The Black Chamber Dream: Daiyu's Revenge

"Yes, daughter-in-law understands," Daiyu replied respectfully.

"No matter what His Majesty decides, the Crown Prince is back. You and your husband must talk things out properly and not throw tantrums," the Empress instructed her. "If you need to persuade the Crown Prince, don't be willful."

Daiyu agreed to everything, and seeing that the Empress had nothing more to say, she got up to take her leave.

As soon as Daiyu left, the Emperor emerged from behind the eight-panel carved lacquer screen inlaid with precious stones and painted with landscapes. Upon seeing him, the Empress laughed and said, "Your Majesty is a man of unparalleled talent, yet you hide behind a screen. Wouldn't it be a laughing stock if people knew?"

The emperor snorted, but the one who was about to retaliate was neither the empress nor the crown princess; instead, he turned his fire on the Prince Li's residence.

"The fourth prince's wife is really well-informed. The memorial was only submitted yesterday, and she already knows about it today." The emperor was somewhat displeased. In his view, his memorials, no matter what they contained, should not be leaked. "I think this might be something they did on purpose."

Upon hearing the Emperor use the word "they," the Empress knew that this matter was settled: the third prince and his wife were truly formidable. The "they" the Emperor was referring to were probably the second and fourth princes.

The emperor could say that, but the empress could not. Instead, she asked, "Then how does Your Majesty intend to handle this?"

"I remember that Consort Shu originally gave a palace maid to the Fourth Prince's residence. Later, I heard that she became pregnant, but she couldn't give birth. I heard it was a boy?" The Emperor did not answer the Empress's question, but instead asked about this matter.

Since the Emperor asked, the Empress naturally wouldn't hide anything for the Fourth Prince's family. She nodded and sighed, "That's right. Consort Xu sent Chunmei. I'm afraid His Majesty should remember that Chunmei also passed away two years ago. I heard that she was seriously ill and was heartbroken because she was thinking about her son who didn't get to see the world."

"No wonder the third prince seemed so frightened when he talked about the infighting in the inner quarters. I think he was scared by the troubles in the fourth prince's household." The emperor was very dissatisfied.

The Empress couldn't help but think that the Emperor's personality was truly something else; he could connect things that were completely unrelated.

If you can't stand someone, then you'll find fault with them in everything.

"Very well, I think what the third prince said makes some sense. The Crown Princess is also a good child. We don't need to make things difficult for them this time." The emperor had already made his decision. "But we can't let them have their way indefinitely. We'll wait until the legitimate son is born before we decide what to do."

"Your Majesty's love for your son truly moves me," the Empress exclaimed sincerely.

"I hope they can all understand my heart. They are all sons, and I am not favoring any one of them." The emperor was also helpless. If he had too few sons, he was afraid they would not be able to inherit the family business properly. If he had too many sons, he was afraid they would fight too fiercely.

It's a real dilemma.

"However, Your Majesty, although the second and fourth sons both have birth mothers, they are still your children. Whether it's the second son's wife or the fourth son's wife, if they do anything inappropriate, Your Majesty must remind them. We can't let them all be uneasy in the inner quarters and become a laughing stock," the Emperor added.

The Empress quickly agreed, thinking that she should also invite a few of the princes' wives to have a proper talk with them.

"Especially the fourth prince's wife, I don't think she's very sensible. She plotted to frame the second prince's wife back then. Now that the princess of Goryeo is a concubine, we can't ruin the diplomatic relations between the two countries," the emperor reminded him.

The Empress nodded and said, "Your Majesty, rest assured, I will speak with the Fourth Prince's wife together with Consort Shu."

The emperor nodded, remembering that the crown prince was still kneeling in his study, and then got up and left the empress's quarters.

It was very late when Xiao Tingjun returned to Delin Palace.

Chapter 224 Open and Honest Talk Between Husband and Wife

When Xiao Tingjun returned to Delin Palace, he found his wife still waiting. As usual, she had Chunxian bring him a late-night snack from the small kitchen.

It seemed that everything was exactly the same as usual.

However, the Emperor had already told Xiao Tingjun that the Empress Dowager had already mentioned to him that some officials had submitted a memorial requesting the establishment of a concubine for the Crown Prince.

