The King of Beijing in the Red Mansion

"Open the front door." Shui Rong ordered.

The servant was stunned when he heard this. It was not a festival, and there were no distinguished guests. Why open the main door? However, although the servant was puzzled, he did not dare to disobey, and hurried forward to ask for the red door to be opened.

Shui Rong lifted his sleeves, walked in through the main gate with his head held high, stepped over the threshold and walked inside. Along the way, there were towering ancient trees, strange rocks, surrounding mountains and water, pavilions, terraces, and winding corridors. Although Shui Rong was familiar with all these scenes, today he felt something different.

We walked all the way to the west courtyard and lifted the curtain to enter. Inside the inner room, Princess Beijing was sitting on a brocade couch, holding a string of red sandalwood Buddhist beads in her hand and muttering to herself. On the lower right, Qin Keqing was sitting beside her sewing a lace net. She was wearing a emerald green shirt and a pleated skirt with green grass and water mist flowers. She was dressed in a thin emerald green gauze, and her shoulders were cut into waistlines, which made her look indescribably soft and delicate.

Qin Keqing moved into the palace and lived in the warm room of the suite with Princess Beijing. Her sleeping, eating, and daily life were no different from those of a young lady. She had a nanny to guide her, a maid to take care of her hairpins and bracelets, and five or six other little maids to clean the house and do chores, as well as other maids to serve her. She only had to do needlework, reading, spinning, and weaving every day, and she didn't need to do anything else.

Seeing Shui Rong coming back, Princess Beijing was delighted, but she felt uncomfortable when she saw Shui Rong looking at Qin Keqing.

Shui Rong understood what was happening. In the past, when he entered the west wing, he would first pay his respects to Princess Beijing. But now that there was Qin Keqing, Shui Rong couldn't help but look towards her when he entered the courtyard, especially when he saw her willow-leaf eyes, which were like hooks, luring him again and again.

"My child greets his mother." Shui Rong came back to his senses and stepped forward to greet her.

Princess Beijing didn't care at this moment. What she cared about now was the title. If Shui Rong hadn't said that he didn't want to be demoted, she wouldn't have taken it so seriously. After all, Shui Rong's title was inherited and it was a foregone conclusion.

"Brother Rong, how is the matter of inheriting the title?"

Seeing the hopeful look on Princess Beijing's face, Shui Rong didn't joke around and quickly replied, "Mother, His Majesty has allowed me to inherit the title of a county prince and receive a prince's salary."

Princess Beijing was overjoyed when she heard this; it was a blessing that her title was not downgraded, and she was also receiving a prince's salary. Although the prince's salary was only five thousand taels more silver, it represented dignity and had a different meaning.

The maids and other servants also came forward to congratulate Princess Beijing, and not only made her happy, but they also rewarded each of them with two months' monthly allowance. Not only that, Princess Beijing also said that she would go to the temple to fulfill a vow and add incense money. As far as Shui Rong knew, Princess Beijing loved to offer food to monks, worship Taoism, and donate rice and money. Every year, the incense money she added to the nunnery was roughly two to three thousand taels of silver. Shui Rong didn't care about this. The ancients believed in ghosts and gods, so how could he refute it?

"Rong'er, inheriting the title is a great joyous event. Our mansion has been deserted for so many years, it's time to liven it up."

The Beijing Palace has been deserted since the death of the old Beijing Prince, and Shui Rong has been in mourning for three years and has not gone out of the house. Now that such a happy event has suddenly happened, Princess Beijing naturally wants to celebrate.

Shui Rong raised his eyebrows when he heard this. Princess Beijing wanted to hold a grand ceremony, but this was not acceptable. So Shui Rong said, "Mother, the title of Prince Beijing's mansion will not be downgraded. This is a happy thing. It's fine if we set up a table and have fun. If we waste money, people outside may say that we are getting carried away."

Holding a grand celebration is troublesome in itself and too ostentatious. In life, it is better to keep a low profile and make a fortune quietly.

Princess Beijing came to her senses after hearing this. Shui Rong was right in reminding her. As the saying goes, "People are jealous and can't stand seeing others doing well." Their palace was showing off, and people outside would gossip about them behind their backs.

