The Black Chamber Dream: Daiyu's Revenge

Baochai instructed her maid, Wenxing, "Bring out that set of silk jacket with gold pine and crane patterns and orange pleated skirt, and also some silver-inlaid kingfisher feather headdress."

Wenxing agreed and took it out of the box, but in her heart she sighed: Second Madam really cared about visiting the Prince Rui's Mansion, she even brought out the silver kingfisher feather headdress that she rarely used.

Wenxing didn't really like going to the Prince Rui's Mansion. She had accompanied the Second Mistress there once as a maid. The maids at the Prince Rui's Mansion were all snobbish and looked down on people. Last time, they were very polite to that Madam Liao's maid, but they were fierce to her.

But she dared not say these things in front of her second grandmother.

This time, however, Wenxing found it quite different from the last time. First of all, the princess was actually welcoming Bao Er's wife inside the second gate, and then she warmly took Bao Er's wife's hand, saying that they would admire the flowers and talk together.

What surprised Wenxing even more was that it seemed that only the Second Madam was invited this time; neither Madam Du nor Madam Liao, whom she had met before, were present.

Wenxing, of course, couldn't guess it. Even Baochai herself was momentarily surprised after hearing what Princess Rui said: Princess Rui's words implied that she wanted Baochai to come up with a plan to frame Princess Yi.

For some reason, Baochai recalled an old incident: that year at the Dripping Green Pavilion, she had unwittingly accused Daiyu of eavesdropping.

But times have changed, and the problem of Princess Rui's daughter is difficult to solve. Baochai finally understood why Princess Rui had invited her separately and even sent her a special invitation.

“I don’t trust anyone else, only you are the smartest and most resourceful.” Seeing that Baochai seemed hesitant, Princess Rui added more weight to the argument, “I heard that your husband doesn’t like to study. The prince can arrange a position for him, although it’s not a high one. But we are such good friends, it’s only right that we help each other.”

Baochai hesitated even more.

Chapter 135 A Malicious Scheme Against Daiyu

When Baochai heard that Song Huilan wanted to scheme against Daiyu, she was initially very happy: Prince Yi was now highly valued by the emperor, and even Baochai, a woman in the inner quarters, had heard about it. She remembered what Grandmother Jia said when Daiyu got married: if she were the Crown Princess, there would be twelve pearls on the brocade of her crown and gold ornament.

Baochai couldn't believe that Lin Daiyu, an orphan, could become the Crown Princess.

So when Song Huilan wanted to frame Daiyu, Baochai immediately felt she should agree. But after hearing Song Huilan's words, she hesitated.

Princess Rui hadn't figured out how to design or plan the layout, so she asked her for advice. Giving advice is sometimes no easy task.

This is different from the greenhouse; this is a serious matter that could lead to trouble. If you're not careful, it could cause real problems.

Furthermore, if the plot to frame Daiyu fails and is exposed, Princess Rui might pin the blame on her. It's said that a higher rank can crush a lower one; Princess Rui is a princess, and if she were to use her as a scapegoat, a mere young mistress of the Rongguo Mansion would likely be considered insignificant in the eyes of powerful figures.

Therefore, Baochai had to think things through very carefully. She didn't want to miss an opportunity to deal with Daiyu, but she also wouldn't put herself in danger.

"She's really good at playing the game now, trying to win over the Zuo family and the Princess's residence. You know how frail she is, yet she still insists on accompanying them to learn horseback riding, even saying they're going to a horse farm in the outskirts of the capital. This attempt to win people over is so unseemly." Song Huilan was furious, and knowing that Xue Baochai was jealous of the Princess Consort of Yi, she deliberately exaggerated her words.

When Baochai heard about the horse farm in the outskirts of the capital, she was slightly intrigued: "Has the Princess Consort ever been to the horse farm in the outskirts of the capital? Is that a place belonging to the royal family?"

“I’ve been there, but many years ago. I just went for fun. It wasn’t a royal horse ranch; any respectable family in the capital could go. What? You want to go too?” Song Huilan had indeed been there many years ago. She didn’t like horseback riding or anything like that, so she wasn’t interested.

"I have an idea, Your Highness, what do you think?" Baochai meant that they shouldn't involve framing Daiyu in the Prince Rui's mansion. "If something happens in the mansion, regardless of whether it's Your Highness's doing or not, I'm afraid many people will assume that Your Highness did it on purpose. Since the horse farm doesn't belong to the royal family, it shouldn't be difficult to tamper with it."

Baochai thought that the horse farm had even less to do with her, and if something really happened, even if they investigated, they wouldn't be able to trace it back to her.

