Blinking, Su Yushan whispered, "It's because Fifth Master talks too much. He hasn't stopped since we sat down. His voice almost drowns out the opera singers."
Hongli considered many possibilities. He even thought that she was in a bad mood because Fu Qing was present, but he never expected that it was because of Hongzhou!
While surprised, Hongli smiled slightly, "Fifth Brother is indeed a bit too talkative. Among us brothers, he is the most eloquent and articulate. Otherwise, why do you think those girls are so infatuated with him?"
Su Yushan couldn't help but retort, "Isn't it because he's rich and powerful?"
After thinking about it silently for a moment, Hongli agreed, "It seems that this is more likely."
She covered her mouth and chuckled softly, then said, "I was just kidding. Actually, Fifth Master is a really good person. He's warm and caring, and he cares about you a lot. Such a good brother is so precious. I envy your brotherhood and that you didn't look down on him."
"Fifth Brother has indeed treated me very well. I'm very content to have him as a brother, but he is indeed a bit too talkative." Hongli smiled in agreement, then looked intently at her.
"If it's not for Hongzhou, then why are you unhappy?"
There were some things she had been hesitant to mention. She feared that mentioning them would upset him, but not mentioning them would cause him to overthink. Now that the conversation had reached this point, Su Yushan had no choice but to speak frankly.
"Actually, the teacup spilling water wasn't because I was distracted, but because the maid accidentally spilled it. However, I didn't want you to punish her, so I took the blame for her."
She was always soft-hearted towards her servants, a fact that Hongli knew. However, he was puzzled, "Then why are you willing to tell me now?"
"At the time, I was only thinking about relieving the maid of her responsibilities and didn't think much about it. Later, when I saw that your expression was a bit off, I realized that when you were sprinkling water, Fifth Master was talking about Fu Qing's refusal to marry you. You didn't misunderstand and think that I was distracted by this, did you?"
What she said were indeed thoughts that had flashed through his mind, but only for a moment before he forcibly extinguished them, not allowing himself to think about them anymore. "I said I would never doubt you again."
She could actually imagine what he was thinking. "Perhaps you've thought it over and chosen not to pursue it, but I still don't want you to misunderstand, so I've chosen to explain clearly. I wasn't distracted by him, I really don't have any feelings for him..."
Before Su Yushan could finish speaking, he suddenly pulled her close around the waist, silencing her with his soft lips.
His lips captured her delicate, rosy lips, kissing them passionately, as if he wanted to convey all his affection.
Su Yushan was bewildered. She stared blankly for a long while, until she struggled to breathe and began to sob in protest. Only then did he release her, pull her into his arms, and whisper in her ear.
"So...you care about my feelings this much?"
Does she care? Su Yushan wasn't sure if this counted as caring. "I don't like being misunderstood. If I speak my mind, I might avoid a lot of trouble."
Although Hongli had decided not to pursue the matter, as Su Yushan said, he did feel uncomfortable and couldn't help but think about it. Fortunately, she explained in time, and his long-suppressed mood finally eased.
I believe everything you say. I hope that from now on, we can be this open and honest with each other.
That makes sense, but what she doesn't understand is, "Talking is one thing, but why...why did you kiss me?"
Su Yushan was so open with him, but a hint of doubt flashed through his mind when they were at the theater. Although he didn't confront her directly, Hongli still felt guilty, which is why he suddenly kissed her, not wanting her to bother explaining anymore.
These things were in the past, and Hongli didn't want to bring them up again. He said, "My woman, I can kiss her whenever I want. What reason do I need?"
"Alright! That's indeed his prerogative," Su Yushan said, pursing her lips. She neither confirmed nor denied it, and didn't ask any further questions.
Hongli moved closer to her and pulled her into his arms. He felt that the woman in his arms seemed to care about nothing, but in fact she was very perceptive. She could sense even the slightest change in his emotions.
Does this mean that Yu Shan's feelings for him have gradually changed, and she has started to pay attention to him as before?
He really wanted to ask, but he was afraid it was just his imagination. What if he said something wrong, or she wouldn't admit it? Wouldn't that be awkward?
After hesitating for a long time, he ultimately did not ask, waiting for her to come to her senses and accept him again.
After the Lantern Festival, Yunfang came to visit her, looking miserable and unhappy.
Su Yushan only found out after asking that it was because Aunt Liu kept urging her to go and meet people for marriage proposals, but she didn't want to go, so she thought of coming to her place to avoid it.
Of course, she hoped that Yunfang could stay by her side forever, but it was already a favor from Hongli that Yunfang could stay here for more than a month before the New Year. If she wanted Yunfang to continue staying, she would have to ask Hongli for permission first.
There was indeed no precedent for this in the household. Even when the wife was pregnant, her mother could only have a meal when she came to visit, and she didn't even have the chance to stay overnight.
Earlier, Su Yushan's younger sister, Yu Chan, had stayed for a few days, which caused dissatisfaction among the other maids. Later, Yushan went into labor, so Hongli brought Yun Fang over, and she stayed for a month and a half.
Knowing that this was Hongli's idea, the Fujin (principal wife) didn't interfere much. The other maids were angry but dared not speak out, and no one dared to step forward. They could only gossip about it in private.
Before the New Year, Hongli could use the excuse that Su Yushan's pregnancy was unstable, which is why he asked someone to accompany her. Now that she has recovered her health, this reason seems to be invalid. If Yunfang wants to stay, there is only one possibility—to stay as Su Gege's maid.
Su Yushan treated her like a sister, so how could she bear to let her do those servant jobs?
Yunfang didn't mind at all; as long as she could avoid her mother's nagging, she was willing to work as a maid here.
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