The Black Chamber Dream: Daiyu's Revenge

Chapter 120 Embroidery Shop's Success: Huilan's Plagiarism

Daiyu's embroidery shop received support from the noble ladies, and the results were quite good. After the first month, each of the six noble ladies who participated received an income of fifty taels of silver, which was even better than Daiyu had expected.

So they began to expand, and more ladies of high rank were willing to join. Most of these ladies of high rank were literate, and many were also good at painting. Therefore, their embroidery skills were not necessarily higher than those of ordinary embroiderers, but their embroidery often revealed a touch of artistic flair, with an elegance that ordinary embroiderers' works did not possess.

With the help of the imperial court's publicity, "Huatang Chunxiu" quickly became famous. Huatang Chunxiu was even named by the emperor himself, taking its name from the line "The young masters of the Five Mausoleums admired the literary talent and painted for the beautiful women to embroider clothes."

Aside from the ladies of high rank, their younger sisters also had helpers. For example, Xichun was good at painting. She broke away from the usual flower patterns and made her own book of embroidery patterns, which attracted everyone to borrow it.

Many people came to the embroidery shop, including the Princess, who had visited several times. She looked at the patterns and everyone's work. She particularly liked a red plum blossom painting by Xichun. When she heard Yingchun say that it could be made into a gauze curtain, she smiled and said, "Okay, then I'll take this gauze curtain. Name your price?"

Yingchun was stunned for a moment, and Xiangyun hurriedly said from the side, "This is the first time we have received such a custom order, and we don't know how much to ask for. Why don't we discuss it with the Princess and then give the Princess an answer?"

The eldest princess nodded: "Alright, you can follow this line of thinking. In the future, there may be people like me who are willing to come and specify what kind of pattern they want."

The eldest princess's words made a lot of sense. Xiangyun and the others immediately informed Daiyu of this news. The group brainstormed and finally decided on the price: it would be mainly determined by the materials and manpower required for the pattern selected by the customer. For example, the eldest princess's mosquito net was very labor-intensive. Yingchun had to put aside all her other work to embroider this one. It would take one person a month to make it, so it would be more expensive, costing two hundred taels of silver.

Based on the paintings of Xichun and several other noble ladies, different prices were set. Unexpectedly, these custom-made pieces were more popular, with many ladies in the capital wanting something unique and placing orders one after another.

Everyone also enjoyed working together at the embroidery shop. Seeing that everyone was tired, Daiyu would occasionally contribute some fruit and tea snacks out of her own pocket. Fearing that everyone would be too tired, she also discussed with Xiangyun and others the possibility of holding a tea party occasionally, where everyone could write poems, paint, and have fun.

As a result, Princess Yi's reputation for being kind-hearted and having exceptional poetic talent grew even more prominent in the capital. The Emperor also bestowed gifts upon Daiyu twice, which further fueled the jealousy of Princess Rui, Song Huilan.

Song Huilan's friend, Madam Du, gave her an idea: "If Princess Yi can do it, so can you, Princess. Now that they've chosen embroidery, you can choose something else. Don't limit yourself to those noble ladies, young women from the capital, or noble families. Anyone who wants to can join."

It's easy for her to say, but Song Huilan has thought about doing something herself, though she doesn't have any good ideas for the time being.

"Your Highness doesn't like growing flowers, but I've noticed that many families in the capital buy fresh flowers or potted plants to decorate their houses and yards during festivals and even more wealthy families all year round. Last year, we bought several pots of daffodils, each costing twenty taels of silver. So, Your Highness, why don't you try opening a flower shop?" Madam Du continued to offer suggestions.

Song Huilan was quite interested when she heard this. Firstly, she did enjoy tending to flowers and plants, and secondly, her dowry included a flower room when she got married.

So Song Huilan immediately summoned Madam Du, Madam Liao, and other people close to her to discuss the matter. After thinking for a while, she also called on someone else: Xue Baochai.

