The Black Chamber Dream: Daiyu's Revenge

“She has gained confidence, which is why she is fearless.” Xiao Tingjun was very pleased with Daiyu’s transformation; it was a good thing.

The Empress indeed agreed with Daiyu's suggestion and even informed the Emperor of their plan to continue keeping the matter secret.

After hearing Physician Jiang's description of Xiao Tingjun's injuries and the fifth son's account of the attack, the Emperor felt truly fortunate: thankfully, the third son was only injured; if something had really happened, how heartbroken he, as the father, would have been.

Moreover, the Emperor still remembers very clearly how the fourth prince and his wife schemed against the second prince's pregnant wife.

"It's good that the third son and his wife think this way; they're keeping things stable," the Emperor said simply, and the Empress nodded.

Therefore, very few people knew about Daiyu's pregnancy. Within the Prince Yi's mansion, only a group of people, such as Zijuan, who were the most trusted, knew. They kept their mouths shut, so there was no need to worry.

However, Zijuan seemed a little troubled, and Daiyu noticed this and asked her what was wrong.

"Now is a crucial time for the Princess, but my brother's wedding is also approaching." Zijuan's brother has bought a small house in the suburbs of the capital, and her mother is tidying it up. Zijuan also wants to go and help, but she feels that Daiyu cannot be left alone, so she is in a dilemma.

Upon hearing this, Daiyu suddenly remembered: "Oh right, I almost forgot. I remember it's the first day of next month, isn't it? This is good news. Go back and help out. I have Xueyan and Chunyu here. I've already prepared some things, so take them all back with you."

Zijuan quickly kowtowed to express her gratitude: "I can't take anything more from the Princess. My brother has been redeemed, and we're relying on the Princess for everything regarding our parents."

“This is a joyous occasion, and I’m happy for you too. Your brother has helped me a lot over the years, and besides, he’s marrying Yingchun’s maid. I have to show my appreciation.” Daiyu was genuinely happy. From the very beginning of her plan to protect herself, her brother Zijuan had played a very important role. He was honest, never greedy, and very loyal.

Zijuan couldn't refuse, so she kowtowed to Daiyu several more times. What Daiyu had instructed Xueyan to bring out still shocked Zijuan.

There is one bolt of cloud satin, one bolt of plain satin, one bolt of Peng satin, one bolt of Hangzhou silk, one bolt of Lu silk, one bolt of gauze, one bolt of damask, and one bolt of spun silk.

"Your Highness, this is too much. We can't carry even one bolt." Zijuan had some experience growing up in the Rongguo Mansion, and later she followed Daiyu to the Prince's Mansion, which broadened her horizons even further. These fabrics were all top-quality goods, some of which were impossible to buy even if one had the money.

“You know perfectly well that the clothes allocated by the palace each season, plus the gifts given during festivals, are simply not enough to wear. They just take up space and are prone to getting moldy. Besides, the new bride, Xiuju, will need several beautiful outfits. Your brother, too, is now managing the estate for me, so he naturally needs to have some style when he comes and goes.” Daiyu told Zijuan to stop thanking her.

Although Zijuan's brother's wedding couldn't be as extravagant as that of wealthy families, they still tried their best to prepare everything necessary.

Because Xiuju was an orphan, she was married off directly from Yingchun's household. Yingchun had cared for her mistress and servant for many years, and Xiuju was a loyal maid, so she did her best to prepare many things for Xiuju.

The wedding was very lively. Because Zijuan's mother had known many servants in the Rongguo Mansion for many years, many people in the Rongguo Mansion knew about this happy event.

Upon hearing this from the maids, Baoyu immediately exclaimed happily, "Second Sister and Lin Sister are both kind people. The maids are truly blessed to be with them."

Baochai overheard this, and in return, she gave a cold laugh: "Second Master, your words are quite interesting. How am I not a good person? If not, why did you give Ying'er to you as your concubine? Also, Second Master, your Lin sister is now the Princess Consort of a Prince. You should watch your words, or you might inadvertently be accused of disrespect."