"Okay, let's set the table today and have fun. I'll ask the kitchen to prepare." Princess Beijing signaled with her eyes, pursed her lips and walked away.

Shui Rong found this quite funny. Was this a reward from his own stepmother? How thoughtful!!!

As for Qin Keqing, she was the one destined to sleep with him, so there was no need to be polite. If he treated her with courtesy, it would make his delicate daughter think in the wrong way. So Shui Rong looked at Qin Keqing, who had been lowering her head. Originally, Qin Keqing was dressed simply, which concealed a lot of her brilliance. Now that she was dressed up, her gentle and charming charm became even more captivating and irritating. It was true that clothes make the man.

But Princess Beijing had already made it clear that he would have to wait a year or two before giving it to him. If he didn't follow the rules, Princess Beijing would probably be unhappy.

Qin Keqing noticed Shui Rong's burning gaze, and her cheeks became hot. Since entering the palace, she knew that she would follow Shui Rong in the future. If not, Princess Beijing would not treat her as half a daughter. Moreover, Keqing was happy to be with such an elegant young man like Shui Rong, but no matter how happy she was, she was always embarrassed to be looked at with such a murderous gaze.

Shui Rong stepped forward and whispered, "Keqing, are you used to living in the palace? If there is anything you need, just tell me and I will have someone prepare it for you."

When dealing with a beautiful woman, you must always show concern for her so that you can control her well in the future.

Keqing twisted the silk cord in her hand and whispered, "The princess is very good to me. I don't lack anything. Thank you for your concern, my Lord."

Shui Rong laughed when he heard that. What do you mean by "thank you"? That was too polite. However, Shui Rong also knew that Keqing had just moved into the palace and was not familiar with him. It would be good if she was frank with him and knew him well. Seeing that Keqing almost twisted the cord in her hands, it was obvious that she was nervous.

As a man, he naturally had to take the initiative to ease the girl's embarrassment, so Shui Rong smiled and said, "Keqing, when you have time, can you make a few threads for me?"

Upon hearing this, Keqing raised her affectionate eyes and looked at the warm Shui Rong. She blinked and stared at him, just to make a few silk threads?

"What kind of net does the prince want to put in it?"

Shui Rong took off the jade pendant hanging from his waist, weighed it, and said, "The rope of this jade pendant is old, you can make a string to tie the jade on."

Keqing took the jade pendant. It was white jade and as smooth as cream. Needless to say, it must be made of top-quality Hetian jade and worth a lot of money. However, looking at the tassel on the upper part of the jade pendant, it seemed that it didn't need a new one.

"What color would you like to match it with, Young Master? Do you want the same color?" Since Shui Rong said he wanted to make it, then let's do it. Qin Keqing looked at the jade pendant without looking away, as if she was considering how to make it.

Shui Rong reached out and held Ke Qing's plump and white jade hand, startling her and trembling. Feeling the tenderness of her jade hand, he said with a smile: "Just do it according to your preference. As long as it's you who did it, it will look good!!!"

Keqing felt Shui Rong's warm hand, and her delicate face turned pink. She raised her eyes, which seemed to be angry and happy, and blinked at Shui Rong. How could the prince be so abrupt?

Chapter 12 Dragon has reverse scales

The atmosphere in the Ning'antang Flower Hall in Beijing Prince's Mansion was very good. Princess Beijing had a table full of delicious delicacies prepared, and Yingluo and others served with black silver plum blossom teapots.

Perhaps because she was happy, Princess Beijing kept toasting each other, and soon she looked a little tipsy. Keqing was treated as a girl, so she naturally sat at the table as well. After drinking a few glasses of Huiquan wine, her fair cheeks were slightly flushed, and her charming and affectionate eyes became misty and ethereal. Her every frown and smile was so captivating that one could not stop watching her.

Shui Rong picked up the wine cup and took a sip to calm down his anger. No wonder Jia Zhen in the original novel was "climbing onto an adulterer". Who wouldn't be moved by such a lovely girl? Fortunately, the corners of the dining table were high, otherwise the table would have been overturned.

