The Black Chamber Dream: Daiyu's Revenge

The Eldest Princess has another grandson? Consort Wu felt envious: The Eldest Princess's two daughters-in-law have already given birth to three grandsons for her, and this is the fourth.

"When others have grandsons, the Emperor is quick to bestow rewards. But when he has a granddaughter, he doesn't give any rewards unless the Empress reminds him." Back then, when the Prince Rui's mansion had a daughter, who was His Majesty's first granddaughter, His Majesty never paid any attention to her.

Consort Wu has forgotten the pain of her past mistakes. After all, it was the Second Prince's affair with a mistress that was exposed back then, otherwise she wouldn't be in this state.

Granny Yuan quickly offered some words of advice, and Consort Wu sighed, "Alright then, let's send some auspicious items to the Princess's residence."

The baby's third-day celebration was particularly lively. Although there were no outside guests, there were quite a few members of the royal family who came, plus the family of the eldest princess's second daughter-in-law, Madam Xu, which made up quite a lot of guests.

Although she knew that everyone in the Princess's household liked Daiyu, Song Huilan was still surprised when she heard Daiyu address the Princess's second daughter-in-law, who was also the mother of the newborn, as "elder sister."

"Why is the way you address her as 'sister-in-law' different? Shouldn't she be called 'cousin's wife'?" Song Huilan harbored resentment towards the Princess's family for favoring Daiyu, and she deliberately asked this question.

To everyone's surprise, Madam Xu didn't mind the issue at all, and smiled broadly: "Yu'er called me 'elder sister' even before she married the Third Prince. Now that she is the Princess Consort, she still can't change the way she calls me 'elder sister'."

What? They knew each other a long time ago? Song Huilan clearly remembered that Lin Daiyu never went out to visit guests when she was in the Rongguo Mansion.

"Sister, you should rest well. Aunt just said that we shouldn't let you overwork yourself. I'll go out first and come back to talk to you later." Without giving Song Huilan a chance to ask any more questions, Daiyu got up to leave.

“Alright, I really like the plum wine your family sent. Do you have any more?” Madam Xu asked without any hesitation.

“Yes, sister likes it. I’ll have someone send it over later.” Daiyu said as she left, and Song Huilan naturally couldn’t stay.

But after Song Huilan came out, she saw Zuo Jiangqiu standing to the side and immediately stood next to Zuo Jiangqiu. Her eyes were on Daiyu, who was talking to Gao Xin, and she whispered, "Miss Zuo, look, Princess Yi really knows how to please the Princess's family."

To everyone's surprise, Zuo Jiangqiu smiled and said, "Princess Yi is truly genuine. Even I like her."

Upon hearing this, Song Huilan immediately stared intently at Zuo Jiangqiu, as if trying to confirm whether she was telling the truth or lying.

Zuo Jiangqiu accepted Song Huilan's scrutinizing gaze without any concern, his eyes open and smiling.

Song Huilan couldn't help but think: Her future fifth sister-in-law is no pushover. That day at her residence, she won a lot of money with ease while playing dominoes; she's clearly a dominoes expert. And now she's talking like this; she shouldn't be underestimated.

Song Huilan spoke again, but unexpectedly Daiyu brought Gao Xin over.

“Hey, Xin’er, why don’t you speak up yourself? She’s your future fifth cousin-in-law.” Daiyu was there to encourage Gao Xin.

Gao Xin looked at Zuo Jiangqiu with her big, expectant eyes, tilting her head back: "Then, my future fifth aunt, could you teach me how to ride a horse?"

Zuo Jiangqiu and Song Huilan both knew that Princess Gao Xin, the Princess of Anping, was the apple of the Princess's eye, and even the Emperor liked her very much. If they could win Gao Xin's favor, it would be easier to gain acceptance from the Princess's residence.

Song Huilan felt that Princess Yi's actions were clearly an attempt to win over Zuo Jiangqiu. So Song Huilan quickly spoke up, "If the princess wants to learn to ride a horse, I'm afraid even the most skilled soldiers at the military horse farm would be willing to teach you."

“But I want a female master, a gentle one.” Gao Xin blinked and looked at Zuo Jiangqiu.

Zuo Jiangqiu thought the princess was really too cute, and immediately said: "As long as you are not afraid of hardship, I can teach you. Not only horseback riding, I can also teach you the red-tasseled spear."

“Great! I’m not afraid of hardship. I’ll tell Grandma I want a little white horse later.” Gao Xin clapped her hands happily.

