The Black Chamber Dream: Daiyu's Revenge

Daiyu winked at Zijuan and asked mysteriously, "Zijuan, let me ask you, how many times have you met Lin Zhong's youngest son, the steward of the Lin family? What do you think of that young man?"

Zijuan was wondering why the young lady asked such a question, but when she heard the words "Lin Zhong's youngest son" and saw Daiyu's meaningful smile, her face flushed red, all the way to her ears.

“Oh my, look at this! This girl is sought after by many families! Our sister Zijuan is of marriageable age.” Daiyu teased first.

Seeing that Zijuan was so embarrassed that she couldn't lift her head, Daiyu stopped teasing and said seriously, "Alright, I won't tease you anymore. To be serious, Father sent word today that Lin Zhong's wife wants to propose marriage to you on behalf of her youngest son, Lin Qin."

“The Lin family are all old servants of the Lin family, having served them since their grandfather’s generation. They are known for their honesty and loyalty, and are trustworthy. I’ve met Lin Qin a few times, and he seems like a reliable and hardworking young man. But this matter is entirely up to you. If you feel it’s not suitable, just tell me, and I will naturally refuse on your behalf,” Daiyu said.

After listening, Zijuan's initially shy expression gradually turned serious. She was a woman of her own mind; she neither immediately agreed nor directly refused.

She raised her head, looked at Daiyu with clear eyes, and said softly, "Thank you for your consideration, Miss. This matter concerns my entire life. I would like to think about it for two days and then give you an answer."

Daiyu naturally agreed, and said gently, "This is a major life event for you, so you should think about it carefully. Go back and think it over."

When she had some free time, Zijuan went to find her brother and told him about Lin Zhong's family coming to propose marriage.

Both brother and sister thought the marriage was a good match.

So Daiyu began to arrange the selection of several young maids—after all, Zijuan would get married, and in the future, maids such as Xueyan and even Chunxian would all get married.

Therefore, we need to prepare new methods early on to avoid them becoming unsuitable later.

Extra Chapter: The Empress's Rebirth - Tan Chun's Wedding and Yuan Chun's Return Home

As spring warms, Tan Chun's wedding takes place.

The First-Class General's Mansion was brightly decorated and filled with joy. Tan Chun, dressed in a wedding gown and phoenix crown, was radiant and displayed the elegance of a lady from a prominent family.

Tan Chun's husband, Guo Rulin, is currently an ambassador at the Ministry of Works' Textile and Dyeing Bureau, a ninth-rank official.

Although his official rank was not high, he was upright, knowledgeable, and came from a family with a clean and honest tradition. This marriage was considered a safe and respectable arrangement given the Jia family's declining fortunes.

Besides, Guo Rulin is still young. If he does his job well, he will eventually get promoted.

Taking advantage of Tan Chun's wedding, Yuan Chun, who had been married for many years, used the excuse of taking her daughter to the capital to expand her network, and took Zhao Shuang, the daughter left by her husband's ex-wife, back to her parents' home.

Yuan Chun returned this time with a purpose that she would not tell outsiders.

Yuan Chun had been married into the Zhao family for many years, but she had never had a child, leaving her with an empty family, which made her very anxious.

Her husband, Zhao Cunren, was her second wife; when Yuan Chun married him, Zhao Cunren already had two children. Although she tried to maintain a facade of harmony, the couple's relationship was never good.

Especially after the Wang family's incident, the Rongguo Mansion was no longer the Duke's Mansion, and Zhao Cunren became very rude to Yuan Chun.

Seeing Yingchun, who had also returned to the mansion, Yuanchun felt even more frustrated.

Today, Yingchun exudes confidence and composure, a far cry from her former timid and submissive self.

Moreover, Yingchun's husband personally escorted her back. The couple lived in perfect harmony and were deeply in love. The tacit understanding and respect they shared were something Yuanchun had never experienced with Zhao Cunren.

Yuan Chun was filled with mixed feelings, and was consumed by jealousy.

After all, this marriage was originally meant for Yingchun! It was she who disliked the Li family's low official rank and the fact that there was an elder sister-in-law in the Li family, so that she wouldn't be able to manage the household affairs or run the family after marrying into the family.

