The Black Chamber Dream: Daiyu's Revenge

Chapter 303 Extra Chapter 1: Talented and Ambitious (1)

That year, my uncle's family sent someone to deliver a mahogany box.

The box was like a miniature wardrobe, with two doors that could be opened. It was incredibly ingenious. Even the ten-year-old Yuan Chun was very interested in it, not to mention the four-year-old Bao Yu and the three-year-old Tan Chun.

The two younger ones craned their necks to look at Yuan Chun. They saw the older sister twist the animal bone button on the outside of the box, and the box was opened.

"Wow, this is a treasure box!" Baoyu exclaimed in surprise. Inside, there were three layers of drawers, each divided into several small compartments.

Yuan Chun reached out and pulled it open, only to find a hidden compartment on the side. It needed to be pushed open at just the right angle, like a puzzle box, to pop out.

"Wow, that's amazing!" Tan Chun exclaimed in admiration.

What's even more amazing is that each of the dozen or so small compartments contains a precious toy of a suitable size: a small boat carved from walnuts, a knife made of ivory, a string of coral beads, and a small cup made of sparkling seashells. Each one makes you sigh with admiration.

"My aunt said this was a tribute, and there weren't many of them in total," a maid said from the side.

Yuan Chun was already old enough to give her things to her younger siblings, so after playing for a while, she went to study.

Baoyu was pampered by the whole family from birth. Now that he was still young, although he liked to play with his younger sister, he couldn't help but have the possessiveness of a child.

Tan Chun is even younger and not old enough to understand things yet, so it's understandable that she would want such a wonderful thing.

It's perfectly normal for children to argue and have conflicts.

However, Granny Li immediately rushed forward and pulled Tan Chun away, saying, "This was sent by your uncle's family. What right do you have to do this?"

Tan Chun was immediately enraged, showing no fear whatsoever: "My uncle is also my uncle, why can't I play with him?"

Granny Li laughed disdainfully, as if she had heard a joke: "Hmph, your uncle? Third Miss, why isn't your uncle surnamed Zhao?"

"You shameless little hussy, don't you even know your place? You bastard from Aunt Zhao's guts, how dare you compete with Master Bao?"

Although Tan Chun was young, she already knew that she was born to Aunt Zhao. But, didn't she usually call herself Third Miss? And wasn't she raised by Madam Zhao?

"Hmph, you illegitimate child, don't think that just because Madam is soft-hearted and raises you, you dare to compete with Master Bao. In the end, it's because you weren't born into the right family." Granny Li, relying on being Bao Yu's wet nurse and seeing that Bao Yu was favored by the whole family, was the most arrogant and domineering.

It was early spring and the air was still chilly. The silver hairpin in Li Mama's hair gleamed coldly, like an icicle hanging upside down from the eaves.

The disdain in her eyes deeply stung the young Tan Chun.

Although she was only three years old, Tan Chun was more sensible than most people.

She began to loathe her own background, started to avoid Aunt Zhao who had been so kind to her, and began to treat Baoyu differently from everyone else.

Gradually, Tan Chun learned how to disguise and protect herself, how to win the favor of the mistress and even the old lady, and how to gain her own prestige and status in a family where the maids and servants were all snobbish.

Lin Daiyu and Baochai entered the mansion one after the other. Tan Chun didn't think too much about it at first, since they were both her cousins.

However, the perceptive Tan Chun soon discovered that the mistress did not like Lin Daiyu, and even praised Baochai while suppressing Lin Daiyu.

To be honest, the generous and considerate Baochai is indeed more likable. Besides, because of the Madam, Tanchun is closer to Baochai.

Until the first housekeeper.

Tan Chun was quite pleased to be able to manage the household—the sisters would play music, chess, paint, and compose poems together, and even play games like grass-fighting, flower-wearing, and word puzzles in their leisure time. These were all elegant pursuits for girls from wealthy families, but such pleasures could only be enjoyed when one was a young woman. Once married, one would have to manage the household like Lian Ersaozi. The larger the family, the more difficult it was to manage.

However, her family had never shown any intention of having her and her sisters learn how to manage the household, so Tan Chun naturally wouldn't take the initiative to speak up. But now that she had this opportunity, Tan Chun wouldn't let it slip away.

If Aunt Zhao's sabotage was within Tan Chun's expectations, then Sister Bao's actions were completely unexpected.

First, Baochai actually accepted the madam's entrustment and came to help manage the household.

