The Black Chamber Dream: Daiyu's Revenge

Zijuan received the news and reported it to Daiyu.

Chapter 209 Using Rumors to Counter the General and His Two Consorts

Daiyu was deeply moved after hearing Zijuan's words. Xiangyun, Xichun, and others had gone to great lengths to help her, and Zuo Jiangqiu had also gone to great lengths for her.

"Spread the word and tell them not to worry about it anymore. With the news of Princess Cheng's pregnancy and Consort Zhou's vigorous promotion, I am now the Crown Princess who can bring good luck." In jest, Daiyu told Zijuan seriously, "Moreover, Father has already reprimanded Consort Wu and Consort Xu, and they will not dare to talk nonsense again in the future."

It must be said that Consort Zhou deserves considerable credit for this matter.

After the Emperor returned to the palace, he did not hear any rumors about the Crown Princess's exceptional fate. Instead, he heard praise for the Crown Princess's good fortune and that the Princess Consort of Cheng was pregnant because of the Crown Princess's good luck.

The Emperor was somewhat surprised: this wasn't the Crown Prince and his wife's style; they were always low-key. A little inquiry revealed that this rumor had originated from Consort Chen.

What is Consort Chen trying to do? Is she trying to flatter her to her detriment?

With suspicion in his heart, the emperor went to Consort Zhou's residence that very night and questioned her directly.

"Oh, Your Majesty, is that what you're talking about? It's all because of the Fifth Prince's wife." Consort Zhou was not flustered at all, but instead smiled. It was clear that she, as the mother consort, was very happy that her daughter-in-law was pregnant.

The emperor couldn't help but frown: "What does this have to do with the fifth prince's wife?"

It can be said that all four daughters-in-law were chosen by the emperor. Of course, he considered their family background and character. In his memory, his fifth daughter-in-law was a woman who was good at riding horses and well-versed in military strategy.

Moreover, it is said that the fifth prince's wife and the crown princess get along very well, so logically, she wouldn't harm the crown princess.

“It’s not the fifth prince’s wife, His Majesty knows that. That child is always carefree and loves to stand up for the weak. After hearing those rumors, she felt sorry for the Crown Princess. Coincidentally, she was diagnosed with pregnancy at Delin Palace. That child started making a fuss to quell the rumors.” Consort Zhou sighed, her smile disappearing. “His Majesty also knows about the Crown Princess. She doesn’t say a word even when she’s wronged.”

Wait a minute? The Crown Princess was wronged? Rumors? The Emperor was completely baffled.

"What rumors? How come I don't know about them?" The emperor immediately sensed that something was amiss.

Consort Zhou exclaimed, seemingly somewhat embarrassed, but still spoke frankly: "Perhaps His Majesty and the Empress have returned to the palace, and no one dares to mention it in front of His Majesty and the Empress, so His Majesty and the Empress do not know."

On the other hand, she frowned deeply: "Your Majesty, as you know, the Crown Princess lost her parents at a young age. Instead of pitying her, these people blame her for having an exceptionally strong fate. If that's true, how come she has had one happy event after another after marrying the Crown Prince? So it's all nonsense."

Fate? It's too much of a coincidence that it happened right when I took the Empress out.

Consort Zhou looked on with heartache: "Every family loves their own child. Since becoming a royal daughter-in-law, the Crown Princess has always been there for her younger brother and sister-in-law, whether it's planning the flower viewing banquet or helping the ladies of the nobility. His Majesty knows that the Fifth Prince was quite headstrong back then, and it was thanks to his older brother and sister-in-law that he's been able to get away with it. Now that the Fifth Prince's wife is pregnant, the young couple is overjoyed. The Crown Princess is such a good person, yet some people have such ill intentions as to spread these rumors."

As Consort Zhou spoke, she observed the Emperor's expression. Seeing that the Emperor was deep in thought, she continued, "Your Majesty knows that the Fifth Prince's wife is always impatient and can't stand these kinds of things. That's why she made such a fool of herself. I thought that the Fifth Prince's wife meant well, so I might as well help her out and make her happy during her pregnancy."

Upon hearing this, the Emperor immediately understood: the Empress would accompany him on his trip, while the Consort Gui would remain to manage the inner palace, with Consort Shu assisting. These rumors, of course, only surfaced at this very moment.

"Even so, your method is too superficial," the emperor sighed.

"Rumors have always been harmful because they are hard to verify. Although the fifth prince's wife's method was a bit foolish, it was well-intentioned." Seeing this, Consort Zhou knew very well that she had achieved her goal: even if the Noble Consort and the Virtuous Consort were not punished, the Emperor would still remember it.

