The Black Chamber Dream: Daiyu's Revenge

As she spoke, she turned to her mother, who was still crying and making a fuss, and lowered her voice, pleading, "Mom! Stop talking! This isn't the place to talk. Let's go back to our room and let Uncle and Aunt have some peace and quiet."

As Baochai spoke, she gently tugged at Aunt Xue's sleeve, signaling her to stop making a scene. She knew that further words would be pointless and would only escalate the situation further.

The aftermath of the quarrel between Wang Ziteng's wife and Aunt Xue had not yet subsided, but the case had caused quite a few incidents in the officialdom of the capital.

Jia Lian, now an official in the Ministry of Personnel, was well-informed. He quickly learned of the Wang and Xue families' cases and realized the seriousness of the matter.

He realized that the Xue family had lived in the Jia family mansion for quite some time, and if the Jia family were implicated, the consequences would be unimaginable. He quickly returned to the Rongguo Mansion to discuss countermeasures with his wife, Wang Xifeng.

"This case has blown up so much now, we need to cut ties with them as soon as possible!" Jia Lian said anxiously. "The Xue family has been staying in our mansion for so long. If someone with ulterior motives finds a handle against us and accuses us of protecting Xue Pan, then we'll be in big trouble!"

Upon hearing this, Wang Xifeng was filled with remorse and immediately complained, "It's all Second Madam's fault! She insisted on letting the Xue family stay in our house back then, and now look what's happened! We've gotten ourselves into all this trouble! What bad luck!"

As she spoke, she suddenly remembered something, and her expression changed slightly: "By the way, back then, in the case of Xue the Fool who killed someone, it seems that the Second Madam even asked us to take the Second Master's visiting card?"

Upon hearing this, Jia Lian became even more panicked. Although Jia Zheng did not concern himself with worldly affairs, the consequences of getting involved in such a case were unimaginable.

He thought about it and decided that he still had to consult his uncle Lin, since Lin Ruhai was experienced in the court and was deeply favored by the emperor.

Lin Ruhai, on the other hand, had long been preparing for this. As soon as the news of the retrial of Xue Pan's case came out, he immediately submitted a memorial to the emperor to apologize.

After all, it was Lin Ruhai who initially recommended Jia Yucun to Jia Zheng, and it was through Wang Ziteng's connections that Jia Yucun became the prefect of Yingtian Prefecture. The emperor, after reading Lin Ruhai's memorial, merely remarked, "People change," and did not pursue the matter further. Firstly, Lin Ruhai was reliable and trustworthy to the emperor; secondly, aside from Lin Ruhai's recommendation of Jia Yucun, the subsequent events involving the Xue family were indeed unrelated to Lin Ruhai.

Upon hearing Jia Lian's words, Lin Ruhai immediately said, "Didn't you just say that it was your second wife who took your second brother-in-law's visiting card? Doesn't that make things much easier?"

Jia Lian slapped his thigh: "Uncle, your words have enlightened me. Thank you, Uncle."

Seeing that Jia Lian was about to leave, Lin Ruhai stopped him again: "It's not that simple. Your second uncle has failed in his duties as a manager, so he also has to submit a memorial to apologize."

Jia Lian quickly nodded: "Yes, I understand. I will definitely explain it to my second uncle when I get back."

After returning home, Jia Lian dared not delay and immediately went to find Jia Zheng. Upon hearing Lin Ruhai's suggestion, Jia Zheng also realized the seriousness of the situation and indeed took immediate action, writing a memorial of apology overnight and submitting it to the emperor.

The emperor was quite satisfied with Jia She's initiative in taking the lead in repaying the debt. Moreover, the Rongguo Mansion was no longer the Rongguo Mansion it once was, but a first-class general's mansion. Jia She's family had gained respect in front of the emperor.

Upon seeing Jia Zheng's memorial of apology, the emperor thought that Jia Zheng was just a fifth-rank assistant minister in the Ministry of Works and did not have much ability. Since the one who was to be punished this time was Wang Ziteng, the emperor simply demoted Jia Zheng's official rank by one grade, allowing him to continue working in the Ministry of Works, but demoting him from a regular fifth-rank official to a subordinate fifth-rank official.

Upon hearing the news, Grandmother Jia couldn't help but scold, "That fool Wang Shi does nothing but incredibly stupid things. She should just stay in the Buddhist hall and never come out, so as not to cause any more trouble."

One sentence determined Madam Wang's entire life.

Aunt Zhao was overjoyed when she heard this.

Not long after, Wang Ziteng's case was also concluded—Wang Ziteng's crimes of accepting bribes and selling official positions were confirmed, and the Wang family's property was confiscated.

The sins do not extend to married women, and Wang Xifeng, who was married off, escaped this fate.