Furthermore, with the accident at the horse farm, Daiyu's health was certainly in grave danger.

Song Huilan finally understood Xue Baochai's meaning, and her eyes lit up immediately: "You're so clever, you've grasped the key point right away. If something really happened in my mansion, I wouldn't be able to explain myself, but if it happened at the horse farm, it wouldn't be easy for them to investigate. Besides, that Zuo family guy, I think he just wants to curry favor with the third son and his wife. If you say that something happened when the Zuo family guy called the third son's wife, the third son and the fifth son will become enemies in the future. Your plan is brilliant, killing two birds with one stone."

Baochai breathed a sigh of relief when she saw that Song Huilan had agreed to her suggestion, but she quickly added, "But we still need to communicate well with the horse farm, otherwise there could be trouble if something goes wrong."

Song Huilan nodded and said, "Don't worry about that. I'll have a way to handle things at the horse farm." Song Huilan thought of her uncle. As the head of the Imperial Household Department, her uncle had quite a few connections with the horse farm.

As the princess consort, Song Huilan decided it was best not to get involved in this matter herself. Having gotten what she wanted from Xue Baochai, she happily strolled through their garden hand in hand with Baochai.

"I've heard that your household has a Grand View Garden, which is very beautiful, but unfortunately I can't see it." Song Huilan was in a good mood and was willing to flatter Baochai.

“That was built when the Virtuous Consort of the Palace returned home to visit her family. Now that a Princess Consort of Prince Yi has come to live in the garden, it’s not appropriate for us to stay there.” Although this was not Baochai’s first time visiting the Prince Rui’s Mansion, it was the first time she had toured it so thoroughly.

"That means the place has good feng shui," Song Huilan said with a smile. "I heard that a daughter from the Wang family in your household also married into the Rongguo Mansion?"

"Your Highness is referring to Feng'er, isn't she?" Baochai always called Wang Xifeng Feng'er and forgot to change her address for a moment. "Yes, Feng'er is my uncle's niece and my cousin. Now she is living in Ping'an Prefecture with her husband. Thanks to the Prince and Princess, she is doing quite well."

Baochai guessed that the Princess Consort's question was not casual; she probably wanted to use Feng'er and her husband. This couple was indeed good at planning their future, having fled far away to Ping'an Prefecture, a harsh and cold place north of the capital.

"I've heard that Ping'an Prefecture is where the Ning and Rong families rose to prominence. There are many former subordinates of the Duke there." Song Huilan was not asking casually. The most important thing in winning over Xue Baochai was that she had Prince Teng and the Rong family behind her. Although the Rong family was not as powerful as before, those of the Four Kings and Eight Dukes who were still around were all quite capable.

Baochai suddenly realized: No wonder Wang Xifeng and her husband were willing to go to such a harsh and cold place. She really didn't know before that Ping'an Prefecture had such a big connection with the Jia family.

“Now, where are the Ning and Rong mansions anymore? Sigh.” Baochai sighed deliberately. The East Mansion is not doing so well now, but Jia Zhen is still quite shrewd. So, now that Baochai is in charge, she still politely sends some things to the East Mansion during festivals.

"It's clear that Princess Yi is truly cold-hearted and heartless. Although the Ningguo Mansion isn't her maternal grandparents' family, the two branches share the same fate." Of course, Song Huilan would say a few bad things about Princess Yi in front of Baochai.

“This is nothing unusual. The princess has risen to a high position.” Baochai added, and both of them could see the jealousy and hatred they felt for Daiyu in each other’s eyes.

“Since your cousin and sister-in-law are in Ping’an Prefecture, next time your household sends them something, I’ll add some as well.” Song Huilan steered the conversation back to Jia Lian and his wife, but didn’t say much more.

Baochai readily agreed, but in her heart she was thinking: the eldest and second wives have always been outwardly friendly but inwardly at odds. If she could get the eldest wife under her thumb, it might be very useful.

After a lavish lunch with Baochai, Song Huilan strolled around for a while before seeing her off at the second gate. Watching Baochai's retreating figure, a slight smile appeared on Song Huilan's lips: The Rongguo Mansion still has some use; it just depends on whether this Second Mistress of Bao's understands. An old subordinate from Ping'an Prefecture, perhaps she'll come in handy in the future.

However, right now, Song Huilan's priority is to visit her uncle and aunt and see how to make proper arrangements at the horse farm.

Chapter 136 Horse Farm Accident: Jiang Qiu Injured

The young princess wanted to learn horseback riding, with Daiyu accompanying her, and Zuo Jiangqiu serving as the teacher with utmost dedication. The horse farm actually had foals that met Gao Xin's requirements.

