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

As the morning mist dissipates, the glazed tiles of the Forbidden City are bathed in golden light, and the copper bells on the eaves ring softly in the breeze, their clear and melodious sounds like strings.

After getting ready, Prince Bei Jing, Shui Rong, dressed in a dark blue robe embroidered with gold pythons and a jade belt around his waist, boarded the vermilion-wheeled carriage prepared by the palace.

The carriages rumbled and the horses neighed as they passed through Zhuque Avenue, Chengtian Gate, and finally arrived at the Meridian Gate. After having his waist token checked, Shui Rong slowly entered the palace. The steps and palaces stretched endlessly before him. He had been in and out of the Forbidden City since childhood and knew the routes well. Before long, he arrived outside the Hall of Mental Cultivation.

Just then, the curtain of the east-facing warm pavilion was lifted slightly, and the current emperor, Zhu Yiheng, dressed in bright yellow casual clothes, walked out with a graceful and unhurried demeanor.

Upon seeing Shui Rong, the Emperor laughed heartily, his voice booming like a bell: "My brother, you've come at just the right time! This morning, I heard that the imperial chefs had prepared several new delicacies, and their flavors are quite exquisite. You and I have grown up together since childhood, and you are the one with the most discerning palate. I have specially summoned you to taste them together and to give me your evaluation."

Shui Rong bowed respectfully and replied with a smile, "Your Majesty's kindness is too much for me to bear. It is truly my honor to be able to receive this banquet from Your Majesty."

The two chatted and laughed as they walked side by side into the hall.

In the warm pavilion of the palace sat a noblewoman dressed in a phoenix coronet and embroidered robe; she was none other than the current Empress Xu.

Empress Xu was born with a dignified and graceful appearance, with a gentle and refined look in her eyes, as well as the composure of a noble lady.

The Xu family behind her was a prominent clan in Liaodong with deep roots. The Empress's younger brother was the hereditary Duke of Wei, holding military power in Liaodong. He was a nobleman appointed at the beginning of the dynasty, and his title was comparable to that of the Prince of Beijing.

However, as a prince of the imperial family, Prince Bei Jing was not in a position to get involved in sensitive matters such as military power. The Xu family, on the other hand, had a long history of military achievements and was a solid backing for the Empress's lineage. No one in the court dared to underestimate them.

Upon seeing Shui Rong enter, Empress Xu rose and nodded, her tone gentle: "Rong'er has arrived, please have a seat."

Shui Rong thanked the Empress and sat down on a brocade stool to the side.

The eunuchs from the imperial kitchen had already served tea and snacks. The dishes were all exquisitely made, including pine nut and goose fat rolls, lotus root starch and osmanthus sugar cakes, as well as several newly made rose pastries and almond cream, all with tempting colors and enticing aromas.

The Emperor picked up a pair of jade chopsticks, took a piece of rose pastry, placed it on the white porcelain plate in front of Shui Rong, and said with a smile, "Try this. The imperial chef said that it has been made with newly brewed rose syrup. It's sweet but not cloying."

After the water dissolves and the flavor fades, I pick up a small piece and take a sip. It's smooth and creamy with a delicate floral fragrance—truly remarkable.

He swallowed slowly, about to offer a few words of praise, when he noticed the Emperor's gaze flicker, as if he had something to say. Shui Rong understood, put down his jade chopsticks, and calmly said, "Your Majesty summoned me here, surely not just to sample the delicacies of this imperial kitchen?"

Upon hearing this, the Emperor and Empress Xu exchanged a smile.

Empress Xu spoke softly, "Rong'er is as perceptive as ever; nothing can fool you. Your imperial brother summoned you today, firstly to ask you, as the head of the Imperial Clan Court, what your insights are regarding the recent case of missing children in the capital?"

"Secondly, now that envoys from Jiaozhi and other countries have gathered in the capital, although your Imperial Clan Court is in charge of the affairs of the imperial clan, you also need to deal with foreign officials. You may also share your thoughts on how to handle this matter."

Shui Rong lowered her eyes and pondered for a moment before raising them to reply, "Your Majesty the Empress is absolutely right. However, the exchange of envoys between various countries is the responsibility of the Ministry of Rites, while the Imperial Clan Court is in charge of the genealogy and education of the imperial clan. If we were to rashly interfere in the affairs of foreign officials, it would be an overreach of authority."

