His master left without saying a word, and Demin couldn't discern his emotions at all, so she couldn't help but worry, "Did I say something wrong?"

Li Yu smiled and praised, "That's right, you did the right thing, just wait for your reward!"

Demin became increasingly puzzled. "Is it really that simple? I didn't even put in any effort, yet I got a reward?"

"Otherwise, where do you think my daily tips come from? You should know that mental ability is more important than physical strength." Patting him on the shoulder, Li Yu gave him a thumbs up.

"You're pretty quick on the uptake, bro. You got it right away."

Demin couldn't help but reflect, "Then what is the purpose of my existence as a guard?"

"Hmm---This is a profound question, think about it slowly!" Li Yu smiled meaningfully, but De Min didn't have time to think, he still had to go and protect Fourth Master!

On the other hand, Su Yushan was not afraid at first, because she had witnessed Demin's skills. But now that Demin had suddenly disappeared, she couldn't help but panic.

In desperation, she couldn't help but think of Hongli. However, Hongli was in the carriage outside and had no idea what was happening inside. The rogue ordered his men to block her way, and she had nowhere to go.

A crowd gathered, some wanting to help, but hesitant to approach for fear of provoking trouble due to the prince's status. Enraged, Su Yushan glared at him, her bright eyes wide, and rebuked him angrily:

"You bully others by relying on your power, but where do you put the Qing Dynasty's laws?"

"The law?" Seeing the beauty's embarrassed and angry appearance, the prince raised his head disdainfully and sneered, "My Aisin Gioro clan is the law!"

Before he could finish speaking, a sharp rebuke came from behind him, "It's a disgrace to the Aisin Gioro clan to have a lecherous scoundrel like you!"

Who is it? How dare you reprimand him? The prince turned around angrily, but before he could even start cursing, he was suddenly slapped hard across the face. The pain made his ears ring, his vision blurred, and his entire cheek went numb!

"Damn it..." The prince started to utter a curse, but upon seeing the person's face, he immediately stopped, swallowing the rest of his words, and turned pale with astonishment.

"Fourth...Fourth brother?"

Hongli's sudden appearance surprised not only the Prince, but also Su Yushan. Wasn't he waiting in the carriage? Why did he suddenly come here?

Despite her doubts, the moment she saw his figure, a sense of security quietly arose. Su Yushan's tense heartstrings gradually relaxed, and she was no longer afraid, as if he would shoulder all the great responsibilities.

Rubbing his aching cheek, the prince, still indignant, retorted sarcastically, "Fourth brother, why are you meddling in other people's business when you're not busy with state affairs?"

Glancing at him, Hongli stood with his hands behind his back, his voice cold and indifferent, "This is a family matter, not a trivial matter. Hongchang, you are truly becoming more and more presumptuous! You dare to covet my woman?"

Normally, Su Yushan always saw Hongli as gentle and modest. She rarely saw his cold and stern side, which exuded a chilling aura that made people afraid of him.

His resolute assertion of dominance silently stirred ripples in Su Yushan's heart. At that moment, only his voice remained in the world; she could hear nothing else.

"Your woman? She's your... maid?" It's rare to encounter such a beautiful woman, and Hongchang even wanted to get close to her! Unexpectedly, she was already taken. If it were an ordinary person, it would be fine, and he would try every means to get his hands on her. But she belongs to Hongli, which is awkward!

Even though he was in the wrong, Hongchang still felt that Hongli's behavior was a bit excessive. "I didn't know her identity. I was just joking. Fourth brother, why did you have to take action and ruin the harmony between us brothers for a woman?"

Hongli has many cousins, but a scoundrel like Hongchang is not worthy of being called his brother. "I never like to joke! No one is allowed to touch my woman, not even to covet her!"

Hongchang tried to ease the tension, but Hongli showed him no mercy, remaining stern-faced and unusually cold in his words. Hongchang felt humiliated and stopped trying to be polite, instead retorting defiantly.

"I am a prince personally appointed by the Emperor. How dare you lay a hand on me? Do you have any regard for the dignity of the royal family?"

Su Yushan thought to herself, "How dare a mere prince put on airs in front of a prince? Just which prince is he? How can he be so arrogant?"

"If you remember your place, then stop causing trouble outside and disgracing the royal family! For a woman like you, being beaten is too lenient. If you do it again, I'll send you to the bathhouse!"

After giving the warning, Hongli walked to Su Yushan's side, put his arm around her shoulder, looked at her with tenderness, and said apologetically, "I'm late, I'm sorry you were frightened."

It had been a long time since the two had been this close. However, Hongli had come to help her. Although Su Yushan had a grudge against him, she knew her limits and did not shy away in front of everyone.

Shaking her head, Su Yushan said softly, "I'm fine. Thank you for getting me out of that predicament, Fourth Master."

The moment his hand covered her narrow shoulder, Hongli hesitated for a moment. He was unsure if she would dodge. If she did, wouldn't he become a laughingstock?

Fortunately, she did not embarrass him in public and behaved very docilely, which made Hongli very gratified.

Holding her tightly, Hongli left without paying any more attention to Hongchang.

The servants held their breath and dared not utter a sound until the Fourth Prince left. Only then did one of the servants say, "Sir, there is blood on your lips."

After licking his back teeth, Hongchang felt a metallic taste in his mouth. He wiped his mouth with his other hand and found a red mark!

Hongchang felt increasingly ashamed, spat, and cursed, "Damn it, Hongli is ruthless! He dared to hit me, I won't let him get away with it!"

Meanwhile, Hongli led Su Yushan back to the carriage. The matter was settled, and it was time for Su Yushan to return to her residence.

On the way back, she couldn't help but ask, "Why did Fourth Master suddenly come here?"

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