Red Mansion: Picking up a Lin Daiyu

Chapter 534 Extra 1
Treason and rebellion are crimes that cannot be punished.

Chai Pu died at Yue Ling's hands, which was perhaps the most dignified way to die, while Shui Rong and the Prince of Nan'an were not so lucky.

Colluding with foreign powers and instigating infighting among princes—either of these is an unforgivable crime, and the consequences would certainly be far more severe.

Both were subjected to slow slicing in front of the public as a warning to others.

He was stripped of his title, his family property was confiscated, and his entire clan was exterminated.

The lineage of nobles was thus crippled and many were implicated.

The rebels, including Chai Pu and Ji Bin, were also rightfully purged by this palace coup. Whether civil or military officials, apart from the neutral faction, there was only the New Party. The balance had suddenly shifted, and there was no way to stop Yue Ling from forging ahead.

The three princes were taken to the Imperial Clan Court and confined to reflect on their mistakes.

After using the blood of the rebels to consecrate the flag, Yue Ling donned his armor once more and went to Liaodong and the northern deserts to purge the last remaining threats to Dachang.

Imperial city, Buddhist temple
Jia Yuanchun, who was also stripped of his title, spent many years burning incense and chanting Buddhist prayers at this place.

The hair that was shaved earlier has now grown past the earlobes. Although it doesn't look as elegant as the long hair that used to hang down, it is still refreshing and capable.

Now, Yuan Chun's eyes no longer seem to be covered with a layer of dust as before, and she has become more skillful when applying makeup in front of the mirror. She finally looks like she is her age.

After all, she's not even thirty years old yet.

"Girl, why are you looking away? Your makeup looks cheap and shabby."

Baoqin frowned slightly and said coquettishly.

He wasn't annoyed at all; instead, a smile played on his lips, and he seemed quite pleased.

Yuan Chun sighed, “I haven’t dressed up in a long time, and I’ve gotten used to this quiet temple with its dim lamps. How can I bear to see me dressed up in such finery now?”

Baoqin shook her head and laughed, "Then we should at least cover up the dark spots under your eyes, Miss. You're not as good as me; once you know you can go out, you can't sleep for several nights in a row."

"Get out of here, you're being a chatterbox again. When we get to the Duke of Dingguo's mansion, people will laugh at you for acting like this. You've worked in the palace for many years, after all."

Yuan Chun couldn't help but frown and spit.

Baoqin was very happy, "Finally, she looks like a young lady. Before, she had dead fish eyes. How could she reunite with the Jia family sisters?"

Yuan Chun lowered her head, her face filled with sorrow.

Baoqin sat down beside her, massaging her arms, and asked, "Miss, are you thinking about the old days of the Jia family?"

"Recent news has reached the palace that the eldest and second branches of the Jia family have both arrived in Yizhou. The eldest master has contracted a fever and is bedridden. The second branch is doing well, but the second mistress has been too devastated and has gone mad."

"However, young lady, try to look on the bright side. Luckily, the second wife left early, otherwise she and the other three families would have been executed along with their entire families."

"Now that the bad news is over, there's good news. Jia Lan is truly promising. He lives up to the old master's expectations. He has already passed the county, prefectural, and provincial examinations and obtained the title of Xiucai (a scholar who passed the county-level examination). He is now preparing for the provincial examination next year. If he can pass the provincial examination in one go, he will become a Juren (a scholar who passed the provincial-level examination) and his official career will be on the right track."

"In comparison, Baoyu is somewhat disappointing."

As Baoqin spoke, she couldn't help but shake her head. "Five years ago, after the upheaval in the capital, the Xia family also lost power. He, as a son-in-law who had married into the family, also returned to Jiangnan with the Xia family. From now on, I'm afraid he will never have the thought of revitalizing the family."

Yuan Chun's eyes were also filled with disappointment.

This younger brother, on whom she had once placed so much hope, turned out to be such a good-for-nothing, even going so far as to disgrace the family by marrying into the family.

"Alright, let's not mention him anymore. Let's not concern ourselves with his affairs, no matter what he does."

Baoqin nodded repeatedly, "Alright, even I find it annoying."

"The Queen is here!"

Suddenly, a shrill voice called out from outside the door.

Yuan Chun and Bao Qin hurriedly stood up and went out to greet them.

The beautiful woman in her palace attire, though the years had taken their toll on her face with a few strands of silver hair peeking out at her temples, still wore a warm smile that filled everyone's hearts.

"Yuan Chun, are you all ready? The carriages and horses are prepared at the palace gate. I've come to see you off."

Yuan-chun, carrying her zither, bowed, looking somewhat flattered. "This sinful woman, Jia Yuan-chun, thanks Your Majesty and Her Majesty the Empress for your leniency..."

Just as he was about to kneel, the Empress raised her arms to help him up, and said with a smile, "Alright, there's no need to stand on ceremony anymore. Once you leave, you must live well with the Duke of Dingguo. You've suffered enough these past years."

