The Black Chamber Dream: Daiyu's Revenge

The thought of being sent to the Imperial Laundry as a palace maid, and the fact that the Crown Princess now manages the harem, made Xue Baochai realize that she would never see the light of day again.

Baochai took out a small piece of gold from her sleeve, steeled her heart, put it in her mouth, and swallowed it.

The jailer found her dead the following morning.

When the news reached Delin Palace, Daiyu was stunned.

Chapter 299 White Snow and Red Plum Blossoms: A Deep Bond Between Husband and Wife

Baochai's suicide left Daiyu with a sense of unreality.

Initially, Daiyu viewed Baochai with scrutiny and wariness. This was not because of Lady Wang's high-profile welcome, but because she had heard her mother and father mention the Xue family.

"The Xue family has relied on collusion between officials and businessmen to monopolize operations over the years, which is no good thing for the local area."

Although it was just a simple sentence, the young Daiyu already understood its meaning.

Moreover, Tan Chun mentioned at the time that when the Xue family came to the capital, Baochai's brother killed someone.

Daiyu naturally had no fondness for such a family.

But later, after Baochai advised her not to read those frivolous books and had a heart-to-heart talk with her, Daiyu began to regard Baochai as a close older sister.

If it weren't for the eventual engagement between Baoyu and Baochai, Daiyu probably wouldn't have had time to carefully consider: what kind of true nature did Baochai, who advised her to let go and gave her bird's nest, really have?

Upon closer examination, the clues become apparent.

Especially the matter of Baochai moving out of the Grand View Garden. No wonder that later, Sister Yun would sigh: "How hateful is Sister Bao, the sisters are always so affectionate."

Yes, when nothing is wrong, the sisters are very close, but once something happens, Baochai immediately hides far away.

At that time, Xiangyun was living in Hengwu Courtyard in the Grand View Garden, but Baochai moved out immediately to avoid gossip during the search, without informing Xiangyun at all.

Left with no other choice, Xiangyun went to stay in Daoxiang Village.

The more you think about it, the more clues you can find in seemingly insignificant little things.

Daiyu was lost in her memories. When Xiao Tingjun returned, he was very curious to see that Delin Palace was really quiet.

He ran into Zijuan in the courtyard and asked her in a low voice.

Zijuan had served Daiyu for many years and knew Daiyu's thoughts. She was afraid that Baochai's death had reminded the Crown Princess of old memories.

So he shared his guess, and Xiao Tingjun nodded: "Go down, there's no need to serve you anymore."

Upon entering the room, one indeed saw Daiyu sitting alone in deep thought. On the rosewood incense table beside her, an incense stick depicting an old man in a straw hat and raincoat was burning, with one stick already half-burnt.

He treaded lightly, but still managed to startle Daiyu from her reverie.

However, before Daiyu could speak, Xiao Tingjun went up and took her hand: "Come on, let's go admire the plum blossoms."

"What's the rush? I have to put on the cloak eventually." Daiyu wasn't actually in a bad mood, but she had a feeling of being in another world.

Upon hearing that Xiao Tingjun was going to admire the plum blossoms, Daiyu took out a dark-colored silk crane cloak and handed it to Xiao Tingjun.

He took the crimson crepe-colored white fox fur cloak from the mahogany clothes rack and put it on. As he was about to call Chunyu to come along, Xiao Tingjun had already taken out a small flower-shaped copper hand warmer: "No need for them, just you and me will do."

Daiyu recalled that when they were still at Prince Yi's mansion, there was a time when the two of them enjoyed the plum blossoms after a snowfall under the bright moonlight.

Today has truly become a day of reminiscing; it seems I'm constantly thinking about the life I once had.

Xiao Tingjun took Daiyu to Meixue Residence.

The vermilion palace walls appeared even more vibrant against the backdrop of snow, the accumulated snow on the walls outlining the graceful curves of the eaves. Plum branches lay askew, a few crimson blossoms peeking out from the snowdrifts, like rouge still wet on the delicate fingers of palace maids.

Daiyu blurted out, "Indeed, the red plum blossoms are like rouge breaking through the snow."

Xiao Tingjun replied naturally, "Shengjing Tiangong is a painter."

The two of them walked on the fluffy snow, making a pleasant "shush-shush" sound. Daiyu's mood brightened, and she suddenly said, "You know, I used to prefer solitude to gatherings."

Xiao Tingjun had never heard such a thing before, nor did he know that there were people who preferred separation to gathering. So he slowed down and listened to his wife continue.

"Back then, I thought that people would gather and then disperse. When people gather, they are happy, but when they disperse, wouldn't it be desolate? And desolation leads to sadness, so it's better not to gather at all. For example, flowers are admirable when they bloom, but they bring sorrow when they wither, so it's better if they don't bloom."

These words made Xiao Tingjun's heart tighten. He gripped his wife's hand, his hand tightening slightly. His wife feared the sorrow of separation, so she preferred to forgo the joy of reunion. She had lost her parents at a young age and traveled thousands of miles to the capital, living as a dependent. She was all alone, and seeing others enjoying family reunions and happiness was what gave her this thought.

