She wondered what the Fourth Master was busy with. It was already dark, and he still hadn't come. If he really didn't come to keep her company, wouldn't she become the laughing stock of the household?

Seeing her master's low spirits, Qiu Cha guessed, "Perhaps it's because Su Gege had a falling out with Fourth Master and threatened him, which is why he didn't come."

"It must be her doing, otherwise Fourth Master wouldn't be so cold to me." Lan Rong was convinced that Su Yushan had blocked Hongli's path, and she became even more annoyed.

Just then, Yi'er's greeting came from outside. Lan Rong listened carefully and realized that she seemed to be calling for the Fourth Master.

Overjoyed, Lan Rong hurried to the door and saw Hongli walking towards her, with Li Yu behind him carrying several items, presumably congratulatory gifts prepared for her by the Fourth Prince.

Overjoyed, Lan Rong's eyes reddened. "Fourth Master, you've finally arrived! I thought... I thought you were too busy with political affairs to come!"

In truth, Hongli really didn't want to keep the appointment, but Lan Rong was, after all, someone arranged by his mother. It wouldn't matter if he didn't come on ordinary days, but on such a special day as his birthday, if he didn't come either, Consort Xi would definitely become suspicious. What if she had ulterior motives again and tried to force him to come up with another woman? Wouldn't that be asking for trouble?

After weighing the pros and cons, Hongli finally decided to come over, and said with a perfunctory smile, "I am indeed busy, just taking a break from my busy schedule."

Upon seeing him, Lan Rong was in high spirits and happily welcomed him into the house, ordering the servants to serve the dishes.

After the servants had prepared the wine and dishes, Qiu Cha was about to pour the wine when Hongli said, "The other day, the fifth brother sent two jugs of fine wine, Qionghua Juice. I brought them here specially for you to enjoy."

So the Fourth Prince still cares about her! Lan Rong gladly accepted, "The Fourth Prince is so thoughtful!"

Then Hongli mentioned that he had acquired a set of rouge-red wine cups, the color of which was extremely unique. Such beautiful porcelain was very rare, so he asked Li Yu to open them, saying that they were a gift for her.

Lan Rong glanced down and was immediately drawn to the vibrant colors of the wine cups inside the gift box. "Indeed, they are special. This is the first time I've ever seen porcelain of this color. Thank you, Fourth Master. I like them very much!"

Li Yushun poured the Qionghua juice into a rouge-red wine cup and placed it in front of the two masters.

Seeing this, Lan Rong felt that something was wrong. After thinking it over, she belatedly realized that Hongli might be afraid that she would tamper with the wine, so he prepared the wine and wine cups himself.

In reality, Lan Rong had no intention of drugging him. In her mind, she herself was the best medicine. Hongli usually seemed very indifferent, but as soon as he drank alcohol, he became a different person. For example, last time, after drinking alcohol, the way he looked at her was particularly presumptuous.

Lan Rong assumed that it was her own charm that attracted him, and this time would probably be no exception.

During the meal, she would occasionally bring up things from five years ago, trying to rekindle their memories together.

Hongli remembered some things, but had no recollection of others. If he had feelings for her, even the smallest things would be interesting to him; without the support of those feelings, these trivial matters were just nonsense to him, like the wind, gone as soon as they passed his ears.

Hongli's responses became increasingly perfunctory, consisting of only a soft "hmm" or a silent smile. Lan Rong sensed his lack of interest in those matters and stopped bringing it up, rubbing her forehead and frowning.

"Fourth Master, please forgive me. I have a low alcohol tolerance and am feeling a little dizzy. Please help me up."

Hongli glanced at her, his eyes deep and unfathomable. He then stood up and helped her up, but she seemed to have no bones, leaning against him and humming softly.

"I had some drinks with the Fujin and the others at noon, and then I had a few more with you in the evening. Fourth Master, I feel so dizzy!"

"If you feel dizzy, you need to rest and take a nap."

Hongli helped her to the edge of the tent and laid her down. Just as he was about to get up, she wrapped her arms tightly around the back of his neck, her red lips slightly parted, and whispered softly.

"Fourth Master, don't go. Tonight is my birthday. Stay with me, okay? I still have so much to tell you..."

The fragrance of his daughter was close at hand, but Hongli was only sensitive to Yushan's jasmine scent; other fragrances could not disturb his mind.

Hongli stared at her intently. To be fair, Lan Rong was indeed beautiful, and most men would be distracted by her. However, the string in his heart had already been moved by Su Yushan. Love and hate were both deeply etched in his heart. How could someone who had experienced the vicissitudes of life stop because of a waterfall?

Even with the woman before him displaying her seductive charm, Hongli's eyes remained clear. He reached behind her and pried her fingers apart one by one, his voice growing colder.

"You've crossed the line."

Seeing him straighten up, in a moment of urgency, Lan Rong grabbed his hand and held it tightly, her peach blossom eyes glistening with tears.

"Fourth Master, I know you only have Sister Su in your heart. I don't mind, and I don't expect you to pamper me much. I only hope to be your woman, even if... even just once."

Human greed is insatiable. Once you've had it once, you want it again. You've got the body, but you want the heart too.

No matter how pitifully she pleaded, Hongli could no longer soften his heart. He withdrew his hand and stated his position seriously.

"Having a meal with you is my bottom line. You saved me, and I am grateful to you. However, gratitude is not the same as affection. I will give you the respect you deserve, but consummating our marriage is out of the question."

"You should know how to respond to your mother. You're a smart person; I'm sure you wouldn't do anything that harms others or yourself."

Having given his warning, Hongli said no more and resolutely got up and left.

This situation was completely different from what Lan Rong had expected. She remembered that Hongli was very interested in her after he got drunk that day, so why was he so indifferent today?

He suddenly mentioned Consort Xi just now. Does he already know that her selection is related to Consort Xi, which is why he feels repulsed by her?

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