This foal was pure white, with a small head and fine hair. It was trained and meticulously groomed daily, so it had no fishy or musty smell. In fact, the horses at the horse farm were all prepared for high-ranking officials and their families in the capital, and all of them were cared for by dedicated staff.

Daiyu was given a chestnut horse, which was also very docile.

This wasn't their first time here, so they were quite familiar with the horses' habits. Gao Xin looked at her own pony, then at Daiyu's horse: "I'd like to try riding a big horse too."

Daiyu's horse was much larger than Gao Xin's white horse, but smaller than the brown steed that Zuo Jiangqiu had chosen himself.

"Then I'll carry you up." After several encounters, Zuo Jiangqiu already knew that Daiyu's horse was very docile, so it wouldn't hurt to let Gao Xin try it.

Gao Xin was always bold. She was riding on horseback when Zuo Jiangqiu held her hand and adjusted the reins to be the same length on both sides. He then supported her waist to help her sit firmly and secured her feet in the stirrups before turning around and mounting his own horse.

"Don't be afraid, clench your ribs tightly." Zuo Jiangqiu rode his horse closer to Gao Xin and her chestnut horse, lightly tapping the horse's belly with his toe. The horse then followed Zuo Jiangqiu's horse and walked around the field. Zuo Jiangqiu then took the opportunity to lead her around the field.

Gao Xin was extremely excited when she heard Zuo Jiangqiu say, "You can loosen the reins a little." So she did as he said, slowly loosening the reins a bit, and the horse started to trot. Gao Xin was both scared and happy, and she could hardly help but shout out.

This was a better experience than the previous two times she rode a horse, and Gao Xin became more and more relaxed on horseback.

Zuo Jiangqiu encouraged Gao Xin, but she soon realized something was wrong. The horse seemed to be running faster and faster. Suddenly, as if it had been greatly stimulated, the horse neighed and galloped away.

Terrified, Gao Xin's small body was violently jolted on the horse, as if she was about to be thrown off. In the blink of an eye, she was in grave danger.

Without a second thought, Zuo Jiangqiu spurred his horse and rushed forward to rescue the man.

In an instant, Gao Xin faced a life-or-death crisis. The horse, which had been docile, was galloping faster and faster. Gao Xin was now holding the reins with only one hand. In addition, she could not see the scenery in front of her due to the bumpy ride. She was young and could only rely on instinct to grab onto whatever she could, as if it were a lifeline. However, she accidentally grabbed the horse's mane, causing the horse to neigh in pain and lift its front hooves, as if it wanted to throw the person on its back off!

Gao Xin was terrified and forgot to cry out. But at this critical moment, Zuo Jiangqiu arrived on horseback and grabbed Gao Xin's belt with perfect accuracy, snatching her away just as she was about to be thrown off her horse!

"Don't be afraid, Princess, sit down." Zuo Jiangqiu was still very clear-headed. She used one hand to help the little princess sit down in front of her, and with the other hand, she pulled the reins to prevent the two horses from colliding.

That was close! Zuo Jiangqiu almost failed to save the young princess.

The people from the horse farm rushed over after receiving the news, and even Daiyu, who had witnessed the whole scene, found herself almost unable to breathe. After regaining her senses, she also rushed forward.

The frightened horse was quickly caught and subdued by the horse farm staff. Daiyu took the terrified Gao Xin from Zuo Jiangqiu's arms, gently comforted her, and asked Zuo Jiangqiu if he was injured.

"Hiss—" Zuo Jiangqiu had intended to hold back, but seeing that the little princess was really alright, the intense pain in her arm made her gasp.

"Call the horse farm doctor to come and take a look at you." Daiyu had been there a few times and knew that the horse farm had a doctor on hand in case anyone got hurt.

Sure enough, the doctor arrived quickly. After examining her, he said, "Miss Zuo, your shoulder is dislocated. I will reset it for you. Please bear with it."

Gao Xin had calmed down considerably by now, but her eyes were still brimming with tears as she looked at Zuo Jiangqiu. If he hadn't saved her, she wouldn't have been injured. But Gao Xin couldn't understand why the horse had gone berserk.

"Xin'er, don't be afraid, it doesn't hurt." Zuo Jiangqiu was sweating profusely from the pain, but he was still comforting the little girl. Daiyu wanted to take Gao Xin aside so she wouldn't have to watch, but the little girl insisted on looking.

"Master was injured because of me," the little girl said clearly.

As the doctor gently grasped Zuo Jiangqiu's arm and slowly rotated it inward, a "click" sound was suddenly heard, and Daiyu's heart tightened.

