After Nan Zhiyun fell asleep, Yu Jingchen gently withdrew his hand. Nan Zhiyun’s face, which had been terrifyingly pale moments ago, now had a hint of color.
Asleep, Nan Zhiyun's small face was quiet and rather docile. Yu Jingchen’s lips curved into a smile unconsciously, and even he hadn’t noticed how much more often he had been smiling lately.
The next day, as usual, Nan Zhiyun woke up to find it was already late, and Yu Jingchen had already left.
She had expected her stomach to ache terribly as before, but to her surprise, her abdomen felt warm this morning, and the sharp pain was gone.
Nan Zhiyun suddenly recalled Yu Jingchen’s actions the night before, and her heart fluttered slightly. Moreover, the withered flowers seemed to have begun to bloom again.
Meanwhile, Yu Jingchen went to the Hall of Diligent Governance after the morning court.
“How is the investigation I assigned?” Yu Jingchen asked.
“Reporting to Your Majesty, we have investigated. Nan Jieyu’s meals were indeed tampered with. Not only her food, but also the incense burned in her chambers contained impure substances,” Xing Lai said, feeling a pang of fear upon discovering this. It was fortunate they investigated, or the consequences would have been unimaginable.
“When will the He An Palace be ready?” Yu Jingchen asked with a dark expression.
“The He An Palace is almost ready and can be moved into at any time,” Xing Lai replied.
“Have someone inspect it thoroughly, inside and out,” Yu Jingchen ordered.
“Yes,” Xing Lai responded.
“Also, investigate this matter!” Yu Jingchen’s face was filled with ferocity. He couldn’t believe someone dared to resort to such tactics under his nose.
“Yes,” Xing Lai acknowledged the gravity of the situation.
“How much longer until the Empress Dowager returns to the palace?” Yu Jingchen asked.
“Reporting to Your Majesty, the Empress Dowager will depart at the end of the month and should arrive at the imperial city in about ten days,” Xing Lai replied.
“Prepare well. Her Majesty’s return must not be treated perfunctorily. Go and deliver an imperial decree to the Noble Consort, instructing her to personally oversee the palace maids in arranging the Ci An Palace,” Yu Jingchen said.
“Yes,” Xing Lai increasingly found their Emperor inscrutable. Why did he feel the Emperor was somewhat different? Not only towards Nan Jieyu, but even towards the Empress Dowager, he seemed less indifferent than before.
After giving all his instructions, Yu Jingchen spent almost the entire day in the Hall of Diligent Governance, reviewing memorials. Some concubines came during the day but were all turned away by Xing Lai.
Upon receiving Yu Jingchen’s decree, the Noble Consort calmly replied, “This concubine obeys Your Majesty’s command and will certainly not fail Your Majesty’s trust.” As for her expression… well, it remained as placid as ever.
For several consecutive days, Yu Jingchen did not set foot in the rear palace, but everyone had grown accustomed to it. What Yu Jingchen didn’t expect was that the investigation he had ordered Xing Lai to conduct yielded results, identifying Liu Cairen.
Consequently, news quickly spread throughout the harem that Liu Cairen had plotted to harm other concubines with malicious intent, had been stripped of her rank, and was confined to the cold palace. This news caught everyone off guard. Some speculated about the specific reasons, even suggesting that Liu Cairen was responsible for Nan Zhiyun’s miscarriage.
However, everyone was proven wrong, for that same afternoon, they learned the truth of what had transpired that night.
At the beginning of the month,
All were required to pay their respects to the Noble Consort, and Nan Zhiyun was no exception. When she arrived, there were not many people present. However, her appearance drew everyone’s attention.
“Oh, isn’t this Nan Jieyu? We finally see you.” The speaker was Yin Xiuyi, an old member of the Eastern Palace.
“Nan Jieyu is so frail that a gust of wind might blow her over. Look at Ya Jing Ju, the imperial physicians must be wearing down the threshold,” Yin Xiuyi continued. Yin Xiuyi had been a secondary consort to Yu Jingchen in the Eastern Palace, and her father was a high-ranking official in the Dali Temple. She was usually arrogant.
“Sister Yin is right, Nan Jieyu’s health… tsk. So, Nan Jieyu, it’s best you come out less often. If you get bumped or bruised, you’ll need to recuperate for days. Moreover, Nan Jieyu is the one who most easily angers His Majesty,” another concubine added.
“Don’t you know His Majesty’s temper? You should know it best. After all, His Majesty doesn’t pay as much attention to us as he does to Nan Jieyu, personally teaching her everything.” This was spoken by Shu Meiren.
As soon as she finished speaking, the people in the hall burst into laughter. It was clear to everyone that this was intentional. However, Nan Zhiyun’s face did not show any sign of embarrassment. She walked directly to a side and took her seat, indifferent to what others thought or said.
Just as they were about to say more, the Noble Consort emerged from her chambers.
“What were you all chatting about? It seems like such a lively conversation?” the Noble Consort asked as if casually.
“Greetings to Noble Consort,” all the concubines quickly bowed.
“My sisters need not be so formal.” The Noble Consort graciously allowed them to rise and then took her seat. Only after she sat down could the other concubines be seated. The Noble Consort looked over the concubines below, her gaze sweeping across them before finally landing on Nan Zhiyun.