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

As expected, Zhu Yiheng's smile faded slightly, and he gestured to the eunuch beside him to bring a folding book with a bright yellow cover.

When he stood before Shui Rong, his tone instantly became more serious, carrying an undeniable air of solemnity:

"Your Majesty is well aware that you were originally scheduled to go south after the New Year to investigate and confiscate the property of wealthy merchant families who colluded with nobles and engaged in corruption and bribery."

"However, I have another important task for you on this trip south—when you go, you must not act with the same fanfare and ostentation as the other governors. I want you to disguise yourself and act in secrecy."

He paused, then carefully instructed: "First, supervise the progress of the raids, strictly prevent local officials from abusing their power for personal gain and lining their own pockets, and ensure that all illicit funds and goods are recovered and deposited into the treasury;"

"Secondly, go and investigate the performance of officials and the conditions of the people in the southern provinces. Whether the officials are competent, whether the localities are stable, and whether the people are living in peace and contentment, all must be thoroughly investigated and reported truthfully upon returning to the capital. There must be no concealment whatsoever."

Shui Rong felt a chill run down her spine. She quickly took the folding book with both hands, her fingertips tracing the cool, bright yellow cover as she carefully unfolded it.

The handwriting on the folded document was neat and strong, clearly listing the specific tasks he was to undertake during his trip to Zhejiang.

The list of wealthy merchants to be seized, the prefectures and counties to be secretly investigated, the list of officials to be thoroughly examined, and many other hidden matters to be noted were all clearly outlined and meticulously planned, demonstrating that the emperor had already made thorough preparations.

After reading the folded paper, Shui Rong bowed again, his tone hesitant yet earnest:

"Your Majesty, this is against the rules. Since the founding of the country by Emperor Taizu, there has been an ancestral rule that princes are not allowed to interfere in local affairs, and there is no precedent for a prince to disguise himself and secretly visit a local area."

"This matter is indeed overstepping its bounds and may draw criticism from the court officials. Your Majesty, you can certainly let Zhang Shixun or Murong Zhao handle it. Both of them are loyal ministers and capable generals, and they are sure to live up to Your Majesty's trust."

Upon hearing this, Zhu Yiheng smiled faintly, shook his head, and his tone was full of unquestionable trust:

"You don't need to refuse. Zhang Shixun will be accompanying the Prince of Qin to Jizhou after the New Year, escorting him along the way and helping him pacify the border troops and civilians. He simply cannot spare the time."

"As for Murong Zhao, after the New Year, I will have him take the lead in establishing schools around the capital to cultivate talents. This matter concerns the foundation of the country and is equally important. He will be too busy to handle it all."

He stepped forward, patted Shui Rong on the shoulder, and said in a deep voice:

"After much thought, I believe you are the most suitable candidate. I trust your abilities and character; you are both cautious and meticulous, fair and impartial, and do not show favoritism. I can only rest assured when this matter is entrusted to you. Go ahead and do it with peace of mind, and do not disappoint me."

Looking into the emperor's eyes with earnestness and trust, Shui Rong knew he could no longer refuse the task. He immediately bowed and accepted the order: "Your Majesty, I obey! I will certainly not fail in your trust. I will act cautiously, ascertain the truth, and successfully complete the mission!"

Inside the imperial study, the stove fire burned brightly, providing warmth and comfort. Outside, however, the wind and snow continued to fall, swirling and pounding against the windowpane, adding a touch of solemnity and gravity to the conversation between the emperor and his ministers that had just taken place inside.

Shui Rong slowly walked out of the Imperial Study. Most of the snow under the corridor had been swept away by the palace servants, but some fine snowflakes still clung to the hem of his court robes, chilling him to the bone.

His heart was heavy—the power he now held had far exceeded his authority.

Originally the head of the princes, he held only a nominal title with little real power. However, through his elder brother's arrangements, he gained power by secretly visiting the south, supervising the confiscation of property, and subtly intervening in the checks and balances of the heir apparent. Behind this sudden increase in power lay the danger of walking on thin ice.

The thought of Prince Jing'an sent a chill down his spine: he was His Majesty's own brother, born of the same mother, yet he did not meet a good end. Such imperial cunning cannot be treated with the slightest disrespect.

As I was lost in thought, the emperor's voice came from behind me, his tone now somewhat gentler:

"There's nothing more to it. You may return to your residence now. Prepare well, learn the local customs and manners of the South, and gather some presentable items so that when Lord Lin returns to the capital tomorrow, he can meet your future father-in-law."

"I obey your decree."

Shui Rong bowed and accepted the order, then lowered his eyes and withdrew. As he turned around, a dark glint flashed in his eyes—his imperial brother was actually going to support the Prince of Qin to stand against the Crown Prince. How dangerous was this kind of balancing act!

The events of Emperor Taizong of Tang, Li Shimin, are still recorded in history. The fratricidal strife and court turmoil in the early Tang Dynasty serve as a cautionary tale.

But then he thought about it again and chuckled to himself:

Your Highness, I have already entrusted you with all the profitable assets of Caichou. If you still cannot defeat the King of Qin, then it is because you are incompetent. Do not blame me for abandoning you in the future.

As his thoughts wandered, he saw Crown Prince Zhu Changyu slowly emerge from around the corner of the palace ahead, accompanied by several attendants. He was dressed in a bright yellow casual robe.

