The Black Chamber Dream: Daiyu's Revenge

What? How come Daiyu had no idea that anyone from Shandong had come? Her heart skipped a beat, and she nearly dropped the teacup in her hand. She had always thought that after her father's death, besides the Rongguo Mansion, only distant relatives of the Lin family had visited. Her brows furrowed slightly, and a faint unease arose in her heart.

"Back then, when my son arrived in Yangzhou, he discovered that something was amiss." The old lady's voice was low, carrying a heavy weight of memories. "Not only did people from the Rongguo Mansion come, but the Zhen family, the largest family in Jinling, also got involved."

The Zhen family? This surprised Daiyu even more. She had never heard anyone mention any connection between the Zhen family and her own, not even her father when he was alive. Her fingers unconsciously tightened around her handkerchief, countless questions churning in her mind. Why would the Zhen family get involved? What was their relationship with her father?

Actually, back then, the Lin family wasn't truly without any relatives. Although they were somewhat distant, they were still within the five degrees of kinship. People from the Lin family had come to see Daiyu, but at that time, Daiyu saw that her maternal grandmother treated her very well, and she also had letters written to her father by Grandmother Jia and her second maternal uncle. Daiyu was young and naive, and she thought that she would definitely marry Baoyu in the future.

In addition, Jia Lian came to Yangzhou in person to help Daiyu deal with many things after her father's death. Daiyu was heartbroken at the time and did not think about it carefully.

Moreover, even his father had mistakenly trusted the Rongguo Mansion.

"If it weren't for the Zhen family's obstruction, perhaps my son would have been able to go in and see you." The old lady felt that there were some things that should be told to the Crown Princess, lest she be kept in the dark and used by others.

"At that time, Consort Zhen was still alive, and the Zhen family could be said to have absolute power in Jiangnan." The old lady continued, her tone tinged with emotion. "As for the Rongguo Mansion, although it was a Duke's Mansion, it had been away from Jinling for many years, and it didn't have anyone with influence in the court. So in terms of connections and influence, it was much weaker than the Zhen family."

"Your father, as the head of the Salt Administration and concurrently the Grand Master of the Imperial Academy, had the responsibility of supervising all officials. He held not only the power of the Salt Administration, but also an extremely important record of officials. This record documented many officials' secrets, including some unknown dealings of the Zhen family."

Daiyu felt a chill run through her heart. She had never heard her father mention these things before, let alone know that he held something so important. Her fingers trembled slightly, and an indescribable sorrow welled up inside her.

"The Rongguo Mansion wanted money, and the Zhen family wanted the official records your father had collected. The Zhen and Jia families hit it off immediately. Otherwise, the Jia family alone probably wouldn't have dared to seize all of the Lin family's assets, especially since the new emperor had already ascended the throne." Over the years, the old lady had been having her eldest son secretly gather information, and now she was informing the Crown Princess of all the information she had obtained.

"Your Highness, you should have received news on your way back to the capital from Yangzhou that the girl from the Rongguo Mansion has become the new emperor's virtuous consort."

In an instant, Daiyu understood many things; things she couldn't understand before now all connected.

Clearly, the emperor must have known something back then; otherwise, the eldest princess wouldn't have come to visit him, and the empress wouldn't have welcomed him into the palace.

Similarly, the fact that the Emperor dealt with the Zhen family immediately after the death of the retired emperor indicates that the Emperor had long been dissatisfied with the things the Zhen family had done. The destruction of the Zhen family, seemingly a swift action by the Emperor after the death of the retired emperor, was in fact a storm that had been brewing for a long time.

Going back further, it's possible that the Rongguo Mansion and the Zhen family were secretly colluding, and it's likely that the Zhen family promised the Rongguo Mansion the position of Yuan Chun's Virtuous Consort.

Upon closer reflection, why was it that Yuan Chun was bestowed the title of Virtuous Consort at precisely that time? It really wasn't a coincidence.

