The Crazy Emperor's Pampered Cousin

Madam Shen doted on her daughter and had a relaxed household discipline, never making her get up early to pay her respects.

As a result, Shen Tinghe developed the habit of sleeping until she naturally woke up from a young age.

Madam Shen patted the back of her hand, her tone gradually becoming more serious: "You should really rein in your temper. In two months you'll be marrying into the Eastern Palace and becoming the Crown Princess, do you understand?"

"If you're still sleeping in like this when the time comes, people will laugh at you."

Upon hearing this, Shen Tinghe lay back down on her pillow and muttered, "My brother, the Crown Prince, wouldn't laugh at me. Maybe after I marry him, he'll even allow me to sleep in later."

It has to be said that Shen Tinghe was right. After marrying into the Eastern Palace, Xie Yanzhao would indeed allow her to sleep even later, and she wouldn't wake up at all...

Madam Shen: "The Crown Prince loves you, but a woman is never as free after marriage as she is at her parents' home. You can't be so willful anymore."

Shen Tinghe, who had been feigning sleep, opened her eyes, a subtle unease veiling them.

She turned to look at her mother sitting by the bed: "Mother, what if he finds another woman in the future?"

Upon hearing this, Madam Shen looked up at her daughter.

Shen Tinghe's cheeks were flushed with a rosy glow, and her almond-shaped eyes, which always held a smile, were now filled with bewilderment.

Madam Shen couldn't help but chuckle softly, stroking her face: "You, you're just unaware of how blessed you are."

"That Crown Prince is arrogant and stubborn; who in the court doesn't fear him? But look at him towards you—he's not cold or hard at all."

Madam Shen's voice was gentle yet firm, her eyes full of understanding: "Your father and I have both seen it. His cold heart has long since been completely given to you."

"His love was clearly indulgence, a favoritism that no one else could receive."

She gently pinched her daughter's chin, her tone serious: "If we weren't certain of his sincerity towards you, how could your mother and father entrust you to him? This marriage was never because he is the crown prince, but simply because he is someone who truly cares for you."

"Yuan'er," Madam Shen held her daughter's slightly cool hand, her fingertips conveying warmth.

"Love can make people hesitant and insecure, and that's okay. But you need to know that the Crown Prince is not an ordinary man, much less one who is easily swayed by beauty or fickle. You should trust him more, and trust yourself more as well."

She paused, then said firmly, "My daughter came into this world to be cherished and pampered. Just do what you want to do, love whoever you want to love, and don't compromise yourself in the slightest."

"Your father and I will always be your strongest support. If he ever has any thoughts of separation in the future, we will leave him. Your maternal grandmother is still alive."

Looking at the undisguised love in her mother's eyes, Shen Tinghe felt a lump in her throat.

Grandmother Princess Zhaorong

The late emperor's younger sister, and also a female general who once donned armor and fought on the battlefield.

When the late emperor was conquering the land, her illustrious military achievements were in no way inferior to those of men. Now, she enjoys unparalleled prestige within the royal family, and no one dares to disrespect her.

Shen Tinghe's eyes were red, but her voice was much lighter: "I thought my mother would advise me that it was common for emperors to have three wives and four concubines, and that I should think more positively about it."

Upon hearing this, Madam Shen gently patted the back of her hand and said reproachfully, "In your heart, is this the kind of person your mother is? Would you let my precious daughter suffer?"

"Back then, the late emperor loved only Empress Yizhen for his entire life, leaving the six palaces empty, which became a beautiful story. Why can't the crown prince do the same? If he can't be this devoted, then our Yuan'er doesn't care."

The love story of the founding emperor, Emperor Chengyuan, and Empress Yizhen is a tale praised by all.

Emperor Chengyuan had only one wife, Empress Yizhen, throughout his life. The two supported each other through thick and thin, sharing the reins of the empire, and never harbored any suspicion or betrayal.

Shen Tinghe's unease vanished. She threw herself into her mother's arms, wrapping her arms tightly around her waist and nuzzling against her soft clothes, saying affectionately, "Mother~"

Madam Shen lovingly embraced her daughter, stroking her long, black hair with a gentle, expectant look in her eyes.

She didn't ask her daughter to be an empress, but only that she have a smooth and healthy life.

To win someone's heart is to stay together until old age, to be carefree forever, surrounded by love.

A maidservant helped Shen Tinghe wash up. She wore a bright blue brocade dress with floral embroidery, her skin was radiant, and her eyes still held a touch of innocent charm.

After washing up, Shen Tinghe took Madam Shen's arm and went to the front hall.

An exquisite breakfast was laid out on the rosewood dining table, with crab roe soup dumplings on a crystal plate and lotus seed soup warming in a celadon bowl.

Only Madam Shen and Shen Chengzhou were seated at the table; Shen Xuan had not yet returned from court.

Madam Shen said gently, "Tomorrow, the Duke of Changguo's mansion will be hosting a Thousand Flowers Banquet. You two will both come with me."

Shen Chengzhou, who was holding a bowl and drinking soup, paused upon hearing this, his eyes widening: "Huh? Sister and Mother can go, why should I go and join in the fun?"

"Of course, it's to find you suitable partners." Madam Shen put down her chopsticks.

"You're fifteen this year, not a child anymore. If you don't consider someone now, are you going to wait until you're twenty to pick one?"

"Mother." Shen Chengzhou still wanted to refuse, so he looked at Shen Tinghe beside him for help.

"Sister, please help me put in a good word for me!"

Seeing her younger brother's embarrassed expression, Shen Tinghe couldn't help but smile slightly, but she still gently shook her head, a hint of helpless amusement in her eyes.

In the end, it was Madam Shen who made the decision to take Shen Chengzhou along.

After breakfast, Shen Tinghe returned to her Jiangxi Courtyard.

The personal maid, Qingxu, entered carrying an exquisite sandalwood box.

"Miss, this was sent by His Highness the Crown Prince through the guard Jing Cang."

Shen Tinghe took the box and opened it. Inside was a letter, the envelope bulging as if it were wrapped with something hard.

She pulled out the letter with a puzzled look, and a military tally, entirely black and engraved with intricate scales, fell into her palm with a soft thud.

Lin Fu!

It can command all the guards in the palace. Although it cannot mobilize a million troops like the Tiger Tally, the palace is the residence of the emperor and the most vital place in the world. If this Tally falls into the hands of evil people, the consequences will be unimaginable.

She unfolded the letter.

Xie Yanzhao's handwriting leaps off the page; the strokes are vigorous and powerful, yet elegant and graceful—a style that even renowned calligraphers praise highly.

The letter contained only six words: Yuan Yuan, my dearest love.

No superfluous words, yet they speak louder than a thousand.

Shen Tinghe understood his intentions; he was giving her confidence.

She felt the talisman was burning hot in her hands; she was both touched and happy.

Shen Tinghe stood up: "Qingxu, Qingyu, help me change my clothes, I need to go to the palace."

With the token given by Xie Yanzhao, Shen Tinghe entered the palace without any hindrance.

When she arrived at the East Palace, Qi Lu, the eunuch serving the Crown Prince, was already waiting outside the palace gate. Upon seeing her, he immediately bowed and paid his respects.

"Miss Shen, His Highness is in his study handling official business. This servant will take you there immediately."

Is he busy? If it's inconvenient, I'll wait for him in the west room.

Qi Lu smiled gently, "Miss is too kind. With you here, His Highness is free from his busy schedule."