Chapter 39: The Heir Isn’t a Dog

Chapter 39: The Heir Isn't a Dog

"Madam, would you like to see the zithers?" The shop assistant from the Guqin store stood at the door, stomping his feet and rubbing his hands, his nose red from the cold.

Despite this, he didn’t forget to call out, dutifully greeting passersby.

The streets on both sides were piled high with thick snow, and the snow sweepers had only cleared the main roads of the four cardinal directions, making it convenient for the nobility to attend court.

This heavy snowfall caused many shops to close their doors, and even those that remained open had few customers inside.

Ran Qinggu raised her eyes to look at the signboard of the zither shop.

The shop assistant bowed and smiled, "Please come in, Madam."

Ran Qinggu stepped inside.

The shop assistant greeted her with a smile, "From your attire, I can tell you aren’t an ordinary madam. Your household must be distinguished. If I’m not mistaken, you must be of at least the fourth rank."

Ran Qinggu ignored the shop assistant and said directly, "Where’s your boss?"

A thud echoed from the second floor of the Guqin store, followed by lingering sounds.

At first, it was like a lonely ancient spring, then it turned into a flurry of rain and snow…

That sound, without modulation or transition, was filled with great joy and sorrow, right and wrong…

The shop assistant smiled, "Madam, please go upstairs. There are all kinds of valuable zithers up there, reserved only for the nobility."

Ran Qinggu lifted her dress and went upstairs.

Prince Third sat in the warm pavilion, brewing a pot of fine tea and lighting intoxicating incense. He played the zither leisurely, as if completely immersed in its music.

Ran Qinggu walked over and sat opposite him, listening to the decadent melody and saying, "Don’t waste such a good zither."

The music stopped abruptly, and Shang Yuzhou laughed, "Not to your liking?"

Ran Qinggu leaned back in her chair and evaluated mercilessly, "Terribly unappealing."

Shang Yuzhou laughed, tossing the zither aside and picking up a cup of tea. "Since you think it’s bad, I won’t play anymore."

Ran Qinggu asked, "What does Prince Third want from me?"

Shang Yuzhou smiled, "Good news, follow me."

As he spoke, he stood up, and a servant hurriedly pushed aside a rack holding vases.

Behind the rack was a secret room.

Ran Qinggu also stood up and followed.

Inside the brightly lit secret room, in a corner, a person was gagged and bound tightly against the wall.

When that person saw Ran Qinggu, his lifeless pupils suddenly widened, shrinking fearfully into the corner and mumbling something.

Ran Qinggu recognized that person.

The steward of the Marquis Dingbei’s residence back then.

It was this person who betrayed his father, reporting to the imperial court that his father was plotting rebellion.

Shang Yuzhou smiled, "Qinggu, I searched for a long time to find this person for you. Shall we fry him in oil, flay him alive, or peel his skin off and soak it in wine?"

Ran Qinggu looked indifferently at that person, showing no emotion on his face, "Kill him."

Shang Yuzhou was surprised, "Just kill him?"

He had seen Ran Qinggu make people wish they were dead with a blank expression on his face.

This person’s cruelty ranked first in his mind.

But now, facing the servant who had killed his entire family, he simply said "kill" in a casual manner.

Ran Qinggu nodded, "Or you decide what to do."

When he first survived, he had thought of countless ways to torture and seek revenge on others.

Later, when he really killed someone, he made those people die in a way that was a hundred times more painful than how his family died.

But he felt no pleasure in revenge.

It was as if these people were just flowers and grass, which he casually broke off, or perhaps crushed into mud.

Shang Yuzhou’s expression darkened, "Qinggu, have you noticed that since you met Shang Rongyu, you’re becoming less like yourself?"

Ran Qinggu was puzzled, "Why do you say that?"

Shang Yuzhou smiled faintly, "If it were before, you would have definitely flayed this person alive, or perhaps thrown him into an ant nest, letting him watch himself being gnawed down to bones by thousands of ants while still alive. But just now, you just casually told me…kill."

"And…" He hesitated.

Ran Qinggu asked, "And what?"

Shang Yuzhou’s expression was somber, "Nothing."

Fang Changgong, standing to the side, spoke angrily, "And you’ve forgotten why you came to the capital because you’re being protected by Shang Rongyu in the King Cheng’s residence."

Shang Yuzhou scolded, "Changgong."

Fang Changgong said sullenly, "Prince Third, what can’t be said? I just want to remind some people not to forget our main goal. Our main goal is to kill the Crown Prince and take his place. It’s not to enter the capital and be pampered by a man, spending every day in the inner quarters fighting with a group of women."

"Shang Rongyu doesn't know your identity now, but what if he did? Our calculating Heir's Consort, would you still have a life? Your only way to survive is by helping the Third Prince ascend to the throne as soon as possible. Then, even Shang Rongyu couldn't harm you."

Ran Qinggu glanced at Fang Changgong indifferently. "If I truly cared for my life, I wouldn't have married into the capital in his stead that day."

