This time, Nan Su presented a memorial stating that after returning, he was willing to hand over military authority and retire from office. To be honest, Yu Jingchen was also shaken. Under such power, someone could actually voluntarily give it up?
Perhaps influenced by his childhood environment, in Yu Jingchen's heart, power was always the most tempting. It wasn't about feeling majestic with power, but because only with power could one have the right to live, the right to choose.
In his impression, a person without power was equivalent to losing the ability to protect themselves, becoming entirely passive. Only by holding all power in his own hands could he control the initiative.
What about close people? In the royal family, under power, even the closest people were not necessarily trustworthy. He lived in this imperial palace and had seen much since childhood. How many concubines in the harem would harm their own flesh and blood for power? In the struggle for imperial power, even brothers could turn against each other, couldn't they? Wasn't it always a fight to the death? Therefore, if even those connected by blood could become enemies, why should those without kinship be trusted?
So... he had to eliminate all threats, and the biggest threat at present was the Nan family.
Giving up military authority? If it could truly be given up, it wouldn't be a bad thing. However, Nan Su had been on battlefields for many years and held considerable prestige among the troops. He had led these soldiers for so long, relying on more than just that military tally. Even if he handed over military authority, what of it? His prestige remained...
While Yu Jingchen was lost in these thoughts, Xing Lai finally returned.
"Your Majesty, this servant has already sent the palace maids over and invited an imperial physician," Xing Lai reported obediently.
Yu Jingchen straightened his body, as if not particularly concerned, and casually said, "En," then fell silent.
Xing Lai looked up slightly at the person on the throne. Was this all? Was he truly not concerned?
"Your Majesty, Consort Shu's injury on her knee seems quite severe. If it's not properly cared for, and she injures it again, she might be left with lingering issues in the future," Xing Lai continued. Yu Jingchen's eyes flickered, but he still said nothing.
"Furthermore... Consort Shu's hands also seem to be injured quite badly. She can't even hold things. It hurts with a slight touch. The imperial physician said she might not be able to hold anything for several days," Xing Lai continued.
Was it that serious? Yu Jingchen knew his own actions and had a sense of proportion. Most of the time, he hadn't used his full strength. Perhaps he had used ten parts of his strength only once or twice, but it shouldn't be this bad.
"The servants attending Consort Shu are all injured. Consort Shu might not be used to the newly sent palace maids. And Consort Shu is someone who keeps everything to herself. Even if the palace maids are not serving her wholeheartedly, she probably wouldn't say anything. In the end, any grievances or unhappiness will still be bottled up inside," Xing Lai continued to elaborate.
Yu Jingchen still showed no reaction. However... Xing Lai's heart was pounding. Although there was no reaction, he didn't stop him from continuing, so... Xing Lai directly dropped a bombshell.
"Consort Shu was injured today and was also frightened. She has no one close to attend to her and is confined to Heyan Hall. It must be difficult. The Consort is naturally afraid of the dark, and she might have nightmares at night. Moreover, Consort Shu is quite stubborn. Just now, this servant suggested putting away those papers and brushes, but the Consort refused. Is she going to continue copying even with her injuries?" Xing Lai said, observing Yu Jingchen's expression.
"She can't even hold a brush, what is she copying?" Yu Jingchen finally reacted.
"The Consort is naturally slow at copying. Today, she might have been startled. Her hands are injured, and she'll need several days to recover. Perhaps she's afraid she won't finish copying and will be punished by Your Majesty again," Xing Lai said, feigning a guess.
Yu Jingchen frowned. If that were truly the case, her mind was really problematic. He hadn't intended to intervene, but... Nan Zhiyun really seemed to have a problem with her mind... So...
"Tonight, I will go to Heyan Hall," Yu Jingchen finally said.
"Yes..." Xing Lai lowered his head. Tsk, it was as he expected. He only hoped His Majesty would realize his feelings sooner and not regret it when it was too late to salvage. At the same time, he hoped Consort Shu would have an easier time. If this continued, he feared Consort Shu might have a problem.
Recently, whenever Yu Jingchen went to the harem, it was to Heyan Hall, which had already caused dissatisfaction among many. However... every time Yu Jingchen went to Heyan Hall, it seemed Nan Zhiyun would be punished or something similar, which then brought a sense of balance to the other consorts in the harem.
That evening, upon hearing that Yu Jingchen had arrived again, Nan Zhiyun's heart trembled. After he left her place today, she hadn't caused any trouble. Nan Zhiyun suddenly felt uncertain about Yu Jingchen's intentions for coming here.
As Yu Jingchen entered, Nan Zhiyun was leaning on a chair, reading. The room was dimly lit. She leaned there silently, with no one guarding her. Yu Jingchen frowned subconsciously. Seeing his reaction, Nan Zhiyun felt a sense of unease. She... shouldn't have done anything wrong.
Nan Zhiyun rose to salute. Before she could even utter her greetings, she heard Yu Jingchen's slightly displeased voice: "What are you reading again? The room is so dark, and you can still read?"
Nan Zhiyun's words were stuck in her throat, fearing that any word she spoke would be a mistake. Only a few weak candlelight flickered in the room. When she read, there was also a lamp on her desk.
However, in a palace as large as Heyan Hall, with only a few lamps lit, it appeared insignificant. The palace maids had wanted to light more, but she had stopped them. This atmosphere was enough...
"Your hands are injured, your legs are injured, and now you want to injure your eyes as well?" Yu Jingchen walked over, startling Nan Zhiyun into stepping back repeatedly.
Yu Jingchen's steps paused, and Nan Zhiyun froze. She had just dodged... would she be punished again?
"What are you dodging for?" Yu Jingchen's tone was displeased. Nan Zhiyun inwardly sighed. She had caused trouble again... but was this something she could control?
Yu Jingchen walked past Nan Zhiyun, picked up the book from her table. They were some storybooks, nothing special. He didn't understand what was so captivating that she could read so engrossed in such dim light. He placed the storybook back in its original position.