The King of Beijing in the Red Mansion

Princess Beijing's expression relaxed a lot after hearing this. Shui Rong was right. He had been staying indoors for three years without leaving the house, so how could he know about the Qin family's daughter?

Seeing that Princess Beijing's expression had eased, Shui Rong felt that he should strike while the iron was hot, so he said, "Mother, I have only heard a little about the Qin family's daughter, and I don't know the details. If I find her unsuitable after meeting her, how can I like her? If you have time, please call her to take a look one day. It's up to you to decide whether she is suitable or not. Our family is small, and the most important thing is to carry on the family line. It doesn't matter if she is from a small family or not. The most important thing is that she can give birth to a child and add some vitality to our family. When the time comes, we will have many children and grandchildren, and mother can enjoy the happiness of family life."

Shui Rong was right. He only knew Qin Keqing from Cao Gong's description. He didn't know much about her. But he had to see her first. If what Cao Gong said was true, he should take her into his house as soon as possible. In the original novel, Qin Keqing married into the Ningguo Mansion.

As for Princess Beijing making the decision, using both soft and hard tactics, the son has to say more sweet words to coax his mother. If he keeps being tough, it will cost Princess Beijing her life.

Princess Beijing's expression brightened when she heard this. These words really touched her heart. Continuing the family line and having children were Princess Beijing's Achilles' heel. As long as she could have a child for the Beijing Palace, she could put everything else aside.

Moreover, Shui Rong was also considering the future of the palace, and she was not the one who was confused. The final decision was in her hands. Moreover, Shui Rong was not young anymore, and she had to restrain herself because of mourning. For the sake of the incense of Beijing Palace, she should find more suitable people.

Seeing Shui Rong was concerned, Princess Beijing thought it was better to ease the situation than to block it, so she said, "Okay, let's wait and see."

Shui Rong breathed a sigh of relief when he saw Princess Beijing agreed. He was not sure how Princess Beijing decided on Qin Keqing's matter, but he must respect her. Daqian Dynasty ruled the world with filial piety. Since he came to this world, he naturally abided by the etiquette of this world. It was difficult for Shui Rong to resist Princess Beijing. In this case, he must be integrated. After all, they are "mother and son", not outsiders. What can't be discussed? He was happy, and he did whatever he wanted. A woman who acted like a spoiled child had the best life, and a man who acted like a spoiled child was not bad either. He could easily manipulate a widowed mother.

"By the way, your mourning period is almost over now, so you don't need to worry so much. Make up the people serving you. I feel uneasy when there are only Yingluo and the others around." Princess Beijing suddenly said.

In the original novel, Jia Baoyu, a son of the second wife, had more than 30 servants with names and surnames around him. Shui Rong was the prince of the royal palace, so how could he be worse than him? There were more than 20 maids around Shui Rong, and 24 people in charge of sewing, washing, lighting, and cooking, and more than 10 servants. The most important thing was that Shui Rong was a relative of the royal family, so he had eunuchs serving him. In total, there were 70 to 80 people, who were divided into three shifts, each lasting four hours, taking turns to serve Shui Rong's daily life.

However, since Shui Rong began mourning, almost all the servants had been sent away. After all, mourning required so many people to serve him, which would only lead to gossip. However, there were still some people left by Shui Rong's side, and Ying Luo was the head maid in the room.

Hearing what Princess Beijing said, Shui Rong felt unhappy. It was fine at this stage. He was alone, so there was no need for so many people to serve him. It would cost money to keep so many people around him. It was all his own money. He had finally sent them away under the pretext of "observing mourning", so how could he support them again? So he said, "Mother, it's good to have Yingluo and the others taking care of us. There's no need to rush to send more people. Let's talk about it after the title is given."

Princess Beijing nodded when she heard this, but didn't say anything. It would only be two days anyway.

After seeing what happened, Shui Rong was no longer bothered by it. He felt that he could not bear it any longer, so he stood up and left.

Princess Beijing didn't say anything, but gave some kind instructions.

After Shui Rong left, a woman behind Princess Beijing hesitated for a moment, then stepped forward and asked respectfully, "Princess, how should we respond to the Zhen family?"

