After the rebellion was successful, I realized that this place was the Red Mansion

Chapter 267 Meeting in a Dream
Xiangyun, Baochai, and others came to Xiaoxiang Pavilion to visit Daiyu's condition. They originally planned to return to Daguan Palace after the first heavy snowfall, but now they had to wait until she was better.

After a day of recuperation, when Daiyu was able to get out of bed, news came from her father that he would arrive in the capital the next day.

Daiyu was both surprised and delighted. With Xueyan's help, she put on her red sheepskin boots, a crane-feather cloak, and a snow hat, and went out with Zijuan to find Yuanchun.

She had just stepped out when she bumped into Baoqin, who was coming to Xiaoxiang Pavilion. She smiled and said, "I knew Sister Lin was going out. I'll go with you."

Daiyu then went with her to Yuanchun's bedroom. The two entered the warm chamber and saw Yuanchun reclining on the kang (a heated brick bed), looking quite like a beautiful woman sleeping in spring.

Upon seeing Daiyu and Baoqin arrive, Yuanchun hurriedly beckoned them to come to the kang (heated brick bed), and ordered a palace maid to bring a foot warmer for them to warm their feet. She then asked with a smile, "What brings you here today?"

Baoqin smiled and said, "It's about Sister Lin."

Yuan Chun guessed it and asked her, "Is it your father? Don't worry, although there's no news yet, the information is accurate. Your father is returning to the capital with officials from the Ministry of Revenue."

A palace maid brought in two foot warmers with peony scroll patterns and placed them at the feet of Daiyu and Baoqin.

As Daiyu stepped onto the red sheepskin boots, she replied, "I haven't seen my father for several years. Now that he has come to the capital in the heavy snow, I would like to see him. I wonder if it would be alright, elder sister?"

If she were still in the Jia family, Daiyu could have met with Lin Ruhai.

But now that she is a concubine in the emperor's harem, she can no longer meet with outsiders in private, not even her father.

Yuan Chun hesitated for a moment, then looked up and saw Daiyu's sickly appearance. She softened and said, "It wouldn't hurt to see him once. I'll go and tell the Empress that you can meet your father in the side hall of Xuanzheng Hall after he arrives in the capital."

Daiyu was relieved and smiled, "No need to trouble you, elder sister. Qin and I will go and talk to Her Majesty the Empress later."

Yuan Chun agreed, letting them sit for a while to warm up, and then had Bao Qin see them out.

Daiyu and Baoqin visited Empress Zhang's palace again.

Upon hearing of their arrival, Empress Zhang hurriedly led the two little princesses out to greet them. Daiyu had only just reached the entrance of her palace when she saw her.

"Miss Lin, are you here about your father?" Empress Zhang asked with a smile. "Let's go inside first. It's cold outside. If I had known you were coming, I would have gone to your place instead, saving you the trouble of making the trip."

Daiyu smiled and said, "I wouldn't dare trouble Your Majesty the Empress."

Empress Zhang laughed and said, "What Empress? It's just a title that comes to mind. I'm a few years older than you all, so just call me 'elder sister' from now on."

The three entered the house, and the two little princesses were taken to another room. Baoqin asked, "Are there only two princesses here?"

"They didn't do their homework yesterday, so I called them in as punishment," Empress Zhang said with a smile.

Daiyu then mentioned her desire to see her father.

Empress Zhang smiled and said, "Why do you need to ask me, Sister Lin? The Emperor has appointed you to be in charge of the Imperial Guards, which is already a great favor. Even I did not have such power back then. Sister, you should act like an Empress and just order the eunuchs to do it. There is no need to ask anyone else."

She added, "The outer court has no say in palace affairs, but you, sister, are in charge of all matters, big and small, within the inner palace!"

Daiyu was stunned, and Baoqin quickly rose and bowed, saying, "I didn't know that Sister Lin was the Empress. Please forgive me, Your Majesty."

Empress Zhang also stood up, suppressing a laugh as she respectfully performed the concubine's rites. Daiyu then came to her senses, blushing and playfully teasing Baoqin, before saying to Empress Zhang, "Your Majesty, please stop teasing me."

