The Crazy Emperor's Pampered Cousin

"How is the Crown Princess's health being maintained lately? In your opinion, when would be the best time?"

The imperial physician replied, "Your Highness, the Crown Princess has been following the prescribed treatment for the past few months, and her qi and blood have gradually improved, her meridians are clear, and her health is indeed much better than before. However, if you want to be completely satisfied and achieve Your Highness's expectations, it would be best to continue her careful treatment for another two months, at which time her foundation will be even more solid."

Childbirth is like passing through the gates of hell for a woman, so Xie Yanzhao naturally had to think more about his precious baby.

Since their wedding, he not only took medicine to regulate his body, but also carefully arranged a long-term nourishing plan for Shen Tinghe.

What he wanted was never for his offspring to arrive as soon as possible, but for his Yuan Yuan to live a peaceful and comfortable life with less suffering.

"Okay." Xie Yanzhao nodded, his tone leaving no room for doubt.

"Then let her recuperate for another two months. Everything should be done with the Crown Princess's health in mind; there's no need to rush things."

"Your Highness is wise."

Xie Yanzhao: "She occasionally drinks alcohol and enjoys sweet and greasy foods. Does this hinder her health?"

"A little wine and a moderate amount of sweets are fine, just avoid overindulgence. Her Majesty's daily diet is well-regulated, so Your Highness need not worry too much."

Xie Yanzhao nodded slightly.

He always paid attention to what she ate, and while he indulged her, there were limits, so he figured it was fine.

Thinking about her recent new hobbies, he added.

"Starting tomorrow, the pulse diagnosis will be conducted once a day. You and Physician Lin must pay extra attention to the furnishings and utensils in the palace, especially the spices. Be sure to carefully inspect them, and replace any that are incompatible or unfavorable. Under no circumstances should the Crown Princess come into contact with them unintentionally."

Since the witchcraft incident, Shen Tinghe seems to have developed an interest in perfumery, often tinkering with incense balls and cakes in her spare time.

Xie Yanzhao did not want to dampen her spirits or spoil her joy, so he could only carefully filter out the potential risks for her.

She can do whatever she wants; he will always pave the way and clear away the dust for her.

"Yes, Your Majesty, I will remember this and will be extremely careful."

Afterwards, Xie Yanzhao asked about everything in great detail for a long time, from food and drink to daily routines and even emotional well-being. He inquired about everything that Xie Yanzhao was concerned about.

Physician Wang bowed deeply and answered all questions in detail, daring not to omit anything.

When Physician Wang finally bowed and left the study, stepping out of the majestic threshold of the East Palace, he realized that the back of his clothes was slightly damp.

He let out a long sigh of relief and raised his hand to wipe away non-existent cold sweat from his forehead.

Although His Highness the Crown Prince did not speak harshly, his imposing presence and the sharp glint in his eyes made it impossible for anyone to relax their guard.

What impressed him even more was the detail and foresight of His Highness's questions. Many of the subtle points were things that even he, an old imperial physician who had specialized in gynecology for decades, might not have thought of immediately.

Imperial Physician Wang glanced back at the solemn gates of the East Palace, stroked his beard, shook his head, and sighed softly.

"I never imagined... that Your Highness would be such a devoted person."

Who could have imagined that His Highness the Crown Prince, who was so shrewd and commanded respect in the court, would be so considerate and attentive to the well-being of his Crown Princess in private?

Such profound and boundless protection is truly unimaginable unless witnessed firsthand today.

After the imperial physician Wang left, Xie Yanzhao sat quietly for a moment, then gently tapped his knuckles twice on the rosewood table.

"Jing Cang".

As soon as the words were spoken, a dark figure silently entered the inner hall like the wind and knelt on one knee: "Your Highness."

Xie Yanzhao: "Have there been any recent rumors in the capital about the Crown Princess and her children?"

Jing Cang lowered his head: "Your Highness, not for the time being. There were a few scattered discussions last month, which came from two taverns. We have dealt with them cleanly as you instructed, and no one will speak out again in the future."

Xie Yanzhao slowly turned his gaze, a cold glint flashing in his eyes.

