Prince Bei Jing of the Red Chamber, starting from saving Qin Keqing

While Shui Rong was still in a daze, wondering why she would have such a erotic dream, she realized that this was clearly the scene in the original novel of Dream of the Red Chamber where "Baoyu travels to the Land of Illusion". It should have been Jia Baoyu, who was born with a jade in his mouth, who traveled to this place. How come it was her instead?

It must be because he saved Qin Keqing.

The original story states that Qin Keqing is the younger sister of the Fairy Disenchantment. Perhaps it was this slight change that caused the opportunity that should have fallen on Baoyu to quietly shift to him.

Isn't this situation just a case of transferring the cause and effect of "Baoyu's first experience of love" onto oneself?

He was lost in these absurd thoughts, his fingertips unconsciously tracing the surface of the water, trying to suppress his mind with the icy chill once more, when he suddenly heard Zhao Zhong's hurried footsteps outside the door, followed by rapid knocking and Zhao Zhong's slightly anxious shouts:

"My lord! My lord! You haven't rested yet, have you?"

Shui Rong's brows furrowed instantly, feeling utterly annoyed. But being a man long accustomed to positions of power, he quickly composed himself and asked in a deep voice, "What is it?"

"A decree has arrived!"

Zhao Zhong's voice was somewhat hurried, "The eunuch who delivered the imperial decree has already returned. He said that His Majesty, out of pity for the Prince who was assassinated, disregarded formalities and handed the decree directly to me! Are you available now? Shall I bring it in for you?"

Shui Rong remained silent for a moment, the chill of the icy water spreading up his limbs and bones, clearing his muddled mind somewhat.

Besides, the murky water in the bathtub was really bothering him, and he needed to change the water and clean it. He raised his hand to rub his temples and said in a hoarse voice, "Wait a moment."

Having said that, he got up and stepped out of the bathtub, casually grabbed a brocade bathrobe from the side and wrapped it around himself, loosely tying the sash, before calling out, "Come in."

The door was gently pushed open, and Zhao Zhong lowered his head, keeping his eyes down and not daring to glance around. He bent very low, holding a roll of bright yellow silk imperial edict in both hands, and walked in cautiously, as if afraid of disturbing his master.

The imperial edict was bright and eye-catching, embroidered with intricate dragon patterns and adorned with fine pearls along the edges. Under the candlelight, it gleamed with a warm luster, and every detail exuded the unique majesty and solemnity of the royal family.

Shui Rong walked over slowly and raised his hand. Zhao Zhong hurriedly stepped forward and respectfully handed the imperial edict to him.

Shui Rong's fingertips touched the cool silk, and she slowly unfurled it. There, she saw imperial calligraphy in vermilion ink, the characters vigorous and powerful, penetrating the paper, clearly stating:

By the mandate of Heaven, the Emperor decrees:

Prince Bei Jing, Shui Rong, is loyal and devoted to the country, but has recently been assassinated, which I deeply regret. Considering the prince's tainted spirit, he needs the blessings of believers to avert disaster. I have discovered that Qin Keqing of the former Ningguo Mansion is gentle and devout in Buddhism, and her birth chart is compatible with the prince's. Therefore, I hereby order her to travel to the Ci'an Temple on the outskirts of the capital within three days to pray for the prince's well-being for three years. During this period, she must observe a period of fasting and quiet contemplation, and is not permitted to leave without permission. All her needs will be provided by the Prince's residence, and local officials will take good care of her. This is my imperial decree.

December 6th, the third year of Xuande

Shui Rong looked at the concise imperial edict and couldn't help but chuckle softly, a knowing and playful glint in his eyes.

It seems that Jia Zhen's matter has been resolved.

He had feigned illness and had not attended today's court assembly, so he had no idea what the scene was like in the court. Unexpectedly, the imperial edict was delivered, which so grandly and openly brought his entanglement with Qin Keqing to the forefront.

As for the Ci'an Temple on the outskirts of Beijing... Shui Rong's smile deepened.

Cixi Temple was originally a temple built by imperial decree, and the monks in the temple were all personally appointed by His Majesty. On the surface, it was under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Rites, but in secret, it had many connections with the Prince of Beijing's mansion.

It's less about placing Qin Shi in Ci'an Temple for blessings and more about personally delivering this delicate flower right under his nose, allowing him to take whatever he wants.

What a brilliant plan Your Majesty has devised!

After being cleansed by this illusion, my previously restless and agitated heart has strangely calmed down.

Shui Rong smiled faintly; this was probably what people called the "wise moment." All the previous fantasies and restlessness had faded away, leaving only a clear-headed understanding of the world.

He slowly rolled up the imperial edict, his fingertips tracing the bright yellow silk, a glint of malice flashing in his eyes. He turned to Zhao Zhong, who stood bowed to the side, and said in a deep voice:

"Pass on my message to the abbot of Ci'an Temple, saying that Qin is here to pray for my well-being on imperial orders and is also a guest of honor at the Prince of Beijing's residence. All her food, clothing, and other necessities at the temple must be provided for her in a proper and considerate manner, and she must not be mistreated in the slightest."