"Enough, enough, I know what I'm doing." The Emperor waved his hand. "Speaking of which, the fifth prince's wife is pregnant, so we should give her some gifts."

As he spoke, the emperor summoned Hu Delu and instructed him to send gifts to the Prince Cheng's residence the next day: jujubes from Henan, ginseng and deer antlers from Northeast China, gastrodia elata from Sichuan, and various kinds of silk.

"The fifth prince has been quite ambitious lately. He once took a fancy to a jade carving of a Luohan holding a scroll, carved from yellow jade with a red skin. I sent it to him." The emperor casually remarked.

Consort Chen quickly expressed her gratitude to the Emperor on behalf of her son and daughter-in-law.

However, Consort Zhou did not expect that the Emperor would have the Empress gather all the concubines in the harem and say to them in public: "I have heard some inappropriate rumors circulating in the palace the other day. Here, I must remind you to keep your own people in the palace in check. If I hear those words again, don't worry about me being ruthless."

Upon hearing the Emperor's words, Consort Wu and Consort Xu felt a chill run down their spines, especially Consort Wu, who was the one who had the rumors spread. Ultimately, it was the Second Prince's concubine who was to blame for coming up with such a terrible idea when she came to the palace to pay her respects.

“Consort Wu, you were in charge of palace affairs when the Empress was away, which shows that you failed to manage your servants well.” Just as Consort Wu was complaining in her heart, the Emperor directly called her name, “You shall be fined three months’ salary as a warning.”

The three months' salary wasn't a problem, but Consort Wu felt extremely embarrassed in front of everyone. However, she still had to get up, kneel down, and kowtow to thank the Emperor for his grace.

"Consort Shu, you also bear responsibility for assisting in managing palace affairs, so you will be fined one month's salary." The Emperor turned his attention to Consort Xu.

Consort Xu wanted to protest her innocence, but she hadn't stopped the rumors in time and even hoped they would spread further. So she knew very well that she had no right to protest and obediently got up to admit her mistake.

The subtle difference in how the two concubines were punished made the emperor even more dissatisfied with Consort Wu: she only expressed her gratitude, but did not admit her mistake.

So just as Consort Wu was relieved that someone was finally there to accompany her in being scolded and punished, the Emperor went to Consort Xu's place that very night.

Not only that, there were also rewards the following day.

"His Majesty bestowed upon Consort Xu a long-necked vase with famille rose floral patterns, saying it would be used to display lotus pods in the summer." Upon hearing the palace maid's report, Consort Wu was furious.

His Majesty is truly biased. In order to protect the third prince and his wife, he not only granted a marquisate to the Crown Princess's deceased father, but now he even controls the rumors.

When her son came to pay his respects, the angry Consort Wu complained, but to her surprise, her son instead tried to persuade her.

Chapter 210 Mother and Son Reflect on Harmony Between Wives and Concubines

Consort Wu spoke to her son about the rumors, feeling deeply indignant: "Your father is far too biased towards the Crown Prince and Crown Princess. For such a trivial matter, he even had to embarrass me in front of the other concubines."

Xiao Tingkai was naturally also full of resentment, but he felt that now was not a good time to take action, so he patiently persuaded his mother: "Mother, when I investigated Lin Ruhai last time, I realized something."

Consort Wu looked at her son curiously, waiting for him to continue.

“Mother, ever since my third brother was named Crown Prince, we’ve both been thrown into disarray.” Xiao Tingkai looked at his mother and said very seriously, “In the past, Mother was the calmest. Whenever I acted impulsively, it was Mother who guided me and told me not to be too hasty. But ever since my third brother was named Crown Prince, I’m afraid Mother has also panicked.”

Upon hearing the words "lost her composure," Consort Wu suddenly realized: Yes, ever since the Crown Prince was appointed, she had been anxious and worried, completely losing her usual composure. And yet, she had handled several things poorly, giving the Crown Prince a handle to use against her.

No, this cannot be done. Consort Wu recalled the principles her father and mother had taught her when she was a child, and the books she had read.

I was too impatient.

Seeing that his mother understood his meaning, Xiao Tingkai relaxed a lot and continued to explain his thoughts to her: "Now, even though my third brother is already the crown prince, Father is still in his prime. Mother, think about how proud and valued the deposed crown prince was back then. Compared to my third brother, he was even more so. But what happened in the end?"

Consort Wu looked at her son with delight. Yes, if her son could think of that, why couldn't she?

