The Black Chamber Dream: Daiyu's Revenge

Something was wrong? Consort Wu's heart sank: "What did you say?"

The Empress gestured for Consort Wu to be quiet, glanced at Song Huilan lying down, and led Consort Wu out before saying, "No matter what, do as the imperial physician says. I believe everything will be alright."

Consort Wu was in a state of turmoil. She was worried about her son's situation and also about this place, making it even more difficult for her to think calmly.

"Your Highness, you must calm down, otherwise Lan'er will only become more anxious. You must go in and tell her that the Second Prince is alright." The Empress pointed out incisively, "Her safe delivery is the most important thing right now."

Consort Wu was intimidated by the Empress's imposing presence. With the Empress holding her hand, she finally calmed down a bit: Yes, the child must not be harmed. This child must be born!

After Consort Wu understood, she quickly went inside, while the Empress directed the maids and servants outside to boil water, deliver water, and cook ginseng soup.

The midwife had been found long ago, and she arrived quickly.

The room was filled with tension and unease. Song Huilan's face was as pale as paper, and large beads of sweat kept rolling down her forehead.

She held Consort Wu's hand tightly, tears streaming down her face in anguish.

Consort Wu gritted her teeth: "Lan'er, you must understand, as long as the green hills remain, there will always be firewood. Only if you and the child are safe can there be a future."

Song Huilan understood this principle, of course; she had to pull through.

Chapter 89: Recounting the Injustice and Atonement with Death

Song Huilan was clenching her teeth and groaning in pain. The midwives and maids were busy preparing various birthing tools, and the atmosphere in the room was extremely oppressive.

Consort Wu prayed for a smooth delivery while also hoping for a smoother delivery for her son.

But where can everything go as planned?

Inside the Autumn Water Hall of the Late Garden, Chen Jiayue, kneeling, slowly recounted all the repression, disgust, sadness, and hatred she had harbored for so long.

"This humble woman is the eldest granddaughter of the main branch of the Duke of Qi's family, Chen Jiayue, and kowtows to His Majesty."

“I know that my father and uncles are guilty. That day, the Second Prince came with the Ministry of Justice to confiscate my property. After seeing my appearance, he had evil intentions and told me that I had better behave myself, or he would execute my younger brother.” Chen Jiayue recalled the miserable state of her home when it was confiscated, and tears streamed down her face.

“Although my father and uncles are guilty, I know that His Majesty is wise and benevolent and has long ago decreed that the crimes do not extend to young children. My two younger brothers are only six and two years old, and my uncles also have two younger brothers, both under five years old. They are all innocent children. The Second Prince said that if I do not comply, all my brothers will be executed.”

"After much deliberation, I, a lowly commoner, feel that my own death is not a pity, but my four younger brothers are still so young. Moreover, if it weren't for me, given His Majesty's benevolent rule, they would still have a chance to grow up. If they were really killed by the Second Prince, wouldn't it be like 'I didn't kill Bo Ren, but Bo Ren died because of me'?"

"Moreover, the Second Prince also said that if the commoner is willing, he will not only treat the commoner well in the future, but will also find a way to raise the commoner's younger brothers, and..."

Xiao Tingkai sensed something was amiss and quickly tried to stop him again: "You wicked woman, you were the one begging me for help, kneeling before me crying and wailing..."

"Second brother, don't be in such a hurry. Let this criminal woman finish speaking before you speak up and defend yourself. It's not too late." Xiao Tingfeng was quite pleased with himself, and he couldn't help but show it on his face.

The emperor snorted, and neither of the two princes dared to speak again.

"Your Majesty, please forgive me. The Second Prince also promised me that he would definitely find a way to give my brothers the opportunity to take the imperial examinations in the future. The Second Prince also said that if he could successfully inherit the throne, he would directly appoint my brothers to official positions. I really had no other choice but to comply with the Second Prince."

"Nonsense!! When did I ever say that?! You damned woman, tell me, who ordered you to do this? Why were you caught today? And what a coincidence!" The Second Prince, Xiao Tingkai, finally regained a sliver of reason amidst his panic—the more he thought about today's events, the stranger they seemed. Could it be... Fourth Prince?

