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

The study was filled with the fragrance of sandalwood, and a ray of warm sunlight shone through the carved window, falling on the open books and making the ink in the inkstone on the desk appear even more lustrous.

Shui Rong held a jade paperweight between his fingertips, his gaze fixed on the words on the page, but his thoughts had already drifted far away—

The lingering warmth of last night's intimacy still made it difficult for him to concentrate on his official duties.

Suddenly, she heard light footsteps, carrying a woman's unique gentleness. The moment Shui Rong looked up, she couldn't take her eyes off them.

Qin Keqing entered gracefully, her exquisite figure draped in a long, moon-white satin dress. The hem of the dress was embroidered with a subtle pattern of intertwined lotus flowers, which rippled like flowing water as she moved.

It accentuated her slender waist and full, rounded hips, making her sway gracefully with every step, sending shivers down one's spine.

She wore no makeup, yet her skin was as white and smooth as cream. A small silver lock hung from her neck, swaying gently with her movements, resting on her delicate collarbone, adding to her allure.

Her long hair was loosely tied into a hanging bun, with a few stray strands sticking to her cheeks, making her small face look even more delicate. Her almond-shaped eyes were sparkling with water, and when she looked at Shui Rong, the tenderness in her eyes almost overflowed.

"Your Highness."

She parted her lips slightly, her voice soft and sweet like honey, carrying a hint of languor as if she had just come from the inner room, the last syllable rising gently, making Shui Rong's heart tingle.

Shui Rong put down the paperweight, and as he stood up, the coldness in his eyes had transformed into an intense, unyielding tenderness. He walked a few steps to Qin Keqing, his gaze lingering on her face, his fingertips unconsciously brushing her cheek, his tone tinged with a sigh:

"She's so beautiful, it makes your heart ache just looking at her."

Before he finished speaking, he bent down and picked her up in his arms—she was extremely light and soft, as if she had no bones. When she nestled in his arms, her nose rubbed against his clothes, and she was incredibly obedient.

Shui Rong carried her to the soft couch and sat her down, letting her sit steadily on his lap. He wrapped his arms tightly around her waist, feeling the delicate skin and warm touch under his palms.

He picked up a plate of freshly steamed osmanthus cake from the table, pinched a small piece between his fingertips, gently crushed it, and offered it to Qin Keqing's lips, his eyes full of doting affection.

"I just had the kitchen make this, want to try it?"

Qin Keqing's cheeks flushed instantly, her eyelashes fluttered gently like a startled butterfly. She opened her mouth slightly and put the crumb of cake into her mouth, the sweet fragrance instantly melting on her tongue.

She looked up at Shui Rong, a hint of coquettishness in her eyes, and said in a soft voice, "Your Highness, I'm not a child anymore, why are you still feeding me like this?"

No sooner had she finished speaking than her lips were covered by a pair of warm lips—a gentle, lingering kiss, sweet and fragrant with the scent of osmanthus cake, tenderly sucking on her lips and teeth until her breathing quickened and her cheeks flushed. Only then did he pull away slightly, his nose touching hers, his breath hot.

"Let me taste today's dessert to see if it's sweet."

He lowered his head and pecked her lips again, a playful smile curving his lips: "Not bad, not bad, just not as sweet as you."

"Your Highness..."

Qin Keqing's body went limp from his words. Her soft, boneless hands wrapped tightly around his waist, her cheek pressed against his chest, like a docile little kitten. Her flushed face was tilted up, her eyes wet, and she waited obediently for him to feed her again.

Her fingertips gently caressed the jade belt around his waist, her movements carrying a hint of unconscious dependence. Her appearance was both innocent and alluring, which aroused Shui Rong's desire. If he hadn't been thinking about going out later, he probably would have already taken her right there and then.

Shui Rong gently combed her long hair with his fingertips; the strands were as smooth as silk, slipping through his fingers. He couldn't help but sigh inwardly:

Such a beautiful young woman, if placed in the 21st century, would be just a young girl who has just come of age, only nineteen years old, a few months older than me, yet she has endured hardships in this feudal dynasty, been divorced by the Jia family, and suffered endless scorn.

Thankfully, she's with me now.

"Let's go shopping later."

Shui Rong's voice was so gentle it could melt your heart. He gently pinched her chin with his fingertips. "I'll buy you some hairpins, jewelry, rouge, and some practical items. They'll come in handy when we return to Ci'an Temple."

Upon hearing this, Qin Keqing's eyes lit up instantly, as if they were filled with starlight. She nodded vigorously, her voice full of joy: "Alright, I'll do whatever Your Highness says."

The two lingered tenderly for a while longer. Qin Keqing, with a little milk on the corner of her mouth, licked it off with the tip of her tongue in front of Shui Rong.

Her cheeks were still flushed, and her almond-shaped eyes were moist. When she looked at Shui Rong, the tenderness and dependence in her eyes were almost overwhelming. She looked cute and alluring.

