Meeting his sincere eyes, Su Yushan wanted to grant his wish and simply agree, thus ending the matter. However, her throat tightened, and she couldn't utter a lie. Raising her hand to push his arm away, Su Yushan choked out:
"I used to believe you, but now..."
She doesn't believe it now, but what does it matter whether she believes it or not? She's just a woman in the inner quarters, what right does she have to argue with a prince about these things? Even if Hongli likes Lan Rong, what can she do about it?
It seemed there was nothing she could do, and no right to interfere. Now she had become exceptionally rational; she was acutely aware of her situation. If he wanted the truth, she would tell the truth, but she would no longer foolishly cause trouble.
Turning her head away, Su Yushan said with a wry smile, "Never mind! It doesn't matter anymore!"
After saying this, she got up and went out to visit Yan Yan.
As Hongli walked to the window, he saw Su Yushan's smiling face as she played with the children in the courtyard, and a strange pang of pain shot through his heart.
She didn't cry or make a fuss, nor did she press for answers. She easily let the matter drop and even went to play with the child as if nothing had happened. It seemed like she didn't care, but he could imagine that her heart must have been aching as if it were being pricked by needles.
But he wasn't really the way she imagined Lan Rong was. Why wouldn't she believe him? Could it be that Lan Rong had said something to her that caused her to misunderstand?
At that moment, Hongli suddenly felt it was necessary to make things clear to Lan Rong!
Having made up his mind, he immediately left Huatang Pavilion and went to Yiyun Pavilion.
Hongli entered, lifting his robes, but before he could speak, he was shocked to see Lan Rong kneeling before him, her eyes glistening with tears, on the verge of sobbing. "Fourth Master, please calm your anger. I know I was wrong."
Hongli lowered his gaze, his eyes flashing with doubt, "What did you do wrong?"
With a slight turn of her peach blossom eyes, Lan Rong said timidly, "I don't know what I did wrong, but I think I've upset you, so I should kneel as punishment."
So many years have passed, yet she remains so cautious. Hongli sighed softly and reminded her, "You are now a concubine, no longer a palace maid. You don't need to kneel down all the time. Please get up."
"I dare not get up until Fourth Master has calmed down."
Hongli frowned slightly and said in a deep voice, "I'm not angry, get up and talk!"
He gave the order again, and only then did Lan Rong stand up and stand silently to one side.
Seeing this, Hongli reminded him, "I told you, you're not a maid, there's no need to be so cautious, please sit down!"
Nodding, Lan Rong slowly sat down, stealing a glance at him. Seeing his unwell complexion, she grew even more frightened.
"I wonder why Fourth Master is displeased. Did I say something wrong and upset Sister Su?"
"Yu Shan didn't say anything, but she's slow to warm up to people and doesn't like making friends. From now on, don't go to Hua Tang Pavilion anymore." This was precisely the purpose of his visit today: to warn her not to disturb Yu Shan.
Lan Rong felt wronged. "I just wanted to learn cooking from my sister. I didn't mean any harm."
He had to interrupt this thought, whether it was well-intentioned or not. "If you're learning to cook for me, there's no need for that. I don't have any particular favorite dishes. I like whatever Yushan makes. I only like the dishes she makes, so you don't need to use your cooking skills to please me."
This scene was completely different from what Lan Rong had imagined. She thought that Hongli would always remember her and that after their reunion, he would cherish and pamper her. However, he had already found someone who had moved his heart, and he remained unmoved even when facing her.
Lan Rong was disappointed, but forced a smile and said, "Fourth Master is so good to Sister Su. Sister Su is so lucky to have Fourth Master's favor."
This was no secret, and Hongli had no intention of hiding it from her. "Everyone in the manor knows that I favor Su Yushan. You are new to the manor, so you are unaware of this and I will not blame you. But from now on, do not go to Huatang Pavilion again."
The fact that you saved my life is unknown to others; I only told Yu Shan about it. Marrying you as a secondary consort is merely to comply with Father Emperor's wishes. I only feel gratitude towards you, not romantic love. I don't want Yu Shan to misunderstand or be saddened, so I will not consummate our marriage. I can only offer you the rank of secondary consort, nothing more.
Yesterday, Lan Rong had already noticed that Hongli had a special feeling for Su Yushan, but she thought that he only had a slightly stronger affection for Su Yushan among all the women. She never expected that he would be able to stay away from other women for Su Yushan's sake!
She was the woman the Emperor himself appointed for him! Could it be that he wouldn't even give the Emperor face? "If they don't consummate the marriage, how will we explain the bridal veil?"
"You don't need to worry about this. If the palace asks about it, I will take the blame."
Having said all that, what else could Lan Rong say? She could only obey him and smile obediently, "I understand. I will behave myself. Fourth Master, please rest assured."
She had no complaints, but Hongli felt sorry for her. He had married her but could not give her happiness. Her remaining life was destined to be wasted.
But this was all the Emperor's will. It was the Emperor's decree, and he had no choice. He had already decided on Yu Shan, so whether other women were sad or happy was none of his concern. He only cared about Yu Shan's feelings. As for Lan Rong, he could only let her down.
Hopefully she can understand and behave herself. He will naturally give her wealth and honor. If she becomes jealous and hurts Yu Shan, then he shouldn't blame him for disregarding his gratitude!
Having said all this, Hongli resolutely left. Watching his resolute back turn, Lan Rong suddenly felt that she had lost her greatest advantage. But it didn't matter; as long as there was a crack, she could pry it open...
After leaving, Hongli wanted to go to Huatang Pavilion, but Yushan was probably still angry, so even if he went there, she probably wouldn't pay any attention to him.
So he didn't go over there, but went straight to the study, thinking that he would go over to keep Yu Shan company when she calmed down in the evening.
Although Yu Shan was in a bad mood, the servants had already prepared all the ingredients, and it would be a waste if she didn't cook them. In the end, Yu Shan still cooked the pork tripe and chicken soup herself.
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