Seeing her young lady complaining to herself, Lian’er curled her lips. If she really had no other thoughts, why would she add the last sentence?

Thinking of this, Lian’er said in a clear voice: “That’s hard to say. The boss’s eyes are always looking at Miss Naizi. Don’t think I don’t know.”

“Bah, what’s Nai Huqin?” Du Yuejiao’s cheeks flushed, and her pair of bright almond eyes were full of reproach. She naturally noticed Shui Rong’s little movements, but she didn’t feel disgusted, and even felt a little palpitated in her heart.

Lian Er smiled when she saw this. She knew her young lady was interested, so she joked, “Young lady is so pretty that no man would not be tempted. Even if the young master is young, he is still a man. As long as the young lady takes the initiative, it will be easy to get her.”

In Lian’er’s eyes, although her young lady is older, her appearance is no worse than that of the courtesan. If a man really wants to, she doesn’t believe that there is any man who would not be tempted, unless he is not a man.

Du Yuejiao came back to her senses, took a breath, and said unhappily: “Young Master is not an ordinary person, don’t be wishful thinking, just do your job well.”

Lian Er frowned upon hearing this and said, “Miss, don’t those gentlemen all like to have beautiful women around? We don’t seek any status, but if we can satisfy you and provide you with some protection, why not?”

Women have a low status, especially prostitutes. In the end, they always have to rely on men. Lian’er knows that Shui Rong is of noble status, so she dare not have any wishful thinking. Can’t she get some protection? Girls have to rely on someone after all.

Du Yuejiao looked up at Lian’er. She never thought that Lian’er would say such words, but it was undeniable that every word she said made sense.

Thinking of the ease and comfort she had with the young man, Du Yuejiao’s beautiful eyes flickered, and she didn’t seem to be that resistant…

Chapter 34 Rouge is Poisonous

Beijing Prince’s Mansion, Ning’an Hall.

Concubine Beijing was leaning on the brocade couch, accompanied by Zhen Hua and Keqing. As the saying goes, three women make a play, and with a few people chatting, it was not so boring.

Shui Rong lifted the curtain and walked in. Three pairs of pretty eyes were focused on him. Shui Rong was already accustomed to this and immediately paid his respects to Concubine Beijing.

Concubine Beijing smiled and asked Shui Rong to sit down. She couldn’t help but complain, “You monkey, you run out of the mansion every few days. Do you still remember to come back?”

Shui Rong sniffed the faint fragrance in the air, feeling helpless. He went out of the house to do business, not to make trouble. His stepmother was too attached to her son, and it felt like she was pinching her in her hand, which made him feel a little disgusted.

But Shui Rong would definitely not be so straightforward, otherwise he would hurt his mother’s heart. After all, Concubine Beijing was just too doting on him and had some control desire. So Shui Rong smiled and said, “Mother, the palace is my son’s home, so why would I not come back? Even if my home is gone, I am still here. You are my son’s root, and even if your legs are broken, you will crawl back.”

If you want to coax someone, you must choose nice words.

“Bah, what are you talking about, Hu Qin? Whoever dares to break your leg, you must skin him alive.” Upon hearing this, Concubine Beijing raised her eyebrows, her delicate face was full of coldness. Shui Rong was her lifeblood, let alone a broken leg, even if he got a little skin scratched, she would feel extremely distressed.

After saying that, Concubine Beijing looked at Shui Rong, her expression gradually became gentle, she stretched out her jade hand holding the handkerchief and lightly touched Shui Rong’s forehead with her white jade fingers, she covered her mouth and spitted and scolded: “You monkey, it’s okay to tease others, but why are you making fun of yourself? Don’t do that in the future.”

How could she not understand the words of comfort? But she understood it in her heart and enjoyed it.

A light handkerchief brushed against her face, and a soft and greasy fragrance wafted into her nose. The fragrance was rich, sweet and charming, which made Shui Rong’s heart flutter.

Shui Rong had a strange look on his face as he stared at the sweetly smiling Concubine Beijing in front of him. Her every frown and smile seemed to contain a noble look. Her red lips, faintly visible through the embroidered handkerchief, seemed to invite people to kiss her.

He didn’t know why, but he had never felt strange about Concubine Beijing’s closeness to him in the past, so he wanted to find out the truth today.

If I think about it carefully, the only difference between this period of time and the past is that he ate too much rouge. Could it be that the rouge is poisonous and disturbed his mind?

Well, that must be the case…

Concubine Beijing’s mind had always been on Shui Rong, so she was naturally very clear about the abnormality that had occurred to her. As someone who had experienced this, she could tell at a glance that what was in those eyes was clearly the desire between a man and a woman, which made her frightened.