Shang Yuzhou asked with hope, "Qinggu, do you think we should make our move now?"

Ran Qinggu shook her head. "No need. We wait for the right moment."

Shang Yuzhou's expression darkened slightly. "What moment?"

Ran Qinggu: "The moment when the Second Prince and the Crown Prince completely fall out, or perhaps, we could create a situation that would cause them to utterly turn against each other, but not now."

Shang Yuzhou sneered. "That's why I say you've changed. You used to never hold back whenever there was an opportunity to act, like a sharp sword. But now, you're hesitant, looking before you leap, as if you were a different person. Is it because of Shang Rongyu?"

Ran Qinggu was puzzled. "We're discussing serious matters. Why bring up the Heir again?"

Shang Yuzhou smiled helplessly. "Didn't you consider him at all? You know full well that given your current status and how much Shang Rongyu cares for you, you could use him against the Crown Prince. But you didn't. You only schemed against him once in the Eastern Palace, after which, you never took advantage of him... ever."

"You said..." Ran Qinggu paused, deliberating carefully before swallowing her words. "Never mind. Plan as you wish; proceed according to your thoughts."

He didn't know what Shang Yuzhou had said, nor did he know how Fang Changgong planned.

His mind was preoccupied with the phrase, "the extent to which Shang Rongyu cares for you."

How could someone care for this "walking corpse"?

But what did it matter if others cared for him?

Why was his heart so troubled?

It seemed that since Chun'er told him that Shang Rongyu liked him, his heart had been in turmoil.

Seeing Ran Qinggu distracted, staring blankly at a candle flame, Shang Yuzhou said casually, "Qinggu, Shang Rongyu does indeed care for you, but he cares for you merely because you're the Heir's Consort. What if one day you weren't the Heir's Consort anymore? Would he still care for you then?"

Ran Qinggu lowered her eyes, saying nothing.

Shang Yuzhou continued, "Both of us hate snowy days, for they are cold and can freeze people to death. But would sweeping away the snow stop it from being cold? Would it prevent people from freezing to death? You can live in a lie for a day, but can you live a lifetime in a lie? If you're not the Heir's Consort, Shang Rongyu will eventually find out."

Seeing Ran Qinggu moved, he said calmly, "In this world, anything false cannot become true. You and I are not from the same world. You and I are, we have a common enemy, we both lack family, lonely and without support."

They were people living in the depths of the abyss, warming each other by clinging together. He had only Ran Qinggu left.

He wouldn't allow Ran Qinggu to climb out of that abyss.

He wanted her to stay with him, struggling with him in the abyss. He didn't want to be alone anymore.

Ran Qinggu interrupted Shang Yuzhou. "You don't need to say so much to me. I know what I need to do."

Shang Yuzhou was right; this impostor could never become real.

She couldn't deceive Shang Rongyu forever.

Moreover, Shang Rongyu detested men who favored men. What would she do if he found out she was a man? She couldn't let Shang Rongyu sink deeper...

When she left the music shop, it started snowing lightly again, the snowflakes like dust, drifting in the air.

Ran Qinggu didn't know how she returned to the mansion, only that when the carriage arrived at the mansion, her limbs were numb, unable to move.

As she approached the mansion gate, two maidservants came over, bowing respectfully. "Heir's Consort, Concubine Liu and the King wish to invite you to the Full Moon Court."

Ran Qinggu glanced at Chun'er, who stood respectfully to the side.

She said to the maid, "Understood. I'll change clothes and immediately come to pay respects to the King."

The maid retreated. "Yes."

As soon as the maid left, Chun'er leaned in anxiously. "Heir's Consort, what should we do? Will Concubine Liu make things difficult for you?"

Ran Qinggu looked at Chun'er in surprise. "Why do you say that?"

Chun'er looked around to ensure no one was nearby, then whispered to Ran Qinggu, "This morning, Concubine Liu invited guests to the residence to enjoy the snow, but due to a single word from the Heir's Consort, the Heir ordered the snow to be cleared. The Noble Consort and some high-ranking officials who came to see the snow were left disappointed. Concubine Liu lost face. Wouldn't she make things difficult for the Heir's Consort? Heir's Consort, shall I go to the Ministry of Justice to find the Heir? He loves you the most."

Ran Qinggu frowned, shaking her head. "No need. I'll go and see the situation."

Chun'er nodded. "Alright, you must be careful."

Ran Qinggu returned to the Sinking Fish Pavilion, changed into clean clothes, and hurried toward the Full Moon Court.

The King was reviewing documents at his desk, while Concubine Liu massaged his shoulders behind him.

Ran Qinggu bowed to the King and Concubine Liu. "Father, Concubine."

The King saw her and smiled. "There's no need for such formality. Sit down."

Ran Qinggu sat down, and servants of the Full Moon Court promptly served her a cup of tea.

The King said calmly, "Actually, there's no particular reason we called you here..."

Pausing, unsure how to begin, he turned to Concubine Liu. "You should be the one to speak."

