The Black Chamber Dream: Daiyu's Revenge

He walked slowly to the hall, stood facing south, glanced around at everyone in the Jia family with a hint of contempt in his eyes, and then slowly spoke, saying only, "His Majesty has graciously granted Lady Jia permission to return to her family and reunite with them, and to marry as she sees fit. He has also bestowed upon her one hundred taels of gold."

These words struck like a thunderbolt, hitting the Jia family members right on the head.

Madam Wang was struck dumb, as if by lightning. She had thought it was a joyous occasion, but it turned out to be a devastating blow! She immediately fainted.

Xia Shouzhong didn't care about the Jia family's reaction. After speaking, he turned and left without looking back, quickly disappearing outside the Rongguo Mansion with his eunuch team.

Only the sedan chair was left at the entrance of the Rongguo Mansion.

Yuan Chun sat alone in the sedan chair, feeling as if her internal organs were burning with grief.

Ten years of hard work, crushed in a single day.

Yuan Chun felt an even greater heartache. She didn't want to come out, but mother and daughter are of one heart. When she heard the commotion outside that Lady Wang had fainted, she couldn't hold back any longer. She ran down from the sedan chair and came to Lady Wang's side, tears streaming down her face.

The Rongguo Mansion was thrown into even greater chaos.

Wang Xifeng reacted quickly, immediately directing the servants to escort the mistress back to her room. At the same time, she also had to be concerned for Grandmother Jia, fearing that Grandmother Jia might also get sick from the anger.

With great difficulty, the chaos within the mansion subsided somewhat. Grandmother Jia, forcing herself to remain composed, sat in Rongqing Hall, her face deathly pale, and summoned Yuan Chun, Lady Wang, and Wang Xifeng.

Yuan Chun had endured it for a long time, but now, upon seeing Grandmother Jia and Lady Wang, she could no longer hold back the grievances and indignation that had been building up in her heart. She burst into tears, crying out, "Grandmother, Mother! My life is so bitter!"

Lady Wang also came to her senses and embraced her daughter, weeping bitterly. Grandmother Jia, seeing Yuan Chun in such a state, felt deeply distressed but was even more eager to know what had happened.

"Alright, stop crying. What happened? Why were you sent back all of a sudden?" Grandmother Jia asked anxiously.

"It's all her fault! It's all Lin Daiyu's fault!" Yuan Chun cried, her voice filled with resentment. "The Empress is now very fond of her. Everyone's saying that the Empress is planning to make my cousin the Crown Princess! Didn't my uncle confiscate the Zhen family's property in Jiangnan? The Emperor is very pleased with my uncle. Now that my uncle has made a great contribution to the Emperor, the Empress will naturally value my cousin even more! I... I've become an eyesore!"

Hearing Yuan Chun's tearful complaint, Grandmother Jia was also moved.

She recalled that the Empress always sent people to fetch Daiyu to the palace, instructing the Rongguo Mansion to give Daiyu a separate courtyard, and sending governesses and palace maids to serve her. Later, she even made Daiyu a companion to the princess.

If it really is for the position of Crown Princess, then all of this makes sense.

"That's possible..." Grandmother Jia murmured to herself, her brows furrowed in thought. "If Her Majesty the Empress chooses Yu'er as the Crown Princess, then as Yu'er's cousin and a former lady-in-waiting, it would naturally be inappropriate for you to enter the palace as a concubine..."

Upon hearing this, Lady Wang's face was instantly filled with hatred. She recalled how she had always been inferior to Jia Min in every way, and now, that short-lived daughter of Jia Min was actually trying to harm her own daughter! She gripped her handkerchief tightly, her nails almost digging into her flesh. But in front of Grandmother Jia, she dared not utter these curses against Daiyu.

Grandmother Jia's thoughts were far more "beautiful" than Lady Wang's. It was indeed a pity that Yuan Chun could not become the emperor's concubine, but wouldn't it be a greater good for the Rongguo Mansion if Lin Daiyu could become the crown princess?

Thinking of this, Grandmother Jia's expression softened considerably.

She patted Yuan Chun's hand and comforted her, "My child, don't be sad. What's meant to be will be. Since you're not destined for this in the palace, you don't need to force it. Don't worry, your grandmother will definitely find a good match for you, one that will be more prestigious than any ordinary family's daughter-in-law!"

