin giving a child. Although not large, it is rare to find one made of the finest Hetian white jade, with a firm, smooth, and delicate texture. The statue is carved using techniques such as round carving, openwork carving, and intaglio carving, and its symbolism is extremely auspicious.

Lady Wang Ziteng thought of the situation at Prince Rui's residence, so she accepted the gift with a smile, but said, "We are family, there is no need to be so formal."

"It's just a small token of my appreciation." Baochai deliberately brought up Wang Xifeng at this moment, "I wonder how things are going with Sister-in-law Lian these days?"

Lady Wang Ziteng, Wang Xifeng's aunt, had accepted Xue Baochai's gifts. Thinking that although the Jia family had split up, they were still one large family, she didn't mind telling Baochai, "They also sent back gifts, it's the New Year. You were originally cousins, and now you're sisters-in-law, you should be even more united. Your uncle has written many times saying that we, as a family, should be of one mind."

Upon hearing this, Baochai was completely relieved: When Grandmother Jia passed away and Jia Lian and his wife returned for the funeral, Baochai always felt that Wang Xifeng seemed to have changed, but she hadn't figured out exactly what was going on. However, after hearing her aunt's words, it meant that Jia Lian and his wife still followed the Wang family's lead.

"Although the family has declined somewhat, we still have a few shops. If there's anything you need, Aunt, please just let us know." Baochai's words completely convinced Lady Wang Ziteng that Baochai was indeed generous and open-minded.

Baochai personally escorted Lady Wang Ziteng to the hanging flower gate, watched her get into the sedan chair, and then turned back.

He Feng came over and reported, "Aunt Ying'er is not feeling well, Second Madam. Should we call a doctor for her?"

Baochai recalled the past and gave a cold smile. She then went to see Ying'er herself and said, "Good girl, if you had known this would happen, why did you do it in the first place?"

Ever since Baoyu left home to become a monk, Ying'er knew that her life was over. She had betrayed Baochai, and she knew Baochai's temperament; she would definitely take revenge.

Before, they were busy with Grandmother Jia's funeral, followed by the division of the family property and moving houses, so there was nothing wrong with that. But after moving in, Baochai indeed started to take action.

First, she raised Fang'er, the daughter Ying'er had given birth to, under her name. As the child's legal mother, and now managing the household affairs, this was something she could easily accomplish. Even if Ying'er was extremely reluctant, she dared not utter a word.

Immediately afterwards, she was left to her own devices, and a maid was still assigned to serve her, but it was no longer the same maid. She was not allowed to do any work, and Ying'er was put to live in a small room on the east side of Baochai's own courtyard.

Although Baochai said nothing, Ying'er is now unable to even leave her room. Every time she tries to step out, an old woman comes to stop her.

Ying'er tried many methods, but all of them were useless.

Fang'er is still young. By then, she might not even recognize Ying'er, and will only recognize Baochai as her mother.

At this moment, Ying'er, who was ill, begged for mercy, lying on the bed and pleading with Second Madam: "Second Madam, this servant knows she was wrong, please let this servant see the young lady?"

“You’re sick now, and you want to see her? Wouldn’t that just make you sick and upset her? You should take good care of yourself. Think about it carefully. Back then, Madam entrusted you with managing the household and trusted you a lot. Now Madam is also sick.” Baochai deliberately only said half of what she meant, leaving the other half unsaid.

It all depends on whether Ying'er can understand. If she does, then she can live; if she doesn't, then she's dead, she's just a maid.

After saying this, Baochai left, leaving Ying'er to think alone.

He Feng told Baochai: Wang Shanbao's wife has sent a message.

This Wang Shanbao's wife was originally a concubine of Madam Xing. She was always a shrew who loved to gossip and was extremely greedy for money.

Originally, after the Jia family fell into ruin, she didn't want to stay with Madam Xing anymore. But then, Madam Bao Er approached her privately, offering her twenty taels of silver a year to inform her about the affairs of the eldest son's family.

"There are two things I need to tell Second Mistress." He Feng immediately reported to Baochai, "First, Second Mistress has taken Qiao Jie away, saying that she will be there for a few days during the New Year holiday."

Nowadays, when the Crown Princess hosts banquets for the noble ladies who work at the Huatang Chunxiu workshop, either Xiangyun or Yingchun are in charge. Qiaojie is quite fortunate to be able to attend; at least she'll get to know many playmates.

"Furthermore, when Second Mistress Lian sends New Year's gifts, Second Aunt receives one as well." This statement may seem unimportant, but Baochai felt it was somewhat important.

Yingchun wholeheartedly supports the Crown Prince and Crown Princess. Could it be that Fengyatou is trying to please both sides?

Although she thought this, Baochai said nothing on the surface, but simply nodded: "Give her a string of cash next time so she can buy wine."

This means that Baochai liked Wang Shanbao's wife's work.

Madam Xing, however, remained completely unaware of the situation and even sent Wang Shanbao's wife to Yingchun's place to bring Qiaojie back.

In fact, Yingchun would send the person back, but Madam Xing just wanted to take the opportunity to plead poverty with Yingchun and ask for some money.