The Black Chamber Dream: Daiyu's Revenge

Meanwhile, the three young ladies who were summoned privately by the Empress—Yu Ran, Liu Ying, and Sun Ning—were talking with Princess Xiao Lin and Daiyu.

Among the three girls, Liu Ying is a gentle and quiet beauty with proper manners and a scholarly air about her; Yu Ran has a cool and aloof temperament with a proud spirit in her eyes; while Sun Ning is lively and bright with a radiant smile and no affectation.

The Empress had some beads and gemstones brought over, and let them choose which ones to string together for fun.

"Don't be shy, everyone. Feel free to make yourselves at home. Once you've finished stringing them, take them with you as a small gift from the palace," the Empress said gently. She possessed a natural, magical charm, and her words were inexplicably convincing and made people feel close to her.

Sure enough, Xuehua led the palace maids to bring up several small boxes containing all kinds of beads such as jade, white jade, and rubies, all with buttonholes already made. They also brought various colored ribbons for them to use as they pleased.

"Miss Lin is so skillful! I can't even tie a ribbon properly!" Sun Ning exclaimed in admiration as she watched Daiyu skillfully weave a complicated ribbon knot. She didn't seem to care about exposing her little flaws in front of everyone, which made her appear very sincere and lovely.

Princess Xiao Lin chimed in, saying sweetly, "I'm clumsy too. Sister Sun, what do you usually play at home?"

"I also know how to play pitch-pot, shuttlecock kicking, and horseback riding!" Sun Ning replied with a smile, his face beaming.

"Sister Lin and I are both learning to ride horses. Although we are not as skillful as Sister Lin, we are definitely better at riding than her!" the princess joked, then turned to ask the other two girls.

Daiyu noticed a sachet hanging from Liu Ying's waist, embroidered with a lotus flower emerging from the water, so lifelike and vivid that she couldn't help but exclaim, "Sister Liu's sachet is so well embroidered; the lotus flower seems to have come to life."

The Empress listened to the young girls chatting away, occasionally revealing a loving smile.

The Emperor was very concerned about the flower viewing banquet and personally bestowed several imperial dishes upon her. After the banquet, the Emperor rushed to the Phoenix Palace and couldn't wait to ask the Empress how she was doing.

The Empress was having the painters at Ruyi Pavilion paint portraits of the three girls she had summoned alone. When she heard the Emperor ask, she hurriedly gave a brief account of what had happened that day.

"Your Majesty, I think these three young ladies are all quite good. I specially invited them to play with the princess and Yu'er. They are all well-educated and sensible girls." The Empress introduced the three young ladies' family backgrounds and personalities, her words full of praise.

The emperor pondered for a moment, then looked intently at the empress: "Then, Empress, which one do you think is more suitable for Rui'er?"

"Personally, I prefer the Liu family girl," the Empress said gently. "She is skillful, gentle, and generous. When I listened to her talk about poetry with Yu'er, I was amazed by her quick wit and extensive knowledge. She is just as good as Yu'er."

The Empress's words were somewhat deliberate. She believed that the Crown Princess's character and talent were more important than her birth.

Now that his elder brother is the Governor-General of Liangjiang, if the Crown Prince were to marry a Crown Princess with too much power, wouldn't that be adding trouble to the Emperor? Although the Liu family is a noble and respectable family, the position of Imperial Physician Liu is just right, neither too illustrious to attract attention nor too lowly in social standing.

Seeing that the Empress was so sensible, the Emperor was very satisfied and immediately nodded: "The Empress has always been very good at judging people. However, you must ask Rui'er later. After all, it is his marriage, and he has to be happy with it himself."

Finally, the emperor said, "As for the second son, I just heard you praise him at length. This girl from the Yu family is indeed suitable. The second son is a bit impetuous, and a girl like this, who is calm and composed, can make up for his shortcomings and be of help to him."

It seems the emperor is also wary of the second prince.

"As for the Sun family's daughter, didn't your aunt mention when she went to the palace last time that she wanted to choose a granddaughter-in-law? Such an innocent and carefree girl, she wouldn't have to do housework after marrying into the family, and could live a carefree life, which would be good." The emperor also arranged for the Sun family's daughter, clearly in a good mood.

"Then I will bring the portraits of Miss Liu and Miss Yu and have them shown to the brothers respectively," the Empress agreed.

As Daiyu left the palace and returned home, not long after arriving at the Lin residence, an invitation from the Rongguo Mansion arrived, bringing genuine good news.