The Emperor even relayed Daiyu's answer to Xiao Tingjun. So now, looking closely at Yu'er, Xiao Tingjun could see a hint of worry in her eyes.

Xiao Tingjun had no appetite, but seeing that Daiyu had already brought out a bowl of porridge, he sat down with her at the rosewood plum blossom table and began to eat a late-night snack. When the bowl of porridge was almost empty, and seeing that Daiyu seemed to want more, Xiao Tingjun quickly stopped her.

He instructed Chunxian to take the people away and clear all the dishes, then told the maids not to serve him and to leave.

Seeing that the Crown Prince and Crown Princess had something to say, Chunxian quickly tidied herself up and thoughtfully closed the door behind her when she left.

Xiao Tingjun reached out and took his wife's hand. Even though it was April and the night was slightly cool, it wasn't as cold as his wife's hand.

It's clear she was very nervous.

When her hand was grasped, Daiyu's previously unfocused gaze finally met Xiao Tingjun's, and she realized that his dark, deep eyes held both worry and composure.

"Yu'er, let me tell you about the matter of the Crown Prince's concubine." Xiao Tingjun led Daiyu to sit down on a rosewood plum blossom chair.

Xiao Tingjun recounted to Daiyu every single word of the conversation between father and son in the Emperor's study. Upon hearing Xiao Tingjun's words, Daiyu seemed frozen in place, staring blankly at him. The warm, yellow light of the night lamp illuminated Xiao Tingjun's handsome face, and Daiyu's already bright and lively eyes remained unblinking. She slightly opened her mouth, as if wanting to say something, but ultimately remained silent, simply gazing at him quietly. For a moment, the surrounding air seemed to solidify.

“I think Father has relented now. He has promised us that we will have the eldest son first. Yu’er, don’t feel pressured because of this. As Father himself said, having a son or a daughter is not something we can control.” Xiao Tingjun looked into Daiyu’s eyes very seriously. “As for the future, I have also told Father that everything should be done according to the circumstances and we should not force it.”

For Xiao Tingjun, being so direct and honest with the emperor had already moved Daiyu deeply. She patted her husband's hand with her other hand and said, "I understand, don't worry."

Of course she understood, but Daiyu also knew very well that it would be extremely difficult for Xiao Tingjun, as the Crown Prince, to truly be with one person.

Daiyu thought of Wang Xifeng, who was so powerful and jealous, yet she also had to make Ping'er her maid in order to avoid suspicion.

But it was already quite remarkable that Xiao Tingjun was willing to say those things before the emperor for her sake. Therefore, one should not be greedy for more than one has.

But Xiao Tingjun said again, "I'll take care of everything. You know my heart."

Daiyu nodded. She didn't know what the future held, but she had walked her own path step by step. Having almost experienced life and death, Daiyu was no longer as worried and afraid as before.

Xiao Tingjun embraced his wife, and the couple nestled together, enjoying the tranquility of the moment. They truly hoped that the years to come would be just like this.

However, some people couldn't wait to see the joke, and the next day, Song Huilan deliberately brought up the matter of the Crown Prince's concubine in front of Daiyu.

At that moment, the sisters-in-law came out of the Empress's Phoenix Palace and were about to disperse when Song Huilan stood in front of Daiyu with a look of watching a show: "Congratulations to the Crown Princess are very much due."

Ge Xijia missed out on the joke yesterday, but upon hearing Song Huilan's words, she quickly joined in.

Jin Jiazhu was brought into the palace by Ge Xijia. Seeing that Ge Xijia had been ridiculed by the Crown Princess yesterday, yet was so enthusiastic today, she couldn't help but think: There is a saying in the Central Plains, "Remembering the food but not the beating," and Princess Li is a girl from a wealthy family, yet she has this kind of personality.

After the Crown Princess stopped standing, he asked in a cool and aloof tone, "What brings you joy?"

Jin Jiazhu thought to herself, if Princess Ruijun could understand what she was saying, she should stop talking.

"Of course, I congratulate the Crown Princess. You'll have a younger sister to keep you company from now on," said Princess Rui, still looking quite happy.