Aside from Xue Pan's execution in the autumn, the Xue family's title of Imperial Merchant was revoked, and all of their shops were pawned and sold by the imperial court to compensate the victims who had bullied and oppressed the Xue family over the years.

As a result, the Jia, Shi, Wang, and Xue families were no longer ducal mansions, and the Shi family was impoverished due to repaying debts. However, these two families were not in such dire straits, but for the other two families, it was a devastating blow.

But this also created a new problem: Xiangling was originally the victim, but she was taken in by Xue Pan and had no relatives left.

Meanwhile, Daiyu, thinking of Xiangling's lonely and helpless state, had an idea.

Extra Chapter: The Empress's Rebirth - Daiyu Devises a Plan to Establish Authority in the Spring Festival

Daiyu didn't keep her idea to herself; she brought it up while chatting with the Crown Princess, Yu Ran, and Xiao Lin.

“Whether it’s a pitiful woman like Xiangling, or other girls in similar circumstances, most of them are excellent at needlework,” Daiyu said softly, her eyes sparkling. “If there were a dedicated embroidery workshop, allowing them to support themselves with their skills, it would help many people.”

They had all heard about Xiangling's tragic past and naturally felt sorry for her. Now that they heard Daiyu say this, Crown Princess Liu Ying was the first to express her support.

Under the Empress's guidance, she is now gradually becoming involved in palace affairs and is considering these matters more thoroughly.

"My sister's suggestion is absolutely brilliant!" the Crown Princess exclaimed. "It's not just unfortunate women like Xiangling; there are also some noble ladies in the court who, for various reasons, remain chaste. Aside from potential financial difficulties, they also feel lonely and isolated. If there were a place like this where they could both supplement their income and have some entertainment, it would be of great benefit to them."

Yu Ran and Xiao Lin both thought the idea was excellent, but soon they discovered a practical problem: none of the four of them owned a business such as an embroidery shop or a cloth shop, and land and manpower would be issues if they wanted to start one.

Xiao Lin had a sudden inspiration and suggested, "Since it's a good idea, why don't we ask Mother and hear her opinion? Mother is knowledgeable and experienced; perhaps she has a solution."

After hearing Daiyu and the others' ideas, the Empress was moved. She recalled Daiyu's "Spring Embroidery in the Painted Hall" from her previous life. It seemed that some things would not change. Even if the trajectory of fate was different, Daiyu's compassion and talent for planning and scheming would still exist.

“That is indeed a good idea!” The Empress readily agreed. “I happen to have an unused embroidery shop, which is in a good location and is quite large. After I tidy it up, I will speak to His Majesty about it. You will all have to contribute then.”

Upon hearing the Empress's suggestion, the Emperor clapped his hands in praise: "I knew the Lin family girl was clever and quick-witted. Indeed, if this is accomplished, it will be a great achievement! It will not only enable these skilled women to be self-reliant, but also demonstrate the benevolence of the royal family, benefiting the country and its people!"

The emperor generously stated that if anything was lacking, just report it, and the national treasury would provide full support. Now, because the properties of the Zhen family, the Duke of Liguo's mansion, and Prince Teng had been confiscated, the national treasury was full, and the emperor's private treasury had also greatly increased, so naturally he was not stingy with this small amount of money.

The Empress offered her embroidery workshop as a foundation, and Daiyu, the Crown Princess, Yu Ran, and Xiao Lin all contributed their ideas. After a series of intensive arrangements, just one month later, "Huatang Chunxiu," named by the Emperor himself, officially began operations.

She was married in autumn to welcome spring.

It's quite interesting, because Li Ming's elder brother is an official in another city, and his sister-in-law is also there, Yingchun, who originally didn't have to manage the household, now has to.

After all, there was no sister-in-law in the family, and her mother-in-law had passed away, so the responsibility of managing the household naturally fell on Yingchun's shoulders.

The Li family is small, but these few long-time servants, taking advantage of Yingchun's father-in-law and husband being busy with official duties, and taking advantage of her youth and gentleness, have developed many lazy, perfunctory, and cunning thoughts.

At first, it was just a few minor issues: the money spent on kitchen purchases never matched the detailed accounts, the laundry always came back with one or two pieces missing, and the steward sent to the estate to collect rent brought back vague and unclear messages.

Qingwen is now Yingchun's head maid. She has a strong personality and cannot tolerate any nonsense. In just a few days, she saw through the tricks of those old women.

"Miss!" That day, Qingwen stormed in, lifting the curtain, followed by Xiuju with a worried expression.

“We can’t let those old hags cause trouble any longer! Look,” she slapped a crumpled piece of paper on the kang table, “this is the shopping list that Granny Zhang from the kitchen brought up. She said she bought twenty catties of top-grade rouge rice, but I secretly weighed it in the storeroom and the rice bag was so light it was barely fifteen catties! And Granny Wang from the laundry room, the other day Second Master’s new silk robe was ruined in the washing, but I could tell the tear was clearly cut with scissors!”