Li's son passed the imperial examination this spring and was even admitted to the top rank!

The Li family immediately sent someone to the Rongguo Mansion to propose marriage. Jia She was overjoyed and agreed on the spot. The two families quickly settled the marriage.

Yingchun's room suddenly became lively and bustling.

The sisters gathered together, offering their congratulations on welcoming the Spring Festival and wishing each other good fortune.

Yuan Chun's marriage was finalized a few days ago, and she was initially very pleased. After all, compared to the son of a minor official of the fourth rank introduced by her uncle-in-law, Zhao Cunren, whom her aunt-in-law introduced to her, was a fourth-rank military officer himself, and she wouldn't have to marry too far away; she would be in Zhili, not far from the capital.

However, Yuan Chun overlooked a very important fact: Zhao Cunren was already thirty-five years old, and his ex-wife had left behind a son and a daughter after her death, with the eldest daughter already being eleven years old.

Seeing everyone congratulating Yingchun, Yuanchun felt a pang of resentment. Her pride vanished instantly, replaced by jealousy and resentment.

"Don't be too ostentatious. This is just the announcement of the results. When it comes to becoming an official, you still have to take it one step at a time. Who knows, it might take ten or eight years before you can even get a promotion." Yuan Chun said with a smile, but her words were like pouring cold water on people's enthusiasm.

Daiyu heard this as soon as she entered. She glanced at Yuanchun's expression and understood immediately. She then replied with a smile, "Elder sister, what you're saying makes it sound like we sisters can't be happy together? What's wrong with us sisters having some fun in our private quarters? Passing the imperial examination is a great joy! With your husband's talent, Second Sister, how can you worry about not rising through the ranks in the future? When Second Sister's husband becomes even more successful, Second Sister, you mustn't be stingy and must host a good banquet for all of us sisters!"

Upon seeing Daiyu, Yuanchun was filled with rage. In her heart, all her misfortunes were due to Daiyu's appearance. If it weren't for Daiyu, she might have become a noble lady in the palace.

So Yuan Chun immediately changed the subject and said sarcastically, "Does Lin Daiyu even care about these things? I heard before I left the palace that Lin Daiyu is now a favorite of the Empress and is going to be the Crown Princess!"

These words caused the previously lively room to fall into complete silence. Everyone's expression changed, and Yingchun was terrified, her face turning pale. What was the Crown Princess's status? How could she be so casually joked about in the boudoir? If this got out, the Jia family would be finished!

Daiyu's face instantly darkened. She looked coldly at Yuanchun, her gaze icy: "Elder sister, you can eat whatever you want, but you can't say whatever you want. Today, only we sisters heard it, and it was just a joke. But if someone with ulterior motives hears it and exaggerates it, they could accuse you of disrespect. Then it wouldn't just be you, but the entire Rongguo Mansion would be in trouble!"

Yuan Chun then realized that she had misspoke.

The atmosphere inside the room became extremely awkward.

Just then, Wang Xifeng entered. She immediately noticed the awkward atmosphere, her eyes darting around as she broke the silence with a smile: "Oh, why isn't anyone saying anything? What are you playing? Guessing riddles? You didn't even wait for me!"

Wang Xifeng made a few witty remarks and said some nice things about Yingchun, using her silver tongue to liven up the awkward atmosphere.

Wang Xifeng has been extremely busy lately: Yuan Chun is getting married soon, and Ying Chun is also engaged; each and every one of these is a major event.

Now that Madam Wang is confined to the Buddhist hall, all these matters are being handled by Wang Xifeng.

The difference between a true steward and a second-in-command is enormous.

Therefore, for Wang Xifeng, the best option would naturally be to have a housekeeper.

Therefore, Wang Xifeng soon found out the reason for the strange atmosphere in Yingchun's room. After learning that it was Yuanchun who was talking nonsense, Wang Xifeng thought for a moment and went straight to Grandmother Jia.

"Grandmother, it's not that I, your granddaughter-in-law, like to gossip, but there's something I really have to tell you." Wang Xifeng deliberately made it sound serious, relaying Yuan Chun's words to Grandmother Jia.

Grandmother Jia was indeed very angry and immediately summoned Yuan Chun—regardless of whether Lin Daiyu could become the Crown Princess, these words should not be spoken carelessly.