He also felt this matter wasn't quite right.

Although the Heir's Consort had been married into the mansion for more than a year, she had always followed the rules, never committing any faults.

Now, Concubine Liu suddenly proposed that since the Heir's Consort was unwell, while searching for a wife for Shang Pian, they should also find a concubine for the Heir, to expand the direct lineage of King Cheng's bloodline.

The person Concubine Liu suggested was none other than her only niece, Liu Yun. This matter was mentioned to him by Noble Consort Liu after he returned to the residence today. He couldn't embarrass Noble Consort Liu too much, so he promised that if either Empress Bai Yu, Shang Rongyu, or the Heir's Consort disagreed, the plan would be abandoned.

Now, Concubine Liu was here to persuade Ran Qinggu.

Lady Liu smiled. "The Heir's Consort looks unwell. Has she caught the wind?"

Ran Qinggu was unsure of her meaning and replied, "Fortunately, it's just a light snow outside, and there's a bit of a chill in the air."

Lady Liu: "If the Heir's Consort isn't well, you shouldn't be exerting yourself. The Wangfu still relies on you to bear children. There are three unfilial acts, and having no heir is the greatest. The Heir's Consort has been married into the Wangfu for over a year now; surely, there should be some signs of pregnancy by now, considering the Heir is of the direct line."

This Bai Yu dared to embarrass her publicly, and if she didn't give her something to do, she might really think that the Regent Wangfu was her domain.

Ran Qinggu took a sip of tea and smiled. "Lady Liu is right, but Shang Rong and I are still young. We're not in a rush. However, Second Brother and Second Sister-in-law have been married for four or five years now. Surely, there should be some signs of pregnancy from them as well."

Lady Liu's expression darkened.

Her two sons had been married for so long without any signs of offspring, and Su Xi was the direct granddaughter of Grand Tutor Su. If she were to take a concubine for her son, it would undoubtedly anger the Su family.

Thus, she hesitated to act.

This little wench truly had a sharp tongue, targeting her sore spots with every word.

"The Heir's Consort is correct. Bearing heirs...it's the responsibility of all the Wangfu's sons, but since the Heir is of the direct line, the Heir's Consort should put forth her utmost effort. However..."

She changed the subject. "The Heir's Consort isn't well, so we can't rush things. I do have a distant niece who is quite clever and has reached marriageable age. When I asked her recently, she said she fancies the Heir. Thinking about it, wouldn't this make us even closer family?"

Ran Qinggu sipped her tea without showing any change in expression.

So this was about sending a concubine.

"Lady Liu, my Father Wang is strong and virile. He can bear heirs too. Why don't you send your niece over? She can bear more sons for the Wangfu. With more sons, the branches will naturally spread wider." Shang Rong strode in.

If not for Chun'er secretly seeking him out, he would likely have another concubine.

King Cheng, upon hearing this, scolded with a frown, "Brat, what nonsense are you spouting?"

Shang Rong laughed. "Father Wang, I'm not spouting nonsense. Lady Liu is so concerned about the Wangfu's offspring that her sincerity moves heaven and earth. Why don't you bring all of Lady Liu's nieces here and take them as concubines? That would make us even closer family. Anyway, you already have five or six concubines. A few more wouldn't hurt. The Wangfu can still afford it. If your stipend can't support these aunties, I can chip in. If not, the Heir's Consort still has ten thousand taels of gold bestowed by the Emperor."

Lady Liu's face turned ashen.

She knew that Shang Rong was a rule-breaker, like a mad dog, but this mad dog usually had some restraint around her, rarely biting her relentlessly.

Now, this mad dog wasn't just biting her; it seemed intent on severing her throat.

Suggesting that all her nieces become concubines to King Cheng, perhaps only Shang Rong dared say such a thing under the heavens.

King Cheng was enraged, slapping the table so hard that papers danced in the air. "Are you itching for a beating again?"

As a noble Wang, taking his side consort's nieces as concubines was already improper. Now, using his wife's dowry to support concubines, this brat was becoming increasingly reckless with his words.

"What you don't want done to yourself, don't do to others. Father Wang, if you don't want to take concubines, why force me to?" Shang Rong looked at his father calmly.

Lady Liu's expression was ugly. "Heir, if you truly don't wish to, no one is forcing you, but your words are too humiliating to the daughters of the Liu family."

Shang Rong smiled brightly. "Lady Liu, if you fear humiliation, why bring up such matters in front of my Heir's Consort?"

He never stepped on people's faces, but unfortunately, some insisted on shoving their faces under his feet.

"I'll make it clear today. I, Shang Rong, have already married. From now on, there will be only the Heir's Consort in my inner quarters. If anyone insists on sending me concubines, they will surely enter in a bridal sedan on one day and leave in a coffin the next. Combining weddings and funerals will save on manpower, material, and financial resources."

With that, Shang Rong led Ran Qinggu out.

King Cheng was livid. "Brat, are you going to defy all laws now?"

