Looking back on the past, she couldn't help but think that perhaps many things were predetermined, and that the net of fate had already been laid, making it impossible for her to escape even if she had wings.

Just as she was lost in thought, a sharp voice suddenly came from outside the door, "What? Is it because you're carrying my child that you're so resentful?"

Upon hearing Hongli's voice, Su Yushan was startled, but she didn't know when he had returned or how much he had heard.

In fact, as soon as Hongli returned, Li Yu couldn't wait to inform his master of the news. Upon hearing this, Hongli paused slightly, caught off guard.

"She's pregnant? How many months along?"

Li Yu hurriedly said, "The doctor said it's been at least four months."

She had only been gone for a little over two months, yet she was already four months pregnant. In other words, she was already pregnant while she was still in the manor.

Hongli suddenly remembered that back in the carriage, he had let go of her hand in a fit of pique, causing her to fall to the ground, but he didn't know if she was injured.

He had intended to ask Su Yushan how she was doing, but then he changed his mind and asked, "How is the baby? Is he alright?"

Li Yu quickly repeated the doctor's words, and Hongli was somewhat relieved before walking into the courtyard.

Upon entering, he heard Su Yushan's sigh. She seemed to be repulsed by the child's arrival, which immediately enraged Hongli, hence his rebuke.

Knowing she was at a disadvantage and needed his help, Su Yushan, not wanting to anger Hongli any further, had a sudden inspiration. She lowered her eyelashes and said in a choked voice:

"Fourth Master, you misunderstand. I was just thinking that now that you're tired of me, how will we, a widow and an orphan, survive in the future?"

How could Su Yushan possibly care about his attitude towards her? Hongli felt that her words were utterly insincere.

Walking slowly to the tent, Hongli gently touched the red mark on her lips where he had kissed her, and teased, "You really went to great lengths to save your brother! You even learned to lie and flatter me? Did you think I would soften if you acted pitiful?"

The slight tingling sensation of her fingertips brushing against her lips was both strange and familiar. Su Yushan instinctively wanted to pull away, but fearing his displeasure, she could only endure the tingling sensation and whisper:

"Lying is too tiring. I can assure you that from now on, every word I say to you will be the truth, and there will be no deception."

He was angry when she resisted, and suspicious when she yielded.

Staring intently into her eyes, Hongli's gaze held an undisguised mockery.

"A hedgehog actually pulled out its own quills and became docile and obedient. Don't you find that strange? Could it be... just another expedient measure on your part?"