As a girl staying at a relative's house, if Baochai were well-behaved and knew proper etiquette, she shouldn't have agreed. But did Baochai not know the rules?

Obviously not.

Whether it's a perfect match or the same gift bestowed upon Sister Bao and Second Brother by the palace, the wife is a key factor.

To please her mistress, Baochai was even more daring than Tanchun had ever imagined.

Baochai's eloquence also impressed Tanchun.

"You've all heard my aunt personally instruct me three or five times, saying that the eldest mistress is currently very busy, and the other girls are too young, so she asked me to look after them. If I don't comply, I'm clearly making my aunt worry..."

What was not proper or legitimate, in Baochai's words, became her unavoidable predicament.

Not to mention, Baochai's words stung Tanchun.

"Zhu Xi used empty and superficial language? Every single one of his sentences contained it. You've only been handling current affairs for two days, and you've already become blinded by greed, viewing Zhu Xi as empty and superficial. Once you go out and encounter those important matters of benefit and harm, you'll view Confucius as even more empty and superficial!"

The phrase "blinded by greed" prompted Tan Chun to immediately retort: ​​"Those who enter the arena of profit and fame, and wield power in strategic planning, steal the words of Yao and Shun, and betray the teachings of Confucius and Mencius."

Seeing the delicate situation, Li Wan, the eldest sister-in-law, quickly smiled and said: "We invited them here, but instead of discussing important matters, you two are arguing about academic matters."

Baochai, however, was unmoved and said in a serious tone, "If you don't keep your learning in mind, you'll just fall into vulgarity."

She was talking about the most mundane things, but Sister Bao insisted on bringing up her knowledge, and somehow she managed to make herself seem right.

If it were just a matter of quick wit, that would be one thing, but wait until Sister Bao says: "While thrift and frugality are the guiding principles, one shouldn't be too stingy. Even if we save another two or three hundred taels of silver, it would still be improper..."

Tan Chun finally understood that Baochai's trip was not for reform, but rather to thoroughly implement Madam's words: "It's best not to cause any major trouble."

To put it another way, the Jia family's income was less than their expenditure, which ultimately had little to do with Baochai at this time. She would certainly not offend anyone when her future was uncertain.

Indeed, it was a case of offering small favors while prioritizing the greater good.

Tan Chun felt discouraged. Just looking at the outcome, she knew that all her hard work had been in vain.

The search of the Grand View Garden made Tan Chun see many things more clearly.

ps:

Regarding reform, everyone has their own opinion, but one point remains unclear: "Ji Zi" refers to no one, and there's no known book titled "Ji Zi." This is what the author, through Bao Yu's words, said earlier: "There's too much fabrication..."

Chapter 304 Extra Chapter 1: Talented and Ambitious (2)

When the Grand View Garden was searched, Baochai moved out immediately. Tanchun understood that Baochai, who only thought of herself, would still only think of her own little family even if she became Baochai's wife.

Even if Tan Chun understood, she was powerless to change anything that happened next—even the old lady, who was the biggest opponent of the marriage at the beginning, had changed her mind.

However, what happened next was beyond anyone's expectations.

Sister Lin was actually betrothed to the Third Prince.

With the defeat of the southeastern court, and learning that the emperor intended to choose a marriage alliance, many members of the Jia family were tempted. In fact, it wasn't just the Jia family; many families throughout the capital were also interested—a daughter, even a daughter born out of wedlock, in exchange for the glory of a mansion seemed like a very good deal.

Tan Chun began to be interested after hearing that the court would conduct assessments on the girls selected for marriage alliances—the court was taking it so seriously that it was likely they had other plans in store.

Defeated and forced to marry into a foreign land is not a good thing, but if the court has a backup plan, then everything will be different.

Lin Jie's invitation was a huge surprise to Tan Chun: The Jia family had wronged Lin Jie. If Tan Chun hadn't been clear enough in the past, she later learned that a lot of the Lin family's property had been used by the Jia family, and even Lin Jie's dowry money had been misappropriated. Only then did Tan Chun realize that people's hearts could be so greedy.

Given the Jia family's circumstances, it would be perfectly reasonable for Sister Lin to never have any contact with them again.

But when she decided to go for the marriage alliance, Sister Lin took the initiative to care about her, telling her that she must think it through and telling her about the personality and temperament of the island nation's ruler.

This made Tan Chun even more grateful—repaying evil with kindness. Although she was not the one who used Lin Jie's family property, there is a saying: "I did not kill Bo Ren, but Bo Ren died because of me." Everyone in the Jia family has a share in the blame.

