Inside Zeyun Pavilion, Princess Fucha's eyes were filled with sorrow, and she wore a bitter expression, all because Su Yushan had returned.
During the time Su Yushan was away, Hongli would come to visit her every few days. Although he didn't say much and just drank alone, it was still good to see him often.
Humans aren't plants or trees; how can they be without feelings? She always thought that perhaps with time, Hongli would develop feelings for her. However, not long after, Su Yushan returned!
She heard that Hongli himself carried her back to the manor, but she didn't know what had happened to her. She wanted to go with Xilan to find out what was going on, but she was stopped outside.
Hongli sent guards to stand watch over Huatang Pavilion, forbidding anyone from entering or leaving at will. Even when his wife sent someone to deliver gifts and visit him, they were not allowed to enter.
With such tight security, Princess Fucha became increasingly suspicious. What worried her even more was that once Su Yushan arrived home, Hongli would probably forget about her again.
Today is her birthday. Hongli had promised to come and be with her, but it's already evening and he's still nowhere to be seen. He must have been seduced by that girl from Huatang Pavilion again.
Just as Princess Fucha was feeling distressed and lamenting, a servant came to report that the Fourth Prince had arrived.
Overjoyed, she turned her sorrow into a smile and hurriedly got up to greet him, "Fourth Master, you've finally arrived! I thought you were busy with state affairs and wouldn't come!"
Hongli smiled slightly and said calmly, "How could I go back on my word?"
Li Yu, following behind, thought to himself: You promised Su Gege that you would go to Huatang Pavilion! You still broke your promise. It seems that having too many beautiful women is also a problem, and you can't be in two places at once! In comparison, he is more at ease. He doesn't have that ability, so he doesn't have to worry about love and romance.
Emperor Hongli ordered Li Yu to present the congratulatory gift. When Princess Fucha opened it, her eyes lit up, for inside the sandalwood box was a tower chain made of jade beads.
These jade beads were of icy blue and clear green, each one round and full with excellent translucency. Princess Fucha loved them dearly, not only because the jade was precious, but more importantly because of the sentiment behind them.
"I casually mentioned to you a few days ago that my old necklace had broken and some of the beads were damaged. I was just saying it offhand, but I didn't expect you to take it to heart and even give me a jade bead necklace with better quality. Fourth Master, you are so thoughtful. I like it very much. Thank you, Fourth Master!"
Holding the jade, Princess Fucha was overjoyed. Her eyes were filled with undisguised admiration as she looked at him. Such radiance was something Su Yushan could not see.
Other women submit to him out of genuine dependence and anticipation of his arrival, but Su Yushan's submission is forced and purposeful, not heartfelt.
They only had eyes for him, but Su Yushan's eyes held too many things he couldn't understand.
Noticing that Hongli seemed to be lost in thought, Consort Fucha interrupted, "Fourth Master, the wine and dishes are ready. I will serve you your meal."
Coming to his senses, Hongli took the glass cup she offered, took a sip, and found it sweet and fragrant, with a rich and mellow aroma. "This wine is quite good."
Princess Fucha smiled gently, her eyes lowered, "This wine was made from purple grapes that I collected in the summer, and it's perfect for drinking in the winter."
After taking another sip, Hongli examined the purplish-red wine in the cup, nodded and smiled in praise, "It's sweet but not cloying, not as strong as baijiu, yet it leaves a hint of fruity wine aroma on your lips and teeth. The craftsmanship is quite good."
Receiving his praise, Princess Fucha was delighted. "Fourth Master, you flatter me. I am unworthy of such praise. If you like it, there is another pot here. I will give it to you to enjoy."
Hongli waved his hand and said there was no need, "Fine wine is only truly fragrant when it is on a beautiful woman's fingertips. Drinking it alone is quite boring."
He laughed heartily, his handsome appearance captivating Princess Fucha, who blushed slightly. She stood beside him, poured him a full glass of wine, and then, emboldened, sat down on the round stool next to him.
Noticing that she was very close, Hongli glanced at her, his expression indifferent, "Your cosmetics are too fragrant, masking the aroma of the wine."
Upon hearing this, Princess Fucha felt embarrassed and immediately stood up, looking extremely uneasy.
She was the only one in the household who knew how to make incense. Even the Fujin (princess's wife) praised the incense balls and spices she made, and the other maids also liked them very much and often came to her to choose them.
Today she was using a newly made pear-scented perfume, which had a delicate and elegant fragrance that was not pungent. Why did Hongli say that her perfume was not pleasant to smell?
Could it be that there's something wrong with the perfume she mixed? Or perhaps he simply doesn't want her sitting next to him?
Hongli indeed disliked having people sit next to him. Even his wife had to keep her distance from him, at least a chair away. The only exception was Su Yushan. Only when she sat next to him did he not feel uncomfortable.
Princess Fucha had always known this rule, but she thought that after a while, once she got to know Hongli better, he would treat her differently. So today she boldly sat down next to him, but to her surprise, he still rejected her.
Despite her disappointment, she dared not show it and continued to serve with a smile.
The wine was sweet at first, but after three glasses, one felt a little dizzy; it had a noticeable aftereffect. Hongli then stood up.
"It's getting late, you should get some rest."
Seeing him about to leave, Princess Fucha felt a slight tightness in her heart. She never dared to ask anything of Hongli, but today was special, and she couldn't help but have some hopes. Her bright eyes couldn't hide her expectation.
"Hey---Fourth Master! Tonight is my birthday, aren't you going to stay here with me?"
Although he was drunk, his gaze toward her was unusually cold. "I only said I would have dinner with you, I never said I would stay overnight." As he finished speaking, Hongli's gaze fell to her hands.
Realizing his indifferent expression and lack of intention to stay, Princess Fucha dared not force him. She slowly released his hand, suppressed her sorrow, and forced a smile:
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