The emperor was also taken aback: Yes, isn't all of this a bit too coincidental? Could it be that someone is really up to something in the dark?

Before the emperor could think it over, Chen Jiayue, who was kneeling, kowtowed again with a loud thud, so loud that it was alarming. When she looked up again, her forehead was already red and swollen, and her eyes were filled with endless hatred, as if burning with rage, staring intently ahead, as if she wanted to burn everything in front of her to ashes.

"Your Majesty, everything I have said is true. Today I have been able to see Your Majesty, which shows that the justice of Heaven is clear. I have no other wish in this life but to ask Your Majesty to help me find my brothers and see if they are still alive."

After saying this, Chen Jiayue kowtowed heavily again: "I am now three months pregnant, but I know that I am guilty of a grave sin and should not live. How can I let a child carrying such sins be born into this world? Therefore, I am willing to die to prove my innocence and swear on myself and my child that everything I have said is true."

Everyone was shocked by Chen Jiayue's announcement of her pregnancy. Before they could react, a figure flashed by like a startled swan skimming the water. Then, the woman who had been kneeling obediently just moments before crashed into the red lacquered wooden pillar in the hall with a thud. She then fell slowly onto the wooden floor like a butterfly with broken wings.

Blood gushed from her forehead, the shocking red color sending chills down the spines of everyone present.

No one doubted what she had just said anymore.

The emperor was the first to react and immediately ordered, "Quickly, check on her condition! Someone, summon the imperial physician."

Eunuchs rushed forward, and others went to fetch the imperial physician.

"Your Majesty, he is still breathing."

"Then stop the bleeding immediately!"

Fortunately, the Empress, seeing that Physician He might not be able to handle the situation alone, had already summoned four more physicians from the Imperial Hospital. Upon learning that His Majesty needed help, she quickly dispatched one more person.

Physician Feng was also under immense pressure, given the tense and strange atmosphere inside Qiushui Hall. He didn't know what had happened, but the situation with Princess Rui was dire, and here a woman had actually run into a pillar, with His Majesty and two princes present.

The woman lying on the ground was on the verge of death. Blood was already flowing down her forehead, soaking her clothes. Although a eunuch had given her some simple bandages, it was still no use.

Physician Feng, disregarding everything else, quickly took the emperor's pulse and inquired about his condition, only to hear the emperor's first question: "Is she pregnant?"

Physician Feng had some doubts when he took the pulse earlier, and now that he heard this, he dared not answer rashly. He quickly took the pulse again carefully, and then knelt down and said, "Your Majesty, it is indeed so. Judging from the situation, it has been about three months."

"Then, is there any hope for her?" the emperor asked hesitantly.

Physician Feng still didn't understand the situation, but he honestly replied, "Your Majesty, the baby is too young, too late."

He thought the question was about saving the child, but after saying it, he realized it didn't seem quite right and quickly added, "The adults are also dying."

After speaking, Physician Feng, unaware of the other party's identity, quickly apologized.

The emperor waved his hand and sighed, "Alright, you can leave now. This is none of your business."

Physician Feng was completely bewildered, but his years of experience as a physician told him that he shouldn't ask questions he shouldn't ask, and the less he knew, the safer he was. He quickly knelt down, bowed, and took his leave.

No sooner had Physician Feng left than a eunuch standing guard reported to the emperor that the woman had passed away.

"Take her away, choose a burial site for her, and give her a proper burial." The emperor had no pity for the daughter of a disgraced official, but her resolute decision made him look at her with a newfound respect.

What's more important now for the emperor is to interrogate his son.

However, before interrogating the second son, the emperor glanced at the fourth son who had been standing to the side and said indifferently, "Fourth son, go down first. There's nothing more for you to do here."

Xiao Tingfeng's first reaction was that he couldn't leave. What if his father favored his second brother again if he left? Just as he was thinking about how to reply, he looked up and saw the emperor's eyes. He was so frightened that he swallowed back the words that were on the tip of his tongue.

