Nan Zhiyun quieted down. Yu Jingchen didn't disturb her. In a short while, the inn's waiter, led by Xing Lai, brought in their evening meal.
The food outside the palace wasn't as exquisite as that within, but it tasted good. Yu Jingchen glanced at the dishes and frowned when he saw fish. "Take away all this fish," he said.
Xing Lai took a look, and his heart settled. He knew that Nan Zhiyun was allergic to fish, but Yu Jingchen also liked it, which was why he had ordered it. In truth, it wasn't just because Yu Jingchen liked it; it was more about testing the Emperor's attitude towards Consort Shu.
It seemed now that the Emperor was indeed fond of Consort Shu, and to a considerable extent. Following Yu Jingchen's instructions, Xing Lai had the waiter remove all the fish dishes. He figured they wouldn't be served again when Consort Shu dined with the Emperor.
As Yu Jingchen was about to sit down at the dining table, he seemed to remember something. He turned and walked towards Nan Zhiyun. "Aren't you hungry? Come and eat something," Yu Jingchen said to her.
Nan Zhiyun was a little surprised, mostly by his action of having the fish removed just now. As she thought to stand up, the moment she did, Yu Jingchen swept her up into his arms. Nan Zhiyun cried out in surprise, startled by his sudden movement.
"Your foot injury hasn't healed yet, has it? Didn't you say it hurt just now? Can you walk over yourself?" Yu Jingchen glanced at her. Nan Zhiyun remained silent. Yu Jingchen didn't say anything further but directly carried Nan Zhiyun to the table and had her sit down. He then sat beside her.
Xing Lai, ever observant, moved to serve the food, but Yu Jingchen stopped him. Xing Lai looked at him in confusion.
"Withdraw," Yu Jingchen said, offering no explanation.
Xing Lai didn't ask further. The Emperor likely wanted some private time with Consort Shu. He thus wisely led everyone away.
"Since we're outside the palace and there's no one else around, you can relax a bit. Don't bring those palace rules out with you," Yu Jingchen said as he picked up his chopsticks. Nan Zhiyun had been silent. She had only wanted to find something to do to avoid awkwardness, so she had said she wanted to eat. She wasn't hungry, but seeing the dishes before her, she felt a desire for them. The craving in her mouth was irresistible, so she, too, picked up her chopsticks.
Yu Jingchen had been paying attention to her. Seeing her start to eat, his eyes flickered. It was a good sign that she was willing to eat. Although he hadn't been to the Hall of Tranquility, his subordinates had always reported that her appetite was poor, especially when it came to food. It was definitely a cause for celebration that she was willing to eat something.
Perhaps it was the unique flavors of the dishes outside, but Nan Zhiyun had a good appetite today, eating quite a lot. Yu Jingchen couldn't eat much himself, but seeing Nan Zhiyun like this, his appetite was also whetted. Moreover, if he stopped eating, she probably wouldn't continue.
So, to accommodate Nan Zhiyun, Yu Jingchen slowed his pace, hoping she would eat more, as such opportunities were rare.
Nan Zhiyun ate for about half an hour. She could control herself initially, but the dishes here were truly delicious, and she couldn't help herself. Today, she might have eaten the most since she became pregnant.
"Are you finished?" Yu Jingchen asked, seeing that Nan Zhiyun had eaten quite a bit.
Nan Zhiyun looked at how much she had eaten in front of Yu Jingchen today and suddenly felt a little embarrassed. She put down her chopsticks. "I'm finished..." she replied.
"Then let them clear the table. Is there anything else you'd like to do?" Yu Jingchen asked again.
Nan Zhiyun thought for a moment. She couldn't think of anything else to do. But if she couldn't find anything to do, would the two of them just sit there in silence?
"I want to read a book..." Nan Zhiyun, unable to think of anything else, said this.
Read a book? Fine. Yu Jingchen didn't ask any further. He stood up, opened the room door, and gave instructions to Xing Lai outside. Someone then entered to clear the table.
With other people present, the atmosphere wasn't particularly awkward, but Nan Zhiyun felt uneasy. Would she have to be in the same space as Yu Jingchen for the entire evening and the next few days?
Nan Zhiyun was preoccupied with her thoughts. Yu Jingchen glanced at her but said nothing unpleasant, nor did he overthink it, assuming she was like usual.
Soon, Xing Lai brought the books as instructed by Yu Jingchen. Yu Jingchen took them and placed them before Nan Zhiyun.
"You wanted to read, didn't you? Are these enough?" Yu Jingchen asked her.