This also explains why her cousin Yuan Chun treated her that way. If it were that Yuan Chun, as Bao Yu's older sister, thought Bao Chai was a better candidate for her brother's wife, that would be one thing. But after she became a prince's consort, Yuan Chun repeatedly provoked her and even wished that she and Xiao Tingjun would have a bad time. It's probably because she knew very well in her heart that her position as the virtuous consort was illegitimate.

Perhaps the emperor who had already ascended the throne had a clear understanding of all this, but at that time, the retired emperor was still alive, so he had no choice but to endure it.

The emperor's restraint was merely a prelude to a opportune moment. The death of the retired emperor provided the perfect opportunity for the emperor to fully consolidate his power. The Zhen family's shady dealings ultimately came to the emperor's attention.

"Later, I heard that you had become a prince's consort. I thought it was a blessing from heaven." The old lady was genuinely happy for Daiyu. "At the same time, I became even more insistent that my sons not mention any marriage alliance with the Lin family."

"Later, you became the Crown Princess. While I was very happy, I also repeatedly warned our two sons that they must not hold you back."

"Afterwards, I heard that Liangjiang was thoroughly investigated, and I felt that everything was perfect. Your father's hard work for the country and the people was not in vain. Most of the corrupt officials in Liangjiang were brought down, and your father was posthumously honored. Indeed, justice prevails."

The case in Liangjiang was nothing more than Prince Rui and Prince Teng trying to harm the Crown Prince and Crown Princess. Unexpectedly, the Emperor was still one step ahead.

"That's all I know. I hope it's of some help to Your Highness, the Crown Princess." The old lady finally finished speaking.

Suppressing her shock, emotion, and suspicion, Daiyu rose and solemnly bowed to the old lady, who hurriedly said that it was not appropriate.

"You are so understanding and righteous, and I am deeply grateful. You have considered everything for me so thoroughly. I am grateful for your kindness now, but when we are reunited in the future, even if I cannot come in person, I will definitely send someone I trust."

Now is not a good time to reunite with relatives.

"The information you told Yu'er is of utmost importance. Yu'er will keep it in mind and will investigate what needs to be investigated."

Although the Zhen family has fallen on hard times, there are still some of its descendants in the capital. Moreover, the Zhen family has several marriage alliances, and it is unknown whether this is related to that.

There was also Consort Jia from the palace, and other people related to the Jia family.

But these things can't be rushed; we have to take it one step at a time.

Afterwards, Daiyu inquired about the old lady's family situation. After chatting for a while, seeing that it was getting late, she asked Xueyan to personally escort the old lady back.

The emperor's trip to Shandong was also drawing to a close, and four days later, he set off to return to the capital.

The news reached the Crown Prince and his court officials in the capital.

For the past three months, Crown Prince Xiao Tingjun has been extremely busy, while Xiao Tingkai has been living a very comfortable life.

Chapter 279 The Newcomer is Indulging in the Gentle Breeze

Meanwhile, Xiao Tingkai in the capital was completely unaware of anything. He was riding high at the moment. The Song family was interested and Xiao Tingkai was interested in her. Soon, Song Huixiang, the fourth younger sister of Song Huilan, a concubine of the Song family, entered the Prince Rui's mansion and became Xiao Tingkai's concubine.

Song Huixiang had fair, jade-like skin with a faint blush, like a peach blossom just beginning to bloom in spring, delicate and beautiful. Her figure was exquisite and graceful, and her steps were light and graceful, like a willow in the wind, swaying with charm.

Song Huixiang was not only exceptionally beautiful, but also possessed an irresistible charm. From a young age, she had mastered the arts of music, chess, calligraphy, and painting. Her demeanor exuded the gentle grace of a well-bred lady, yet her eyes held a hint of allure. Her voice was soft and captivating, seemingly able to melt one's very bones.

