The Black Chamber Dream: Daiyu's Revenge

"Throughout history, all princes and grandsons who have been associated with the word 'Mandate of Heaven' have been embroiled in trouble. You and the Crown Prince are now the heir apparent and the Crown Princess, so you must be even more careful with your words and actions. From now on, you must be even more discreet and must not be arrogant in the slightest because of the recovery of the eldest grandson. Do you understand?" The Empress immediately admonished the Crown Princess.

"Your daughter-in-law understands, thank you for your guidance, Mother. Your daughter-in-law will certainly keep your teachings in mind." The Crown Princess knew that the Empress's words were for the sake of the stability of the Crown Prince's lineage.

Extra Chapter: The Empress's Rebirth - Jin Jiazhu Arrives, the Empress is Sick

The eldest grandson of the emperor miraculously recovered from smallpox, dispelling the gloom that had hung over the palace.

The emperor's mood improved greatly, and he appeared radiant. He believed this was a blessing from heaven for the royal family, an auspicious omen.

To express his gratitude for the emperor's grace and to pray for peace and prosperity for the country, the emperor decided to choose a day to visit the imperial mausoleum.

Upon receiving the decree, the Ministry of Rites and the Imperial Household Department immediately sprang into action, preparing everything necessary for the sacrificial ceremony.

The Empress couldn't help but recall her previous life, when it was at this time that Goryeo came to pay homage, which led to Kim Ga-joo's marriage to them.

Upon learning that the King of Goryeo was indeed bringing his prince and daughter, the Queen couldn't help but think that some things would never change.

Now that Prince Ri's wife has passed away, Kim Ga-joo felt that he was the perfect candidate, so she chose him without hesitation.

In this life, without Ge Xijia, and with Jin Jiazhu's dedication, she directly became the Princess Consort of Li County. Now that the young county princess of the Prince's mansion is with Consort Shu, Jin Jiazhu hasn't suggested bringing her back, but every time she enters the palace, she prepares many gifts for the young girl to please her, which makes Consort Shu very satisfied.

Everything seemed to be going smoothly.

However, without any warning, the empress fell ill.

This time, the Empress's illness was particularly strange and serious.

She first felt dizzy and then fell into a coma.

The imperial physicians rushed to the scene and surrounded the empress's bedside, taking turns to examine her pulse and trying various prescriptions, but all were helpless.

The Empress's pulse was sometimes steady and sometimes weak, as if an invisible force was entangled in her body, making it impossible to know where to begin.

The Crown Prince and Crown Princess were extremely anxious and stayed by his bedside day and night. The Crown Prince even went to the Emperor to ask him to bring a famous doctor from the common people into the palace.

Even Consort Qiao and Consort Guo, who were usually close to the Empress, visited Fengyi Palace every day, their faces filled with worry.

Daiyu and Yuran even looked through medical books at home, but for a while they couldn't figure it out.

To outsiders, the empress appeared to be seriously ill and in a coma, but to the empress herself, it was as if she were having a long and vivid dream.

In her dream, she seemed to have returned to her past life. The dream was full of scenes from her past life: her Rui'er was gone, and Qiao Shi had a difficult childbirth when she gave birth to her daughter.

So the prince placed his third son under the care of his principal wife.

Little Xiao Tingjun was a very sensible child. He was good at studying and also good at riding and archery. He worked very hard.

Later, the prince ascended the throne and became empress, while Lady Wu became a concubine.

The images in her dream were bizarre and varied, sometimes clear and sometimes blurry. The regrets and resentments of her past life were intertwined with the joy and hope of this life, causing her great torment.

Three days later, the Empress finally awoke from this nightmare of past and present lives.

She opened her eyes and saw not the scene from her dream, but the worried faces of the Crown Prince and Crown Princess, their faces streaked with blood.