The Emperor had deliberately demoted the Virtuous Consort to the rank of Zhaorong and then had her stay with him, which was already a warning to him. However, he failed to understand this and continued to act foolishly.

"Besides, Father Emperor brought me along for this tomb-sweeping ceremony. I believe Father Emperor hasn't truly abandoned me." Xiao Tingkai had been carefully considering this on the way to the tomb. "Furthermore, Father Emperor has chosen a princess from Goryeo to be my fourth brother's concubine, which increases his power. Mother Consort knows that my fourth brother is ambitious. So why should we be the first to act? Let my fourth brother fight against the Crown Prince, and then we can reap the benefits. Wouldn't that be better?"

Consort Wu nodded slightly, sighed softly, and said, "Alas, my child, you think so clearly! I was indeed too hasty and impulsive in this matter. Now that I think about it, as a consort in the harem, I really should calm down and reflect on myself." After saying this, a trace of regret flashed in her beautiful eyes, as if she felt ashamed and remorseful for her previous behavior.

However, looking at her son, Consort Wu still reminded him, "Your household needs to hurry up with the matter of having an heir. I asked the imperial physicians in private, and although they didn't say it explicitly, I'm afraid that Lan'er's premature birth damaged her health, and she needs to be properly recuperated. If that doesn't work, we still need to hurry up and have the concubine give birth to a son."

Xiao Tingkai had inquired with the imperial physician about Song Huilan's likely inability to conceive again. Although the physician did not explicitly state this, it was essentially the same idea.

"It's not that your mother wants to urge you, but look how much your father loves the third prince's daughter. Now the fifth prince's wife is pregnant again." Consort Wu also sighed. If it weren't for the fourth prince and his group's scheme, Lan'er wouldn't have gone into premature labor.

"Yes, Mother, don't worry." Xiao Tingkai suddenly thought, "Now I have a concubine, and my fourth brother will be here soon, but the Crown Prince is not. Mother, please don't bring this up. Let me think about it."

"Don't rush into action. You just said we shouldn't act impulsively," Consort Wu reminded her son.

"Mother, don't worry, I won't take action now. I'll wait until my fourth brother marries his concubine and then we'll see how things go." Xiao Tingkai thought to himself, "My third brother always seems to have good luck, so I'll seize the opportunity. I'll also carefully consider how to make Father Emperor think that it wasn't my doing."

Consort Wu nodded and then instructed her son, "Don't bully Lan'er either. Think about it, her grandfather is still the Minister of Revenue, and her father and uncles are all officials, which will be of great help to you. After your maternal grandfather resigned, your uncle is far inferior to him."

"Mother, rest assured, your son has thought it through. Nothing can be rushed." Xiao Tingkai has learned his lesson and has decided that he will not act rashly for at least the next six months.

The mother and son talked for a while longer before Xiao Tingkai took his leave.

He happened to see people from Delin Palace delivering gifts, so he couldn't help but keep an eye on things. When he returned home, he saw his wife and concubine discussing sending gifts together, so he couldn't help but wonder: "Why do you all have to send gifts? I saw Delin Palace sending gifts out too, but I don't know which family they went to."

“It seems the Crown Princess is truly dedicated. Most of the gifts from Delin Palace are likely destined for the Xue family,” Song Huilan said immediately. “The Crown Princess is indeed a master strategist.”

"The Xue family? Which Xue family?" Xiao Tingkai was still confused. Wasn't the Xue family all dead?

"Don't you remember? The nephew of the old Princess Chun was going to marry a girl from the Xue family. Speaking of which, that girl was originally the cousin of Bao Er's wife from the Rongguo Mansion. Later, when she saw that the situation was not good, she broke off her ties with the Xue family and set up her own household." Song Huilan remembered it clearly because Bao Er's wife had told Song Huilan about those things back then.

“Oh, I remember now, isn’t Bao Er’s wife Yun’er’s cousin?” Xiao Tingkai did have some recollection of her. “But, since we’ve severed ties, our household doesn’t need to send any gifts.”

“Of course, our gifts shouldn’t be sent to the Xue family, but to the Peng family. Although it’s unclear who they support right now, we still have to send gifts when the time comes.” Song Huilan was also very dissatisfied. The Peng family was the maternal family of the late Princess Chun, and they also had real power. They were related by marriage, so how could we not send gifts?

"It was I who was confused." Seeing that Song Huilan was thoughtful, Xiao Tingkai recalled his mother's words and couldn't help but feel that he had neglected his wife too much these days. So his tone softened, "It's all thanks to Lan'er. Seeing you two living in harmony, I am truly gratified."