Empress Zhang laughed and said, "You still call me Your Majesty the Empress?"

Daiyu said, "If His Majesty doesn't tell us to change our way of addressing him, we'll continue to do so for another day. In the future, we might not even need to change our way of addressing him anymore."

Empress Zhang shook her head and said slowly, "His Majesty favors you all, so I wouldn't be surprised if anyone became empress. You young ladies could line up to be empress, but it's not my turn."

Both of them laughed, and after sitting for a while, they got up to say goodbye.

Empress Zhang still got up to see them off. As soon as she opened the door, a cold wind blew in, and Daiyu couldn't help but lower her head and cough. Zijuan hurried over to help her.

Daiyu said, "I am ill, so even if the Emperor intends to make me Empress, I am not fortunate enough to be so."

Empress Zhang advised, "Your Majesty has miraculous medicines to cure you, please don't say such things."

Daiyu nodded and went out with Baoqin.

On the way, Baoqin whispered, "Among the concubines and sisters in the harem, apart from one or two, none of them are frivolous or superficial. Sister Lin is especially outstanding and is perfectly suited to be the Empress!"

She was a concubine in the imperial harem, and privately called Chu Yan her husband. Although she was unwilling, she knew that her husband loved Sister Lin more.

Daiyu laughed and said, "Qin'er has also learned to flatter. I'm even embarrassed to say such a thing."

Baoqin smiled and said, "I mean it."

Daiyu walked forward for a while before sighing, "I have no intention of becoming an empress, I only hope that he can return safely. I haven't received a single letter yet, which makes me worry. I wonder if he is cold."

Baoqin couldn't help but worry. After thinking for a while, she said, "Perhaps His Majesty is leading troops into battle and is afraid that he will be caught up in the pleasures of the past when writing letters, so he doesn't write back."

Chu Yan did not write to them, but news from the army would still be sent back to the court every few days.

The lack of news is actually good news.

The sky was overcast, perhaps it was going to snow again. After saying goodbye to her, Daiyu went back to her room to rest.

Although Baoqin was not as plump and cold-resistant as her elder sister Baochai, she was the healthiest and did not fall ill throughout the year. After seeing her sister Lin off, she turned and went to Zichen Hall.

As soon as they entered, they heard laughter coming from inside. After entering the warm pavilion, they saw seven or eight girls, including Sister Yun, Consort Qin, the three sisters Yingchun, and Princess Qinghe.

Baoqin smiled and said, "Why don't you all stay at home? You insist on coming to the Emperor's place."

Tan Chun laughed and said, "You're here too? Why are you criticizing us?"

Baoqin blushed, walked over, and was then pulled onto the kang (a heated brick bed) by Qin Keqing.

Inside the room were several stoves burning silver frost charcoal, and a heated kang bed for warmth. As the heat rose, the whole room was filled with the fragrance of girls' cosmetics.

Baoqin chatted with them for half a day before going out to find her sister by the lotus pond.

Upon entering the room, Baoqin saw her older sister making something with needle and thread. After getting closer and taking a closer look, Baoqin exclaimed in surprise, "Sister is making a tiger-head hat?"

While doing needlework, Baochai said, "My mother asked someone to go to the palace a few days ago to tell me that if I have nothing to do, I can make the child's shoes and hat first, and maybe I can get pregnant."

Chu Yan's words that a concubine in the harem would conceive the first princess this year have already spread throughout the Jia family, and many people are hoping that their daughter will become pregnant.

Baoqin did not serve the emperor, because she never imagined she would be the first to conceive a princess. She sat beside her sister chatting and watching her make tiger-head hats. Suddenly, she thought of something and whispered, "Sister, what if Auntie is pregnant with the princess..."

Baochai was startled and looked over with wide eyes.

Baoqin blushed and whispered, "Do you still remember that day when we drank with the Emperor?"

Baochai not only remembered, but also knew that the Emperor was thinking of her mother, so she specially sent Ping'er to inquire after her before the Mid-Autumn Festival.

It's likely that if it weren't for the expedition, her mother would have had another drink with her.

Coming to her senses, Baochai asked her, "You're usually the most opinionated, what do you think we should do?"