After a while, Concubine Beijing came to her senses. “Girls should avoid their fathers when they grow up, and boys should avoid their mothers when they grow up.” Shui Rong is already grown up, and has experienced sex, so he should avoid it. Moreover, Shui Rong is not young anymore, but he has been restraining himself. He cannot hold it in any longer, and he must make Keqing and Yingluo pay attention to it, so as not to affect the heirs of the royal family.

Concubine Beijing looked calm and acted as if she knew nothing about it.

Shui Rong came back to his senses and turned his head away, he couldn’t keep looking. The forbidden area was not something that everyone could touch. He had to let Keqing and Yingluo change their rouge tomorrow. If they continued to eat it, they might be too deeply poisoned and there would be no way to save them.

He looked at Keqing who was sitting in the hall, and then shifted his gaze. He saw that Keqing was wearing a light blue dress with a white gauze outer layer, which showed off her graceful figure to the fullest and attracted Shui Rong’s attention.

Keqing looked at Shui Rong, her cheeks flushed slightly, and she lowered her brows. Zhen Hua, who was standing by, raised her eyebrows slightly and clenched the embroidered handkerchief in her hand. Her cousin was like this, so why couldn’t he look at her? As expected, Jingzhe was right. Keqing must not stay in the palace.

Shui Rong was naturally unaware of Zhen Hua’s jealousy, because he only thought of Zhen Hua as a passer-by, and never regarded her as the Princess of Beijing. Naturally, he did not need to be concerned about treating her equally. He just looked at Ke Qing’s romantic life and remembered something. He said to the Princess Dowager of Beijing, “Mother, Ke Qing has been in the mansion for several months. I think she must be missing her family. I think it would be better to send someone to invite the old man of the Qin family to come to the mansion so that they can enjoy the family happiness.”

Upon hearing this, Keqing’s cheeks became slightly drunk and her beautiful eyes were filled with clear waves. The prince had mentioned this matter before, and she never thought that he had been thinking about it all the time. This made Keqing feel sweet in her heart.

The prince has always been concerned about her.

Concubine Beijing chuckled. Old Master Qin had already called out that his son was really caring. Her beautiful eyes looked at Keqing, who was hanging her head, and she said, “Okay, I’ll ask someone to invite her tomorrow.”

Shui Rong’s face was full of smiles when he heard this. His cheap mother knew how to cooperate with him to coax the beauty.

Zhen Hua felt even more sad when she saw this. She felt like an outsider in the hall and was really embarrassed. Her eyes turned cold as she looked at Keqing.

The Dowager Concubine Beijing noticed the stern look in Zhen Hua’s brows and frowned slightly, but she didn’t say much. After all, her son’s favoritism was indeed too obvious. The palace was so small, and she already knew about Zhen Hua’s gift of the sachet. The Dowager Concubine felt quite sympathetic about this.

For Concubine Beijing, she did not want an “outsider” to snatch her son away. Zhen Hua’s character was obvious to all. She knew that she was a proper person and very much suited to her wishes. However, Shui Rong had turned a blind eye to her from the beginning. If it were not for her sake, he would not have allowed Zhen Hua to live in his house.

But it doesn’t matter. As the saying goes, time reveals deep affection. After spending a long time together, the relationship will naturally become harmonious.

Thinking of this, Concubine Beijing suddenly said, “Brother Rong, it’s almost midsummer. When are you going to move to the pavilion in the center of the lake?”

Shui Rong was stunned when he heard this. Every summer, he would move to the “Xiaoqiao Family” in the pavilion in the center of the lake to escape the heat. Now that the weather was getting hotter, he should indeed move there as soon as possible.

After a pause, Shui Rong said, “Mother reminded me that I will move there in two days, so mother should come with me.”

“Xiaoqiao Home” is a two-story attic with more than a dozen rooms, which is enough to accommodate the children. After all, being a son is not enough to just enjoy the life, one must show filial piety.

Upon hearing this, Concubine Beijing nodded slightly, her delicate face full of smiles. It was obvious that she was very satisfied with Shui Rong’s filial piety. After a moment of silence, Concubine Beijing said, “Okay, we’ll move in two days.”

After saying that, Concubine Beijing looked at Zhen Hua and Keqing and said with a smile, “Keqing, Hua’er, you should move in together, it will make it more lively.”

Keqing responded and went down upon hearing that. Zhen Hua looked at Shui Rong who was sitting quietly with a loving look in her eyes. She was filled with joy at living in the same courtyard with her cousin.