Not to mention her skills in bed. Her fingertips lightly traced his chest, a faint smile playing on her lips, like a cunning fox, both endearing and irresistible. Her soft, lingering breaths were like a captivating nocturne, leaving Prince Rui completely mesmerized.

In the stillness of the night, Song Huixiang nestled in Prince Rui's arms, whispering sweet nothings to him. She not only knew how to please a man, but also how to capture his heart. Her words were gentle and considerate, sometimes playful, sometimes coquettish, making Prince Rui find her both adorable and endearing.

From the moment Song Huixiang entered the mansion, Xiao Tingkai's mind was entirely on her, as if her every glance and gesture could stir his heart.

This situation naturally provoked Wang Xiyun's dissatisfaction. She was originally a concubine in the Prince's mansion, second only to the principal wife in status, and was deeply favored by Xiao Tingkai. Everyone in the mansion treated her with respect. But now, Song Huixiang's arrival had stolen the Prince's attention. Even the tea, snacks, and embroidery she had carefully prepared were only glanced at by the Prince before he hurriedly went to Concubine Song's courtyard. Wang Xiyun was both anxious and angry; the sense of crisis made her lose her usual calm and composure.

After much deliberation, she could no longer remain seated and decided to return to the Wang family to complain to her stepmother, Madam Wang Ziteng. The carriage sped along, and Wang Xiyun sat inside, her heart churning with complex emotions. She was unwilling to let her position be threatened by a concubine's daughter, yet she worried that if she didn't take action soon, her position in the Wang household would become precarious.

Mrs. Wang Ziteng had already heard about the Song family sending their illegitimate daughter to the Prince Rui's residence. This matter had been the talk of the town in the inner quarters of the capital, becoming a topic of conversation among many women. Although Mrs. Wang Ziteng was displeased, she maintained the composure and calmness of a proper lady of high society.

Seeing Wang Xiyun return to complain, Madam Wang Ziteng took Wang Xiyun's hand with pity and gently advised her, "You are a concubine, while she is just a maid. And she left in such an undignified manner, carried into the Prince's mansion in a small sedan chair. In terms of status, she is far inferior to you. Your father taught you from a young age to be able to sit still. It hasn't been long, and you can see that you can't sit still anymore."

Hearing her stepmother's words, Wang Xiyun felt somewhat comforted, but she still couldn't hide her anxiety: "Madam, you don't know, the Prince is now running to her courtyard all day long, even neglecting his official duties. If I don't do something, I'm afraid I won't even have a place to stand in the future."

Mrs. Wang Ziteng gently patted the back of her hand, her tone stern: "What's your hurry? She's just a concubine's daughter; no matter how favored she is, she's still just a concubine. She can't cause any real trouble. Besides, if anyone's going to be anxious, it's not your turn yet."

Wang Xiyun was stunned for a moment. She looked at her stepmother for a while before she finally understood: "Madam, you mean the Princess?"

Mrs. Wang nodded with relief: "She is a princess, and her only daughter has been taken to the palace by the Empress. You may be anxious, but do you think she wouldn't be?"

“But the Song family sent that woman to the prince’s side, wasn’t that to secure the princess’s favor? And if she gives birth to a son in the future, he will probably be the princess’s child.” Wang Xiyun still couldn’t shake off her worries.

“She is a princess, and all the children in your household are her children.” Mrs. Wang Ziteng pointed out the key point, “How can you be so sure that there is no conflict between the two Song sisters?”

Wang Xiyun's eyes lit up: "Madam, do you know something inside?"

Of course, Mrs. Wang Ziteng had inquired in detail: "The one sent to Prince Rui's side is the princess's half-sister. Her birth mother was originally a maidservant of Mrs. Song, and she was quite beautiful. I heard that the old master of the Song family liked her very much back then."

Wang Xiyun's heart skipped a beat. In that instant, she thought of her own mother, who was also born a maid.

"I've heard that Mrs. Song has been very harsh on her concubines over the years. Especially the mother of the fourth daughter, who has been subjected to even more harsh treatment by Mrs. Song because she gave birth to a son."

