The Black Chamber Dream: Daiyu's Revenge

Jia Lian was stunned. He helped with the housework and knew these things very well, especially back then when he accompanied Lin Daiyu back to Yangzhou to handle the funeral arrangements for her uncle.

"Then, what do you suggest we do?" Jia Lian realized the seriousness of the matter. Even if Lin Daiyu was kind-hearted and didn't pursue the matter, her wedding couldn't be too shabby. With the current state of the household, it would only invite ridicule.

"This is not a good matter. I will try to visit my aunt and ask my uncle what he thinks in the next few days." Wang Xifeng couldn't think of any good solutions either. Although she didn't notice anything different about Lin Daiyu when she went to congratulate her today, the past events were still there and couldn't be ignored.

When Wang Ziteng and his wife, Madam He, heard what Wang Xifeng had said upon her return, they sighed deeply, "Foolish, truly foolish!"

Although Wang Ziteng guessed that the Jia family had probably taken a lot of money after Lin Ruhai died, he never expected that they would be so bold as to spend the girl's dowry as well.

Wang Xifeng felt wronged: "This matter is not something that I, your niece, can decide alone. The household is in dire need of funds, and I have already pawned a lot of my dowry. Besides, I always thought that Lin Daiyu would eventually marry Baoyu, so whether or not there is a dowry doesn't matter; it's just a matter of transferring money from one hand to the other."

Madam He frowned and said, "In the end, you were all too greedy. Since you used the girl's money, you should have just stayed put and married her. Now look what you've done."

Wang Xifeng quickly protested, "How dare I, as your sister-in-law, speak about Baoyu's marriage? Besides, Auntie, you know perfectly well that our Madam has never liked Lin Daiyu and has long since chosen Baoyu. Otherwise, why would there always be this 'golden and jade match'?"

"Hmph, your aunt is a fool. She thinks the Xue family has a lot of money. Pan'er is a bottomless pit; who knows how much has been poured into it already." Madam He disliked the Xue family and looked down on Madam Wang's actions.

Wang Ziteng pondered for a long time, but then he had an idea: "Alright, there's no use saying all this. Here's what we'll do: you go back first, and don't tell anyone a thing. I'll see if I can get Lian'er a real job. Then you two can go out and hide for a while."

Wang Xifeng was somewhat displeased that her uncle was telling her to run away: "This... is it really okay to just leave? We still have Qiao'er; I can't bear to part with her..."

"Alright, don't think I don't know you. At this point, don't think about power at home or the hardships outside." Wang Ziteng interrupted his niece. "Whether we can get a job for Lian'er is still uncertain. Do you think radishes and cabbages come to you so easily?"

Wang Xifeng thought about it again and realized that her uncle made sense. She was in charge of the household now, and when Daiyu got married, all those things would be her business. The two masters outside didn't care about anything, so it would all be Lian Er's business.

Having figured it out, Wang Xifeng immediately flattered her uncle with a smile: "Look at what Uncle is saying. Back then, Jia Yucun became the prefect of Yingtian Prefecture with just a word from you."

“Jia Yucun was born through the imperial examinations, what does Lian’er have to compare with him?” Wang Ziteng snorted. What he didn’t say was that in the past two years, he had noticed that the emperor no longer valued him as much as before. “Tell Lian’er to be prepared. Nowadays, most of the places with real vacancies are in harsh and cold regions.”

Wang Xifeng quickly assured him, "Uncle, please don't worry. We can go anywhere, no matter what it is. We're going to become officials, not beg for food."

"You think being an official is so easy? Never mind, you and your husband can come over when you actually get a job. I have some advice for you." Wang Ziteng wasn't just thinking about helping his niece and nephew-in-law; he was also thinking that since the current situation wasn't good, it would be best to let Jia Lian become an official, in case he might be useful in the future.

Now that her uncle had agreed to help, Wang Xifeng felt much more at ease. After the meal, she chatted with her aunt for a while before taking her leave.

As soon as Wang Xifeng entered the inner courtyard, Ping'er came to greet her: "Grandma, how is she?"

Today, Wang Xifeng didn't bring Ping'er back to the Wang family with her, so that she could stay and keep an eye on the housekeepers. Also, ever since Daiyu was betrothed, many old friends and acquaintances have come to give gifts, so Ping'er was left to help keep an eye on things.

"This isn't the time to talk. I'll tell you in detail tonight." Wang Xifeng then asked Ping'er if anything had happened at home today.

