"A demonic concubine?" Muttering this word to himself, Hongli's forehead veins bulged, and he said in a deep voice, "Is Yushan a demonic concubine?"

Others may not know, but Hongzhou knows it all too well. "The Imperial Concubine is not a demonic concubine. She is simply the one my brother loves deeply. It's just that people think the emperor should favor all his concubines equally. If you only favor one, they will find it unbelievable and start to speculate wildly, even demonizing her."

No matter how much the world slandered Su Yushan, it couldn't change his feelings for her. But Hongli never imagined that one day he would be called a foolish emperor.

Do you think I am a tyrannical ruler?

"Of course not!" Hongzhou had observed his elder brother's words and actions.

"Your Majesty is focused on governing the country, wholeheartedly devoted to the nation and its people, and expanding the territory. As long as you govern the country well, that's all that matters. As for whom you favor, that's your private matter. What right do they have to gossip about it!"

The fifth prince understood him, which pleased Hongli greatly. However, there was a question about this matter: "Outsiders only know that the Empress Dowager went to Changchun Garden to recuperate. How could they know that the conflict between me and the Empress Dowager was because of Yushan? Who is spreading rumors?"

This was also what Hongzhou was wondering: "Could it be... that the Empress Dowager was resentful and deliberately had someone say this to put pressure on my brother?"

Hongli shook his head slightly. "No matter how angry the Empress Dowager is, she would never gamble with my reputation. After all, I am her son. Such words are not conducive to the stability of the country. She would not go so far as to harm her own son."

"If it's not the Empress Dowager, then who could it be?" Hongzhou asked curiously. Hongli's eyes narrowed, and he coldly snorted, "Who else could it be but him?"

After a moment's thought, Hongzhou understood. "Your Majesty, you mean... Prince Li, Hongxi?"

Even before his ascension to the throne, Hongli could sense that Hongxi harbored resentment. Now, three years into his reign and with the court gradually stabilizing, Hongxi has still not remained obedient.

“Hongxi, relying on being the legitimate son of the former crown prince, has always considered himself superior and even harbored rebellious intentions. If I am not mistaken, there must still be his spies in the palace. Although he is in the suburbs, he is always keeping an eye on things in the palace.”

"His departure from the palace this time is a perfect opportunity for him to launch a massive attack on me, making the people believe that I am an unfilial son who only knows how to indulge in lust and is incapable of ruling the country."

"Father Emperor has already bestowed upon Hongxi the title of Prince Li, which is an immense honor. Yet he remains unruly, harboring rebellious intentions and even plotting rebellion. His heart deserves to be punished!" Hongzhou exclaimed indignantly.

"Brother, why don't we just arrest him and bring him into the palace for interrogation?"

Interrogation is inevitable, but not now. "This is just my speculation. There is no concrete evidence yet. Don't alert them. Ignore the rumors and let them continue to spread."

"Your Majesty, you're not going to do anything about it?" Hongzhou asked, surprised and worried. "But I'm worried that if we let those people talk nonsense any longer, it will affect the people's opinion of you."

When he first heard it, Hongli was indeed very angry, but after a little thought, he felt that this might not be a bad opportunity.

"The common people only listen to the secrets of the palace; those people and events are too far removed from them, so they treat them as mere stories and don't take them to heart."

Their primary concern was survival. As long as they were exempt from exorbitant taxes, had favorable weather, and enjoyed good harvests, they would be content with enough to eat. What did it matter to them which woman the emperor favored or whether he had any conflicts with the empress dowager?

Over the years, Hongxi has harbored ambitions but lacked the opportunity. Now that he has finally found a "handle" against me, he surely sees this as a golden opportunity to rebel. Let him cause trouble! The bigger the commotion, the better!

After hearing his elder brother's words, Hongzhou suddenly realized, "Is my brother planning to be the mantis stalking the cicada, unaware of the oriole behind?"

The idea was indeed good, but Hongzhou was still a little worried. "If he really rebels, that would be fine, but what if he hesitates and doesn't dare to take action? Wouldn't all the rumors have been spread in vain?"

Not only was Hongzhou anxious, but even Hongli was impatient. Hongxi's existence remained a threat to him, and he only wanted to resolve the matter quickly and decisively.

“Some people will fan the flames.”

"Oh? Who is it?" Hongzhou asked curiously. Hongli did not say it explicitly, but smiled meaningfully, "You will find out when the time comes."

Since his elder brother was keeping him in suspense, Hongzhou didn't ask any further questions. "Alright then! I'll wait and see what happens."

After the discussion, Hongzhou took his leave, and Hongli continued reading the memorials.

As they were going to bed that night, Hongli chatted with Su Yushan about the rumors. Su Yushan found them all absurd.

"Aren't all so-called 'femme fatales' supposed to cling to the emperor and prevent him from attending court? I've never clung to you, so how did I become the 'femme fatale' that others talk about? I'm so wronged!"

Looking at the woman before him, whose collarbone was partially visible, whose skin was as white as jade, whose lips were like pomegranate blossoms, and whose black hair cascaded down her shoulders like a waterfall, Hongli guessed to himself:

"Perhaps it's because you're too alluring?"

"When have I ever bewitched you? Heaven can bear witness, I have never used any tricks." Hongli often thinks about getting close to her, and she can't even avoid him. How could she possibly deliberately bewitch him?

With a hearty laugh, Hongli raised his finger and grasped her delicate chin, meeting her pitiful gaze, and whispered in a hoarse voice,

"Without any tricks, just a soft whisper in my ear is enough to make my heart flutter and make me lose control."

As he spoke, Hongli slowly lowered his head. Just as he was about to touch her lips, Su Yushan belatedly realized what was happening and raised her finger to block him.

"You can talk, but why are you doing it again? Didn't we agree last night that I'd get a good rest tonight?"

"Did I say that? I don't remember." Hongli started playing dumb again. Su Yushan glared at him and huffed.

"To break one's word is not the behavior of a gentleman."

Hongli smiled indifferently, "If one were to pluck a peony to smell its heavenly fragrance, why would one care about the gentleman's need for propriety?"

Before Su Yushan could think of a rebuttal, he turned his head and covered her lips with his, savoring her sweet taste.

His kisses came like a sudden downpour, growing ever faster and faster. She could barely keep up, and helplessly clenched her fists and lightly punched him in protest.

However, the protests were ineffective; instead of stopping his outrageous behavior, they fueled his innermost desires.

The beauty in his arms was like a peony blooming in the wind and rain; he only wanted to pluck her and brew her fragrance, uniquely his own.