This old woman was someone that Princess Beijing relied on. Because her name contained the character "Rong", people in the palace respectfully called her Rong Mama. The Zhen family came prepared, and their backer was the old concubine in the palace, so it was not easy to drag them out. Shui Rong was present before, and was afraid that this would cause displeasure, so he couldn't help but give a reminder.

Princess Beijing was calm and composed, and said, "It's okay. Rong'er hasn't completed her mourning period yet, and the Zhen family can't find fault with it."

Upon hearing this, Madam Rong nodded. This was a matter of filial piety and could not be taken lightly at all. Not to mention the Zhen family or the old concubine dowager, even the emperor could not find fault with it.

"It seems that the Young Master is reluctant. I'm afraid that after the mourning period, he will insist on not doing it." Aunt Rong expressed her concerns. It's okay to refuse this matter temporarily, but it can't last long.

Princess Beijing frowned her beautiful eyebrows and understood what Madam Rong meant. This was also what she was worried about. In short, if a child is not a biological child, no matter how filial one is, there will still be a difference.

"So what? Does my Palace of Prince Beijing have to have the daughter of the Zhen family?" Princess Beijing's eyes flashed, and she said with a bit of domineering.

As a member of the royal family, Beijing Prince's Mansion is not as good as Zhen's? Even if Zhen's family has an old concubine, it is not a reason to be arrogant. The Zhen family asked Beijing Prince's Mansion for marriage, not Beijing Prince's Mansion. Even if they refused, it was nothing more than a loss of face.

Upon hearing this, Aunt Rong was startled, she lowered her eyes and stood there, saying no more.

Princess Beijing took a sip of her tea and said with great wisdom, "But Hua'er is well-educated, well-mannered and generous. I think she's good. I'll talk to Rong'er about it in a couple of days. My son is the most obedient and filial."

"How should we deal with the Qin family's affairs?"

Shui Rong told the story of the Qin family himself, and Princess Beijing also agreed.

Princess Beijing smiled and said in a clear voice, "My son has always been upright. He has been in mourning for three years and has never done anything beyond the rules. To be honest, I thought Rong'er was not interested in women, and I was worried for a long time. Today, he opened his mouth and I am so happy. It is impossible for him to be the Crown Prince's Consort, but it is good for him to stay by his side to please him. Rong Mama, send someone to bring the Qin family's daughter into the mansion tomorrow."

"I understand." Rong Mama responded politely. A mere official in the Ministry of Works is still in control...

Shui Rong went all the way back to his residence. Ying Luo asked a group of little maids to wait outside, and then took out a leggings and changed clothes with Shui Rong.

"What story did the prince dream about? Could it be that the Qin family's lady is the source of all this dirty stuff?"

Shui Rong looked at Ying Luo's shy and timid expression, which was soft and charming. Instead of being embarrassed, he raised his eyebrows and smiled, "Why, are you jealous?"

In a big and wealthy family, when a man reaches adulthood, he will first take two maids as his concubines before getting married. Shui Rong only has Yingluo, which is already too few.

Ying Luo raised her eyes and glanced at Shui Rong, then spat softly, saying, "What are you saying, my lord? I am a servant of such status that it is not my turn to be jealous. But this is not a big deal. Once the mourning period is over and my lord marries a concubine, everything will be fine."

Shui Rong smiled when he heard this and said jokingly, "I thought you would serve me after the mourning period was over, but it turns out you want to wait for the Crown Prince's Consort. Then don't I have to endure it?"

"My Lord!!!" Ying Luo's face flushed as she listened, and she lowered her head and complained. What did he mean? Did he want her to serve him? She was looking forward to it day and night, but she was afraid that Shui Rong would not be willing.

Shui Rong listened to the soft and gentle voice, looked at Ying Luo's shy expression, her pair of willow-leaf eyes that were sometimes fresh and sometimes charming, which made him gasp.

Originally, Yingluo was just a beautiful girl with a delicate face, but now that she has grown up, she has become even more tempting to commit crimes.

