The new emperor's first decree upon ascending the throne was to forcibly take his cousin as his

Ruan Xianrong was too tired from the journey, so she slept quite soundly. When she opened her eyes slightly, it seemed like it was already dark.

I felt terrible all over, and I was dizzy and disoriented. I wanted to call out to Yinque, but my throat hurt like it was being cut by a knife, and I was too hoarse to make a sound.

My vision was blurred, and I could only vaguely see a figure flash by the bedside before being enveloped in a weak white light.

She managed to squeeze out a sound, "Water..."

The person standing by immediately moved, poured her some water, and helped her drink a few sips.

The water was warm, and after drinking a few sips she felt much better, but she was too weak to speak, so she let the person behind her reach out and touch her forehead.

Before he left Minnesota, her cheeks were still a little round, but now her chin is pointed.

He's lost so much weight after just two months of traveling. Is Xie Chengli a good-for-nothing?

At this moment, Cao Shen entered quietly and said in a low voice, "Your Highness, the Prime Minister and the Empress are still outside."

Xie Chengyan took one last deep look at the person sleeping on the bed before turning and leaving.

The Empress also looked worried: "When will you return to the palace?"

Xie Chengyan finally softened his attitude in front of the Empress, "No rush, let's wait until she's feeling better."

The Empress was helpless. He was the Crown Prince of the Eastern Palace. He could come to visit, but he didn't stay at her house and caused trouble throughout the Prime Minister's residence.

They drove the people from the Prime Minister's residence out, occupied the courtyard, and wouldn't even let the parents see their daughter. Even bandits wouldn't do that.

The younger brother and sister-in-law were waiting anxiously outside, but there was nothing they could do.

"I know you're worried about her, but this is, after all, the Prime Minister's residence, a woman's private quarters. Your actions will damage her reputation."

Xie Chengyan didn't take it to heart. "She's going to be my Crown Princess in the future, what's wrong with me staying to take care of her?"

The Empress paused, then lowered her voice to remind her, "Have you forgotten? She is not a biological descendant of the Ruan family."

"Even if you were to marry someone, you should marry Miaoyin. Your father would never agree to you marrying her."

It wasn't that she disliked Ruan Xianrong, but being in that position, many things were beyond her control.

The emperor would not allow the position of crown princess to fall into the hands of a woman of unknown origin who would be of no benefit to stabilizing the court.

The Crown Prince's marriage is always a major event, requiring careful consideration of the pros and cons.

Those who wield great power are not to be trusted, but those who are utterly useless are even less acceptable.

The Empress was willing to let her son marry a girl from the Ruan family, but Niannian was really not suitable now.

Xie Chengyan's usual gentle smile faded, his eyes darkened, and his voice, though soft, was resolute:

"Mother, the only person I have ever wanted to marry is her, regardless of her status."

The Empress wanted to persuade him further, but his tone suddenly turned cold: "If Mother wants to protect the Ruan family, then don't stop me."

The Empress's heart skipped a beat. Looking at the son she had raised who was becoming increasingly unpredictable, she swallowed her words and said, "Fine, go and tell your uncle yourself."

After the Empress left, Xie Chengyan instructed his men that no one was allowed to enter this courtyard without his permission.

His calloused fingers traced her skin, her body burning. He was about to wring out a handkerchief to wipe himself, but he couldn't resist and leaned down to kiss her fair, rosy shoulder.

Cao Shen was startled and immediately turned his head away.

He only ordered someone to change the water after the warm water in the basin had cooled down completely, and then personally wiped Ruan Xianrong's body.

Cao Shen hesitated, wanting to offer a suggestion, but ultimately lacked the courage to speak.

After washing up and changing into clean, soft nightgown, Ruan Xianrong seemed to feel more comfortable, and her tightly furrowed brows relaxed slightly.

But the high fever wouldn't go down, and even when he was asleep he couldn't sleep peacefully, as if he were about to die.

Feeling someone approaching, she snuggled into their arms, seeking comfort.

Xie Chengyan pulled her into his arms, tucked a strand of hair behind her ear, and sighed, "When will you be able to rely on me for once?"

"Knowing you're not a daughter of the Ruan family, why don't you come back to find me?"

He murmured to himself, his fingertips stroking her burning cheeks.

He faced her, the girl's face almost touching his, her long eyelashes wet. He finally couldn't resist the clamor in his heart and gave her a light kiss on the lips.

"I have never let you suffer such injustice, yet you have made yourself into this state."

He squeezed her soft, boneless hand. "If it weren't for the fact that you're sick, I would definitely punish you."

Xie Chengyan was known for his remarkable self-control, but this composure he was so proud of always crumbled in front of Ruan Xianrong.

The usually calm and self-possessed man was now devout and restrained, staring intently at the person in his arms.

Perhaps because of the fever, his body felt weak all over, and he could almost wrap his arm around his supple waist.

The arm around her waist tightened.

"Niannian, waiting too long will drive you crazy."

The desire in his eyes only grew stronger and stronger, becoming uncontrollable. He tightened his arms around her, pulling her close, trying to soothe the restless beast within him.

The person in his arms let out a soft, uncomfortable groan, and he loosened his grip slightly.

He hugged the little girl and rubbed against her for a while, then sighed heavily.

Outside the door, Cao Shen, seeing that the medicine was getting cold, risked being punished and knocked on the door. "Your Highness, it's time for Miss Ruan to take her medicine."

A moment later, a hand with distinct knuckles reached out and took the medicine bowl. Not long after, Xie Chengyan came out, his voice slightly hoarse.

"Where is the Prime Minister?"

"Your Highness, they're still outside the courtyard."

He instructed the maid to go inside and keep watch, then he turned and left.