When Shui Rong heard about Concubine Beijing’s arrangement, he understood in his heart that his adoptive mother was still trying to find a way to bring them together. Alas, all mothers in the world are the same. They always want to give their sons what they think is the best, but they don’t think about whether their sons like it or not. Even if she makes it clear, she will just think you are just being childish.

I’m afraid that the Concubine Beijing will not stop until the emperor grants her marriage next year.

Chapter 35: Deep Love from Stepmother

On the corridor outside Shui Rong’s house, Ying Luo was directing the little maidservants. Suddenly, a woman came over. Seeing this, Ying Luo hurriedly stepped forward and greeted her with a smile, “Hello, Madam Rong.”

The person who came was none other than Madam Rong, who was beside Concubine Beijing. As a person whom Concubine Beijing relied on, she represented the face of Concubine Beijing. Not to mention that Yingluo had not yet had an official status at that time, even if she became a concubine, she still had to be treated politely.

What’s more, Yingluo was originally a maidservant of Concubine Beijing, and had worked under Madam Rong before. When Shui Rong entered the mansion, it was Madam Rong who recommended Yingluo to serve. So, she still had to thank Madam Rong for her kindness.

Rong Mama looked kind, looked at Yingluo with a smile on her face, and said, “I’ve been watching you making a fuss from a distance. I think the prince has spoiled you and you don’t even know the rules.”

Yingluo was annoyed when she heard this and explained, “Mammy, this is not my fault. The prince wanted to take a bath, so I asked them to prepare hot soup, but they were clumsy. If I didn’t urge them, what would happen if they were delayed?”

Madam Rong nodded and said that she was responsible for serving the prince and could not be negligent.

Seeing that Rong Mama didn’t blame her, Yingluo changed the subject and asked, “Mama, are you here to talk to the prince about something?”

Madam Rong is also an old hand, and has eaten more salt than Yingluo has eaten rice. How could she not see what Yingluo is thinking? However, she does not intend to pursue it. There is nothing wrong in serving the prince wholeheartedly. At the beginning, it was because she saw that Yingluo was meticulous in her work, so she recommended her to serve the prince.

So Rong Mama smiled and said, “What business can an old woman like me have with the prince? I came here to look for you.”

Yingluo was startled when she heard that. Why was he looking for her?

After a moment of silence, Yingluo replied respectfully, “Madam, if you have anything to say, just send someone to let me know. There is no need for you to come in person.”

Although Yingluo is young, she is not ignorant and can speak sweetly, otherwise she would not be liked by Shuirong.

Rong Mama looked at Yingluo with satisfaction. She looked around with her cloudy eyes. Seeing that no one was around, she stepped forward and whispered, “Yingluo, the Concubine Dowager asked me to come here to tell you something. The prince is getting old and there is no one close to him. Please pay more attention to him.”

Upon hearing this, Yingluo’s cheeks immediately turned red, and her pair of charming eyes were filled with ripples. What does it mean to be a caring person? He still makes her care about him. Isn’t it just about being close to the prince?

When Rong Mama saw Yingluo getting shy, she understood and said with a smile, “Child, the Concubine Dowager has mentioned your monthly allowance, so there is nothing to be ashamed of.”

Of course Yingluo knew that the Concubine Dowager had raised her monthly allowance, which meant that she was a “future concubine” in the mansion, and the prince had personally promised that she would definitely be a concubine in the future. She was extremely happy to serve the prince and even dreamed about it at night.

But the prince always knew when to stop, so what could she do?

Thinking of this, Yingluo pursed her lips, twisted the handkerchief in her hand, and whispered shyly: “Mammy, the prince said that he is still young and it is easy to hurt his body. Let’s wait a year or two before talking.”

Shui Rong was not young in that era. Children like him were already babbling, and Yingluo knew in her heart that the prince was not young anymore.

Upon hearing this, Rong Mama’s face changed. She scolded with some regret, “The prince is simple-minded. He read a few books written by nerds and believed them to be true. But you shouldn’t be so foolish. The concubine gave you to the prince. Even if you slept with the prince, it is not considered as a violation of etiquette. Others would not be able to get such a good opportunity even if they begged for it, but you managed to keep it. You are really stupid. Where is your usual cleverness?”

Yingluo was stunned after hearing this. She didn’t mind Rong Mama’s reprimand because it was teaching her. Pursing her lips, Yingluo asked uncertainly, “What does Mama mean?”

Rong Ma said earnestly, “If the prince doesn’t take the initiative, don’t you, a fool, know how to take the initiative?”