Princess Beijing knew that Shui Rong had had feelings for Keqing for a long time, but she had her reasons for suppressing them. After all, they were not married yet. If they were just ordinary people in the house, Shui Rong could do whatever he wanted. But Keqing was not a person in the house, and if Shui Rong was allowed to do whatever he wanted, it would probably have an impact. Even if Shui Rong liked her, he would at least have to marry her as his main wife first.

Thinking of this, Princess Beijing said, "Rong'er, now that the title has been inherited, the next thing is your marriage!!!"

Shui Rong was not surprised to hear this. He put down the cup in his hand and said, "Mother, I was just about to report to you about my marriage. His Majesty plans to wait until the selection of concubines next year to arrange a marriage for me."

Princess Beijing was stunned when she heard this. Why did the emperor come to arrange a marriage for her out of the blue?

Since the emperor had granted the marriage, Princess Beijing had nothing to say even if she was dissatisfied. She just thought of the daughter of the Zhen family and couldn't help but sighed, "It's a pity to have such a well-educated and well-mannered daughter like Hua'er."

Shui Rong understood what he said. He knew that Princess Beijing fell in love with Zhen Hua at first sight. However, the Zhen family was in a mess, and Shui Rong did not want to get involved. As long as the marriage was carried out, it would always be involved. If Shui Rong was unkind, where would the love between husband and wife be? Don't say that it was just marrying someone's daughter. Marriage is a matter between two families. How can it be discussed separately? Now that the emperor has granted the marriage, Shui Rong has saved a lot of effort.

Keqing sat there in her proper place, listening to Princess Beijing and Shui Rong talking about their marriage for a long time without saying anything. Her family background meant that she could not become the Crown Prince's wife, but now she was the Princess of a County. She had been mentally prepared for this since she entered the palace, and she did not feel awkward. However, she also understood that she would be Shui Rong's concubine sooner or later. When the princess entered the palace in the future, she must not be jealous, otherwise she would have a hard time.

Shui Rong didn't pay attention to Ke Qing. Seeing Princess Beijing's regretful look, he couldn't help but laugh and said, "If mother likes it, just recognize the second daughter of the Zhen family as your goddaughter, so that your son can have a godsister."

Being husband and wife is impossible, but being a sister is fine, it’s just “doing” anyway, so there’s no involvement.

Upon hearing this, Princess Beijing glared at Shui Rong in annoyance. She liked Zhen Hua because of Shui Rong, otherwise why would she care so much about her and even adopt her as a goddaughter. But after all, she was still a "daughter", so what was the point?

"You monkey, you're still thinking about having a sister. You should bring me a daughter-in-law to carry on the family line. I don't know when I'll be able to hold my grandson."

Shui Rong pretended not to hear what was said. It has been believed since ancient times that mothers have been urging their children to get married and have children. However, looking at Princess Beijing's beautiful face, it seemed inappropriate for her to talk about holding her eldest grandson.

Princess Beijing sighed, pursed her lips, and said, "By the way, now that the title has been decided, you have to learn how to manage the properties of the palace. Tomorrow I will ask Li Changshi to show you the accounts."

Li Changshi is the Chief Secretary of the Prince's Palace. He is in charge of the government orders of the Prince's Palace and is of the fifth rank. He manages all matters in the palace, big or small. He is equivalent to the chief steward of the Prince's Palace. Generally speaking, he is appointed by the court, but there are also those recommended by princes. This Li Changshi was recommended by the personal staff of the old Prince Beijing.

Shui Rong was a little surprised when he heard this. He thought that Princess Beijing would pretend to be deaf and dumb. He never thought that she would soon hand over the family business to him. It must be said that this cheap mother really loves Shui Rong very much. The feeling of being held in her mouth is really comfortable.

After a pause, Shui Rong said, "Mother, you are still in charge of the affairs of the inner house. I will try to take care of the property of the outer house."

The feudal dynasty was a society where men were superior to women. Women were considered virtuous if they were not talented. They were supposed to "stay in the main house and stay quiet and humble at home" in order to conform to moral norms. In a large family, big matters like housekeeping were of course handled by the men in the house. The so-called female housekeepers were also in charge of "small matters inside the house", that is, the daily trivial matters in the back house. The same was true for Wang Xifeng's housekeeping in "Dream of Red Mansions". Once it involved matters in the outer house, men like Jia Lian had to deal with it.