Although most women in this dynasty are trained in music, chess, calligraphy, painting, poetry, and songs, some families are happy for their daughters to learn horseback riding and martial arts. When the eldest princess was young, her horsemanship and archery skills were first-rate.

After hearing this, Song Huilan felt even more strongly that it was all Daiyu's conspiracy.

"The other day, Miss Zuo said she wanted to come and see the Spring Embroidery in the Painting Hall. Are you free tomorrow?" Daiyu asked casually.

Song Huilan suddenly felt that the conspiracy had turned into an open scheme. Oh no, was the Princess Consort of Yi County so blatant in winning people over?

"I don't know, would you welcome me to come and take a look, sister-in-law?" Song Huilan asked with a smile.

Chapter 133 Daiyu Retaliates, Huilan Feels Frustrated

When Song Huilan mentioned that she also wanted to visit Huatang Chunxiu, Daiyu looked at Song Huilan with some difficulty.

Seeing Daiyu's predicament, Song Huilan felt quite smug: "You want to win over Zuo Jiangqiu? I'll go against you." However, as soon as Daiyu spoke, Song Huilan's expression immediately turned ugly.

“Second Sister-in-law, of course I welcome you, but as you know, most of the women who come to Huatang Chunxiu are noblewomen who were imprisoned after the war in the southeast. They harbor resentment towards the commander-in-chief.” Daiyu deliberately looked troubled. “I remember when you visited Ninth Grandmother, you were scolded. I’m a little worried that if you come to Huatang Chunxiu, you might cause another unpleasant incident.”

The Ninth Grandmother mentioned by Daiyu is none other than the Princess Consort Shun, who was also the Emperor's Ninth Aunt. Because her grandson died in battle in the southeast, the Princess Consort fainted on the spot from anger. Later, when Song Huilan went to visit her in the hospital, she was severely scolded.

Song Huilan understood Daiyu's meaning perfectly: the defeat in the southeast was the responsibility of Prince Rui, and although the emperor had not punished him, the eyes of the world were discerning. The noble ladies of Huatang Chunxiu naturally harbored resentment towards Prince Rui and his wife.

Seeing Daiyu's considerate expression, Song Huilan became even more furious. In a moment of anger, she retorted without thinking, "Third sister-in-law is really something now, so quick-witted. Oh, right, third brother is currently in the Ministry of War. If something happens in the southeast, and they are defeated again, aren't you afraid that third brother and sister-in-law will suffer an even worse fate?"

These words were so inappropriate that even Zuo Jiangqiu, who was standing to the side, couldn't help but think: He originally thought that his second sister-in-law was a smart one. The Song family, which was the Minister of Revenue, was considered to be a family with a long history and a good family tradition among the civil officials. But now, the eldest granddaughter of the eldest branch, whom he had carefully raised, was speaking so thoughtlessly.

Daiyu remained silent, but then the Eldest Princess came over: "What are you all talking about? It sounds quite lively."

Song Huilan was still fuming, and looking at the Princess made her even more depressed: she didn't know why, but despite her efforts to please the Princess, her aunt, she was always indifferent to her, while the Princess Consort of Yi did nothing, it seemed that the Princess was exceptionally kind to her.

Before she could speak first, she heard Princess Gao Xin say in a childish voice, "Second Aunt said Third Aunt is quick-witted. Second Aunt also said that the Southeast will suffer another defeat."

The princess's expression immediately darkened, her sharp eyes fixed on Song Huilan. Under that probing and oppressive gaze, Song Huilan felt a chill run down her spine and quickly defended herself: "Aunt, it's not like that. I was just saying that now that Third Brother is in the Ministry of War, we need to plan carefully. There are precedents to learn from."

The eldest princess gave an "oh," stared at Song Huilan for a while, then looked away and turned to Gao Xin: "You are too young to interrupt adult matters. Your second aunt is a prince's wife and a county princess, she would never say anything like 'we will lose the war.' Go back and copy the 'Inner Instructions' yourself."

Gao Xin was very unhappy to hear her grandmother's words. It was clearly what her second cousin's wife had said. But she also knew that her grandmother was the most authoritative person in the family. Although she usually spoiled her, she would obediently accept the punishment if her grandmother said she would be punished.

Gao Xin was already being led by Daiyu, and now she was a little uneasy, so she tightened her grip slightly. Daiyu, holding Gao Xin's hand, said to the Princess, "Just now, Xin'er was saying that she wanted to learn to ride a horse from Miss Zuo."

