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

Beneath the steps of the Hall of Supreme Harmony, the night had not yet faded, and the palace lanterns hanging high under the eaves burned with warm yellow candlelight.

The dragon patterns on the princes' ceremonial robes appeared faintly in the shadows.

The members of the imperial family and nobles stood solemnly according to their ranks, and in the flickering candlelight, each of them wore a somber expression.

Even on the auspicious occasion of New Year's Day, the shadow of the assassinations of the crown prince and the prince has not yet dissipated.

Zhu Yiheng, dressed in a bright yellow dragon robe with twelve symbols, appeared even more majestic and composed in the candlelight, yet his steps seemed somewhat hurried.

Completely disregarding imperial protocol, he walked straight through the procession, grabbed Shui Rong's wrist, and his voice was filled with barely concealed anxiety:

"Shui Rong, assassins have broken into your residence too? These madmen are utterly lawless, they're trying to tear down the Forbidden City! Are you injured?"

Shui Rong bowed slightly, his crown tassels swaying gently with the movement. The candlelight reflected on his face, revealing a calm and serene expression.

"Thank you for your concern, Your Majesty. These days, there are undercurrents in the capital, and it is not surprising that assassins have been appearing frequently."

"Your brother is unharmed. The guards in the manor have done a good job. All the invading thieves have been killed or captured alive without being harmed in the slightest."

Zhu Yiheng raised his hand and carefully examined him by the light of the palace lanterns. Seeing that his clothes were neat and his face was normal, his heart, which had been hanging in suspense, finally settled down. He patted his shoulder and sighed:

"It's good that you're alright, it's good that you're alright."

As soon as she finished speaking, Empress Xu Jingxian, dressed in a phoenix crown and robes, walked slowly from the side, surrounded by palace maids, and gently comforted Shui Rong:

"Prince Bei Jing is blessed with good fortune and will always turn misfortune into good luck."

"With the year-end approaching, the assassination is an ominous sign. The palace has ordered the Embroidered Uniform Guard and the Eastern and Western Depots to increase patrols. The Prince's residence also needs more guards, and we must be extra careful at night to avoid any further mishaps."

Shui Rong bowed in gratitude, his eyes catching a glimpse of Prince Zhongshun, Zhang Shixun, standing at the end of the line.

The candlelight from the palace lanterns slanted across his face, making the faint red handprint on half of his cheek even more prominent. He stood with his head bowed, his eyes swirling with bitterness and resentment.

But intimidated by the emperor's presence, she dared not utter a sound, only clutching the jade belt at her waist tightly, her knuckles turning white in the candlelight.

After exchanging pleasantries, it was time for the official New Year's Day ceremony.

Bells and drums resounded, and the sounds of ceremonial music pierced the stillness of the night. The princes and officials bowed in order, performing the grand ceremony of three kneelings and nine kowtows, to pay homage to the emperor and wish him a peaceful year.

The candlelight flickered gently to the music, casting interlacing shadows of the emperor on the steps and the imperial relatives below, as the elaborate rituals came to an end.

The sky was still dark, and the night remained deep.

After the ceremony ended, Murong Zhao grabbed Liu Chengze, the young prince of Dongping, and led the way with palace lanterns, hurrying towards the East Palace, saying that he was going to visit the assassinated crown prince.

The remaining members of the imperial clan gathered in twos and threes below the steps, some whispering about the border provisions, others chatting about the New Year's banquets.

The flickering candlelight added a touch of special festive spirit to the New Year celebrations.

Zhu Yiheng raised his hand to summon a palace attendant, ordering two more palace lanterns to be lit. He then called Shui Rong and Zhang Shixun closer.

The emperor's expression turned slightly solemn, the candlelight making his eyes appear even more imposing. He first gave instructions to Zhang Shixun:

"Minister Zhang, after the New Year, the King of Qin will accompany you to Jizhou."