Seeing Shang Rong and Ran Qinggu leave, Lady Liu was so angry that she held back tears for a while before finally letting a few drops fall. "Wang, I meant well, thinking of ways to increase the Wangfu's offspring for a livelier atmosphere. The Heir could have simply declined. How could he humiliate me so?"

King Cheng comforted Lady Liu. "Rong is young and hot-headed, still immature. Please bear with him."

He then changed the subject. "Actually, you also have fault in this matter. You know how sweetly they're getting along, yet you insist on sending him concubines. How do you expect Yu'er to feel? Moreover, considering Rong's personality, if he were easy to deal with, I wouldn't be so troubled. Alright, let's end this matter here."

Lady Liu clenched her teeth. "Yes."

If this path was blocked, there must be other ways.

This Bai Yu, relying on Shang Rong's favor, dared to act so arrogantly. One day, she would surely rise above her.

Holding Shang Rong's hand, Ran Qinggu returned to the Sinking Fish Pavilion, still dazed.

Seeing her complexion unwell, Shang Rong reached out to touch her forehead and asked, "What's wrong? Are you feeling unwell anywhere?"

Ran Qinggu shook her head. "Nothing."

Shang Rong smiled. "That's good."

He walked down the corridor holding Ran Qinggu's hand, with fine snowflakes falling on both sides of the Covered Bridge.

Overnight, all the spring plum blossoms in the Wangfu bloomed. White ones resembled snow, red ones blood, red and white interspersed, creating a beautiful and indistinct scene.

Shang Rong walked ahead. "Yu'er, rest assured. Having married you, I won't marry another concubine in this life. It's enough to have one person to grow old with."

Ran Qinggu remained silent, following Shang Rong quietly.

Shang Rong smiled. "Let's go to the Drunken Wind Pavilion for dinner tonight. Father Wang is staying with Lady Liu tonight, so it's just the three of us for dinner again. What do you want to eat tonight? Oh, by the way..."

He turned his head and smiled. "On my way back from the Ministry of Justice, I bought you some glutinous rice cakes from the Three Vegetarian Hall. They've released new items. Later, have Chun'er steam them for a midnight snack."

Ran Qinggu followed closely, her gaze fixed on Shang Rong.

Shang Rong wore a dark yellow robe, draped with a black cloak. His long black hair was tied back with a jade hairpin, and his side profile revealed a natural elegance and grace.

He occasionally turned back to smile at her, bright like morning sunlight, making the freezing snow seem warm.

The snow continued to fall, and the spring plums bloomed fiercely. Ran Qinggu was led by Shang Rong through pavilions after pavilions.

"The plum blossoms this year have truly been splendid, blooming since the onset of winter. I still remember our first encounter—it was when you were hit by a red plum branch I had broken off…"

Suddenly, Ran Qinggu heard the words of the Third Prince echoing in his ears.

—Can you live a lie for a day, can you live it for a lifetime? You're not the Heir's Consort, and Shang Rongyu will eventually find out.

Ran Qinggu called out, "Heir… let's divorce."

Without a moment's hesitation, Shang Rongyu turned around, feigning anger, "Call me husband."

"Hold on, what did you just say? The snow is too heavy, I didn't hear clearly."

"Let's divorce."

The snow suddenly fell more heavily, muffling Ran Qinggu's voice.

Shang Rongyu's expression grew somber as he asked uncertainly, "You said… divorce? Us?"

Ran Qinggu nodded. "Yes, these days at the mansion, I've been indebted to the Heir's care. Bai Yu is grateful beyond measure."

Shang Rongyu's face darkened, unsure of how to handle Ran Qinggu's hand that he was holding.

He paused, then smiled gently, continuing to hold Ran Qinggu's hand as they walked forward. "Enough, enough, don't be angry anymore. It's true that Father acted unjustly today. Rest assured, from now on, there will only be you, for all eternity…"

"Heir, once we report to the Emperor and the documents are processed, we will…" Ran Qinggu stopped, pulling his hand away from Shang Rongyu's grasp.

Shang Rongyu's face showed anger as he turned to look at him coldly. "Why? Do you have someone else outside? Could it be because of your cousin?"

Ran Qinggu looked up at Shang Rongyu. "This has nothing to do with my cousin. From the beginning, my marriage to the Heir was a misunderstanding. The Heir didn't want to marry, and Bai Yu never thought of marrying the Heir either."

Shang Rongyu asked sharply, "Didn't we get along well later?"

At the time, he indeed hadn't wanted to, but later, he found himself unable to resist being close to her.

He had already made plans to spend his life with Bai Yu, intending to have only her for the rest of his life. And yet, she was proposing a divorce?

Others who divorced at least spent a few nights together. Not only had he not slept with her, but he had also been used as a bed warmer, discarded after warming the bed.

Ran Qinggu: "That was the Heir's misconception…"

He calmly raised his eyes, looking straight at Shang Rongyu. "The Heir merely saw that Yu'er was alone and helpless in the capital, so he treated Yu'er kindly. But Yu'er has never dared to aspire to the Heir's status."

