The Black Chamber Dream: Daiyu's Revenge

After Baochai cried with her, she slowly comforted her, saying, "Mom, think about it. She's always been shameless. If she really makes a scene, what will become of her?"

Aunt Xue persisted, saying, "But you still have your uncle, and you're now the mistress of the Duke's mansion. She's just a merchant's daughter; she can't accomplish anything."

Baochai sighed. Ever since her uncle stopped getting involved in her brother's affairs, she had realized that her uncle was looking down on their family.

As for the Rongguo Mansion, the mistress was beaten by the master because of this last time, and she didn't look well when she returned from the palace. I'm afraid neither the master nor the ladies in the palace are willing to get involved in my brother's affairs.

Therefore, it's natural not to let your sister-in-law cause trouble.

So Baochai sighed: "Mother, you're really confused. It's obvious that Uncle won't help with my brother's matter. Do you still expect Uncle to help? As for the Duke's mansion, I'm not afraid to tell you, Mother, that Her Majesty has sent word that we are not allowed to get involved in this matter. She said that it has already passed before the Emperor. Even if Her Majesty is willing to go out, can the Emperor's golden words be changed?"

Upon hearing this, Aunt Xue's vision went black.

“So, Mom, we should get rid of her as soon as possible, otherwise she’ll cause even more trouble, and that would be terrible.” Baochai thought for a moment and then told Daiyu that she knew that Xiangling had been beaten to death by her brother: “Lin Daiyu lives in the garden, and everyone says she’s oblivious to what’s going on outside, but she already knows.”

Aunt Xue felt a chill run through her body after hearing this, and remained silent for a long time.

In the end, having no other choice, she could only cry again.

Baochai, on the contrary, felt that this was an opportunity: her brother was going to die anyway, and keeping such a troublemaker at home would only cause anxiety. It would be better to take this opportunity to get rid of him so that no one in her family would hold her back in the future.

So Baochai took the opportunity to say, "Mom, think about it again. If Xiangling's death is also exposed, it won't just be my brother, but I'm afraid you will also be in trouble."

Before Aunt Xue could make up her mind, Xia Jingui barged in. Several maids and servants couldn't hold her back.

"Oh, so your sister-in-law is back too? She's here to discuss with your mother how to kill me and then take my dowry money so you can spend it later."

"I advise you to give up. Your brother told me long ago that your whole family schemed against that Lin family girl, coaxing her to call you 'mother-in-law' and 'elder sister.' You even tricked Miss Lin into thinking you could be her matchmaker and arrange her marriage to Jia Baoyu. But look what happened! In the end, the matchmaker ended up marrying Baoyu herself. It's truly unbelievable! You always say I'm vulgar, but even if I were, I would never do something like stealing my sister's man."

"Don't think I don't know. The Jia family spent the Lin family's money, and you want to spend my Xia family's money? Bah! Let me tell you, you can't! I'm not afraid to fight to the death!"

Seeing Xia Jingui with her disheveled hair and shrewish appearance, and hearing the words she uttered, not only Aunt Xue but also Baochai were stunned.

Aunt Xue was so angry her hands were trembling. If this continued, something terrible might really happen: "Enough! I'll make you divorce!"

Chapter 33 The Xue Family Suffers a Setback, Daiyu Reflects

Aunt Xue nodded, but Xia Jingui was not one to back down while things were going well.

Not only did she want a divorce, but she also demanded ten thousand taels of silver from the Xue family. Aunt Xue refused, but Baochai stepped in, took charge, and agreed.

But Chunyu knew nothing of these details. All she heard from the maids and servants of the Rongguo Mansion was that the Xue family had agreed to the divorce and had given Xia Jingui 10,000 taels of silver as compensation.

"People outside are praising the Xue family for being generous and kind. Moreover, it was clearly Xue's sister-in-law who was making trouble for the divorce, but now they're saying that the Xue family took the initiative because they were worried that their son was no good and they didn't want to hold the girl back." Chunyu didn't believe it, because most people in the Rongguo Mansion knew what kind of person Xia Jingui was.

Instead, Granny Xu said, "It seems that the Xue family mother and daughter are quite cunning."