"But now that I think about it, it was too naive and pessimistic. As Su Shi said, people and the moon have their phases of waxing and waning, and their joys and sorrows. These are things that are beyond human control. Now, I have learned to seize the moment. People should be more proactive, and even in passive situations, they should strive to achieve a balance between initiative and passivity." Daiyu felt Xiao Tingjun's concern for her and turned her head to smile at him.

"So it seems I've done quite a bit of work, haven't I?" Xiao Tingjun said smugly.

"Of course, I feel safe enough, so I have enough confidence." Daiyu did not hold back her gratitude to Xiao Tingjun. For two people who love each other, loving each other is far from enough.

"It seems we really are on the same wavelength." Xiao Tingjun brought Daiyu to enjoy the snow and plum blossoms today because he wanted to have a good chat with his wife: the enthronement ceremony is coming soon, followed by the empress's coronation ceremony. After that, the couple will be in a completely new position, and the people and things they will face will be different from today.

“I’ve thought about what my wife should be like, but I never imagined it would be you, Yu’er,” Xiao Tingjun said earnestly. “In my imagination, she would be generous, intelligent, and a virtuous wife and loving mother.”

"But I later realized that I was being superficial. Because when you truly love someone, the word 'generosity' becomes somewhat ironic."

"As long as sages exist, great thieves will not cease; Heaven and Earth are biased."

Upon hearing this, Daiyu chuckled and said, "Zhuangzi's words are indeed the most interesting."

"Are you trying to tell me that neither of us are saints?" Daiyu asked back, her eyes shining.

"You understand me best, Yu'er." Xiao Tingjun smiled happily. "We are not saints, nor do we need to demand of ourselves that we be saints. From now on, just do your best in everything. Don't make things difficult for yourselves, what do you say?"

Being an emperor is difficult, being an empress is difficult too. Xiao Tingjun felt that as long as they did their best, they shouldn't force themselves. Otherwise, it would be a loss rather than a gain.

Daiyu nodded and said, "Are you afraid that I will make things difficult for myself? Don't worry, I used to be a very thoughtful person, but I am not the same as before. Besides, you are always behind me, and I will always be behind you, that's enough."

As long as they support each other, give each other strength and encouragement, there is no need to worry or fear the future. At this moment, Xiao Tingjun and Daiyu stood quietly side by side, gazing at the plum tree that stood proudly in the courtyard. The shadow of the plum tree was like an elegant dancer, lightly projected onto the towering and solemn palace wall.

Amidst the dappled light and shadow, the outlines of the plum tree branches appear exceptionally clear and distinct. The bright sunlight, like a magical painter, skillfully stretches their shadows into long and graceful shapes, resembling a profound ink wash painting from afar.

A gentle breeze carried the delicate fragrance of plum blossoms, lingering around the two. They turned their heads unconsciously, and in the instant their eyes met, a tender and knowing smile appeared in each other's eyes. That smile seemed to freeze time, all the surrounding noise fading away, leaving only the two of them immersed in this peaceful and beautiful atmosphere.

Chapter 300 The Eldest Uncle's Far-sighted Considerations: Xichun Returns to the Capital

However, before Xiao Tingjun ascended the throne, his maternal uncle Qiao Yuji submitted a memorial requesting a posting to a distant region to the emperor.

After reading it once, the emperor summoned Xiao Tingjun.

"Take a look." The emperor handed the memorial directly to Xiao Tingjun.

Xiao Tingjun was shocked when he saw it. He read it twice, and at the same time, his mind was racing: his uncle is now the Minister of War, yet he has taken the initiative to apply for a post outside the capital. It seems that he is still thinking of his nephew.

The Emperor observed the Crown Prince's changing expression. It seemed that Qiao Yuji had not discussed her application for a posting with Xiao Tingjun.

"Your eldest uncle treats you very well." Even the emperor couldn't help but sigh: Xiao Tingjun's mother died early, and the Crown Princess's parents were also gone. As such, the Qiao family was the only one that could be considered an in-law.

Therefore, once Xiao Tingjun ascends the throne, whether he posthumously honors his birth mother or bestows titles upon his wife, only the Qiao family will benefit.

Moreover, it must be said that the Qiao family members are indeed very successful: his eldest maternal uncle, Qiao Yuji, is the Minister of War; his second maternal uncle, Qiao Yushan, is the Governor-General of Shaanxi and Gansu; his eldest cousin is the Commander of the Cavalry Battalion; and his second cousin passed the imperial examination in the spring a few years ago, served in the Hanlin Academy for a year, and was then appointed as the Prefect of Qingzhou. Now he has been transferred to the position of Prefect of Yanzhou.

Both of Qiao's daughters had happy marriages.

Even if they didn't have a nephew who was the crown prince, they would still be a family not to be underestimated.

Now that Qiao Yuji has voluntarily applied for a posting outside the capital, it's easy to understand without analysis that it's to avoid suspicion—the six ministers all know that the emperor is going to abdicate.

Thinking about it this way, I'm afraid that in just a few years, the Qiao family will be able to wield immense power in the court.