"Does the young lady feel a little better?" the doctor asked.

Zuo Jiangqiu nodded, and Daiyu quickly thanked the doctor.

"Your Highness, the people from the horse farm are outside, here to apologize to Your Highness, Princess, and Miss Zuo," Xueyan said.

At this moment, Daiyu and the others were under a wooden awning built to block out the sunlight. Daiyu immediately spotted several people outside the fence who had come to apologize.

Daiyu wasn't sure if what happened today was an accident or not. She hadn't had a proper talk with Zuo Jiangqiu yet, so after hearing Xueyan's words, she looked at Zuo Jiangqiu and asked, "Miss Zuo, about this matter?"

Zuo Jiangqiu understood Daiyu's meaning and immediately replied, "The horse was startled, perhaps it was just an accident, and I wasn't seriously injured, so there's no need to apologize."

Xueyan took these words and went out, while Daiyu instructed them to go back: "First, send the princess back to the princess's residence. Also, have the imperial physician examine Miss Zuo's arm."

Upon arriving at the Princess's residence, the Princess first sent someone to fetch the imperial physician, leaving Zuo Jiangqiu at the residence: "I am more at ease knowing that Imperial Physician Jiang in the palace is a master of orthopedics. I will feel more at ease if he examines you."

After learning about the horse farm, the eldest princess fell into deep thought: This horse farm is the most famous in the capital. It can be said that people who are not qualified cannot go to this horse farm. Is it really just a coincidence?

"Just now you said that the horse originally belonged to Yu'er?" The eldest princess seized on a point: now that the third prince and his wife are in the limelight, it is possible that someone wants to harm Yu'er.

"Yes," Daiyu nodded.

"It's hard to say for sure, but it does serve as a reminder to you, Yu'er." The Princess clearly treated Daiyu like a daughter. "You should be even more careful when you travel in the future."

Daiyu understood what the Princess meant; she and Xiao Tingjun were husband and wife, and she feared that someone might have ulterior motives.

"I will keep Aunt's words in mind." Daiyu was frightened at the time, and now the more she thought about it, the more frightened she felt. Fortunately, Gao Xin was not injured today, and fortunately, Zuo Jiangqiu's injury was not serious, otherwise she would have dragged others down with her.

"As for the horse farm matter, I do have some connections. Whether it's aimed at you or not, I will find a way to investigate it thoroughly." The eldest princess told Daiyu not to worry about the horse farm matter, "You should remind the third prince to be even more careful when dealing with matters in the court."

When Daiyu returned home, she found that Xiao Tingjun was home so early today. She was hesitating whether to tell him about the horse farm, but he first pulled Daiyu up and down and looked her over. After seeing that Daiyu was unharmed, he exclaimed, "You scared me to death!"

Chapter 137 Prince Yi on an official business, a brief separation for the couple

Seeing Xiao Tingjun's tense expression, Daiyu guessed that he already knew about the horse farm incident, and quickly said, "I'm fine, but Miss Zuo is injured; she dislocated her shoulder."

"What exactly happened? I just heard that something happened at the horse farm, and that it was you, so I'm really worried." Xiao Tingjun had only just come out of the Ministry of Revenue when he heard these rumors, and he immediately became flustered.

Daiyu recounted the incident at the horse farm to Xiao Tingjun again: "Don't worry, but what you just said makes me think. If it really was just an accident, how come you heard the rumors so quickly?"

Xiao Tingjun also had some doubts: "Whether it was an accident or not, we can investigate. There are ways to get our hands on it from the horse farm."

“Auntie said she would investigate this matter, and I trust her.” Daiyu relayed the Princess’s words to Xiao Tingjun. “Auntie also specifically asked me to tell you that you need to be more careful in the court.”

Xiao Tingjun nodded and grasped Daiyu's hands in both of his. The two stood facing each other and Xiao Tingjun told Daiyu, "I was just about to tell you. Father Emperor sent my fifth brother and me to accompany Minister Tian of the Ministry of Works to Zhili."

Zhili? Daiyu couldn't help but feel a little worried about going out at this time.

“It’s currently the Yellow River’s peach blossom season, and Father Emperor wants us to go and see it, to broaden our horizons. The Zhili region has been very peaceful these past few years, so don’t worry.” Xiao Tingjun saw the worry in Daiyu’s eyes and squeezed her hand a little tighter.

"But aren't you in the Ministry of Revenue and the Ministry of War? Why are you being asked about the Ministry of Works?" Daiyu couldn't help but ask.

Seeing the confusion, unease, worry, and reluctance in his wife's eyes, Xiao Tingjun's heart warmed. He took her hand and kissed her directly.