"Let's go."

Shui Rong helped her up, her fingertips always holding her hand. Her hand was very small and soft, and holding it in her palm made her feel especially safe.

Upon reaching the gate of the mansion, Zhao Zhong was already waiting respectfully to the side, holding a plain veil and a light gauze veil in his hands.

Shui Rong took the veil and carefully put it on Qin Keqing. Her fingertips brushed against Qin Keqing's cheeks with gentle movements, and she whispered, "Put it on, so as not to cause gossip."

He knew in his heart that as the Prince of Beijing, whose title was hereditary and of noble status, it was against etiquette for him to bring a woman into the palace before he was married. Moreover, he had just offended the old-fashioned people in the Ministry of Rites because of the search of his residence the day before. If someone caught him doing something wrong now, it would inevitably cause trouble and implicate Ke Qing.

Qin Keqing nodded obediently, her fingertips gently pressing against her veil. There was no dissatisfaction in her eyes. As long as she could stay by Shui Rong's side, what did this little grievance matter?

Just as the two were about to step out of the mansion, they saw Qin Zhongxun standing at the door with several servants. The old man was wearing a dark blue brocade robe, with white hair and beard, but he was in good spirits and had bright eyes. He was smiling at them.

Qin Zhongxun's gaze lingered on Qin Keqing for a moment. Even through the veil, he could still feel the woman's gentleness, and a knowing smile flashed in his eyes.

When Shui Rong saw Qin Zhongxun, a hint of helplessness flashed in her eyes, which then turned into a gentle smile. In her heart, however, she sighed inwardly: This old man has finally interrupted our peaceful time together.

"Old Master Qin, what brings you here today?" Shui Rong released Qin Keqing's hand, took a few steps forward, and bowed to Qin Zhongxun with his hands clasped in a familiar and respectful tone.

Qin Zhongxun smiled and returned the greeting with a cupped hand, then glanced at Qin Keqing beside him, his tone slightly teasing:

"If I hadn't come soon, wouldn't I have missed Your Highness's good fortune? Is Your Highness taking a beauty for a stroll? If I remember correctly, Your Highness is not yet married, is he?"

Upon hearing this, Shui Rong blushed slightly, shook her head helplessly, pointed at Qin Keqing, and said with a hint of reproach, "Old Qin is teasing the juniors again."

He deliberately downplayed his relationship with Qin Keqing, both to protect her and to avoid unnecessary trouble.

Qin Zhongxun, being so astute, naturally understood Shui Rong's thoughts. He smiled and waved his hand, "Alright, alright, I won't tease you. Why, won't you invite me in for a seat?"

Shui Rong turned to look at Qin Keqing, a hint of apology in his eyes, and gently squeezed her hand.

Qin Keqing immediately understood, looked up at Shui Rong with a gentle smile, and lightly squeezed his fingers back, indicating that it was alright—as long as she could be by his side, even if she was just sitting quietly, she would be willing.

"Look at what Elder Qin is saying, please come in." Shui Rong smiled and stepped aside to let Qin Zhongxun in, then instructed Zhao Zhong, "Zhao Zhong, quickly serve tea, Elder Qin's favorite pre-rain Longjing tea."

The three of them entered the study together. Qin Keqing stood obediently beside Shui Rong, her hands gently placed in front of her abdomen. Her figure was graceful, and even through the veil, her gentle and charming temperament could not be concealed.

After Qin Zhongxun sat down, his gaze swept around the study and finally landed on Shui Rong. The smile on his face gradually faded, replaced by a look of solemnity.

"Your Highness, I have come today with a request."

Qin Zhongxun picked up the teacup Zhao Zhong handed him, gently blew away the foam, and spoke with a hint of earnestness.

Shui Rong's heart stirred. She sat down opposite Qin Zhongxun, gesturing for Qin Keqing to sit beside her, and spoke in a gentle tone:

"Please feel free to speak, Elder Qin. If it is within my power, I will certainly not refuse."

He already had a pretty good idea of ​​what was going on; it must be because of Qin Keqing.

Qin Zhongxun put down his teacup, a hint of reminiscence and sadness in his eyes, which reddened slightly.

"As Your Highness knows, I lost a daughter many years ago. She was my only child with my deceased wife. When I left the capital to take up my post, I accidentally got lost. Over the years, I have searched everywhere, but I have never heard from her."

He paused, his gaze falling on Qin Keqing with a hint of probing and expectation: "A few days ago, I heard that Your Highness saved a woman named Qin Keqing, the one who was divorced by the Jia family."

"I have also heard that this Miss Qin is about the same age as my lost daughter. If my daughter were still alive, she would probably look just like Miss Qin."

Shui Rong looked at Qin Keqing beside her and saw that she had her head slightly lowered, her eyelashes trembling gently, and a trace of confusion and emotion flashing in her eyes.