Shang Rongyu asked dumbfoundedly, "After spending so much time together, you have no feelings for me at all?"

Ran Qinggu shook his head. "No. These days, I thank the Heir for his kindness. The Heir is a son of heaven, destined to find a beautiful wife. Yu'er is unworthy, and there is no fate between us and the Heir."

He was an executioner, his hands stained with blood, walking from hell to the mortal world, only to return to hell in the end.

He was alone, indifferent to life or death, but Shang Rongyu was different. He deserved a beautiful and brilliant life.

He couldn't let him sink deeper into this. He hated men in relationships, and if he found out that he was a man, how disgusted would he be…

To hell with being unworthy, to hell with finding a beautiful wife. They had been married for a year, and only now did he suddenly realize there was no fate between them.

Shang Rongyu couldn't understand what this person was thinking.

He seemed to have never truly understood her.

He, Shang Rongyu, the noble Heir of the royal family, was being abandoned by a woman.

Could it be that he was being punished for killing too many people?

Bai Yu was his punishment.

He gritted his teeth. "Want a divorce? Have you ever seen a precedent for divorce in the royal family?"

Ran Qinggu raised his eyes in surprise, the snow blurring his vision.

After a long while, he lowered his gaze. "A divorce is also acceptable."

Divorce represented reconciliation between both parties, with official documents issued, allowing them to part ways honorably. But a divorce due to misconduct meant that the wife was deemed immoral and despised by her husband's family, expelled with a letter of divorce.

In the former case, the woman's future marriages would not be affected, but in the latter, her immoral conduct would cause trouble if she remarried.

Shang Rongyu's anger surged to his head.

This person would rather be divorced than have any connection with him. Was he, Shang Rongyu, so despicable?

He pulled Ran Qinggu over, pressing his head down to prevent him from struggling, and bit down hard on his lips, leaving Ran Qinggu's lips bloody.

Ran Qinggu frowned in pain, and Shang Rongyu felt that one bite wasn't enough. He extended his tongue, hooking Ran Qinggu's tip and biting it meticulously, filling Ran Qinggu's mouth with the taste of blood and causing a tear to form at the corner of his eye.

Ran Qinggu's tongue stung sharply. If Shang Rongyu hadn't moved to another spot to bite, he would have suspected that Shang Rongyu wanted to sever his tongue and kill him, then frame him for suicide by biting his tongue.

"Do you remember what you said the second day after you married into the mansion? You said 'I am the Heir's person in life and death,' so you can't go anywhere except the mansion. Even if you die, your tombstone must bear the name 'Shang Bai.'"

Shang Rongyu released Ran Qinggu, wiped the blood from the corner of his mouth, and laughed coldly and eerily before turning around and walking out of the mansion.

==

"Oh, my lords, enjoy your food and drinks. You haven't come here in a long time; the girls here miss you terribly." The madam waved her fan, urging the serving girls. "Quick, what are you waiting for? Serve the lords well."

Several beautiful women dressed in gossamer-thin robes giggled as they poured wine for the officials, toasting and exchanging cups.

Lu Yunshen casually pulled a girl into his arms. "Hong'er, do you miss Grandpa?"

The girl shyly lowered her head, her eyes filled with flirtatious charm. "I do, could it be that Grandpa Lu has forgotten about Hong'er?"

Lu Yunshen smiled. "How could I? Hong'er is in Grandpa's heart."

Next to Yu Tiao Yao Wang and others stood one or two serving girls, hugging and whispering sweet nothings. Only beside Shang Rongyu were two girls responsible for pouring wine, and they did not make any indecent moves.

The ladies who served at the Drunken Red Chamber all knew that although the Heir of King Cheng frequented brothels often, he seldom called anyone to attend him intimately. Thus, those who served him were particularly well-behaved.

Shang Rongyu's eyes were blurred by alcohol, and vaguely, he saw a blue-and-white bellyband before his eyes, with its owner wearing a red ring on her finger.

"Yuru?" He exclaimed in surprise, pulling the woman into his embrace.

The green-clad woman sitting in Shang Rongyu's lap was utterly confused. Having seen many carnal scenes, she knew how to please men. She placed both hands on Shang Rongyu's shoulders and kissed his cheek. "My lord, do you want Greenie to serve you wine? In this cold winter, the stronger the wine, the warmer it is for your stomach..."

As she spoke, the hand holding her silk handkerchief reached inside Shang Rongyu's collar, and her lips pressed against his neck once more.

Shang Rongyu finally saw that the woman wore only a pair of shorts below.

She was draped in a green robe as thin as cicada wings, underneath which was a blue-and-white bellyband. Though it was called a bellyband, it covered nothing; two out of four ounces of flesh were exposed. She wore a flowing skirt, revealing an endless view of spring-like beauty beneath.

Shang Rongyu hastily pushed the woman away and rubbed his head fiercely.

Indeed, he was drunk.

Although Yuru also had a blue-and-white bellyband, she was very conservative, always dressing herself up tightly.