So when she met Sister Lin, Tan Chun was quite direct: "Sister Lin, I've figured out some of the tricks to the questions His Majesty asked in his assessment."

Daiyu was well aware of Tan Chun's talent, so when she heard this, she nodded and waited for Tan Chun to continue.

"The imperial court will inevitably have another war with the island nation sooner or later." Tan Chun saw things very clearly. "Moreover, this war shouldn't be too far off. And if the queen of a small foreign country can send back some useful information, that would naturally be the best for the imperial court."

“If it were my third sister, I’m sure she could do a lot, even more than His Majesty could imagine.” Daiyu sighed inwardly, thinking how clever her third sister was. “But, in a foreign land, a lonely and weak woman must face immense difficulties.”

Tan Chun understood this perfectly well. Since Sister Lin was so sincere, Tan Chun had nothing to hide.

"Sister Lin, you know the situation at home. Now that Second Sister has married such a man, it's hard to say what will become of me in the future," Tan Chun said, offering her reason.

"For me, this is an opportunity, an opportunity to realize my life's ideals."

"Even if I didn't want to go, there are countless people in the Rongguo Mansion who would love for me to go. The position of a princess is just too attractive to the Rongguo Mansion right now."

Daiyu was well aware of the character of the people in the Rongguo Mansion, and every word Tanchun said was the truth.

“If you’ve really thought it through, then I won’t try to persuade you anymore.” Daiyu stood up and took a stack of documents from the desk. “Here are the documents I’ve compiled about the island nation, as well as those of the island nation’s ruler. Third sister, take a look first.”

"The information inside may not be entirely accurate, but it can still be of some help."

"For me, the most important thing about my third sister's departure is to take good care of herself. As the old saying goes, 'Where there's life, there's hope.' I never paid any attention to this before."

"Third sister, as you know, I've been through life and death myself. Only when you've been through life and death do you understand how true this statement really is."

Tan Chun, of course, understood Daiyu's meaning: upon learning of Baoyu and Baochai's engagement, Lin Daiyu was so ill she almost couldn't get out of bed. Tan Chun had visited Lin Daiyu then, and her face was completely pale.

Fortunately, Sister Lin recovered from the ordeal.

"Sister Lin, don't worry, I've always been the one who thinks of myself first. In such a complicated situation at home, I, as an illegitimate child, can handle things with ease, so naturally I won't wrong myself for the sake of others."

"Sister Lin, although the island nation is dangerous, judging from this, they have already captured the Prince of Nan'an, but did not kill him directly. Instead, they treated him with courtesy, which shows that the island nation has always been wary of our Central Plains dynasty."

"In that case, the situation will be a little different. With you and me, I think we can get any kind of information back."

I want to win.

Tan Chun's earnestness and determination made Daiyu tremble.

Since Tan Chun was so confident, Dai Yu immediately nodded: "Then we sisters should discuss how to keep in touch in the future."

Now that the decision has been made, thorough preparations are essential. The island nation is separated from the capital by mountains and rivers; for Tan Chun, even the smallest oversight could lead to catastrophic disaster.

They were both intelligent people, but the two still spent most of the day discussing it, as there were too many details to consider.

Before parting, Tan Chun hesitated several times, but finally pleaded with Dai Yu once more: her father was mediocre, but not a bad person. Even though the old lady had approved of the marriage between the golden and jade pieces, only her father was willing to question it. As for her mother, she had been a muddle-headed person her whole life. As long as she could save her life, that would be enough.

As for Huandi, everyone has their own ambitions and their own destiny.

When the newly appointed Princess Qingjia went to pay her respects to the various palaces, Tan Chun once again saw the eldest sister who was praised by everyone in the entire mansion.

She instantly recalled being scolded by Granny Li when she was a child.

Chapter 305 Extra Chapter 1: Talented and Ambitious (3)

On her wedding day, the wind was strong. Tan Chun stood on the pier, supported by Shi Shu's hand, her red-gold and kingfisher-embellished phoenix hairpin dangling slightly.

And all her family members who could come came.

The Empress and Princess Yi were both present, as were Princess Rui and Princess Li. In the previous court, several princes saw off the envoys, showing great respect to the island nation. The island nation's envoys were extremely excited and repeatedly expressed their gratitude, deeply appreciating the Central Plains' high regard for Princess Qingjia and for the island nation.

The envoys even repeatedly expressed on behalf of their king that the entire nation would regard Princess Qingjia as the mother of the country and respect her for life.