The eldest princess nodded and smiled upon hearing this: "That's just like me. When I was even younger than her, I asked the Emperor for a foal. I'll talk to your great-uncle later and we'll go to the Imperial Horse Ranch and pick out a gentle foal."

Seeing her grandmother smile, Gao Xin knew that her grandmother was not really angry, and she felt relieved. She quickly said, "Then I want a white pony."

"Why does it have to be white?" Zuo Jiangqiu asked curiously.

"A dragon-horse with snow-white plumage, a golden saddle of a nobleman from the Five Mausoleums." Gao Xin recited in a clear, bright voice, reciting Li Bai's "Ode to the White Horse," "So I want a white horse."

After hearing this, the eldest princess shook her head and laughed, "You've only learned the superficial aspects of poetry. Look around, if there's a white pony, I'll pick a white one for you."

“It’s not just horseback riding, but also polo. I read in a book that women in the Tang Dynasty loved to play it, so we can too.” Gao Xin had seen a painting depicting Tang Dynasty women playing polo.

“Great! I love playing too, but it’s always hard to find enough people.” The Zuo family is a family of military generals. Zuo Jiangqiu learned riding and archery from a young age, and he was also fortunate enough to go to the Northwest with his aunt’s family for two years. The local customs there are much more open.

"Great! Once I learn how, I want to play polo with my fifth aunt!" Gao Xin was even happier.

“I loved to play when I was young, but now that I’m old, I can’t play anymore.” The eldest princess recalled the past and said to Daiyu, “You can’t compare to your mother when she was alive. Your maternal grandfather doted on her, and she learned to ride horses from a young age.”

Daiyu was quite surprised. In her memory, her mother was always a refined and gentle person, and it was hard for her to imagine what her mother would be like riding a horse. But then she thought about it, her mother was born when the Duke's mansion was at its peak, and her maternal grandfather was a military general trusted by the late emperor. It was not unusual for her to learn to ride a horse.

"What's the big deal? Auntie can just study with me." Gao Xin shook Daiyu's hand. "We can keep each other company."

“Alright then, it’s settled.” Daiyu admired women like the Princess who were both literate and skilled in martial arts, but she wasn’t very confident about learning to ride a horse—if she were Gao Xin’s age, of course she would have no problem.

"Then Miss Zuo, you'll have two troublesome disciples," the Princess said jokingly to Zuo Jiangqiu.

Song Huilan listened to the whole thing from the side, and felt increasingly frustrated: Although the Princess hadn't said anything wrong with her and had even punished Princess Gao Xin, Song Huilan knew very well that she had clearly displeased the Princess and offended the princess.

Upon reflection, I realized that I had been too impulsive. Princess Yi's words were clearly meant to provoke me, and I had actually fallen for it.

But it was too late to regret it. Their conversation at that moment seemed to be deliberately directed at them. Even Zuo Jiangqiu, who had not yet married the fifth prince, was more favored by the eldest princess.

Looking at Princess Yi's smiling eyes, Song Huilan suddenly remembered someone.

Xue Baochai.

Every time Bao Er's wife mentioned Princess Yi, she sounded both jealous and resentful. Now that Bao Er's wife was trying so hard to befriend her, she had to think carefully about whether she could get any useful information from Xue Baochai.

While Song Huilan was in a daze, she heard Zuo Jiangqiu say from the side, "We have hammer balls at home. Even if you can't ride a horse, you can play with them. We can invite you to play together."

Yes, the Princess's residence isn't my own home, so it's inconvenient to do anything there.

Song Huilan had already formed an idea, and upon returning home, she immediately sent someone to deliver an invitation to Bao Er's wife in the Rongguo Mansion.

Chapter 134 Baochai regrets accepting the invitation

Baochai's wife, who received the message, was recently filled with pain and regret. When Grandmother Jia asked her to put someone in Baoyu's room, Baochai thought it over and over and felt that Ying'er, whom she had brought with her, was the best choice. The girl's whole family's indenture was in her hands, so she didn't have to worry about them betraying her.

But in the current situation, Ying'er has not betrayed her, but it makes Baochai very jealous: Baoyu and Ying'er's relationship is more like that of a family.

Since marrying Baoyu, the two have become like strangers. Baochai had hoped that the harsh words Tanchun said to Baoyu before her marriage would enlighten him, but it seemed to have no effect.

