The Crazy Emperor's Pampered Cousin

Yuan Chi's voice was calm and even as he reported on all the details of the flower-viewing banquet during the day, the conversations and behaviors of the noble ladies, and especially the matter of Prince Cheng, Xie Xuancheng.

Upon hearing the name "Shen Yunlan," Xie Yanzhao looked up, his brows slowly furrowing: "You chose Shen Yunlan?"

"Yes. After the selection of the concubines, the two had a brief conversation behind the artificial hill. In my opinion, His Highness Prince Cheng was quite impatient with Miss Shen."

Xie Yanzhao's lips curled into a cold, emotionless smile.

The other girls in the Shen family were just vague shadows to him; he couldn't even remember what Shen Yunlan looked like.

But he knew Xie Xuancheng's thoughts all too well.

It was like this when we were little. My younger brother, who always pretended to be innocent and harmless, liked to follow Yuan Yuan around.

Despite harboring ulterior motives, he managed to project the most endearing and obedient image. His Yuan Yuan, innocent and naive at the time, genuinely found that "younger brother" lovable.

Now that he's grown up, Xie Xuancheng has perfected the art of portraying that feigned gentleness and composure.

Only Xie Yanzhao saw clearly that he was nothing more than a despicable dog in sheep's clothing.

A despicable dog who likes to covet other men's wives.

At this thought, a chill settled in his eyes.

"Find a way to deal with Shen Yunlan. I don't want to see her marry Xie Xuancheng."

Even if Xie Xuancheng only wanted a poor substitute, even if the fake might not even have a trace of Yuan Yuan's charm, he wouldn't allow it.

The thought itself is disgusting enough.

"Yes." Yuan Chi accepted the order and moved slightly to leave.

Just then, a very soft whimper came from the inner room, like a young animal startled in its dream.

Xie Yanzhao's expression changed drastically. His cold and calculating demeanor vanished instantly. He almost immediately stood up and strode towards the inner room.

Shen Tinghe did not wake up; she just had a nightmare.

Her brows were furrowed, and muffled, aggrieved sobs escaped her throat, her body trembling slightly beneath the quilt.

"Jiaojiao, your husband is here, don't be afraid."

Xie Yanzhao sat on the edge of the couch, pulling her and the blanket into his arms, his palms resting on her back, patting her gently and steadily.

His lips brushed against her ear, his voice low and gentle, carrying a reassuring strength.

Shen Tinghe gradually calmed down in the familiar, crisp air and warm embrace. Her tightly furrowed brows slowly relaxed, and she unconsciously snuggled against his chest, her breathing becoming long and even again.

Xie Yanzhao did not release her immediately.

He maintained his embrace, his fingertips gently combing through her loose hair, his gaze fixed on the void, deep and unfathomable.

His Yuan Yuan was as beautiful as the bright moon in the clouds and the clear spring in the mountain stream.

There are countless people in the world who admire the bright moon and yearn to scoop up water from it.

But the moon had already fallen into his arms.

Any attempt to approach, spy on, or even try to confuse the public with counterfeits is an invasion of his territory and must be utterly crushed.

He lowered his head and placed a soft, feather-like kiss between her sleeping brows, a gesture that contained an undeniable and absolute possessiveness.

Perhaps because she had slept too much during the day, Shen Tinghe was wide awake on her large bed at night.

The curtains fell on the large bed.

Xie Yanzhao, dressed in his undergarments, leaned against the headboard with one leg bent, in a relaxed posture.

He smiled and looked up, watching his little wife, like a lively little sparrow, describing something with exaggerated gestures.

The doting look in Xie Yanzhao's eyes was almost overflowing, enveloping her in a tangible way.

Shen Tinghe shared her dream from today: "A huge snake, black with dark gold patterns on it, and this thick."

She stretched out her arms, trying to form an exaggerated circle: "It just suddenly hung down from the beam, icy cold, and wrapped itself around my waist in an instant."

As she spoke, she subconsciously touched her side.

Xie Yanzhao reached out and firmly grasped her small hand, which she was gesturing to, enveloping it in his palm.

"Really? My Yuan Yuan was frightened?"

"Mmm." Shen Tinghe nodded, then snuggled closer, softly resting on his chest, seeking protection and warmth.

"I think I've heard people say that dreaming of snakes has some kind of bad omen. I hope I don't get sick or anything."

Xie Yanzhao's expression softened. He wrapped his arm around her shoulder and back, holding her even closer, while his other hand gently stroked her cloud-like black hair that cascaded down her back.

He lowered his head and kissed the top of her head before speaking softly, "Silly Yuan Yuan, a snake or viper is an auspicious omen for a woman. Snakes are considered spiritual creatures, and the ancients regarded dreams of snakes as a lucky sign of giving birth to talented men. Perhaps..."

He paused slightly, then slid his hand down from her waist to gently press on her flat, soft abdomen, kneading it with great care.

He raised his eyes, his gaze locking onto her. His eyes, bathed in warm yellow light, appeared incredibly deep, churning with intense desire and a profound longing.

"Perhaps Jiaojiao is already carrying my child."

Shen Tinghe blushed at his blunt words and the warmth of his palm, and buried her face deeper into his neck, muttering softly in protest, "No, I didn't..."

Her warm breath sprayed onto his skin, causing a slight shiver to run through him.

Xie Yanzhao chuckled softly. He turned his head and found her soft earlobe and cheek, placing delicate kisses on them.

"No?" He took her earlobe into his mouth, his voice becoming hoarse and his breath hot.

"Then... I will exert myself even more tonight and grant the Crown Princess a child, shall I?"

"Hmm~ No."

Shen Tinghe was so amused by him that she felt weak all over. She refused verbally, but her arms wrapped around him even tighter.

Xie Yanzhao felt the dependence and closeness of the delicate body in his arms, and patted her back gently with satisfaction, as if coaxing his most beloved treasure.

"Yuan Yuan, can't you sleep? It's alright, your husband will help you. You'll be so tired that you can fall asleep peacefully."

After he finished speaking, he said no more, his fingers deftly untying the ties of her inner garment.

Layers of curtains, like smoke and mist, swayed gently, softly enveloping the gradually rising temperature on the couch and the intimate figures on it.

Only faint, soft sounds and suppressed gasps remained, weaving together to create the most touching lullaby of the night.

In the imperial court, nine dragons coiled around the pillars, and incense wafted around.

The gilded dragon throne was empty, while in the slightly lower dragon-patterned throne a little ahead sat the Crown Prince Xie Yanzhao, who was in charge of the country.

Dressed in black robes and crimson skirts, with his hair bound by a jade crown, his face was as cold as jade, and where his gaze fell, the assembled officials held their breath.

In the ranks of civil officials, an imperial censor stepped forward.

"Your Highness, torrential rains continue in Yuzhou, causing three breaches in the dikes. People are displaced, and the number of dead and injured is countless. We beseech Your Highness to make a decision."

As soon as he finished speaking, the Zichen Hall fell into a deathly silence. Many people lowered their heads in unison, staring at the scepter or the tips of their boots.

Yuzhou, it's Yuzhou again.

There was a flood three years ago, which was stopped but the imperial envoy at the time died as a result.

Doing this well might not bring much credit, but doing it badly could lead to utter ruin and irreversible consequences.

In the oppressive silence, Xie Yanzhao's voice descended from above, clear and steady, without the slightest hint of emotion.