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

Grandmother Jia held the plain paper in her hand, her knuckles already turning white.

She stood there for a long time, her eyes filled with complex emotions—the young prince who used to follow his mother around, so obedient and polite to her.

Now he has become so calm and sharp, his words are piercing yet always reasonable.

How could she not know the problems within the Jia family?

But she was getting old, and her children and grandchildren, though outwardly obedient, each had their own schemes. Even if she wanted to reform them, she was powerless to do so.

Upon hearing this, she slowly handed the plain paper to Yao She, her voice hoarse: "Take a look for yourself."

Jia She quickly took it, and Jia Zheng also leaned over. The two of them looked down and examined it closely. The more they looked, the paler their faces became, and their hands trembled uncontrollably.

The plain paper read: "I voluntarily donate half of the assets of the Jia family and its estates to the imperial family as military funds."

Jia Baoyu voluntarily entered the royal academy to serve as a companion to the seventh or sixth prince.

Jia Zheng is of gentle and kind character and can continue to serve in the court, actively sharing the burdens of His Majesty.

Jia Zhen and Jia She must go to the palace to plead guilty, confess their mistakes, and beg His Majesty for leniency.

The note at the end reads: "The pressure on the border is increasing daily, and the barbarians are stirring. Your Majesty needs the merits of the nobles. If you plead guilty now, you will surely be able to save your family."

"This...this is practically selling out the Jia family!"

Jia She cried out in a low voice, "I can accept Jia Zhen's apologies and donations, but for the sake of the family, I'm willing to risk everything! But Baoyu is the eldest grandson of the Jia family, the heir! How is his coming to the mansion as a companion to the emperor any different from being a hostage?"

Jia Zheng shook his head repeatedly: "Mother, absolutely not! Baoyu is simple-minded; how could he understand the intrigues of the court?"

"Once you enter the Imperial Academy, if you make a mistake, not only will you be in danger, but you will also implicate the entire Jia family!"

Grandmother Jia closed her eyes, took a deep breath, and began to make plans in her mind.

Shui Rong's plan, seemingly ruthless, actually left the Jia family a way out—Jia Lian's death had already created a rift between the Jia family and the imperial family.

Sending Baoyu as a study companion would both dispel His Majesty's suspicions and bind the prince to the throne; donating assets and pleading guilty would be both a show of loyalty and a way to avoid disaster.

But Shuizhong's thoughts are far too profound.

His insistence on mentioning the frontier was clearly an implication that if the Jia family aligned themselves with the imperial family, they could take advantage of the military reorganization to regain some power in the army.

Such meticulous planning and execution—how could he be a carefree prince?

His push on the Jia family today may not be entirely without his own benefit—he needs reliable support in the capital when he heads south after the New Year, and the Jia family's downfall would be of no benefit to him.

Fear and helplessness mingled in her heart. Grandmother Jia slowly opened her eyes and looked out the window.

Before I knew it, a light snow began to fall from the sky, landing on the green bamboo in the courtyard and adding a touch of chill.

She gazed at the pristine white expanse, her voice weary yet resolute:

"She'er, go find your brother-in-law Wang Ziteng immediately, show him Rong-ge'er's words and this note, and ask him what he thinks."

Wang Ziteng is a relative of the Jia family by marriage. He now holds a high official position and has considerable influence in the court. This matter needs to be discussed with him before a final decision can be made.

"Yes, Mother." Jia She dared not delay, quickly put away the plain paper, and hurried out of the main hall.

Jia Zheng remained in the hall, gazing at the aged figure of his mother, filled with guilt and worry.

Grandmother Jia remained standing by the window, gazing at the swirling snowflakes, her fingertips unconsciously stroking the armrest—the future of the Jia family was like these falling snowflakes, seemingly pure white, yet it was uncertain whether they would melt into the dust or find a glimmer of hope after landing.

"Greetings, Your Highness, may Your Highness live a thousand years."

Lin Daiyu stood beside the carriage, her moon-white court dress embroidered with lotus blossoms, which accentuated her slender and graceful figure. Pearl earrings were subtly hidden in her hair.

Only a plain white veil covered her face, revealing only a pair of bright almond-shaped eyes. Her eyes held a hint of the initial awkwardness of their first meeting. Her posture while bowing was dignified and proper, and her voice was soft yet respectful.

Upon seeing this, Shui Rong's eyebrows curved into a gentle smile.

He walked forward slowly, his gaze sweeping over her shoulders, which were covered in fine snow, his tone carrying a barely perceptible concern:

"No need for formalities. It's freezing cold and snowing, so please get in the car and warm up."

He paused, then added, "You've never been to the palace before. When we get there, just stay close to me, don't wander off, and don't say anything."

Lin Daiyu glanced at him, her cheeks flushing slightly beneath her veil. She quickly nodded and replied, "Yes, Your Highness."

Having said that, she carefully stepped onto the carriage behind her, supported by Granny Zhang.

As she boarded the carriage, her fingertips unconsciously clenched the hem of her dress—entering the palace to meet the emperor was both an honor and a source of trepidation for her.

