De Fei experienced a moment of panic but quickly regained her composure. After all, what was Nan Zhiyun to Yu Jingchen?
Therefore, when Yu Jingchen entered, De Fei performed a curtsy without haste.
"Your humble concubine greets His Majesty," De Fei's demeanor changed rather swiftly, adopting a delicate and soft appearance that sent shivers down one's spine.
Upon hearing Yu Jingchen's arrival, Nan Zhiyun had already begun to panic. The moment she saw Yu Jingchen, her fear became uncontrollable.
Nan Zhiyun quickly tried to get up, but as she was about to rise, she heard Yu Jingchen say, "Sit properly!"
Yu Jingchen's usual tone was rather cold, so it was difficult for him to change it. Hearing Yu Jingchen's words, Nan Zhiyun could only feel that he was annoyed with her. Therefore, she did not dare to truly sit there. What if Yu Jingchen found an excuse to punish her again? She feared she would not be able to bear it.
"Your humble concubine greets His Majesty," Nan Zhiyun knelt down, her face pale.
"Didn't I tell you to sit? Get up." Yu Jingchen did not step forward. De Fei felt somewhat awkward, as Yu Jingchen had not even acknowledged her, nor had he exempted her from her curtsy, so she dared not rise without permission.
"Your humble concubine dares not," Nan Zhiyun kept her head bowed low, able to detect the impatience in Yu Jingchen's tone.
Yu Jingchen frowned slightly and, with a decisive move, walked directly to Nan Zhiyun. However, as he reached out to pull Nan Zhiyun up, she flinched slightly. It was not unwillingness, but fear.
Yu Jingchen's hand paused momentarily, then, without changing his expression, he grasped Nan Zhiyun's arm. Yu Jingchen could even feel Nan Zhiyun's entire body trembling the moment he touched her.
"Get up," Yu Jingchen pulled her to her feet.
This time, Nan Zhiyun had no choice but to follow his strength and stand. Yu Jingchen naturally noticed the wound on her hand and that she was wearing a white undergarment, so when the wound on her back split open, the blood seeped through, making it exceptionally conspicuous.
"Sit down," Yu Jingchen's clear, cold voice rang out.
Nan Zhiyun cautiously raised her head to look at Yu Jingchen. Meeting his gaze, which held no trace of emotion, she quickly averted her eyes in panic. Yu Jingchen noticed Nan Zhiyun's glance but said nothing, merely pulling her down to sit and then gently taking Nan Zhiyun's hand.
"Did you do this?" Yu Jingchen looked at De Fei.
"Your Majesty… just now…" Before De Fei could finish speaking, she heard Yu Jingchen speak again, "You only need to answer yes or no!" His tone was clearly much harsher this time.
"It was my carelessness, Your Majesty, please forgive me." De Fei dared not say anything else. No one dared to play tricks or harbor any other intentions when Yu Jingchen was angered.
"The reason," Yu Jingchen asked again.
"Your humble concubine…" De Fei naturally dared not offer any platitudes. Who dared to deceive Yu Jingchen?
"Cannot speak? Are you mute? Do you need me to help you?" Yu Jingchen's voice grew colder.
"Yes, your humble concubine admits guilt, your humble concubine… it is your humble concubine's narrow-mindedness, please forgive your humble concubine." De Fei immediately kowtowed.
"Unworthy of your position, demoted to Jieyu. You will kneel in the courtyard for twelve hours as punishment." Yu Jingchen was very decisive.
"Your Majesty…" De Fei could not believe it. To be demoted directly from a Four Consort position to Jieyu, how could she establish herself in this harem in the future?