Looking at her son and daughter-in-law, the Empress pondered for a moment: In his past life, Xiao Tingjun, through his own efforts and talent, ultimately ascended to the throne. So, in this life, even with the Crown Prince as his eldest son, did the third son truly never consider becoming emperor?

Once this thought took root, it lingered in her mind.

The Empress no longer has any affection for Xiao Tingjun. As the Empress of the harem, it is inconvenient for her to directly have a deep conversation with a prince who has already been granted the title of Prince of the previous dynasty.

But I can see Yu'er.

After her health had improved somewhat, the Empress found an opportunity to summon Daiyu alone.

Not knowing why the Empress had summoned her, Daiyu respectfully went to the Phoenix Palace.

The Empress dismissed everyone else, leaving only the two of them. Holding Daiyu's hand, the Empress spoke earnestly, "Yu'er, you are a clever child, and I have always trusted you."

She didn't beat around the bush, but directly expressed her doubts: "I have been ill these past few days, and in my dazed state, I had a very long dream. In the dream, my child died early, so I raised my third son, and I also saw my third son eventually ascend to the throne."

Upon hearing this, Daiyu was startled, but remained outwardly composed. She knew the weight of the Empress's words. At the same time, she also genuinely felt that the Empress had always been very kind to her and Xiao Tingjun.

Therefore, the Empress's actions were not a test in the ordinary sense.

The Empress continued, "After I woke up from my dream, I thought that not only did the third prince in my dream do very well, but the current third prince, as well as you, are all extremely outstanding children."

She looked intently at Daiyu, her tone sincere and earnest: "I don't doubt him, I just want to ask you, has your prince ever had such thoughts? And what do you hope for him? I know that you two are deeply in love, and you must know what he is thinking."

This is a rather tricky question that cannot be answered hastily with just a few words.

This involves not only family ties and emotions, but also a huge temptation. This temptation is not simply about money and status, but also about the realization of ambitions and the implementation of ideals.

Therefore, she alone cannot make a promise on behalf of Xiao Tingjun.

Daiyu did not answer directly, but said softly and solemnly, "Mother, your question has far-reaching implications, and your daughter-in-law dares not speak rashly."

Then she raised her head, looked at the Empress with honesty, and gave the most appropriate answer: "After I return, I will have a good talk with the Prince. After my husband and I have thought it over carefully, we will give Mother Empress a clear answer. What do you think?"

Upon hearing this, the Empress's eyes revealed understanding. She knew that Daiyu was not making excuses, but was truly taking responsibility for this matter.

She nodded and said reassuredly, "Alright, I'll be waiting for your news."

She believed that Daiyu and Xiao Tingjun would give her the most truthful answer.

Extra Chapter: The Empress's Rebirth - The Sincerity of Daiyu and Her Husband

After returning from the palace, Daiyu was still preoccupied with the Empress's earnest words and could not calm down for a long time.

She knew this was no small matter and could not be delayed in the slightest, so that evening she found an opportunity to tell Xiao Tingjun everything the Empress had said during the day.

Upon hearing this, Xiao Tingjun did not respond immediately. Instead, he took his wife's hand and slowly walked out of the study and into the back garden of the Prince's Mansion.

It was late at night, the moonlight was as clear as water, and the surroundings were exceptionally quiet, save for a gentle breeze that carried the fragrance of flowers. The couple strolled side by side along the winding path, remaining silent for a long time.

Xiao Tingjun stopped and turned to look at Daiyu. By the moonlight, he gazed into her eyes, which held worry, trust, and deep love.

He spoke slowly, his voice deep and magnetic: "Yu'er, I can't lie to you. You're right, I once thought about becoming emperor too."

"Will Yu'er think I'm too ambitious?"

Daiyu shook her head and said softly, "I understand you. As a prince, it is perfectly normal to have such thoughts, especially since you have extraordinary talent. It would be abnormal if you had no ambition at all."

"Yu'er is indeed my confidante," Xiao Tingjun said with satisfaction.

