The Black Chamber Dream: Daiyu's Revenge

Upon learning this, the Empress suggested to the Emperor, "Your Majesty, now that the Third Prince is married and Yu'er's ancestral home is Suzhou, perhaps the young couple could be allowed to make a trip to Jiangnan."

The Empress continued, "In name, it's to let the young couple return to their hometown to pay respects to their ancestors and take the opportunity to tour the scenery of Jiangnan. In reality, we can send secret guards to protect them and let them see the strength of the Fujian and Zhejiang navies, as well as the influence of the Prince of Nan'an in the area. In this way, we can do it without drawing attention."

After hearing this, the Emperor looked at the Empress approvingly: "Your Majesty's idea is truly excellent. Firstly, the Third Prince insisted on personally going to fetch his bride. Now, if we let him take Yu'er back to his hometown to pay respects to our ancestors, people outside will probably think that my third son is someone who loves beauty more than the country. In this way, I'm afraid not many people will care."

"Secondly, Lin Ruhai's ancestral home is Suzhou, and several of his classmates are officials in the Fujian and Zhejiang areas. If the young couple goes there, they will surely get a result."

So the emperor consulted with the cabinet and summoned Xiao Tingjun. Naturally, the crown prince was also brought along; nowadays, the emperor basically took the crown prince with him wherever he went.

Upon hearing the emperor's words, Xiao Tingjun was overjoyed: Yu'er's ambition was to travel the world, which gave him a good opportunity.

"Your subject obeys the order and will certainly live up to Father Emperor's trust." Xiao Tingjun's voice was filled with barely concealed excitement.

Upon hearing that she could travel south to Jiangnan, Daiyu was overjoyed.

She immediately began packing with Zijuan and Xueyan. Although the purpose of this trip was complicated, being able to return to her hometown and pay respects to her mother was already a great comfort.

Before leaving, Daiyu went to the Princess's residence to say goodbye. The Princess held her hand, giving her many instructions, her eyes full of reluctance and affection, as if she were seeing her own daughter off on a long journey.

After everything was settled, Daiyu and Xiao Tingjun took a carriage to the dock on the outskirts of the capital.

The painted boat, which had been prepared in advance, was quietly moored on the riverbank. From the outside, it did not seem any different from other boats, but the interior was elegantly furnished, clearly prepared by Xiao Tingjun for Daiyu.

Accompanying her were Daiyu's personal guards and several experienced attendants, as well as her maids Zijuan and Xueyan. With a shout from the boatman, the painted boat slowly left the shore and drifted downstream, heading straight for Suzhou.

These are all visible; the other people sent by the emperor have already ridden ahead to Suzhou.

As the boat sailed on the water, leaving behind the hustle and bustle of the capital, the scenery on both banks gradually changed.

Seeing Daiyu gazing out the window, her eyes filled with longing and joy, Xiao Tingjun smiled and asked, "Yu'er, does this scene inspire you to write poetry?"

Daiyu turned around and smiled, "Since Changsheng is in such a good mood, why don't we compose a poem together to commemorate this trip to the south?"

Changsheng was Xiao Tingjun's nickname. He had a serious illness when he was a child, and Consort Qiao was afraid that he would not survive, so she gave him this nickname.

Xiao Tingjun readily agreed. Gazing at the misty mountains outside the window, he picked up his brush and wrote: "The misty mountain scenery enters the painted screen."

Daiyu took the pen, gently stroked the paper, pondered for a moment, and continued: "The shimmering water is intoxicating."

Xiao Tingjun added another line: "The painted boat gently rocks amidst the clouds and water."

Daiyu's brushstrokes flowed like dragons: "Though I am in Jiangnan, I do not think of returning home."

The two exchanged poems back and forth, and lines of poetry flowed through the cabin.

Sometimes, when Daiyu was in the mood, she would take out her paintbrush and bring the scenery outside the window to life on paper.

The landscapes she paints are ethereal and serene, with profound artistic conception.

Xiao Tingjun watched quietly from the side, occasionally offering a few words of praise, his eyes filled with admiration and love for Daiyu's talent.

In the afternoon, incense was lit in the cabin, filling the air with a delicate fragrance.

Xiao Tingjun personally brewed tea for Daiyu. His skillful technique was evident in every step: warming the cup, adding the tea leaves, pouring water, and serving the tea. Every movement was meticulous.

The steaming tea exuded a rich aroma. Daiyu took the teacup, took a sip, and felt a sweet aftertaste that warmed her heart.

"I never knew you had such skills," Daiyu exclaimed in admiration.

Xiao Tingjun laughed and said, "A single word of praise from Yu'er is worth a thousand words from others."

Outside the cabin, a light rain drizzled, and the water was shrouded in mist; inside, poetry and paintings accompanied the boat, and the aroma of tea filled the air.

The newlyweds enjoyed a rare moment of leisure and affection amidst the beautiful scenery.