Xiao Tingfeng obediently took his leave and went out.

The emperor dismissed all the eunuchs and looked at Xiao Tingkai, who had collapsed to the ground.

Chapter 90 The Princess Gives Birth to a Daughter, and the Empress's Plans

Xiao Tingkai was both shocked and frightened. He knew he was really doomed this time: this woman was not even afraid of death, and his father had completely trusted her.

He had nothing left to hide, so he simply told the whole story, but omitted the detail of asking Jia Zhen of the Ningguo Mansion to help him: it wasn't out of kindness, but rather because he was thinking of using the power of the Ning and Rong Mansions in the future.

His admission of defeat this time doesn't mean he's done with it for life. So how he responds now is crucial.

You must have the right attitude, deeply recognize your mistakes, and ideally, find a way to extricate your own people from the Ministry of Justice from the blame, otherwise you'll be wiped out in one fell swoop.

So Xiao Tingkai recounted in detail how he learned at the Ministry of Justice and how he handled cases, with the focus naturally on the case of the Duke of Qi's mansion: "The case of the Duke of Li's mansion was already there. I thought that when Father Emperor praised the Ministry of Justice for handling it well, I would handle the case of the Duke of Li's mansion in the same way."

The old fox Zhao Cunrui, the Minister of Justice, has an ambiguous attitude. He has never explicitly expressed his support for me, but he tacitly approved my actions last year, such as planting people in the Ministry of Justice. In any case, the Ministry of Justice cannot escape responsibility for the case of the Duke of Qi's mansion, so I might as well push it onto this old fox.

After listening to Xiao Tingkai's sincere and remorseful self-defense, the emperor remained silent for a while.

Xiao Tingkai felt as if he had understood something, and quickly said, "Father, I know that my sins are grave. I will accept whatever punishment you deem fit. However, I am very worried about Lan'er's condition. I beg you to allow me to go and check on her first. Once her condition is stable, I will go to the Ministry of Justice and the Court of Judicial Review to confess my sins."

The emperor knew very well that his second son was playing the emotional card. However, as a father, the emotional card does work sometimes, but it's not always very effective.

The Emperor sighed: "Very well, I grant your request. However, you do not need to go to the Ministry of Justice or the Court of Judicial Review. Starting tomorrow, you will reflect on your mistakes behind closed doors. I will decide how to punish you."

Confinement to his room to reflect on his mistakes? This was a punishment Xiao Tingkai had never expected. His mind couldn't process it for a moment. The Emperor gave him a cold look: "Why aren't you going to check on the Princess?"

Xiao Tingkai dared not delay any longer. He quickly kowtowed to express his gratitude, got up, backed out of the door, and then turned and ran towards the Princess's garden.

He had just arrived at the gate of the courtyard when he heard the cry of a baby. He was overjoyed: the baby had been born safely, that was a good thing.

He prayed that it would be a son, so that he would be the eldest grandson of the emperor. With the eldest grandson as a protective charm, it would be easier for him to get through this matter.

So Xiao Tingkai was about to go inside excitedly when he was stopped by Granny Gan: "Your Highness, the delivery room is not clean. Please wait a moment, and we will bring the baby out for you to see."

Xiao Tingkai nodded, but still couldn't help asking, "Is it a son?"

A hint of disappointment flashed across Granny Gan's face, and she quickly lowered her head to reply, "Your Highness, it's a daughter."

Xiao Tingkai's smile froze instantly. Before he could speak, he saw the Empress and Consort Wu come out together. Consort Wu was holding the child. Looking at her son's expression, she guessed what had happened. She quickly handed the child over and said, "Look, this is your and Lan'er's first child. He's very well-behaved."

Xiao Tingkai, mindful of the Empress's presence, softened his expression. He carefully took the jade-colored satin swaddle, only to find a wrinkled, red-skinned infant. Xiao Tingkai was extremely disappointed.

Physician He quickly stepped forward: "The baby was born prematurely and should not be exposed to drafts. We should move him into a room immediately. In the days to come, we must make sure to keep him warm and not let him get cold."

