The Black Chamber Dream: Daiyu's Revenge

Everyone who saw it praised it, saying that such embroidery could not be made in less than several months.

"My embroidery skills aren't very good; the maids in the manor helped me with this. However, the idea was mine. I wish the Princess a long and healthy life." Ge Xijia glanced at everyone's reactions and knew that her work was quite good.

The eldest princess smiled and praised, "Not bad, put it in my bedroom."

Upon hearing that her gift was placed in the bedroom, it seemed that her gift had pleased the princess the most, and Ge Xijia could not hide the smile in her eyes.

A banquet was held, followed by a play. Just as Daiyu was about to sit down, Gao Xin walked up to her and tugged at her sleeve. Daiyu had no choice but to leave the crowd with the young girl.

"I really love the chestnut cake you made. Could you tell my daughter how to make it? I want the kitchen staff to learn how too." Gao Xin was innocent and naive. The princess and her husband didn't have any daughters, only this granddaughter. They also had two grandsons, so this was the one they doted on the most.

Gao Xin's wet nurse quickly came to Daiyu's rescue, after all, this might be the Lin family's secret recipe. Wealthy families often have a few kinds of pastries that they developed themselves, and perhaps the Lin family is unwilling to talk about them.

Daiyu was very generous: "Of course! Do you have paper and pen? I'll write it down and tell you how much of each ingredient to use. That way, the kitchen staff will understand at a glance."

Actually, after Xiao Tingjun mentioned the Princess's preferences, Daiyu asked Zijuan and Xueyan for advice. It was Xueyan who came up with the idea. Xueyan said at the time that the snacks from Suzhou were the best.

"You're so kind. Listening to opera is boring. I'll take you to see my myna bird." Little Gao Xin didn't like listening to opera, so she pulled Daiyu towards her courtyard.

Daiyu couldn't help but say, "I also have a myna bird, and it can even recite poetry."

Gao Xin loved her red-beaked green parrot very much, and when she heard that Daiyu had one too, she was even happier: "My parrot can't recite poetry, but it can swear."

Daiyu spent the afternoon playing with Gao Xin, teasing the parrot, playing cat's cradle, and drawing. The little girl really liked this Miss Lin who didn't treat her like a child.

When Daiyu accompanied Prince Xing and Prince Wang to bid farewell to the princess, Gao Xin held Daiyu's hand reluctantly and asked, "Can I come and play with you tomorrow?"

"Of course you can," Daiyu smiled at her.

But what the Rongguo Mansion received was not Gao Xin, but the Eldest Princess.

Chapter 37 The Eldest Princess Angrily Rebukes the Rongguo Mansion

As soon as the eldest princess arrived at the Rongguo Mansion, Grandmother Jia keenly sensed something was amiss: the eldest princess seemed rather unhappy.

That shouldn't be the case. Although Yu'er prepared food as a birthday gift, didn't her second daughter-in-law say that the Princess liked it quite a bit?

"Let's invite Miss Lin over." As soon as the Princess said this, Grandmother Jia felt even more that Daiyu had angered the Princess. Just as she was thinking about how to ask her, Lady Wang personally brought over tea. The Princess took it but didn't drink it at all and put it down directly.

Moreover, the sound of the cup being set down further revealed the princess's displeasure.

The atmosphere was quite tense. Looking at the Princess's expression, Grandmother Jia swallowed back the words she was about to say.

Daiyu arrived, not knowing what was going on, but she still stepped forward to greet the Princess.

"Yu'er, come sit here with me." As soon as the princess said this, Grandmother Jia realized that something was wrong: it seemed that the princess had no dissatisfaction with Yu'er at all, but rather liked her very much.

So, was the princess's unpleasant expression just now because of her own residence?

The eldest princess immediately gave the answer: her nanny presented a box to Grandmother Jia with both hands.

Curious, Grandmother Jia opened the box at the Princess's prompting.

Then she was stunned and almost dropped the box. She barely managed to hold it steady, feeling as if she had entered an ice cellar, and she couldn't say a word.