Taking a deep breath, Shui Rong lifted up the shin guard he had just taken off and covered Ying Luo's charming and graceful face to avoid it irritating her.

"Remember to wash your clothes so no one can see them."

It would be fine for Yingluo to know about this kind of thing, but she should not let others know about it. After all, Shui Rong still has to save face.

Yingluo was feeling resentful, so she didn't notice Shuirong's actions until her eyes went dark and a strong smell went straight into her nose, making her vomit.

Chapter 4 Qin Keqing

The Beijing Prince's Palace is majestic and consists of two parts: the mansion and the garden. It is about 330 meters long from north to south and over 180 meters wide from east to west, covering nearly 100 acres of land, with the mansion and the garden each occupying about half.

The Palace of Prince Beijing was originally a place of military honor, so naturally there was a martial arts arena in the huge garden. Shui Rong, dressed in a tight suit, bent an eight-bucket bow and shot at the target, hitting seven out of ten arrows.

Putting down the bow and arrow, Shui Rong shook his sore arms. He practiced archery just to exercise his body. Besides, it was really boring to stay at home, so he had to find some fun. For Shui Rong, he didn't need to be proficient in archery, as long as he could get by. He didn't need to be concise in writing, as long as he could recognize words and characters.

Yingluo, who had been standing for a long time, handed over a sweat towel. Shuirong took it and wiped his hands with it. Then he put the sweat towel aside and lay safely on the rattan chair, leisurely and comfortable. This is life.

In the distance, a young eunuch wearing a hemp-lined arrow jacket bent his waist and trotted, calling out in a shrill voice, "Your Highness, Your Highness..."

Yingluo frowned, and when someone came forward, she angrily scolded, "Xiao Fuzi, you want to die? You are yelling and shouting, how can you be so rude? Yesterday, the princess said she wanted to pull out your tongue. I think you will die sooner or later."

"Ah...Princess, are you going to pull out my tongue?" Xiao Fuzi was startled and spoke with a crying voice.

Ying Luo snorted coldly and cursed, "Do you think I am trying to trick you? If you can't control your mouth any longer, you'd better get rid of it as soon as possible to avoid causing a disaster."

Shui Rong didn't find it funny when he heard Ying Luo yelling at him. She was usually as well-behaved as a cat in front of him, but she was fierce and meticulous in front of outsiders. She was ruthless when she taught people a lesson. There was really a contrast.

However, Shui Rong knew that Ying Luo was doing this for Xiao Fuzi's own good. She said yesterday that she wanted to pull out Xiao Fuzi's tongue, and she was still shouting and making a fuss today. If she displeased Princess Beijing, Xiao Fuzi's tongue would be in jeopardy. The more powerful a family is, the more they have to abide by the rules.

Seeing that Xiao Fuzi was about to cry, Shui Rong said, "Okay, your tongue can be saved. Tell me, what happened?"

Xiao Fuzi wanted to have her tongue pulled out, but it was Shui Rong's fault. He was the one who asked Xiao Fuzi to inquire about the Qin family's affairs, and he was also the one who told Princess Beijing that he heard it from Xiao Fuzi. Princess Beijing would not blame Shui Rong, so Xiao Fuzi naturally had to bear the grudge. However, Shui Rong got away with it, and Princess Beijing would not care. After all, Xiao Fuzi was Shui Rong's eunuch attendant, so she had to give Shui Rong the benefit of the doubt.

Hearing that he didn't need to pull out his tongue, Xiao Fuzi smiled and looked very likable. This was also the reason why Shui Rong kept him as an attendant eunuch.

"My lord, the Qin family has come into the mansion. I took a look from afar. The lady from the Qin family is very graceful and delicate. My lord will definitely be pleased to see her." Xiao Fuzi was full of flattery. Shui Rong had asked him to inquire about the Qin family. Since his master was concerned about them, he couldn't. As soon as he saw the Qin family coming to the mansion, he came running to report the good news.

Shui Rong was a little surprised when he heard this. As soon as he mentioned the Qin family's affairs, his mother invited people over. It must be said that she was decisive and efficient in doing things. It can only be said that his mother is powerful.