Baoqin blushed and said, "When His Majesty returns, we'll drink with him again. If I really get pregnant, I'll give birth secretly and have the baby fostered in my sister's or my room."

Upon hearing this, Baochai's expression turned strange as she said, "It's kind of you to think so much about our family; no wonder His Majesty dotes on you." Baoqin smiled shyly.

She was already her husband's woman. Her husband was the emperor, and he was fond of Lady Xue's beauty. As his wife, she naturally had to plan for him.

It's a bit absurd, but what can I do when my husband likes it?

"What does Sister think?" Baoqin asked again.

Baochai thought for a while before saying, "We'll talk to Mother privately after we return to the Daming Palace." After saying that, she lowered her head and continued doing her needlework, sighing, "I wonder when His Majesty will be able to return safely?"

Baoqin was quick-witted and could tell from her sister that although her sister did not cry after the Emperor went on the expedition, she was very worried about him.

As long as the Emperor can return safely, she would be willing to serve him, even if it meant her sister and aunt had to do it together.

The elder sister was more worried about the emperor than she drank with him with her mother.

……

The next day came in a flash.

Around noon, a eunuch rushed to the entrance of Xiaoxiang Pavilion to report the news.

Upon hearing this, Xueyan hurried into the room and smiled at Daiyu, "Miss, Miss, good news! Master Lin has arrived in the capital!"

Overjoyed, Daiyu wept, anxiously asking, "Where is my father?!"

Xueyan smiled and said, "I heard that you just arrived in the city and need to report to the Ministry of Personnel before you can settle in. It may be a couple of days before you can come to the palace to see the young lady!"

"Amitabha Buddha, I'm so glad my father is safe and sound!"

Daiyu clasped her hands together and recited a prayer, her expression gradually calming down. Zijuan came in and asked with a smile, "Miss, would you like to send someone to tell Master Lin if he has a place to stay?"

Daiyu said, "Forget it, sending someone to cause trouble will only make things worse. I have already told Xia Shouzhong, and he will make the arrangements."

She thought she would have to wait a few days to see her father, but an hour later, another eunuch came to report: "Master Lin is already in the front court of the Daming Palace and wishes to pay his respects to the Empress. Please give your instructions, Your Majesty."

Daiyu was overjoyed again and instructed, "Go and tell him to ask Lord Lin to meet me at the Xuanzheng Hall later."

Without needing to be reminded, she already knew that things were different now, and that she needed to be mindful of etiquette when meeting her father again.

After changing her clothes and dressing up, Daiyu was in perfect condition. There were female officials waiting at the door, and a group of eunuchs guarding her. After she came out, they led her to Xuanzheng Hall, from the back door to the front hall, and then to the side hall. She entered through the back door, and the female officials led her to a seat. They also set up a curtain in front of Daiyu to block the view of the officials.

It wasn't until Zijuan said, "Could you please remove it? Her Highness and Lord Lin have not seen each other for a long time and have just gone through a life-and-death separation. They should be enjoying the joy of father and daughter together. This curtain is rather an eyesore."

The female officials exchanged a glance, bowed, and removed the curtain.

Daiyu sat upright, and after a moment, a familiar yet somewhat unfamiliar figure entered the hall. She suppressed her excitement and simply watched her father approach.

"Your subject, Lin Ruhai, pays respects to Your Excellency..."

"waived!"

Before her father could bow to her, Daiyu spoke up, and the lady-in-waiting beside her solemnly declared, "No need for formalities!"

Lin Ruhai stood respectfully, still observing the etiquette of a subject, and never looked up to look directly at the daughter who was now a concubine in the harem.

Daiyu looked closely at her father from her seat and wept, saying, "I am so happy to see that Father is safe and sound. Father has had a long and arduous journey. Is everything alright at home? Do you have a place to stay?"

Lin Ruhai, with tears in his eyes, replied, “Your Majesty, I was delayed for three days on the road due to wind and snow, and only arrived in the capital today. Thanks to His Majesty’s grace, everything is well at home in Yangzhou, so please do not worry. After I arrived in the capital, the Wang family sent people to find me, and I am temporarily staying on the back street of Daguan Palace. I will rent another house later.”