Nan Zhiyun looked at the two books before her, not knowing what they contained, but they were certainly enough. So, she nodded.
After Yu Jingchen saw Nan Zhiyun nod, he waved Xing Lai away. However, as Xing Lai retreated, his expression was somewhat indescribable. The Emperor had just ordered him to find books, and he had assumed the Emperor wanted to read them himself. He hadn't expected it to be for Consort Shu! Those books... Consort Shu would certainly not be interested, so he was currently in a dilemma.
But it was too late to say anything now. After some thought, he withdrew. Nan Zhiyun picked up the books from the table, but... what were these books? She was stunned. She couldn't understand the treatises on military strategy and historical theories, nor did she want to.
Yu Jingchen noticed Nan Zhiyun's reaction. "What's wrong?" he asked.
Nan Zhiyun felt a little stiff. How should she explain?
"I... I can't understand these." And I'm not interested, Nan Zhiyun added silently.
Yu Jingchen frowned. What couldn't she understand? He took the books from Nan Zhiyun's hands. Were there any problems with them? Well, Yu Jingchen didn't understand them much himself. In his eyes, reading these was quite normal.
"Are there any problems?" Yu Jingchen usually read these quite often.
"I..." Nan Zhiyun wanted to say something but ultimately didn't. It was fine; she would just make do with them.
She sat up straight and picked up the historical text beside her. In her opinion, historical texts were more interesting than military strategies. As for Yu Jingchen, he naturally picked up the other book, and they didn't disturb each other.
Nan Zhiyun initially tried to force herself to read, as it was just a way to pass the time. However, she was utterly uninterested in the content. It was too dry. Moreover, these historical texts weren't about romantic tales or strange stories; they only recorded systems and the like, which was incredibly boring.
After flipping through two pages, Nan Zhiyun felt bored. She looked up cautiously towards Yu Jingchen and saw that he was reading intently. Nan Zhiyun sighed inwardly. She couldn't say anything. Let him read.
The room was already quiet, and with the addition of this book, which Nan Zhiyun found dry and tasteless, about fifteen minutes passed. Nan Zhiyun... well, she started to doze off.
Yu Jingchen hadn't noticed her at first. When he looked over, he saw her nodding off. Yu Jingchen raised an eyebrow slightly. Was she asleep? Could she still fall asleep now?
He didn't make a sound to disturb her, instead watching Nan Zhiyun with amusement. Nan Zhiyun leaned back in her chair, her book almost falling from her grasp. As for herself, she was now almost unconscious.
Yu Jingchen watched her dozing in her seat. As the book was about to fall, Yu Jingchen reached out and took the book that was about to slip from her hand.
Nan Zhiyun was completely oblivious to this action. She was now in a semi-conscious state. Yu Jingchen put down the book she was holding. She had been looking at it for a long time, yet had only flipped through two pages. She clearly couldn't continue reading.
Yu Jingchen gently scooped Nan Zhiyun up by the waist. Perhaps it was because she was sleepy, but Nan Zhiyun didn't wake up. He carried her to the bed beside them and laid her down. Nan Zhiyun, perhaps sensing something, turned over once on the bed, then snuggled into a corner, curling her body slightly.
Yu Jingchen watched Nan Zhiyun's series of actions silently. He sat beside her and gently removed her shoes. He also checked her injury, which was still red and swollen. Given the situation, it probably wouldn't heal by tomorrow.
This girl wanted to go out? In her current state, how could she possibly go out? She couldn't even move. With the way things were developing, it would definitely swell more tomorrow.
Yu Jingchen spread the quilt over her. Although the weather wasn't cold, she could still catch a chill while sleeping.
After Yu Jingchen finished dealing with Nan Zhiyun, he picked up the two books again and then sat beside Nan Zhiyun to read.
When Xing Lai entered, he saw His Majesty sitting by Consort Shu, reading. What was going on?
"Next time, if she wants to read, put the books together separately so she can find them if she wants to read. Since she doesn't like these books, don't bring them up again," Yu Jingchen said, realizing Nan Zhiyun had no interest in them.
"Yes," Xing Lai acknowledged.
"Do you have anything else to report?" Yu Jingchen asked after he had said what he wanted to say.
"Yes, Your Majesty. General Nan Su will likely arrive in the capital ahead of schedule, possibly the day after tomorrow. Should we prepare to return to the palace?" Xing Lai asked.
"The day after tomorrow?" Yu Jingchen hadn't expected it to be so soon. Hadn't they said it would take some more time a few days ago?