The two entered the room, and a maid brought tea. Ping'er personally took the tea and presented it to Wang Xifeng with both hands. After Wang Xifeng drank the tea, she told her, "The concubine has come today."

Aunt? Another aunt of her own? Ever since the Xue family moved out and Baochai and Baoyu got engaged, Aunt Xue hasn't visited for a long time.

Seeing Ping'er's expression, Wang Xifeng knew something must have happened: "What is she doing here?"

“I came to beg Miss Lin.” Although Ping’er wasn’t there, she knew about Aunt Xue’s humiliating experience. “I didn’t see her, but I heard from Wu Dengxin’s wife that Aunt Xue almost stumbled when she came out, and her face looked terrible.”

Wang Xifeng immediately became more alert and hurriedly asked what was going on.

Chapter 10: A Doting Mother Spoils Her Son; The Xue Family Encounters Setbacks

In truth, Ping'er had no idea what was going on. After all, the Xiaoxiang Pavilion was now as solid as an iron wall, so solid that not even a needle could be inserted.

Aunt Xue came today hoping to beg Daiyu to save her son who was imprisoned.

When Aunt Xue arrived, she went to see her sister, Madam Wang, first.

"You want to beg that girl? I'm afraid it won't work." Madam Wang poured cold water on the idea first. "Now that there's an imperial decree, we won't bother her for no reason."

Aunt Xue, who loved her son dearly, had already discussed it with her daughter at home. No matter what, she was determined to give it a try.

The two sisters went to Grandmother Jia's main room together. After exchanging pleasantries, Aunt Xue explained the purpose of her visit.

After hearing this, Grandmother Jia thought it was a good opportunity: through Aunt Xue, she could test Yu'er's reaction. If Yu'er agreed to help, it would show that she was easy to fool. If she didn't agree, then she would have to find another way to test her and see how much Yu'er knew about her dowry.

So Grandmother Jia sighed, “As you know, I always feel sorry for that child and it’s inconvenient for me to go over. Although there are imperial decrees that we should not disturb her easily, you are an elder, so it’s alright for you to go and see her.”

When Aunt Xue saw that Grandmother Jia had agreed, she was overjoyed and quickly thanked Grandmother Jia before leading her maid to Xiaoxiang Pavilion. The maid was carrying a small box containing a Hetian jade carving of a sheep holding a lingzhi mushroom, which had been acquired by their Hengshu Pawnshop and was now pawned.

Xue Ke originally intended to give it to an official, hoping to smooth things over and make things easier for Xue Pan in prison. Baochai found it very cute and, thinking that Lin Daiyu was born in the Year of the Sheep, asked Aunt Xue to bring it as a congratulatory gift for Lin Daiyu.

When Aunt Xue entered, she was a little intimidated by the two maids from the palace. Fortunately, Daiyu noticed this and smiled at the two maids, saying, "This is my second aunt's younger sister, Aunt Xue. I'll talk to her. You can go and rest."

After the two maids left, Aunt Xue finally relaxed and quickly presented her congratulatory gift, asking the maid to open it: "Such a large piece of Hetian jade is rare, and the craftsman's knife skills are superb, the jade is perfectly round and full, and the texture of the jade is delicate and smooth. I thought it also coincided with the princess's name, so I sent it."

Daiyu almost couldn't hold back her laughter, her nails digging into her flesh, before she managed to force a smile: "Auntie, you're too kind."

As Zijuan took the tea, Xueyan had already poured it.

"But I am not yet a prince's consort, so please don't address me incorrectly, lest outsiders gossip." Daiyu showed no sign of her sadness, her expression and words remaining as usual.

Seeing that Daiyu was still the same as before, Aunt Xue was relieved. She started catching up with Daiyu, and as they talked, she steered the conversation toward Xue Pan.

“Yu’er, you know your brother, that wretched child, is the most worrisome. But this time he has truly been wronged. Please help me, Yu’er, by sending a message to the county government. With my status, I’m sure I can get them to conduct a proper trial.”

He kept calling me "your brother," which made Daiyu want to laugh.

After Aunt Xue finished speaking, Daiyu said calmly, "Aunt, you think too highly of me. Even if I were to marry into the royal family, I wouldn't be able to speak on matters of state so easily. Otherwise, I would be ignorant of the rules. Since you've said that Sister Bao's brother was wronged, I believe that the court officials act according to the law and will surely give you justice."

Aunt Xue was completely taken aback by Daiyu's blunt rejection and panicked. When she spoke again, she blurted out, "Yu'er, why are you being so distant? Back then, you called me 'Mom,' and I recognized you as my goddaughter. We were originally family..."