It seems that sometimes it's not about how smart a person is, but rather their mindset that determines everything. Both Princess Rui and Princess Li desperately want to see the Crown Princess heartbroken and dejected.

"Oh." The Crown Princess's "Oh" was spoken with a profound meaning. Her bright eyes swept over Princess Rui's face, revealing her pity for her.

Sure enough, Jin Jiazhu heard the Crown Princess's pleasant voice filled with sarcasm: "It's a pity that I've disappointed my second sister-in-law. I didn't know anything about sisters coming to keep me company."

"Just now, the Empress Dowager said that everyone should strictly abide by the rules, not to inquire around, and not to spread rumors. Women have long tongues, which are the source of trouble." Daiyu quoted the Empress's words without any politeness, "Second sister-in-law, as a princess consort, naturally cannot be like a common woman, right?"

Before Song Huilan could react, Ge Xijia burst out laughing. She had only missed the Crown Princess's embarrassment yesterday, but her second sister-in-law was in even worse shape today.

Song Huilan was immediately furious and was about to continue speaking when the Crown Princess spoke first: "Second sister-in-law, if there's nothing important, I'll take my leave first. There are still matters to worry about regarding the Dragon Boat Festival banquet here, unlike you, Second Sister-in-law, who has the time."

This statement was a direct sarcasm directed at Song Huilan, practically saying, "Don't mess with me, the Crown Princess, you're just a princess consort."

Song Huilan was about to retaliate when she saw Hu Mama, who was by the Empress's side, come out, and she immediately gave up.

Granny Hu walked straight up to Daiyu and bowed her head, saying, "Her Majesty the Empress has remembered something she needs to tell the Crown Princess."

Daiyu left with Granny Hu. Song Huilan turned to Ge Xijia, who was watching the commotion, and asked angrily, "How does your fourth sister-in-law feel now that she has a younger sister to keep her company?"

Ge Xijia glanced at Jin Jiazhu, who remained silent, and then smiled at Song Huilan, saying, "Second sister-in-law is even more fortunate. Last time I had the pleasure of seeing Wang Shi, she was so beautiful and radiant."

Without waiting for Song Huilan to speak, he left.

Jin Jiazhu found it amusing, but outwardly remained very respectful as she followed Ge Xijia away.

The Queen learned of their quarrel here.

The Empress, remembering what the Emperor had said about instructing her to teach her daughters-in-law, summoned Granny Hu: "His Majesty has given me a difficult problem. Apart from Yu'er, the others all have mothers. It's really troublesome for me to teach them."

Granny Hu suddenly remembered someone: "The year the Crown Princess first organized the Dragon Boat Festival banquet, His Majesty sent Granny Yang from the Sansi Palace to help. The Crown Princess praised her highly. Why don't Her Majesty the Empress also borrow Granny Yang for a while?"

The Empress nodded, "That's a good idea, so the Emperor won't think I'm being too harsh on the two princesses."

Just then, news came from outside: "Princess Cheng has gone into labor."

Chapter 225 Jiang Qiu Gives Birth to a Son, Consort Chen is Overjoyed

The Empress was very concerned about the pregnancy of Prince Cheng's wife.

Firstly, Zuo Jiangqiu was a likable girl who had been happy ever since marrying the fifth prince and had never caused any unpleasantness. Even the emperor once couldn't help but say to the empress, "The children of the Zuo family seem to never have any worries."

Secondly, the Empress discovered that the girl from the Zuo family already had a very good relationship with the Crown Princess even before she married into the family. Now that the Emperor intends to cultivate the Fifth Prince, it seems he is grooming a right-hand man for the Third Prince. Therefore, the Empress naturally needs to pay more attention to the Fifth Prince's side.

So when she heard that the fifth prince's wife had started, the empress thought for a moment and went to Consort Zhou's place herself. Unexpectedly, she met Consort Zhou on the way.

"I was very flustered, so I came to Your Majesty the Empress's place to avoid having my mind wandering in the palace alone." Consort Zhou remained calm, knowing that the Zuo family had already arranged for a female physician and midwives, and the Imperial Hospital had also made arrangements, so she had little to offer.