Now that Baochai is in full charge of managing the household and has also established a relationship with the Princess Consort of Rui County, she feels that she no longer needs to tolerate or give in to Baoyu. She has also lost patience with Baoyu, who does not love her and always gives her attitude. She seizes every opportunity to provoke him.

"You gave Ying'er to me, do you think I don't know what you're up to? Let me tell you, don't always think about climbing up the social ladder, or you might fall and be smashed to pieces one day." Baoyu was increasingly dissatisfied with Baochai's current behavior: Baochai was befriending Prince Rui and wanted to arrange an official position for him.

“Even if I fall and get smashed to pieces, I’d be happy. Unlike you, Second Master. When Third Sister got married, she asked a good question: ‘Second Master, are you going to rely on your family to support you for the rest of your life? What kind of man are you?’” Baochai looked down on Baoyu’s attitude and didn’t say anything more to him. She turned around and left.

Baoyu stomped his foot in anger, and Ying'er quickly came to pull him back: "Good Second Master, please don't be angry. Second Mistress has a lot on her plate these days, so it's natural that she's in a bad mood. Now that the Old Madam is ill, it would be more proper for you to spend more time with her."

From then on, Baoyu felt that Ying'er was more considerate and distanced himself from Baochai.

But Baochai didn't care. With the help of Princess Rui, the Xue family won back a business deal with the imperial merchant. Baochai was, after all, a woman of the inner quarters and it was not appropriate for her to show her face. Seeing that Jia Qiang used to run errands for Jia Lian, she asked him to do things for her.

After discussing with Jia Qiang, Baochai was drinking tea when Wenxing came and said, "Third Master Huan is here and wants to see Second Mistress."

Jia Huan? Baochai smiled and invited him in, as if she had just remembered something.

Chapter 150 Jia Huan's Scheme to Seek Help from Baochai

After thinking it over, Jia Huan decided to come and see Baochai.

Now that Baoyu is no longer studying, Jia Lan has gone to Yuntao Academy, and Jia Huan is all alone. He was never a person who liked studying and never intended to take the imperial examination.

When his third sister became a princess and went to marry a foreign ruler, he didn't get any benefits. So Jia Huan started thinking about how he could start his own business.

After racking his brains for a solution, he suddenly realized that Jia Qiang had managed to get a job through his second sister-in-law, and even a managerial position. If a distant relative like Jia Qiang could do that, then he, as a legitimate young master of the Rongguo Mansion, should surely not be favored by his second sister-in-law.

Jia Huan recalled the year he went to play with Ying'er, when Baochai scolded Ying'er. He also remembered how Baochai used to give gifts to his mother; she was the most generous person he knew. Now that she was his sister-in-law, she would surely treat him well as well.

So Jia Huan came looking for Baochai.

After hearing Jia Huan's words, Baochai's heart stirred: Huan'er is, after all, a proper young man of the Rongguo Mansion, and his status could be used to make a difference. It's just a pity that he is still too young. Since Prince Rui is willing to give him an official position, and Baoyu is not willing to be an official, it would be good for Huan'er to go.

Baochai immediately smiled at Jia Huan and said, "It was my oversight as your sister-in-law. But Huan'er, you are still young. Doing business is not suitable for your status. According to your sister-in-law, if your second brother Lian can become an official, you can too. However, this matter cannot be rushed and must be planned slowly."

Upon hearing this, Jia Huan was overjoyed to learn that there was even a possibility of becoming an official. He immediately said to Baochai, "Since you say so, sister-in-law, then I thank you in advance. If there is anything I can do to help you, please just let me know."

Seeing Jia Huan like this, Baochai was even more satisfied: Although Jia Huan was a bit foolish, he was probably good enough.

So when Princess Rui asked about Baochai again, Baochai took the initiative to mention Jia Huan: "It is because the Princess favors him that my husband is so stubborn and unintelligent, which is a waste of the Princess's good intentions. My younger brother, who is also Princess Qingjia's brother, is clever and ambitious. If we could give him a chance, he would be more useful."