Xueyan nodded in agreement: "That's right. Even now, they still have to show their kindness. If someone didn't know the truth, they might be deceived."

Granny Gu countered with a question: "But if a mother and daughter like this can agree to a divorce, it seems that the Xia family has gotten some leverage over them."

Chunyu was too young to understand: "Why did Granny say that?"

“You’re still young, but it’s good to tell you.” Granny Gu thought that the maidservant by Miss Lin’s side would probably go to the Prince’s mansion with her, and might help manage household affairs in the future, so it would be good to teach her more.

"First of all, guess why the Xia family insists on divorce?" asked Granny Gu.

Spring Rain, of course, had no idea, and neither did Zijuan and Xueyan quite understand either.

“Amicable divorce means that both spouses agree to part amicably.” Granny Gu casually quoted the law, saying that in this dynasty, in addition to amicable divorce, there is also the concept of “severance of righteousness.” “If one party commits acts such as beating, cursing, killing, injuring, or raping, they can be sentenced to severance of righteousness. The Xue family killed someone, and if they did not agree, the Xia family could file a lawsuit with the government, and they would likely be sentenced to severance of righteousness.”

Xueyan immediately asked, "So, there's no need for the Xia family to make a fuss. The Xue family has to agree anyway; it's either a divorce or a complete break."

Granny Xu shook her head: "A severance of kinship is detrimental to a woman's reputation, making it difficult for her to remarry in the future. But a divorce is usually agreed upon by both families, so the woman's reputation is much better."

Upon hearing this, Zijuan understood: "No wonder, the Xia family's daughter-in-law made a fuss about divorce before Bao Er's brother was executed, she obviously didn't want to be a widow, right?"

Both Granny Gu and Granny Xu nodded with satisfaction. A widow could naturally choose not to stay in her husband's family and remain chaste for him. However, a woman who did not remain chaste would also be easily gossiped about by outsiders, and it would not be easy for her to remarry in the future.

Divorce is far better than severing ties or remaining a widow.

"Then why did Granny say that the Xia family has something on the Xue family?" After hearing all this, Chunyu still didn't understand.

Xueyan, on the other hand, understood: "The Xue family must hate that Xia family member to death. If it weren't for the fact that the Xia family member had something on them, they definitely wouldn't have agreed to the divorce, let alone give them 10,000 taels of silver as resettlement money."

“Miss Xueyan is right,” Xu Mama praised Xueyan. “However, the Xue family mother and daughter are quite cunning. They are spreading rumors about their family’s kindness everywhere, but I’m afraid it’s all for nothing.”

Zijuan thought for a moment and then asked, "Why do you say that, Granny?"

"The Xue family is about to be executed. Such a reputation is of little use and will only make people say they're putting on a show. Besides, the Xia family now supplies osmanthus flowers to many households in the palace and the capital. How can the Xia family accept their actions?" Granny Xu told them bluntly.

Xueyan immediately clicked her tongue in amazement: "The Xia family is so powerful! I used to hear those old women and maids say that the Xia family was worthless."

Zijuan thought for a moment and understood: "In the end, the news we heard before was not all what the Xue family wanted us to hear. In the past, everyone praised how rich and powerful the Xue family was, but if you think about it carefully, Hengwu Courtyard was empty and had nothing there. And the concubine was so stingy. I'm afraid the Xue family, as a royal merchant, is not as powerful as it used to be."

Both Granny Gu and Granny Xu nodded in approval.

They were discussing the Xue and Xia families when, unexpectedly, an old servant from the Xia family found Zijuan's brother and asked him to deliver something to Daiyu.

Zijuan respectfully presented Daiyu with a long, narrow box, about eight inches long and three inches wide, using both hands.

Daiyu looked on with suspicion. After opening the scroll, she exclaimed in surprise, "It's actually the Songfeng Pavilion Poetry Collection!"

After examining it closely, Daiyu exclaimed, "It's an authentic work! This is incredibly rare!"

Zijuan now understood why the old servant of the Xia family had asked her brother to deliver those words: "No wonder, the old servant of the Xia family said that their young lady said that this thing was originally prepared by the Xue family for Prince Teng. It is said that Prince Teng searched for it for a long time and heard that His Majesty likes it."