Xiao Tingjun understood that his uncle's actions were twofold: first, to ensure his smooth ascension to the throne, and second, to protect the Qiao family.

Upon hearing the emperor's sentiments, Xiao Tingjun nodded and said, "Lord Qiao is a man of great wisdom and righteousness, and I will remember it forever."

However, just as he was about to speak, he suddenly heard the Crown Prince continue, "However, replacing the Minister of War in such a hasty manner is not the best option."

These words struck a chord with the emperor: Although the emperor was quite pleased and willing to accept Qiao Yuji's request to be transferred to a post outside the capital, with the abdication imminent, it would be a great loss to rashly replace such a crucial position as Minister of War if it caused any unexpected chaos.

The Emperor looked at Xiao Tingjun approvingly: He had to admit that this third son was indeed becoming more and more mature, steady, and experienced in handling affairs. What he just said showed no intention of hindering his uncle's appointment as an official outside the capital, yet he also so comprehensively considered the overall stability of the court. It was truly commendable!

"I have summoned Lord Qiao to the palace alone later. You will accompany me to meet him," the Emperor said immediately.

"Yes," Xiao Tingjun quickly replied.

After Xiao Tingjun returned, he told her about his uncle Qiao Yuji's application for a post outside the capital. Daiyu couldn't help but sigh: People who truly care about you will always be so considerate.

"I have good news for you." Xiao Tingjun kept Daiyu in suspense, letting her guess. "It's related to your cousin. Can you guess?"

Cousins? Daiyu guessed almost immediately: "Has Liu Jishan been promoted?"

"Huh? How did you guess it so quickly?" Xiao Tingjun asked curiously.

“You mentioned my cousins, so there are only a few. There’s no news from my second sister, and my third sister is far away, so it’s impossible. If I think about it carefully, it must be my fourth sister.” Daiyu didn’t even need to think carefully. “I received a letter from my fourth sister a while ago. She had a daughter last year, so she can’t be pregnant now. It must be that Lord Liu has been promoted.”

Xiao Tingjun laughed upon hearing this: "As expected of Yu'er."

"It's not just a promotion; Lord Liu is going to the capital, and he's coming to the Ministry of War," Xiao Tingjun told Daiyu.

Ministry of War? Daiyu immediately became sensitive: Just two days ago, Xiao Tingjun said that his eldest uncle Qiao Yuji had applied for a post outside the capital, and now the emperor has transferred Liu Jishan to the Ministry of War.

"It seems that Father really trusts Lord Liu," Daiyu couldn't help but sigh.

Xiao Tingjun, who was of the same mind, understood what Daiyu meant and nodded, saying, "That's right, Lord Liu is so young, and he will soon be the Vice Minister of War."

It has to be said that Liu Jishan's rise in rank was incredibly fast. Coming from the imperial examination system, he went from Tongzhi to Zhifu and now to Bingbu Shilang. His career has been remarkably smooth sailing.

"However, Lord Liu is indeed young and promising, and he has done a remarkable job as the prefect of Yangzhou," Xiao Tingjun praised.

However, Xichun and her husband were still unable to return to the capital before Xiao Tingjun ascended the throne, as traveling from Yangzhou to the capital by water would take a considerable amount of time. In addition, Liu Jishan also had the responsibility of inspecting the administration along the way on his return to the capital, which slowed his journey even further.

Daiyu had no time to worry about Xichun on the way. The Imperial Household Department had already taken Daiyu's measurements and sent them to make the new Empress's court dress. As for the Empress, although Daiyu had already started managing palace affairs, there were still many old palace records there. The Empress summoned Daiyu and handed them over one by one.

"You, Yu'er, are already well aware of all the big and small matters in the harem. Originally, I was thinking of telling you about the women in the harem, but now it seems that the Third Prince knows everything, and things are quite different. Yu'er, you are a beautiful and intelligent person, so I won't say any more."

The Empress smiled and said something that made Daiyu a little embarrassed: the so-called third prince knew what was going on in his heart. In fact, anyone with eyes could see that Daiyu was the only one by Xiao Tingjun's side now.

It's hard to say what will happen in the future. After all, the Censorate will definitely take the opportunity to submit a memorial. But whether there are new people or not, the Empress believes that Daiyu can handle it properly.

Ultimately, as long as Xiao Tingjun firmly stands by Daiyu's side, everything will be simple.

Daiyu was very busy, and Xiao Tingjun was even busier. The emperor's intention to abdicate had been widely announced. In addition to officials in the capital, some outstanding officials of the third rank and above from other places were selected to come to the capital to attend the ceremony. Some rulers of vassal states also wrote to express their desire to attend the ceremony. Xiao Tingjun, along with the Ministry of Rites and other officials, was extremely busy.

Therefore, Xiao Tingjun has not been able to return to Delin Palace on time these days.

When Xiao Tingjun finally returned home for dinner, Zijuan hurriedly had someone prepare the meal. However, he practically fell asleep with his chopsticks in his hand while eating.

Daiyu felt both sorry for him and amused.

After almost a month of busy work, the day of the new emperor's ascension to the throne finally arrived.