Yingchun listened, her face paling slightly, her fingers twisting the handkerchief tightly: "This... perhaps it was a momentary oversight on their part? They're all old servants of the household..."

"Neglect?" Qingwen's eyebrows shot up. "Miss, this is clearly taking advantage of your kind heart! If we don't do anything about it, they might become even bolder and dare to steal from your room! You are now the mistress of the house. If you can't even control a few servants, how will you stand in this mansion in the future? How will you put the master and the second master at ease?"

Xiuju also whispered, "Miss, what Sister Qingwen said is right. Although there aren't many people in our household, there can't be any order without rules. If you don't speak up, they'll just think you're good-natured and become even more arrogant."

Looking at the anxious and worried faces of the two women, and then at the glaring note, Yingchun felt a surge of unease. It wasn't that she didn't know she should intervene, but the thought of questioning the older servants who had been in the household for many years made her inexplicably flustered and breathless. Before she could even utter a word, her confidence had already diminished by three points.

She opened her mouth, but in the end only let out a low sigh: "I...where should I even begin to manage them? They...I'm afraid they won't submit to me."

Seeing her indecisive look, Qingwen felt both anxious and distressed.

She stamped her foot and said, "Girl! You can't do this! You wait!" With that, she turned and stormed out.

Yingchun and Xiuju looked at each other, wondering what she was going to do.

No one expected that Qingwen would go straight back to the Jia family mansion and find Wang Xifeng, who was extremely busy. Without beating around the bush, she poured out all the details about the wicked behavior of the Li family's servants and Yingchun's predicament in just a few words.

Wang Xifeng was checking accounts on the abacus when she heard this. She raised an eyebrow and sneered, "Oh! So she thinks Ying'er is good-natured and is bullying the master! Does she really think there's no one else in the family?"

She put down the booklet in her hand, beckoned Qingwen to come closer, and whispered some instructions, "...Go back and do it this way. I'll have Ping'er prepare the things, and send them over tomorrow. Remember, you must catch them red-handed and deliver them to the Second Miss herself, so she can see and hear them with her own eyes and ears! This matter needs to be established by her own actions."

Qingwen's eyes lit up, and she nodded repeatedly: "Don't worry, Second Madam, I know what to do!"

The following afternoon, as expected, the Jia family sent two exquisite food boxes, saying that they were newly acquired seasonal snacks from the household, specially sent to the young lady to try.

Ping'er came in person. She smiled and said to Yingchun, "Our grandma misses Second Aunt. Here are some new snacks made in the kitchen, including jujube and yam cake, steamed sugar cheese, and freshly pickled rose syrup, so that Aunt can have a change of pace."

Yingchun was touched and quickly thanked him. She then had Xiuju take the gift and instructed, "Put it away for now, and we'll share it with everyone later."

Qingwen, standing to the side, kept a close eye on things. When she saw the food box being carried to the kitchen for temporary storage, she quietly gave Ping'er a wink.

Ping'er understood and deliberately raised her voice, "Oh dear, I almost forgot, our grandmother also has a small jar of the finest Siamese tribute tea, specifically for our great-aunt. It's in that little red lacquered box on top. Don't get them mixed up."

Granny Zhang from the kitchen responded with a beaming smile and personally took it.

After Ping'er and the others left, Qingwen pretended nothing was wrong and quietly went to the kitchen.

Sure enough, not long after, rustling sounds and Granny Zhang's hushed voice could be heard coming from the kitchen: "...Quick, pick out some good pieces of cheese and jujube cake, and that pot of tea, it smells so good! Anyway, there's so much, even I can't finish it all, let's share it..."

Qingwen held her breath and waited a while longer. When she guessed that they had succeeded, she suddenly lifted the curtain and rushed in!

Zhang Pozi was hurriedly hiding several delicate pastries and a small red lacquered tea canister under her apron. Wang Pozi and He Pozi, who were standing next to her, were also holding pastries in their hands, with crumbs of pastries still stuck to their mouths.

"Good heavens! You've gone too far!" Qingwen's eyebrows shot up as she shouted angrily, "Second Aunt is considerate of the servants, and the things that just arrived from the Jia family haven't even been distributed yet, and you've already started stealing them! You even dared to withhold the good tea that Second Aunt Lian specifically requested for you! You've got some nerve!"

The old women were so frightened that they dropped their snacks on the ground.

Granny Zhang tried to argue, "Miss Qingwen, you...you're making false accusations! We were just looking..."

"Look? Look, why hide it? Why steal food? Why skimp on the gifts specially given by the master's family and relatives?" Qingwen interrupted rudely, pointing to the pastries on the ground and the evidence in their hands.