Princess Beijing nodded slightly when she heard this. It was only natural that men should be in charge of external affairs and women should be in charge of internal affairs. She was worried before that Shui Rong would take over the decision, but now it seemed that although it was not what she thought, it was almost the same.

Seeing Princess Beijing's relaxed expression, Shui Rong understood that it was too hasty to think about the family business right after receiving the title of Prince Beijing. After all, our Princess Beijing is still young and doesn't need to live out her days in peace.

After the banquet, Shui Rong returned to his room and sat on a chair, rubbing his forehead. Although the alcohol content of ancient wine was low, he still felt uncomfortable after drinking too much. The maid brought a washbasin, Yingluo wrung out a towel, and handed it to Shui Rong, saying, "My Lord, wipe your face."

Shui Rong took the towel and wiped his face, then leaned back in the chair. Ying Luo stood behind Shui Rong attentively, and her delicate little hands rested on Shui Rong's temples and gently massaged them.

Feeling the perfect massage, Shui Rong said with satisfaction: "Yingluo, you are so considerate. It's worth it that I love you."

Yingluo curled her lips and raised her eyebrows when she heard this. How could she be hurt by washing her leggings every other day? So she couldn't help but mutter, "This is my duty!!!"

Washing the shin clothes and so on is my duty.

Hearing Ying Luo's mumbling tone, Shui Rong smiled, reached out and pinched Ying Luo's small hand, led it to him, looked at Ying Luo's delicate face, and chuckled: "What's wrong, it smells so sour."

When Yingluo saw that her little thoughts were exposed, her cheeks turned slightly red, her eyes became vague, and she pursed her lips without saying a word.

Shui Rong found this funny. His daughter's temper was sometimes very cute, so he said softly, "You have been with me for a few years. Don't you know my temper? If you have any grievances, just tell me. Do you think I will punish you?"

In Prince Beijing's Mansion, the person closest to Shui Rong is Ying Luo. Even his adoptive mother is not as close to him as she is. After all, Ying Luo is responsible for his daily life and diet. She knows every move of his very well. It can be said that Ying Luo has watched Shui Rong grow up in the past three years and knows him inside and out. How could Shui Rong punish such a close person for some trivial matters?

Yingluo pursed her lips upon hearing this, and said a little aggrievedly: "Since Miss Qin came, the prince's eyes have never been still."

"." Shui Rong was speechless. It was just as Ying Luo said. Ever since Qin Keqing entered the mansion, Shui Rong's eyes always unconsciously looked at Qin Keqing. But it was not Shui Rong's fault. After all, Qin Keqing had a face that could bring disaster to the country and the people. People all yearn for beautiful things. What's wrong with looking at her a few more times?

Ying Luo looked at Shui Rong for a long time without saying anything. She twisted the corners of her clothes with her hands and lowered her eyes and said, "My Lord, I am not saying anything bad about Miss Qin. You are of noble status and you will definitely have many people serving you in the future. I don't ask for anything else. I hope that my Lord will not drive me away because he is tired of me. As long as I can stay by your side, I don't mind doing laundry."

Shui Rong felt puzzled when he heard this. He also understood what Ying Luo said. When Shui Rong was in mourning earlier, he only had Ying Luo and a few other people serving him. But now that the mourning period is over and he is about to inherit the title of Prince, there must be quite a few people serving him. Qin Keqing's arrival is just the beginning. No one knows how many people will be there in the future. This makes Ying Luo feel a sense of crisis.

Shui Rong, who understood what was happening, reached out and pulled Ying Luo to sit in his arms, saying with a smile: "You just want to be a laundry maid? What kind of monthly salary for a laundry maid is two taels of silver, you useless little bitch."

The monthly salary for a laundry maid is two taels of silver. Even the richest families cannot afford such a hassle. They have to do as much work as they are paid. Since Yingluo is receiving the monthly salary of a "future concubine", she has to fulfill the duties of a future concubine. In addition to washing, changing clothes, making the bed, and warming the bed, which are things a maid should do, she also needs to go a step further and serve her attentively.