She thought to herself that Yuan Chun had served in the palace, and even if she was sent back, her reputation would still remain. With the Jia family's influence, it wouldn't be difficult to find her a high-ranking family to be her principal wife.

After leaving Grandmother Jia's room, Lady Wang returned to her own room, no longer holding back. Holding Yuan Chun's hand, she couldn't help but curse Daiyu.

"That little vixen! I knew she was no pushover! She's always putting on airs and playing the victim! Our family was kind enough to provide her with food, clothing, and other necessities, and she just turned around and ruined my son's future!" Madam Wang became angrier and angrier as she spoke, her words becoming increasingly reckless.

Yuan Chun also wept, her heart filled with resentment towards Daiyu.

On the other hand, Wang Xifeng's thoughts were completely different from those of Grandmother Jia and Lady Wang. She returned to her room, summoned Jia Lian, and relayed Grandmother Jia's words to Yuan Chun.

"Regardless of whether Her Majesty the Empress truly intends for Miss Lin to become the Crown Princess, we must treat her well!" Wang Xifeng thought. "If Miss Lin can indeed rise to a higher social status, our Jia family's kinship with her might bring us great benefits in the future!"

Not long after, another bombshell piece of news arrived, further solidifying Wang Xifeng's resolve.

Lin Ruhai was promoted to Vice Minister of the Ministry of Revenue for his outstanding performance in thoroughly investigating the Zhen family case and will soon be going to the capital to take up his post.

The Ministry of Revenue was in charge of the nation's finances and grain, wielding immense power.

Wang Xifeng immediately discussed with Jia Lian: "We must get ahead of everyone else and quickly find a good house for Uncle Lin in the capital!"

"This will cost quite a bit of money," Jia Lian said with a slight hesitation.

“Money is meant to be spent, but it should be spent wisely. Now that my uncle has been promoted, and you bought an official position but haven’t received a real post, if we help my uncle get these things sorted out and build a good relationship, it might benefit us both in the future.” Wang Xifeng made up her mind and discussed it with Jia Lian.

However, Lin Ruhai accepted their kindness—because Lin Ruhai felt that Jia Lian and his wife each had their strengths and weaknesses that he could use.

When Lin Ruhai returned to Beijing, Daiyu was naturally the happiest person.

Side Story: The Empress's Rebirth - Lin Ruhai's Daughter Teaching

When the news of Lin Ruhai's promotion to Vice Minister of the Ministry of Revenue spread, no one was happier than Daiyu.

Although she only needed to return to the Rongguo Mansion for two days every six days after entering the palace to accompany the princess, and everyone in the Rongguo Mansion had changed their attitude towards her, with the maids and servants fawning over her, Daiyu still disliked the feeling of being dependent on others.

Now that her father has returned to Beijing, she can go straight home, which truly brings her comfort from the bottom of her heart.

That night, the father and daughter sat facing each other, the aroma of tea wafting in the air.

Although Daiyu was happy for her father's return to the capital, she was somewhat puzzled as to why her father would accept the favor of Jia Lian and his wife, and even intend to give them important positions.

She hesitated for a moment before finally asking, "Father, there is something I don't understand, and I hope you can enlighten me."

Lin Ruhai put down his teacup and looked at his daughter gently: "Yu'er, if you have any questions, please tell me."

"Father, why do you accept the favors of Second Brother Lian and Second Sister-in-law?" Daiyu asked softly, then added, "I always feel that this is inconsistent with the gentlemanly principles that Father usually teaches."

Upon hearing this, a hint of approval flashed in Lin Ruhai's eyes.

He knew his daughter was perceptive and that it was already quite remarkable that she could perceive this.

He smiled slightly and took the opportunity to teach Daiyu the art of employing people.

"Yu'er, let me ask you, what do you think of your cousin Jia Lian and his wife Wang Xifeng?" Lin Ruhai asked gently.

Daiyu thought for a moment and replied, "Second Brother Lian has always managed all the affairs of the mansion, so he is naturally capable. But I have heard from the maids and servants in the mansion that he is a womanizer, neglects his family, and often has illicit affairs outside. I have met him very little and do not have a deep impression of him, but I have heard that he is not a person of upright character."

