The Crazy Emperor's Pampered Cousin

As soon as she stepped onto the bustling street, Shen Tinghe felt like a bird released back into the mountains.

I was first attracted by the glistening, bright red candied hawthorns and bought a skewer.

After walking a few steps, I smelled the aroma of freshly baked vegetable pancakes again and insisted on trying them.

Before I had even finished what I was eating, my eyes caught sight of a stall selling fragrant fruit drinks. The sweet aroma of the fruit wafted over, and I was immediately captivated.

She would only take a few bites of each dish, and then naturally hand the rest to Xie Yanzhao.

Before long, Xie Yanzhao was holding a candied hawthorn in one hand and a half-eaten vegetable pancake in the other.

He had half a bag of candied fruit stuffed into his arms, and his expression showed a rare hint of helplessness and worldliness.

When Shen Tinghe was holding a cup of osmanthus and pear-scented drink and her eyes were drawn to the cheese stall next door, Xie Yanzhao finally put his free hand around her waist, stopping her from heading to the next stall.

"Yuan Yuan,"

He lowered his head, his voice coming through the mask, carrying a indulgent sigh.

"It's almost time. Weren't you eager to go to Tianlu Residence to watch the poetry competition?"

Shen Tinghe took a sip of the sweet drink, then looked back at the many delicious foods still unexplored along the street, feeling reluctant to leave.

"But... there are still so many things I want to eat that I haven't tried yet."

Xie Yanzhao: "Tianluju gathers the most famous chefs in the capital, and offers a wide variety of exquisite pastries and seasonal delicacies, which are much more abundant than these street stalls. If you eat your fill now, you won't be able to eat later."

After a moment's consideration, Shen Tinghe finally nodded and took his hand.

"Let's go then, to Tianlu Residence!"

The two arrived at the entrance of this luxurious restaurant, and there happened to be a small stall selling velvet flowers on the street.

Flowers made of colorful velvet shimmered softly in the afternoon sunlight.

Shen Tinghe was drawn over and leaned down to take a closer look. Xie Yanzhao stood quietly half a step behind her.

At this moment, a clear and melodious announcement came from Tianlu Residence:

"Distinguished guests—the poetry contest is about to begin!"

Upon hearing this, Shen Tinghe instinctively grasped the hand of the person beside her: "Brother, it's starting, let's go in quickly."

As soon as I took a step, I heard a gentle yet unfamiliar voice softly ring out:

"Girl, wait a minute...you've grabbed the wrong person."

Shen Tinghe suddenly turned around and saw that she was holding the wrist of a man in a blue robe. The man looked slightly embarrassed, but his eyes were clear and honest.

Xie Yanzhao stepped forward from the side, his face as dark as ink. Without saying a word, he took out a plain handkerchief from his sleeve, took her hand, and carefully wiped it, not missing a single knuckle.

After wiping, she glanced at the man with a sharp, icy look.

The man in the blue robe, Tang Chu, was startled by that glance and involuntarily took a half step back.

This man exudes an air of authority and dignified presence; he doesn't seem like an ordinary person at all...

Shen Tinghe tugged at Xie Yanzhao's sleeve and said softly, "Brother, don't be angry."

Tang Chu steadied himself, straightened his robes, and bowed, his words refined yet carrying the straightforwardness of a scholar:

"My lord, your sister's mistake was unintentional. Even if you are concerned, you should be more lenient. Such behavior is rather lacking in kindness."

Xie Yanzhao was unwilling to cause trouble while traveling incognito, and upon hearing this, his eyes turned slightly cold.

Just as he was about to speak, Shen Tinghe gently pressed his hand down and turned to Tang Chu to explain clearly:

"Young master, you misunderstand. This is my husband. We are childhood sweethearts and grew up together. Calling him 'brother' is an old habit I've never changed. Please forgive my rudeness in the rush just now."

Tang Chu was taken aback, then his cheeks flushed slightly, and he bowed deeply again:

"It was my oversight and my words were presumptuous. I hope you and your spouse will forgive me."

Shen Tinghe smiled and nodded, then pulled Xie Yanzhao into the restaurant.

