The Black Chamber Dream: Daiyu's Revenge

The emperor was waiting for the empress to ask the emperor for favors, saying that she would take all the concubines in the harem to attend the baby's third-day celebration. The emperor thought the empress's arrangements were excellent: "I heard that you sent a lot of things over, so I will add a few things as well."

The emperor bestowed twelve items upon the scholar, including a celadon jade paperweight with a reclining beast design, a white jade sachet with openwork floral patterns, a jade plaque with the Heavenly Stems and Earthly Branches carved in patina, and a Ge-ware mountain-shaped brush rest.

Although the emperor readily agreed to let the empress and concubines attend the baby's third-day celebration, he himself did not express his intention to go.

The Empress thought to herself, "It seems that although the Emperor is very happy about the birth of his grandson, he still makes a clear distinction in his heart. When Yu'er gave birth to a daughter, although the Crown Prince had not yet been appointed, the Emperor had already made up his mind, so he personally presided over Yueyue's third-day celebration."

Even though the Emperor wasn't going, the Empress insisted on taking everyone with her, which greatly displeased Consort Wu. She recalled how no one had paid attention to her granddaughter when she was born. So Consort Wu feigned illness and refused to go.

Although Consort Xu was somewhat dissatisfied, she thought it was a rare opportunity to leave the palace, so she went along.

"This child is so cute and chubby-cheeked," Consort Xu said with a smile. Since the child was born in the Year of the Ox, Consort Xu generously gave him a small ox ornament made of pure gold.

Yingying and Yueyue were seeing such a baby for the first time, and they were incredibly curious. They stared at it intently for a while, and then Yueyue looked up at the Empress and asked, "Grandmother, when can my little brother play with me?"

At this moment, Zuo Jiangqiu was instructing the maids: "Keep the longan, peanuts, and chestnuts dyed red with rouge from the baby's third-day celebration safe. Send some to the Crown Princess later; it's a good omen."

This was a folk custom. Consort Zhou listened from the side, opened her mouth to speak but didn't say anything. After all, Consort Zhou felt that it wouldn't be good if the Crown Princess took it to heart. But then she thought, her daughter-in-law and the Crown Princess usually had a very good relationship, and perhaps she understood the Crown Princess's temperament better than she did.

When she turned around and saw the Crown Princess happily accepting the gift, and heard the Crown Princess and Zuo Jiangqiu talking about parenting, Consort Zhou couldn't help but smile.

"Is your fourth sister's wedding approaching?" Zuo Jiangqiu asked.

Chapter 226 Xichun's Marriage: Jia Zhen's Planning

Xi Chun's wedding date was set for the 26th of the eleventh lunar month. Although it was a bit cold, it was to accommodate Liu Jishan's schedule and also to take into account the birth dates of the two of them.

It has to be said that Liu Jishan was really lucky. He was going to Suzhou to serve as a sub-prefect, but then Wang Ziteng had someone expose Lin Ruhai's old corruption case. The emperor ordered a thorough investigation, and as a result, half of the officials in Liangjiang were brought down, including the prefect of Yangzhou.

As a result, Liu Jishan, who had served as Tongzhi for less than a year, was transferred to Yangzhou and became the prefect of Yangzhou.

Of course, this was due to his own abilities, but it also reflected the emperor's intentions: Yangzhou may not be a large place, but it is of great importance. The Jianghuai Salt Administration Office is located in Yangzhou, and the salt tax revenue from the two rivers is quite considerable. It is necessary to send a trustworthy person to help keep an eye on it.

Liu Jishan was the one whom the emperor trusted.

Knowing that he was returning to the capital to get married, the emperor specially instructed the Ministry of Personnel to grant him an extra month's leave. After the wedding and the New Year, Liu Jishan would be able to take his new wife to Yangzhou.

Jia Zhen, having agreed to the驸马爷's suggestion to arrange his sister's engagement to the Liu family, thought long and hard and realized that his family was doomed anyway, and their title had long been revoked. Liu Jishan, on the other hand, presented a different prospect: although his fourth sister was being raised in the Rongguo Mansion, she was still his own sister. If others didn't help Liu Jishan in the future, surely he, as her brother-in-law, should offer some assistance?

So Jia Zhen called You Shi over and instructed her: "I only have one younger sister. Although we are not as grand as the Duke's mansion was before, her dowry cannot be too meager. Let's not say seventy-two taels, but at least sixty-four taels should be enough. You are her own sister-in-law, so these matters are naturally entrusted to you."

Hearing this, Lady You sneered inwardly: "You, as the older brother, never really cared for your sister before. It's only because your fourth sister is now married to a good family and has the favor of the Princess and the Crown Princess that you're so eager to take advantage of her. Back then, you wanted to marry your sister off to an old man."