Moreover, ever since her daughter-in-law became pregnant, her mother has been going to Prince Cheng's residence every few days. This past month, she has even stayed at Prince Cheng's residence to accompany her daughter.

So Consort Zhou didn't really have anything to worry about, but when she heard that the attack had started, she was still a little worried.

"In that case, let's go for a stroll in the garden," the Empress said with a smile, and together with Consort Zhou, they went to the garden to admire the peonies. The garden had carefully cultivated hundreds of precious peony varieties, which were now in full bloom, their colors vibrant, their fragrance sweet, and their beauty magnificent.

As soon as the two entered, they saw Consort Guo playing with the little princess in the garden. Upon seeing the Empress, Consort Guo quickly led the child over to pay her respects.

The little princess, seeing that it was her mother who had always doted on her, smiled and placed a peony in her hand on the empress's head.

The child was still clumsy, so the Empress took the flower and put it on herself with a smile: "This is a 'dizzying sandalwood heart' flower. It is called that because the outer edge of the flower is dark and the near the calyx is light white, with a deep sandalwood dot in the heart. Today, I will also wear the flower that my daughter gave me."

Upon seeing this, Consort Zhou smiled at the princess and said, "Then Mother Consort Chen would also like one. May Yingying also give Mother Consort Chen one?"

Upon hearing this, the little princess shook her little arms, selected a peony from the peony bushes, and asked a palace maid to cut it for her. She then carefully presented it to Consort Zhou.

Her chubby little face was framed by eyes fixed on the flowers in her hand, a sight that charmed everyone.

Consort Zhou also took the flowers and put them on herself. The Empress picked up the little princess and said, "Oh my, our Yingying is so well-behaved."

Thinking of Yueyue, she asked Xuehua to bring the little princess over to play together.

Before long, Daiyu brought Yueyue over and let the two little girls play together. Knowing that Consort Zhou must be worried, Daiyu smiled and said, "Mother Consort, there's no need to worry. Last time, Aunt recommended that midwife, Luo Shi, who was very capable. I also recommended her to my sister-in-law. The herbs that were prepared for me were not needed. I also took them with me from the Imperial Hospital."

Consort Zhou was genuinely grateful to the Crown Princess at this moment: "You treated her well and even told her not to raise the child too big, fearing it would be difficult to give birth. You would never say such things if you weren't sincere."

After they chatted for a while, a palace maid came to announce the good news: "Congratulations to Your Majesty the Empress, Consort Chen, and all the ladies! The Prince Cheng's residence has been blessed with a grandson."

The Empress immediately beamed with joy: "Good, good, surely someone has gone to report the good news to His Majesty?"

"Yes." The palace maid was also in a good mood, after all, this was a joyous occasion, and everyone would surely receive a reward.

"Snowflake, immediately send the things I have prepared to Prince Cheng's residence. Everyone who served in this garden today will be given a monthly allowance." Although the Empress did not know whether Princess Cheng would give birth to a son or a daughter, the gifts had been prepared in advance and would be suitable for either a grandson or a granddaughter.

Consort Zhou quickly bid farewell to the Empress: "Then I will return to the palace first and send some things to the Fifth Prince's wife."

"Yes, go ahead. I'll ask His Majesty for permission later. We can all go together on the third-day celebration and have some fun." The Empress was always good at getting along with people, and Consort Zhou was always sensible. Now that the fifth prince's wife had given birth to a son, the Empress was naturally happy to help her get a favor.

Consort Zhou was overjoyed to hear this. She had been thinking about asking the Emperor for help, but since the Empress was willing to help, it was definitely a good idea.

Sure enough, when the emperor heard that his fifth son's wife had given birth to a son, he was overjoyed. At that time, he was reading a book when he came across a line: "Below the green gauze window, the smoke of incense rises. The sound of chess startles me from my daytime nap."

So he picked up a brush and wrote the character "棋" (chess), which he bestowed upon the newborn grandson of the emperor. Jiaqi (嘉棋).

Upon receiving the calligraphy, Hu Delu quickly sent it out, having it delivered to the Prince Cheng's residence.