"It's recent news. And, as Your Majesty ordered, I have already relayed the information about Consort Shu's assassination attempt. General Nan should receive the news soon," Xing Lai continued.
"Mm, keep an eye on things. And also, watch what Yu Jing'an is up to," Yu Jingchen said thoughtfully. He looked at the sleeping Nan Zhiyun beside him. "Send more hidden guards to follow her these days, especially around her. Keep a close watch on everything, including her food and daily necessities."
"Yes, Your Majesty, I understand." The news of Nan Su's return to the capital to hand over his military authority somehow seemed to have leaked. During this period, there had been frequent and excessive actions by those below.
"If there's nothing else, you may withdraw," Yu Jingchen said, waving his hand.
"Then... Your Majesty, tomorrow..." Xing Lai hadn't finished his question.
"We won't return to the palace tomorrow. We'll leave Saturday morning," Yu Jingchen decided. After all, it was a rare opportunity to come out. If they returned just like that, she would be very disappointed. Moreover, the purpose of this outing was to help Nan Zhiyun adjust her mood, so they needed to stay for some time.
"Yes," Xing Lai understood and did not press further, withdrawing on his own.
After Xing Lai left, Yu Jingchen's gaze returned to Nan Zhiyun. The girl was sleeping soundly.
As night fell, Yu Jingchen put down his book and asked for a fire starter. It would be dark at night, and she might be afraid of the dark. Even if he didn't know if she would be afraid of the dark while sleeping, it was better to light it. If she were afraid of the dark, he would be too lazy to comfort her.
After he had done all this, he began to attend to his own matters. Outside, Xing Lai stood guard, looking at the flickering candlelight within. He couldn't help but sigh. His Majesty was making concessions for Consort Shu, wasn't he? Others had always catered to him; how could it be his turn to cater to someone else?
Those serving Yu Jingchen knew that His Majesty never slept with a lamp on. Yet, now he had lit the lamp, simply because Consort Shu might be afraid of the dark. So... His Majesty was beginning to change.
Xing Lai silently prayed for them both. His Majesty was changing, but Consort Shu was also changing... becoming more rational and calm, adopting a defensive facade. He feared that one day His Majesty might lose his temper and, at all costs, make their already strained relationship even worse.
Well, things were as they were. There was no point in thinking further. After all, some things were fated. What would happen between His Majesty and Consort Shu in the future was still uncertain.
That night, moonlight streamed onto the roof. Both inside and outside the room, all was quiet. Yu Jingchen, accompanying Nan Zhiyun, found himself unable to sleep, perhaps because of the lit lamp or perhaps because his state of mind had changed.
Nan Zhiyun slept soundly, without restlessness, her sleeping face peaceful and adorable. Yu Jingchen reached out and gently drew Nan Zhiyun into his embrace. Perhaps sensing his embrace, Nan Zhiyun even snuggled closer into Yu Jingchen's arms.
Yu Jingchen's heart softened. Nan Zhiyun now was like a well-behaved, obedient kitten, making him want to caress and cherish her. He reached out and stroked the top of Nan Zhiyun's head; it was soft.
Undoubtedly, Nan Zhiyun's current appearance made a certain peculiar emotion in Yu Jingchen's heart even more apparent. Even he could sense it now.
"Be obedient... Don't think about leaving. You don't have the ability to protect yourself, and neither does Nan Su. Only the palace, only by my side, is the safest place for you. So... be good, don't do anything foolish, otherwise... I won't be able to control myself," Yu Jingchen said meaningfully.
If one day Nan Zhiyun still secretly tried to leave, he... would probably resort to some means. It would not be pleasant then, and she might not be able to bear it. He would not be lenient either. Escaping... was a grave offense, unforgivable. If possible, even if he crippled Nan Zhiyun's legs, he would not allow her to leave casually.
Nan Zhiyun was completely unaware of Yu Jingchen's current thoughts. She was asleep and having a long dream. In the dream, she had Yu Jingchen's child. And Yu Jingchen had changed completely from his usual self; he was very gentle and patient, coaxing her every day, trying every means to make her happy.
In the dream, Yu Jingchen accompanied her every day, peeled grapes for her, and coaxed her to sleep, telling her all sorts of little stories. But... this was just a dream, a beautiful dream she had already finished. She wouldn't think about it anymore.
Nan Zhiyun woke up from her dream, confused by her current situation. Why was she in Yu Jingchen's arms? She wouldn't narcissistically assume Yu Jingchen had held her intentionally, so as Nan Zhiyun tried to slip out of his embrace before Yu Jingchen woke up.