Upon hearing this, Yingluo’s eyes widened and she looked at Madam Rong in disbelief. Asking her to take the initiative, doesn’t that mean she is going to seduce the prince herself?

Rong Mama was not surprised to see this. In fact, she was also shocked by the Concubine Dowager’s decision, but it was reasonable when she thought about it carefully. After all, her own prince was different from others. He was not young anymore, but he still restrained himself. Other people were not like this. If she didn’t know the prince, she would have thought that there was something wrong with her prince’s body. The Concubine Dowager’s move was nothing more than helping the prince grow.

Thinking of this, Rong Mama added: “Yingluo, let me tell you, if you do it well, the Concubine will naturally give you a title. If you don’t do it well, let someone else take your place. Shuangjiang is a good girl.”

“No, Ma’am, I’ll do it.” When Yingluo heard that another maid was going to take her place, she suddenly became anxious. She couldn’t live without Shui Rong.

Madam Rong nodded upon seeing this. All the maids in the mansion were staring at the prince. As long as the word got out, they would all start to act coquettishly.

“Okay, I’ve got your message. You can handle it yourself.”

Madam Rong gave a reminder and left immediately. Yingluo looked at Madam Rong’s back as she left and felt very confused. Her own prince had a stubborn temper. How should she seduce him?

In Ning’an Hall, Concubine Beijing was leaning on a brocade couch, her black hair spread out like clouds, her brows slightly furrowed, as if filled with a hint of sorrow.

After a while, Concubine Beijing noticed the movement, opened her slightly closed eyes, looked at the person who came, and asked in a clear voice: “Have you given all the orders?”

Madam Rong stepped forward and whispered, “My Lady Consort, give the order. Yingluo will take care of it.”

Upon hearing this, Concubine Beijing nodded slightly. Since her son was already a womanizer, as a mother, it was natural for her to give him a push. Thinking of the look Shui Rong had given her today, for some reason, in addition to the shock she felt at that time, ripples began to form in her heart.

It has been nearly ten years since she married into the palace. Her youth has passed, and even the old prince has passed away due to illness. Now she is old and ugly, and no one has looked at her with such eyes for many years. For a woman, she feels inexplicably happy in her heart.

Thinking of this, a hint of shame and anger flashed across Concubine Beijing’s eyes. That was her son, what was she thinking?

Rong Mama was startled to see her own concubine was slightly drunk, and asked hurriedly, “Concubine, are you okay?”

Concubine Beijing came back to her senses, and a barely perceptible rouge appeared on her delicate face. She put aside the evil thoughts in her mind, looked at Rong Mama, and said softly, “Mama, I’m fine. Go get the book from the bottom of the rosewood box and send it to Keqing in the warm room. Tell her to study it carefully so that she can serve Rong’er wholeheartedly.”

Rong Mama was startled when she heard this. As someone close to Concubine Beijing, she naturally knew what the book at the bottom of the rosewood box was. After pondering for a moment, Rong Mama reminded her, “It’s not appropriate to let Miss Qin learn it!!”

Keqing is not a first-class maid, so how can she be allowed to learn those things?

Concubine Beijing didn’t take it seriously and said softly, “It’s okay. Keqing is Rong’er’s concubine after all. It will be easier for her to serve if she learns it earlier.”

Seeing that Concubine Beijing had made the decision, Rong Mama didn’t say much and nodded, “I understand. I will send it to Miss Qin later.”

The Beijing Concubine nodded slightly, sighed softly, and said leisurely: “In fact, if possible, I would like to let Huaer learn, but Huaer will be the future Princess Beijing, so we can’t be careless.”

In the heart of Concubine Beijing, although Keqing is safe, her family background is much inferior after all. The princess has to be included in the imperial genealogy, and she needs to remain a virgin before the wedding, and she cannot be careless at all. On the other hand, Keqing does not need to be so strict, all she needs is a bridal sedan.

Upon hearing this, Madam Rong raised her eyes and looked at Concubine Beijing with a slightly hesitant expression. If the prince did not like the girl from the Zhen family, then she might not be the future Princess Beijing. After all, the prince was not the daughter of the Concubine Beijing, so it was impossible for him to do everything as the Concubine Beijing wished.

However, these words might cause a rift between mother and son, so Rong Mama didn’t say much.

With this in mind, Madam Rong felt that she should stick to her duty and hand the book over to Keqing later and ask her to study it carefully.

I have to say that the Concubine Dowager really cares about the Prince, this is the deep love of a stepmother! ! ! !