When Baochai first decided to give Ying'er to Baoyu as a concubine, she was worried that Baoyu wouldn't be happy. But to her surprise, in less than half a month, it seemed that Baoyu only had eyes for Ying'er. He would ask Ying'er to prepare his clothes and shoes before going out, and he would look for Ying'er for anything when he came home. He would also basically stay in Ying'er's room at night.

To demonstrate her virtues as a virtuous wife and mother, Baochai gave Baoyu a room called "Xuancao Hall" within their small courtyard. A moon gate separated Xuancao Hall from the original courtyard, creating a two-section layout, essentially a courtyard within a courtyard.

Although Xuancao Hall is only about ten steps deep, it has a clump of daylilies, a few slender bamboos, and several banana leaves, hence the name Xuancao Hall.

Baochai never expected that her gentle and magnanimous image would result in Baoyu and Ying'er becoming inseparable. During the late spring cold snap, Baochai couldn't resist her curiosity and deliberately made an excuse to visit the Xuancao Hall.

Because it was a cold snap in early spring, the windowsill and floor tiles were covered with frost. When Baochai entered, the first thing she saw was a small flower garden where several forsythia flowers were blooming. The small yellow flowers were usually inconspicuous, but now they gave off a lively feeling that was not found in the big courtyard.

“This servant can’t paint, but I can draw flower patterns. What kind of flower pattern does Master Bao want?” Baochai didn’t let anyone announce her arrival. She heard the voice coming from inside the room, which was clearly Ying’er’s.

"I think your squirrel drawing is very good. What do you want to do? I can help you." This was clearly Baoyu's voice.

“I’ll make you a pair of shoes, Second Master, without your help. I see you have some leftover paste; may I use it?” Ying’er said.

"Of course you can, but what do you need paste for?" Baoyu asked, puzzled.

"Paste the shoe covers." Ying'er sat there.

Through the paper window, Baochai saw two shadows very close together. Although it was a conversation with little content, Baochai could sense the emotions in it.

Is this how it is between husband and wife? Baochai still has some memories of her parents from back then, but it doesn't seem to be like this.

Baochai was heartbroken. She had made the decision to choose Ying'er, but why did Baoyu accept her?

"Second Madam!" Qiaomai, the little maid who came out to get something, was assigned to Ying'er by Baochai. She was startled when she saw Second Madam Bao standing at the moon gate and quickly went forward.

Those inside the house clearly heard the address "Second Madam Bao." Baoyu didn't move, but Ying'er quickly came out to greet Baochai and invite her inside.

Seeing Ying'er behaving so properly was even more unpleasant than seeing her act as arrogantly as Aunt Zhao had back then. Not to mention, even though Ying'er was politely inviting her into the house, it made Baochai feel like Ying'er was the mistress of this little courtyard, while she herself had become an outsider.

"I just remembered I have something to do, so I won't go in yet. Ying'er, come over when you're free later." Baochai made an excuse and left.

Receiving the invitation from Princess Rui made Baochai, who had been in a bad mood for days, immediately happy: the Rui Prince's Mansion was not doing very well at the moment, but it was only at times like this that she had a chance.

Baochai had already heard that the Emperor now highly valued Prince Yi and his wife, but she couldn't side with Daiyu: when her brother got into trouble, Daiyu had already made her stance very clear; Daiyu hated her and the Xue family.

Therefore, if Prince Yi wins, her life will be difficult. Besides, Baochai harbors thoughts of comparing herself to Daiyu, and now that Daiyu is Prince Yi's wife, she can't catch up even if she tries.

However, if Prince Yi loses, then it's hard to say whether Daiyu, as Prince Yi's consort, will even survive.

Moreover, Baochai knew very well that her uncle supported the Second Prince.

After the defeat in the southeast, Baochai hesitated, but the emperor did not punish Prince Rui at all, which shows that Prince Rui still held a place in the emperor's heart.

We shouldn't be too concerned about temporary gains and losses. After analyzing the situation carefully, Baochai realized that Prince Yi had two uncles helping him, but Prince Rui had the combined power of the Wu family (the maternal family of Consort Wu) and the Song family (the maternal family of Princess Rui).

So when Princess Rui extended an olive branch to her, asking her to help with the planning of the flower room, Baochai was very enthusiastic.

So when Baochai received the invitation from Princess Rui, a hint of joy flashed in her eyes.

It was truly a rare treat that the Princess Consort of Rui had invited her to admire the flowers. Although she had helped the Princess Consort of Rui several times, the fact that she was invited in this way, especially for a flower-viewing banquet, and that the Princess Consort used such polite language, made Baochai even more delighted.