However, Madam You only thought these words to herself. After agreeing, she looked very troubled: "As you know, Master, things are not as difficult as before. Sixty-four sets require quite a lot of things."

Jia Zhen snorted: "You just go and make a list first, and then we'll discuss it. There are still some things left over from our ancestors, so we can always scrape together something."

Then Jia Zhen glanced at You Shi sideways and said, "As her sister-in-law, you can't just not contribute a single penny. Don't try to play the poor card with me. You've managed such a large Ningguo Mansion all these years; I don't believe you haven't saved any money on your own." Before You Shi could speak, Jia Zhen continued, "If you treat her well now, she'll marry well and be able to take care of you in the future, won't she?"

“Master, you’re joking. You know how big the household expenses used to be.” Seeing that Jia Zhen was about to retort, You Shi immediately added, “Besides, even without you saying so, I have naturally prepared some things for Fourth Sister.”

The couple knew each other's personalities very well, so they didn't say anything more. You Shi spent some time drafting a list and came to find Jia Zhen.

Although it was a bit painful to see, Jia Zhen thought that he might need to rely on his brother-in-law Liu Jishan in the future, so he gritted his teeth and rummaged through the storeroom for a few treasures.

When Lady You saw that Jia Zhen had brought out the sandalwood incense burner with silver wire inlaid with animal face patterns, she thought to herself, "Jia Zhen is quite generous. This piece is made of exquisite materials and inlaid with silver. The deep sandalwood color and the bright silver wire complement each other, combining simplicity and luxury. It is a treasure that has been around for quite some time."

There was also a jade incense burner with dragon-head handles and a relief carving of animal faces and flowers. Madam You remembered that Rong-ge'er had wanted it, but Jia Zhen hadn't given it to him. Its design was simple yet lively, the patterns intricate yet orderly, elegant and refined. Against the backdrop of the rich emerald green jade, it appeared profound and serene, magnificent yet understated, exuding a mysterious and ethereal charm. However, the furniture was treated somewhat carelessly. There was no way around it; the Ningguo Mansion was gone, and many things naturally couldn't be kept. Making furniture takes time; truly precious families would begin making it when their daughters were born. Now, Jia Zhen was simply finding someone to make new ones.

In any case, they eventually managed to gather sixty-four dowry items.

With the date fast approaching, Xichun naturally couldn't stay at the Rongguo Mansion indefinitely. A month in advance, Madam You prepared the room and personally led the maids to the Rongguo Mansion to fetch Xichun back.

Since we've already gone, we should still pay our respects to Grandmother Jia. Although the family line has long since been separated, the Ningguo Mansion's title has been stripped long ago, and the Rongguo Mansion's title has also been revoked. They only retain their mansions for the time being because of Grandmother Jia's super-rank title.

Besides, Grandmother Jia is still the most senior, and she has raised Xichun over the years, so You Shi should pay her a visit.

After listening to You Shi's words, Grandmother Jia began to ponder: Now, for some reason, the second son's wife is recuperating all day long. Although Ying'er's pregnancy is a good thing, the Rongguo Mansion is visibly becoming quiet.

Ultimately, it's because no one is capable of establishing a firm foothold.

That child Baoyu doesn't study. He's already so old, yet he doesn't go out to work. What will become of him in the future?

After much deliberation, Grandmother Jia made a decision: Although the Crown Princess had already lost all affection for the household, she could still try to appeal to her emotions by taking advantage of Xi Chun's marriage. If the Crown Princess was willing to help, the household might still be saved.

Therefore, Grandmother Jia said to Madam You, "When Fourth Sister gets married, the Crown Princess will definitely send someone to add to the dowry. I think it will be either Zijuan or Xueyan. When they come, please tell them to come and sit with me."

Lady You didn't know what Grandmother Jia was planning, but it was just a matter of a word to her, and whether she came or not was not something she could decide, so she nodded in agreement.

It must be said that the eldest princess truly valued Xichun. A few days before the wedding, the eldest princess sent over dowry items: twelve bolts of Hangzhou silk, twelve bolts of Shu brocade, twelve bolts of Yun yarn, twelve bolts of Yun brocade, two boxes of medicinal herbs, and four pairs of jade and antique items.

The Crown Princess also sent someone to add to the dowry, and she personally sent Zijuan.

The Crown Princess's additional dowry seemed to have been discussed with the Eldest Princess; what the Eldest Princess gave, the Crown Princess did not give again.

The Crown Princess's dowry included two parts: one part was calligraphy and paintings, such as "Banana Tree by the North Window," "Autumn Stream and Red Leaves," "Chengjia Sheepskin Post," and "Copy of Calligraphy Scroll"; the other part was porcelain, such as a red-glazed Guanyin vase and a Doucai (enamel overglaze) cup with a design of falling flowers and flowing water.

