TFWYH – Chapter 416 Feigning Deep Affection

Su Yuan complained inwardly, but his face was full of flattery as he said,

“Wan-niang is truly remarkable—clever, full of ingenious ideas, and constantly coming up with new ways to make money. Not to mention anything else, even those facial masks were her creation. I’ve heard they’ve already become daily necessities among noble ladies in the capital, and demand far exceeds supply!”

Huang Yi looked surprised. “She came up with that too?”

Su Yuan nodded with a smile.

Huang Yi stroked his chin thoughtfully.
So she was practically a golden hen that laid endless eggs!

No wonder Ling Yu treasured her so much.

If he had such a capable wife, he would also show more tolerance and shower her with favor.

Originally, he had thought that although Ling Yu claimed he wouldn’t take concubines, who knew what the future might hold? When the time came, he could grant his own daughter to Ling Yu as an equal secondary wife—perfect.

But now, with such an outstanding and capable wife by his side, Ling Yu might not waver so easily.

Still… it wasn’t certain. He would have to wait and see.

What if Ling Yu still wished to enjoy the blessings of multiple wives?

“Well then,” Huang Yi said with a light smile, “it’s fine that the glass went to Father Emperor. If I can’t have it, then those two certainly shouldn’t either.”

“Yes. With Young Master Yu and myself assisting Your Highness, there will be no worries about finances,” Su Yuan replied. “I must properly repay Your Highness for your protection. Someone, come in!”

He called toward the door.

A servant immediately entered carrying a tray.

Su Yuan smiled warmly. “These are merely tokens of my gratitude. Please accept them, Your Highness.”

Even Huang Yi was startled.

On the tray lay a thick stack of banknotes—each worth one thousand taels of silver.

A rough estimate placed the total at no less than one hundred thousand taels.

As expected of the Su family, the richest merchants—their generosity was astonishing.

“Minister Su, this is too generous. I—”

“You must accept it!”

Summoning his courage, Su Yuan interrupted him, his expression utterly sincere.

“Second Prince, you saved my entire family. You helped us fend off countless assassins and spared the Su family from destruction. I am endlessly grateful. From this day forward, I will devote myself wholeheartedly to aiding Your Highness’s ascension to the throne. I only hope that when that day comes, Your Highness will continue to protect the Su family.”

With that, Su Yuan directly knelt before Huang Yi.

Huang Yi was delighted inwardly but maintained polite composure, personally helping him to his feet.

Previously, he had hesitated about opposing the First Prince because of Su Yuan. But now all doubts vanished.

Consort Li had no son, and the Su family possessed immense wealth—this alliance brought him only advantages, no threat.

As for the First Prince, even if he did nothing, that elder brother would never spare him anyway.

If offense must be given, then so be it.

—

More than two months passed in the blink of an eye.

Xiangxi Town fully regained its prosperity.

Disasters across various regions had been effectively controlled.

It was time for Huang Yi to return to the capital to report to the emperor.

Before leaving, he specifically went to see Yuan Yuan and asked whether she was willing to go with him.

After a long silence, Yuan Yuan still refused.

Huang Yi frowned. “Why? Do you not like me?”

“That is not the case.” Yuan Yuan gave a bitter smile, her expression sorrowful. “During these days, Your Excellency has accompanied me every night, never once showing contempt in word or deed. I feel deeply honored, and my heart has inevitably been moved. But… I am ultimately a woman of the pleasure quarters. I would tarnish Your Excellency’s reputation. I do not wish to become a stain upon your life.”

Huang Yi felt touched and couldn’t help taking her hand.

“You are pure and unsullied, rising from the mud without being tainted. Beautiful, talented, and skilled in all the arts—how could you be a stain?”

“But others will not think so,” Yuan Yuan replied softly. “They will only mock Your Excellency. You treat me with such deep affection—I cannot harm you because of it.”