Page 10
In the Beijing Prince's Mansion, you can stroll along the stone road at the foot of the stairs. Green willows hang down on both sides, and the mountains and rocks are dotted. Everywhere is exquisite and clear, and it is extremely beautiful.
After passing a gate with hanging flowers, Yingluo came forward and saw Shuirong. She ran over with joy and said politely, "My Lord, you are finally back."
Looking at the girl's cheerful expression, Shui Rong was infected by her and his mood suddenly became cheerful. This girl was so clingy that she became anxious after being away for just a while.
Yingluo looked at Shui Rong with her eyes hooked, her nose wrinkled slightly, and she couldn't help but move forward to sniff. Suddenly, her expression was shocked, and she turned her head to scold Xiao Fuzi, "You bastard, you dare to take the prince to eat and drink, I'll skin you alive."
Xiao Fuzi looked aggrieved. He was not the one who brought the prince to the banquet. He had tried to persuade him, but Shui Rong was the master and he was just a servant. How could he dare to disobey...
Shui Rong looked at Ying Luo with a little surprise. How did she know that he had been drinking wine?
"What do you mean by drinking wine? Can't I just go out and find a restaurant to drink wine?"
When you are having a feast or something, try not to talk too much to avoid trouble.
Yingluo looked suspicious upon hearing this, and obviously didn't believe it. She pursed her lips and said, "Then why does the prince smell like my daughter's makeup?"
There's the smell of alcohol and women's makeup. What else could it be but a night of prostitution? Do you really think she's easy to coax?
Shui Rong raised his eyebrows when he heard that. During the trip to the brothel, he and Du Yuejiao didn’t get close to each other, but being in the same room, it was inevitable that she would have some rouge scent on her body, but it was very faint and difficult to detect. Moreover, after Shui Rong left the brothel, he also walked around the market for a while. Even so, Ying Luo could still smell it. This little guy has a very sensitive nose. He must be born in the Year of the Dog!!!
Seeing Shui Rong's expression change slightly, Ying Luo thought that she was meddling and making Shui Rong unhappy, so she hurriedly explained, "Your Majesty, please don't blame me for being nosy. The women in those brothels are not clean. You are of noble status, so you can't be careless."
Even if Shui Rong needs it, isn't Miss Qin here? If Miss Qin doesn't need it, don't you still have yourself? Why would you go looking for other women?
Shui Rong frowned slightly when he heard this, but he did not blame Ying Luo. In this era, no matter how much self-respect and self-love a prostitute had, she was of low status and was looked down upon even by lowly maids. This was the general environment of class hierarchy.
"I went to a rouge shop and bought some rouge and powder." Shui Rong explained casually. It was normal to have a little rouge scent on his body after going to the rouge shop.
Yingluo looked suspicious and looked at the package in Xiao Fuzi's hand. It clearly said Ruyifang. Only then did she feel relieved. If the prince went to the brothel, the concubine would definitely blame him.
Shui Rong found this funny, and reached out with his folding fan to knock on Ying Luo's forehead, scolding her with a smile: "Damn little bitch, even if I go to have a feast, you still have the right to interfere, go and rebel."
It is obviously against the rules for a servant to interfere in her master's affairs. Not to mention spending time drinking and having fun, even staying overnight in a brothel is out of her control.
Yingluo covered her forehead in pain, her bright almond eyes were misty. How could she dare to care about her master's affairs? She was just worried. She really didn't know how to appreciate a good person.
"Your Highness, did you buy rouge for Miss Qin?" Yingluo asked crisply, her eyes fixed on the thing in Xiao Fuzi's hand.
There are three copies, could hers be one of them?
Seeing Yingluo's hopeful face, Shui Rong raised the corners of his mouth slightly and replied, "Yes, they are all for Keqing."
Yingluo looked disappointed upon hearing this, and her cherry lips pursed unconsciously. It was in vain that she had taken care of the child with all her heart and soul, but suddenly a girl named Qin came and forgot about her!!!
Shui Rong laughed when he saw this. Ever since the last time they whispered in each other's ears, Ying Luo has become more and more clingy, like a cat, hoping to be loved more.
"Okay, I won't tease you anymore. This is for you." Seeing that Yingluo was feeling very aggrieved, Shui Rong stopped teasing her. Girls all needed to be coaxed, so Shui Rong took a box of lip balm from Xiao Fuzi and handed it to Yingluo.