But Shui Rong obviously didn't care about these. He was very interested in the bright and charming Qin Keqing. Thinking of this, Shui Rong asked, "Where did the princess summon you?"

Xiao Fuzi smiled and flattered, "It's in Ning'an Hall!!!"

Shui Rong didn't say much after hearing this, he stood up and walked towards Ning'an Hall. Yingluo glared at Xiao Fuzi, pouted and hurriedly followed him. Xiao Fuzi looked unhappy. What can he do if his master likes him? It's hard to be a eunuch, and it's even harder to be a loyal eunuch.

Ning'an Hall is the main hall of the upper courtyard of Princess Beijing. The five upper rooms on the front are all decorated with carved beams and painted rafters. Qin Keqing, wearing a plain skirt, hunched her waist and lowered her head, looking very reserved. Given the status of the Qin family, she really didn't understand why Princess Beijing would summon her. But even though she didn't understand, how could she dare not come when the princess summoned her?

Princess Beijing sat upright on the brocade couch, looking at Qin Keqing in the hall. She was curious about the daughter that Shui Rong had taken a fancy to. Judging from her figure, she was graceful and delicate.

"Are you the daughter of Qin Ye, the director of the Ministry of Works' Food Department?" Princess Beijing asked in a calm tone with an inexplicable majesty.

Qin Keqing's heart trembled when she heard this. She suppressed her anxiety and bowed, saying, "Princess Bing, it is I, a commoner."

Although the Qin family was also an official family, Qin Keqing had not received any title and could only call herself a commoner.

Seeing Qin Keqing lowering her eyebrows and eyes, Princess Beijing ordered, "Raise your head."

Following Princess Beijing's instructions, Qin Keqing raised her head and nodded slightly. Princess Beijing then saw Qin Keqing's appearance clearly. Her face was like a lotus, her eyebrows were like willows, and her eyes were more charming than peach blossoms. They were very captivating. No wonder her son was so fond of her. Such a beauty made even her feel refreshed.

"Have you read any books?" Princess Beijing continued to ask.

Qin Keqing said respectfully, "I have never been to school. My father will teach me a few words when he is free. I will learn a few words at least."

Princess Beijing nodded slightly, without any look of disgust. This was normal for small families, but families with the means would hire private school teachers to teach. They did not require profound knowledge, but only required the ability to read and write. It was common for the Qin family, for example, to be taught by their father.

Princess Beijing asked a few more questions, and Qin Keqing answered them one by one. Suddenly, the curtain was lifted, and Shui Rong walked in. Seeing the beautiful figure in the hall, Shui Rong knew that it was Qin Keqing, but he ignored her and greeted her. Shui Rong went up to the couch and sat down next to Princess Beijing.

Princess Beijing said unhappily when she saw this: "You monkey, you came here just because you smelled something. I never saw you come here at this time before."

Facing Princess Beijing's laughter and scolding, Shui Rong smiled bitterly. In the past, Shui Rong seldom came to Ning'an Hall except to pay his respects. He came here at this time, of course, for a purpose.

After calling out "mother" perfunctorily, Shui Rong looked towards the hall. Qin Keqing had her head raised, and Shui Rong happened to meet a pair of affectionate and charming eyes. Her eyes were sparkling with tears, like the bright moon hidden in the flowing clouds.

When Qin Keqing met Shui Rong's gaze, she was like a frightened deer, her eyebrows drooped and a light touch of rouge appeared on her cheeks.

Although they only glanced at each other briefly, Qin Keqing also saw that the young man in front of her was really handsome and dignified. Just by seeing his behavior, Qin Keqing knew his identity, so she bowed and said, "I greet the prince."

A soft and charming voice sounded, and Shui Rong's heart was moved when he heard it. She was indeed a person who was "good at romance and had a beautiful face like the moon", and his painstaking efforts were not in vain.

Princess Beijing looked at her son's expression and knew what was going on. She liked Qin Keqing, not to mention Shui Rong. Men usually like good-looking people, but for some reason, she felt unhappy.