However, the moment she made a move, Yu Jingchen sensed it and tightened his hold. Nan Zhiyun ended up clinging to his chest. Nan Zhiyun cried out in surprise, but fearing she might wake Yu Jingchen, she immediately controlled her movements and her voice.
Yu Jingchen had already woken up. With Nan Zhiyun making such a fuss, how could he still be asleep? However, he didn't want to expose her intention and just wanted to see what she would do. He hadn't expected her first instinct to be to get away from him, and foolishly thought she wouldn't wake him. She was truly a naive girl.
Yu Jingchen silently felt her movements. Speaking of which, holding her felt quite good. Waking up this morning and not rushing to wake her, perhaps he had also wanted to hold her for a while longer?
Nan Zhiyun looked at Yu Jingchen, whose eyes were still closed, her movements somewhat stiff. Yu Jingchen's embrace had tightened after that sudden exertion, making it even harder for her to break free.
Yu Jingchen's physique was actually quite good. Perhaps due to years of martial arts training, his body was firm and gave a sense of security.
He was the Son of Heaven, usually appearing majestic. In normal times, Nan Zhiyun felt she would never see this side of Yu Jingchen.
Asleep, Yu Jingchen was without his usual sharp aura and oppressive presence. At this moment, he seemed like an ordinary person, his sharp edges softened into a gentle demeanor. Compared to usual, he was less terrifying.
Nan Zhiyun gave up struggling. The dream had been so vivid. She remembered that Yu Jingchen in the dream was gentle, but she couldn't recall exactly what had happened.
But she knew that she had seemed very happy in the dream. So... dreams were just dreams; they wouldn't become reality.
Her current situation... Ha. Those things were too unreal. Yu Jingchen couldn't possibly be like he was in the dream. Even if he were, what difference would it make? She couldn't forget the past. If she didn't remember, she might still have a shred of hope for Yu Jingchen. But now, that hope was destroyed. The lessons of her past life were bloody, the memories vivid. How could she let go? Therefore, she and Yu Jingchen would likely never be like they were in the dream in this lifetime.
Nan Zhiyun slowly calmed her emotions. It was fine; she wouldn't think about it anymore. Looking at the still "sleeping" Yu Jingchen, Nan Zhiyun quieted down. Let it be.
Yu Jingchen didn't wait for Nan Zhiyun's next move and felt a bit puzzled. What was she doing? Why had she suddenly stopped reacting?
Yu Jingchen slowly opened his eyes and looked at the small woman lying on his chest. Her emotions seemed a little off. Perhaps it was because her current expression was too desolate, and Yu Jingchen's heart tightened.
He stopped pretending. "Awake?" Yu Jingchen finally spoke. Nan Zhiyun, completely lost in her thoughts, was startled by this sudden voice.
Sensing her body tremble, Yu Jingchen softened his voice. "Do you want to continue sleeping?" he asked. kuAiδugg
Nan Zhiyun shook her head and crawled out of Yu Jingchen's embrace. The warmth and softness in his arms suddenly disappeared, and Yu Jingchen felt a chill and a sense of emptiness.
"Slept well?" Yu Jingchen asked her.
Nan Zhiyun nodded and sat up from the bed. Yu Jingchen also got up. "How is your foot injury? Does it still hurt?" he asked, trying to find a topic.
Nan Zhiyun moved her foot slightly. It still hurt quite a bit, so she nodded. "It hurts, but... it's much better. It's nothing serious." She didn't want to return to the palace, so she claimed she was almost healed.
How could Yu Jingchen not see through her intentions? However, he hadn't actually planned to send her back anyway, so he went along with Nan Zhiyun's wish. "Alright, then first, wash up, and after you eat, I'll help you apply medicine. Once all that is done, I'll take you out for a stroll?" Yu Jingchen was asking for Nan Zhiyun's opinion.
Nan Zhiyun thought about it. Her feet... it would probably be difficult to walk soon. But since they had come this far, she couldn't say no. So, she nodded.
Yu Jingchen then got out of bed and ordered the servants to prepare food and washing supplies. Nan Zhiyun sat on the bed, not moving.
When the servants brought the water and other items, Yu Jingchen didn't let them in. He brought the water himself.
Nan Zhiyun felt restless seeing this scene and was about to get up. But how could Yu Jingchen let her move around? So he immediately said, "Don't move around. You'll only cause trouble. Just sit still." Yu Jingchen said this, and Nan Zhiyun stopped. Yu Jingchen brought the water over and began to help Nan Zhiyun wash up...