"Xiuju! Take them, along with all this stolen goods, and bring them to Second Aunt! Don't even think about letting any of them escape!"

Xiuju had already received Qingwen's signal and brought four second-class maids to guard outside the door. Upon hearing this, she immediately came in and, together with Qingwen, pushed and shoved the three ashen-faced old women out of the kitchen. Qingwen also picked up the crumbs of pastry on the ground and the small tea canister as evidence.

"Miss!" Qingwen placed the stolen goods she was carrying on the table in front of Yingchun—several misshapen pastries, a small red lacquered tea caddy that had clearly been opened, and half a piece of cheese that Granny Wang and Granny He hadn't had time to throw away.

"Look! The things that just arrived from the Jia family, the good tea that Second Mistress specially prepared for you, before it even reached your hands, were stolen and embezzled by these old hags in the kitchen! When I went in, they were hiding and dividing the stolen goods, and they were caught red-handed! Granny Zhang is still trying to deny it!"

Yingchun looked at the items on the table, then at the three old women kneeling on the ground, trembling like leaves, their faces deathly pale, and heard Qingwen's clear and forceful accusations in her ears. She felt a rush of blood to her head, and her fingers clenched her handkerchief tightly.

Yingchun recalled what Wang Xifeng had once said: "When you are the mistress of the house, you have to be ruthless when necessary, otherwise the servants will only climb on your head and act arrogantly."

An unprecedented surge of anger and determination overcame her timidity.

She stood up abruptly, her voice trembling slightly with excitement, yet carrying an unprecedented clarity and strength: "Good! Very good! In the past, you were lazy and evasive, and I only thought you were old and senile, and I didn't investigate further because of old friendships. I never expected you to be so audacious! Stealing from the master's property, withholding gifts from relatives and friends, caught red-handed, what else do you have to say?!"

She took a deep breath, her gaze sweeping over the three limp old women, and finally she displayed the authority of the mistress of the house: "Old women Zhang, Wang, and He! You three wicked servants, you have deceived your master and disgraced the family! The evidence is conclusive and there is no denying it! Considering your years of service, I will be lenient with you: Old women Zhang and Wang, effective immediately, are removed from your positions in the kitchen and laundry, fined a year's wages, demoted to lowly servants, and never to be reused! Old woman He, fined half a year's wages! Take back their job certificates and do as I say!"

After this incident, the servants of the Li family no longer dared to act recklessly, and no one dared to underestimate this seemingly gentle new grandmother.

Yingchun's path in managing the household has become increasingly smooth.

The Empress's Rebirth - Like the Sea Guarding the Gate, Daiyu Steps In

Over the years, Lin Ruhai had been quietly collecting evidence of Wang Xifeng's loan sharking activities.

Now, Jia Lian has become an official in the Ministry of Personnel, and his family has successfully changed their plaque to become a first-class general's mansion, gaining respect in front of the emperor.

Logically, Wang Xifeng should have shown some restraint, given the Jia family's declining status and the potential far-reaching consequences from even the slightest disturbance. However, Wang Xifeng showed no sign of restraint, continuing her self-serving and greedy ways.

Lin Ruhai observed this and had already made up his mind. He decided to teach Wang Xifeng a lesson, both to sound an alarm for the Jia family and to take this opportunity to further cultivate Daiyu's vision and strategic thinking.

That day, Lin Ruhai summoned Daiyu to his study. He first inquired about Daiyu's recent progress in managing the household affairs, and seeing that his daughter was organized and handled matters appropriately, he nodded with satisfaction. Then, he changed the subject, and his tone became serious.

"Yu'er, what I want to discuss with you today is not an ordinary family matter." Lin Ruhai looked at Daiyu, his gaze deep. "Do you know what wrong your second sister-in-law Lian has done?"

Upon hearing this, Daiyu felt a chill run down her spine. She had vaguely heard some rumors, but had never investigated them in depth.

Lin Ruhai then told Daiyu in detail how Wang Xifeng lent money at exorbitant interest rates, how she exploited others to make huge profits, and the huge hidden dangers these actions might bring to the Jia family. He also laid out the evidence he had collected, such as IOUs and accounts, on the table for Daiyu to review.

“The Jia family is not what it used to be, and the Wang family has also been raided. If you, Sister-in-law Lian, continue to act recklessly, the Jia family may face annihilation once the matter comes to light,” Lin Ruhai said in a deep voice. “I have already obtained evidence of her crimes, but I have not yet taken action. I am telling you about this today to ask Yu’er, if you were in her shoes, how would you handle this matter?”

Daiyu looked at the evidence on the table, her brows furrowed, and she fell into deep thought.

“Father,” she said softly, “I believe this matter should be addressed from two perspectives.”