Princess Qingjia was the title bestowed upon Tan Chun by the imperial court. Song Huilan immediately remembered it. Tan Chun was not only outstanding in appearance but also extremely talented. Her younger brother must be no less so. Besides, even if Xiao Tingkai helped with the planning, they couldn't make a big fuss about it. Now that the other party was proposing Jia Huan, wouldn't it be better to give him a minor official position and do him a good deed?

So Song Huilan smiled and said, "Then it's settled. You've helped me so much, I'd feel bad if I didn't repay you."

Soon enough, the Prince Rui's Mansion stepped in and secured a position for Jia Huan as a clerk in the Accounting Department of the Imperial Household Department. Although it was a ninth-rank official position, the Accounting Department of the Imperial Household Department was in charge of the selection and management of palace maids and eunuchs, making it a lucrative place where one could also gain connections.

At first, Jia Huan was not very willing, but after Baochai explained the situation to him in detail, Jia Huan quickly thanked Baochai.

"Third brother, don't be so formal. We're family, and we need to support each other to keep this family together, right? Now you see, your second brother doesn't want to be an official, so who can this family rely on? We can only rely on you." Baochai was always good at flattering people, so she naturally praised Jia Huan a lot. "Now that the prince is supporting us, third brother, when you go, do your job well and don't cause any trouble for the prince."

Jia Huan was in a great mood: "I remember everything you said, sister-in-law. I've been studying for many years, so I know what I should and shouldn't do. If I really don't understand something, I'll naturally come back and ask you for advice."

“I know you’ve always been sensible, so I’m just giving you a piece of advice.” Baochai thought for a moment, “Now that Third Brother has an official position, it’s not appropriate for his monthly salary to be too low. How about ten taels of silver a month? What do you think, Third Brother?”

Ten taels of silver all at once? Jia Huan hadn't even considered this, so he was naturally overjoyed and thanked Baochai, his sister-in-law, profusely.

"In addition, you should have two more people accompany you when you go out. You should have a more manly demeanor. Since your second brother doesn't go out now, how about having Mingyan and Li Gui accompany you?" Baochai meant that she wanted someone to keep an eye on Jia Huan to prevent him from having any disloyal intentions.

Although Jia Huan was a little unhappy, since this was sending someone to keep an eye on him, he thought again that whether it was this official position or money, he would have to rely on his sister-in-law Baochai. Now that his sister-in-law was on good terms with the Princess of Rui County, it would be of many benefits to him. Even if the two servants followed him, they couldn't really disobey him, so he might as well just go along with Baochai.

So he nodded in agreement: "Sister-in-law, you are so thoughtful. Thank you very much." He even bowed.

Then Jia Huan happily took his leave. Baochai watched Jia Huan's departing figure and pondered: The Imperial Household Department is a good place. If Jia Huan goes there, he might even be able to help Jia Qiang's business.

The news of Jia Huan's appointment as an official quickly spread throughout the Rongguo Mansion. Aunt Zhao was quite pleased, but Jia Zheng was worried and summoned his son for a serious talk. However, he himself wasn't doing very well as an official, so he could only tell his son not to make mistakes, not to be greedy, and that doing things diligently and conscientiously was the most important thing.

Xichun naturally found out as well, and when she went to Prince Yi's mansion to see Daiyu, she told Daiyu everything.

Daiyu's sources of information are no longer limited to Xichun. Li Wan has also sent a message through Zijuan's mother, along with some news that Xichun, a young lady, is unaware of: Baoyu's wet nurse, Granny Li, and her entire family have been won over by Baochai. Li Gui is accompanying Jia Huan when they go out to keep an eye on Jia Huan for Baochai.

"The Imperial Household Department... lately, it feels like everything is somehow connected to them." Daiyu thought of Consort Guo in the palace and felt uneasy.

However, Daiyu didn't need to tell Xichun about the affairs of the Imperial Household Department, since Xichun had no connection with it.

"Your Highness, the late Princess Chun has sent someone with a letter." Zijuan came in with the letter, and Daiyu, very curious, quickly took it, but first asked Zijuan who the messenger was.