At this moment, Zijuan came in with some snacks and said without any politeness, "Madam Xue, please don't say such things. It makes you look bad. Back then, Auntie herself said that she couldn't recognize our girl as her goddaughter. Besides, if she really did recognize a goddaughter, wouldn't it be like what the Second Madam did? Not only did she hold a banquet to welcome Miss Qin, but Miss Qin was also written into the family genealogy. Even when Ying'er recognized Mingyan's mother as her godmother, there was a banquet."

"Besides, our young lady isn't related to the Xue family at all. She only calls you 'Auntie' because of the Second Madam. Where did all these 'older sisters' and 'older brothers' come from?"

"However, we should thank Madam Xue. If Madam had acted as matchmaker, how could our young lady have found such a wonderful marriage?"

Zijuan's words left Aunt Xue embarrassed, her face flushing red and then pale. She recalled what had happened before, when she herself had said, "Your brother Bao is so beloved by the old lady, and he's so handsome. If we're talking about outsiders, no one would be satisfied. Why not just betroth your Lin sister to him? Wouldn't that be perfect for everyone?"

Daiyu gave Zijuan a wink, but then scolded her, "Zijuan, how dare you interrupt when your mistress is speaking? Go down and go to Granny Gu to receive your punishment."

Zijuan put down the Ding kiln white glazed plate in her hand, apologized, and left.

Daiyu solemnly said to Aunt Xue, "Aunt, please go back. I really can't help with this matter. If the two nannies find out, I'm afraid it won't just be me, but you will be in trouble too."

As soon as Daiyu finished speaking, one of the two nannies entered. Aunt Xue didn't recognize who it was, but felt that the person was quite difficult to get along with.

“Young lady, it’s time to learn the ‘Rules for Women’.” The nanny came in and, although she curtsied to Daiyu according to etiquette, her words were anything but gentle to Aunt Xue.

Aunt Xue was unfamiliar with palace rules, but she remembered that she had benefited from the Empress Yuan Chun's visit home that year. Back then, no one dared to utter a single extra word, demonstrating the strictness of the imperial court's rules.

Seeing that Daiyu was unwilling to help, and after being rebuked by Zijuan, Aunt Xue, who already had a guilty conscience, dared not stay any longer and had no choice but to get up and take her leave.

Daiyu nodded: "I need to study, so I won't see Aunt off myself. Xueyan, please see her off for me."

Her tone suggested that nothing had happened. Aunt Xue was surprised; Miss Lin seemed to have truly grown up, completely different from the easily fooled little girl she once was.

Aunt Xue took her leave and saw another nanny scolding Zijuan in the outer room. She didn't dare to listen and quickly left with her maid.

As soon as Aunt Xue left, Granny Xu immediately praised Zijuan, saying, "Good girl, she's a loyal protector of her mistress."

There are some things that Daiyu, as the mistress, shouldn't say, but Zijuan, as the maid, can say without any problem.

However, Granny Xu had a hunch and asked Zijuan, "Is this Madam Xue the aunt of the Virtuous Consort and the sister of Prince Teng?"

Seeing Zijuan nod, Granny Xu thought to herself that she should tell the Third Prince.

However, Miss Lin is quite shrewd. After spending so much time with Daiyu, Granny Xu has become increasingly optimistic about her: not only is she intelligent, but she also has a deep understanding of things, and she will definitely be able to help the Third Prince in the future.

Zijuan, however, felt that Daiyu's expression was off when Aunt Xue gave her the gift, so she waited until evening to ask the young lady what was going on alone.

With no one around, Daiyu burst into tears when Zijuan asked her a question.

Chapter 11 Seeing Old Things, Daiyu Recalls the Past

Just now, Daiyu was able to hold back her tears in front of Aunt Xue, but now, when she heard Zijuan ask her a question, she couldn't control her tears.

As soon as she started crying, Daiyu came to her senses and reminded herself not to shed tears so easily. So she quickly took a handkerchief and wiped away her tears.

Seeing this, Zijuan couldn't bear it: "Miss, if you want to cry, just have a good cry. I haven't seen you cry in a long time. Always holding back is not good for your health."

Upon hearing this, Daiyu forced back her tears and said, "Enough, crying won't solve anything."

Zijuan knew best what Daiyu had been through these days, so she quickly offered some words of comfort, and then muttered to herself, "I used to always tell you not to cry, but now it's the other way around, I'm telling you to cry."