"My Lord!!!"

Yingluo sat in Shuirong's arms, her heart beating wildly and her snow-white face flushed. This was the first time Shuirong took the initiative. Was it because she was too happy about Chengjue's matter, or was it because of the alcohol?

Shui Rong listened to the charming voice, and under the influence of alcohol, he couldn't help but reach out and grab Ying Luo's chin. What came into his sight was an exquisite jade-like face, with eyes like a pool of clear water, and rosy cheeks and pink lips on her pretty and elegant face, which inevitably aroused his reverie.

"Young Master, what's wrong?" Yingluo blinked her watery and bright eyes at Shui Rong, straightened her nose, and the smell of alcohol rushed into her nose.

Shui Rong looked at Ying Luo with an innocent face, and he couldn't help but feel angry. This little bitch must be "asking questions even though she already knows the answer". Shui Rong said nothing more, leaned over, took those two soft petals in his mouth, and tasted them wantonly.

Yingluo stared at Shuirong with her eyes wide open, and after a moment, she slightly closed them.

After a long time, Yingluo held up the embroidery handkerchief and wiped her lips, looking at Shuirong with her tender eyes in a reproachful manner.

Shui Rong didn't care. He licked his lips, savoring the sweetness and quenching the nameless fire in his heart. After all, he had to consider his body, so it was better to just taste it briefly.

"My Lord, are you carrying a folding fan? It must be very uncomfortable for me!!!" Yingluo frowned and said angrily.

"Hiss..." Shui Rong couldn't help but take a breath of cold air. A dragon has a reverse scale, and it will get angry if it is touched. This little hoof doesn't know the seriousness of the matter.

Chapter 13: Get it right

Beijing Prince's Mansion, in the study.

In front of the table, the aroma of catalpa is curling up, and the incense burner is burning with the faint fragrance of sandalwood. The bookshelf is filled with rare ancient books, with gold characters and red lines, and mottled covers. The inner wall is hung with landscape paintings, the beauty of which can be outlined with just a few strokes.

There is a table and a couch in the room, which immediately give you a sense of leisure and elegance; there is a chair and a desk, which give you a sense of seclusion and elegance.

Shui Rong stood in front of the desk, holding a wolf-hair brush and practicing calligraphy.

Yingluo wore several gold hairpins and pearl bracelets on her head, and was dressed in a light yellow silk dress and a paddy field jacket. She walked up with lotus steps, holding a cup of fragrant tea in her hand.

She placed the fragrant tea on the table, walked forward, and caressed Shui Rong's brow with her slender jade fingers, and asked in confusion: "Prince, today is a big celebration in the mansion, why are you still practicing calligraphy!! "

The imperial edict has been issued. Shui Rong inherits the title of Prince and receives the salary of a prince. This is the Emperor Yongkang's golden word, and naturally there will be no discount. Shui Rong and Prince Beijing's Mansion are very happy about this.

Shui Rong put down the wolf hair brush in his hand, sat calmly on the chair, and looked at the graceful girl in front of him. Last time, Ying Luo had teased her unintentionally, and although she did not cross the line, she let Shui Rong play with her carefully.

Also because of their physical intimacy, Shui Rong's attitude towards him is different from before, and Ying Luo treats Shui Rong more wholeheartedly.

Shui Rong reached out and took Ying Luo's hand, leading her to sit in his arms, and asked softly, "How is mother?"

It was normal for the mansion to be excited about the matter of inheriting the title, and Shui Rong did not care.

Yingluo sat in Shuirong's arms, her pretty face slightly flushed. When she heard Shuirong's question, she replied with a smile on her face, "The Concubine is very happy. She even gave two months' salary to the people in the palace."

The imperial edict had been issued, and Shui Rong became a legitimate prince, while Princess Beijing became the Dowager Consort Beijing.

Shui Rong didn't say much about this. Seeing the joy on Ying Luo's pretty face, Shui Rong couldn't help but reach out and pinch Ying Luo's nose, saying in a weird voice, "You little girl, I've sent you away after paying you a few months' salary. Be careful that the future mistress doesn't like you when she comes home. Then let's see what you'll do."