The Crazy Emperor's Pampered Cousin

Xie Yanzhao gave a low "hmm". He had no interest in other people, as long as this person was not important to Shen Tinghe.

As she leaned closer, his familiar, sweet fragrance enveloped him.

It's the scent of white plum blossoms infused with the warmth of jade, a fragrance unique to her.

Xie Yanzhao's Adam's apple bobbed slightly, and the restlessness in his heart was stirred up again.

In the past, when did we ever need to sit separately in the palace?

His Yuan Yuan always sat in his lap, surrounded and protected by him. He could kiss her lips with a simple lowering of his head, or bury his face in her neck, letting her warmth and fragrance overwhelm him.

Lost in thought, he unconsciously pulled her closer, his arms going around her waist and drawing her body toward him.

The wide sleeves of their court robes and the intricate phoenix-patterned skirts overlapped one after another, and beneath the table, their clothes were connected, their body heat mingling.

"What are you doing...?"

Shen Tinghe felt the pressure on her waist, and gently scolded him, covering his restless hand with her own.

Xie Yanzhao's voice was low and husky with a hint of a smile: "Just leave it like this, they won't see it."

Knowing she couldn't win against him, Shen Tinghe simply relaxed, gently tracing his hand with her fingertips, and softly calling out in a whisper that only he could hear.

"elder brother……"

This sound didn't make him let go; instead, he felt a light rub on his waist.

Shen Tinghe's ears burned slightly, and seeing that Ruan Qingnan's song was about to end, she had no choice but to let him go.

The sound of the flute faded away, leaving a lingering, melodious aftertaste.

Shen Tinghe sat up straight and looked at the girl who was still holding the bamboo flute with a warm smile.

"Miss Ruan's flute playing is clear, melodious, and profound, truly deserving of the title 'unparalleled.' I was captivated by her performance and hereby bestow upon her a pair of jade flutes, ten bolts of cloud brocade, and a delicate kingfisher hairpin to reward her for her beautiful music."

Ruan Qingnan's cheeks flushed red as she gracefully bowed, saying, "This humble woman thanks Your Majesty the Empress for your generous reward."

The people in the hall exchanged glances discreetly, their minds already clear.

This was no ordinary appreciation; it was clearly the Empress herself bestowing a bright future upon this girl.

Whether the flute player's skill level is high or low is secondary; if the Empress says she is good, then that is the final word before the Emperor.

From then on, who would dare to look down on her because of her humble background?

She was favored by the Empress and could leave her mark before the Emperor.

Shen Tinghe's gaze shifted slightly, meeting Shen Chengzhou's from a distance.

The younger brother's eyes shone with gratitude and a smile, and he silently said, "Thank you, older sister."

Shen Tinghe nodded slightly. How could she not know the coldness and warmth of the elite social circles in the capital?

The Shen family was at the height of its power, ranking among the top families in Da Zhao, while the Ruan family could be considered a small and insignificant family.

Such a disparity is bound to attract subtle jealousy, silent exclusion, and so on.

Today's action is to hold up an umbrella for that girl, shielding her from some unnecessary wind and rain.

As Ruan Qingnan returned to her seat at the end of the table with the reward in hand, the Shen family members quietly observed her.

Madam Shen's gaze was gentle as she carefully observed the woman's demeanor and expression. She then turned to her son beside her and whispered:

"She has a pretty face, clear eyes, and plays the flute with great feeling. She's a good girl. If you really like her, I'll ask for her for you. Our Shen family has come to this point and no longer needs marriage to expand our family. We only wish that you find someone who loves you and that you will live a peaceful and happy life."

Shen Chengzhou's eyes lit up instantly: "Thank you, Mother."

Madam Shen smiled and gave him a reproachful look: "You've quietly taken someone to your heart. You even know to pave the way for your sister, giving that girl some confidence. Our A-Zhou has truly grown up."

Ruan Qingnan started the conversation with her flute playing, and everyone at the banquet couldn't wait to have their own children show off their skills.