Song Huilan had already inquired about it. Xue Baochai had lived with the Princess Yi in the Rongguo Mansion for many years, so she probably knew the Princess Yi very well. Knowing her and her enemy, she could get a lot of information from Xue Baochai.

Another point is that the Xue family is no longer successful, but they were once imperial merchants, so they might have some business experience.

Baochai was overjoyed to receive the invitation from Princess Rui. She felt that she finally had a chance to showcase her talents, and compared to Princess Rui's other friends, Xue Baochai was indeed more capable. After all, those ladies were pampered and had never been exposed to the outside world.

Seeing Baochai working so hard to plan her flower room, offer advice, and even help her with things like inviting guests for the first gathering, Song Huilan was very satisfied.

Although Song Huilan's efforts came more slowly, she at least achieved some results before the Mid-Autumn Festival. A pleased Song Huilan couldn't help but say to Daiyu at the Mid-Autumn Festival banquet, "Sister-in-law, you won't blame me, will you? Although I borrowed some of your methods, it's still a different business."

This is a classic case of someone who benefits but then complains. This matter had already caused quite a stir, so many concubines in the harem were waiting to see how Princess Yi would react.

Daiyu was indeed a little disgusted, but after thinking it over carefully, she didn't care anymore: If Song Huilan wanted to do it, then let's see who does it. If she didn't even have this much confidence, she wouldn't be Daiyu.

Therefore, upon hearing Song Huilan's words, Daiyu not only wasn't angry but smiled slightly: "Second sister-in-law, what are you saying? It's all just doing my bit for the court. Your method is brilliant and admirable."

Song Huilan was slightly taken aback: Didn't Xue Baochai say that when Princess Yi was a young girl, she was very petty and liked to throw tantrums? How come she's not angry now?

Just as she was slightly taken aback, Ge Xijia, who was standing next to her, began to speak sarcastically: "Second sister-in-law herself knows it's just borrowing, so what else is there to say? They say it's important to know your own limitations, so why is second sister-in-law being so petty? If third sister-in-law really gets angry, won't people say she's narrow-minded?"

Ge Xijia wasn't genuinely trying to help Daiyu. She was having a rough time and everyone annoyed her. The Princess Consort of Yi County was already conspicuous enough, but her second sister-in-law was even more irritating. So she didn't care and just blurted it out, regardless of whether Song Huilan was happy or not.

Song Huilan was naturally furious upon hearing this and was about to retaliate when the Empress smiled and said, "You are all good children. Yesterday, His Majesty said that the second son's wife should be rewarded."

As expected, the Emperor praised Princess Rui that day. Overjoyed at the praise, Song Huilan was even more delighted.

Overjoyed, Song Huilan also gave Xue Baochai a few things as a token of her reliance on her.

Baochai was in a great mood after receiving the gifts from Princess Rui. She was just thinking about how to steal the Xia family's osmanthus business, and now that she had Princess Rui, she was a good backer.

Just when Baochai was in a good mood, Grandmother Jia summoned her.

“Qiuwen has been gone for over a year now. What do you think about getting Baoyu a new roommate who cares for him?” Grandmother Jia was clearly implying that Baochai and Baoyu were not getting along.

Given the old lady's position, Baochai couldn't easily refute her.

Chapter 121 Ying'er's Schemes Reveal Her Intentions in Taking in a Concubine

Grandmother Jia only said that she wanted to find a concubine for Baoyu, but did not specify who it would be. This was already very good news for Baochai. If Grandmother Jia really wanted to send a maidservant to her, Baochai, as her granddaughter-in-law, would not be able to object for a while.

Baochai reacted quickly. She obeyed Grandmother Jia and returned to her courtyard to think for a while: she now had to manage the entire Rongguo Mansion and maintain close contact with Princess Rui, so her energy was indeed limited.