Upon seeing Shui Rong, a smile immediately appeared in his eyes, and he quickly stepped forward: "Uncle, what a coincidence! What brings you here? Does Father have any decree?"

Shui Rong composed himself, bowed slightly, and said in a respectful yet friendly tone, "Greetings, Your Highness. I was merely entering to report on my duties and have just come from the Imperial Study."

"Uncle Wang, please don't be so polite."

The Crown Prince quickly raised his hand to help him up, his tone warm, "I suppose Father Emperor must have been talking to you about the southward search and seizure? Haha, Father Emperor has always trusted Uncle Wang the most."

"By the way, that 'lottery token' Uncle Wang gave me before is truly a wonderful item. Everyone in the capital is scrambling for it now, and the profits are incredibly high!"

Shui Rong's eyes held a faint smile, but her tone shifted slightly, becoming a bit more serious: "It is good that Your Highness is pleased. However, when I entered the palace today, His Majesty mentioned another matter—after the New Year, he plans to send Prince Zhongshun and Prince Qin to lead troops to the Jizhou and Xuanfu areas to pacify the soldiers and civilians."

"As Your Highness is aware, your mother's family has influence in Liaodong, but Jizhou and Xuanfu are empty. I dare not say more, but I would like to remind Your Highness that you must not let your guard down."

The Crown Prince's smile vanished instantly, his expression darkening, a fierce glint flashing in his eyes. He gritted his teeth and whispered, "Father... is forcing me to fight against the Prince of Qin!"

After a moment, he composed himself, cupped his hands in thanks to Shui Rong, and said, "Thank you for your guidance, Uncle Wang. I will remember this kindness."

"Your Highness is too kind. I was merely doing my duty," Shui Rong said, shaking his head slightly.

The crown prince's gaze swept over him, a mischievous glint suddenly appearing in his eyes: "Uncle, you've already returned to your residence?"

"Exactly."

Shui Rong nodded, his tone becoming lighter, "Lord Lin Ruhai will be returning to the capital tomorrow, so it's time to put my marriage on the agenda."

As he spoke, he seemed to remember something and joked, "I've heard that Her Majesty the Empress has chosen the Grand Secretary's daughter as Your Highness's Crown Princess. I wonder when the engagement ceremony will be held?"

Upon hearing this, the Crown Prince's cheeks flushed slightly. He reached out and gave Shui Rong a playful shove, his tone a mixture of embarrassment and feigned reproach:

"Uncle Wang is making fun of me! Hurry back to the manor and prepare. Tomorrow Lord Lin is returning to the capital, and I want to secretly go and see what Uncle Wang thinks of his future father-in-law."

Shui Rong stumbled half a step after being pushed by him, and could only shake her head with a smile, turning around as she did so: "Your Highness is making fun of me."

He had only taken two steps when he heard the Crown Prince call out from behind, "Uncle, my Eastern Palace is still missing a few 'items,' you know what I mean?"

Her tone carried a hint of ambiguity, and she gave him a look that any man would understand.

Shui Rong understood immediately, turned around and waved his hand: "Your Highness, rest assured, I will have Qin Zhong deliver it to you shortly."

After the two parted, Shui Rong dared not delay. He quickly left the palace, mounted his horse, and spurred it to gallop towards the Prince of Beijing's residence.

The Crown Prince's words had given him a wake-up call—what should be prepared for an engagement? He had absolutely no clue, after all, he had never dealt with such matters since he transmigrated.

After braving wind and snow all the way, Shui Rong returned to the palace, his body covered in cold.

As soon as he stepped through the second gate, he saw a nanny wearing a blue silk jacket walking towards him. It was Zhang, an old nanny in the mansion, who had served the late princess since she was alive. She was the most knowledgeable about etiquette and knew the old stories.

Shui Rong quickly stepped forward, reaching out to grab her, his tone both urgent and hesitant: "Zhang Mama, please wait. I... I have a question for you, what items should a man prepare for his engagement?"

Seeing his appearance, Granny Zhang was taken aback at first, then covered her mouth and chuckled softly, her tone kind:

"Is Your Highness in such a hurry to prepare for the wedding? There are quite a few rules to follow when it comes to engagements."

"But Your Highness, rest assured, when the late Princess Consort was alive, she had already prepared all the items you would need for your engagement, registered them one by one, and stored them in Ninghui Hall. Your Highness should remember that."

Upon hearing this, Shui Rong was startled and immediately came to her senses.

There are many forbidden areas in the Prince's Mansion, but Ninghui Hall is a special place. It was the bedroom of the former Prince Bei Jing and his wife. The original owner of this body has always been in awe of it and rarely set foot there.

He had never been there since he transmigrated here, but now it seemed he had no choice but to go.

"I understand."

Shui Rong composed herself, nodded slightly to Granny Zhang, and then, following the original owner's memories, turned and walked deeper into the Prince's mansion.

Passing through several courtyards and around a plum grove covered in snow, an elegant and dignified courtyard comes into view. Above the vermilion gate hangs a plaque with three powerful characters: "Ninghui Hall".

The doors were tightly shut, covered with a thin layer of snow, exuding a sense of silence and solemnity—this was where the late princess had kept her belongings, and also his destination.