At the same time, he slowly told his wife about his feelings: "Yu'er should also be able to see that the Empress is especially good to us, the three of us."

“Yu’er knows my mother well. Scheming and intrigue are not her strengths. If it weren’t for Her Majesty the Empress protecting her at every turn, she would probably have been in trouble long ago.” Xiao Tingjun still remembered some of the things that happened in the Prince’s Mansion back then.

“Especially when my mother was pregnant with my sister, it was a very dangerous time. At that time, my father was just a prince and had to deal with all those uncles and elders every day. My father himself was struggling and had no time to manage the inner courtyard of the palace.”

"If it weren't for the Empress Dowager, it's questionable whether my sister would even exist."

Daiyu didn't know these things, but she could imagine them.

The birth mother of the second brother, Xiao Tingkai, is said to have once laid a hand on the legitimate son. Fortunately, she was exposed, otherwise, the crown prince might have died young.

“Moreover, my elder brother, the Crown Prince, is very capable,” Xiao Tingjun continued. “He is humble, outstanding in talent, and has a broad vision. Since my elder brother, the Crown Prince, can shoulder the heavy responsibility of the world, why should I compete for it?”

Xiao Tingjun held Daiyu's hand tightly, his tone sincere and full of emotion: "I have always felt that wholeheartedly assisting my elder brother, the Crown Prince, is the best choice. In this way, we can not only preserve our brotherhood, but also avoid turmoil in the world."

He looked at Daiyu, a glint of wisdom flashing in his eyes: "Otherwise, if ambition is too great, it is very likely that everything will be lost. I really don't want to see those stories of family members killing each other for the throne. As long as the world is at peace, the people live in peace, and we can protect our home, protect our daughter, and live a peaceful life, that is enough."

Daiyu held her husband's hand tightly and said earnestly, "Her Majesty the Empress has always treated me very well. When I first went to my maternal grandmother's house, I suffered a lot of grievances. After Her Majesty the Empress took me into the palace, those people's faces changed."

"Later, my father was able to recover his health thanks to the imperial physicians bestowed by my father and mother."

Xiao Tingjun nodded and smiled: "So, Mother is the benefactor of both you and me."

In her heart, Daiyu already knew how to answer the Empress.

Upon entering the palace and after paying her respects, Daiyu spoke in a clear and melodious voice, each word distinct: "Regarding the issue Your Majesty had the other day, I asked the Prince directly after I returned home. The Prince specifically instructed me to inform Your Majesty that he often reads history books and greatly admires the character of Liu Cang, the Prince of Dongping of the Eastern Han Dynasty."

She slightly raised her eyes and saw the interest in the Empress's gaze, so she calmly continued: "That Liu Cang, as Emperor Ming's closest relative, was a man of unparalleled talent and virtue, yet he deeply understood the duties of a subject and a brother. Emperor Ming trusted and loved him, allowing him to participate in the central government and remain in the capital to assist in governance—what an honor this was! However, the Prince of Dongping was neither arrogant nor boastful, always maintaining a humble heart, and repeatedly submitted memorials requesting to return to his vassal state to fulfill the proper etiquette between ruler and subject and the righteousness between brothers. His heart was pure and his actions were exemplary, ultimately making him a wise king of his generation, shining brightly in history."

Daiyu's voice softened, yet her words remained clear: "The Prince said he wished to emulate the wise kings of old, to be dutiful and loyal in his duties. His Majesty and the Empress are so benevolent and loving, which is a great blessing to us. We only wish to be like the Prince of Dongping, always respectful and cautious, to serve as a bulwark for His Majesty and the Empress, so as not to betray His Majesty's heart and to preserve the bond between blood relatives."

Upon hearing this, the Empress's expression brightened, and she couldn't help but smile.

The story Daiyu mentioned is that of Emperor Ming of Han, Liu Zhuang, and Prince Dongping, Liu Cang. It is an extremely rare example of deep affection and a good ending between royal brothers, which was praised by later generations as "the ultimate example of the relationship between emperor and minister, and brothers".