Yuan Chun's eyes immediately welled up with tears. She pursed her lips to keep from crying out loud and silently lowered her head.

The Empress embraced her and gently stroked her head. "It's alright, it's all in the past. His Majesty has been overworked and ill, and has no heart for serving the Emperor. He has been confined to the palace these past years, and I can understand all the grievances you have suffered."

"However, every cloud has a silver lining, and every fortune has a cloud of misfortune. It is precisely because of this that you are now able to serve by the side of the Duke of Dingguo that it is not a mistreatment of you."

Yuan Chun blushed instantly and stammered, "Your Majesty, I..."

The Empress waved her hand and smiled, "There's no need to hide such things. Given the reputation of the Dingguo Mansion, if you're ashamed to mention such a small matter, you'll probably become strangers with the ladies in the mansion. It's best to be prepared."

Yuan Chun gave an awkward smile, unsure of what to say.

The accompanying palace maids presented her with her luggage, and under the Empress's guidance, Yuan Chun and Bao Qin boarded the palace carriage together and drove out of Xuanwu Gate.

After seeing Yuan Chun off, the Empress's eyes dimmed slightly. She boarded a sedan chair and moved to the Qianqing Palace.

When they entered the palace, Emperor Longyou was resting on his bed. Upon hearing the noise, he slowly opened his eyes. "Were they sent out of the palace?"

The Empress sat on the edge of the bed, tucking the blanket around Emperor Longyou, and nodded, saying, "Yes, it has been sent out."

The Empress bit her lip and sighed softly, looking as if she wanted to say something but couldn't.

Emperor Longyou couldn't help but ask, "Is there anything between the Empress and me that we can't say to each other?"

The Empress shook her head, then spoke again, "Does Your Majesty think the current situation is acceptable?"

The smile on Emperor Longyou's face vanished. He looked up at the bed curtains and sighed, "I underestimated Yue Ling's thoughts."

The Empress smiled bitterly, "Your Majesty should have thought long ago that he had no intention of seizing the throne. Rather, his previous struggles with others were truly for the well-being of the people, to eliminate evil and wickedness. But if he were to actually sit on this throne, Your Majesty knows how exhausting it would be."

"What he hopes for, besides peace and stability in the world, is probably harmony in his family. If he were to actually receive the abdication from His Majesty, it would certainly be a beautiful story. But when all the burdens fall on his shoulders, how can he maintain his intimate relationships with the ladies in his household?"

Emperor Longyou said helplessly, "I don't know if you are praising him or belittling him. It would be more accurate to say that he is a womanizer."

The Empress frankly replied, "I am lustful, but I am lustful in moderation."

Shaking his head, Emperor Longyou said, "Even so, this matter is not over yet." He left a final sentence: "If An'er, Yi'er, and Yun'er are truly all useless, the country will indeed need a virtuous ruler."

"Empress, summon someone. I wish to issue another edict to proclaim this throughout the land."

The Empress nodded, and a palace maid went out to summon the eunuch who was in charge of writing to come into the palace to serve her.

At this moment, Emperor Longyou still sighed, "It is I who have wronged you. As Empress, you have given birth to three princes for me, but none of them will inherit the throne." The Empress shook her head, "To have someone without ability yet obtain the position is a disaster for the person and a disaster for the country."

Emperor Longyou couldn't help but sigh, "I am not as wise as you."

……

Dingguofu,
The traces of the old wars are no longer visible.

The mansion is now filled with a joyous atmosphere.

It took Yue Ling three years to conquer Liaodong, two years to pacify the southern desert, and another two years to pursue the northern desert. Finally, everything was settled, and he was able to reunite with the girls.

Everyone was overjoyed and had been waiting at the ceremonial gate for a long time.

Suddenly, a palace carriage landed inside the mansion.

The crowd looked up in confusion, only to see a short-haired woman walking down the aisle.

In this situation, everyone's eyes were filled with surprise, and they all looked at Lin Daiyu in unison.

It is rumored that there are many prostitutes in the army. In addition, when the army returns victorious from the expedition, the general will also bring back a few more women. Could these be the new sisters added to the family?
As the people drew closer, tears welled up in Sanchun's eyes.

"big sister!"

The three of them rushed out the door together, along with their maids, and joined Jia Yuanchun and Baoqin in a hug.

After enduring hardship, the reunion was a truly touching scene.

The young ladies in the mansion were all very empathetic, and their noses were already tingling with tears.

"Big sister, that's wonderful! You're out! We'll miss you the most, big sister. This is such a great thing!"

Tan Chun cried uncontrollably, and spoke haltingly with great difficulty.

Yuan Chun was so overwhelmed with grief that she could not speak. After enduring so much in the palace for so long, she finally collapsed like a snow mountain.

"Your Majesty and the Empress have pardoned my crimes, and we will never be separated again."