The green-clad girl nearly stumbled when she was pushed away but was luckily supported by a serving maid beside her.

She looked at Shang Rongyu, half aggrieved and half bewildered.

Lu Yunshen quickly pulled over the green-clad girl and smiled. "The Heir doesn't understand romance, let me take care of you."

The green-clad woman immediately hugged Lu Yunshen with a grin.

The red-clad woman pouted in dissatisfaction. "My lord, don't you love Red anymore?"

Lu Yunshen chuckled. "I do, I love all of you."

"Get out," Shang Rongyu said, his head throbbing from the noise of these women.

The ladies playing music in the room were taken aback, glancing at each other uncertainly.

Lu Yunshen smiled. "Wait in the rooms first, I'll come and pamper you properly later."

The ladies teased, "You must come, my lord," before promptly leaving the room.

Shang Rongyu picked up his wine cup, but Lu Yunshen snatched it away. "Don't drink anymore, you've already consumed half a month of my salary. If my father finds out I'm carousing with you, he'll break both my legs."

Shang Rongyu shoved Lu Yunshen. "How dare you talk about treating guests when you're as poor as a dog?"

Lu Yunshen replied, "Isn't it because I see you're emotionally troubled and want to make fun of you?"

He chuckled. "Did the Heir Consort really propose divorce to you?"

Shang Rongyu glared at Lu Yunshen, his head throbbing.

Yao Wang was puzzled. "That shouldn't be the case, weren't you getting along well? Why did she suddenly propose divorce?"

Frustrated, Shang Rongyu grabbed the wine jug and gulped down a large mouthful. "She said she has no feelings for me. Damn it, she seduced me for so long, even wanting to sleep while hugging me. Usually, she was so obedient, never daring to go west when I said east, never saying two when I said one, always submissive. Then she tells me she has no feelings... damn no feelings... if she has no feelings, why does she act coquettishly towards me? If she has no feelings, why does she never resist when I kiss her?"

Yu Tiao asked, "Could it be that your temper is too violent, and she's afraid of you, hence obeying you? Now she can't take it anymore, you should change your temper..."

Shang Rongyu was exasperated. "I don't know how gentle I've been with him. When she said she wasn't ready and was scared, I waited for her. Who the hell would be married for a year without even taking off his wife's pants?"

Everyone: "..."

Everyone: "!!"

Everyone: "??"

Lu Yunshen cleared his throat. "Rongyu, I think the Heir Consort might really have no feelings for you."

If she didn't even want to consummate the marriage with you, how could you say she has feelings for you?

Shang Rongyu rejected the idea outright. "Impossible, you don't know how tightly she holds me when sleeping, as if afraid I'd run away."

Lu Yunshen: "Perhaps it's your misunderstanding. She might just like hugging people to sleep, and you happen to be the person she's holding. With someone else, she could probably hug just as tightly."

Shang Rongyu: "Bullshit, she only hugs me, not anyone else."

Yu Tiao interrupted the two. "If there's no affection, work hard to cultivate it. You were married by the Emperor's decree, can you really get divorced? Rongyu, do you usually lack concern for her, making her feel insecure?"

Shang Rongyu shook his head in denial. "No, she likes glutinous rice cakes, so I buy them for her every day after morning court. To ensure she gets them hot, I've crippled three or four horses."

Yu Tiao asked, "Apart from that?"

Shang Rongyu was puzzled. "What apart from that?"

Yu Tiao: "You wouldn't only know that she likes glutinous rice cakes, right? Are you so indifferent to her?"

Shang Rongyu thought carefully and realized he knew very little about his Heir Consort.

It wasn't that he knew little, but rather his Heir Consort was always calm and detached, seemingly having no desires or demands, always shrouded in a faint aura of world-weariness.

It wasn't that he didn't want to understand her, but this person didn't reveal much for him to understand.

Yao Wang interrupted Yu Tiao. "What kind of person is Rongyu? Don't we know? If he really didn't care, how could he have stormed the Eastern Palace for the Heir Consort, or be drinking himself into a stupor here... I think there's another possibility..."

Everyone chorused, "What possibility?"

Yao Wang: "Women always have a few days when they feel depressed and think the whole world is bleak, that life isn't worth living. Perhaps it's her menstrual period."

Shang Rongyu counted on his fingers.

Yes, Yuru's menstruation was due around these days.

==

Shang Rongyu is definitely dog-like.

Ran Qinggu vouches for this with his years of keen observation.

His lips and tongue were bitten to the point of bleeding, the wound at the corner of his mouth cracking and swelling due to the cold weather, while his tongue was a pitiful sight. Unable to apply external medicine, he could only keep it in his mouth and wait for it to heal slowly.

But the pain from that wound was piercing, even drinking water would hurt for a long time, let alone being able to swallow food.

It seemed Shang Rongyu loved to bite people.