Shui Rong watched her get into the carriage, then turned to the servants behind him and instructed, "The rest of you need not come along. Only two carriages will be sent into the palace. You may return to your residences on your own."

"Yes, Your Highness!" The servants bowed in unison to receive the order.

Shui Rong nodded, turned around, and boarded the carriage in front.

The carriage curtain fell, shutting out the wind and snow outside. He leaned back on the cushion, looked up at the fine snow falling outside the window, and a trace of contemplation flashed in his eyes.

I wonder if the Jia family will listen to his heartfelt words?

After all, the Jia family has deep-seated problems, and if they cannot repent and correct their mistakes, they will surely suffer a great disaster in the future.

After the New Year, he went south to Jiangsu and Zhejiang, and with many things to do in the capital, he had little time left to prepare. So he simply let things take their course and took care of the things at hand first.

As for Lin Ruhai, he wasn't too worried.

The original text shows that Lin Ruhai doted on Daiyu and regarded her as the apple of his eye;

Moreover, as the head of the Lin family in Suzhou, Lin Ruhai's clan has deep roots and extensive influence in Jiangnan. As long as Daiyu is in his hands, Lin Ruhai will never speak recklessly. On the contrary, she will become a great help to him when he goes south to Jiangnan.

As he pondered this, the carriage slowly began to move, heading towards the palace.

Before long, the carriage stopped outside the Meridian Gate.

Shui Rong got off the carriage first, turned around and waited by Daiyu's carriage. When the curtain was lifted, he reached out and steadily supported Lin Daiyu as she leaned out.

Lin Daiyu's fingertips gently touched his palm, and she felt his hand was warm and strong. Her heart skipped a beat, and she quickly withdrew her hand, lowered her eyes, and followed beside him.

Stepping through the Meridian Gate, the majestic imperial palace comes into view.

The gray-blue palace walls soared into the clouds, and the glazed tiles gleamed with a cold luster against the backdrop of white snow. The palaces were majestic and imposing, quite different from the elegant gardens of the Jia family mansion.

Lin Daiyu had never seen such a solemn scene before, and she couldn't help but feel a little dazed.

Curiosity and awe intertwined, and her almond-shaped eyes couldn't help but look left and right, yet she remembered Shui Rong's instructions and dared not stray too far from him, her steps always closely following his.

"This is the Taihe Gate, the main gate of the outer court. The emperor usually held grand ceremonies and received the homage of officials here."

Seeing her curiosity, Shui Rong slowed his pace and introduced in a clear voice.

My gaze unconsciously fell on her profile. Although the veil covered her face, it could not hide the liveliness in her eyes.

Lin Daiyu looked in the direction he pointed and saw that the gate tower was tall and majestic, with upturned eaves and an extraordinary aura.

She nodded gently and asked softly, "Your Highness, is that the Hall of Supreme Harmony in front of us?"

"Exactly."

Shui Rong smiled and nodded, then pointed to a palace on the east side.

"That is the Wenhua Hall, where the Crown Prince used to lecture."

He paused, lowering his voice slightly, "After you enter the palace, your sister-in-law will often summon you to the palace to accompany her, whether to play chess or card games. You must secretly memorize these palace paths to avoid losing your composure in the future."

I've heard that "the Empress Dowager has summoned you to the palace."

Lin Daiyu's pretty face, hidden beneath her veil, instantly flushed. Her fingertips unconsciously twirled the silk handkerchief in her hand, and she lowered her eyes, softly replying, "Yes, Daiyu has remembered."

She felt both shy and apprehensive. As the future Princess of Beijing, it would be common for her to accompany the emperor in the palace. She just didn't know if she could handle the rules and social obligations in the palace.

The two walked slowly along the way, and Shui Rong introduced her to places such as Chuanxin Hall and Tiren Pavilion with patience, meticulousness, and gentle tone.

Lin Daiyu gradually relaxed her initial reserve, occasionally asking questions softly, her curiosity growing stronger.

Sometimes she would look up at the majestic palace, sometimes she would lower her eyes in thought. Her lively appearance touched Shui Rong's heart.

Before they knew it, the two had circled the palace gardens and returned to the corridor outside the Imperial Study.

Just then, a eunuch dressed in a python robe strode forward, bowed respectfully, and spoke in a high-pitched but deferential voice:

"This servant greets Prince Bei Jing and Miss Lin. His Majesty has decreed that Prince Bei Jing and Miss Lin be summoned to the Imperial Study for an audience immediately!"

Shui Rong nodded: "Thank you for leading the way, sir."

After saying that, he turned to Lin Daiyu and gave her a reassuring look, signaling her not to be nervous.

Lin Daiyu took a deep breath, steadied herself, and followed closely beside Shui Rong as they walked toward the Imperial Study.

Upon entering the Imperial Study, one sees the Emperor sitting upright on the dragon throne, dressed in a bright yellow robe, his face gentle, chatting and laughing with Lin Ruhai standing below.

Shui Rong and Lin Daiyu immediately knelt down to pay their respects: "Your Majesty, we pay our respects! Long live the Emperor!"

The emperor raised his hand and said in a friendly tone, "No need for formalities, rise. All of you, please get up, there's no need for such formalities."