It's unlikely that her mother-in-law will come out now. The old lady hates her deeply, and her husband doesn't like her either. Ever since her third sister got married, her sister-in-law knows she's no match for her and has retreated back to her little courtyard.

There's still room for me to plan things out within the Rongguo Mansion. For example, although Jia Lian and his wife have gone to Ping'an Prefecture, I need to gather as much evidence as possible of what they've done so that I can have room for negotiation in the future.

For example, with the help of Princess Yi, Lan Ge'er obtained a place at Yuntao Academy. He could then treat the orphans and widows better, as it might come in handy in the future.

Thinking about it this way, she realized she really needed a good helper in the mansion. Back then, Wang Xifeng had Ping'er, but Baochai immediately thought of Ying'er. This girl had been with her for many years and was clever and loyal.

More importantly, he had the indentures of Ying'er's entire family in his hands.

So Baochai returned to her room and called Ying'er: "Ying'er, you've been with me for over ten years now, haven't you?"

Ying'er quickly lowered her head and said, "Yes, why did you suddenly bring this up, Miss?"

“I was thinking, Ying’er, you’re a young lady now, and you’re the most sensible and reasonable girl. Your second master is lacking someone who cares about him. I’ve always seen that your second master treats you kindly. How about we promote you and make you his concubine?” Baochai didn’t mention Grandmother Jia’s intentions at all, and acted as if she had given Ying’er a great favor.

She thought Ying'er would be very happy, but to her surprise, Ying'er immediately knelt down and said, "Miss, I have never thought of such a thing. I only want to serve you well." After saying that, she quickly kowtowed several more times.

Baochai, remembering Qiuwen's incident, assumed Ying'er was simply frightened. She personally helped her up, holding her hand with an air of deep affection between mistress and servant, and said, "Don't be afraid. How can you be the same as those other maids? You are the maid I rely on most. With this promotion, you can still help me manage affairs, just like Ping'er helped Feng'er before. If you're willing, I'll take you to see the Old Madam and prepare a proper banquet for you and Second Master to formally welcome you into the family."

Ying'er thought back to that time when Baochai instructed her to deliver a glass embroidered ball lantern to Xiaoxiang Pavilion. In the end, she said that she was audacious and stole the lantern from the Second Master. It was Baochai who reprimanded her, giving her twenty strokes of the cane. Every time she thought about it, Ying'er felt extremely painful.

Ying'er also remembered her godmother. It was Baochai who had ordered the cat to scare the Princess Consort, and as a result, her godmother was kicked out.

Ying'er also remembered Qiuwen. It was Baochai who instructed her to give Qiuwen a lot of nourishing food, which caused the fetus to be too big and make labor difficult.

These things made Ying'er afraid, but she also knew very well that if she didn't agree, Baochai would probably deal with her even more—the lives and fortunes of her whole family were in Baochai's hands.

Many thoughts flashed through Ying'er's mind, and in an instant she grasped one point—Master Bao disliked Second Madam very much, but she, as his maid, did not bother him as much.

Now, the Second Madam's mind is focused on managing the household and currying favor with Princess Rui, so perhaps she can manage to survive in the cracks.

Having understood this, Ying'er still looked frightened: "Miss, I dare not. I won't do it well, what if I anger the Second Master..."

“No, it’s not like you’re meeting your second master for the first time. He’s the most considerate and gentle with women.” Seeing that Ying’er had already agreed to most of the terms, Baochai took her hand and smiled, “There’s nothing to be embarrassed about. Look at Aunt Zhao, she has a third daughter and Huan’er. When you become Baoyu’s concubine, you can also give the second master a son and a daughter. Wouldn’t that be wonderful?”

Baochai pondered for a while. Now that Baoyu was the least fond of her, since it was Grandmother Jia who wanted to find a concubine for Baoyu, she should take Ying'er to see Grandmother Jia first. Even if Baoyu was not happy then, it would not be her problem.