Grandmother Jia originally thought that Yuan Chun was getting old from spending time in the palace, so she planned to give her more dowry money from her private treasury. But now she thought that Yuan Chun was close to her uncle's side and was also not very clear-headed, so Grandmother Jia did not approve of the marriage and simply gave her less dowry money.

Daiyu didn't care about Yuanchun and didn't take the matter to heart.

During this vacation, Daiyu received an invitation from the Liu family's daughter.

Side Story: The Empress's Rebirth - Daiyu Makes New Friends and the Li Family Gets Promoted

It was the season when apricot blossoms were in full bloom. Daiyu arrived at the Liu residence by carriage. As soon as she entered the courtyard, she saw several apricot trees in full bloom, their pink and white petals adorning the branches like clouds and rosy hues.

A gentle breeze blew, and petals fluttered down, carpeting the ground in pale pink. Soft carpets stretched beneath the flowering trees, and nestled among the blossoms stood an exquisite hexagonal pavilion, where wisps of incense smoke curled from a burner, filling the air with the aroma of tea.

Besides Daiyu, those invited included Yu Ran and Sun Ning, who had also been summoned to the Empress's flower-viewing banquet, as well as Liu Ying's two cousins. All of them were unmarried young women, and they quickly became acquainted.

"Miss Lin, you've finally arrived," she said, taking Daiyu's hand in hers, her fingertips cool yet gentle. "I specially reserved a spot for you near the flowers, so you can enjoy them without being exposed to the sun."

He then led everyone to their seats. Inside the hexagonal pavilion, embroidered stools had already been prepared, and each seat had a brocade cushion of the same color. Even the teacups were prepared according to each person's preferences—Daiyu's was a celadon glaze, Yu Ran's was a sweet white porcelain, and Sun Ning's was a crimson teacup.

Apricot petals drifted down from time to time during the gathering. Seeing this, Liu Ying quietly instructed her maid, "Go fetch that plain gauze screen and place it in the drafty area." She then turned to the others with an apologetic smile, "I had intended for you all to enjoy the falling petals, but I was worried they might fall into your teacups."

When serving the desserts, she deliberately placed a plate of almond cookies next to Daiyu: "I remember you like these. My cook made them according to a Jiangnan recipe. Try them and see if they're authentic."

Seeing that Sun Ning glanced at the plate of rose cake a few more times, he subtly pushed the plate towards her.

"Why don't we try composing a couplet together?" Liu Ying's cousin, Liu Fang, suggested.

Sun Ning was taking a bite of rose cake when she heard this and quickly swallowed the pastry: "Let me start! Apricot blossoms fall softly onto the chessboard, their subtle fragrance drifting into the teacup." Cake crumbs were still on her lips, but her eyes shone with an unusual brightness.

“Sister, your words are so fitting,” Liu Ying replied, “The jade buds, shyly reflecting their spring beauty, and the jade branches, laden with dew, bow their heads in timidity.”

Without hesitation, Yu Ran continued: "Her white sleeves flutter like fresh snow in the wind, her graceful figure under the moon evokes memories of past travels."

Suddenly, Sun Ning exclaimed, "Ah!" Her apricot blossom hairpin wobbled. "I've got it! Suddenly, a flower fairy appeared carrying a lantern—" She pointed to the dappled shadows of flowers on the ground, "collecting fallen petals by moonlight!"

Everyone was taken aback, but Daiyu burst out laughing: "Is Sister Sun going to write 'The Tale of the Apricot Blossom Spirit'?"

Then, with a flicker of her eyes, Daiyu replied, "It turns out that Chang'e sent an envoy to borrow her fragrant soul to brew osmanthus wine." As she spoke, she winked at Sun Ning.

Sun Ning clapped her hands and laughed, "Sister Lin, that was a brilliant response! I'll continue—the fairy maiden thought I was too noisy," suddenly reaching out to catch a falling flower, "scattering a handful of jade flowers to seal my mouth!"

Liu Ying's cousin, Liu Fang, was so engrossed in listening that she accidentally knocked over her teacup. Yu Ran handed her a handkerchief and blurted out, "Poor little Miss Liu, her skirt is wet and she blames the east wind." Everyone laughed again.

Seeing that Sun Ning was about to speak again, Liu Ying quickly stopped him with a smile: "Stop it quickly, if you keep going, you might end up making up the whole 'Legend of the Apricot Blossom Fairy'."

Laughter in the pavilion startled the birds on the branches, causing them to flutter and fall like a shower of petals.

