The Crazy Emperor's Pampered Cousin

Xie Yanzhao looked down at the sleeping face of the person in his arms, the candlelight casting a soft, warm glow on her face.

Her long eyelashes trembled gently with her breath, and her lips were slightly pouting, completely unguarded.

The resentment he felt towards outsiders had long since vanished under the warmth of this tenderness, leaving only a feeling of complete satisfaction and peace.

He wasn't actually angry tonight.

If one really needs a reason, it's simply indulging in desires that have lingered in one's heart for a long time.

He wanted to become more entangled with her and possess her more deeply.

He didn't force her if she didn't want to.

But the scene tonight where Ji Yunzhan pointed at her nose and insulted her was like a fine thorn, piercing into the most untouchable area of ​​his heart.

Xie Yanzhao lowered his head and kissed Shen Tinghe's sleeping forehead, his gaze gradually darkening in the dim light.

After the autumn hunt, he will ascend the throne.

He wasn't in a hurry to truly grasp this vast land.

He already possessed the substance of an emperor; all he lacked was the title.

But now, Xie Yanzhao wants to give Shen Tinghe the best of everything.

He wanted her to stand at the highest point, enjoying unparalleled honor.

He wanted to place the heaviest stakes on her, so that no one would dare to point a finger at her, insult her, or belittle her in the slightest.

If she were the Empress, perhaps none of this would have happened tonight.

Perhaps nothing has actually changed, but he insists on making everything different for her.

He wanted his Yuan Yuan to never have to frown because of anyone's ignorance and arrogance.

He wanted to give her the most unquestionable favoritism in the world.

As the candlelight dimmed, he held the person in his arms even tighter, and closed his eyes amidst the warmth of the tent and her sweet fragrance.

The next day, Shen Tinghe indeed woke up very late. Xie Yanzhao, as usual, got up early.

When they returned to the tent, the inner room was still quiet.

The commotion last night lasted until breakfast time, and Shen Tinghe was still curled up deep in the quilt, fast asleep.

Xie Yanzhao sat down on the edge of the bed, and gently pulled her and the blanket into his arms, letting her lean against his chest.

"Yuan Yuan," he called her softly, his palm stroking her long hair that was loose over her shoulders and back.

"How about you have some breakfast before you go to sleep?"

The person in his arms didn't react at all, only unconsciously burying their face deeper into his clothes.

Helpless, he gently patted her back with his fingertips, his voice becoming even softer, as if coaxing a young child.

"Just a few bites, okay? Otherwise you'll feel uncomfortable."

Shen Tinghe was finally disturbed and stirred, her eyelids opening with difficulty a crack.

Immediately, a wave of grievance washed over her, still not fully awake; her nose stung, and soft sobs broke out intermittently.

"Waaaaah...waaaah..."

She exuded resentment at being deprived of sleep; her drowsiness mixed with annoyance made her mumble her accusations incoherently.

"I hate Xie Yanzhao the most..."

The crown prince of a country, being scolded by name like this, only slightly raised the corners of his lips, steadily supporting her with his arms, and continued to coax her softly.

"Yes, brother is annoying. Yuan Yuan, eat something first, then continue scolding, okay?"

Over the years, having raised this pampered child who had grown up by his side since childhood, he had long since lost his temper.

Even those who are decisive and ruthless in the imperial court can only have endless patience in front of her.

Shen Tinghe just shook her head, tears wetting his clothes, sobbing, "Sleepy...I want to sleep..."

Xie Yanzhao stroked her back gently, one stroke at a time, slow and steady: "Okay, okay, go to sleep. I won't eat anymore."

Her sobs gradually subsided under his rhythmic, gentle pats.

Xie Yanzhao lowered his head, his lips brushing against her earlobe, and asked in a whisper, "You really can't eat any?"

"Hmm..." she mumbled in response, her voice heavy with weariness, as if she were half asleep.

Xie Yanzhao sighed softly and nuzzled her soft hair with his chin.

He had indeed spoiled her too much last night. But how could he bear to be cruel when she clung to him with tears in her eyes?

