Ning Shuang, who was blocked outside, was extremely anxious. "This is the Princess's wish. If I can't invite the Fourth Prince, I will definitely be scolded later, and my monthly salary may be deducted!"

Yun Song raised an eyebrow impatiently, "Whether you deduct from my monthly salary or not is none of my business."

Ning Shuang said sweetly, "Your sister married into my neighbor's family. I know her very well, and she often comes to visit. Please help me this once for your sister's sake! Okay?"

Unable to bear such a nagging tone, Yun Song immediately told her to stop. "My sister is familiar with you, but I am not. If you have something to say, Madam, just say it directly. Fourth Master dislikes people keeping things a secret."

Originally, the Fujin (principal wife) planned to wait until the Fourth Prince arrived before making a decision, but the Fourth Prince refused to go. Helpless, Ning Shuang had no choice but to tell the truth, "Alright then! I'll say it, please inform him again for me."

To keep his ears quiet, Yun Song went in again. "Fourth Master, Ning Shuang said that the Princess Consort has invited you because of a very happy occasion."

A happy occasion? What happy occasion could the Princess Consort possibly have? Could it be... that she's pregnant?

Since the incident with the sacred water, Hongli has harbored resentment. Although he still visits Lanzhao Courtyard every month, he no longer has sexual relations with her. His wife, perhaps feeling guilty, has also stopped making requests.

It's been more than two months since he last touched his wife. Could she really be pregnant?

Thinking of this possibility, Hongli subconsciously looked at Su Yushan, but Yushan did not look at him and calmly took Yan Yan from his hands.

Su Yushan could tell that he hadn't wanted to go before, but now he had changed his mind.

The joyous news stirred up Hongli's emotions, and he decided to go to Lanzhao Academy to find out what was going on. He then told Su Yushan, "I'll be right back and won't take too long."

As it turned out, what he feared most came to pass. As soon as he entered Lanzhao Courtyard, someone congratulated him, saying that the Princess Consort was pregnant.

According to the doctor's estimation, the princess was about two and a half months pregnant, not yet three months, which is why the princess did not allow Ning Shuang to say it at that time.

The princess consort looked happy, but Hongli looked solemn. However, seeing that there were outsiders present, he managed to force a smile.

After distributing the reward money and seeing the doctor off, Yu Ying's smile faded, and she said softly:

“I know this child is not what Fourth Prince wanted, but it is necessary for him to exist. The Emperor and Consort Xi are both hoping for the birth of your legitimate son, so that you can give them an answer.”

If it were a boy, Consort Xi would naturally be satisfied, but if it were a girl, given her personality, she would continue to urge the birth of the child.

Therefore, Hongli was not happy and remained indifferent as usual. "Your wife is speaking too soon. Wait until you give birth to a son before saying this."

Afterwards, Hongli told her to rest well and take care of her pregnancy, and without even touching a chair, he turned and left.

The news would spread quickly and couldn't be kept secret. As soon as Hongli returned to Huatang Pavilion, he took the initiative to tell Yushan about it.

Yu Shan had already guessed what was going on and didn't say anything, but Hong Li felt guilty towards her, so he took her hand and apologized softly.

"Yushan, I've told you about the matter of the legitimate son; it was a last resort. Even if she gives birth to a boy in the future, only Father and Mother will be happy. What I care about most is our Yan Yan."

To others, he was born out of wedlock, but to me, your child is the one I cherish most.

His attitude towards the two children in the manor was very different. He only visited the little princess three or four times a month, but as long as he wasn't busy, he would hold and coax Yan Yan almost every day, collect all kinds of toys, and give him rewards from time to time. His favoritism was written all over his face.

Su Yushan, of course, believed that he cared about Yan Yan. In fact, she had long since let go of the past and wouldn't hold a grudge against him just because the Fujin was pregnant. She only gave him a reproachful look and huffed softly:

"You said before that you cared about me the most, but now it's Yan Yan?"

She didn't hold a grudge against him, but instead joked around, which comforted Hongli slightly. He then explained softly:

"I mean, of all the kids, Yan Yan is the one I care about the most, but you're definitely number one! You're number one, Yan Yan is number two."

After thinking for a moment, he couldn't help but ask again, "Where do I rank in your heart?"

Without hesitation, Su Yushan replied, "Then naturally I'll be second. If we have more children in the future, you'll be third."

"This isn't fair! Am I really that lowly in your heart?" Hongli was indignant, but he also keenly caught her other meaning, so he put his hand on her shoulder and said solemnly:

"Yushan, more than half a year has passed, and your body has recovered. Do you... want to have another child?"

Having already given birth to one child and experienced the joys of raising one, Su Yushan is no longer as averse to children as before.

"Hmm... I want to have another daughter, but it's hard to say if I can get pregnant. The doctor said my body is much better now, but my periods are still irregular, so it's not advisable for me to get pregnant."

"Then let fate decide. I won't force you. As long as you're willing, I won't have to endure it anymore."

His last sentence made Su Yushan blush.

For the first six months, she was still recuperating. Hongli wanted to get close to her, but he was worried that she would get pregnant too early and harm her health. So he used the method taught by the doctor. Every time at the last moment, he withdrew in time, and the petals of the photinia flowers were scattered in the forest. She was so ashamed that she dared not open her eyes to look.

Although this method could prevent her from getting pregnant, it still didn't truly satisfy Hongli.

Furthermore, the doctor said that this method is somewhat harmful to the body and should not be used for a long time.

He could have easily sought solace with other women, but for Yu Shan's sake, he was willing to endure it.

Now that half a year has passed, Yu Shan is willing to have another child, so Hong Li no longer needs to worry.

That night, the tent was warm and fragrant, and Hongli's kisses slowly moved from her lips to her earlobe. Su Yushan's pretty face was flushed with blush, her eyelashes half-closed, and she felt the breath on her ear was particularly burning.

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