When Xing and Wang, along with Li Wan and Baochai, saw this, they were all puzzled. Baochai really didn't understand what was going on and was just about to muster up her courage to go forward and ask for instructions.

Grandmother Jia, holding the box in both hands, rose shakily and knelt down before the Princess.

When Grandmother Jia knelt down, everyone in the room wanted to follow suit. Daiyu also stood up, but the Princess pulled her back and said, "Yu'er, you did nothing wrong. Don't kneel. I'm here today to seek justice for you."

These words filled Daiyu with doubt. After thinking for a moment, she lowered her head and said to the Princess, "Your Majesty is doing this for my own good, and I thank you in advance. However, my grandmother is getting old, so please allow her to stand up and speak."

Upon hearing this, the eldest princess felt even more sorry for Daiyu. This orphaned girl, living under someone else's roof, didn't even know her maternal grandmother's true colors at this point, and was still speaking up for her.

The eldest princess thought that since Grandmother Jia was, after all, a first-rank noblewoman, she nodded and said, "Madam, for Yu'er's sake, I'll listen to what you have to say first. Please get up."

Grandmother Jia did not get up immediately. She first kowtowed and begged for forgiveness before standing up: "Please forgive me, Your Highness. This pair of white jade cups with red patina and high relief double dragon patterns were given to Min'er as part of her dowry by Your Highness. I recognized them at a glance."

Upon hearing this, not only Daiyu, but also Madam Xing, Madam Wang, Li Wan and Baochai, who were still kneeling, were all shocked: How could the dowry that the Princess gave to Jia Min be sent over by the Princess?

"It seems the old lady remembers everything." The eldest princess said coldly, "A few days ago, when I celebrated my birthday, someone sent me such a birthday gift. I was stunned for a moment. Later, I found out that it was a treasure that someone had found in Liulichang. It was said that the original owner had pawned it. I had no idea how something I sent could be pawned. I'm afraid the old lady will have to explain it to me."

Upon hearing this, Daiyu understood: Just like the jade sheep-carved lingzhi ornament that Aunt Xue had sent that day, it was originally part of her dowry and should have been kept in Grandmother Jia's private treasury. Now that it was in a pawnshop, it was obvious that it had been taken out and pawned by someone from the Jia family.

When Jia Min got married, the Duke's mansion was still very prestigious. Duke Rongguo, Jia Daishan, was indeed a capable man who helped the court win a great victory. The Princess herself came to add to the dowry.

Grandmother Jia's back was covered in sweat. She truly had no idea how these things had ended up being pawned. She had only agreed to let them use the Lin family's money, not these items.

But after a little thought, Grandmother Jia probably realized: since Yuanyang was in charge of the key to her private treasury, it couldn't be anyone else, or at least someone most closely related to Yuanyang.

But it's definitely not just Yuanyang doing this alone. Who did she conspire with to do this? Grandmother Jia doesn't know yet.

However, this was not the time to interrogate Yuanyang. After thinking for a moment, Grandmother Jia quickly knelt down again, kowtowed and begged for forgiveness, saying, "It was my fault for managing the household poorly, and there was a traitor within the manor. I had originally put away this pair of white jade cups with red patina and high relief carving of double dragons among the items I was giving to Yu'er as part of her dowry. If the princess hadn't sent them today, I would have thought they were still in my storeroom."

This time, Grandmother Jia wasn't lying; she genuinely didn't know the truth before.

As the princess listened, she observed Grandmother Jia's expression. Seeing that she seemed to be telling the truth, she nodded and told Grandmother Jia to get up. But her words were not so pleasant: "I believe that you, Grandmother, did not lie, but since this has already happened, you must give Yu'er an explanation. I also believe that your dignified Duke's Mansion would never do something like spending your granddaughter's dowry and money."

Upon hearing about dowry and money, Grandmother Jia's heart skipped a beat: Why did the Princess mention money again? Did the Princess know something?

However, before she could think, the princess continued, "I like Yu'er very much. To put it bluntly, don't even think about bullying her because she has no parents. When Yu'er gets married in the future, I will naturally give her a generous dowry."

