The Black Chamber Dream: Daiyu's Revenge

Suddenly, Ge Xijia remembered a folk saying: "Seven months to live, eight months to die."

An idea popped into Ge Xijia's mind: If, if she chose to tell her second sister-in-law next month that her second brother had a mistress, and that this mistress was the legitimate daughter of the Duke of Qi's family, whose property had been confiscated, and that she was extremely beautiful, gentle and virtuous.

This news must have been a bolt from the blue for my second sister-in-law. Could it be that the shock might affect her child...?

Ge Xijia stared intently at Song Huilan's stomach. Song Huilan naturally felt the gaze, but she thought Ge Xijia was just envious and jealous. She didn't know that Ge Xijia had such a terrible thought. Instead, she was quite pleased with herself. Wasn't this exactly what she wanted—Ge Xijia's jealousy?

The Ge family had been operating for generations and had many connections in the capital and the provinces. Song Huilan knew very well that the Ge family was wholeheartedly helping the fourth son, while the Ningguo Mansion had already sided with her husband. Therefore, compared to the other family, the fourth son and Ge Xijia were the biggest rivals for her and her husband.

The smug Song Huilan couldn’t help but laugh and say, “Fourth sister-in-law, don’t be in a hurry. You got married late. You’re even later than Yu’er. Yu’er isn’t in a hurry.”

Ge Xijia wanted to sneer, but she managed to control her expression: "Thank you for the advice, Second Sister-in-law. I'm not in a hurry. A woman's pregnancy can't be rushed."

Song Huilan nodded in agreement: "That's right, Fourth Sister-in-law is in good health, so there will definitely be no problem."

As she spoke, Song Huilan subconsciously glanced at Daiyu: Princess Yi's health is not so good. I remember when I first invited these two, Princess Yi didn't even dare to use ice in the summer.

Similarly, Ge Xijia also remembered this matter and smiled slightly.

The emperor still bestowed a reward upon the imperial kitchen and even gave dishes to the concubines who were not present. Hearing that mooncakes were specially given to the old lady of the Rongguo Mansion, Song Huilan and Ge Xijia naturally had a few more thoughts: the Rongguo Mansion seems to be a bit smug lately.

However, the two had different ideas: Song Huilan thought that her mother had already won over the Virtuous Consort, and that the Rongguo Mansion would be given an important position, which would be a good thing for her and her husband.

Ge Xijia was thinking: Since those people from the Rongguo Mansion don't know what's good for them, it seems it's time to teach them a lesson. That second master of the Jia family is the educational commissioner, and it's only with her husband's help that he thinks being an educational commissioner is so easy?

Beneath the surface of a harmonious Mid-Autumn Festival banquet, undercurrents were swirling. The Emperor, however, seemed oblivious, happily telling the Empress that they would admire the moon together that evening.

Consort Wu chimed in, "Your Majesty is in a really good mood today. It's all thanks to the filial piety of Princess Yi."

"They are all filial. Seeing that the brothers are harmonious, they are naturally more efficient." The emperor glanced at his sons and took the opportunity to praise his second son for doing a good job in the Ministry of War.

Hearing this, Xiao Tingfeng, the fourth brother, silently drank a cup of wine. He was currently in the Ministry of Works, while his third brother could go to the Ministry of Revenue to help with the war in the southeast, where the Ministry of Revenue would arrange supplies and provisions and make a name for himself. But he was stuck in the Ministry of Works and couldn't do anything.

Dissatisfied, Xiao Tingfeng returned to his palace that night and couldn't help but complain to his wife, Ge Xijia.

Ge Xijia sneered, "What's there to be proud of, Second Brother? Have you forgotten about his mistress? I've got it figured out, we'll make our move next month."

Chapter 87 Prince Rui's Birthday Celebration Reveals His Secret

Prince Xiao Tingfeng and Princess Ge Xijia had long ago sent people to monitor that alley. Not only that, they also investigated everything, including when the Chen family girl liked to go out and what she usually did.

Now that Song Huilan is more than eight months pregnant, they are preparing to carry out their plan.

"My second brother's birthday is in three days." Xiao Tingfeng chose an auspicious date.

Upon hearing this, Ge Xijia exclaimed, "This is indeed a good day! Should I go and make the arrangements?"

To the young couple's surprise, the Emperor announced that he would come to celebrate Prince Rui's birthday. When Prince Li heard the Emperor say this, he immediately turned pale with anger.