"Moreover, the Imperial Clan Court is based on the imperial clan, and the hearts of the imperial clan have always been with the Emperor. Your Majesty, I have always taken your wishes as the standard and dare not act arbitrarily."

These words were spoken with humility and propriety, clearly defining responsibilities and demonstrating loyalty. The Emperor was greatly pleased, clapping his hands and laughing, "Brother, what you say is very true! I knew you were capable of handling matters prudently."

The atmosphere inside the hall grew increasingly harmonious. The three of them, the emperor and his ministers, enjoyed some snacks while chatting about trivial matters in the palace and the recent situation of the imperial family.

Suddenly, Shui Rong coughed softly, as if he had remembered something. He stood up and said, "Your Majesty, I just had a humble idea. I'd like to invest in an academy. I've compiled some books myself. I wonder if Your Majesty would approve?"

The Emperor was taken aback upon hearing this, then looked him over with great interest: "Oh? What brings you to the idea of ​​opening an academy, my brother? Although you hold the honorary title of Academician of the Hanlin Academy, it is merely a nominal one. Do you perhaps have some novel idea of ​​yours?"

"Ever since you woke up from that serious illness two years ago, some bizarre ideas have often popped into your mind, but they have also been surprisingly effective. I really like the 'telescope' that you gave me before. When I climb up to a high place, I can see the whole view of the capital. The Empress also often plays with it."

When the "telescope" was mentioned, Empress Xu's cheeks flushed slightly, and she nodded with a smile, her eyes showing approval.

Shui Rong bowed and replied, "Your Majesty flatters me. The academy I envision is not for the sake of being pretentious, but rather to impart practical knowledge for governing the world. I plan to first invest in establishing a royal academy, enrolling members of the royal family and some descendants of nobles, and personally teaching them principles of investigating things and extending knowledge, as well as practical matters concerning people's livelihoods, so that they can share the burdens of the court in the future."

The Emperor pondered for a moment, then looked intently at Shui Rong: "You intend to personally assume the role of Dean? That's acceptable. However, you also hold several positions, including Director of the Imperial Clan Court and Academician of the Hanlin Academy. The affairs are numerous and complex. Can you manage to handle them all?"

After a moment's thought, he said, "How about this, let Prince Ping'an manage the academy with you, so he can share some of the burden. I also want to see what kind of talents your academy can produce. If they are well-educated, I will reward them handsomely."

Shui Rong was overjoyed and quickly kowtowed to express his gratitude: "Thank you for your grace, Your Majesty! Your humble servant will certainly not fail in his mission."

When the conversation turned to serious matters, the atmosphere in the hall became slightly heavy. Empress Xu spoke up at the right moment: "Rong'er, you haven't yet shared your insights on the case of the missing child we were discussing earlier."

Shui Rong composed himself and said solemnly, "Your Majesty, Your Majesty, this case seems perplexing, but it actually hides some clues. In the capital, the Embroidered Uniform Guard, the Eastern and Western Depots, and the City Defense Bureau are heavily guarded. Ordinary bandits could never succeed so many times without leaving a trace."

"In my opinion, the perpetrator must be hiding in a powerful family in the capital. He is able to act with impunity because of the protection of his family's power. I suggest that Your Majesty issue an edict at tomorrow's court assembly, ordering the Embroidered Uniform Guard to take the lead and cooperate with various government departments to search the noble families in the capital one by one. Surely some clues will be found."

Upon hearing this, the Emperor frowned slightly and remained silent.

He tapped his fingers lightly on the table, as if weighing the pros and cons. After a long while, he slowly spoke: "What you say, my brother, makes sense. I will consider this matter carefully and make a decision at tomorrow's court meeting."

Having said that, he picked up his teacup and said with a smile, "Let's not talk about these troublesome things. It's getting late, my brother, please have some snacks and don't let the imperial chef's skills go to waste."

Shui Rong agreed and picked up the jade chopsticks again. The harmonious atmosphere in the hall was restored once more. The morning light shone through the window and onto the polished golden bricks, making the whole room shine.

As the emperor and his ministers chatted idly, it was nearly noon, and the snacks on the table were almost finished. Seeing the emperor's pleased expression, Shui Rong knew that the matters discussed that day had mostly yielded results, and his heart gradually calmed down.