Dream of the Red Chamber: Start by gaining Zhao Yun's martial prowess, and be ennobled in a sin

Daiyu's Courtyard

When Zijuan heard Daiyu mention Jia She and Madam Xing, she thought of what had happened in the garden during the day and couldn't help but cover her mouth and chuckle softly:

"I'm afraid Second Madam Lian won't be able to sleep when she gets back to her room today! Such a dramatic rise and fall, in the blink of an eye, the title of 'Duchess' of the first rank is gone."

"I saw that her expression changed at that time, and she was in a daze, like she had lost her soul."

Daiyu picked up the teacup on the table, took a small sip of water, and her bright, dark eyes flickered.

She knew this was just a private chat between Zijuan and her, and not a mockery of Fengjie.

Daiyu explained softly:

"This may be bad news for Sister-in-law Feng, but it's good news for Third Brother."

"Those civil officials and high-ranking ministers who wanted to bestow a dukedom upon my maternal uncle were not acting out of any good intentions."

"Since ancient times, civil and military officials have been irreconcilable enemies. Their actions are intended to diminish Third Brother's achievements and suppress him."

"However, the fact that His Majesty was able to unilaterally bestow the title of First-Class Duke of Jing upon my eldest brother shows that His Majesty still holds my third brother in high regard!"

Daiyu was naturally intelligent and insightful. In addition, she had recently read "Lu Xuan Gong's Memorials" and many books on current affairs and court gazettes, which gave her some insights into the affairs of the court.

When the Princess of Beijing first mentioned this matter, she didn't quite understand it at first. But after returning to her courtyard and thinking about it carefully, she figured out the ins and outs.

Zijuan, however, knew little about these political matters, and upon hearing this, she smiled and said:

"Young lady, you are becoming more and more knowledgeable about court politics. When the Marquis returns, we can discuss these matters again, and you will surely impress him."

"I'm looking at these things not to... impress anyone!"

Daiyu offered a half-hearted rebuttal, her face flushing red, yet her starry eyes held a hint of expectation.

When my third brother comes back, I will show him a completely new "Lin Daiyu".

No longer a physically weak person who only knows how to compose poems and lament the passing of spring and autumn, but a "wise wife" who can help him and understand him.

He continued to make progress outside, and he wasn't idle at home either.

Seeing Daiyu's shy expression, Zijuan didn't dwell on the topic and instead turned to talk about Madam Xing.

She pursed her lips and said softly:

"As the Duke's status rises higher and higher, the attitudes of the masters in his household towards him have completely changed!"

"I heard that the First Madam often says that 'Jing-ge'er is a filial son,' and even says that after the First Master passes away, she doesn't want the Second Master and Second Madam to be filial to her anymore; she wants to enjoy a life of luxury with the Duke!"

"However, her niece, Miss Xiuyan, is a very nice person."

"Although her family has fallen on hard times, she is polite and well-mannered, not greedy for wealth. On the contrary, she has the demeanor of a lady from a prominent family."

"I heard that Aunt Xue really likes Xiuyan's personality and wants to introduce her to Master Xue, but she's afraid of ruining her life."

"Later, she intended to tell the Second Master Xue. However, the First Madam did not agree, saying that Miss Xiuyan's marriage had already been arranged elsewhere."

Daiyu gave a faint "hmm".

She has a somewhat aloof and arrogant personality, and is not very willing to pay attention to other people, especially those she doesn't care about.

Seeing this, Zijuan thought for a moment, her eyes flashed, and she asked:

"Girl, do you think your aunt's real intentions are something else entirely?"

Having spent a long time with Daiyu, Zijuan occasionally managed to utter a couple of elegant idioms!

"Um?"

Lin Daiyu was somewhat puzzled, and a hint of suspicion flashed in her bright, dark eyes.

Zijuan lowered her voice and said:

"Could it be that Auntie is trying to strengthen her relationship with the Duke through marriage?"

"If my aunt's nephew marries the First Madam's niece, wouldn't her family's relationship with the First Madam be further strengthened? And wouldn't their relationship with the Duke be even closer?"

"It's like how Aunt sent Xiangling to the Duke as his personal maid; she's used to 'get her hands on' the people around the Duke."

Ever since Daiyu and Baochai became rivals, Zijuan became more wary of the Xue family, secretly trying to figure out their intentions behind every move they made.

In particular, Zijuan had personally witnessed Ying'er giving Jia Jing knee pads, and she felt that this maid did not seem like a good person.

so,

Although Jia Jing had already rectified the Rongguo Mansion, he only reduced the number of wicked and unruly servants who violated laws and regulations on the surface. The infighting and backstabbing that existed behind the scenes remained the same.

Or rather, there can never be a complete absence of scheming and intrigue within a grand mansion.

After all, no one can control everyone's thoughts.

A wise head of the household can keep the infighting within a reasonable range and guide it to develop in a positive direction.

Struggle can sometimes stimulate internal vitality, promote common progress, and play a positive role!

Daiyu's starry eyes narrowed slightly. She didn't like talking about people behind their backs, and she cautioned:

"Perhaps Auntie just really likes Xiuyan's personality. We can't always think the worst of people. Auntie is usually quite nice to us too."

"It's not that I'm thinking the worst of people, but my aunt has been going to the Jingwu Academy a lot lately to catch up with Xiangling and chat."

"They kept subtly inquiring about the Duke's preferences and other matters," Ziju whispered.

Daiyu frowned slightly, her heart tightening slightly, then she asked with some doubt:

"How did you know all this?"

Daiyu believed that Xiangling should not have told Zijuan these things.

Xiangling is a simple-minded girl and wouldn't do such things. Besides, even if Xiangling wanted to say something, she should have told her master!

Zijuan paused slightly, then whispered:

"Qingwen told me! She said... she respects your frankness and lack of worldliness even more..."

"Qingwen..."

Daiyu murmured to herself, a flash of understanding appearing in her eyes.

The image of that charming, clever, eloquent, and straightforward maidservant came to mind.

She was the head maidservant of her third brother, and was personally trained by the old lady.

After Zijuan said that, she also remembered that Qingwen was indeed closer to her than to others.

This year, on her birthday, she even gave herself a gift that her third brother had prepared in advance.

Thinking about it this way... perhaps she really is a good girl!

Through Qingwen, Daiyu couldn't help but think of the other two maids at the Jingwu Academy: Xiangling and Xiaojiao'er!

It seems that I have a very good relationship with both of them!

Xiao Jiao'er is closer to him than others, and Xiang Ling is his only apprentice!

Daiyu was suddenly startled!

Just now, Zijuan said that her aunt always tries to manipulate the people around her third brother!

But now it seems that the maids around Third Brother are closer to her!

What is this?

Was it an unintentional success or did my third brother have already made arrangements?

Daiyu was lost in thought, completely bewildered.