He knew what was on his daughter's mind, but these things could never be discussed openly.

Doesn't he have any pride? Doesn't Yu Niao have any pride?

Qin Su didn't want to continue causing trouble, and Emperor Mingyang clearly didn't want to punish Yu Niao either, so what was the point of staying here?

They were supposed to have come here for the hunting grounds, but Yu Niao made it seem like that wasn't important. What she said afterward was enough to give people leverage over her.

Qin Su shook her head, finding it extremely boring.

Instead of fighting with this little girl, it's better to bring Chen Yirou out for some fun.

"Although Princess Yangcheng is aware of her mistake, punishment is still necessary," Emperor Mingyang concluded. "You will be punished by studying with the governess for two months."

You can't hit them, you can't scold them, this is the only way to punish them.

The Prince of Yangcheng frowned and said hesitantly, "Your Majesty, I'm afraid I cannot stay in the capital for such a long time."

"Then we'll stay in the capital for a while." Emperor Mingyang couldn't take back what he had said, so he could only ask others to change his mind.

"Oh, right."

Qin Su spoke again.

King Yangcheng glared at Qin Su, and Emperor Mingyang also found it troublesome.

What is she planning to do now?

Qin Su smiled and said to Yu Niao, who was sobbing uncontrollably, "Next time you see my husband, remember to call him by his name. Otherwise..."

"I'm a bandit, I might rip out your tongue."

Yu Niao stopped crying in fright; she still remembered the arrow Qin Su had shot at her.

That really disregarded her status.

"Ziyu, let's go."

She jumped down, took Yu Shuo's hand, and walked outside.

Those outside are riding high on success, while those inside are weeping bitterly.

"You may all leave now."

Emperor Mingyang felt that dealing with this matter was more tiring than handling a day's worth of government affairs.

King Yangcheng was also eager to take Yu Niao back and give her a good talking-to, so it wasn't appropriate for her to stay here any longer.

He turned his wheelchair and went out, and Yu Niao could only follow closely behind.

Meanwhile, Qin Su nudged Yu Shuo lightly with her shoulder and asked, "Are you satisfied this time?"

Yu Shuo looked down at her, hoping that Qin Su was genuinely protecting her identity, rather than doing so deliberately after he had told her to.

But he knew perfectly well that if he told her the truth now, she would definitely be unhappy.

"Um."

"Let's wander around."

She planned to let go of Yu Shuo's hand. Since Yu Niao was no longer nearby, there was no need for her to deliberately be clingy with Yu Shuo.

Yu Shuo realized her thoughts and immediately hooked his arm around hers.

When Qin Su looked over, he pretended nothing had happened.

Qin Su gave him the impression of... turning her back on him after he'd already done his business. She was so passionate on their wedding day, even actively seeking intimacy.

But after that day, they went back to their previous relationship.

This made him a little anxious, but he didn't know how to change it.

Why don't we ask the Emperor again?

Thinking of this, Yu Shuo made up his mind to go back and ask.

The Xishan Villa covers a vast area, and Qin Su and Yu Shuo only walked around the vicinity, without seeing Xue Huai'an at all.

I didn't see any other acquaintances either.

They probably can't get involved here because of their status.

After returning home, Qin Su soaked in warm water and sighed comfortably, while Lian Tao massaged her shoulders and neck.

"Has His Highness gone out?" Qin Su asked, leaning over the edge of the bathtub.

In the Western Hill Palace, every member of the royal family would be provided with a small bath.

"Yes, the son-in-law said His Majesty summoned him and he will be back soon."

Qin Su didn't think too much about it; the warm water enveloped her, making her feel drowsy.

...

Emperor Mingyang had just seen off Prince Yangcheng and Yu Niao and was planning to take this opportunity to rest, but just as he lay down, Chief Steward Deng rushed in and said that Prince Chen had arrived.

His alarm bells immediately went off.

They suspected that Qin Su was up to something again.

He felt he might need to call in the imperial physician. Could he withstand this?

But this kid has been here for so long, drinking cup after cup of tea, without saying a single word.

Emperor Mingyang had gone hunting in the morning and was already quite tired. After dealing with his messy affairs, he just wanted to rest.

Why is he not saying anything?

"What is it that you've come to see me about?"

If it weren't for his own younger brother, Emperor Mingyang would have really had Steward Deng throw him out.

This is so annoying!

Yu Shuo looked at him, thought for a long time, and said, "Your subject has nothing else to do, so I will take my leave now."

Emperor Mingyang: ?!

What brings you to see me? For tea?

There's no tea for you to drink in your palace.

His chest heaved violently as he roared, "Stop!"

Yu Shuo turned his head, his face still very calm.

"What exactly happened? Why are you hiding it from your brother?"

The more Yu Shuo remained silent, the more curious Emperor Mingyang became.

What exactly is he trying to say?

Yu Shuo lowered his head and thought for a moment. He didn't have many playmates when he was young, so he was much closer to his elder brother.

After arriving at the military camp, there were few people my age around me, or rather, some of my peers had already died on the battlefield.

There are many things he can only tell his elder brother, the Emperor, and because of his status, there are far too many things he cannot confide in him.

"Chief Steward Deng, please go down first." He hesitated for a moment but still decided to say it.

Emperor Mingyang felt the air in his chest ease.

He feels better as long as he says it out loud.

"Tell me, what's the matter? Why are you being so mysterious?"

I told you to get lost!

"It's just..." Yu Shuo felt a little embarrassed to say it, but after thinking about it carefully, they were both men and both experienced, so there was no need to hide anything. "How does Your Majesty usually get close to the concubines?"

Emperor Mingyang was filled with doubt.

What's the problem?

etc……

"Qin Su didn't consummate your marriage?"

That question came as quite abruptly.

Emperor Mingyang coughed twice. "What I mean is, you two haven't been intimate since you got married?"

"Um."

"This, I cannot help you with."

Emperor Mingyang could have any woman he wanted simply by waving his hand; he didn't need to put in any effort at all.

The only one he cared about was Qin Su, but she didn't reciprocate his feelings.

He was unwilling to turn against his brother for the sake of a woman.

So... where does the experience come from?

"Then I shall take my leave."

Yu Shuo got up and left.

This time, Emperor Mingyang could no longer keep them.

After leaving Emperor Mingyang's palace, Yu Shuo thought that going to see the Empress Dowager might be helpful.

But how can I bring this up with my mother?

In the end, Yu Shuo could only ask Chongyang, who was by his side.

Chongyang has always been quick-witted; perhaps he has a solution.

The Double Ninth Festival does exist, but in Yu Shuo's eyes, it's somewhat unreliable.

"You mean, you want me to seduce the princess?"

Chongyang patted his chest. "Men and women are the same; they're both lustful. His Highness is extremely handsome and has a wonderful figure. If he were to seduce the Princess Consort, he would surely succeed!"

Yu Shuo recalled their two experiences. Apart from the first time when Qin Su treated him with traditional Chinese medicine, there seemed to be no signs on their wedding day.

Could it be that SuSu was attracted to his looks?

It's not impossible.

Why don't you give it a try?