The Crazy Emperor's Pampered Cousin

He didn't care about what happened after he passed away.

If fate truly does not allow them to have offspring, then it doesn't matter who they pass the throne to before the end of their lives.

He didn't even care whether the dynasty would continue its glory or decline after they were gone.

Nothing in the world could compare to Shen Tinghe's smile to him.

His love was extremely focused, but also extremely selfish.

If Shen Tinghe, with her radiant light, had never appeared in his life, Xie Yanzhao didn't know what he would have become.

Perhaps it will be colder, more inhuman, and more... unlike a "human being".

At this moment, he simply pulled his arms closer, tightly embracing the warm, soft body that gave him everything.

It was as if it wanted to etch itself into one's soul through flesh and blood.

Xie Yanzhao held the soft person in his arms, his cold gaze sweeping over the memorial that had been tossed aside.

My gaze lingered slightly on the signature.

He noted down the people from the Ministry of Rites.

Shen Tinghe nuzzled his neck and mumbled a sentence, her voice still carrying a hint of grievance and petulance.

"I hate the person who wrote this memorial."

Xie Yanzhao turned his head and kissed her tear-stained face.

"My husband is also annoying. Don't worry, he'll definitely regret writing this memorial."

Hearing his undisguised response, Shen Tinghe hesitated for a moment.

She knew him too well; if he were truly enraged, his methods would be anything but gentle, and he might even be capable of executing nine generations of his family.

"Don't punish me too severely."

Shen Tinghe whispered, her fingertips unconsciously tightening around the fabric of his shirt.

Xie Yanzhao chuckled, grabbed her mischievous little hand, brought it to his lips, and gently bit her delicate fingertip.

"The kitten flashed its paw and then retracted it?"

"I'm not a kitten."

Shen Tinghe tried to pull her hand away, but he held it even tighter.

"Then my Yuan Yuan should be like a little tiger."

Xie Yanzhao guided her, his tone filled with encouragement and boundless indulgence.

"Be bolder. Don't be soft on strangers. Do whatever you want. With your husband here, I'll hold up the sky for you even if it falls."

Shen Tinghe's heart pounded at his words, and her hesitation vanished. Not wanting to be looked down upon, she raised her face and said with a forced "fierceness."

"Then...remove him from his post! Let him talk nonsense and lose his job."

"Yes, that's it."

Xie Yanzhao's eyes shone with pleasure and approval as he kissed her deeply.

"My sweet Yuan Yuan."

He even felt a little regretful, regretting that his Yuan Yuan wasn't spoiled or domineering enough.

He works tirelessly every day to hold onto this power, just so that she can live more freely than anyone else.

Shen Tinghe looked into his deep, smiling eyes, yet felt somewhat uncertain.

"Isn't this too willful? Didn't my husband say before that one should not abuse power...?"

"That's for other people."

Xie Yanzhao interrupted her, his fingers stroking her chin, his gaze focused and intense.

"No matter what Yuan Yuan does, it's not being willful. Your husband handles these complicated political affairs every day, holding this supreme power, all for the sake of giving my darling the most unrestrained and happiest life. You can do whatever you want."

These words, like the finest honey, filled Shen Tinghe's heart.

She was overjoyed and wrapped her arms around his neck, planting several wet kisses on his cheeks and chin.

Like a little beast that has finally been completely indulged and can run wild, she clung to him affectionately, her voice trembling with sweetness.

"My husband is the best!"

Xie Yanzhao enjoyed her complete dependence and intimacy, and asked while pressing his forehead against hers.

"Now, has my little tiger learned to show its claws?"

Shen Tinghe was amused by him and loosened one hand, curling her fingers and making a grabbing motion in the air, trying to look fierce.

"Awooo—!"

That appearance was not intimidating at all; on the contrary, it was so cute that it made one's heart flutter.

Xie Yanzhao couldn't help but laugh out loud, hugged her tightly, and kissed her wide-open eyes.

"I can't let anyone see me like this."

He whispered with a sigh, his voice filled with boundless affection and possessiveness.

This is his precious treasure, the most charming and vibrant of all, which can only bloom in his arms.

The next morning, after breakfast, the two boarded a carriage leaving the palace.

With the imperial examinations approaching, candidates from all over the country gathered in the capital, making it even more bustling than usual, with crowds thronging the city and shouts rising and falling.

Before the time for the poetry competition at Tianlu Residence arrived, Shen Tinghe's mind immediately started racing as she looked at the dazzling array of vendors outside.

She turned around, snuggled up to Xie Yanzhao, and gently tugged at his sleeve.

"My lord... shall we take a stroll in the streets first?"

Xie Yanzhao put down the book in his hand, pinched her delicate chin with his slender fingers, and lifted it slightly.

"This is different from what we agreed on in the palace, Jiaojiao. We only said we were going to Tianlu Residence."

Shen Tinghe blinked, deftly freeing herself from his fingers, turned around, picked up the jade pot on the small table, and poured a cup of tea.

She then leaned softly back into his arms, held the teacup to his lips, her eyes sparkling, her breath sweet as orchids.

"His Highness will agree, won't he?"

Xie Yanzhao smiled, took a sip from her hand, and savored it.

"It tastes astringent and has no sweetness, which is unpleasant. I disagree."

Shen Tinghe was puzzled, so she took a small sip from the same cup.

It's clearly top-quality Golden Osmanthus tea. The tea soup is clear and bright, with a long-lasting sweet aftertaste, just the flavor they usually love. Where is the astringency?

She looked at him, puzzled.

Xie Yanzhao said nothing more, but leaned back lazily on the soft brocade cushion, idly stroking her long hair with his large hand.

His eyes were fixed on her, a mischievous yet tender smile playing on his lips.

Shen Tinghe looked at the clear tea in the cup, then at his smiling lips, and suddenly had a flash of inspiration, understanding dawning on her.

She gave a soft hum and lowered her head to take a large sip of tea.

Then she turned around, cupped his face in her hands, and pressed her warm, soft lips to his, pouring the fragrant tea into his mouth without spilling a drop.

The aroma of tea mingled between their lips and teeth.

After a moment, she stepped back slightly: "Now... is it sweet again, Your Highness?"

Xie Yanzhao chuckled softly, pulled her close, and kissed her deeply.

The kiss carried the aroma of tea and her unique sweetness, only stopping when both of them were slightly out of breath.

He sighed contentedly and nuzzled her nose.

"Little fox."

The carriage stopped at the intersection near the busiest street.

Xie Yanzhao took out two masks and put on a black half-mask with dark gold patterns, covering the upper half of his face and only revealing his well-defined jawline and thin lips.

The mask placed on Shen Tinghe was a pure white fox mask with upturned eyes, giving it a lively and cunning look.

There have been many grand events in Beijing recently, and wearing masks to participate has become a trend. They blend into the crowd without looking out of place.

However, the two were too outstanding in appearance and demeanor. Even with their faces concealed, their noble and elegant demeanor, as well as Xie Yanzhao's posture of holding Shen Tinghe's hand tightly and protecting her at his side without making a sound, still attracted the frequent attention of passersby.