The Crazy Emperor's Pampered Cousin

Li Qu was truly cunning and treacherous; he buried all 300,000 taels of disaster relief silver under the Lingshen Temple.

Today, most of the disaster victims in Lingzhou are taking refuge around temples. Who would have thought that the money they pray for day and night to save their lives is actually right below where they are hiding?

Li Qu put on a good show by opening the official granaries to distribute porridge, increasing the number of yamen runners to maintain order, and personally comforting the disaster victims, winning him a reputation as an "upright official" and a "benevolent minister."

Behind the scenes, he embezzled all the relief funds allocated by the imperial court and hid them in the most "sacred" place where no one would suspect him.

"I have secretly dispatched people to transport most of the silver out in batches."

Shen Chengbo continued his report: "The resettlement of houses, distribution of grain seeds, and work-for-relief programs have all been initiated. As for Li Qu, I only told him that it was private money I raised from relatives and friends in the capital, plus a special allocation from His Highness to help the disaster victims. He did not suspect anything."

Shen Chengbo concealed his true identity when he was transferred to Lingzhou. Only the governor, Li Qu, knew that he was the eldest grandson of the Prince of Dingshan and the maternal grandson of the Grand Princess Zhaorong.

Given their family background, it's not surprising that they could raise some money.

"The current difficulties faced by the people of Lingzhou have been resolved; all that remains is the account book and secret letter in Lin Yao's possession."

Shen Chengbo frowned slightly.

Li Qu had been an official for many years and acted with extreme caution. Lin Yao had been lying low for two years before obtaining crucial evidence, but he was still discovered to be suspicious, and his whereabouts are now unknown.

The evidence also disappeared without a trace.

Xie Yanzhao tapped his fingertips lightly on the table: "In your previous letter, you mentioned that Lin Yao had contact with a woman before his disappearance?"

"Yes. Following this clue, we have made some progress, but we have not yet found the person."

Shen Chengbo replied, "That woman seems to be a local from Lingzhou. She is elusive and quite secretive."

"Most of the evidence has already been handed over to her."

Xie Yanzhao's gaze turned cold, like a sharpened blade: "Li Qu's retirement banquet is in three days. We must find her before then. I want this retirement banquet to become his execution banquet."

"Your subject understands." Shen Chengbo solemnly accepted the order.

The two then discussed for a while the follow-up arrangements for Lingzhou and the details of the resettlement of the disaster victims.

After the matter was concluded, Shen Chengbo bowed and took his leave.

As he reached the door and was about to push it open, Xie Yanzhao's icy voice rang out from behind him. It wasn't loud, but every word was clear and suffocating.

"Shen Qing."

Shen Chengbo stopped in his tracks.

"Before Yuan Yuan is a daughter of the Shen family, she is first and foremost my Crown Princess." Xie Yanzhao did not turn around, his voice devoid of emotion but carrying a clear warning.

"Remember your limits and don't overstep them."

Shen Chengbo turned around and met Xie Yanzhao's gaze.

In that instant, a chill ran down his spine.

That was not the gaze of an ordinary nobleman or crown prince, but the gaze of an emperor, looking down with indifferent scrutiny, as if all things were in his grasp, and life and death were decided in a single thought.

He suddenly remembered his grandfather and maternal grandfather often sighing in private.

Fortunately for the Great Zhao Dynasty, after the late emperor, there was still Xie Yanzhao.

This crown prince was born to rule the world.

Shen Chengbo clicked his tongue inwardly.

He was clearly upset about the time Yuan Yuan rushed over and hugged him earlier.

To even interfere in the closeness between siblings—that's a bit too much jealousy.

Before getting married, they would at least pretend, but now they're too lazy to even bother to hide it anymore.

Despite having a thousand complaints in his heart, Shen Chengbo could only lower his head on the surface.

A ruler is a ruler, and a subject is a subject.

He lowered his eyes, his voice sounding almost like he was gritting his teeth: "Your humble servant... will remember."