Who knew that life would play such a cruel trick? Li Ming, whom she had once looked down upon, had now risen to the position of Langzhong in the Huguang Qingli Division of the Ministry of Justice, a fifth-rank official, through his own abilities.

What Yuan Chun found even more unacceptable was that after Ying Chun married into the Li family, she first gave birth to a well-behaved and lovely daughter, and later successfully gave birth to a son. Now she has both a son and a daughter and enjoys lasting happiness.

As for herself, she was childless and neglected. Looking at Yingchun's round and radiant face, and the happiness in her eyes, Yuanchun could clearly feel that Yingchun was doing very well after marriage. Not only had her appearance not been damaged, but she had become even more beautiful.

After Tan Chun's wedding, the excitement in the Jia family gradually subsided.

After staying at the mansion for several days, Yuan-chun finally found a moment to visit Grandmother Jia. She knew that Grandmother Jia had always doted on her, and she was also well aware of Lin Ruhai's status and influence in the court.

Yuan-chun first respectfully greeted Grandmother Jia, and then exchanged pleasantries about sisterly affection and Tan-chun's happy marriage. Only after the atmosphere had become harmonious did she gradually steer the conversation toward her husband.

“Grandma,” Yuan Chun said with a hint of earnestness in her voice, “my granddaughter has been married into the Zhao family for many years, and although she has done her best, her husband’s future seems to have stagnated.”

She carefully chose her words, hoping that Grandmother Jia could speak to Uncle Lin and ask if she could help her husband, Zhao Cunren.

“Uncle Lin is now a high-ranking official and enjoys the Emperor’s deep trust. Sister Lin is also a princess consort. If Uncle Lin could give her some pointers or mention it to the Emperor, I think my husband’s future would improve,” Yuan Chun said tentatively, her eyes full of expectation.

To everyone's surprise, Grandmother Jia's expression immediately turned ugly, and her originally kind eyes became sharp.

She put down her teacup and sighed heavily.

"You silly girl, you still remember Mr. Lin!" Grandmother Jia's tone was clearly angry, and her voice rose eight octaves. "Do you still remember how I, this old woman, swallowed my pride and begged Mr. Lin to find you a good family like the Li family for your marriage?"

"And what happened? You yourself complained that the other party's official position was too low, that their family rules were too strict, and that there was an elder sister-in-law in charge of the household, saying that you couldn't make decisions after you married into the family! Now look at Ying'er, how well she's doing, how respectable her life is! If it weren't for her marrying into the family, our Jia family would have really suffered a huge loss!" Grandmother Jia was very dissatisfied.

"You swore back then that you would marry someone better, that you looked down on the Li family, and that you were determined to marry into the Zhao family! Now look what's happened, you're unhappy and you want to beg your Uncle Lin? You're not ashamed, but this old woman is!" Grandmother Jia's tone was full of resentment at bringing up the past.

Yuan Chun was so embarrassed by Grandmother Jia's harsh reprimand that she blushed and saw that Grandmother Jia was determined to help. In despair, she burst into tears.

"Grandmother!" Yuan Chun collapsed at Grandmother Jia's feet, crying her heart out, "Granddaughter knows she was wrong! Granddaughter was young and ignorant then, blinded by momentary vanity! Granddaughter truly knows she was wrong!"

She cried as she recounted her grievances: "That man surnamed Zhao, he treats my granddaughter terribly! Now that he despises my granddaughter's family for not being able to help her anymore, he's become even more unscrupulous, and he even has two concubines! He stays in their rooms every night, and he doesn't care about my granddaughter at all!"

Yuan Chun cried harder and harder, as if she wanted to pour out all the grievances she had suffered over the years: "My granddaughter has been married for so many years and has no children to rely on. She is all alone and doesn't know who she will depend on in the future! Grandmother, my granddaughter really has no way out!"

She cried uncontrollably, tears and snot streaming down her face, looking utterly disheveled, her shrill voice filling the entire room.

Looking at her like this, Grandmother Jia felt both angry at her for not living up to her potential and annoyed by the noise.

But after all, she was her own granddaughter, and Grandmother Jia couldn't just stand by and watch her suffer injustice in the Zhao family. She sighed, waved her hand to stop Yuan Chun's crying, and secretly pondered a solution.