"The Song family's daughters aren't as close as you sisters. I've heard that when the eldest daughter of the Song family is at home, she's not kind to her half-sisters at all. All the good food and fun things are reserved for the eldest daughter of the Song family."

"Then tell me, will this new concubine truly accept this from the bottom of her heart? Won't she harbor any resentment?"

After hearing her stepmother's words, Wang Xiyun felt enlightened: if the princess and that concubine could fight each other for power, then she could remain calm and naturally reap the benefits.

"Besides, I've heard that His Majesty is about to return to the capital. You should keep a low profile regarding your affairs, lest the Emperor be displeased," Madam Wang Ziteng advised.

Wang Xiyun quickly said, "It's all thanks to you, Madam. I was just confused and misunderstood. I know what to do now. I'll go back and live a good life."

Seeing that her daughter had figured it out, Mrs. Wang Ziteng felt relieved: the girls in the family were all carefully raised by her, and there was no mistake in them.

Wang Xiyun had calmed herself down and was heading back when, to her surprise, she saw the Song Huilan and Song Huixiang sisters chatting affectionately in the courtyard. They were talking about something, and both of them had smiles on their faces.

Upon seeing Wang Xiyun enter, Song Huixiang immediately launched a provocation, but if one didn't listen to what she said and only looked at her facial expression, one wouldn't really feel that she was being provocative at all.

"Sister is back? Did you go back to your parents' home? Now that the Prince hasn't come to your room, I'm afraid you're too scared to go back to your empty room."

Song Huilan stood to the side with a smug look on her face, as if she was happy to see Wang Xiyun so miserable.

Wang Xiyun was not angry at all upon hearing this. Instead, she smiled faintly and said, "Look at what you're saying, sister. You've been monopolizing the prince every night. Have you ever thought that I'm not the only one waiting in the empty room?"

As she said this, Wang Xiyun deliberately looked at Song Huilan: If we're talking about waiting in an empty room, then since I entered the mansion, hasn't the Princess been spending 300 days a year alone in an empty room?

Despite Wang Xiyun's mocking gaze, Song Huilan remained unperturbed.

Chapter 280 The Emperor Returns to the Capital to Reward the Crown Prince

Despite being mocked by Wang Xiyun, Song Huilan remained unperturbed, displaying the demeanor of a matriarch: "My two sisters, calm down. We're all family. How can we let outsiders laugh at us? Whoever serves the Prince, it's all the same. As long as you can give birth to a son for the Prince as soon as possible, you'll be a great contributor to our household."

These words were overheard by Xiao Tingkai, who happened to return.

Xiao Tingkai was very pleased with the princess's magnanimity: Lan'er was truly thinking of him now, even willing to let him take her sister as a concubine for the sake of his offspring.

After passing the screen wall, Xiao Tingkai smiled broadly: "What the princess said is very true. We are a family, and we should work together."

Song Huixiang immediately smiled and said, "Elder sister has always been sensible and understanding. I must learn from her."

These words successfully made Song Hye-ran beam with joy.

Wang Xiyun sneered inwardly, but maintained a gentle demeanor on her face: "Your Highness and Princess Consort are absolutely right. I will certainly learn more from the Princess Consort in the future."

Seeing the harmonious relationship between his wives and concubines in his mansion, Xiao Tingkai felt very pleased.

However, thinking about it, he realized he had neglected Wang Xiyun lately, so he went to her room that evening. Wang Xiyun, seemingly concerned for Xiao Tingkai, said, "Your Highness, His Majesty's entourage is about to return to the capital. It's best not to let these trivial matters of the inner quarters reach His Majesty's ears."

Xiao Tingkai was displeased upon hearing this and immediately frowned: "What's wrong with that? I am both a prince and a duke. Taking a concubine is not something shameful. Don't say such things again. I don't like to hear them."

