When Hongli returned to Huatang Pavilion, he saw Su Yushan and Yunfang sitting in the courtyard with paper and brushes on the stone table, the two of them concentrating on painting.

Yunfang really liked the portraits she painted, so she wanted to learn how to paint them.

Su Yushan wasn't a professional; she was self-taught. There wasn't much theory to teach her, so she had to start with the basics, beginning with drawing flowers and plants.

Earlier that winter, Su Yushan said that he had pulled up the aster. Hongli felt guilty and thought he had let her down, so he ordered people to replant the aster.

Li Yu specially greeted her from the side and even asked Su Gege with a smile if she was satisfied, but to her surprise, Su Gege replied that she did not like it.

Li Yu was stunned. She thought to herself, "Isn't this the flower that symbolizes our love? How come Su Gege doesn't like it anymore?"

A troubled Li Yu had no choice but to ask Yun Fang for advice: what exactly did Su Gege mean by those words? Was she just being stubborn, or did she really dislike her?

Yunfang scoffed at his foolishness, "The aster has already been uprooted by the Fourth Master. If we replant it now, wouldn't that be a constant reminder to Sister Yu of her unbearable past with the Fourth Master?"

Upon hearing this, Li Yu suddenly realized what was going on and sighed inwardly, realizing that Fourth Master had been so focused on flattering people that he had overlooked this point. So he asked further what other flowers Su Gege liked.

After a moment's thought, Yunfang remembered that Yushan had praised the hydrangea when she was in the countryside, so she suggested that Li Yu plant hydrangeas.

After consulting with the Fourth Master, Li Yu immediately did as instructed and ordered someone to plant a patch of hydrangeas there.

After a spring of nurturing, the hydrangeas bloom in early summer. Clusters of pink, purple, and blue hydrangeas create a vibrant and pleasing sight, perfect for painting.

The two women were so focused on their drawing that they didn't even notice someone approaching.

After painstakingly drawing for a long time, Yunfang specially asked Changyue to give her evaluation: "What do you think of my drawing? How does it compare to Sister Yu's? Does it resemble her by even a third?"

Before Chang Yue could even offer her opinion, she heard someone behind her say, "Not even a fraction as good. Yu Shan's painting has soft lines and natural color transitions, perfectly capturing the beauty of the hydrangea's changing colors. Your flower lines are too stiff, and the colors lack variation."

Yunfang turned around and saw that it was Fourth Master. She was furious. "Fourth Master, aren't you being too harsh? I understand that you want to praise Sister Yu, but don't belittle me like this! Don't I have any dignity? Can't you consider my feelings even a little?"

Hongli chuckled and said, "You're not my woman, why should I consider your feelings?"

Yunfang couldn't help but shiver. "Oh no, I've been overwhelmed by sweetness again! Ah! Sister Yu, I'm forced to eat candy every day, my teeth hurt!"

Those who learn a skill are most afraid of being discouraged. Su Yushan ignored Hongli's words and gently comforted Yunfang, "Don't listen to his nonsense. You're just a beginner. It's already very good that you can draw like this. It's much better than when I first started learning to draw."

"Sister Yu's words are so pleasant to hear!" Encouraged by Su Yushan, Yunfang's confidence soared, and she was no longer dejected or doubtful.

Although Yunfang loved to joke, she was extremely perceptive. Every time Fourth Master came over, she would make an excuse to slip away and never get in the way.

Hongli became interested and continued to trace her painting. Changyue went to make tea, so Su Yushan had to stand aside and grind ink for him.

On the way, Hongli hesitated about whether to tell her. If he didn't mention anything, would she overthink things? After much careful consideration, he decided to be honest with her.

"Today, Father Emperor personally told me to bring Kim Min-jeong back to the mansion."

Upon hearing his tone, Su Yushan immediately guessed his unspoken meaning, "So? You... agreed?"

“Hmm,” Hongli sighed helplessly, “Father’s words are imperial edicts, and no one may disobey them.”

Upon hearing the answer, Su Yushan showed no anger or accusation. Her knuckles, hidden behind a handkerchief, clenched tightly around her fingertips. Only when the pain became unbearable did she slowly release her grip, managing a weak smile.

"I see."

Although it was only four simple words, they came out of her mouth with extraordinary difficulty.

Although she didn't say much, Hongli could still tell from her tone how disappointed she was. He hugged her tenderly and continued:

"What do you know? I haven't finished yet! My promise to Father Emperor was just a temporary measure. In fact, I can't let Kim Min-jeong return to the manor."

In fact, Su Yushan knew very well that there was still room for maneuver if Consort Xi spoke, but once the Emperor spoke, it would be a foregone conclusion. "You also said that this is an imperial edict and cannot be disobeyed."

"Out of filial piety, I cannot disobey; but out of romantic love, I cannot comply." Setting down his brush, Hongli turned to look at her, solemnly stating his thoughts.

“Yushan, I understand your thoughts. Jin Minjing has committed many evils. It’s easier to change mountains and rivers than to change one’s nature. I cannot let her return to the manor and give her another chance to hurt you.”

In that instant, Su Yushan couldn't help but wonder if Hongli had overheard her words in the garden? She had just said those words, and he responded immediately—was it really just a coincidence?

His words were indeed very pleasing to the ear, but she did not believe that he could truly defy the emperor's orders.

Ignoring her reply, Hongli continued, "I told Father Emperor that she is in confinement and cannot move during confinement, so I have a month left, enough time to play tricks."

It seems he's not planning to take the conventional route. What exactly are his methods? Are they aimed at Kim Min-jung, or at the child? Su Yu-shan's heart tightened, and she finally couldn't help but ask.

What are you planning to do?

Hongli didn't like to hide anything from her, but this matter was different. "The methods used were a bit despicable, so I won't mention it to you, lest you have a bad impression of me."

I'm telling you all this so you know that no matter how much pressure Father and Mother put on me, I will not let you down. Perhaps you still don't believe me, afraid I can't do it, afraid something might go wrong. That's alright. I don't ask for your response; I will handle this matter as quickly as possible so you have no further worries.

My dear reader, there's more to this chapter! Please click the next page to continue reading—even more exciting content awaits!