How could anyone else possibly have a say in his affairs?

He would personally crush every single one of those ants hiding in the shadows, thinking they could gossip about the Crown Prince's private affairs.

"Keep a close eye on it. Any rumors circulating about the Crown Princess, no matter where they originate or who they involve, must be dealt with immediately without mercy."

"Yes." Jing Cang accepted the order, and his figure silently retreated into the shadows as he had arrived.

The hall fell silent again.

Xie Yanzhao closed his eyes and concentrated for a moment, suppressing the anger he had just felt, before getting up and heading to the back hall.

When the bedroom door was pushed open, a warm fragrance wafted from the gilded bronze incense burner with animal heads, carrying the sweet floral scent that Shen Tinghe was used to.

She had already gotten up and was sitting in front of the mirror, wearing only a moon-white soft silk undergarment, her long, ink-black hair cascading down her shoulders.

A palace maid standing to the side was combing her hair with a jade comb in her hand.

Seeing him enter through the mirror, she immediately turned her face, gave him a coquettish glare, and pouted slightly.

Xie Yanzhao couldn't help but chuckle softly.

He originally intended to return before she woke up, but he ended up talking to Physician Wang for too long. Moreover, she got up earlier than usual today, which displeased his wife.

Xie Yanzhao waved for the palace maid to leave, then took the warm jade comb and walked behind her.

The mirror reflected the figures of two people, one standing and one sitting.

Her hair flowed through his fingers, cool and smooth as a waterfall, warm to the touch.

Shen Tinghe, however, caught a glimpse of his movement in the mirror, reached out and grabbed his wrist, her eyes full of suspicion: "You know how to comb hair?"

Xie Yanzhao raised an eyebrow, leaned close to her ear, and asked with a smile, "Yuanyuan, how many times did your brother comb your hair when you were little?"

"Those are the simplest hairstyles."

She turned around and tried to grab the comb: "Now I want to comb my hair nicely."

Xie Yanzhao took the opportunity to pull her into his arms, his arms encircling her slender waist.

With his other hand, he gently pinched her chin, making her turn her face.

His gaze lingered heavily on her face, from her slightly furrowed brows to her moist lips, his eyes deep and warm, like ink that could not be dissolved.

"Yuan Yuan is already very beautiful," he said softly, gently stroking her cheek with his fingertips.

Shen Tinghe proudly raised her delicate chin: "I've always been very beautiful."

Xie Yanzhao's smile deepened as he straightened her shoulders and helped her sit back down.

The jade comb was once again inserted into his thick hair. Although his movements were not very skillful, he was extremely patient and gentle.

As he styled her hair, he said, "I'm taking you to the archery range today. The autumn hunt is coming soon. Yuan Yuan, wouldn't you like to ride a horse and shoot arrows? Would you like to hunt something yourself?"

"Shooting range?" Shen Tinghe suddenly turned his head, his eyes wide open, a few strands of hair slipping through his fingers.

He gently turned her head back and continued what he was doing: "Hmm. Don't you want to go?"

"Yes!" Her voice suddenly filled with joy.

Finally, her hair was styled into a neat single bun, with a simple silver hairpin inserted diagonally.

Shen Tinghe changed into a begonia-red brocade robe with arrow-sleeved sleeves, the hem embroidered with dark silver flowing cloud patterns, a leather belt around her waist, and small boots on her feet. She stood there looking bright and dashing.

The shooting range was open, and Xie Yanzhao moved close from behind her, wrapped his arm around her, and covered her hand that was drawing the bow.

As the bowstring tightened, his chest pressed against her back, his warm breath brushing against her ear.

"Keep your eyes on the arrowhead, keep your mind calm, and focus your strength."

Her fingertips trembled slightly in his palm.

"Don't be afraid, I'm here."

As soon as the words were spoken, the arrow left the bowstring.

After the sharp sound of something cutting through the air, the red tassel on the target in the distance trembled in response.

Shen Tinghe turned around, her eyes shining brighter than the autumn sun.

Xie Yanzhao still had his arms around her, and he lowered his head to gently kiss her hair, a smile emanating from his chest, deep and tender.