Now that the new emperor has ascended the throne and the empress is pregnant, it's only a matter of time before the harem is filled. Today's court banquet is supposed to be a celebration, but in reality, countless eyes are fixed on the throne, wondering who else can fit in.

Amidst the undercurrents, Lord He Mingsong was the first to stand up.

He walked with slightly unsteady steps to the emperor and bowed in greeting.

"Your Majesty, Your Majesty the Empress. I am unworthy, but to celebrate this joyous occasion, I have specially prepared a dance called 'Rainbow Skirt Dance,' which I wish to offer to Your Majesty and Your Majesty to enhance your refined enjoyment."

This Lord He is Consort Ming's elder brother and He Qinghui's father.

Although the past events involving Prince Cheng did not completely destroy the He family, they did cause their family to fall into disrepair and become precarious.

He spoke up before anyone else, because the He family urgently needed a daughter to enter the palace.

If they could gain His Majesty's favor, they would have the possibility of making a comeback and reviving their family.

He Mingsong could feel the gazes directed at him from the seats of the Shen and Ning families ahead.

But he couldn't care less about that. Their two families already enjoyed the Emperor's favor. Did they really want the Empress to have exclusive favor and stay by their side?

As the hall fell silent, and everyone lost in their own thoughts, the young emperor's clear and indifferent voice rang out from the throne:

"I refuse."

These four short words, neither too high nor too low, are like an icicle thrown into a warm pool.

Shen Tinghe covered her lips with her sleeve, barely managing to suppress her laughter.

He Mingsong stood there stunned, almost doubting that he had misheard.

Because he said, "My daughter is willing to offer a dance to Your Majesty," His Majesty replied, "I am unwilling."

A blatant rejection.

Xie Yanzhao's gaze swept over his stiff figure: "Since Lord He enjoys dance and music so much, he should return to his own residence and enjoy it at his leisure. You don't need to stay at this banquet any longer."

"Your Majesty!" He Mingsong knelt down with a thud, cold sweat instantly beading on his forehead.

"Your Majesty... Your Majesty is terrified! Your Majesty had no other intention, it's just..."

Xie Yanzhao had already helped Shen Tinghe to her feet, interrupting all the remaining words.

"I am feeling unwell and the Empress and I will leave the banquet first. May everyone enjoy themselves."

The emperor and empress left their seats hand in hand, and only after the two figures disappeared behind the brocade curtains of the side hall did a slight rustling sound escape from the tense hall.

Many people felt a pang of sadness and a heavy sense of warning.

Your Majesty's actions today have made your stance clear.

He was unwilling to recruit new women into the palace.

This is clearly a favoritism directed at the Empress.

However, many ministers who still had daughters of marriageable age in their families did not completely give up hope.

After all, there are precedents to follow.

Wasn't the retired emperor resolute back then? In the end, after repeated advice from his ministers, he gradually took on concubines and consorts, filling the harem.

Even the emperor, who has no private matters, ultimately cannot defy the "rules" and the "big picture."

As for Emperor Chengyuan and Empress Yizhen, their relationship was considered an unexpected one by most people.

First, Emperor Chengyuan was already quite old when he ascended the throne; second, he and Empress Yizhen already had three sons at that time.

However, Xie Yanzhao was not the retired emperor, and he was destined to disappoint some people.

None of the events at the banquet had anything to do with Xie Yanzhao and Shen Tinghe.

The two were riding in a dragon carriage towards the Star Gazing Tower.

The brocade curtains around the imperial carriage were lowered, creating a private space.

Shen Tinghe was almost half-encircled in Xie Yanzhao's arms.

His kisses fell softly, and he held her and kissed her for a long time. Shen Tinghe tried to push him away, but was afraid that her movements would be too big and attract attention.

She could only plead softly between kisses, "Brother, it hurts."

Xie Yanzhao stepped back slightly, his fingertips brushing across her lips, wiping away a little moisture.

"Didn't Yuan Yuan just say she was going to reward me?"