Yingluo stared blankly at the lipstick box in front of her, her eyes full of excitement. Originally, she was just hoping in her heart. Even if there was no hope, it was normal. After all, she was just a maid. She didn't expect Shui Rong to still remember her.
"What? You dislike it because it's cheap stuff?" Shui Rong saw Ying Luo standing there in a daze and couldn't help but tease her. The palace had people who specialized in making rouge and powder, which were no worse than those in the rouge shop. Besides, the rouge sold outside was not necessarily clean and the color was thin.
"No way, this is a gift from the prince. It's better than any rouge." Yingluo reached out and snatched the rouge box, her beautiful face filled with a happy smile.
"Your Highness, do you like the scent of jasmine?" Yingluo leaned forward and looked at Shuirong expectantly with her bright eyes. If Shuirong liked the scent of jasmine, then she would only use jasmine-scented rouge and powder from now on.
Shui Rong raised the corner of his mouth slightly when he heard this, and joked: "Jasmine is fresh and beautiful, and she complements you very well."
Jasmine is fragrant, fresh and beautiful. Jasmine can also be made into scented tea and has a wide range of uses, which is just right for Yingluo.
"Your Highness." Yingluo didn't even need rouge or powder, her jade-like face was already lightly smeared with rouge.
The prince was praising her, and it turned out that she was loved by the prince.
Shui Rong looked at the shy Ying Luo with gentle eyes. He was satisfied with just a casual word of concern for the close person in front of him. He only had him in his heart. However, Shui Rong knew this, but there would not only be Ying Luo by his side.
"Alright, if you want to have fun, go back and have fun. Help me change my clothes first." Shui Rong gave the order without any politeness. After all, they would be family members in the future, so he should help me change my clothes first and remove the marks on my body before going to Ning'an Hall to pay respects to the Concubine Dowager.
"Yes, I understand." Yingluo replied with her head tilted, her cheeks showing dimples. At this moment, let alone just helping to change clothes, she would be willing to do that too.
Shui Rong smiled without saying anything and walked towards the inner room.
"Oh, by the way, Your Majesty, the second young lady of the Zhen family is here. She is at the dowager concubine's place. Why don't you go and take a look?" After taking two steps, Yingluo came to her senses and hurriedly reminded.
Shui Rong stopped walking upon hearing this and turned to look at Ying Luo, "The second young lady of the Zhen family?" If the emperor wasn't planning to grant a marriage, what was she doing here?
"Are you here to visit your mother?" Shui Rong asked.
Yingluo shook her head, stepped closer, and whispered, "Your Majesty, I heard that the old concubine in the palace kept the second young lady in the capital, saying that she was looking for a husband for her, but the lady of the Zhen family was in a hurry to return to Nanjing, and it was difficult to place her in the palace, so they planned to let the second young lady live in our palace for a while. The concubine agreed to this, and all the daily expenses were waived."
Shui Rong was stunned when he heard this. Staying in the palace temporarily? Maybe there is another purpose. This seems to be the same as the Xue family staying in the Jia family in the original novel. It is called temporary stay, but in fact it is to match the golden jade.
Thinking of this, Shui Rong felt quite a headache. The Concubine Dowager Beijing should understand such a poor excuse, but she still agreed to this matter. She must be very fond of Zhen Hua. As long as Shui Rong agreed, even if it was a marriage granted by the emperor, with the relationship between the Beijing Palace and the old concubine, it would most likely be a good thing. After all, the emperor did not issue an edict to grant the marriage, and granting Shui Rong and Zhen Hua to marry was also a marriage granted.
However, Shui Rong really didn't want to get involved with the group of stupid teammates of the Zhen family.
"How do you know all this?" Shui Rong looked at Ying Luo and asked curiously. As a maid, she shouldn't know so much.
Yingluo smiled proudly and said proudly, "I naturally have a way."
Although Yingluo was someone close to Shui Rong, she was originally from the Dowager Concubine Beijing's side, and the maids around her were all old acquaintances with Yingluo, so it was not surprising that they could find out these things.
Shui Rong pondered for a moment and did not think any more about it. Since he was already here, he might as well make the best of it. With the token of marriage granted by the Emperor, the initiative was always in his hands.
"I understand." Shui Rong waved his hand and ignored him, walking towards the house. The second young lady of the Zhen family came as she pleased, so there was no need to approach her with a licking face.