"I invited the nannies from the Prince's Mansion to have tea and also sent some pastries over. I'm waiting for Your Highness to review them so I can tell them the result." Zijuan was also very curious. The old Prince Chun was the Emperor's uncle, which meant he was the Prince and Princess's great-uncle. The Prince Chun's Mansion had never sent an invitation before.

When Daiyu opened it, she was even more confused: the old princess wanted to visit and asked if Daiyu was free.

Daiyu and Xiao Tingjun had always been somewhat reluctant to associate with members of the imperial family. Apart from the Princess's residence, where the Princess took special care of Daiyu, they maintained only lukewarm relationships with other princes' residences.

But since the Princess Chun was coming, Daiyu couldn't refuse. After thinking for a moment, she said, "Zijuan, please invite the nannies in to talk."

Regardless, let's first see what Princess Chun's purpose is in coming here.

But Daiyu never expected that the old Princess Chun had come to her door to act as a matchmaker.

Chapter 151 The Princess Consort Acts as Matchmaker and Takes a Fulfillment of Baoqin

Princess Chun came to act as matchmaker for her nephew.

Princess Chun was born into the Peng family of the Marquis of Xiangyang. Her younger brother, Peng Yi, is now the Minister of the Court of Judicial Review. Her brother's family has a younger son, Peng Feng, who was disabled due to leprosy in his early years. He has difficulty walking on one leg and walks with a limp.

That was bad enough, but two years ago, the girl he was engaged to died of illness. Now, some people are saying that Peng Feng is cursed and that he brought death to the girl.

Peng Feng was already somewhat insecure because of his limp, and he finally found a girl who didn't mind his disability, but it all ended like this. Ever since that girl passed away, Peng Feng has been drowning his sorrows in alcohol and has been depressed for over a year.

"I'm not afraid you'll laugh at me, Yu'er, but my nephew, if we're talking about family background, there are families willing to marry their daughters into our family. But he's quite picky; he wants a smart and sensible girl, and he doesn't care about her background." The old Princess Chun felt sorry for her nephew, so she personally went to Daiyu's door.

That's not untrue. The Minister of the Court of Judicial Review is a third-rank official, in charge of the important area of ​​punishment, and has an aunt who is a princess. Moreover, he comes from a marquis's family. Peng Feng's family background is indeed such that many families would be willing to marry their daughters to him.

"I did order some items from Yu'er's 'Painted Hall Spring Embroidery' twice, and I took a liking to a girl named Baoqin." Princess Chun didn't hide anything; she had already sent someone to inquire about Baoqin's background. "I found out that she was originally the niece of the Xue family, a royal merchant family. I was a little hesitant at first, but then I learned that she had severed ties with that family, so I felt relieved. That girl has no parents now, and I heard that her brother is getting married soon, but since the bride hasn't entered the family yet, there's no sister-in-law to help her make arrangements. So, I came to ask Yu'er's opinion."

The fact that the old princess took a liking to Baoqin truly shows that the young master of the Peng family didn't care about the girl's background. In terms of looks and talent, Baoqin was indeed outstanding.

But Daiyu couldn't make the decision for Baoqin in this matter.

“Grandmother, although Sister Qin helps out at Huatang Chunxiu and we have some old acquaintance, I cannot agree to her marriage on her behalf.” Daiyu chose to give a straightforward answer.

Princess Chun liked Daiyu's attitude: she, as Princess Chun, and the Chun Prince's Mansion behind her held a high position within the royal family, but Princess Yi would not speak or act to curry favor with her. For example, if it were just one person, they would probably agree to this without hesitation, since establishing a marriage alliance, even if it was a roundabout way, might be useful in the future.

This actually shows that Princess Yi is a person of principle.

"Of course, the reason I came to see you today, Yu'er, is to ask that girl for me. If we send someone directly to her door, it would seem a bit like bullying her, and I'm afraid the girl wouldn't be able to refuse." Princess Chun thought that if the girl was unwilling, so be it; you can't force a relationship.

Seeing that the old Princess Chun was so open-minded, Daiyu felt much more at ease: if the old Princess Chun were unreasonable, she would have to put in even more effort.

