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

When Lin Daiyu heard the word "sorry," her heart stirred slightly, but when she heard "would you be willing?", her bright eyes dimmed.

Willing? Under this cannibalistic feudal ethics, what right did a weak woman like her have to talk about whether she was willing or not?

Just as she was about to say something, an even stronger gust of cold wind blew by, whipping up the snow on the ground and slapping it hard against her face.

Her already weak body swayed suddenly, her feet slipped, and she was about to fall to the ground.

"Be careful!"

Shui Rong exclaimed in surprise, no longer caring about the strict rules of propriety between men and women.

With lightning speed, he grabbed Lin Daiyu's waist and lifted her up steadily.

Upon touching it, one is struck by its astonishing thinness and softness.

This isn't like hugging a person; it's more like hugging a ball of cotton.

Shui Rong felt a pang of sadness; this girl was far too thin.

Lin Daiyu felt her body lighten, and she was lifted into the air before landing in a broad, warm embrace.

She gasped and instinctively reached out her arms to hug Shui Rong's neck tightly, her cheeks instantly turning red all the way to her ears.

She never expected that Shui Rong would be so "rude," holding her in his arms in broad daylight and in full view of everyone (although there were only a few stunned servants and Zhao Zhong by the gate at that moment).

"Your Highness..." Lin Daiyu was so ashamed that she wished she could disappear into a crack in the ground. She buried her head in Shui Rong's chest and dared not look up.

"Don't move, you can't walk anymore."

Shui Rong's voice rang out above him, carrying an undeniable firmness.

He glanced at Zhao Zhong, who was staring in disbelief, and said in a deep voice, "Zhao Zhong, prepare the car!"

"Yes, Your Majesty, I will go right away!"

Zhao Zhong quickly came to his senses. Although he was shocked by the prince's actions, he knew that this was not the time to say anything. He hurriedly ran to the carriage, lifted the curtain himself, and turned the heater inside the carriage even brighter.

Shui Rong carried Lin Daiyu and strode towards the carriage.

His steps were steady and quick, as if afraid that the person in his arms would suffer from the cold for even a moment longer.

Before long, he carried Lin Daiyu into the warm carriage.

The carriage was covered with thick carpets, and the charcoal brazier in the corner was burning brightly, dispelling all the chill.

Shui Rong carefully placed Lin Daiyu on the cushioned seat, her movements as gentle as if she were handling a rare treasure.

He didn't leave immediately, but instead sat down opposite her, his gaze quietly fixed on her face.

It must be said that each of the Twelve Beauties of Jinling possesses her own unique beauty.

Qin Keqing is the kind of mature and charming woman who is so alluring that one glance at her can make one's heart flutter.

Lin Daiyu, on the other hand, represents a different kind of ultimate beauty.

She was like a plum blossom blooming alone in the cold wind, pure and lovely, with an innate spirituality and sorrow in her eyes, making people want to protect her and not bear to see her suffer the slightest grievance.

At this moment, Lin Daiyu was already blushing deeply.

She leaned against the carriage wall, clutching her brocade robe tightly with both hands, her head lowered, her long eyelashes casting a shadow beneath her eyelids, not daring to look at Shui Rong opposite her.

Her mind was in turmoil, a mixture of shame, panic, and a vague, inexplicable flutter.

The carriage was very warm, and before long, the chill that had been lingering on Lin Daiyu's body gradually dissipated.

She propped herself up slightly, and only when she felt her cheeks were no longer so hot did she dare to raise her head and look at Shui Rong across from her.

Meeting Shui Rong's deep, smiling eyes, her heart skipped a beat, and she quickly lowered her head, her voice gentle and submissive, tinged with a hint of sorrow:

"This is a marriage bestowed by His Majesty, and I, your humble servant, would never dare to disobey."

Shui Soo is so transparent, how could he not hear the insincerity in her words?

The phrase "I dare not disobey" perfectly encapsulates the helplessness of being unable to control one's own destiny.

He could see that Lin Daiyu was still dissatisfied. Perhaps when no one was around, she would lament the injustice of the world and sigh at the misfortune of her fate.

Thinking of this, Shui Rong felt a pang of heartache for no apparent reason.

He looked at the thirteen-year-old girl in front of him. She should have been carefree and enjoying the company of her parents, but instead she had to bear the expectations of her family and face this sudden political marriage.

"You're only thirteen," Shui Rong's voice became exceptionally gentle, carrying a reassuring strength, "This is indeed unfair to you."

Lin Daiyu suddenly raised her head, a hint of surprise flashing in her eyes, as if she hadn't expected Shui Rong to say such a thing.

Shui Rong met her gaze and continued gently, "As you know, the laws of the Dayin Dynasty stipulate that a woman must be at least fifteen years old to marry. I will plead with my brother, the Emperor, to postpone the wedding."