"Father really values ​​Second Brother. On Second Brother's birthday, Father bestowed upon him a ton of gifts, including Hetian jade artifacts and calligraphy and paintings by famous artists. Now he even says he'll come in person. Of all his sons, which one has such good fortune? Isn't this clearly telling the court officials that Father values ​​Second Brother the most? I'm afraid the position of Crown Prince will belong to Second Brother." Prince Li was furious and complained to his wife upon returning home.

Ge Xijia was quite angry when she heard this: It's just because my second brother went to the Ministry of War. But in the end, the Emperor arranged for my second brother to go to the Ministry of Justice first and then to the Ministry of War. Isn't it all because the Emperor is biased?

But as she thought about it, Ge Xijia suddenly felt that it was a wonderful thing that her father was going to the Prince Rui's mansion to celebrate her second brother's birthday: "Don't you think it's like heaven is helping us?"

Xiao Tingfeng was momentarily stunned and looked at his wife with confusion.

“Think about it, if Father were here, wouldn’t it be more effective to expose this matter?” Ge Xijia immediately laughed. “Think about it, that’s a girl from the Duke of Qi’s mansion. The big case that Second Brother handled in the Ministry of Justice was the case of the Duke of Qi’s mansion. Embezzlement and abuse of power. Second Brother will be charged with more than just keeping a mistress.”

Xiao Tingfeng suddenly realized: Yes, if Father catches him in the act, then Second Brother is definitely doomed this time.

"The Princess Consort really knows how to handle things." Xiao Tingfeng was overjoyed, as if he could already see his second brother in trouble. "But how can we ensure that everything is done cleanly and efficiently, delivering a fatal blow to my second brother?"

After thinking for a while, Ge Xijia had an idea. She whispered something in her husband's ear, a smug look in her eyes: "In this way, if Father Emperor gets angry on the spot, I'm afraid Second Sister-in-law will be even more frightened, and then the child will be even more likely to be lost."

For Ge Xijia, it wasn't just about making Prince Rui lose face in front of the Emperor, but also about ensuring that her second sister-in-law couldn't keep the child. Otherwise, if the eldest grandson of the Emperor were born, even if her second brother was temporarily disappointed, he could probably make a comeback soon, since the child would always please the Emperor.

The couple exchanged a glance, feeling that victory was within reach, but still not entirely reassured, they discussed it together in detail once more.

On the day of Prince Rui's birthday, the entire Prince Rui's residence was naturally filled with joy. Everyone knew that the Emperor was coming, and they all felt it was a great honor.

In mid-September, it was already late autumn, with clear skies and crisp, refreshing air. Although Princess Consort Song Huilan of Rui County was heavily pregnant, she had already directed the household to purchase many precious chrysanthemums from all over the capital. From the main gate of the palace to the reception hall, the garden paths, and the covered walkways, pots of chrysanthemums were neatly arranged every five steps.

Because the emperor was to be present, Song Huilan had arranged for the banquet to be held in Wanlai Garden, where hundreds of pots of chrysanthemums were displayed, including many of the most prized varieties such as Phoenix Flying Feathers, West Lake Willow Moon, Ink Lotus, Green Peony, Green Cloud, and Red Robe and Green Skirt.

The reason chrysanthemums were chosen was because they were the emperor's favorite flower.

The Emperor, accompanied by the Empress and Consort Wu, arrived in person. Upon seeing the chrysanthemums, the Emperor immediately laughed and said, "These flowers bloom not among a hundred flowers, but stand alone by the sparse fence, their charm endless. Today, so many chrysanthemums have truly delighted my eyes."

Seeing Prince Rui, Xiao Tingkai, and his wife, Song Huilan, greeting him, the Emperor waved his hand. The Empress smiled at Song Huilan and said, "My second son's wife is heavily pregnant, so we dare not be too polite." She then gestured to the maids and servants behind Song Huilan, "You should take good care of her."

Song Huilan smiled and said, "Thank you for your consideration, Mother. The imperial physician said that going out for a walk is good for the fetus. Your daughter-in-law will certainly be extra careful."

Consort Wu, standing to the side, was also beaming with joy. In a good mood, she flattered the Empress, saying, "Your Majesty is so thoughtful. You reminded His Majesty and me to send a royal physician to stay at the Second Prince's residence. Physician He is meticulous and has superb medical skills. He not only took the pulse and examined the Second Prince's wife, but also told the kitchen many recipes for a safe pregnancy."

Upon hearing this, the emperor also praised the empress a few times.

Prince Rui, Xiao Tingkai, stepped forward and invited the Emperor and Empress to move to Wanlai Garden: "Father, Mother, and Consorts, please."