Wang Xiyun smiled gently and said, "Look at what Your Highness is saying. My sister has always treated me very well."

Although Song Huilan always harbored resentment towards her husband's concubine, Wang Xiyun was adept at being subservient, and Song Huilan, seeing how sensible she was, let it go.

Xiao Tingkai was very satisfied with his virtuous wife and beautiful concubine.

The third son and his wife were the most loving couple. If the Crown Prince's concubine were to come into the world one day, I wonder what would become of them?

The gifts from Prince Rui's Mansion were sent to the Peng family, who had already decorated the house with festive cheer.

Because their son is disabled, his parents naturally dote on him more. The Peng family is very happy that their son has married a beautiful and intelligent daughter-in-law.

On a clear, crisp autumn day, Baoqin was getting married.

Chapter 211 Recalling the Past, Baoqin Reflects Deeply

Two nights before her wedding, Baoqin sat in front of her dressing table in her small courtyard, looking at herself in the mirror. Her thoughts drifted back to the day she and her brother decided to go to the capital.

With her parents gone and the Xue family's assets in the hands of her aunt's family, what could she do? She should have been an innocent and carefree girl, but Baoqin had no choice but to face everything alongside her brother.

The brother and sister discussed it for several days, but couldn't come up with a solution. Just then, their aunt from the capital sent a letter.

It was obvious at a glance that the letter was written by my cousin—my aunt had limited literacy, let alone calligraphy skills. And my cousin's regular script was something that Baoqin's father often praised when he was alive.

Their aunt invited them to the capital, which gave Baoqin and her brother, who were at a loss, a glimmer of hope.

There was one thing that Baoqin was very concerned about: her aunt's family was no longer living alone, but in the Rongguo Mansion in the capital.

Baoqin of the Rongguo Mansion knew that the four kings and eight dukes were all connected. If it weren't for the Rongguo Mansion, the royal family behind her aunt, the Xue family's assets wouldn't have been almost entirely taken over by the eldest son's family after her uncle's death.

With so many properties and so many households in the Xue family, how could they not fight over them? Besides, his cousin Xue Pan wasn't good at business. It's just that the people in those households were afraid of the Rongguo Mansion and the Wang family.

"My aunt is so kind; she still thinks of us siblings," Xue Ke exclaimed upon receiving the letter.

Baoqin, however, felt that things might not be so simple: the Xue family had so many branches, and her aunt and uncle hadn't helped any of them, so why her and her brother? And why now that their parents were gone?

However, for them, this is currently the only way: their father and eldest uncle are brothers, while their relationship with the other branches of the family is much more distant. Furthermore, in the years since their father passed away, the other branches have all been looking after their own interests, and no one is willing to lend a helping hand to them.

However, once they arrived in the capital, Baoqin felt that something was amiss.

Firstly, there's the issue of accommodation. Why did Aunt's family stay at Rongguo Mansion instead of Wang's? If it's because a widow and her orphan living alone in a separate courtyard is a concern, and they want to leverage the power of Rongguo Mansion and Wang's family to prevent others from cheating the Xue family's business, then staying at Wang's family would achieve the same goal.

Moreover, as the older generation often says, "the maternal uncle is the most important person to the mother!" Although the maternal uncle of the Wang family had gone out to take up an official post and was living in another place, the maternal aunt of the Wang family was still living comfortably in the capital with her whole family.

Soon, Baoqin realized what was going on: her aunt and cousin wanted to arrange a marriage between their families and the Rongguo Mansion. The man they had chosen was none other than her cousin's aunt's son, the Rongguo Mansion's precious son, Jia Baoyu.

For the Xue family, a family of imperial merchants, the Rongguo Mansion was indeed a high-status family to climb. Besides their family background, Baoyu's sister was also a virtuous concubine.

However, Jia Baoyu was not someone his cousin could marry at will. In Baoqin's view, there were three major obstacles to this.

First and foremost is the old lady. Grandmother Jia is the most senior member of the Jia family, a Lady of the highest rank, and comes from the Shi family. Unless Grandmother Jia approves, even Baoyu's parents can't arrange his marriage.

Secondly, there's the eldest son's wife. Although Baoyu is from the second son's wife's family, the title currently belongs to Baoyu's eldest uncle. Not to mention the eldest son's wife, Lian, who is quite useful to Grandmother Jia.

And then there's Baoyu himself, of course. Baoqin had only been living here for a few days when she could see clearly that although Baoyu was very kind to all the sisters, the one he cared about most was naturally Sister Lin.