Xia Shouzhong, who was standing nearby, hurriedly stepped forward to bow to Daiyu and said with a smile, "Why should Lord Lin worry about housing? I happen to have a three-courtyard house that is close to Daguan Palace and also close to the Imperial Palace. It is perfect for Lord Lin to use when he goes to court in the future!"

Lin Ruhai cupped his hands and said, "Thank you for your kindness, sir. However, I am now a relative of the emperor and it is inappropriate for me to accept gifts from the palace. I hope you will understand."

Daiyu didn't know what to say, but the lady-in-waiting said in a low voice, "Lord Lin is Her Majesty's father. Her Majesty could issue an edict to grant him a house, which would also save face for the royal family. Moreover, Lord Lin is an official in the court, unlike the Jia, Wang, and Shi families."

Daiyu asked, "From where can we admire the house?"

The female official pointed at Xia Shouzhong: "Your Majesty need not concern yourself. He has his own way of finding a house for Lord Lin to stay in."

Daiyu thought to herself that she had heard that some eunuchs had left the palace to ask the Jia family for money, which meant that these eunuchs were very wealthy. She had also heard that they had houses in the capital and lived as masters in their own homes after leaving the palace. This three-courtyard house must belong to them.

But if they receive my decree and then try to wield power and influence outside, I absolutely cannot agree to it!
He said, “Father is temporarily residing in the back street. I will inform Her Majesty the Empress and Her Majesty the Virtuous Consort and inquire whether there is a precedent for bestowing rewards upon relatives of the emperor.”

Upon hearing this, Lin Ruhai smiled with satisfaction and said, "Your Majesty, I will obey your command."

He could tell that his daughter was doing well in the palace.

only……

After a while, Lin Ruhai, having been given permission, finally looked up at his daughter. He was first pleased that she had grown up, but then surprised by her haggard appearance, as if she had not been having a good time in the palace.

He suddenly became worried about his daughter again.

Daiyu noticed her father's worry and forced a smile, saying, "I am doing well in the palace. It was during the Mid-Autumn Festival that I parted from His Majesty, and I missed him terribly. Now that I have seen you, Father, I have no more worries."

Lin Ruhai was stunned. Just as he was about to ask her something, the eunuch knelt down and said, "The gifts are all complete. Please inspect them, Your Majesty."

Lin Ruhai had no choice but to give up.

Daiyu took the list of rewards and, knowing that these were customary rewards, ordered that they be given accordingly.

The eunuchs brought in the rewards, and Lin Ruhai kowtowed to express his gratitude, accepted the rewards, and then left.

As Daiyu watched her father leave, she felt a sense of relief and her body suddenly felt tired.

After returning to Xiaoxiang Pavilion to rest and seeing her father, Daiyu missed Chu Yan, who was far away in Liaodong, even more. She barely ate a few bites of dinner before going up to the pavilion to see the calligraphy he had left behind when he visited Xiaoxiang Pavilion.

It was windy up in the attic, so Zijuan quickly urged the girl to come down.

Daiyu returned to her room, feeling dizzy. She wrapped herself in a blanket and coughed for a long time before finally falling into a deep sleep.

She didn't know when or where, but suddenly she opened her eyes and saw a dark sky and a vast expanse of snow-covered mountains at the edge of the snow-covered land.

"Where am I?"

As Daiyu thought about it, she looked down and saw thousands of tents below, and it seemed as if someone inside was calling to her.

Daiyu's figure moved gracefully like a fairy as she entered the camp and stopped in front of a large tent.

The next moment, a tall, illusory male figure emerged from the tent, first looking puzzled, then glancing at her.

Their eyes met, and in that instant, Daiyu snapped back to reality and called out his name: "Chu Yan!!"

Her soul traveled thousands of miles to the frigid Liaodong, where she met Chu Yan in her dream!
Whether it was a dream or an illusion, Daiyu didn't care anymore. Her figure floated in front of him, and Chu Yan pulled her into his arms tightly.

Daiyu embraced him tightly.

(End of this chapter)