Because the Emperor was coming today, Xiao Tingkai and Song Huilan had discussed it early on. The number of guests to be received today was limited, and they had all been carefully selected by the couple. Now that Xiao Tingkai was very popular in the court, many families in the capital wanted to curry favor with him. Officials and relatives who came to give gifts had been arriving in droves for the past six or seven days.

The gifts were accepted by Mr. and Mrs. Xiao Tingkai, but only those who had received invitations could attend the banquet. After careful discussion, they decided that, apart from Xiao Tingkai's brothers, most of those who could come to the Prince Rui's residence today would be imperial relatives or important officials of the court.

Although there weren't too many people, the arrangements were very meticulous.

The emperor could get a general idea of ​​the guests attending the banquet with just a glance.

"Eh? Why hasn't Fourth Sister-in-law arrived yet?" Seeing that it was already late and Ge Xi was nowhere to be seen, Song Huilan felt a little uneasy for some reason. She glanced at Daiyu, who had been very quiet to the side.

No sooner had he finished speaking than news came from outside that Prince Li had arrived.

Seeing that only Prince Li was there, not only Xiao Tingkai was surprised, but even the emperor couldn't help but wonder. Looking at the fourth prince covered in sweat, the emperor asked first, "What's wrong with you? You're covered in sweat and your clothes are disheveled."

The emperor was very particular and disapproved of the fourth prince's appearance.

"Please forgive me, Father Emperor, and please be lenient with me, Second Brother. It's your special day today, but something has happened to me." Xiao Tingfeng apologized to the Emperor with a look of regret, but also with a hint of panic.

The emperor frowned and immediately asked, "What happened on your end? Speak!"

Xiao Tingfeng hesitated for a moment, then quickly shook his head: "It's nothing, nothing serious, nothing to worry about, Father. It's just a small family matter."

It was obvious he was lying. Before the emperor could even speak, Xiao Tingkai said, "Since Fourth Brother is unwilling to talk, Father, please don't make things difficult for him. There are many people around, and it wouldn't look good for others to see."

Upon hearing this, the emperor, determined to get to the bottom of things, simply said one word: "Speak!"

Xiao Tingfeng was clearly startled by the shout, and trembled involuntarily. Then, under immense pressure, he said, "Father, I did escort the Princess back. She was frightened just now. I had ordered a gift for my second brother with the Princess and went to pick it up early this morning, but who knew we would see a ghost!"

"Nonsense!" the emperor immediately rebuked, "What other nonsense are you spouting?"

"It's true. The Princess knows the young lady from the Duke of Qi's mansion. My husband and I just ran into her, and the Princess was so frightened that she tripped and fell."

The daughter of the Duke of Qi's mansion? The Emperor suddenly realized something, but Prince Rui, Xiao Tingkai, who was feeling guilty, was afraid that the truth would be revealed. In his haste, he couldn't help but raise his voice: "Fourth brother, don't talk nonsense. The Duke of Qi's mansion was raided, and all the women were sold off. That's impossible."

His panic allowed the emperor to grasp the key point—the case of the Duke of Qi's mansion was handled by the second son when he was in the Ministry of Justice last year.

Chapter 88 The truth comes out and the princess goes into premature labor

The emperor keenly recalled the case of the Duke of Qi's mansion last year, from the conviction to the confiscation of the property, all of which were handled by the second son, Xiao Tingkai, when he was in the Ministry of Justice.

The fourth brother's earlier comment about encountering the daughter of the Duke of Qi's mansion is definitely suspicious. And the second brother's panicked state suggests he knows something.

The emperor pondered for a moment, then glanced at Xiao Jun, the Grand Minister of the Imperial Guard who had also come to the Prince's residence, before looking at the fourth prince, Xiao Tingfeng, and said, "Whether you are talking nonsense or not will soon be clear. Go, let Xiao Qing accompany you."

Upon hearing this, Xiao Tingkai sensed something was terribly wrong and quickly came out to try and stop them: "Father, everyone is waiting for the banquet to begin. There's no need to trouble Fourth Brother and Lord Xiao to make the trip. We can go check it out tomorrow..."

The more he tried to cover it up, the more suspicious the emperor became.

The emperor smiled faintly: "Alright, I have my own arrangements for this. Today is your special day, so there's no need to worry about such a small matter. Please sit down, and everyone else please sit down as well."

Xiao Tingkai had no mind left, but the emperor's words had already made it clear that there was no room for objection. Watching Xiao Jun follow the fourth prince out, Xiao Tingkai felt as if he had fallen into an ice cellar.

But today is his birthday, and the emperor, empress, and even his mother are all here, along with so many imperial relatives and high-ranking officials. What should he do?