"Go to sleep, your husband is here."

Once her breathing had completely calmed down and she had fallen into a deep sleep, Xie Yanzhao carefully placed her back on the pillow and tucked her in.

Xie Yanzhao sat on the edge of the bed and looked at her for a moment, then raised his hand and gently pressed his forehead.

This can't go on. He thought to himself.

He can't just give in to her every time she acts cute or unreasonable in the future.

In front of this precious girl, his bottom line seemed to have been pushed back again and again, almost to the point of non-existence.

We need to think of a way.

But as soon as the thought crossed his mind, looking at her peaceful sleeping face, the "determination" that had just been formed in his heart quietly melted away.

Never mind, there's always tomorrow.

He rose and quietly walked out of the inner room. The maids waiting outside immediately bowed.

"Boil a bowl of nourishing soup and simmer it over low heat. Once the Crown Princess wakes up naturally and feels more comfortable, then serve it to her."

"Yes, Your Highness," Qingyu replied.

Xie Yanzhao looked at the slightly swaying tent curtain with a gentle gaze.

Even though I feel helpless, even though I know I shouldn't spoil them like this.

But this unconditional pampering, which belonged only to her, had long been a habit ingrained in his bones and blood, and he couldn't break it.

The autumn hunt lasted three days, and the second day had already begun.

As is customary, a hunting competition will be held today.

The forest is vast, and horns sound. Anyone, regardless of gender, skilled in riding and archery can ride into the forest. The game is limited to two hours, and the one who hunts the most and the fiercest wins.

In an instant, the sound of horses' hooves thundered, arrows pierced the air, and the forest was filled with a cacophony of noise.

Two hours later, the hunters returned one after another, and the eunuchs and servants busily counted and recorded each person's prey.

When the final results were announced, there were not many surprises.

This year's top spot still belongs to General Gu He.

This general, who was over thirty years old, was an expert archer and a superb horseman. He hunted far more stags and wild boars than others, and was even more formidable than many young men in their early twenties.

He was a trusted minister promoted by Crown Prince Xie Yanzhao, and his ability to fight and his unwavering loyalty were well-known throughout the court and the country.

The third place is truly remarkable.

Shen Chengzhou, the second son of the Prince of Dingshan.

The boy, only fifteen years old and not yet fully grown, rode a jet-black steed with his back ramrod straight.

He didn't hunt the most prey, but among them was a fully grown leopard, which was pierced through the neck by an arrow, demonstrating his courage and accuracy.

This record allowed him to surpass many experienced veterans and secure a place in the top three.

A chorus of sighs and praises rose from the crowd.

"As expected of the grandson of Prince Shen, his skills truly resemble the old prince's archery prowess on the battlefield!"

"Look at that leopard's arrow wound, clean and swift, he's a formidable opponent. Given time, he might become another valiant general in our dynasty."

Some people were secretly observing the Shen family members, their minds churning with calculations.

The Shen family of this generation is truly dazzling and awe-inspiring.

The eldest daughter, Shen Tinghe, has a deep bond with the Crown Prince and is destined to become the Empress.

The eldest son, Shen Chengjin, is only in his early twenties. He has already been promoted to prefect based on his merits. He has a clean reputation for governance and a promising future.

Now, the second young master, Shen Chengzhou, at the young age of fifteen, has already shown his brilliance in the autumn hunt, revealing his potential as a military general.

Within the same sect, those in civil, military, and empress positions all held a significant advantage.

The Shen family doesn't seem to be declining at all; on the contrary, they're thriving and on the verge of even greater heights.

Many people felt a mix of emotions, including envy, apprehension, and perhaps, deep down, a barely perceptible sense of jealousy.

Many people originally thought that although Prince Shen Jun of Dingshan had made great contributions to the founding of the country, being granted the title of prince was the highest achievement. It was only natural that the family would decline after reaching its peak by the third generation.

Who would have thought that the Shen family's sons not only did not show any signs of decline, but each of them was outstanding.

This immense wealth and power will be steadily passed on to the next generation, and... the momentum will be even stronger.