"Brother, hurry up, the poetry recital is about to begin."

The private rooms on the second floor of Tianlu Residence have already been prepared.

Upon entering the room, Xie Yanzhao released his grip and sat alone on the pearwood chair by the window, remaining silent.

Shen Tinghe sat down next to him, leaned closer, and whispered:

"Brother, what's wrong?"

Xie Yanzhao glanced at her indifferently: "Not involving anyone else?"

Shen Tinghe almost burst out laughing and reached out to hold his hand: "I didn't mean it."

Xie Yanzhao moved his hand away, preventing her from touching him.

Shen Tinghe puffed out her cheeks: "So, my husband won't hold my hand anymore from now on?"

Xie Yanzhao remained silent, his dark eyes fixed on her, the meaning of which was crystal clear.

She needs to coax her.

Shen Tinghe's eyelashes curved, and she took out her cherry-pink silk handkerchief and placed it in his palm.

"Husband, could you wipe it for me again?"

She stretched out her hands in front of him, tilted her head slightly, and looked gentle and obedient.

Xie Yanzhao finally couldn't hold back any longer. He picked up a handkerchief and carefully wiped each of her fingers, from the fingertips to the base.

It was as if her hands were stained with something dirty.

He wiped her hand but didn't let go, instead holding her hand in his own palm and stroking her soft fingertips with his fingertips.

Their hands were clasped together; his was long and slender, her skin fair and delicate, their reflections shimmering like jade in the light streaming through the window.

Shen Tinghe gently withdrew her hand, but moved closer, her voice as sweet as honey:

"My husband, give me another kiss."

Xie Yanzhao finally smiled with satisfaction, and as she asked, he took her hand and placed two light kisses on her fingertips.

Shen Tinghe: "Are you still angry?"

Xie Yanzhao gripped her hand tightly and suddenly pulled her into his arms.

"If this happens again, I won't be so easily appeased."

Shen Tinghe nestled against his chest and chuckled, "Brother is so childish, how could he be like the dignified Crown Prince in the court?"

Xie Yanzhao suddenly remembered something and gently pinched her cheek: "From now on, call me husband more often and brother less often."

Shen Tinghe readily complied, looking up at him and calling out repeatedly:

"My husband, my husband, my husband~"

The deep drumbeats that signaled the start of the poetry recital drifted in from outside the window. Shen Tinghe nestled in Xie Yanzhao's arms, curiously looking downstairs.

The lobby on the first floor was already bustling with noise, and a large, snow-white silk cloth was hanging down from the second floor.

Above it was written a large, powerful character in ink.

--spring.

On the high platform, the person in charge loudly announced the rules.

"Today's poetry topic lies in this word! Your poems must contain the character 'spring,' but you must not describe the scenery of spring. Today is the final session of our poetry competition, and we are fortunate to have the Imperial Censor He personally present to critique them! The winner will have the opportunity to attend a refined banquet hosted by Imperial Censor He and receive his instruction in person!"

The moment he finished speaking, the entire room erupted in uproar.

Tianlu Residence truly deserves its reputation as the number one building in the world; it even managed to persuade the Imperial Censor to come.

If one could receive even a single word of guidance from him, it would be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for both one's official career and literary fame.

For a time, the talented scholars were either deep in thought or wielding their brushes, creating a lively and extraordinary atmosphere.

At this moment, many people recited their own poems.

"With a wealth of knowledge in one's mind, spring will surely come; with a pen, even mist and clouds will possess their own spirit."

"The great way of humanity is as warm as spring, and the harmony of the world is true benevolence."

"A young man, full of youthful vigor, rides a steed on a long wind from Yujin."

"Why look far to find the springtime? Spring resides in your heart and will naturally follow."

The cheers and chants coming from downstairs created a lively atmosphere.

Infected by the lively atmosphere downstairs, Shen Tinghe's eyes lit up with eager anticipation.

She hesitated for a moment, then gracefully rose from Xie Yanzhao's embrace and walked to the window.

With a languid hand gently resting on the carved railing, she recited in a clear voice:

"Look deep into the vast waves, spring tides also surge."