After the banquet ended, Yu Jingchen carried Nan Zhiyun back to the temporary palace. They were scheduled to depart the next day. Considering Nan Zhiyun’s tendency to sleep late, Yu Jingchen had adjusted the departure time accordingly.
Lately, Nan Zhiyun had been sleeping even more than before. Originally, with the weather gradually warming up, Yu Jingchen had expected Nan Zhiyun to be less sleepy than usual. Perhaps she had been a bit tired these past few days.
However, nothing had changed. She continued to sleep, and her sleeping hours even increased. In winter, one could say Nan Zhiyun was like a bear hibernating. But in spring, she was still this lazy?
“Lazy pig.” Yu Jingchen found himself utterly helpless with Nan Zhiyun. He pulled her close, and they enjoyed a night of deep sleep.
The next day, Nan Zhiyun woke up in Yu Jingchen’s arms once again. She had grown accustomed to it; if it were any different, she would feel unsettled.
“Your Majesty?” Nan Zhiyun’s voice was slightly hoarse, likely from just waking up.
“Are you awake?” Yu Jingchen asked gently.
“Mmm,” Nan Zhiyun stretched languidly in Yu Jingchen’s embrace.
“Then it’s time to get up. We’ll be departing soon,” Yu Jingchen said.
“I’m hungry,” Nan Zhiyun said, snuggled comfortably in Yu Jingchen’s arms.
“We won’t be short of food for you, but you must get up first. You can eat once you’re up,” Yu Jingchen sat up, bringing Nan Zhiyun up with him.
“I’m lazy. Your Majesty, will you help me dress?” Nan Zhiyun looked at Yu Jingchen pitifully. Her eyes were still a little watery from a yawn she had just let out.
“Alright, I’ll help you dress. You’ve become impossibly lazy,” Yu Jingchen said, though he immediately began to help Nan Zhiyun with her clothes.
The palace maids had also finished setting up the breakfast. Nan Zhiyun had gone to bed early the previous night, hadn't eaten, and had expended a lot of energy. She was definitely hungry now.
“Does your body still hurt today?” Yu Jingchen asked her.
“It doesn’t hurt anymore, it’s all better,” Nan Zhiyun replied. Yu Jingchen had checked last night, and there were only very faint marks left. They should be mostly healed now. Hearing Nan Zhiyun say it no longer hurt, he finally felt truly at ease.
The carriages and horses had been waiting outside for a long time. As Yu Jingchen, with Nan Zhiyun in his arms, approached, they drew everyone’s gaze.
Since Nan Zhiyun had expressed her desire to ride a horse back, Yu Jingchen had a horse brought over. He then embraced Nan Zhiyun as they mounted the fine steed together. He noticed that Nan Zhiyun seemed to particularly enjoy riding horses; her mood was always exceptionally good when she was on horseback.
“Do you really like riding horses that much, Yun’er? Aren’t you afraid it will happen again, like last time when the horse got spooked and you fell off?” Yu Jingchen asked her.
“I was scared, but aren’t you here, Your Majesty? When you are here, I’m not so afraid. Besides, I find riding horses to be really fun. It gives me a sense of relaxation, freedom, and even a thrill,” Nan Zhiyun replied.
“Then, if you want to ride horses in the future, I will accompany you. The royal stables are much safer than outside. It’s not impossible for you to ride, but it must be under conditions that guarantee your safety,” Yu Jingchen relented.
“Okay, I understand.” Nan Zhiyun truly took his words to heart this time. If she were asked to ride alone again in the future, she would refuse.