"The Heir is really something, not being dog-like, yet why does he always love to bite the Heir's Consort?" Chun'er lifted a bowl of rice porridge that had been boiled down to just water, added some osmanthus sugar, and handed it to Ran Qinggu.

This wasn't the first time she had seen the Heir bite the Heir's Consort; it had happened many times, each leaving bloody scars.

To say something heretical, it was very much like a dog marking its territory with urine.

Biting once or twice when moved by passion was fine, but doing it every few days, biting so hard that the Heir's Consort couldn't even eat, was a bit too...

Chun'er suddenly thought of something.

Could it be that the Heir has some special fetish, like playing out some forced love or bondage scenarios in bed that are difficult to talk about...

It must be like that, the Heir had brought back a whole box of unspeakable props after raiding the Yin family.

Can the Heir's Consort's small body withstand the Heir's antics?

Could it be that the Heir's Consort falling ill every now and then is because of the Heir's antics?

Seeing Chun'er lost in thought, Ran Qinggu asked, "What's wrong with you?"

Chun'er, as if she had discovered some earth-shattering secret and feared being silenced, quickly came to her senses and shook her head in panic, "No... nothing."

"Damn lack of feelings." There was a commotion outside the Sinking Fish Pavilion.

Ran Qinggu went out and saw Shang Rongyu, drunk, being supported into the Sinking Fish Pavilion by Lu Yunshen, Yu Tiao, and a few others.

"Yes, damn it," Lu Yunshen coaxed him, "We're home, don't cause trouble anymore, be nice to her."

Ran Qinggu hurriedly approached, "What happened to the Heir?"

Lu Yunshen saw the scabbed and cracked corner of Ran Qinggu's mouth; it was either bitten or beaten.

No wonder they wanted a divorce...

He deserved it.

Yao Wang smiled, "The Heir was in a bad mood, so he drank a lot..."

Before he could finish his sentence, he was elbowed by Yu Tiao, "A few of us went out for drinks, the Heir got drunk, and we've brought him back safely. It's up to the Heir's Consort to take good care of him now."

With that, he handed Shang Rongyu over to Ran Qinggu.

Shang Rongyu was so drunk he couldn't stand properly, so Ran Qinggu had to support him, "Thank you, gentlemen."

As soon as Shang Rongyu saw Ran Qinggu, he hugged her face-to-face, resting his head on her shoulder, murmuring, "Yuer."

After handing Shang Rongyu over to Ran Qinggu, Yu Tiao noticed a lipstick kiss mark on Shang Rongyu's cheek, bright and obvious.

That was from Lü'er.

Fortunately, that side of his face was facing outward, the Heir's Consort probably hadn't seen it yet.

He quickly pinched the sleeve of his robe and pretended to casually wipe away the kiss mark on Shang Rongyu's face, "The Heir just vomited, some filth splashed onto his face, we wouldn't want to dirty the Heir's Consort's clothes."

Shang Rongyu, feeling uncomfortable from being wiped, pushed Yu Tiao away with a dizzy head, saying, "Scram."

Yu Tiao reached out again to wipe, "Heir, your face is dirty, let me help you clean it."

Shang Rongyu pushed Yu Tiao away again, turning that outward-facing side of his face towards Ran Qinggu, "Yuer, wipe my face for this Heir."

Everyone: "..."

Ran Qinggu looked at the kiss mark, hesitantly raised her hand, and wiped it clean with her sleeve.

Lu Yunshen hurriedly said, "Heir's Consort, please don't misunderstand, the Heir only went for drinks, it was just an accidental smudge."

Yu Tiao chimed in, "Yes, yes, the Heir didn't do anything."

"Ugh—" Before their words had fully left their mouths, Shang Rongyu felt nauseous, almost vomiting.

He tugged at his collar uncomfortably, pulling out a woman's silk handkerchief from his chest, and there was also a kiss mark revealed on his neck.

Everyone was struck dumb as if by lightning.

That was also from Lü'er.

If they told the Heir's Consort that hugging and cuddling with a courtesan at the Drunken Red Chamber without sleeping with her was all that happened, would the Heir's Consort believe them?

Lu Yunshen looked at the other two, signaling with his eyes for them to come up with an explanation.

If the Heir's Consort caused another divorce dispute with Shang Rongyu because of this, Shang Rongyu would chop him up, after all, it was he who had suggested going to the brothel.

Yu Tiao opened his mouth, seemingly about to spin a lie.

Lu Yunshen's eyes lit up; no wonder he was the most capable among his fellow students at the Imperial Academy, his mind worked fast.

Yu Tiao: "Heir's Consort, I remember, I have clothes I hung out this morning that I haven't collected yet, I'll go collect them."

Lu Yunshen: "...It snowed all day today, you hung out clothes?"

Yu Tiao: "Yes, they were drying on the veranda of my neighbor's house. I was late getting back, and my neighbor was about to close up."

Yao Wang coughed: "I suddenly remembered that my clothes are also out there, Your Highness. I'll take my leave now, official business calls."

Lu Yunshen: "…"

For someone who earned his position in the Imperial Academy through his own merit, shouldn't he be able to come up with a better lie?