So that's how it is. It must be incredibly valuable. Huang Tingjian's Songfeng Pavilion Poems are characterized by long, sweeping strokes, varied pauses and rises, and twists and turns. His brushwork is calm and steady, with subtle variations, light pauses and slow lifts, graceful yet robust, full of artistic charm.

"She sent the gift, she must have something in mind, right?" Daiyu thought. The Xia family had gone to so much trouble, they must have something to gain.

Zijuan repeated the old servant's words verbatim:

"Miss Lin will be a prince's consort in the future. The Xia family just wants to make a good connection. When the Prince's Mansion buys osmanthus flowers in the future, don't forget that the Xia family is one of them."

"To be frank, young lady, your life is just as unfortunate as our Xia family's daughter. The Xue family is the most cunning. You are still living in the Rongguo Mansion, so you must be very careful. Be wary of everything the Xue family sends you, whether it's food or supplies. They are capable of harming people."

"Now that the Xia family has offended the Xue family, it is probably the same as offending the Jia and Wang families. If they are really wronged, we hope that Miss Lin can lend a helping hand."

After pausing after the three paragraphs, Daiyu realized that the last paragraph was the key point.

"Zijuan, what do you think?" Daiyu already had an idea in mind and wanted to take the opportunity to test Zijuan.

Zijuan pondered for a moment: "Miss, although I deeply hate the Xue family, this Xia family girl is no pushover either. I heard she was very harsh on Xiangling. I'm afraid she's not trustworthy."

After listening, Daiyu nodded: "You are right. However, that girl from the Xia family may not be a kind person, but she said one thing that is true: the Xia family is an orphan and a widow, which is indeed somewhat similar to me."

Just as Zijuan was about to offer some advice, Daiyu smiled again: "Since she had the old servant deliver such a message, and she has something on the Xue family, she might be someone we can use. As for what she's asking for, if her family hasn't broken any laws or regulations and their business dealings are more reliable than others, it wouldn't be a problem to buy some flowers and trees from them in the future."

Zijuan was stunned for a moment, then heard Daiyu continue, "Tell your brother to arrange for someone to keep an eye on the Xia family."

Zijuan readily agreed.

“Go back and tell your brother that Miss Xia doesn’t need to worry for now. Although she has offended the Xue family, neither the Wang family nor the Rongguo Mansion will cause her any trouble right now.” Daiyu was very certain because she had heard that something had happened at the Duke of Li’s Mansion, and both Prince Teng and the Rongguo Mansion had to keep a low profile.

Daiyu carefully put away the Songfeng Pavilion poetry scroll. Xueyan came in and said, "Miss, a message has come from the front that Prince Yi is coming to visit."

"What?" Daiyu was startled.

Chapter 34 The Prince's Visit Causes Baoyu to Panic

Prince Yi's sudden visit caught everyone in the Jia family off guard.

Jia Zheng was at the yamen, while Jia She was drunk at home. Jia Lian had already gone out to take up an official post, and since school was closed today, Grandmother Jia had no choice but to send Bao Yu and his nephew Jia Lan to greet him.

When Baoyu heard that he was to go and greet Prince Yi, he was stunned for a moment. After thinking for a while, he realized that Prince Yi was the Third Prince Xiao Tingjun, who was Lin Daiyu's fiancé.

Upon realizing that he was Lin Daiyu's fiancé, Baoyu immediately asked Mushe to find him clothes, but he was not satisfied with even after several sets were brought to him.

"No matter how many clothes you choose, it's all in vain." Baochai heard this from outside and came in to mock him. She saw through Baoyu's thoughts; he was just afraid of being outdone by Prince Yi.

These words stunned Baoyu again. Although they were harsh, they were the truth: putting aside the difference in their social status, he had been unable to oppose his wife and grandmother in the beginning, which led to the current situation. If anyone was to blame, it was himself.

Having figured it out, Baoyu told Musk Moon to pick any set he wanted: "Just don't take the red one, it's not dignified enough."

Having received the instructions, Jia Lan had already tidied himself up and came to wait for Bao Yu. The uncle and nephew went out together. Although Jia Lan was not very old, he was an exceptionally precocious child who had no father and was not favored by the elders in his family. He probably understood why he had been called out today.