So he took Ying'er to see Grandmother Jia and explained the situation.

Grandmother Jia knew that when Baochai heard about hiring someone for Baoyu's room, she would definitely find someone she trusted. However, people can change, and Ying'er was most like her mistress. It was hard to say what would happen in the future.

Thinking this through, Grandmother Jia took Ying'er's hand and said, "Your grandmother personally asked you to be one of her maids, which shows you are a good girl. What the old matriarch likes most is seeing you two get along so well." As she spoke, she called Amber to fetch the small rosewood box with gold trim from her room. She opened it and took out a pair of jade bracelets, putting one on Baochai's wrist and giving the other to Ying'er.

"You two should get along well and serve your husbands properly. The three of you working together harmoniously is better than anything else." Grandmother Jia still cared for Baoyu, and seeing the discord between him and his wife always distressed her. Qiuwen was gone, but her son was still alive, and Grandmother Jia hoped her child would grow up safely and smoothly.

Baochai immediately asked Grandmother Jia to consult the almanac and select the eighth day of the next month as an auspicious day for marriage. She decided to have Baoyu and Ying'er consummate their marriage on that day.

“Grandma, then starting this month, Ying’er’s monthly allowance will be increased to two taels of silver, and she will also be provided with a maidservant,” Baochai quickly added.

"Of course, she should be given a superior room as well," Grandmother Jia added.

Ying'er quickly declined, saying, "Second Madam is so kind to me, and I shouldn't refuse. However, I don't want to be too far away from Second Madam. I'll just stay in my usual room."

Baochai was even more pleased with Ying'er's sensible manner, but she disagreed: "You silly girl, do you expect Second Master to live in the small room with you too?"

Grandmother Jia nodded and said, "Your grandmother is right, let's do it that way. There's no need to host a banquet on the eighth day of next month. It's only right that the family sits down together for a meal. I'll have the kitchen prepare a few more dishes."

"How could we let the old lady spend money? I'll arrange it here." Seeing that Grandmother Jia didn't object, and since Ying'er was one of her people anyway, it would be a good thing if she could win over Baoyu in the future.

Baochai thought she had everything planned out, but Ying'er followed suit, so there will be plenty of competition between the mistress and servant in the future.

However, not now. Right now, Baochai, who was riding high on her success, received even more exciting news from Princess Rui.

Princess Rui's flower shop has taken away a lot of business from Xia Jingui's family.

Chapter 122 The Camellia Dispute: Undercurrents Surge

Daiyu also learned that Princess Rui's flower shop had taken away Xia Jingui's family's business.

It was Baoqin who informed Daiyu. Ever since Daiyu's "Painted Hall Spring Embroidery" became famous, Baoqin offered to help. She didn't want any payment and, like Xichun, helped everyone paint or do some chores. Daiyu didn't refuse—when Baoqin chose to cooperate with her, Daiyu felt that Baoqin was clear-headed about important matters.

Baoqin's brother, Xue Ke, now runs a few small shops in the capital. Business is so-so, but the two siblings can live comfortably without any problems.

Xue Ke learned from a friend who was in business that the Xia family's business had been taken over. When he returned and told Baoqin about it, he couldn't help but sigh, "That's the flower shop run by the Princess Consort of Rui County. In the end, even if the Xia family's flowers are of better quality, they still can't compete with them."

“Of course. Putting aside everything else, the Imperial Household Department alone makes a lot of purchases every year, so this deal must be huge.” Baoqin pondered for a while. “Besides, many high-ranking officials and nobles in the capital would probably be happy to support the Second Prince’s family. The Xia family isn’t exactly someone worth currying favor with.”

A few days later, when Baoqin met Daiyu at "Huatang Chunxiu", she quietly told Daiyu about it: "I don't know if this news will be of any use to the Princess. If it's not, then the Princess should just treat it as gossip."