He paused, his tone suddenly turning cold, carrying an undeniable air of authority:

"If I find out that anyone in the temple dares to use their name to make things difficult for the Qin family, or utters even a single word of dissent—then I will have no reason to remain the abbot of Ci'an Temple."

Zhao Zhong's heart skipped a beat, and he quickly bowed and replied, "Your subordinate obeys, I will go and deliver the message immediately!"

Shui Rong waved his hand and said, "Also, have someone change the water in this bathtub. This time, we don't need to use ice water; just use warm water."

He strolled to the window, gazing at the deep night outside the palace, and suddenly remembered that this palace courtyard had been desolate and lifeless ever since he transmigrated here.

Then he added, "In the coming days, you should discuss with the matrons in the mansion how to tidy up the scenery of this mansion. It doesn't need to be too festive or ostentatious, just add some flowers, plants and trees, so that when spring comes next year, it will bring some life to the mansion, and prevent it from feeling desolate all day long."

Upon hearing this, Zhao Zhong was first taken aback, then secretly delighted.

He watched the prince grow up, and since the prince woke up from his serious illness two years ago, he seemed like a completely different person.

The former prince, who was aloof and indifferent to the scenery of his residence and the trivial matters of human relationships, is now thinking about renovating the courtyard and adding some life to it, which has truly made it more humane.

Zhao Zhong felt a sense of comfort in his heart, and thought to himself:

The prince looks more and more like a living, breathing person now, no longer the otherworldly jade statue he once was. Thinking this, it seems the next young master of the prince's mansion will soon be settled.

He was delighted, but dared not show it on his face. He simply bowed his head and replied, "Understood, I will make the arrangements immediately."

Seeing his hesitant, smiling expression, Shui Rong couldn't help but laugh and say, "What are you standing here daydreaming about? Hurry up and get to work!"

Zhao Zhong then came to his senses, quickly replied "Yes, sir," and retreated with light steps.

Shui Rong walked to the adjacent warm pavilion, leaned against the soft couch, lightly tapped the armrest with her fingertips, and looked deep and thoughtful.

The hereditary princes of the Great Zhou Dynasty were incredibly powerful, but in reality, they existed in name only.

During the reign of the late emperor, in order to prevent the powerful relatives of the imperial clan from becoming too influential, the rule of "inheriting titles in a lower rank" was established.

Apart from a handful of descendants of founding fathers who were granted the honor of being a hereditary prince, a title that was passed down through generations, the rest of the imperial relatives were only ranked one rank lower with each generation. To this day, there are only four families that can be called princes at most: the Prince of Beijing, the Prince of Dongping, the Prince of Xining, and the Prince of Ping'an, who has always been close to the imperial family.

Of these four families, the Prince of Dongping is old and frail and has long since stopped concerning himself with politics, spending his remaining years in his residence; the Prince of Xining has been stationed in the northwest for many years and holds some military power, but he has also left the intrigues of the capital.

Although Prince Ping'an was from a collateral branch of the imperial clan, he was favored by the emperor because his birth mother was the emperor's wet nurse. However, he had no real power and was merely a prince with no real authority.

After all the calculations, the only one in the capital who could be called a "prince" and had any real influence was the Prince of Beijing's family.

But this amount is also a hot potato.

Looking at the four great families—Jia, Shi, Wang, and Xue—they were once so powerful, known as "all prosper together, all suffer together," but now they are outwardly strong but inwardly weak.

Wang Ziteng of the Wang family is currently enjoying the emperor's favor, having risen through the ranks to become the governor of nine provinces, wielding considerable military power and enjoying unparalleled prestige. However, the Wang family has few descendants, and after Wang Ziteng, there is no one else of value to be found.

The Shi family has fallen into complete decline. The former Marquis of Baoling, Shi Gong, has long since passed away. The current heir to the title, Shi Nai, is nothing more than a playboy with a title but no real power, living off his ancestors' property and waiting to die.

Needless to say, the Xue family, despite their title of "Imperial Merchants" and seemingly overflowing with wealth, are nothing more than the royal family's moneybags, living at the mercy of others. Xue Pan, that scoundrel, is a troublemaker who might bring about the Xue family's annihilation one day.

The Jia family, however, appears to be thriving, but in reality, they are fraught with hidden dangers.

Jia Jing was preoccupied with cultivating Taoism and neglected his duties; Jia Zhen was dissolute and immoral, turning the Ningguo Mansion into a chaotic mess; on the Rongguo Mansion side, Jia She was lecherous and muddleheaded, and Jia Zheng was pedantic and rigid. Even with a few promising descendants, they could not prevent the collapse of the mansion.

The only one who could hold up the scene was Jia Yuanchun in the palace. However, new concubines emerged in the harem, and favor was fleeting. Who knew how long this honor could last?

As Shui Rong thought of this, a flash of understanding crossed his eyes.

Judging from the current situation, the Jia family's immense wealth probably won't last more than seven years, at most ten, before they collapse and scatter. Thinking this, he felt a little relieved—there was still plenty of time, and he had plenty of time to make arrangements slowly.