The Emperor's Merman Beauty [Rebirth]

In his previous life, Ling Huanchen was offered to the dreaded King Yu Xi of Youcheng. He expected a tragic end, but unexpectedly, the notorious tyrant became his protector. Unfortunately, he only realized everything Yu Xi had secretly done for him right before his death, ultimately failing to reciprocate his feelings.

Reborn, Ling Huanchen was once again presented as a tribute, but this time, he went willingly. Just as he was determined to stay by Yu Xi's side and repay his deep affection, he discovered that the King of Youcheng in this life seemed different from before.

First meeting:

Yu Xi looked down coldly and asked, "What is your wish?" Ling Huanchen replied, "This subject wishes to accompany Your Majesty always." Yu Xi showed no emotion, turned, and left. Ling Huanchen thought, "How is this different from what was agreed upon?"

Later:

Yu Xi held his hand firmly, saying, "If my beloved subject truly feels hot, you may undress. I shall not consider it a breach of etiquette before me." Ling Huanchen blushed profusely, "This subject is no longer hot!"

Even later:

Chief Attendant Fu asked, "Who is His Majesty's treasure?" All the palace attendants chorused, "It is His Consort Highness!" Chief Attendant Fu asked, "What are the rules of the palace?" All the palace attendants chorused, "It is His Consort Highness!" Yu Xi said, "Very good." Ling Huanchen was speechless.

The story features a proud, doting, and double-standard emperor gong who transforms into a loyal dog in the later stages, paired with a cool, gentle, and refined merman shou. Both the gong and shou have an exceedingly thick 'filter' for each other; it's a sweet, mutually pampering story set in an imaginary historical background.

The main idea: Open your heart, treat each other with sincerity, and build a beautiful future together.