Seeing that Xiao Tingkai was clearly unhappy, Wang Xiyun quickly changed the subject.

But Xiao Tingkai never expected that he would actually be summoned and scolded by his father for matters concerning the inner quarters.

This brings us to the matter of the emperor's return to the capital.

On the day the Emperor returned to the capital, the sky was clear and blue, and banners fluttered outside the city gates, with a solemn entourage. The Crown Prince, dressed in a bright yellow python robe and wearing a golden crown, led the civil and military officials in waiting outside the city gates. From afar, the Emperor's palanquin slowly approached, its golden carriage and jade palanquin, its canopy high, and the imperial guards lined both sides, creating a magnificent spectacle.

The imperial carriage came to a stop, and the Emperor slowly stepped down, clad in a brocade robe embroidered with dragon patterns, his face dignified yet tinged with kindness. Upon seeing this, the Crown Prince immediately knelt and prostrated himself, saying respectfully, "Your subject welcomes Your Majesty back to the capital. May Your Majesty enjoy boundless blessings and peace." The Emperor smiled slightly, personally bending down to help the Crown Prince up, and said gently, "Crown Prince, there's no need for such formality. Please rise."

The Crown Prince held the Emperor's hand, feeling the warmth of his father's palm, and a surge of warmth filled his heart. The Emperor, holding the Crown Prince's hand, turned to face the assembled officials and said loudly, "During my trip to Shandong, the Crown Prince oversaw the state affairs. The affairs of the court were numerous and complex, but thanks to the diligent efforts of all my beloved ministers, all matters, large and small, were handled perfectly. I am very pleased, truly pleased!"

Why is this different from what I expected? Sun Qi has already implemented the plan, so shouldn't Father Emperor be wary of the Crown Prince? Or is Father Emperor just trying to kill the Crown Prince by praising him? Xiao Tingkai was filled with doubts.

At this moment, the ministers all said in unison, "We dare not take credit; it is all due to His Highness the Crown Prince's wise decision. We have merely done our duty." Upon hearing this, the Emperor's smile deepened. He patted the Crown Prince's hand and said, "The Crown Prince is young and promising, which greatly pleases me. You ministers are also pillars of the nation. With your assistance, how can I worry about the stability of the country?"

The Crown Prince bowed slightly and said humbly, "Your Majesty flatters me. I am young and inexperienced, and I have relied entirely on the guidance of all of you to live up to Your Majesty's expectations." The Emperor nodded, his gaze sweeping over the assembled officials. Seeing their respectful expressions, he was even more pleased.

Then, the Emperor looked at Prince Rui, Xiao Tingkai, with a complicated expression, his gaze lingering on Xiao Tingkai for a long while.

Xiao Tingkai was so engrossed in his own thoughts and speculations that he completely failed to notice the emperor's gaze.

What surprised Xiao Tingkai even more was that the emperor's praise for the crown prince was not just verbal, but was followed by a generous reward.

Two things in the reward were particularly eye-catching.

The first piece is a jadeite relief vase with a double dragon design, carved from a single piece of jadeite. The texture is delicate, the green color vibrant, and the luster subtly understated. It imitates the shape of a bronze vase from the Shang and Zhou dynasties. It is said that when the retired emperor abdicated, he bestowed this treasure upon the new emperor.

The other gift was bestowed upon the Crown Princess; it was a white jade phoenix-patterned vase. The phoenix stood tall with its head held high, its wings close to its body and upturned, and its long tail curled inward and drooping down, giving it a very dynamic appearance.

The dragon and phoenix are the most noble totems of the dynasty. The emperor's move is as if he is telling everyone that he has completely recognized the crown prince and crown princess.

Originally, the Crown Prince was the heir apparent and the successor to the throne, so there was nothing wrong with bestowing such rewards. However, Xiao Tingkai had thought that he had clearly planned for the Emperor to be extremely suspicious of the Crown Prince, but the result was completely different from what he had imagined, so he was especially angry.