Upon hearing this, Consort Wu quickly took the child from Xiao Tingkai's arms and carried it back to her room, handing it over to the wet nurse.

After coming out, Consort Wu, holding her son's hand, solemnly thanked the Empress. Today, it was the Empress who kept calm and composed. First, she was concerned that the second son's wife was pregnant and should not be disturbed. Later, she helped direct the maids, servants, and imperial physicians. Now that the child was born smoothly and both mother and child are safe, the Empress really helped them a lot.

"Alright, let's not be so formal among family. Consort Wu, Lan'er has just given birth and will probably need help taking care of her. Why don't I speak to His Majesty and ask you to help out first? You can return to the palace before the gates are closed." The Empress was quite understanding. At this moment, it seemed that Consort Wu and her son had something to say.

Consort Wu was overjoyed and quickly thanked the Empress again: "Your Majesty is so thoughtful. I was just about to ask Your Majesty for this."

Seeing that there was nothing else to do, the Empress got up to take her leave. Xiao Tingkai offered to see her off, but the Empress politely declined, saying, "You should stay and take good care of Lan'er. Although she is asleep now, she has almost escaped death this time. You must treat her well."

Xiao Tingkai naturally said he would, and the mother and son watched the Empress leave.

After the Empress came out, she asked if His Majesty had left. Upon learning that His Majesty was still waiting for her, the Empress went over and bowed. The Emperor, seeing her appearance, guessed that things had gone smoothly, but still asked her questions.

"Congratulations, Your Majesty! Your second son's wife has given birth to a daughter. Now Your Majesty is a grandfather." The Empress seemed completely unconcerned about what had just happened. "However, the imperial physician said that the baby is premature and needs to be carefully cared for. Therefore, I have decided to let Consort Wu keep Lan'er company for a while. I hope Your Majesty will not blame me?"

Today, with the second and fourth sons' actions, although the emperor was dissatisfied with the second son's muddled behavior, he also harbored suspicions about the fourth son's actions: how could it be such a coincidence?

Seeing how much the Empress cared for the second son's wife and children, they felt even more that this was how a family should act. How could a family be so calculating and scheming against each other?

The emperor nodded and said, "You've made excellent arrangements. Let's go back to the palace."

To the Empress's surprise, the Emperor, upon leaving the Prince Rui's residence and seeing the Prince Yi's residence right next door, changed his mind: "I'm hungry and tired right now. Let's go to the Third Prince's house and see what we can eat."

The Empress couldn't help but smile: "Your Majesty is just craving something, isn't he?" But a hint of uncertainty lingered in her heart: Could it be that His Majesty knew something? After thinking it over carefully, the Empress decided to wait and see.

The guards at the gate were startled to see the emperor and were about to announce his arrival when the emperor stopped them. He then said to the empress in a somewhat childlike manner, "Let's see what the third prince and the others are doing."

However, since both the Emperor and Empress were present, along with a considerable number of eunuchs and palace women, Xiao Tingjun and Daiyu still received the message from the maids.

The two women brought Gao Xin along. Gao Xin had been with the Princess and her husband at the Prince Rui's residence, but after the incident, she insisted on coming to Daiyu's place instead of going back. So she was here now.

The Emperor and Empress had just arrived at the Three Pine Hall when they encountered Tingjun and Daiyu, who had come to greet them, along with Gao Xin, who was holding their hands. The three of them quickly bowed, and the maids and servants who followed them all knelt down.

"Alright, alright, I'm hungry right now. Let me sit down and have something to eat, that's the important thing." After the emperor finished speaking, he beckoned to Gao Xin, and the little girl ran over and took the emperor's hand.

"Then Uncle must try Aunt's fish soup. We just ate a little while ago, and it was so delicious." Gao Xin strongly recommended the dish when she heard the Emperor say he was hungry.

Xiao Tingjun invited the Emperor and Empress to the Hibiscus Pavilion, while Daiyu sent Zijuan to the kitchen.

Chapter 91 Enjoying Fine Food: The Emperor Tests Prince Yi