In addition, there is a set of twelve gold filigree headdresses inlaid with red agate, paired with ruby ​​earrings, necklaces, and bracelets.

When Jia Zhen and You Shi saw this, they both thought that they really should rely more on this fourth sister in the future.

When Lady You saw Zijuan, she told Zijuan what Grandmother Jia had said.

After thinking it over, Zijuan decided to go to the Rongguo Mansion.

Chapter 227 Grandmother Jia's Plan to Play the Emotional Card

Zijuan hadn't been to Rongguo Mansion for a long time. When she arrived, the maids and servants were very enthusiastic. Upon hearing that she was going to pay her respects to the old lady, some people rushed to escort her there.

Upon receiving the news, Amber came out to greet them early, her face beaming with a warm smile. Zijuan couldn't help but think that Amber and the others used to be so enthusiastic towards Xiren and Ping'er. The changes now made Zijuan see these people more clearly.

Upon entering, Grandmother Jia quickly instructed them not to bow: "You are now the most trusted person by the Crown Princess's side, there's no need for such formalities. I've watched you grow up, and ever since I assigned you to serve the Crown Princess, you've blossomed into an even more beautiful young woman."

This wasn't just polite talk, because Grandmother Jia noticed at a glance that Zijuan was wearing a lake-blue velvet cloak with dark blue floral patterns, over which was a matching satin stand-up collar shirt with floral patterns, paired with a gray-blue horse-face skirt with floral patterns.

Once inside, the cloak was untied, and Amber took it to hang it up.

At the same time, Grandmother Jia also noticed that on Zijuan's right side hair bun was an elegant and exquisite light blue phoenix hairpin. Although the phoenix hairpin was very small, it was finely crafted, with a fresh color and a delicate shape. In particular, the tail feathers were very vivid, as if they were about to take flight. It was clear that it was no ordinary item.

On her wrist were a pair of jade bracelets with a twisted rope pattern, the lines were smooth, the shape was elegant, the jade color was soft, delicate and warm.

This outfit is even more striking than Yuanyang and Ping'er's original attire.

Those maids from back then can't compare to Zijuan now. When she reaches the age to be released from the palace, given Daiyu's personality, she'll probably receive quite a lot. A woman like that will surely choose a good husband.

As she pondered this, Grandmother Jia became increasingly moved and more determined to give it a try today.

So Grandmother Jia first asked if the Crown Princess was doing well in the palace. When Zijuan said that everything was fine, Grandmother Jia seemed relieved and sighed to Zijuan, "It's all because of her uncles. None of them are good enough to help her in the slightest. Now that the family has lost its title, I'm afraid they will be even less able to help the Crown Princess in the future."

Zijuan thought to herself: As long as you don't hold us back, why are you talking about helping or not? Consort Zhaoyuan is always going against the Crown Princess in the palace.

But these things couldn't be said, so Zijuan just smiled and didn't pick up on Grandmother Jia's topic.

Seeing that Zijuan did not respond, Grandmother Jia had no choice but to continue: "Now I am old and can no longer manage so many things. I can't make decisions on big or small matters in this family, so I can only ask you to come so that I can say a few words from my heart to the Crown Princess."

Zijuan smiled and nodded, still not speaking: She learned this trick from the Crown Princess and found it very effective when used to deal with certain people.

When Grandmother Jia saw that Zijuan was still silent, she was stunned for a moment: This girl has indeed become quite accomplished since following the Crown Princess; she is so composed now.

Feeling even more emotional, Grandmother Jia had no choice but to continue, forcing herself to speak: "Originally, I also wanted to take advantage of the day I entered the palace on the first day of the month to pay my respects to the Crown Princess, but with my old arms and legs, I really don't have the strength to do so."

These words naturally carried a hint of pretense, but from the moment she entered, Zijuan carefully observed Grandmother Jia. Having not seen her for several years, Grandmother Jia before her appeared much older than before.

He seemed shrouded in a thick layer of twilight, utterly devoid of life. His once bright and sharp eyes were now dull and lifeless, revealing an indescribable weariness and vicissitude.

Zijuan couldn't help but recall Granny Liu's visit to the Rongguo Mansion years ago. Granny Liu was already quite old then, even older than Grandmother Jia was now. Surprisingly, despite her advancing age, Granny Liu possessed an exceptionally vibrant spirit. Every time she was seen, she was always smiling and radiant, as if she were bursting with inexhaustible energy and enthusiasm.

Moreover, the fact that no one came to keep them company in this huge house made the surrounding atmosphere even more desolate and lonely, as if even the air was filled with a heavy sense of gloom.

However, for the sake of the Crown Princess, Zijuan still couldn't speak recklessly. She simply comforted Grandmother Jia with a few words, saying that she was in good spirits and there was no need to worry.

