Su Yushan knew Hongli's temperament very well. "I understand your intentions, but I always feel that it's not right to hold a grudge like this. If the Empress Dowager gets angry and falls ill, it will become your fault, and you won't be able to explain yourself."

"She did what I wanted, so I will naturally be filial to her. If she deliberately causes trouble, don't expect me to consider her feelings anymore. Even if she's sick, it's just an act, and I won't fall for it!"

“But Your Majesty…” Su Yushan began, but he corrected her, “There are no outsiders here now, so just call me by my name as before.”

"Now that you have ascended the throne, you are no longer an ordinary person. If I call your name again, what if you become displeased and punish me?"

"What crime can I punish you for?" Leaning slightly forward, Hongli stared into her eyes and lowered his voice, saying:

"I can only discipline you in the tent; aren't you the one disciplining me on ordinary days?"

Su Yushan covered her mouth and laughed, "Everyone says: serving a king is like serving a tiger. I dared to be presumptuous before, but I won't dare to be anymore."

Knowing she was joking, Hongli still had to solemnly declare, "Whether I am a prince or an emperor only makes a difference to others, it makes no difference to you. Even if I become emperor, I will still pamper you as before."

Whether things will be different in the future is anyone's guess. Su Yushan doesn't want to think about the long term; she only focuses on the present.

“I understand. You have just ascended the throne and have too many things to deal with. There is no rush for your rank. I really don’t care. I also don’t want you to have conflicts with the Empress Dowager because of me. Whether you are a Noble Lady or a Noble Consort, as long as you have me in your heart, that’s enough.”

She is understanding and always puts herself in his shoes, never asking him to do anything. But that doesn’t mean he can let her be bullied!

He should protect his woman.

“But I care! Yushan, do you know why I insisted on making you my secondary consort? It was so that one day when I ascended the throne, I could give you a higher rank. I told you this before, and perhaps you have forgotten it, but I have always kept it in my heart.”

Hongli did indeed hint at it at the time, and Su Yushan thought he would give her the rank of Consort. She didn't expect him to promise her the rank of Imperial Noble Consort, but given her family background, becoming an Imperial Noble Consort was indeed unlikely.

"Let's talk about it later! There's still a long way to go!"

Hongli shook his head. "If I compromise, my mother will become even more ruthless! This matter cannot be easily dropped. Don't be afraid, just pretend you know nothing about it, and I will handle it."

His attitude was firm, so Su Yushan didn't interfere anymore. "Alright then! It's up to you. I won't mind whatever the outcome is. Don't put too much pressure on yourself."

Her eyes were always so gentle, and her tone was slow and soothing. To Hongli, it was like a clear spring flowing gently, gradually extinguishing the flames burning in his heart.

Talking to her made him feel a little better, less frustrated, and he casually asked about her condition.

"How are you settling into the palace?"

Even in the Prince's mansion, she was confined to that small world, seemingly not much different from the palace.

"I'm not used to sleeping in the new bed, but it should get better in a while. As for the servants, you've brought them all along. They're all familiar faces around, so it's not so bad."

Hongli was worried that she wouldn't be used to living there, so he specially brought all the servants into the palace, including the nanny who took care of his youngest son. They were all the same people as before, since the child had a problem with his toes, and this matter couldn't be known to outsiders.

With a gentle pull, Hongli drew her into his arms, and before Su Yushan could react, she was sitting on his lap.

In the past, she could have sat there comfortably, but now it was different. She didn't dare to sit down properly at all, and instead hugged his neck, letting out a soft gasp.

"Oh dear—you're wearing a dragon robe! This robe is so precious, what if you wear it out?"

"If it's broken, we can just have it remade. It's just a piece of clothing. Is it more precious than you? Are you saying that because of this piece of clothing, I will never hold you again?" Hongli didn't care and insisted on holding her waist, letting her sit in his lap.

Su Yushan didn't refuse again, and leaned against him, resting her head on his broad shoulders.

The scent of jasmine emanating from her gradually calmed Hongli's restless heart. Only by her side could he find a sense of peace.

"It's been so long since I've been able to spend time with you, have you missed me?"

Nestled against his shoulder, Su Yushan gently traced the dragon pattern on his dragon robe with her finger, letting out a soft moan.

"What's the point of thinking about it? You have too many things to do, and it's impossible for you to be by my side. Thinking about it is pointless, so it's better not to think about it."

His little firecracker always spoke so sharply, and she never wanted to coax him. Dissatisfied, Hongli lightly flicked the tip of her nose with his finger.

"I still want to think about it, just in case I suddenly appear? Like today."

Su Yushan pulled her arms closer, hugging him tightly, and said pitifully, "Who knows when you'll suddenly appear again?"

He wasn't really sure about that. "I reckon I'll be busy for a while longer. Once I've settled things with the previous dynasty, I'll make time to spend with you properly."

The two spoke in hushed tones, and when their eyes met, her eyes were filled with affection, which made Hongli's heart flutter. He couldn't help but lean down and gently kiss her lips.

Having not been intimate for a long time, Hongli was deeply moved upon suddenly feeling her softness and deepened the kiss.

She truly missed him, and involuntarily cooperated, her breathing gradually becoming rapid...

Just as she was lost in thought, Hongli suddenly released her. His eyes, now filled with affection, gazed at her, his heart pounding. He sighed deeply.

"Not now. We can only have sex after Father Emperor's seventh period is over."

Are there really such rules? Su Yushan had no idea! Her face flushed, she lightly punched him, "Then why are you teasing me? Aren't you behaving yourself?"

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