Lin Ruhai nodded, signaling her to continue.

"As for my second sister-in-law..." Daiyu paused, the image of Wang Xifeng's shrewd and ruthless face flashing in her mind, "My second sister-in-law is a capable housekeeper, and everyone in the mansion respects her. She does have a decisive and efficient air about her. However, she is too flamboyant in her actions and likes to wield power. I always feel that she is a bit... a bit too mercenary."

After listening, Lin Ruhai clapped his hands and laughed: "What Yu'er said is very true. She has quite insightful views on people and matters."

He picked up his teacup, took a sip, and looked at Daiyu with deep eyes. "You have noticed their shortcomings, which is good. But what I want to teach you today is how to use people."

He put down his teacup, his tone becoming serious: "Is there anyone in this world who is perfect? ​​Everyone has their strengths and weaknesses. Whether it's being an official or managing a household, if we only seek perfect people, then there will be no one to use. The key is that we must know how to make the most of our strengths and avoid our weaknesses."

“Take your second brother Lian for example. Although he has the drawbacks of being a womanizer, he is good at socializing and handling complicated administrative affairs. In addition, he comes from the Rongguo Mansion and has a strong foothold in the capital. These are his strengths. When I return to the capital, I need someone to handle some matters that I cannot personally handle, and I also need someone who is familiar with the people in the capital. As long as his shortcomings are within a controllable range and do not affect the overall situation, they can be tolerated.”

Lin Ruhai then looked at Daiyu: "And look at your second sister-in-law, Wang Xifeng. You're right that she's flamboyant and snobbish. However, her ability to manage the household is second to none in the Jia family. She's decisive, shrewd, and capable, managing such a large mansion like the Rongguo Mansion in an orderly manner—that in itself is a skill."

"As I am newly returned to the capital, I am still unfamiliar with many things. If I were to find someone who could manage and prepare my residence in the capital, Wang Xifeng would undoubtedly be the best choice. As long as I can grasp her weaknesses, I can use them to my advantage."

He looked at Daiyu, his eyes filled with expectation: "Yu'er, you must remember, using people is like using tools. Each has its strengths and uses. Swords are sharp, but they can't be used to sew clothes; needles and thread are delicate, but they can't be used to fight enemies. When we judge people, we can't just focus on their flaws, but also see where they can play a role. Of course, the premise is that their shortcomings cannot damage their foundation, and you must have enough means and wisdom to manage them and prevent them from turning against their master."

Daiyu listened to her father's profound yet simple words and nodded thoughtfully.

"Furthermore, since I do not intend to remarry, the Rongguo Mansion will always be your maternal grandparents' family. Although it is said that the misfortune should not befall a married daughter, there are still some things that are related," Lin Ruhai continued to tell his daughter.

"So, I have a few things to do next. Watch and think about them carefully."

Daiyu soon learned about her father's ruthlessness.

To welcome Lin Ruhai to the capital, the Rongguo Mansion specially chose a cool day to host a banquet for Lin Ruhai and his daughter.

The male guests were clinking glasses and exchanging toasts, while Daiyu sat beside Grandmother Jia among the female guests.

Because of Jia Zheng's request, Baoyu, who originally wanted to blend in with the women, was taken outside.

After the banquet, Lin Ruhai said directly to Jia She and Jia Zheng, "My two brothers-in-law, may I speak with you in private?"

“Brother-in-law, I’ve heard that Lian’er has always been in charge of managing the household affairs, why don’t we invite him along?” Lin Ruhai specifically mentioned Jia Lian.

The three of them sat down, but the atmosphere was no longer the relaxed and casual one at the banquet.

Lin Ruhai remained calm, his gaze sharp. He slowly pulled a thin booklet from his sleeve and gently placed it on the table.

"My two brothers-in-law, this booklet was obtained by chance. I dare not keep it to myself, so I have come to ask you two to take a look." Lin Ruhai's tone was calm, but it revealed an undeniable seriousness.

Jia She and Jia Zheng exchanged bewildered glances. Jia She suspiciously picked up the booklet and opened it, but after reading only a few pages, his expression suddenly changed drastically.