Yingluo pursed her lips upon seeing this. Maids like them were all good at observing people's words and expressions, and they knew what the Zhen family was up to. As Shui Rong's confidant, Yingluo would become a concubine in the future, so she was very concerned about the future mistress. If the mistress was jealous, she would be in trouble. The second young lady of the Zhen family was kind to others, so if she could become the mistress, it would be a good thing for her.
But in the end, this matter still needs the approval of her master. If her master doesn’t like it, Yingluo will naturally “follow her husband’s lead”. Thinking of this, Yingluo didn’t think much about it and followed him. She still had to serve her master!!!
Chapter 19 Sisterly Harmony
In Ning'an Hall, Concubine Beijing was sitting on a soft couch on a high platform, with Zhen Hua and Qin Keqing accompanying her on the side. As for the lady of the Zhen family, she had already left.
Concubine Beijing looked at Zhen Hua with bright eyes and said in a gentle tone: "Hua'er, our two families are relatives. From now on, you should treat the palace as your own home. If there is anything missing, just ask someone to buy it."
Concubine Beijing was very satisfied with Zhen Hua. She spoke to her with kindness and treated her like her own daughter.
Zhen Hua felt the kindness of Concubine Beijing, and she couldn't help but feel happy. She stood up and bowed, saying in a clear voice: "The palace lacks nothing. Thank you for your concern, Concubine."
Hearing this, Concubine Beijing laughed and scolded, "You kid, why are you calling me Concubine? Our two families are related, how can you be so estranged?"
Zhen Hua suddenly understood and replied in a low voice, "Aunt."
Concubine Beijing nodded slightly. This Zhen Hua was indeed an intelligent person who understood everything very well. She would be a good daughter-in-law.
After praising in her heart, Concubine Beijing looked at Keqing who was standing aside with her head lowered. She was kind to Zhen Hua, and Keqing, who was equally smart, should understand what she meant. Although she felt that Keqing was very suitable, there was no benefit except for satisfying her, so Keqing could not be the princess of Prince Beijing's Mansion.
After a moment's silence, Concubine Beijing said in a gentle voice: "Keqing, you have been in the palace for a long time, and you already know all the rules. Hua'er has just arrived at the palace, so if there is anything she doesn't understand, you should remind her. It is better for sisters to live in harmony."
Keqing was moved when she heard this. She had been in the mansion not long before Zhen Hua, so why did she need her to remind her? And what about the sisters living in harmony? Was this a reminder to them?
Since Concubine Beijing had asked, Keqing had no choice but to refuse and quickly stood up and agreed.
At this time, Zhen Hua's eyes turned slightly, and she moved to Qin Keqing's front, and said in a coquettish voice: "There will be many things to bother Sister Qin in the future, so please don't despise me when the time comes."
"You're too polite, sister. Just call me Keqing."
Keqing knew that Zhen Hua came for the title of Princess Beijing, and the Dowager Concubine Beijing had already agreed with her words. If that was the case, Zhen Hua would most likely be the future Princess Beijing, the mistress of the house. If that was the case, how could she deserve to be called sister?
Zhen Hua raised her eyes to look at Keqing, her heart slightly moved. During their previous casual chat, she heard from Concubine Beijing that she was the concubine reserved for her cousin. She originally thought that she was just beautiful, but she never expected that she was also a person who knew when to advance and when to retreat. No wonder Concubine Beijing liked her so much.
Thinking of this, Zhen Hua took Keqing's hand and said in a "blaming" way: "Didn't my aunt say that we are sisters? There is no need to be polite. From now on, I will call you Keqing and you will call me Huaer. We can call each other equal, okay?"
Keqing nodded slightly and said, "It is my blessing to be able to be a sister with you."
The Concubine Beijing in the hall was pleased to see the sisters getting along well. They were both intelligent and understood everything, and their faces showed that they would be able to have children. Her son would be blessed.
"The prince is here." Just when everything was going harmoniously, the voice of an old woman came from outside the corridor.
Zhen Hua's eyes lit up, and she couldn't help but tighten her grip on Keqing's little hand. She tilted her head to look outside the curtain, her eyes sparkling with emotion. Her cousin is back! !
Keqing did not notice Zhen Hua's actions, and her mind had long since flown outside the curtain. Somehow, when the prince came, she felt at ease.
