Zichen Palace
Yu Jingchen found the investigation into Miuyin's information increasingly troublesome. Very little could be uncovered, and if these people were truly targeting Nan Zhiyun, he would genuinely worry about his ability to ensure absolute safety.
"Has the Prince of Yu's mansion been investigated?" Yu Jingchen asked.
"There are no other abnormalities in the Prince of Yu's mansion. It's just that Yu Jiangyan seems to have some issues. He meets with a mysterious person every month, but we haven't been able to ascertain that person's identity, nor the content of their conversations," Xing Lai reported.
"What about the Duke of Liu's mansion?" Yu Jingchen inquired again.
"The Duke of Liu's son, Liu Yi, is quite close with Yu Jiangyan. However, it's often Liu Yi who actively seeks out Yu Jiangyan, and Yu Jiangyan largely ignores Liu Yi. But we haven't found any problems with Liu Yi yet," Xing Lai added.
"Then continue the investigation. Find people to keep a close eye on them!" Yu Jingchen commanded, frustrated that his subordinates couldn't uncover even this much.
"Yes." Xing Lai had been walking on thin ice lately, fearing any problems might arise from Consort Shu.
"Arrange for people to watch the Nan Mansion as well. If their target is indeed Zhiyun, then the Nan Mansion… is also not safe." Yu Jingchen knew that Nan Su was a very important person to Nan Zhiyun, and thus did not wish for anything to happen to him.
"Yes." Xing Lai agreed, but… he seemed hesitant to say more.
Yu Jingchen noticed Xing Lai's hesitation and asked, "Is there anything else?"
"Your Majesty, this servant heard that General Nan… Lord Nan's health has not been good lately. Servants have said that he coughed up blood a few days ago," Xing Lai relayed.
"What is happening?" Yu Jingchen was completely unaware of this.
"It's said to be an old injury from his time on the battlefield. As spring arrives, it acts up, and it seems to be quite serious. However, Lord Nan has been having people conceal it, especially from Consort Shu," Xing Lai also understood the gravity of the situation.
"In a while, have an imperial physician go see him… send them discreetly. Let's keep it a secret for now and not let Zhiyun know. We'll discuss it after confirming the situation," Yu Jingchen instructed.
"Yes," Xing Lai replied.
"Furthermore, in a little over a month, it will be Zhiyun's birthday. You should also make preparations… to hold it with the ceremony of an Empress." Yu Jingchen's words sent ripples of shock through Xing Lai, though he had long anticipated such an outcome. He just hadn't expected His Majesty to express it so directly.
"Yes." Xing Lai dared not delay. After confirming that Yu Jingchen had no further instructions, he finally withdrew.
Yu Jingchen rubbed his temples. He wasn't sure if it was his imagination, but he had a sense of foreboding… he hoped there would be no accidents.
Thinking back, Nan Su had died because of him in his previous two lives. In this life… he also hoped that Nan Su could always be by Nan Zhiyun's side. If… he couldn't bear to imagine how that young girl would fare. She shouldn't have to endure such pain again.
Besides Nan Zhiyun, perhaps Nan Su was the person he owed the most. In both the first and second lives, Nan Su had met an unfavorable end because of him.
The old general, who should have been enjoying his twilight years surrounded by his children and grandchildren, ended up meeting a tragic end due to his own emperor's suspicion. To be persecuted by the very monarch he served, wasn't that both laughable and detestable? He must have felt despair at that moment.
Yu Jingchen dared not dwell on it. He had failed too many people… Now, he only hoped for an opportunity to make amends.