Yao Wang: "Cough, cough, they were drying on the veranda of Yu Tiao's neighbor's house. I was late getting back, and they had to close up."

With that, the two of them quickly left.

Lu Yunshen gave Shang Rongyu a pitying glance, wanting to fabricate an excuse for him but finding it impossible. He bowed to Ran Qinggu as a farewell: "I'll go help them collect their clothes."

Ran Qinggu: "Thank you for escorting His Highness back, Sir. Please walk slowly."

After seeing off the two officials, Ran Qinggu and Guard A helped Shang Rongyu back to his room.

Once inside, the scent from the incense in the room made Shang Rongyu's headache worse, and his stomach churned as if it were being torn apart.

He leaned against the door frame and vomited. Ran Qinggu didn't dodge, and her dress was covered in vomit.

Servants hurriedly brought hot water and began cleaning.

It took some effort to get Shang Rongyu into bed, leaving Ran Qinggu covered in filth and emitting a strange smell.

Guard A stood by: "Your Highness, actually, His Highness didn't have relations with that woman. He was drunk and mistook her for you."

Ran Qinggu paused for a moment before calmly saying: "I see."

Guard A, knowing when to leave: "Then this subordinate will take his leave."

Ran Qinggu nodded.

Chun'er brought in two basins of water and wrung out a towel.

Ran Qinggu said: "I'll do it."

Though Chun'er was a maid in the room, she was still a girl, and Shang Rongyu's entire body was dirty. It needed a thorough cleaning.

Chun'er handed the white towel to Ran Qinggu: "I'll prepare the bathing water for Your Highness."

After cleaning Shang Rongyu, the bathwater Chun'er had prepared had already cooled down.

Ran Qinggu had no choice but to ask the maids on night duty at the Sinking Fish Pavilion to prepare new bathwater for him again.

He hadn't eaten much during the day, and the effort of cleaning Shang Rongyu had drained him. The steam from the hot water was making him drowsy.

He sat in the tub for a while, then, before the water could cool, he mustered the strength to wash himself despite his aching arms.

Suddenly, he caught a strong whiff of alcohol.

Shang Rongyu appeared behind him, his eyes glazed over from the drink: "Yur, you smell so good."

As soon as he spoke, he wrapped his arms around Ran Qinggu like a dog sniffing him.

Ran Qinggu tried to push Shang Rongyu away, but his arms were like iron chains, tightly locked around him.

In the struggle, Shang Rongyu flipped into the bathtub, causing water to splash everywhere.

Ran Qinggu realized the situation was bad. Shang Rongyu had returned from the Drunken Red Chamber, where they often added aphrodisiacs to the wine to enhance the mood for their guests. And tonight, Shang Rongyu had drunk quite a lot.

Shang Rongyu held Ran Qinggu's hands, trying to pull him into his embrace and keep him still.

Ran Qinggu had no choice but to bite Shang Rongyu hard.

Shang Rongyu released his grip in pain, and Ran Qinggu took the opportunity to stand up, lifting his robe as he stepped out of the tub.

Ever since the incident where he almost revealed himself to Shang Rongyu while bathing, he always wore his robe when he bathed.

Shang Rongyu reached out to grab him but missed, only catching hold of his robe. Ran Qinggu, caught by the hem, slipped and fell.

A sharp sound of tearing fabric cut through the silent, snowy night.

Ran Qinggu's robe fell to the ground.

And so did he.

He hit the floor with a thud, landing first on his left elbow. Because he had once broken the tendons in his wrist, his elbow couldn't support his weight, and the fall pulled at his tendons, causing him to gasp in pain.

What made it even more unbearable was that Shang Rongyu had also climbed out of the tub and fallen on top of him, opening his mouth to bite down on a point on Ran Qinggu's chest.

And Ran Qinggu had nothing covering his upper body.

The Heir: Huh, man, trying to seduce me again! Thank you to all the little angels who cast votes or provided nourishment during the period from August 20, 2020, 01:10:13 AM to August 21, 2020, 00:00:51 AM.

Thank you to the little angel who launched a rocket: Zai 1;

Thank you to the little angel who launched a grenade: Ling520 1;

Thank you to the little angels who launched landmines: Begonia 3; Snow and Ice 2; Ya Yao, Xi Qian, Yi Ye, Xi Qing Ge Ge Wo Ke Yi, San Fen Zhong De Re Du, Mao Rong Rong 1;

Thank you to the little angels who provided nourishment: Gu Gu 50 bottles; Yi Ye 20 bottles; Zha Le Mao De 15 bottles; Xu Xie*, Xing Ye Lan Feng 10 bottles; Dai Li Zhi Hua, MG-Tian Cheng Zhen Tian 5 bottles; Qi Hua. 4 bottles; Sa Ye 2 bottles; A Yu, Xiao Zei Ji, Xiao Bai, Xun Zi 1 bottle;

Thank you very much for your support. I will continue to work hard!