So the Empress took Daiyu's hand and led her to sit down on the couch by the window. Her gaze was kind but contained a deep meaning. She said gently, "Good child, since you and the Third Prince have such insight and understand that the etiquette between ruler and subject and brothers is the foundation of the stability of the country, I am very pleased."

She gently patted Daiyu's hand, her tone turning solemn: "Since you have used the story of Emperor Ming and Prince Dongping to express your aspirations today, then I will also be frank with you. As long as I live, I will strictly supervise the Crown Prince, always taking history as a lesson, and emulating Liu Zhuang's magnanimity and wisdom."

"When you go back, please reassure the third prince," the Empress said, her tone becoming increasingly gentle, yet each word carrying immense weight. "Tell him that the eldest brother is like a father, and the eldest sister-in-law is like a mother. With me watching over him, I will not allow any evil spirits or sibling rivalries to arise in the palace. I only hope that both brothers can abide by their duties, and that brotherly love and respect will be a blessing for the royal family and a boon for the world."

Upon hearing this, Daiyu felt reassured, knowing that the Empress had clearly given the most powerful promise. She quickly rose and bowed deeply: "Your Majesty is so wise and righteous. Your subject and the Prince are deeply grateful and will always remember Your Majesty's teachings."

Later, the two brothers indeed became a harmonious ruler and minister, sharing a deep and affectionate relationship, but that's another story.

Right now, there is some great news.

Extra Chapter: The Empress's Rebirth - The Princess's One Life, One Love

Ever since the emperor decreed that Princess Xiao Lin's husband would not take concubines, the young noblemen in the capital who had been eager to make their moves suddenly fell silent.

In their view, this rule is more stringent than anything else.

However, this was not a bad thing for Xiao Lin. She continued to live a carefree life in the palace every day, sometimes pestering the emperor to tell her interesting stories about the court, and sometimes running to Consort Qiao to act coquettishly, just like a young girl who had no worries about the future.

"They're afraid of these rules, but I wouldn't even look at them." Xiao Lin picked up a grape and put it in her mouth, saying to her sister-in-law Daiyu, "Third sister-in-law, look at them, they say they admire you, but they can't even be devoted to you. What right do they have to talk about marriage?"

Daiyu smiled gently, looking at her bright and lively aunt in front of her, and said softly, "Lin'er is right. There will always be someone in this world who understands you and is worthy of you. There's no need to rush."

"I'm not in a hurry at all." Xiao Lin turned over, rested her chin on her hand, and smiled. "But my mother has been summoning several ladies to the palace recently, trying to find ways to make me meet those young masters. It's so annoying."

Daiyu said thoughtfully, "Speaking of which, for tomorrow's polo match, your third brother specially invited a young general, saying he's from the Northwest and serves as a lieutenant general in the Xiliu Camp."

Xiao Lin didn't take it to heart: "I've seen plenty of military officers, and they're all just roughnecks."

“I’ve heard this one is different,” Daiyu said, a sly glint in her eyes. “He’s your second aunt Peng’s nephew. Your third brother says he’s not only highly skilled in martial arts, but also literate; he’s a rare all-rounder.”

Xiao Lin raised an eyebrow: "My second aunt's family? Then I'd like to take a look."

She remembered her second aunt, Madam Peng, a woman from the Northwest. Unlike the affected mannerisms of noblewomen in Beijing, she was decisive and straightforward in her speech and actions, possessing a unique and spirited charm. If it were her nephew, perhaps he would indeed be somewhat different.

The following day, the Royal Polo Stadium was adorned with flags and resounded with drums.

The princes formed their own teams, preparing to compete. Xiao Tingjun, dressed in black riding attire, was talking to a young man in silver military uniform.

Daiyu and Xiaolin sat at the very front of the stands, surrounded by lightly fluttering curtains that provided both shade and ventilation.