The Crazy Emperor's Pampered Cousin

Xie Yanzhao's voice was hoarse, with an almost pitying, playful tone: "How pitiful you are, my darling."

Shen Tinghe knew best how to manipulate him, never missing an opportunity to soften his heart.

She clung to him, wrapped her arms around his neck, and pressed her soft, boneless body against his chest.

"Brother...am I a good boy?"

Xie Yanzhao did not answer immediately, but lowered his eyes, his gaze tracing her entire body inch by inch.

His gaze was intense and deep, filled with undisguised scrutiny and possessiveness as he watched her tentatively explore and rub against him in his arms, sensing every subtle movement she made in an attempt to ignite him.

He remained steadfast, letting her "misbehave" as she pleased.

He only made his move when her waist was sore and she was about to slip off him.

His broad, warm hands firmly supported her lower back, pulling her back into his arms.

"Naughty." Xie Yanzhao uttered two words.

Sweetheart, sweetheart, the beast of possession in his heart wanted to devour her completely and meld her into his very bones.

Shen Tinghe straightened up angrily: "Still not being good? I've done everything you say. Xie Yanzhao, don't push your luck!"

Xie Yanzhao raised an eyebrow slightly, a dangerous yet amused smile flashing in his eyes, and slowly asked in return.

"Who pushed their luck first?"

Shen Tinghe was taken aback. Her bravado instantly vanished, and she deflated, timidly trying to shrink back into his arms.

is her.

A few months ago, she took advantage of her pregnancy and used various methods to provoke him.

Seeing him endure until his eyes reddened but he was helpless, he even chuckled smugly.

He kept all those old grievances for her, one by one.

Shen Tinghe was on the verge of tears. Why did she have to pay back the "sin" she had committed a few months ago, with interest?

She really couldn't take it anymore.

As she drifted in and out of consciousness, Xie Yanzhao's kiss landed on her again.

With a mark-like significance, my gaze lingered on her shoulders, neck, and collarbone...

Leaving behind faint traces of crimson, like red plum blossoms in the snow, both beautiful and private.

Only after he had fully appreciated his own "work" did Xie Yanzhao's deep gaze slowly move downwards.

With a satisfied and almost ritualistic focus, he locked onto his next target.

I've noted it down; it's time to savor this place properly.

……

The brocade quilt covered her body, leaving only Shen Tinghe's head exposed.

In her dazed state, she grabbed Xie Yanzhao's hair, but could do nothing else.

Chen Ziye stood at the end of the official road, looking up.

The majestic city walls of the capital stand before me.

A constant stream of people and vehicles, the noise reaching you from afar, mingled with the scents of dust, goods, and everyday life.

We've finally arrived in the capital.

He was incredibly grateful to the two benefactors he had met in Xingzhou; without that silver ingot, he feared he would have truly become a beggar.

He clasped his hands together and bowed deeply with utmost sincerity.

"Your Majesty, you are truly my great benefactor."

Chen Ziye held the token in her hand.

With this item, the new emperor will surely be able to smoothly enter the Imperial Observatory upon his ascension to the throne.

I don't seek great wealth or high status, I just want to make a living.

Beijing, here I come!

At this moment, Chen Ziye had no idea that in a while, he would deeply regret coming to the capital.

The Imperial Study.

When Qi Lu entered, bowing as he carried in the freshly brewed Huai Shan Yun Wu tea, this was the scene that greeted his eyes:

His Majesty, who should have been sitting upright behind his desk reviewing memorials, was instead condescending to sit in a rosewood armchair at the lower end of the table.

On the small table that had been temporarily moved to his side, memorials were piled up like a mountain, teetering on the verge of collapse, with some even slipping to the ground.

His Majesty always held a copy of the memorials in his hand, reviewing them with his wrist suspended.

Behind that broad and imposing rosewood desk sat the Empress.

The memorials, writing brushes, ink, and seals that were originally lined up on the table have been cleared away, leaving only a roll of drawing paper. She is now holding a brush and adding color, looking relaxed and at ease.

The throne was wide, which made her figure appear even more slender, yet strangely it also suppressed the solemnity of the space that belonged to an emperor.

Qi Lu did not pause, his eyelids already drooping habitually as he stared at the tea tray in his hands, his heart undisturbed.

He had seen this kind of scene many times before.

He first walked to the imperial desk, placed a teacup beside Shen Tinghe, and bowed, saying:

"Your Majesty, this is a newly tribute yam cloud mist, the first batch of buds this year. We only managed to get this small jar. It has a sweet and mellow taste with a long aftertaste. Please taste it."

Shen Tinghe nodded slightly, picked up her teacup, took a small sip, and relaxed her brows and eyes: "Hmm, it's not bad."

Qi Lu responded with a "Yes," and picked up another cup, preparing to deliver it to His Majesty below, as was customary.

No sooner had he moved his foot than the Empress's voice rang out:

"Hey, wait a minute."

Qi Lu stopped.

Shen Tinghe glanced at Xie Yanzhao, her chin slightly raised, revealing an obvious air of pride.

"No need to put it on him."

Qi Lu was taken aback: "This..."

He quickly glanced at His Majesty below, wondering to himself: What has he done to offend the Empress this time?

"His Majesty's status is so noble that only dragon liver and phoenix marrow are worthy of such a gift. This ordinary tea is surely not worthy of His Majesty's approval, and serving it would be a waste. Please remove it."

Qi Lu was puzzled and confused.

If Huai Shan Yunwu tea is considered "ordinary tea," then there are probably very few teas in the world that can be called precious.

Xie Yanzhao looked at his young wife.

There was no anger in his eyes, but rather a look of indulgence, as if he were looking at a kitten that was deliberately showing its claws but had no real threat.

Proud, and dignified.

She was so cute that it made his heart flutter.

Last night I angered this little darling. She begged for mercy but to no avail. Finally, she fell asleep exhausted with tears still clinging to the corners of her eyes.

She's throwing a tantrum at him.

Xie Yanzhao followed her words: "The Empress is very considerate. Qi Lu, take it away, I am indeed not thirsty. After all..."

He paused slightly, a meaningful smile curving his lips: "Last night, I had already drunk my fill of the sweet spring."

Shen Tinghe: "..."

Although Qi Lu didn't understand what it meant, he felt that he shouldn't be there.

"This servant takes his leave."

He carried the cup of Huai Shan Yunwu wine, which His Majesty was not fortunate enough to enjoy, and retreated, thoughtfully closing the heavy palace door tightly behind him.

"Xie Yanzhao!"

Shen Tinghe blushed when she heard his words.

As soon as Qi Lu left, she was so angry that she wanted to grab whatever was at hand and throw it at that hateful person.

However, as far as the eye could see, the imperial desk was empty except for the unfinished painting, an inkstone, two brushes, and the cup of tea that Qi Lu had just served.

Because all the other items had been piled up on the small table next to Xie Yanzhao as a form of "punishment".

Xie Yanzhao chuckled as he looked at her, both embarrassed and annoyed, with nowhere to vent her frustration.

He calmly rose and walked behind the imperial desk.

Shen Tinghe didn't want to talk to this person, so she turned her back to him.

Anyway, she couldn't control him at night, biting and cuddling her fiercely. If she didn't release her pent-up desire during the day, she would be driven crazy with frustration.