After much deliberation, Grandmother Jia had no choice but to summon Wang Xifeng. However, Grandmother Jia was also somewhat troubled, as Wang Xifeng was about to give birth and was not in good health, so she shouldn't have to worry about these troublesome matters.

However, apart from Wang Xifeng, Grandmother Jia really didn't know who else to discuss this thorny family matter with.

With a worried expression, Grandmother Jia recounted Yuan Chun's tearful complaints and pleas for help. Wang Xifeng listened attentively, but inwardly she looked down on Yuan Chun's pretentious behavior.

Ultimately, Yuan Chun gave up a good marriage because of her vanity, and now that she has been wronged in her husband's family, she runs back to her parents' home crying and making a scene. She has only herself to blame.

After pondering for a moment, Wang Xifeng felt that she couldn't make a decision on this matter alone, so she replied to Grandmother Jia, "Grandmother, I understand. This matter involves many aspects, and I'm afraid I haven't thought things through properly. Perhaps I should go back first, discuss it with Lian'er, and then report back to you, Grandmother? What do you think?"

Grandmother Jia nodded, thinking that Jia Lian was now the only official in the household.

Extra Chapter: The Empress's Rebirth - If You Don't Court Death, You Won't Die

When Jia Lian returned, Wang Xifeng told him in detail about Yuan Chun's tearful plea for help from Grandmother Jia.

Upon hearing this, Jia Lian's brows immediately furrowed. He already had reservations about Yuan Chun's choice back then.

“Uncle Lin is very busy right now. There are so many affairs in the Ministry of Revenue, piled up like mountains. Where would he find the time to deal with these private matters? Besides, my brother-in-law Zhao Cunren is a military officer and is under the Ministry of War. Uncle Lin is in the Ministry of Revenue, so he can't help much!” Jia Lian immediately shook his head, feeling that this was inappropriate.

Listening to Jia Lian's words, Wang Xifeng sighed wearily, "Do you think I don't know these things? I understand these principles better than anyone else. But the old lady dotes on her granddaughter, what can I do? We can't just stand by and watch our eldest daughter suffer in her husband's family and completely abandon her, can we?"

Upon hearing these words, Jia Lian couldn't help but roll his eyes. He muttered to himself, "That Zhao fellow is already a fourth-rank official, while I'm still only a fifth-rank. He's truly insatiable."

However, looking at his wife's large pregnant belly, Jia Lian felt a pang of heartache. Wang Xifeng was already quite heavy-hearted; it was indeed unwise for her to worry about such troublesome matters.

Jia Lian sighed helplessly, his tone softening, and said to Wang Xifeng, "Alright, alright, you're feeling unwell right now, so don't worry about these things. I'll take care of this."

He thought for a moment and then said, "When I go to the yamen later, I'll see when Uncle Lin is free and then I'll go over and say a few words. As for whether he's willing to help or to what extent, that's beyond our control."

Jia Lian knew perfectly well that Lin Ruhai would never show favoritism over such a trivial matter as Yuan Chun. But he agreed to mention it a few times, which was also a way of giving Wang Xifeng and Grandmother Jia an explanation.

Unexpectedly, Lin Ruhai smiled and looked at Jia Lian after hearing this, saying, "This matter is difficult in some ways, but not difficult in others. A few days ago, during a cabinet meeting, the Crown Prince proposed a military officer assessment, saying that regular assessments should be conducted regularly."

"So as long as you do well, promotion is a given." Lin Ruhai said the first half of the sentence, and Jia Lian understood the second half: if you don't do well, then you can't blame anyone else.

Jia Lian found a moment of free time and located Lin Ruhai in the yamen. He subtly mentioned Yuan Chun's situation and Grandmother Jia's worries.

To everyone's surprise, Lin Ruhai's expression turned somewhat serious upon hearing this.

He put down the official documents in his hand and said to Jia Lian, "Lian'er, you've come at the right time. I was just about to bring up the matter of military officers with you. The Crown Prince recently proposed a policy for assessing military officers."

Lin Ruhai's tone carried a hint of deeper meaning: "This assessment is no ordinary one. Military officers who perform well will naturally be promoted; but those who don't will likely be in dire straits this time."

He didn't say it explicitly, but Jia Lian immediately understood the weight of Lin Ruhai's words. The fact that the Crown Prince was personally involved meant that this assessment was by no means a mere formality.