Upon arriving in Suzhou, Xiao Tingjun and Daiyu went straight to the Lin family ancestral home to burn incense and pay their respects.

Daiyu knelt before her mother's spirit tablet, and Xiao Tingjun, following the etiquette of a junior, respectfully performed the three kowtows and nine bows.

After the ancestral worship ceremony, the two embarked on a sightseeing tour of Jiangnan.

First, go to West Lake, then to Fujian.

On the surface, it appears to be a glamorous and successful place, but it cannot conceal the undercurrents of unrest.

Xiao Tingjun was on a heavy mission. Even though he enjoyed sightseeing with Daiyu during the day, he would secretly summon different people every night.

These were all secret guards he had sent out in advance, who were lurking in various parts of Jiangnan to gather intelligence for him.

The Prince of Nan'an amassed wealth here, not only embezzling military funds and deducting soldiers' rations, but also secretly colluding with maritime merchants to smuggle weapons. His actions were outrageous.

These pieces of evidence were collected one by one by the secret guards and recorded in detail. Not only that, taking advantage of the opportunity to investigate the navy, Xiao Tingjun also conducted a thorough investigation of the officialdom in Jiangnan.

Those officials who colluded with the Prince of Nan'an and were treacherous, as well as those corrupt officials who exploited the people and lined their own pockets.

Xiao Tingjun organized the evidence and had it sent back to the capital by fast horse.

This is undoubtedly another storm.

But Xiao Tingjun had a new idea in his mind—he didn't want to go back. Since his father was going to wage war in the southeast, he wanted to give it a try.

However, he still consulted with Daiyu first.

Empress Reborn – Avoiding the limelight while realizing her ideals

"Yu'er," Xiao Tingjun said, holding Daiyu's hand with burning eyes, "I want to stay here and learn to train with the Fujian and Zhejiang navies, so as to contribute to Father Emperor's grand plan to recover the southeastern islands. Would you like to stay with me?"

Upon hearing this, Daiyu was first surprised, then her eyes lit up. She looked around and exclaimed, "Chang Sheng's idea is exactly what I want! Fuzhou has beautiful coastal scenery, simple folk customs, and abundant resources. Moreover, the maritime trade here is thriving and merchants gather here. It is a good place to gain experience."

She smiled, her tone firm, "I will fully support Changsheng's ideal of serving the country and fighting for it, and stand with my husband through thick and thin."

However, Daiyu's sensitivity did not stop there. She gazed at Xiao Tingjun, her voice soft yet tinged with insight: "But Your Highness... besides serving the country, is your desire to stay in the Southeast also to avoid the Crown Prince's attention?"

Upon hearing this, Xiao Tingjun was genuinely surprised and impressed by his wife's political acumen and insight.

He hadn't expected Daiyu to see through his deeper thoughts so quickly. In fact, even if Daiyu hadn't asked, Xiao Tingjun would have told her anyway.

“What Yu’er said is true. The Empress Dowager has treated my son and me so well, and my elder brother, the Crown Prince, is indeed very talented. I don’t want to compete, nor do I wish to compete,” Xiao Tingjun said frankly.

"However, in the court, the officials each have their own thoughts. My elder brother, the Crown Prince, is now gaining more and more prestige. It is inevitable that there will be discord and friction between his supporters and my supporters. In order to avoid these unnecessary internal conflicts, and also to give me more opportunities to gain experience, I think I should stay here for now, which can also be considered as laying low."

After listening, Daiyu nodded gently. She understood Xiao Tingjun's considerations and the helplessness behind them.

But she immediately cautioned, "I am very pleased that you are so farsighted. However, it is not up to you or me to decide; this matter depends on the Emperor's will. After all, staying here without permission may displease the Emperor."

Xiao Tingjun understood perfectly: "I will immediately write to my father."

The memorial, sent back to the capital at breakneck speed, was soon presented to the emperor.

When the emperor saw the shocking evidence—the numerous cases of the Prince of Nan'an embezzling military funds, colluding with maritime merchants, and smuggling weapons, as well as the rampant corruption in the Jiangnan officialdom—he was instantly enraged, and his thunderous fury swept through the court.

He immediately issued an edict, swiftly confiscating the property of the Prince of Nan'an. All the officials involved were also severely punished, either dismissed and investigated or exiled to the frontier. For a time, the officialdom of Jiangnan was filled with unease, and a chilling purge swept through the region.

However, after dealing with the Prince of Nan'an, the emperor became worried about the selection of the commander-in-chief of the Fujian and Zhejiang naval forces.

His preferred candidate was Qiao Yushan, the elder brother of Consort Qiao. Qiao Yushan was outstanding in ability and his military talent was highly appreciated by the emperor.

But coincidentally, Qiao Yushan is also the maternal uncle of the Third Prince, Xiao Tingjun.