Upon hearing this, Grandmother Jia's heart skipped a beat: the Princess's meaning was very clear. If the dowry that the Rongguo Mansion gave to Daiyu was not good, it would not only fail to pass the Prince Yi's approval, but also the Princess's approval.

"However, I won't make things difficult for your household, after all, you've raised Yu'er all this time. I know that Lord Lin is a man of great wisdom and foresight. The Lin family has produced five generations of marquises, and Lord Lin himself was a third-place scholar in the imperial examinations and served as the head of the salt administration. Not to mention anything else, the dowries of the matriarchs of the Lin family for generations alone are not to be underestimated. Therefore, I think Yu'er's marriage will naturally be a grand and glorious affair." Looking at the room full of calculating people, the Princess decided to be as straightforward as possible.

There were some things the eldest princess hadn't said before because she had no connection with the Lin family and didn't know Daiyu. Now, after meeting her several times, she admired Daiyu's intelligence and grace, pitied her for being an orphan, and, having heard many unpleasant stories about the four princes and eight dukes over the years, she deeply loathed these dogs who lived off their ancestors' achievements, freeloading and bullying others.

The princess's words made it clear to everyone, not just Grandmother Jia, who was kneeling: Daiyu's marriage next year must be grand and glorious.

"Alright, since the old lady said it's an inside traitor, then let's investigate properly." The eldest princess was not willing to sit here any longer. Having achieved her goal, she prepared to get up, but then she thought again and took Daiyu's hand, saying, "Xin'er talks about you every day at home. Come on, let's come to my residence for a few days."

This wasn't a request for opinions, and Daiyu didn't hesitate, simply saying that she wanted her maid to pack a few clothes.

Only after boarding the princess's carriage did Daiyu finally manage to thank the princess amidst a series of shocks and reflections.

What she didn't know was that her slowness, in the eyes of the Eldest Princess, was the best evidence that she had been deceived by the Rongguo Mansion. It also made the Eldest Princess feel that although this girl was smart, she was not self-centered and was obviously not sophisticated enough. Moreover, she was a kind-hearted girl by nature.

Chapter 38 Lady Shi personally interrogates the traitor.

After seeing the Princess off, Grandmother Jia immediately called out to Xing and Wang, as well as Li Wan and Baochai: "You are not allowed to utter a single word about what happened today!"

Before things become clear, the fewer people who know, the better.

The aura emanating from Grandmother Jia made the four people and the maid present feel as if Mount Tai was pressing down on them, and no one dared to utter a sound.

Finally, it was Baochai who spoke up with an "yes," and the other three followed suit.

Grandmother Jia was still worried and added, "If even the slightest word gets out, don't blame me for being ruthless!"

The four women all agreed this time. Grandmother Jia waved for them to leave, and then called Yuanyang to leave alone.

Now only Grandmother Jia and Yuanyang were left in the room. Yuanyang immediately knelt down in front of Grandmother Jia, kowtowing frantically, tears streaming down her face, unable to utter a single word.

When Grandmother Jia revealed that the Princess had sent a pair of white jade cups with red patina and high-relief double dragon designs, Yuanyang already knew she was doomed.

It was at this moment that Yuanyang finally understood why Second Master Lian and Second Madam were going to take up their posts in other places without telling anyone in advance.

Seeing Yuanyang's reaction, Grandmother Jia knew she had guessed correctly. Yuanyang held the key to her private treasury, and only she could have stolen things out.

But, who instructed Yuanyang?

"Yuanyang, you have truly let me down—!" Instead of getting angry, Grandmother Jia sighed deeply and tears welled up in her eyes.

Seeing Grandmother Jia's tears, Yuanyang felt a strong sense of regret and self-blame. Without Grandmother Jia needing to ask, she recounted the whole story herself.

"That day, I went to visit Ping'er at Second Mistress Lian's place, but Second Mistress and Second Master stopped me."

"The second mistress complained to me that the family was struggling to make ends meet, and that eunuchs from the palace would come to freeload from time to time, taking three or four hundred taels of silver each time."

"Master Lian and Madam Lian begged me to help them by taking a small amount from the old lady's private treasury and pawning it to tide them over for now."