We can't let Uncle Bao speak recklessly; their family can't afford to offend Prince Yi.

The two waited at the gate for a while before Prince Yi appeared. He rode a tall, chestnut-red steed, which reminded Baoyu of a line of poetry: "A dragon-horse with snow-white mane, a golden saddle of a nobleman from the Five Mausoleums."

Xiao Tingjun dismounted and handed the reins to the guards. Baoyu and Jialan quickly led the others to pay their respects.

“No need for such formalities. I was riding horses with my brothers in the countryside today and just happened to be passing by. I thought I’d come and take a look. I didn’t tell you in advance, so please forgive my abruptness.” He personally helped Baoyu up and couldn’t help but look him over.

My fourth brother's words still echoed in my ears: I heard that there's a young master in the Rongguo Mansion who was born with a jade in his mouth, and he and his future sister-in-law are childhood sweethearts.

Xiao Tingjun knew, of course, that his fourth brother had a bit of a provocative intent in his actions. But being young and impetuous, and recalling the way Daiyu had painted that day, he couldn't resist coming to the Rongguo Mansion. Hearing the man before him call himself Baoyu, he concluded that he was the one born with a jade in his mouth.

Xiao Tingjun sized up Baoyu, and Baoyu also took the opportunity to sized up Lin Daiyu's fiancé.

"Your Highness, please come inside." Jia Lan sensed that something was amiss and quickly gestured for them to enter.

Awakened by the voice, Xiao Tingjun realized he had lost his composure, but he wasn't in a hurry. He smiled and said, "Then I'll trouble you to lead the way."

Then she couldn't help but glance at the boy who had just spoken. He was obviously younger, but he seemed to have a maturity beyond his years.

On the way to the capital, Xiao Tingjun asked Baoyu and Jialan quite naturally what they did in their daily lives and what books they read. Baoyu answered them carefully, but at the same time he was a little discouraged: This Prince Yi, with his dragon-like appearance and phoenix-like demeanor, and as green as a pine tree, is truly beyond the reach of ordinary people.

When they arrived at Grandmother Jia's main room, Grandmother Jia had already led Prince Xing and Prince Yi to greet them in the courtyard. Upon seeing Prince Yi enter, they quickly prepared to pay their respects.

Xiao Tingjun rushed forward to support Grandmother Jia, preventing her from kneeling down. Although he disliked the various practices of the Ning and Rong mansions, she was Lin Daiyu's maternal grandmother, and Yu'er was not yet married. Besides, he had not come today to put on airs.

"No need for formalities, Madam. I came in a hurry today, and I hope you won't mind," Xiao Tingjun said politely.

This was the first time that Grandmother Jia had seen Prince Yi so closely. She had seen him from afar at palace banquets before, but she hadn't paid much attention to it then.

Now that they have met, even though the other party is very gentle, Grandmother Jia feels an invisible pressure.

Grandmother Jia introduced Xing and Wang as Daiyu's two maternal aunts, and said that she had already sent someone to invite Daiyu.

Xiao Tingjun's attendant brought in a rattan basket covered with a square cotton cloth with a blue background and white flowers, and a box with about three layers. Jia Mu and the others were quite curious.

"There's no need for Miss Lin to trouble herself. I've heard that the garden in your residence is very beautiful, so I'll go there myself." Xiao Tingjun originally intended to take the basket and box himself, since he couldn't let the guards follow him into the young lady's residence.

Grandmother Jia gave Yuanyang a wink, and Yuanyang quickly stepped forward to help carry it.

“In that case, let Lan and the maids take the prince there,” Grandmother Jia quickly said.

Seeing this, Xiao Tingjun did not refuse. Yuanyang called two maids to lead the basket and the box respectively. Jia Lan led the way, and Yuanyang and the maids accompanied them from behind, walking together towards the Grand View Garden.

After walking for a short while, they saw Daiyu leading her maids towards them in the distance. A splash of blue had already crossed the white jade bridge. It was late autumn, and the lotus flowers in the pond were withered and desolate. The woman walked with a slender waist and graceful steps, and Xiao Tingjun couldn't help but stop in his tracks.

They continued forward after a short while.