Who said the heir would die out? The concubine is pregnant again!

Why did Liang Yunqian suddenly mention that new young master?

Yingzhu didn't understand what he meant. "I haven't met him yet. I've only heard that he's the prince's illegitimate son. His status is definitely not as high as yours."

"You already have an heir, and your position as heir apparent is secure. There's no need to worry about that person, is there?"

"What I care about is not the status of the heir apparent..."

A bitter smile crept across Liang Yunqian's lips. Yingzhu was even more confused. "What is that?"

He opened his mouth as if to speak, but hesitated and ultimately didn't say anything. "You'll find out soon enough."

"Why is the young master keeping us in suspense!" Yingzhu snorted and unconsciously increased the pressure of her massage on his temples.

Liang Yunqian grasped her hand. "Are you massaging it, or are you getting revenge?"

He wasn't satisfied, so she simply stopped pressing the button and sat down.

Qingfeng brought hot water to help the prince wash up and removed his hair ornament, while Yingzhu sat to the side and continued her embroidery.

She didn't say a word, focusing only on her embroidery, seemingly not very welcoming of his arrival.

"You're not going to Tingsongyuan, are you busy with this?"

Yingzhu paused slightly in her needlework. "I am already pregnant and dare not disturb the young master any further."

"When did I say you weren't allowed to go? Who gave you permission to make this decision on your own?"

Yingzhu didn't look up, but just from his voice, she knew he was unhappy again.

"Isn't this obvious? I can't continue serving the Crown Prince, so what am I supposed to do?"

Her words made perfect sense, but Liang Yunqian was not pleased. "The point is not what you did, but that you didn't follow Master's orders. Unless Master forbids you from going, you cannot act on your own."

"Then you should give the orders now! It'll save me from running around at night, it's so cold."

Seeing that he was drunk and not thinking clearly, Yingzhu was too lazy to explain in detail and just gave him a perfunctory reply.

This one sentence alone ignited Liang Yunqian's anger even more.

"Why didn't you say you were cold before? Why are you making excuses now?"

"In the past, it was all about having children! Now that I have children, I don't need to suffer anymore."

"So all you care about is the child?"

His counter-question was baffling: "Isn't this something we both agree on? Doesn't the Crown Prince also want children? If not for children, then what?"

The last five words struck him like a heavy stone crashing into his heart.

Liang Yunqian thought he was cold-hearted enough, but Shen Yingzhu was even more indifferent than him?

"If it's only for the sake of the child, then why would I take you as a concubine and hold a banquet for your acceptance?"

"Because the Crown Princess sought help from the Queen to try and change your decision, you should use my position to refute the Crown Princess!"

Yingzhu looked like she understood perfectly, and Liang Yunqian suddenly realized that people can laugh when they are extremely angry.

"You actually think I'm using you? Aren't you angry?"

"Why be angry? You've achieved your goal, and I've received many rewards. Isn't this a win-win situation? You can use me, as long as I benefit as well."

Yingzhu looked indifferent and didn't seem to care at all, and Liang Yunqian swallowed back the explanation that was stuck in his throat.

He suddenly stood up, and Yingzhu immediately followed him, saying, "You're drunk, don't wander around."

Liang Yunqian replied coldly, "None of your business."

"Lian Chuan brought you here, so I have to ensure your safety. It's so cold and windy outside; the wind will only give you a headache. If you can't walk, I won't be able to help you. Why don't you stay here for the night?"

Yingzhu tried to persuade him gently, but Liang Yunqian felt uncomfortable because of her words.

"All you care about are the kids and money, so mind your own business! I'm not as fragile as you think, I don't need your help!"

Yingzhu didn't want to cause trouble, but she had to consider the consequences. If he hadn't been drinking tonight, she would have let him be.

"I am of low status and have little influence, so I dare not interfere with the Crown Prince. If you are unharmed, all will be well. But if you encounter any accidents on your journey, the Princess Consort will hold me accountable."

If you insist on leaving, please wait a moment while Qingfeng calls Lianchuan over so he can take you home.

"I know the way, I don't need anyone to see me off!"

Liang Yunqian stubbornly insisted on leaving, but his steps were unsteady. Yingzhu held his hand tightly, but he tried to pull away as if to avoid suspicion.

In reality, he simply withdrew his hand without using force. Yingzhu had a sudden inspiration and took the opportunity to fall onto the stool, then pretended to cry out in pain.

Hearing the commotion, Liang Yunqian immediately stopped and came over to help.

"Yingzhu! How are you? Did you hurt yourself anywhere?"

Yingzhu suddenly shook off his hand and sobbed:

"I knew you hated me! Even looking at me or saying a word to me annoys me!"

Liang Yunqian thought carefully, but had no recollection of that sentence.

When did I ever say I hated you?

"You've already come and washed up, but you suddenly want to leave? Doesn't that mean you hate me?"

He had already come this far and had no intention of leaving, but what Shen Yingzhu said was chilling.

"You were the one who used me, and then turned your back on me. How dare you accuse me first?"

"To be fair, didn't the Crown Prince use me? It was a win-win situation, so let's not argue about who used whom!"

She spoke the coldest words, yet she was still sobbing, as if she had suffered a tremendous injustice.

Liang Yunqian thought it was really him who pushed her, and feeling guilty, he didn't pursue the matter further.

"Since you're just using me, why do you care whether I stay or leave? Do you really want me to stay?"

Yingzhu glanced at him, her eyes clearly showing some unease. "No, I just... I just don't want to take responsibility."

"That's all?"

Whether it was Yingzhu's imagination or not, there seemed to be a hint of expectation in his eyes, as if he was expecting her to deny it.

After a moment of silence, Yingzhu nervously fidgeted with her fingers. "Otherwise what? What else could it be? The young master is stubborn and won't listen to me. How could I dare to meddle in your affairs? That would be overestimating myself!"

Yingzhu gave a self-deprecating laugh, using his exact words to shut him up. Liang Yunqian remained silent for a long while, then sighed helplessly.

"You always have such a sharp tongue, can't you say something nice?"

"You make it sound like you speak so gently. I've never heard any sweet words from you; your words are far more venomous!"

Yingzhu pouted, looking aggrieved, and gave a soft, dissatisfied hum.

Nowadays, she feels no pressure at all in front of Liang Yunqian. If he questions her, she will explain first. If she can't explain clearly and he becomes unreasonable, she will start to ask questions back, shifting the pressure onto him.

Liang Yunqian's thick eyelashes were half-closed as he gazed into her eyes, his voice soft and gentle.

Do you like hearing sweet words?

Yingzhu's deer-like eyes flickered slightly. "That depends on who said it. Not everyone's sweet words can win my favor."

Liang Yunqian sat on the stool next to her, his elbows resting on the edge of the table, leaning slightly towards her, leisurely observing her.

What exactly constitutes sweet talk? For example?