"Then I'll trouble you, my dear aunt, to wait patiently for two days. I'll ask Baoqin first, and then I'll give you my reply." Since the old Princess Chun was so understanding, Daiyu readily agreed.

Having achieved her goal, Princess Chun took her leave after having lunch at Prince Yi's residence. Daiyu personally escorted her to the ceremonial gate, waiting for Xiao Tingjun to return from court. Daiyu then told him about the matter—Xiao Tingjun had been recuperating for about a month and it was time for him to get back to work.

After hearing this, Xiao Tingjun told Daiyu not to worry: "Don't worry, even if we get close to Uncle Chun, Father won't mind. My uncle has always been indifferent to politics. When it comes to being a prince, no one is more carefree than him."

Hearing Xiao Tingjun say this, Daiyu was completely relieved. After all, it wouldn't be good to leave an impression on the emperor that she was trying to win people over.

Daiyu quickly invited Baoqin over and directly conveyed the intentions of the late Princess Chun to Baoqin. Back then, when Yuanchun and Lady Wang had even considered sending Baoqin to Prince Yi as a concubine, Baoqin had come directly to Daiyu to express her stance in the same way.

"Princess Chun specifically emphasized that if Sister Qin is not willing, she doesn't need to force herself." Daiyu made Princess Chun's attitude clear to Baoqin.

Baoqin didn't hesitate at all. After thinking for a while, she said frankly, "As Your Highness knows, my parents are gone, and I only have one older brother. Right now, my family is busy preparing to welcome my sister-in-law into the family. So, the only person I can discuss my own affairs with is my brother."

Daiyu nodded; Baoqin's situation was indeed as described.

“I have known Your Highness for many years, so I’m not afraid of you laughing at me. If we’re just talking about family background, the Peng family is really a very good family. Ever since the Mei family broke off the engagement, some other families have come to inquire about us, but they’re basically not any good families.” Baoqin decided not to hide anything from Daiyu. Firstly, there was nothing to hide, and secondly, she analyzed the pros and cons. Now that she and her siblings had severed ties with their aunt’s family, maintaining contact with the Prince Yi’s mansion was very important to them.

Although it's too pragmatic, that's just how reality is.

“Since Princess Chun has chosen to be frank, then I don’t need to hide anything from her.” After hearing Daiyu’s description, Baoqin felt that Princess Chun was at least an open and honest person; otherwise, she wouldn’t have come to Princess Yi’s house, but would have sent a matchmaker directly to her door, and she wouldn’t have been able to refuse.

“I don’t mind that the young master of the Peng family is disabled, but I do care about his character. I really don’t know much about him, so I wonder if Your Highness could help me find out something?” Baoqin would of course ask her brother to find out, but in a high-ranking family, her brother’s connections are not that great. The Yi County Prince’s Mansion is different.

Seeing Baoqin's directness, Daiyu told her the truth: "Since you're so straightforward, Sister Qin, I'll be frank too. I've already inquired about this young master from the Peng family. Because he's lame, he won't be taking up an official post for the time being, but he's quite learned. Everything else is fine, but there's one thing: he's rather sensitive. Perhaps because he's been lame for many years, he's become somewhat withdrawn."

Baoqin thought that this was only natural. Someone with such a good background would initially be unable to bear people's gaze because of illness and become lame, so he was unwilling to socialize.

"Then, can I see him?" Baoqin thought for a moment and felt that what others said was not as good as seeing it with her own eyes.

She was indeed a girl who had traveled all over the country with her father; any other girl probably wouldn't have dared to say such a thing.

Daiyu agreed with Baoqin's words: "I'll discuss it with Princess Chun first and see how to arrange it."

Upon hearing this, Baoqin stood up and solemnly bowed to Daiyu to express her gratitude: "Whether it works out or not, I still want to thank the Princess."

To put it bluntly, if the Princess Consort disregarded her own wishes and directly agreed to that arrangement, Baoqin would find it difficult to refuse. Putting aside everything else, just the fact that the Princess Consort Chun is now the oldest member of the royal family means that even the Emperor and the Empress would have to give her some face.