Now, with the Mongols eyeing us covetously and the Jurchens causing trouble in Liaodong, the border is in turmoil. I hope you will take good care of the Prince of Qin.

Zhang Shixun bowed to receive the decree, his voice carrying a hint of respect in the night breeze: "Your subject obeys the decree and will certainly not fail Your Majesty's trust."

Zhu Yiheng then turned to Shui Rong, the imposing look in his eyes softening slightly, replaced by a touch of warmth. The candlelight made his face appear even more gentle.

"I've heard that the Imperial Astronomical Bureau has chosen the eighteenth day of the first lunar month as an auspicious day. Will your engagement ceremony with the Lin family's daughter be held on this day? Have you discussed it with Lin Ruhai?"

Shui Rong nodded in response:

"Your Majesty, I have already finalized with my father-in-law, Lord Lin, that the betrothal and engagement ceremonies will be conducted together, and the procedures will be prepared in accordance with the regulations of the Imperial Clan Court."

"At that time, I would like to ask Your Majesty to come to the Prince's Palace and be my witness."

"Of course I'll go!"

Zhu Yiheng laughed loudly, the pent-up frustration from the assassinations of the Crown Prince and the Prince dissipating considerably over the past few days, his laughter echoing in the night sky.

"With these two misfortunes occurring one after another, a joyous occasion is needed to dispel the bad luck. After ruling the throne for several years, I have now come to believe in these superstitious beliefs."

"I will personally attend your engagement banquet to share in your joy."

Amidst the laughter and conversation, Zhu Yiheng glanced sideways and caught sight of someone hiding behind the princes.

Prince Qin, Zhu Changjun, and Prince Zhao, Zhu Changming, who were desperately trying to minimize their presence, immediately said in a deep voice, "Zhu Changming, come here to me!"

Zhu Changming froze, his neck tingling with fear. He secretly turned to look at his elder brother, Zhu Changjun, who only gave him a "good luck" look and shrugged, indicating that he was powerless to help.

Zhu Changming had no choice but to hang his head, use the palace lanterns as a guide, and slowly move to the emperor's presence, bowing and smiling obsequiously.

"Your subject pays respects to Your Majesty."

"What? Do you think I'd eat you, you little bastard?"

Zhu Yiheng looked at his timid and hesitant appearance, feeling both angry and amused, and lightly tapped his forehead with his finger.

"I just finished discussing the engagement with your uncle and then I thought of you. Now, among the royal family, you are the only prince who is not engaged at the age of seventeen. How dare you hide from me?"

Your uncle is getting engaged on the eighteenth day of the first lunar month. How long do you plan to postpone it?

Zhu Changming was taken aback, and quickly bowed to decline:

"Father, I have no one I love yet, how can I casually arrange a marriage?"

"Furthermore, although Uncle Wang is engaged, Miss Lin is still young. By the time they get married, Uncle Wang will be in his mid-twenties."

"Moreover, as the Crown Prince, his marriage is a matter of national importance and should take precedence. My marriage is a minor matter, so Father Emperor, please do not urge me any further."

Shui Rong watched from the side, secretly amused. The candlelight illuminated the King of Zhao's bitter face, a scene strikingly similar to parents urging their children to get married in later generations, adding a touch of everyday life to the scene.

Zhu Yiheng raised an eyebrow and feigned anger, saying:

"You're good at making excuses! Do you know the regulations of the Imperial Clan Court? For a prince of a different surname like your uncle, he must first choose a princess and hold a grand wedding ceremony before he can take a concubine."

"You know perfectly well that your Uncle Wang is extremely fond of Qin Keqing from Cining Temple. If he doesn't first arrange a marriage with Lin Shi, how can he bring her into the mansion?"

After saying that, Zhu Yiheng looked at Shui Rong, a hint of amusement in his eyes.

Shui Rong touched the tip of his nose. The candlelight made his face look slightly embarrassed. He just lowered his head and remained silent, not responding to the conversation.