"it is good."

Siqi, Shishu, and Ruhua, seeing Baoqin with the same short hair, also cried incessantly; the young sisters' affection for each other was also very strong.

After crying for a long time, having expressed all the longing she had felt over the years, and with her voice hoarse, Lin Daiyu and the others stepped forward to separate them.

At this moment, Jia Yuanchun finally came to her senses. She had been talking to herself and had forgotten to greet the ladies in the mansion first.

Wiping away the tears from her cheeks, Jia Yuanchun bowed and said, "Yuanchun greets Princess Xiaoxiang and Lady Dingguo."

Lin Daiyu couldn't help but laugh, and said with her arm around the other's arm, "Elder sister, you're family now, why do you need to use such formal etiquette to greet us? You shouldn't treat yourself like an outsider. It's not easy for you sisters to be reunited, how could I bear to separate you again? That would be a truly wicked act."

Upon hearing this, the sisters couldn't help but laugh.

The three springs all stopped crying and started laughing. Today is a day of double joy, and they shouldn't be crying anymore.

"but."

Lin Daiyu changed the subject, causing all the sisters present to hold their breath and listen attentively.

“I promised them that I would marry them all after my husband returned victorious from his campaign, but five years have passed. Now that this opportunity has arisen, I wonder what you, eldest sister, intend to do? If you strip me of my title, I'm afraid…”

The three sisters' eyes lit up immediately. One of them grabbed one of the sisters and secretly asked Jia Yuanchun, "Elder sister, have you ever served His Majesty in the palace?"

"I've heard that Her Majesty the Empress and His Majesty are devoted to each other. Has your elder sister ever been one? If not, then be like us sisters and don't be an exception."

"Yes!"

Five years have passed, and even Xichun has grown up a lot and become more mature.

Without the Jia family, who would care that the four women shared one husband? Rather, given Yue Ling's philandering ways, it was only natural.

Yuan Chun was stunned and stood there dumbfounded.

He couldn't help but wonder to himself, "Is such a shameful matter something that can be discussed openly with everyone? Was Her Majesty the Empress exaggerating just now?"

Yuan Chun was not used to the unrestrained atmosphere of Dingguo Mansion. After hesitating for a while, she finally overcame her inner turmoil and said, "No, I have never served Your Majesty."

All three of them had a look of joy on their faces; a great plan had already formed in their minds.

Although everyone was treated equally as concubines under Lin Daiyu, Yue Ling couldn't enter everyone's room at the same time on their wedding night; there had to be a first-come, first-served order.

Therefore, the sisters used every trick in the book to fight for this order.

If Yue Ling falls asleep in a room from exhaustion, and no one comes to celebrate the wedding night, the feeling of being alone in an empty room will be unbearable.

Although there was no more fighting in Dingguo Prefecture, the air still seemed thick with the smell of gunpowder.

Baoqin pulled her three younger sisters aside and whispered, "We've only just entered the mansion, and it's already so chaotic? We're all on the same side, help me recognize everyone."

Shi Shu nodded and explained, "Miss Lin, you must recognize her. The plump girl in the pale yellow dress to her left is Xue Baochai, the eldest daughter of the Xue family. The petite girl to her right is Xue Baoqin, the second daughter. Although they are both from the Xue family, they are not as close as our young lady. Instead, they compete fiercely with each other."

"The one on the right, wearing a colorful silk dress with a plain white bodice, is Miss Qin, the Marquis's head maid. However, she also comes from an official family, so no one in the mansion treats her as a maid."

"Next to her, Master Miaoyu, whose beauty was no less than that of Miss Qin, was dressed in a snow-white gauze dress. She had that aloofness of a nun, as if she were untouched by worldly affairs. She was a formidable foe."

"The woman beside Master Miaoyu is Miss Xing, who is related to the Jia family. She has a very good temperament, is gentle and graceful, and has the charm of a woman from Jiangnan."

"The maids behind them are not to be underestimated either: Yuanyang, Zijuan, Qingwen, Xiangling, Xueyan..."

Baoqin interrupted, "With so many young ladies lined up in front of you, how can a maid become a concubine?"

Siqi nodded and said, "Anyone who contributes to the household can be appointed. Someone like Xiangling who can read foreign languages, or someone like Xueyan who can bear children for the household."

Ru Hua smiled and replied, "Aunt Xue gave birth to a little girl, chubby and adorable, just like her. Everyone in the manor loves her dearly."

Baoqin nodded slightly, having gained a preliminary understanding of the situation within the mansion.

Suddenly, deafening cheers erupted outside the mansion.

Everyone's attention immediately turned to the main entrance.

A man rode a black steed, wielding a long spear, his golden armor gleaming in the sunlight.

Such a majestic and heroic figure instantly made the girls' eyes seem to melt into water.

Baoqin couldn't help but swallow hard. "So, this is the Duke of Dingguo. No wonder..."

(End of this chapter)