After they finished speaking, the master and servant looked at each other and saw the sorrow in each other's eyes.

Daiyu pointed to the Hetian jade carving of a sheep holding a lingzhi mushroom and said, "This thing originally belonged to our family. Since Aunt Xue brought it here, I guess it was probably pawned by someone in this mansion. I know that Aunt Xue's family owns a pawnshop."

"I suppose Aunt Xue didn't know, otherwise she wouldn't have given it to me as a gift."

Zijuan stared wide-eyed in disbelief as she carefully examined the carving. The little sheep was kneeling on all fours, with its front legs bent and its hind legs close to its sides. The sheep had a large head and thick, powerful horns that curled backward.

Although Zijuan wasn't very knowledgeable about such things, she could tell at a glance that it was definitely worth a lot of money.

As she was examining it closely, she heard Daiyu say from the side, "Look closely at the ram's horn on the left, isn't it missing a little bit?"

Zijuan hadn't noticed it before, but now, after hearing Daiyu's words, she looked closely and indeed found it to be true.

“I was still young then. This jade carving was on my mother’s desk. I wasn’t tall enough, and I was also naughty, so I stood on tiptoe to reach it. It fell to the ground and I chipped it.” Actually, I didn’t remember it myself; my father told me about it later.

“This is because my zodiac sign is sheep. My father obtained a piece of fine Hetian jade, and my mother personally painted it and sent it to a jade carver to be crafted. It was a set of twelve pieces, and this was one of them. My father once said that this should be included in my dowry.” Daiyu recalled her father’s dying words, and tears welled up in her eyes again. She couldn’t continue speaking and cried for a while.

Upon hearing this, Zijuan understood immediately: it seemed that the Jia family had not only spent the dowry money given by the young master, but had also pawned all the treasures in the dowry.

"These people in this mansion are truly despicable," Ziju cursed inwardly. She quickly tried to comfort Daiyu, but as she tried, she couldn't help but cry along with her.

On the contrary, Daiyu recovered first and even advised Zijuan not to be sad.

“This is a set. If we pawned it together, we could probably get more money. For example, this one alone would be worth two hundred taels of silver, but the whole set would be worth five thousand taels of silver. It seems the person who took it to pawn it didn’t know any better and obviously pawned it separately.” Daiyu really liked this set. That year, her second brother Lian helped her pawn it, and the dowry chests were all brought back and placed with her maternal grandmother.

"Perhaps it's not that they don't understand, but they're afraid of being noticed because one set is too conspicuous, so they deliberately pawned them separately?" Zijuan said instead.

Daiyu nodded: "That's possible. But in any case, it's enough to show that this household is really impoverished. Although I did some calculations in my spare time in previous years and knew that they spent more than they earned, I didn't know that it had come to this."

“No matter what the situation, they shouldn’t use a young lady’s things,” Zijuan said indignantly. “I think that’s just their nature; they think young ladies are easy to bully. Otherwise, take this thing to the old lady and see what she says!”

“That’s really unnecessary.” Daiyu thought they had only spent their own family’s money, but she never expected that they would even dare to pawn their dowry, and not only that, but they had no intention of redeeming it.

Now that Aunt Xue has provided this information, we should make good use of it.

"Aren't you going to pursue this matter, Miss?" Zijuan was indignant. These people had bullied the young lady so much, and they had even used the marriage between Baoyu and the young lady to deceive people. They couldn't just let it go like this.

"Of course not, just don't be in such a hurry." Seeing that Zijuan didn't understand, Daiyu asked her instead, "Think about it, now that I've been betrothed to the Third Prince, when I get married, how do you think this household should prepare my dowry?"

Without a second thought, Zijuan said, "Them? It's one thing if they don't use your name to make money, but they want to prepare things for you..."

Halfway through her sentence, Zijuan suddenly realized: "What you mean is, Miss, is that we should find a way to make them return what they used from you, taking advantage of your wedding?"

That was quite direct, but Daiyu said, "Since I am being betrothed to a prince and will be marrying out of the Duke's mansion, firstly, they will have to find a way to make sure my dowry isn't too shabby, especially my maternal grandmother, who is very concerned about appearances. Secondly, they are probably unsure whether I know how much my dowry is."

Seeing that her young lady had a plan, Zijuan felt relieved: In terms of intelligence, her young lady was never inferior to anyone. It was just that she had been too naive in the past, always thinking that with the old lady and Baoyu, they were all family and there was no need to worry. But she didn't expect that they didn't treat her as family at all.