The Crazy Emperor's Pampered Cousin

"Don't scratch it, scratching it will make it hurt more and leave a scar."

Xie Yanzhao's voice was deep, but a hint of tightness and hoarseness could be detected.

In his other hand he held a soft silk cloth that had been soaked in cold water and wrung out halfway.

I carefully and gently wiped away the red, swollen, and hot skin on her neck and arms, trying to relieve her discomfort with coolness.

Shen Tinghe squirmed slightly from the itch, looking at him with teary eyes, her voice thick with nasal tone and grievance.

"But...it really itches..."

"I know."

Xie Yanzhao interrupted her, but continued wiping, his tone gentle and coaxing.

"My dear Yuan Yuan, just bear with it, the medicine will take effect soon. If you keep scratching, your husband will really tie your hands up with a ribbon."

Even so, he held her hand without hurting her at all.

His fingertips even unconsciously caressed her wrist bones, conveying silent comfort and heartache.

Shen Tinghe looked at him with teary eyes, her fine eyelashes wet with tears.

She gently struggled against his grip on her wrist, her voice tinged with aggrieved sobs.

"Brother, I won't hold you anymore, please let me go... This really feels uncomfortable."

Xie Yanzhao did not immediately let go, but lowered his eyes and stared at her intently.

His eyes flickered slightly, revealing a doting and tenderness that could almost drown a person.

"Yuan Yuan isn't lying to me, is she?"

Shen Tinghe hurriedly shook her head, tilted her small face up, pouted her rosy lips in a flattering manner, and leaned in to plant a wet and obedient kiss on his face.

"I didn't lie to my brother~"

She drew out the last syllable, as if it were coated in honey.

The darkness in Xie Yanzhao's eyes finally eased a little, and he slowly loosened his shackles on her.

However, as soon as Shen Tinghe's wrist was freed, she reached out and turned to her itchy arm.

Xie Yanzhao reacted quickly and grabbed her slender wrist again.

Immediately afterwards, she was pulled back and firmly locked in a strong embrace.

Xie Yanzhao sighed softly, a sigh that was both languid and filled with helpless indulgence.

"Yuan Yuan".

He tilted his head slightly and gently bit her soft cheek, leaving a shallow tooth mark.

"You little liar."

When her scheme failed, Shen Tinghe was like a kitten being grabbed by the scruff of its neck, instantly losing all her momentum.

She lay softly against his chest, her nose red, and soft whimpering sounds escaped her throat, making it hard to tell if she was faking tears or just complaining coquettishly.

"Brother, husband, it really hurts so much..."

Xie Yanzhao wrapped one arm around her trembling back and the other hand around the back of her head. He lowered his head and gently touched her soft lips with his own.

"Good boy/girl"

His breath mingled with hers, yet his words were both gentle and cruel.

"It's no use calling it anything now."

Just then, Qinglan respectfully reported in a low voice from outside the door.

"Young master, the medicine is ready."

Xie Yanzhao: "Come in."

Qinglan lowered her head and looked away, carrying a black lacquered tray as she quickly entered. She placed the medicine bowl on a small table beside the bed and then quickly retreated, never daring to raise her eyes throughout the entire process.

The medicine had already been cooled to a palatable temperature.

Xie Yanzhao easily controlled Shen Tinghe's restless wrists with one hand, and picked up the white jade medicine bowl with the other.

The dark brown medicinal liquid swayed slightly, releasing a bitter aroma.

Shen Tinghe wrinkled her delicate nose and subconsciously shrank back.

"What is this? It smells bitter..."

Xie Yanzhao brought the rim of the bowl close to his lips and said softly:

"The medicine that makes Yuan Yuan fall asleep peacefully after drinking it."

Shen Tinghe blinked her wet eyes, her confusion tinged with a hint of naivety.

"Is it a sleeping potion?"

Upon hearing this, Xie Yanzhao's lips curled into a look of helplessness at being unable to do anything about her.

Without saying another word, he took a large mouthful of the medicine and bent down to precisely cover her slightly parted lips.

The bitter medicine was slowly poured into her mouth.

Xie Yanzhao kissed her tenderly and patiently, and even after confirming that she had swallowed, he lingered on her lips and gently sucked, as if trying to dispel the bitterness with his own breath.

After a brief separation, he looked at her lips, which were even more rosy from being moistened by the medicine, and said in a hoarse voice.

"If only my husband would be willing to use a sleeping potion on you."

That way, perhaps I can harden my heart against her.

Unlike now, with just a word of coquetry or a moment of submission from her, all his carefully constructed defenses crumbled instantly, and he only wanted to offer her everything she desired.

This specially made calming herbal soup has a gentle yet effective effect.

Shen Tinghe smacked her lips, her brows furrowing even more deeply, her disdain undisguised: "It doesn't taste good."

"You have to finish it even if it doesn't taste good."

Xie Yanzhao spoke softly, but his actions left no room for doubt.

He took another sip and kissed her lips once more.

This time, Shen Tinghe's resistance was much weaker, perhaps because she knew that resistance was futile, or perhaps because the calming medicine had begun to take effect.

After finishing the medicine, Xie Yanzhao put the empty bowl down and hugged the now-softened body tightly.

He gently patted her back, like soothing a tender infant.

The medicine took effect quickly; the glistening tears in her eyes were gradually replaced by a hazy sleepiness, and her struggling movements ceased. Her head slumped against his shoulder.

Before her consciousness faded into oblivion, she murmured incoherently, her small hands unconsciously clutching his clothes.

"My brother wants to stay with me..."

Xie Yanzhao pulled his arms around her, trapping her in his own world.

"Sleep well, your brother is always here."

Outside the window, the bustling night market lights of Longyun City shone, but inside the room, only her suppressed moans and his steady yet restrained breathing could be heard.

An unexpected accident made Xingzhou seem even further away.

But at this moment, Xie Yanzhao's entire focus was on the slight discomfort of the person in his arms.

Two days later, the rash on Shen Tinghe's body had almost subsided, and she regained her usual vitality.

They also embarked on their journey to the main city of Yizhou.

The carriage moved smoothly, and the interior was spacious and comfortable, with tea, snacks, and books laid out on a small table in the corner.

Xie Yanzhao and Shen Tinghe each held a book and read quietly. However, Xie Yanzhao held a book in one hand and wrapped his other arm around Shen Tinghe's waist, pulling her halfway into his embrace.

As Shen Tinghe was held in his arms for a long time, a light sweat gradually appeared on her body, and she couldn't help but wriggle gently in his embrace.

"Brother, it's so hot hugging... I want to sit by myself for a while."

Xie Yanzhao didn't let go. Instead, he glanced down at her in that position, his tone tinged with resentment.

"Is Yuan Yuan something you use and then discard?"

She was feeling unwell for the past two days and clung to him almost constantly, wanting him to comfort her or keep her company. She even rested her head on his lap while reading.

Now that she feels better, she complains that he's too close.

Shen Tinghe guiltily looked away, but then her eyes lit up and she suddenly had an idea.

She tilted her head back, her eyes sparkling.

"Then...brother, let's decide by playing chess. The winner gets to decide, okay?"

Xie Yanzhao raised an eyebrow, a hint of mockery and confusion flashing in his eyes.

He personally taught her chess, and she usually lost more often than she won. So, the fact that she suggested playing chess now probably means she has some ulterior motive.