For a while, Sun Ning was taken by Liu Fang to see Liu Ying's cat. Only Liu Ying, Yu Ran, and Daiyu were born in the pavilion.

Liu Ying took a sip of tea and spoke first, "A few days ago, Her Highness the Princess came to our house." Her voice was soft, but it carried an undisguised solemnity.

She knew that the eldest princess had also gone to the Yu family, and this was no coincidence.

Upon hearing this, a look of understanding flashed in Yu Ran's eyes.

She looked at Liu Ying and nodded slightly, a silent congratulation.

The eldest princess did indeed come to the Yu family, and her purpose was clear: to convey the Emperor and Empress's intentions—to choose Yu Ran as the Second Prince's consort. Therefore, it is quite obvious that Liu Ying is the chosen one for the Crown Prince's consort.

Seeing that the two of them understood, Liu Ying couldn't help but show a hint of nervousness on her face.

"Don't laugh at me, my two younger sisters, but I'm actually a little nervous," she said softly.

She thought that Yu Ran would be her sister-in-law in the future, and Daiyu was the eldest princess's goddaughter and also the princess's study companion. Their statuses were not ordinary, so there was no harm in saying some things.

Yu Ran nodded, empathizing. They were all teenage girls, about to marry a prince and become his future princess or crown princess. Who wouldn't be nervous?

Seeing that the two women were looking at her, Daiyu smiled and said, "Sisters, please rest assured. Her Majesty the Empress is always kind, fair, and generous. The ladies in the palace are also very amiable and will not cause any trouble."

She then recounted how the nanny taught her manners when she first entered the palace, as well as some details of life in the palace. Her tone was relaxed, intended to comfort the two women: "As for the rules, experienced nannies will definitely be sent to teach you. You two are so intelligent, there's no need to worry about not being able to learn them, and there won't be any mistakes."

Hearing Daiyu's words, Liu Ying and Yu Ran felt much less nervous. They smiled at each other and thanked Daiyu, saying, "Thank you for your guidance, Sister Lin. Your words have put us at ease."

"No need for thanks. In the future," Daiyu smiled mischievously, a sly glint in her eyes, "if you two elder sisters take care of me, I won't have to worry about anything for the rest of my life."

Yu Ran readily agreed, a faint smile playing on her lips: "Sister Lin is too kind. We sisters will certainly support each other in the future."

Daiyu discovered that Yu Ran was the kind of girl who was cold on the outside but warm on the inside. Although she usually seemed aloof, she would show her sincere side once you got to know her. Liu Ying smiled gently and also expressed that she would definitely not let down their sisterly bond in the future.

When Daiyu returned to the Lin family mansion from the Liu family, she saw her father lying on a reclining chair in the courtyard with a happy expression as soon as she entered the door.

"Father, is there something that makes you happy?" Daiyu stepped forward.

Seeing his daughter return, Lin Ruhai sat up.

"Yu'er, your Uncle Li is going to be promoted and go to the capital!" Lin Ruhai's voice was filled with barely suppressed joy.

Daiyu immediately thought of Uncle Li from Hubei, and her eyes lit up: "Really? That's wonderful! Then it will be convenient for Father and me to compose and exchange poems in the future!"

She knew that her father and Uncle Li had always been on good terms, and that it was a great joy for them to both serve as officials in the capital.

"That's right!" Lin Ruhai clapped his hands and laughed. "Your Uncle Li has been promoted to Vice Minister of the Ministry of Justice this time, and he's currently looking for a suitable house in the capital. He even asked me to help him find one!"

Daiyu was even happier to hear this and blurted out, "As for finding a house, isn't the second brother of the Li family in the Hanlin Academy now? Oh dear, that means Sister Yingchun won't have to leave the capital, and we can still see each other often!"

She thought to herself that since Uncle Li had been promoted, his whole family would surely live in the capital in the future. After Sister Yingchun got married, the sisters would be able to see each other often and would no longer have to suffer the pain of separation.

Seeing his daughter's innocent and carefree nature, Lin Ruhai couldn't help but laugh and say, "That's hard to say. If your cousin marries into the family and her husband is transferred to a local post, does your cousin not follow him?"

“That’s true!” Daiyu tilted her head and thought for a moment, then laughed heartily. “But it’s good, if my cousins ​​go to other places, we’ll have a chance to travel around!”

She recalled her experience of traveling to Beijing by boat that year, where the scenery along the way was breathtaking, which made her truly understand why one should read ten thousand books and travel ten thousand miles.