He paused, looking at the doubt in Lin Daiyu's eyes, and added, "I can plead for you until you're eighteen. In these few years, just think of me as having an older brother; I won't force you to do anything."

"If by then you still don't like me, or if you've found someone you like, then we can discuss this further, okay?"

Lin Daiyu listened quietly, her expression not changing much, but the surprise in her eyes gradually faded, replaced by a deeper, more complex emotion.

Eighteen years old... that's five years left.

But what can she do five years from now?

In this era, women's fate has never been in their own hands.

Moreover, the man before her was the high and mighty Prince Bei Jing, a close relative whom the Emperor relied on. What right did she have to be picky?

After a long pause, she finally spoke, her voice tinged with self-mockery and a hint of tentative sensitivity: "Your Highness... doesn't he like me either?"

Her voice was soft, yet it was like a fine needle gently pricking Shui Rong's heart.

That's Daiyu for you—always so suspicious, always feeling inadequate, and believing that others won't treat her sincerely.

"No, no, no, you've misunderstood."

Shui Rong quickly waved his hand, his tone urgent and sincere, afraid of hurting her feelings, "We've only met a few times, how can we talk about deep love? But I do have feelings for you."

"I just don't want you to compromise yourself because of the imperial decree, and I don't want you to get married hastily because you are too young."

Seeing the lingering suspicion in Lin Daiyu's eyes, a thought struck him, and he added, "By the way, after the New Year, I will be going south to investigate a case. Would you be willing to come with me?"

"Go to the South?" A glimmer of light flashed in Lin Daiyu's eyes.

"Um."

Shui Rong nodded. "Jiangnan has beautiful scenery and a mild climate, which is much better than the awful weather in the capital. It's also good for your health. Besides, being away from the troubles of the capital will make you feel more at ease."

He didn't say it explicitly, but Lin Daiyu knew perfectly well that the subtext of his words was—we can take this opportunity to cultivate our relationship.

If they get along well, it will become a marriage; if they don't, it will still fulfill the duty between ruler and subject.

Upon hearing this, Lin Daiyu's originally pale cheeks finally regained some color, and a faint blush appeared.

She lowered her head, her fingertips gently twisting the hem of her clothes. At that moment, the ice in her heart seemed to melt a corner of it with the gentle warmth of water.

She said softly, "Jiangnan...that's a good place."

Seeing that her expression relaxed, Shui Rong felt somewhat reassured and changed the subject, asking about her father, "Has Lord Lin not arrived yet?"

Mentioning her father, Lin Daiyu's expression regained some clarity. She raised her head and obediently replied:

"Your Highness, my father should be back in the next couple of days. After all, something happened to my second brother Lian, and as an old friend of the Jia family and the Salt Commissioner, my father should return to the capital to offer condolences and report on his duties."

Shui Rong nodded, pondering to himself.

Lin Ruhai is a talented individual and a force he can strive to win over in the future. If he can bring Lin Ruhai to his side, it will greatly benefit his plans in the south.

Just as he was about to say something more, Zijuan's anxious shouts suddenly came from outside the carriage, accompanied by hurried footsteps:

"Miss! Miss! Where are you? Have you seen our young lady?"

Upon hearing this, Shui Rong couldn't help but smile and looked at Lin Daiyu: "It seems your personal maid has come looking for you. That little girl must be extremely worried."

Lin Daiyu also heard Zijuan's voice and a helpless smile appeared on her face.

She was about to raise her hand to take off the brocade robe that belonged to Shui Rong, after all, it wouldn't look good if a man and a woman were alone in a carriage and wearing each other's clothes.

"Your Highness, the robes..."

"No, no need."

Shui Rong quickly waved his hand, pressed her hand down, and said gently, "It's freezing cold, this is perfect for you. Besides, everyone in the Jia family should know about the arranged marriage, so wearing my clothes can be considered... a way to get used to it beforehand."

He paused, a sly smile flashing in his eyes:

"Besides, this is also to show those blind people that you are someone I, Prince Bei Jing, protect. From now on, no one in the Jia family or in the capital will dare to bully you."

Lin Daiyu blushed even more at his words, gave a soft "hmm," and then stopped insisting.

After saying that, Shui Rong took the lead, pushed open the car door, and got out.

The wind and snow outside had not stopped, but Zijuan had already run to the carriage and was anxiously peering inside.

Seeing the water dissolve, she was first stunned, then her face changed drastically. She immediately knelt down, her voice filled with fear: "This servant, Zijuan, did not know Your Highness was here. I have disturbed Your Highness. Please forgive me!"

"Get up," Shui Rong said gently, without blaming her.

He turned around, extended his hand to Lin Daiyu inside the carriage, and said with a smile, "Daiyu, get out of the carriage."

Lin Daiyu looked at the hands outstretched in front of her, hesitated for a moment, and finally placed her small hand into his palm.

Shui Rong's large, warm palm enveloped her icy little hand, and a warm current instantly spread throughout her body.