"They told me that Master Lian and Madam Lian both have shops outside, and once they are taken back, they will immediately go and redeem the old lady's belongings."

"This servant thinks that it hasn't been easy for Second Mistress Lian to manage the household; she has truly tried her best to maintain it all these years. And Second Mistress has also said that she will definitely go and redeem them... This servant..."

"Grandma, it was all my fault. I didn't know that those things inside belonged to Miss Lin."

Upon hearing this, Grandmother Jia was greatly shocked: Feng'er, how good she had been to her, and she still tried to scheme against this old woman.

The Wang family members are indeed all ingrates.

Looking at Yuanyang, who was still kowtowing, Grandmother Jia was completely heartbroken. She said indifferently, "You think that this Rongguo Mansion will belong to Lian'er and his wife sooner or later, and this is your way of offering your pledge of allegiance in advance?"

These words struck a chord with Yuanyang. She even forgot to kowtow, and through tears, she looked at Grandmother Jia. Seeing Grandmother Jia's cold gaze, Yuanyang knew that this time, she was truly finished. She had just wanted to take advantage of the old lady's sympathy, but now it seemed that wouldn't work.

"This servant wouldn't dare. The old lady has treated me with such kindness and loyalty. This servant would never have such thoughts..." Yuanyang was still trying to express her loyalty, but Grandmother Jia no longer believed her.

"Come here!" Grandmother Jia called out loudly, and Amber and Glass hurriedly entered.

They were all startled when they saw Yuanyang kneeling and kowtowing repeatedly. In the past, Sister Yuanyang was the old lady's most trusted servant.

When the Princess came today, they were not there to serve her. They didn't know what had happened, but now it seems that something big has occurred.

"Find Yuanyang and lock her up in a separate room!" Grandmother Jia said sternly. "Yuanyang, your brother and sister-in-law are in the mansion. You'd better not think or do anything you shouldn't, otherwise your whole family will be buried with you."

Upon hearing this, Yuanyang stopped kowtowing and looked at Grandmother Jia as if she didn't recognize her. Amber and Glass were also startled. Although they had been with Grandmother Jia for as long as Yuanyang, they had never heard Grandmother Jia speak so fiercely before.

"Listen up, you two! You two will take turns watching over her. If anything happens to her, neither of you will escape unscathed!" Grandmother Jia stared at Amber and Glass.

The two were so frightened that they immediately knelt down and kowtowed in agreement.

Amber, being the quicker one, scrambled to her feet and winked at the glass. The two of them then went over and lifted the limp Yuanyang off the ground, carrying her out.

Yuanyang was so frightened that she forgot to beg for mercy. It wasn't until Amber and the others threw her into the small room that she suddenly came to her senses and hurriedly begged her two younger sisters for forgiveness.

“Good sister, please tell the old lady for me that I will never dare to do it again. Although I took those things out, they were all taken by Master Lian and Madam Lian to pawn. I really don’t know which ones belonged to Miss Lin.”

Now, Amber and Glass, who knew nothing before, understood after listening to these words and thinking about it carefully: the old lady kept Miss Lin's things, and Sister Yuanyang stole them and gave them to Second Master Lian to sell.

No wonder the Eldest Princess came today; it seems she already knows about this. And no wonder the Old Madam is going to punish Yuanyang. Miss Lin is destined to be the Princess Consort; offending her now would be disastrous.

Glass quickly comforted Yuanyang: "Sister, it's very late. Why don't you get some sleep first? We can talk about it tomorrow. Maybe the old lady will remember all the good things you've done for her and forgive you. Anyway, we can just buy those things back."

Glass was unaware of the current state of the Jia family and still thought they had endless wealth as before.

Yuanyang knew this, but she shook her head, clinging to the glass as if grasping at a lifeline, pleading desperately.

Amber thought for a moment and said, "Sister, don't rush. I'll go to the old lady first and sound her out. This can't be rushed."

After crying until she was exhausted, Yuanyang realized that what Amber said made some sense. She got up, lay down on the bed, and closed her eyes.

Amber gestured for Glass to keep a close eye on things, then turned and went to Grandmother Jia's room.