Nan Ziyun was also quite embarrassed, the blush on her face unable to conceal her inner joy. Yu Jingchen had indeed been a bit too passionate yesterday...
"Does the Empress need some ointment?" Qian Xia couldn't help but ask as she helped Nan Ziyun change her clothes.
"His Majesty has already applied the ointment, I'm fine," Nan Ziyun replied.
Yu Jingchen would always apply ointment to himself after their nightly activities, but by then she would have already fallen asleep. If she were awake, she would surely have been too embarrassed.
Qian Xia was truly happy for Nan Ziyun now, feeling that she had finally gotten her wish. However...
"Your Highness, Concubine Yuan has brought people to pay their respects today, saying they wish to greet you," Qian Xia relayed the day's events.
Nan Ziyun showed little reaction upon hearing this. Paying respects?
"Just tell them I'm not feeling up to it and that no greetings are necessary. If they insist, they can go greet Concubine Yuan instead," Nan Ziyun said dismissively.
"Yes." Qian Xia acknowledged and then proceeded to help Nan Ziyun with her ablutions and dressing, after which they had breakfast.
During breakfast, Qian Xia also informed Nan Ziyun about Su Qianyan's punishment. Nan Ziyun was somewhat surprised. His Majesty had said yesterday that she would be dealt with after his return, but she hadn't expected it to be so soon.
Yu Jingchen had gone to the hunting grounds, and Nan Ziyun, having nothing else to do, stayed in the temporary palace. This was her first time visiting Yu Jingchen's palace. She had gone straight to sleep last night and hadn't had a proper look around. Taking advantage of the current leisure, Nan Ziyun wandered around.
As she looked, she grew puzzled. Did Yu Jingchen like this style? Nan Ziyun found it novel. The decorations seemed somewhat familiar, almost resembling the arrangements in her own palace.
"I heard that His Majesty specifically had people arrange and decorate this place. All the furnishings were arranged by His Majesty according to the layout of Your Highness's palace in the An Hall. It is evident that His Majesty cares deeply for Your Highness," Qian Xia said.
"Mm..." Nan Ziyun's heart stirred slightly, somewhat surprised by Yu Jingchen's thoughtfulness. Qian Xia merely smiled, thinking that Her Highness had finally seen the dawn after a long night.
Meow~
Lingdang, the cat, trotted in. Nan Ziyun looked at the little cat and picked it up.
"Little Lingdang~" Nan Ziyun lifted Lingdang and rubbed her head against its.
"Lingdang missed Your Highness terribly after only being apart for such a short while," Jiang Ji said.
"Naturally. This is my cat, of course it's attached to me," Nan Ziyun said, feeling a sense of pride for some reason.
"But this servant observes that Jiang Ji and Lingdang spend more time together. Is Your Highness claiming all the credit for herself?" Qian Xia also joked. Her Highness was not haughty, so their interactions were very casual.
"Perhaps Your Highness is very affectionate, and that is why Lingdang is willing to be close," Jiang Ji said, looking at Lingdang in Nan Ziyun's arms with a rare softness in his expression.
Nan Ziyun found this novel. "So you do have other expressions. It seems Lingdang is quite likable," Nan Ziyun remarked.
As soon as Nan Ziyun finished speaking, Jiang Ji lowered his head. "This servant has been presumptuous."
"No, I think it's good this way. This is how it should be. What's the fun in always keeping your head down?" Nan Ziyun said dismissively. She disliked those around her being constantly cautious, as it felt stifling.
Compared to constant apprehension, such easygoing interactions were more natural and relaxed.