Princess Beijing had a good impression of Qin Keqing. She had thought that she was from a small family and had not seen many scenes. She was not well-mannered and even timid. However, she did not expect that although Qin Keqing was reserved, she did not lose her composure and acted properly. Seeing Shui Rong's expression, Princess Beijing hesitated for a moment and ordered, "Let Qin Shensilang come in."

Ning'an Hall is the backyard of Prince Beijing's Mansion. Qin Ye, a foreigner, cannot enter at will, so Qin Ye was waiting in the corridor outside the hall. Shui Rong saw him when he passed by earlier, but he ignored him.

After hearing this, the maid went out to call for him. After a while, an old man in his fifties with gray hair came in with his back bent and his head lowered. He said respectfully, "Your subordinate greets the princess."

Although Qin Ye was a minor official, he was still an official.

"Qin Shangsilang, this princess feels that she has a good impression of your daughter and would like to have her come to the palace to keep her company. What do you think, Shangsilang?"

When facing a minor official like Qin Ye, Princess Beijing did not need to beat around the bush. If Shui Rong had not mentioned it, given the status of the Prince Beijing's Mansion, there was no way they would meet such a small figure. Even when she asked questions, her tone was non-negotiable.

Qin Ye was startled when he heard this. He thought that the Princess of Beijing had summoned him for some reason. It turned out that she had taken a fancy to his daughter. But what was strange was that how could such a wealthy and powerful family as the Prince of Beijing know about his daughter? And even let Qin Keqing enter the palace.

Princess Beijing saw Qin Ye's hesitation and her expression turned cold. He was just a food official in the Ministry of Works, but he rebelled. So Princess Beijing asked in a cold tone, "What's the matter? Is Qin Food Official in trouble?"

Qin Ye was startled when he heard Princess Beijing's question, and said hurriedly: "It is a rare blessing for her to be able to accompany the princess, so there is no difficulty at all."

Seeing that Qin Ye was sensible, Princess Beijing's expression eased a little. In her opinion, it was a great blessing for the Qin family that the Beijing Palace took a liking to the Qin family, and she could not afford to refuse.

"Okay, you guys go back to the mansion and settle down first. Tomorrow I will have someone go and pick up Keqing and bring her into the mansion." Princess Beijing did not want to say much, she just waved her hand and gave the order. Since her son was interested, then she would take him into the mansion.

Qin Ye responded after hearing this, and left with Qin Keqing with a complicated expression.

Shui Rong watched Qin Ye and Qin Keqing leave anxiously and sighed. This was a feudal dynasty with clear class distinctions. To them, the Wang Mansion was definitely someone they could not afford to offend. Even if they did not want to, they had no choice.

But my old lady is mighty and domineering, and I am very pleased.

Chapter 5: The considerate Princess Beijing

After the Qin family father and daughter left, Princess Beijing took a sip of her tea and said leisurely, "This Qin family lady is very pretty. No one in the palace is prettier than her."

Shui Rong agreed with what she said. Qin Keqing was already beautiful, with a graceful figure. Her almond eyes were even more charming, sometimes pure, sometimes charming. Although Ying Luo beside Shui Rong was not bad looking, she was not as charming. However, Shui Rong would not admit it. He rolled his eyes and said with a smile, "Mother, you are wrong. Although the Qin family lady is beautiful, in my opinion, mother is a thousand times better than her!!!"

As soon as these words came out, Princess Beijing immediately laughed. She reached out and touched Shui Rong's forehead, and scolded with a smile: "You are so smooth-talking, you deserve to be beaten."

Shui Rong saw that Princess Beijing was so happy, the corners of his mouth slightly raised. Women, especially older women, all like to hear sweet words without exception. Especially when these words were said by Shui Rong, the effect was even more different. He still had a way to manipulate his widowed mother. Moreover, Princess Beijing did not look old. She was originally the second wife of the old Prince Beijing. She was still a young girl before marrying into the palace. Her age was just right. As the saying goes, a woman in her middle age still has charm. In comparison, she is more charming than Qin Keqing, so Shui Rong's words were not all coaxing.