Seeing Zijuan's behavior, Grandmother Jia knew that Zijuan was no longer the little maidservant born into the Jia family. Her heart had completely turned to the Crown Princess, so it was impossible for her to convey her feelings to Daiyu through Zijuan.

So Grandmother Jia had no choice but to resort to her last resort. She asked Amber to fetch a small sandalwood box with a lotus scroll design that she had prepared beforehand.

"This is a small gift I gave to the Crown Princess. Now I can only entrust it to you to take in and present to the Crown Princess." Grandmother Jia did not open it, but she could specify that it was to be presented to the Crown Princess.

Zijuan naturally had no idea what was inside. Since Grandmother Jia had said so, she had no choice but to accept it: "Don't worry, Grandmother, I will definitely give it to the Crown Princess."

"You've always been meticulous in your work, there's nothing I can't trust you with." Grandmother Jia just couldn't be sure what Daiyu would think or do after receiving the item.

Seeing that Grandmother Jia was tired, Zijuan did not want to stay any longer and got up to say goodbye to Grandmother Jia.

"Go, and serve the Crown Princess well." Grandmother Jia nodded, and after watching Zijuan leave, she couldn't help but let out a long sigh.

Grandmother Jia knew that if this didn't work out, she feared that even the last vestiges of their grandmother-grandson bond would be exhausted. But she had no choice; she couldn't bear to watch her descendants suffer. How could she face her ancestors in the future?

Amber personally saw Zijuan out, her heart filled with emotion: Zijuan was once just a second-class maidservant by Grandmother Jia's side, far inferior to Yuanyang and Xiren. Now, Yuanyang and Xiren have met with pitiful ends, while the previously inconspicuous Zijuan has become a palace lady-in-waiting, and even a trusted servant of the Dowager Consort, truly a person of high status.

But Amber knew perfectly well that it was too late to try and build a relationship with her now, so she simply didn't say anything and saw Zijuan out.

Zijuan wondered what was inside, but she couldn't figure it out no matter how hard she tried. When she returned to the palace and saw that the Crown Princess was not busy, she brought in the small wooden box with both hands.

"What? Is there something else?" Daiyu looked at the box with curiosity. It was decorated with a shallow relief carving. The top of the box lid was decorated with a continuous cloud and thunder pattern around the four sides. It looked very precious. Could it be that someone wanted to ask her for a favor by giving a gift?

"It was the old lady who asked me to pass it on to the Crown Princess." Zijuan relayed everything that Grandmother Jia had said to the Crown Princess, including how she had invited her over.

"Although I don't know what's inside, I'm afraid they all need your help." After saying this, Zijuan tactfully prepared to leave, but was stopped by Daiyu.

"Don't rush, let me take a look first." Daiyu opened the exquisite little box.

The box had two layers. The first layer contained a ginseng root, but Daiyu didn't lack ginseng these days. Daiyu was stunned for a moment, then opened the second layer and found a plum blossom-shaped gold ingot.

Daiyu showed the items to Zijuan, but Zijuan was puzzled: it didn't seem like Grandmother Jia was asking for the Crown Princess's favor by giving these two things.

Chapter 228 Daiyu Refuses to Deliver Letters

Zijuan couldn't understand it, but Daiyu understood it very well.

"Do you remember? At first, the old lady still loved me. Back then, she was afraid I wouldn't have money to reward the servants, so she would send me some money separately from time to time," Daiyu said to Zijuan.

Zijuan certainly remembered. Back then, because the old lady sent money to the young lady separately, Zijuan thought that the old lady doted on Miss Lin the most. But thinking about it carefully, the young master and young lady of the Lin family had given so much silver to the Jia family, while what the old lady gave to Miss Lin was not even a drop in the ocean. How could it be that the old lady truly cared for her?

"I remember, during the New Year, she would give the young lady some gold and silver ingots separately. At that time, I didn't understand and thought that the old lady was the best to the young lady," Zijuan sighed.

"Then, what's the deal with this ginseng?" Zijuan still didn't understand.

"You really are a silly girl. Do you remember when I was sick, the old lady specially asked Yuanyang to give me ginseng?" Daiyu reminded Zijuan.

“I remember, Yuanyang even said that this was squeezed out from between the old lady’s teeth.” Zijuan was very angry when she mentioned it. “In the end, it’s because the madam is too unreasonable. If the young lady wants it, she doesn’t get it. But if others want it, there are plenty of them. Otherwise, why would we need the old lady to give it to us?”

Madam Wang always tried to please everyone in public, but she would always make things difficult for Zijuan when they were alone. When Zijuan went to ask for ginseng, Madam Wang made up excuses about how difficult things were at home and how things were not like they used to be.