Jia Zheng also stepped forward, and when he saw the contents of the booklet, his face instantly turned a deep purplish-red.

These are actually the accounts from Leng Zixing's antique shop!

What shocked them even more was that the accounts clearly recorded many "consignment" and "pawning" transactions. Upon closer inspection, several items that originally belonged to their Jia family were listed, and there were even some items bestowed by the emperor.

"This...how is this possible?!" Jia She almost dropped the booklet in his hand. He looked sharply at Lin Ruhai, his eyes filled with shock and anger. "That scoundrel Leng Zixing, how dare he do such a thing!"

Lin Ruhai sighed softly, his tone tinged with helplessness and heartache: "Originally, I shouldn't have interfered in this matter. After all, it's a family affair of my two brothers-in-law. But my two brothers-in-law have always treated me very well, and now that I'm an official in the capital, I can't just sit idly by. With such audacious parasites in the household, I really can't bear to stand by and let them empty the mansion."

"Good heavens! This Leng Zixing!" Jia She was instantly enraged. He glared at Jia Zheng and shouted, "I remember, this Leng Zixing is the son-in-law of Zhou Rui, the maidservant of my sister-in-law?! This matter is probably no small thing!" His words were aimed directly at Lady Wang.

Jia Zheng was so angry that his face turned pale. He never expected that such a shameful thing was hidden in his own inner courtyard.

He gritted his teeth and said, "Don't worry, brother, I will definitely go back and find out what happened with my wife, and give you an explanation!"

Just as Jia She and Jia Zheng were furious and wanted to go back immediately to confront him, Jia Lian understood what was going on after receiving a meaningful look from Lin Ruhai.

He took a deep breath and quickly said:

“Father, Second Uncle! We mustn’t alert him to this. If we make a scene, Leng Zixing might immediately move the stolen goods, or even flee to avoid punishment. It would be better to secretly apprehend Leng Zixing, interrogate him thoroughly, and recover all the stolen goods. As for Aunt… she’s family after all, so it’s easier to handle her, and it will prevent family scandals from being aired in public and causing unrest throughout the household.”

Jia Lian's words took into account practical considerations, saved face for Lady Wang, and also hinted at the internal handling methods for "one family".

Lin Ruhai nodded approvingly, quite satisfied with Jia Lian's performance: "Lian'er is quite right. If word gets out that there's an internal traitor in the Duke's mansion, it will only make us a laughingstock. It's best to handle this matter discreetly. This way, we can clean house without affecting the Jia family's reputation."

Jia She and Jia Zheng exchanged a glance and both agreed that this was the right thing to do.

With permission from his father and uncle, Jia Lian acted swiftly and decisively.

He sent men overnight to secretly arrest Leng Zixing and interrogate him rigorously.

Knowing his crimes had been exposed, Leng Zixing, under Jia Lian's coercion and enticement, quickly confessed everything, not only revealing the stolen goods he had hidden, but also implicating Zhou Rui's wife in the affair.

The next day, Zhou Rui's family suffered. Some were imprisoned, and others were sold into slavery.

Inside the mansion, Wang Xifeng personally informed Grandmother Jia.

Grandmother Jia was so angry that she trembled slightly and ordered Yuanyang to personally summon Lady Wang.

"Wang, what else do you have to say about Leng Zixing's matter?"

"Grandma, your daughter-in-law... your daughter-in-law knows she was wrong..." Wang quickly knelt down to admit her mistake, but in her heart she really resented Zhou Rui's family for being so unreliable in their work.

"You know you're wrong?! You still have the nerve to say you know you're wrong?! You stupid woman! Are you trying to throw the face of the Jia family and the foundation of our ancestors into the mud?!" Grandmother Jia cursed loudly.

"Wife, wife, it's all for Yuan'er's sake. Before, there were places in the palace that needed bribing officials and spending money..."

"Shut up!" Grandmother Jia was too lazy to listen to her excuses.

"Now that Yuan'er is back, there's no need for you, her virtuous mother, to take care of her," Grandmother Jia said coldly. "From today onwards, you will request to go to the Buddhist hall to chant scriptures and recite Buddhist prayers every day to atone for your sins! Without my permission, you are not allowed to step out of the Buddhist hall!"