At the same time, the emperor also received a memorial from Xiao Tingjun requesting to stay in the southeast to study and train in the navy.

This gave the emperor an even bigger headache—if Qiao Yushan went to the Fujian-Zhejiang navy, wouldn't he be in cahoots with his third brother, who was his uncle?

Although he believed in Xiao Tingjun's character, the art of rulership most abhorred interference in politics by maternal relatives and princes holding military power. Under no circumstances should such a situation easily arise.

After some thought, the emperor finally decided to summon Crown Prince Xiao Tingrui to discuss the matter with him.

Upon hearing his father's concerns, the crown prince responded with great directness and frankness.

He knew his father's thoughts well and understood the importance of harmonious coexistence among brothers.

“Father,” the Crown Prince said in a deep voice, “Since my third brother is over there, I think it’s a good idea for him to stay and learn naval training. He is intelligent and hardworking. In the future, among us brothers, there will always be someone who can lead troops into battle and guard a region.”

The Crown Prince paused, then said firmly, "Your subject believes in your third brother. He is absolutely not the kind of person who would hoard military power. He has always been indifferent to fame and fortune and has no desire for power or profit."

However, the Crown Prince immediately changed the subject and offered his suggestion: "However, Lord Qiao still lacks experience in commanding the navy independently. Why not invite General Zuo Qing to take command, with General Zuo as the commander and Lord Qiao as the deputy? General Zuo is a veteran of many battles and enjoys great prestige. With him in charge, the morale of the army can be stabilized. Lord Qiao can also learn from General Zuo and will have ample experience when he takes command independently in the future."

The emperor was delighted with the crown prince's suggestion, and his last remaining concern was dispelled.

The Crown Prince not only showed consideration for his brother but also considered the bigger picture, proposing a win-win solution. This way, Qiao Yushan could be put to good use without allowing the nephew and uncle to gain too much power.

Subsequently, the emperor summoned the ministers of the six ministries and the Grand Councilors to discuss the matter, and ultimately finalized the decision:

General Zuo Qing was appointed commander of the Fujian-Zhejiang naval forces, with Qiao Yushan as his deputy, while the third prince, Xiao Tingjun, remained in the navy to learn and train alongside them.

A scheme to control the southeastern coastal region was quietly unfolding under the planning of the emperor and the crown prince.

After the decree was issued, Xiao Tingjun immediately devoted himself to the daily study and training of the Fujian and Zhejiang naval forces.

He would rise at dawn every day to train with the soldiers and familiarize himself with all aspects of the navy, from the construction of warships to naval operations, from troop deployment to logistics and supplies.

Daiyu did not feel lonely because of this.

With her straightforward nature and exceptional talent, she quickly became friends with the wives of the naval officers here.

She often invited them to her home or to her house for a gathering, where they would enjoy tea, paint, and chat.

She found that these military officers' wives were mostly straightforward, quite different from the reserved nature of the wives of officials in the capital, which was rather interesting.

Even more noteworthy is Qiao Yushan's wife, Peng, who is also Xiao Tingjun's maternal aunt.

Peng's father was the governor of Gansu. She grew up in the Northwest and had a very forthright personality. She spent many years living with her husband in the military camp and was used to the unrestrained nature of military life.

Seeing that Daiyu was physically weak but had a strong will, Madam Peng offered to teach Daiyu how to ride a horse.

Daiyu had never experienced anything like this before and was initially a little timid, but with Peng's patient guidance, she gradually overcame her fear and also experienced the joy of horseback riding.

Although Xiao Tingjun and Daiyu were both busy with their own lives, their relationship remained very good.

Every evening, Xiao Tingjun would return from the military camp, and no matter how late or tired he was, he would share his day's experiences with Daiyu. Daiyu would also tell Xiao Tingjun about the interesting things that happened with the ladies during the day, or about her progress in horseback riding.

The two supported each other and grew together. Their time in the Fujian-Zhejiang naval forces not only allowed Xiao Tingjun to rapidly develop his military skills, but also allowed Daiyu to experience different lives and broaden her horizons. The couple's relationship deepened day by day through mutual understanding and support.

The Empress's Rebirth - Daiyu Gives Birth to a Daughter After a Great Victory in Southeast China

Daiyu and Xiao Tingjun stayed in Fujian for a year and a half.

During this period, Xiao Tingjun grew rapidly in the navy, not only becoming familiar with the essentials of naval warfare, but also demonstrating outstanding military talent in actual combat exercises.

Daiyu had long since adapted to life here, getting along well with the ladies, and had even learned to ride a horse. She was also much healthier than before.

In late spring and early summer, after more than a year of thorough preparation and intelligence gathering, General Zuo Qing and other generals, after receiving an imperial decree from the capital, finally decided that it was time to launch an attack on the island nation in the southeast.

The war was exceptionally arduous, and the southeastern island nations, with their familiarity with the waters and tenacious resistance, caused considerable trouble for the imperial navy.