Xie Yanzhao then subtly relaxed his expression, showing his satisfaction.

All his tenderness and indulgence were reserved for Shen Tinghe alone.

As for others? He had long since given up on maintaining that facade.

Shen Tinghe belongs to him.

He needs everyone, including her closest relatives, to remember this.

Shen Tinghe changed into a moon-white brocade men's robe, his black hair was tied up with a jade crown, and he held a gold-leafed folding fan, looking every bit the handsome and noble young man.

However, her eyebrows and eyes were too bright, and her skin was too fair; upon closer inspection, there were still flaws.

But she didn't care at all, her bright eyes fixed on the brightly lit five-story pavilion in front of her—Spring Breeze Pavilion.

The faint sounds of string and wind instruments drifted from beneath the gilded plaque, mingled with a subtle fragrance of cosmetics and the aroma of wine.

She whispered excitedly, "If I tell Axi when we get back to the capital, she'll jump for joy."

Places that were once only imagined through storybooks are now truly right before our eyes.

This is the famous "First Spring Breeze Pavilion" in Zhao. It is said that there are beauties of all kinds, actors with superb talents, and even aloof and arrogant male prostitutes. There is nothing you can't see if you can imagine it.

Qinglan, standing behind him, lowered her voice: "Young Master, if His Highness... if my wife at home finds out, I'm afraid..."

Shen Tinghe swiftly unfolded her folding fan, partially obscuring her face, revealing only her smiling, curved eyes.

"We're dressed like this, not looking for male prostitutes, just want to watch the singing and dancing, listen to the music, and broaden our horizons. If he even interferes with this, then I... I won't speak to him for three days!"

Qinglan and Qingdai exchanged a glance, both seeing the helplessness and a knowing smile in each other's eyes.

This is roughly a case of one thing subduing another.

The Crown Prince, who was feared even in the Eastern Palace and the Imperial Court, was completely under the thumb of the man before him.

Every time he seemed to be furious, he would eventually give in to the Crown Princess's soft pleas or feigned anger, and in most cases, His Highness would be the one to back down first.

The three stepped into Chunfeng Tower, immediately enveloped by a wave of noise and heat. The main hall was packed with distinguished guests, their glasses clinking and toasts flowing. On the stage, graceful dancers twirled to the strains of a pipa.

The madam, Wang Mama, with her sharp eyes, immediately swayed her hips and came forward to greet them.

Having spent half her life immersed in the world of pleasure, she could tell at a glance that these three "gentlemen" were actually beautiful women, yet she remained unfazed, her smile growing even brighter.

When you're in business, real money is what matters. What does it matter to her whether the customer is male or female, or what their background is?

"Oh my goodness, where did this handsome young man come from? He exudes an air of nobility! Please come inside!"

With a flick of her handkerchief, a fragrant breeze wafted through the air.

"What kind of companions do you gentlemen prefer? We have all kinds here: refined, lively, skilled in poetry and literature, and knowledgeable in music!"

Shen Tinghe steadied himself, mimicking the image of a romantic and talented scholar in his memory, and gestured with his folding fan, lowering his voice: "I want a pretty girl, with a gentle temperament, who can sing, dance, or tell stories."

Qinglan handed over a silver note at the opportune moment.

When Wang's mother glanced at her forehead, her eyes instantly brightened, and her attitude became even more enthusiastic.

"Understood, understood! Young master, please come to the private room upstairs. I'll call all the best girls over right away; I guarantee you'll be satisfied!"

The private room was decorated in a refined yet enchanting style, with a faint fragrance of pear blossoms.

Before long, five or six women, each with their own unique charm, filed in, all dressed up and smiling radiantly.

Some carried pipa (a traditional Chinese stringed instrument), while others wore long, flowing skirts. After a graceful greeting, they followed Shen Tinghe's instructions, some playing the instrument, others dancing.

There was another eloquent person sitting nearby, softly recounting local tales and anecdotes of Lingzhou, which occasionally made Shen Tinghe chuckle softly while covering his face with his fan.