“There’s no harm in listening to such gossip.” Daiyu couldn’t help but look at Baoqin approvingly: the Imperial Household Department’s procurement is certainly no small matter.

After Xiao Tingjun returned from the Prince's Mansion, Daiyu told him about it: "Now I remember, the Chief Steward of the Imperial Household Department is Second Sister-in-law's uncle, right?"

The position of Director-General of the Imperial Household Department was not easily obtained. Although it was a second-rank official position, it had as many as three thousand officials, more than ten times the number of the Ministry of Revenue, which was the most busy department. Moreover, it was specifically responsible for managing royal affairs, making it even more important.

“That’s right, Zhang Guangsheng, the chief steward of the Imperial Household Department, is Second Sister-in-law’s maternal uncle.” Xiao Tingjun naturally understood Daiyu’s meaning: once Second Sister-in-law’s flower room became involved with the Imperial Household Department, things would likely become complicated in the future.

"This reminds me that I need to inform Feng Youcai, the manager of the embroidery shop, and his wife. They should be on their guard in case the Imperial Household Department comes knocking. Our embroidery shop doesn't do business with the palace." The palace already has its own Bureau of Clothing and Stuffing, so they don't usually need to go out to make purchases, but it's always better to be safe than sorry. Daiyu wrote down all the points that came to mind.

Daiyu never expected that those flowers would lead to a small story in the inner palace.

The Guangchu Division, under the Imperial Household Department, was where the concubines in the harem received their daily necessities such as tea, silk tassels, and wool. Low-ranking concubines without status in the palace would naturally not be sent here, let alone in the dead of winter. Those who could provide fresh flowers were naturally concubines of higher rank.

Upon hearing that several pots of Camellia sinensis had arrived at the Guangchu Department, Consort Xu became very interested. Camellia sinensis is a double-petaled camellia, deep peach-pink in color, with layers of petals when it blooms, making it a popular flowering tree in winter.

Consort Zhou immediately sent her maid Qingyu to fetch her. Upon entering, she saw the Empress and Consort Wu's maids ahead of her.

Qingyu glanced at them; there were only six pots in total, truly rare items. She mentally calculated: the Empress, then Consort Wu, then Consort Xu, so how could she not have one for Consort Chen as well?

Following the order, Qingyu watched as the Empress took two pots of flowers from her palace. She was still happy, thinking that the Empress was indeed generous and didn't take more. Then, Consort Wu's maid also knew better and only took one pot.

However, to Qingyu's surprise, Xia He from Consort Xu's palace said directly about the remaining three pots: "Our Empress loves these Crane Feather flowers the most, so I'll take them all."

Qingyu was stunned. What stunned her even more was that the people from Guangchu Division actually smiled and told the people from Consort Xu's palace to take away the remaining three basins.

Qingyu was always a cautious person, so she didn't cause a scene with Consort Xu's people on the spot. However, she returned empty-handed, so of course she had to report the truth to Consort Zhou.

After hearing the palace maid Qingyu's reply, Consort Zhou smiled coldly: Consort Xu was obviously doing it on purpose. In the end, it was all about the marriage bestowed by the emperor.

A few days ago, the Emperor bestowed a marriage upon Xiao Tingzhao, the fifth prince born to Consort Zhou. The chosen bride was a girl from the Zhenguo General's Mansion. The old general Zuo Qing has now left the mountain to become the commander-in-chief in the southeast due to the defeat in the southeast war. The girl who was betrothed is Zuo Qing's granddaughter, the youngest daughter of the current Left Guard of the Five Cities Military Command.

Initially, Consort Xu had also favored the granddaughter of General Zuo Qing, who was the daughter of the general's eldest son. However, the emperor did not agree.

Now, Consort Xu is embroiled in numerous conflicts with her daughter-in-law. Seeing that the Emperor has arranged for the Fifth Prince to marry a girl from the Zuo family, she is filled with resentment.

So, taking advantage of the flowers, Consort Xu launched her attack.