In a short while, Shui Rong lifted the curtain and came in. What came into view were three pairs of pretty eyes, each with a different expression, which made Shui Rong stunned.
"Greetings to my mother." Shui Rong came back to his senses and immediately paid his respects to the bright and charming Concubine Beijing who was sitting on the brocade couch.
When Concubine Beijing saw Shui Rong, her jade-like face was full of smiles, and she waved, "You're back, come to me."
Shui Rong raised his eyebrows when he heard this. This passionate stepmother was a little overwhelming, but Shui Rong didn't mind. He walked over to the couch and sat next to Concubine Beijing.
Concubine Beijing looked Shui Rong up and down, and asked with concern: "Did you have a good time out of the house today?"
Shui Rong listened to the tone of Concubine Beijing, and felt hesitant to laugh or cry. Was she treating him like a child? He really wanted to tell Concubine Beijing that he was not a child.
Shaking his head, Shui Rong said helplessly: "Mother, I am just going out for a walk, not to play. Oh, by the way, I passed by the market and brought you a gift."
When Concubine Beijing heard that she had been given a gift, her eyes lit up and her face was filled with satisfaction, but she "scolded" her, "I don't need anything, why did you bring me a gift for no reason?"
The Beijing Prince's Mansion is a wealthy and powerful place, what could it lack?
Shui Rong didn't take it seriously. Women always say one thing and mean another. As long as they are sincere, they will be happy to accept even a simple word, especially for a stepmother who lacks a sense of security. Without saying much, she took out the lipstick box and handed it to Concubine Beijing.
"Mother, this is rouge from Ruyifang. I think it smells sweet and is just right for you."
Rose is elegant and charming, with a light sweet fragrance that lingers in the nose, making people feel relaxed and happy, which is the same feeling that Beijing Toffee gives to Shui Rong.
Concubine Beijing looked at the lipstick box that Rong took out and didn't know whether to laugh or cry. She cursed, "These are used by young girls. I'm old and ugly now. What's the use of it for me?"
Old and ugly? What a joke, although the Beijing Concubine is a middle-aged woman, she is only in her early thirties, which is the second golden age of women, when her charm is at its peak.
"In the eyes of her children, mothers are always young, no one else can compare to them."
To coax people, one naturally has to say pleasant words. Moreover, Shui Rong is not just coaxing people. With the appearance of Concubine Beijing, it is really hard for ordinary people to reach her. It must be said that Shui Rong's stepfather has good taste.
Listening to Shui Rong's "filial" words, Concubine Beijing became more and more happy, with a smile written on her jade-like face, just like a blooming golden chrysanthemum. When the old Prince Beijing was alive, she had never taken away her lipstick, but she never thought that now that she was old and ugly, receiving the lipstick from her "son", her heart was inexplicably moved.
After a moment of trance, Concubine Beijing looked at Zhen Hua in the hall and said, "I know how filial you are. How about this? I will give this box of lipstick to Hua'er on your behalf."
As she spoke, Concubine Beijing beckoned, "Hua'er, come and see if the lipstick your cousin gave you suits your taste."
Upon hearing this, Zhen Hua raised her eyes to look at Shui Rong, pursed her lips, moved closer, took the rouge and said shyly: "It's a gift from my cousin, so it must be very good."
Shui Rong was amused by Concubine Beijing's behavior. By giving it to him in front of him, was she trying to show him her attitude? Was she so optimistic about Zhen Hua?
Shui Rong looked at Zhen Hua at this time. He saw that Zhen Hua had a light makeup on her face, and was wearing a light green dress. A freshly picked white hibiscus was pinned on her head. She was beautiful and charming, and her shy and timid demeanor was very touching.
Although Zhen Hua is beautiful, Shui Rong is not so beautiful that he would lose his mind. The Zhen family is a mess and it is really difficult to deal with them. Moreover, the other party is too purposeful, which always makes people feel uncomfortable.
Having said that, it's not about the person, but about the matter. For now, Zhen Hua is decent and generous, and Shui Rong can't just be so cold to others, especially when they are cousins.
Shui Rong thought for a moment and decided that she could just be an ordinary cousin, so she greeted her in a friendly manner: "Second cousin, I haven't seen you for a while. How have you been?"
Zhen Hua was secretly delighted when she heard this, lowered her eyes and whispered, "Everything is fine, thank you for your concern, cousin."