Zhu Yiheng then turned to Zhu Changming, stroking his chin in thought, the candlelight casting a faint shadow on his face:

"I will find you a good marriage. By the way, there is Liu Qingwu, the legitimate daughter of the Prince of Dongping. She is sixteen years old and in the prime of her life. What do you think?"

Zhu Changming's face turned deathly pale, a stark contrast to the pallor in the candlelight. He waved his hands frantically, his voice trembling.

"Father, you mustn't! The daughter of the Prince of Dongping is famous for parading through the streets disguised as a man. She has a fierce and spirited personality, while I am too weak to control her. I beg you, Father, to rescind your order!"

Zhu Yiheng smiled upon hearing this, then, remembering Liu Qingwu's temperament, waved his hand.

"Never mind, it was my oversight."

"Oh, by the way, Li Yanling's youngest daughter is fifteen years old. She's well-educated, sensible, and has an excellent appearance and figure—a perfect match for you!"

Zhu Changming frowned, his face contorted with worry, and said, "Father, I have never met Miss Li before, I don't even know her face. How can I rashly arrange a marriage?"

"Zhu Changjun, get your ass over here!"

Zhu Yiheng turned and shouted, his voice carrying a hint of authority in the night sky, "You often discuss military affairs with Li Yanling, so you must have met his daughter. Tell me, what is that girl like in appearance?"

Zhu Changjun stepped forward, looking bewildered. He had expected to be questioned and punished, but upon hearing that it was to help his younger brother find a girl, he breathed a sigh of relief and bowed in response:

"Your Majesty, although I have never seen Miss Li's true face, I once heard her talking to her maid in the corridor when we were discussing matters at the Li residence. By the candlelight, I observed her figure and gait. She was slender and graceful, with a gentle demeanor. She and Brother Ming are a match made in heaven."

"In my opinion, since it is the New Year, Brother Ming could prepare a small gift and visit Lord Li tomorrow to have a meeting before making a decision."

"Excellent! Jun'er's words make sense!"

Zhu Yiheng clapped his hands and laughed, giving instructions to Zhu Changming. The candlelight illuminated his beaming smile.

"Did you hear me? Prepare rare treasures upon returning home today, and be sure to pay Li Yanling a visit tomorrow. If they agree on the terms, the marriage will be settled!"

Zhu Changming had no choice but to hang his head and reply, "Your subject... obeys the decree."

Seeing Zhu Changming's discomfiture, Zhu Yiheng's frustration completely dissipated. He then looked at Zhu Changjun, his expression returning to seriousness, the candlelight reflecting in his eyes full of expectation and admonition:

"When you go to Jizhou to train troops, you will pass through Hanzhong and Fengxiang. You can take the opportunity to visit the old princes of Xining and Xiping."

"Your Uncle Wang from Xining is quite old, Shui Rong. How old is he this year?"

Shui Rong replied in a low voice, "Your Majesty, Uncle Prince Xining is already seventy-three years old and is very old."

"Oh right, seventy-three years old, that's quite old."

Zhu Yiheng nodded, his tone tinged with a hint of regret.

"The current head of Hanzhong Prefecture is his eldest son, the Marquis of Xining. When you arrive at your fief, consult with the Marquis of Xining and the Marquis of Xiping on defense matters and look after each other. I am busy with state affairs, so I will not go there in person."

Shui Rong listened with his head down, sighing inwardly. The Prince of Xining was enfeoffed in Hanzhong, and the Prince of Xiping was enfeoffed in Fengxiang. The two prefectures were adjacent to each other, which was originally a system of checks and balances set up by the late emperor. They would prosper together and suffer together.

Now that the old Prince of Xining is nearing his death and the senior members of the imperial clan have all passed away, looking across the Great Yin Dynasty, apart from Prince Liu Dongchen of Dongping, there is no one else whose seniority can match that of the old Prince of Xining.

With the old prince gone, the balance of power between Hanzhong and Fengxiang is likely to change again.