In desperation, Xiao Tingkai finally came up with an excuse, went to the entrance of Wanlai Garden, and called his guards, telling them to hurry to Ping'an Lane and bring Chen Jiayue out. He had to be quick.

But it was too late. When the fourth brother actually grabbed the girl and broke into Wanlai Garden, Xiao Tingkai was ashen-faced—it was all over, everything was over.

The emperor reacted the fastest. His expression was so gloomy it seemed like water could drip from it. He hated the second son for being outwardly compliant but inwardly defiant, and he also hated the fourth son for not knowing the rules. The fourth son shouldn't have sent the person over in front of the court officials.

The emperor, almost gritting his teeth, said to the guests, "That concludes today's birthday celebration. Please go home now."

The prince consort Gao Zhen reacted quickly and personally escorted everyone to the door: "My lords, we are all here today to drink and watch the show. A hundred victories are not as good as forbearance, and ten thousand words are not as good as silence."

Everyone present today was a shrewd individual, and they understood that the Prince Consort wanted them to shut up. Each person had their own guesses, but they all agreed verbally: no matter what the truth was, it concerned the royal family's reputation, and they dared not make any reckless remarks, after all, they still wanted their heads.

On the women's side, the Empress also acted swiftly, quickly clearing the area.

Chen Jiayue immediately knelt down, kowtowing repeatedly to the Emperor: "Your Majesty, please forgive me. My daughter did not wish for this. It was the Second Prince who forced me. He used my younger brother as leverage, saying that if I did not comply, he would kill my brother..."

"What nonsense are you spouting, you woman?" Xiao Tingkai immediately jumped up and tried to kick the woman a few times. He had indeed threatened her at the beginning, but she was clearly willing. In the past, when they were intimate in bed, she had said that she didn't need any title, she was satisfied as long as she was with him. "You shameless woman, tell me, who told you to say these things!"

However, Xiao Tingkai failed to kick him, as Xiao Tingfeng had already grabbed him with lightning speed.

"Insolence!" The emperor was even more displeased with Xiao Tingkai's reaction. How dare he act like this in front of him? He really didn't respect the emperor at all.

"Raise your head and answer slowly." The emperor stared at the woman, already having a rough idea of ​​what was going on.

Chen Jiayue harbored deep hatred for the Second Prince, the prince who had caused her family's ruin and death. He was a heartless bastard who had promised to elope with her, but he was only after her looks and wanted to be tortured in bed. Chen Jiayue, who never wanted to serve others with her looks, had long since given up on living.

This time, she was determined to take revenge! So she kowtowed to the emperor several times before raising her head to tell her story.

But before she could speak, the Empress beat her to it.

"Your Majesty, Consort, it would be best to ask Lan'er to go back and rest first. We can handle this matter later. In any case, with Your Majesty here, no one will be wronged."

Only then did the Emperor and Consort Wu remember Song Huilan, who was pregnant. They had been so focused on the woman in front of them and Xiao Tingkai that they hadn't even noticed that Princess Rui was standing next to them with her big belly.

Unfortunately, it was too late. If Song Huilan hadn't been supported by maids and servants, she probably would have collapsed by now.

Seeing Song Huilan's pale face, Consort Wu belatedly realized how foolish she had been: she hadn't thought to take her daughter-in-law away immediately. She was pregnant, and no matter what, as long as the child was alright, there was still a way.

Consort Wu quickly thanked the Empress and requested permission to personally escort the Princess back to rest. The Empress then said, "Your Majesty, I cannot interfere in the affairs of the court. Why don't you go and keep Lan'er company?"

The Emperor was deeply moved; the Empress remained composed, truly befitting her role as the Empress Dowager, still thinking of the royal offspring. Therefore, upon hearing the Empress's words, the Emperor readily agreed. Only after seeing the Empress and others off did he begin his questioning.

"Your Highness, calm down, stay calm." Supporting the princess was Granny Gan, Song Huilan's wet nurse. She knew her mistress must be frightened, so she squeezed the princess's hand tightly.

"Quickly, go and fetch Physician He," the Empress ordered as she walked.

This reminded Consort Wu once again, and she quickly instructed, "Be careful and support your princess well."

Unexpectedly, as soon as Song Huilan was brought inside, she began to moan softly in pain. Consort Wu was startled and immediately sent someone to urge the imperial physician.

Physician He arrived just in time. After examining the situation, he instructed the princess to suck on a piece of old ginseng, and then quietly inquired, "Your Majesty the Empress, Your Highness the Consort, the situation is not good. We must call a midwife."