Only then did Su Yushan realize that the Fujin had not come to visit her today, but rather because she thought Su Yushan shouldn't be pregnant and still occupy Hongli's body.

Su Yushan's face stiffened. Remembering that the person before her was the Fujin (principal wife), even though she was not at peace with herself, she still forced a smile.

“What the lady says is absolutely right. I will try to persuade him when I have time.”

Fucha Shi's reminder made Su Yushan realize that Su Yushan was aware of the situation. In fact, she did not want to deliberately make things difficult for Su Yushan, lest she anger Hongli. However, as the Fujin (principal wife), she had to think of the Fourth Prince and could not let him suffer from health problems. Therefore, she could only try this method.

Su Yushan never liked to mention other women in front of Hongli, let alone suggest that he spend the night at someone else's place.

She always believed that it was his freedom to go wherever he wanted, and no one could interfere, so she didn't want to say anything pointless. However, since the Fujin had spoken, if she ignored it, the Fujin might come looking for her again.

All day long, Su Yushan was troubled by the words of the Fujin (principal wife).

In the afternoon, Hongli came to visit her. Usually, she should be taking a nap at this time, but now she was leaning against the couch, her brows furrowed. She didn't even look up when he entered the room.

As he approached, Hongli gently stroked her delicate eyebrows with his finger, his gaze unusually tender. "Is something troubling you? Tell me about it."

She was still wondering how to bring it up when, coincidentally, he asked her first.

Without further hesitation, she asked:

"Have you been feeling tormented lately?"

Hongli was initially somewhat puzzled, but seeing her blushing face, her soft voice, and her obvious unease, he quickly understood, yet he feigned ignorance and asked the question.

"Which aspect are you referring to? Political matters, private matters, or... matters of the bedroom?"

"..." Su Yushan was speechless for a long time before stammering, "It's... those things at night."

"It's not just at night, it happens during the day too," Hongli said, smiling at her with eyes that seemed to burn with a blazing fire, wanting to set her on fire and burn her with him.

You should know this best.

These words easily stirred her memories. Back then, the two of them were inseparable. During the day, when he had free time, he would often play pranks. At that time, they were mutually in love, and she treated him with all her heart. Without any trouble, his sweet words always warmed her heart, and she couldn't help but be affectionate and tender with him.

Now that a rift has grown between them, she can no longer enjoy his affection as easily as before. So when he says those ambiguous things, she can't respond with shyness, only with embarrassment and awkwardness.

Without hearing a sound from her, and wondering what her little head was thinking about, Hongli asked curiously:

Why are you asking these questions? Could it be... that you want to help me?

As soon as he finished speaking, he took the other end of the handkerchief between her fingers and slowly wrapped it around her fingertips. Hongli then took her hand in his.

He gently pinched her little finger, rubbing it back and forth, the implication quite obvious.

Su Yushan feigned a sigh and said, "I would like to help you, but unfortunately I am unwell and cannot serve you. If you feel uncomfortable, you can go sit with the other maids."

He was genuinely surprised that she would take the initiative to tell him these things.

In his memory, she was petty and cared a lot about such things. She had been heartbroken for a long time after his wedding to his wife, and he had grown accustomed to her "narrow-mindedness." He never expected her to say something so generous today. Hongli suddenly found it amusing.

"Is this a test?"

She couldn't do something so pointless. "There was no test; I was telling the truth. I won't be able to serve you for at least another six months, and I can't let you suffer like this forever."

Seeing her serious expression, which didn't seem like she was joking, Hongli's face instantly froze, and he could no longer laugh. "You...you really don't mind? You don't mind me touching other women?"

How should she answer such a question? Knowing that the man in front of her is a prince, the future Emperor Qianlong, with many women to pamper and many children to bear, and that he will inevitably sleep with other women sooner or later, it is an inevitability of history, how can she stop it?

Furthermore, from the day she stayed here, she was determined to find her place, abandon love, and serve him only as a maid. How could a proper maid interfere with the prince's freedom?

Both emotionally and logically, she couldn't say she minded.

After pursing her lips and remaining silent for a long time, she finally said softly, "This is not my business. I just want you to be at ease."

What he found most intolerable was her nonchalant attitude. Grasping her arm tightly, Hongli said seriously, "Forget the pleasantries. I'll just ask you one question; I want to hear the truth. Su Yushan, do you mind if I sleep with someone else?"

Su Yushan still yearned for fidelity deep down, but reason mocked her. How could she expect Qianlong to be loyal to her?

The words of the Fujin echoed in her mind again and again. If she did not do as she was told, she would be seen as someone who had taken advantage of the Fourth Prince and did not know the rules. Once the Fujin targeted her, her future would not be easy.

If she wants to live peacefully in the mansion, she must follow the rules.

She remained silent, not even giving him a glance. Hongli was furious; the tenderness in his eyes was now sealed away by ice. He stared intently into her gaze and emphasized again...

"Look me in the eyes and tell me, do you mind if I sleep with other women?"

After struggling to calm her chaotic thoughts, Su Yushan finally raised her eyes and spoke slowly and deliberately.

"I don't mind." Her voice was clear and indifferent, like cold snowflakes falling into his heart, chilling him to the bone.

Even though they had different views, he still tried his best to get closer to her, hoping to win her favor and let her feel that he cared about her.

“I’m a normal man, and it’s really hard to go without a woman for a long time. But I thought you would mind, so I’m willing to keep enduring it.”

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