Was she genuinely ignorant, or was she feigning ignorance? "Did you hear anything when you went to Lanzhao Academy today?"
After his prompting, Su Yushan finally understood, "You mean the Fujin is pregnant? I've heard about it, congratulations Fourth Master."
The congratulations came out so easily, and looking at her seemingly calm expression, Hongli felt uneasy. "You... won't blame me?"
Some things are better left unsaid; she doesn't want to delve into them. Slowly lowering her eyelashes, Su Yushan paused for a moment, then smiled indifferently, "It's bound to happen sooner or later, so let's not talk about it anymore."
Even though she didn't complain, he still wanted to explain to her. He held her hand tightly, gently stroking it.
It seems they want to convey their feelings through the lines on their palms.
"Father Emperor arranged this marriage so that I could have a legitimate son. You should understand how important a prince's legitimate son is."
I'll give Lady Fucha a child, and then she'll be at peace. This is my responsibility, and I must bear it. Do you understand?
She understood all the big principles, and though she couldn't accept it, she had to. Suppressing her heart attack, Su Yushan nodded, trying her best to be understanding, "I understand."
Did she truly understand? Hongli was always worried that she was hiding her sorrow and tormenting herself.
"Then can you smile? It hurts me to see you unhappy."
Su Yushan didn't understand what he meant. She felt that she had acted normally and showed no signs of jealousy. "I'm not unhappy! I'm fine."
"Really? I clearly saw you sitting at the table with a gloomy expression just now, you were obviously preoccupied."
"That's because..." She stopped mid-sentence, and Hongli pressed her for more information, "Because of what?"
She was drawing something but had no inspiration. She had been pondering for an hour but still hadn't drawn anything satisfactory, which was why she had a sad face. It wasn't because she was sad about the Fujin's pregnancy.
However, the painting was very important, and she didn't want to reveal it, so she kept it a secret, saying, "It's a secret, I can't tell you."
"Are you hiding a secret from me?"
As they were talking, Hongli reached out and tickled her waist, causing Su Yushan to gasp and turn away, begging for mercy, "Ah—it tickles, don't tickle me."
Hongli seized the opportunity to threaten, "Tell the truth and I will spare you."
Unable to resist his advances, she had no choice but to reveal a little, "Alright! I'll tell you, it's actually a secret about you, but I can't tell you beforehand, I can only tell you after it's all over."
It was rare for her to put in the effort for him, and Hongli was naturally pleased. Knowing her stubborn nature and that she wouldn't back down once she made up her mind, he stopped there, didn't press further, and gently flicked her nose with his finger, smiling contentedly.
"Okay, I'll be waiting for your surprise."
Since today is the fifteenth, according to custom, Hongli should go to Lanzhao Courtyard. The two of them understood each other without mentioning the matter, but Su Yushan knew in her heart that she did not wait for him after nightfall and went to bed early.
Meanwhile, the Lanzhao Academy was filled with joy and excitement. Hongli bestowed numerous gifts upon Lady Fucha, including a wide variety of medicinal herbs such as ginseng and deer antler, as well as countless jewels, antiques, and paintings. The paintings and calligraphy in Hongli's collection were all works by renowned masters, and even Lady Fucha, who came from a noble family and was accustomed to seeing treasures and masterpieces, was amazed.
But what good are the generous rewards? How could Lady Fucha not see that Hongli's smile was perfunctory and not genuine? Perhaps this child was not what he had hoped for, but only because it was conceived by her, his legal wife, and was the future legitimate son, that he was giving her the honor she deserved?
Thinking of this, Lady Fucha suddenly felt very sad, but this low mood only lasted for a moment, and she quickly recovered.
Because she knew very well what her mission in marrying into the family was. Love was probably out of her reach in this lifetime; her duty was to serve as the face of the prince's wife, bear children for the Fourth Prince, and bring benefits and glory to the Fucha family. This was the meaning of her existence; to yearn for love would be the most unwise thing to do.
She wouldn't make such a mistake, nor would she argue with him about whether his smile was genuine.
Pretending to be ignorant when you know the truth is the only way to live a smoother life. Even if it's tragic, at least you haven't lived in vain.
After dinner, Hongli did not say he was leaving, seemingly still intending to stay. Lady Fucha took the initiative to say, "Fourth Master, I am unwell and cannot serve you, which is truly regrettable. There are other maids in the mansion; you can go and keep them company."
She knew that Hongli's heart was not here. Rather than trapping him and watching him suffer, she would rather let go and let him see the person he wanted to see. Perhaps then he would still remember her with some kindness.
Whether she was feigning to test him or was genuinely magnanimous, Hongli clearly understood what his responsibilities were.
They stay here on the first and fifteenth of each month, it's an old rule. They only stay on these two days. If he leaves again, how can she, as the legal wife, save face? People will definitely gossip. If Lady Fucha loses face, how can she not resent Yushan?
With that in mind, Hongli ultimately didn't leave. "It's alright, it's good to keep you company. Where's your second brother? Still no news?"
When her elder brother Fu Qing was mentioned, Fucha was filled with worry. "He hasn't been found yet, and we don't know what happened to him. My mother prays to the gods every day, hoping that he can return home soon."
Fu Qing is about the same age as Hongli. He is the second son of the Fucha family and serves as an imperial bodyguard in the palace. "Father Emperor values him highly and intends to cultivate him, but unexpectedly, such a mishap has occurred. Don't worry, good people are always protected by Heaven, and he will surely return safely."
"Thank you for your comfort, Fourth Master. I also hope that my Second Brother can return home soon so that Mother won't have to worry."
The couple chatted for a few minutes before going to bed early.
In the past, he had to go against his will to consummate the marriage with Su Yushan, and every time he felt sorry for her and suffered a lot. Tonight, he didn't have to do that, so Hongli breathed a sigh of relief and slept soundly.
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