Jia Lian quickly thanked his uncle and returned to the mansion. He then went to see his mother, Jia Mu, and told her in detail about the military officer assessment that Lin Ruhai had revealed.

"Grandma, this is no small matter. The Crown Prince himself has proposed the assessment, which is probably to rectify military discipline and eliminate those who hold positions without doing their jobs," Jia Lian said worriedly. "Do you think we should have my younger sister give my brother-in-law a heads-up beforehand so he can prepare in advance?"

Yuan Chun realized this was a big deal, so she decided not to stay in the capital and hurried home.

However, the Crown Prince's reorganization was not only an assessment of the generals' individual martial arts skills and ability to lead troops into battle, but also involved many aspects such as the management of subordinates, military discipline, and corruption over the years.

Unfortunately, Yuan Chun's husband, Zhao Cunren, belonged to the category of those who neglected their duties. He was only interested in enjoying himself and was perfunctory in his duties to the army. He was lax in managing his soldiers, but fortunately, he was not involved in any major cases.

When the assessment results came out, Zhao Cunren not only failed to get promoted, but was also demoted one rank.

When the news reached her, Wang Xifeng, who had just given birth to a son, simply shook her head and said to Ping'er, "My dear aunt really has terrible taste, marrying someone like that."

"That's right, I'm afraid the eldest aunt will have a hard time in the future." Ping'er saw that Yuan Chun was far worse off than the second aunt when she came back last time.

“But we don’t need to worry about it. Fourth Miss is too young to handle the baby’s one-month celebration. You should go and help out more,” Wang Xifeng instructed Ping’er.

Jia She had long instructed that the celebration must be grand, after all, he had been waiting for this eldest grandson for many years, and now his wish had finally come true.

Now that Wang Xifeng is in confinement after childbirth and Tanchun has remarried, and Madam Xing is not good at managing the household, Xichun naturally takes charge of things, with Ping'er and others helping out.

Daiyu saw her daughter come over, but when she returned, she heard the news that Jia Yan had contracted smallpox.

"Is there a mistake?" Jia Yan is the eldest son of the Crown Prince, and the Emperor values ​​his eldest grandson highly, so the people who serve Jia Yan on a daily basis are all carefully trained.

The news that the imperial grandson had contracted smallpox was like a thunderbolt, instantly shattering the tranquility of the palace. Almost all the imperial physicians were summoned to the Eastern Palace.

Smallpox was extremely dangerous, and the imperial physicians tried various remedies, but none of them were effective. The prince's condition continued to worsen.

The Empress was the first to offer to take care of her grandson: "I had smallpox when I was young, but I was fortunate enough to recover. Since that is the case, I will personally take care of the Imperial Grandson."

The Crown Princess immediately stepped forward, her voice trembling slightly but unwavering: "Mother, I have also had smallpox and have developed resistance. The Prince is my flesh and blood; it is only right and proper that I take care of him myself!"

The Empress was getting on in years, and her health was not as good as that of a younger person. The Crown Princess, being the child's biological mother, was more capable of taking care of him.

While instructing the people in the mansion to pay attention to disinfection, Daiyu and Yuran also looked through medical books, hoping to find some folk remedies.

It must be said that the eldest grandson of the emperor is indeed a lucky man who is blessed by heaven.

The imperial physicians were at their wits' end, so they tried all sorts of prescriptions, from modified Shengma Gegen Tang recorded in ancient books to modified Shashen Maidong Tang circulating among the people, using them one after another with the mentality of trying anything as a last resort.

Miraculously, with the Crown Princess's meticulous care and the tireless efforts of the imperial physicians, the abscesses on the eldest grandson's body began to scab over and fall off, and his high fever subsided, and his small body slowly recovered.

"Good! Excellent!" Even the usually composed emperor couldn't help but exclaim upon hearing the news, excitedly praising his eldest grandson as "blessed by heaven"!

However, when these words reached the inner palace, especially the Empress, they sent a chill down her spine.

She was well aware of the emperor's mind and understood the weight of the word "destiny." It was fortunate that the eldest grandson of the emperor had survived, but it would be undesirable if this attracted unnecessary attention and suspicion.

So the Empress immediately ordered someone to summon the Crown Princess.