Qian Xia couldn't tell if it was her imagination, but she felt that some of this woman's demeanor, actions, and even way of speaking bore a resemblance to her own Empress.
Su Qianyan's expression soured at being rejected by Nan Zhiyun. She couldn't fathom it; this so-called Consort Shu shouldn't be in this position, and moreover... how could she be so favored?
Why were so many things in this life different from the previous one? Watching the direction Nan Zhiyun had left, Su Qianyan suddenly felt a sense of unease.
"What? Already trying to curry favor?" Yu Yan emerged from behind, her tone dismissive.
"Talent Jing, you'd best mind your own business. I have matters to attend to, so I won't converse with you." Su Qianyan didn't give her a second thought. However... Yu Yan had no intention of letting her off. Already fuming, Su Qianyan's attitude only amplified her anger. Could she tolerate it?
"Stop!" Yu Yan grabbed her and, before Su Qianyan could react, slapped her.
Su Qianyan was completely caught off guard. Yu Yan's slap was quite forceful, causing her to stumble and nearly lose her balance.
"You're just a mere Baolin, yet you dare to be arrogant in front of me? Today, I'll teach you a good lesson!" Yu Yan said, throwing another slap. This time, however, Su Qianyan caught it.
"Yu Yan, don't push it too far!" Su Qianyan couldn't swallow this insult.
"My rank is higher than yours, so what if I discipline you?" Yu Yan intended to vent all her anger on Su Qianyan.
"Insubordination! You will kneel here for a full hour!" With that, Yu Yan kicked Su Qianyan in the knee, forcing her to her knees.
Yu Yan cast her a cold glance, then said to someone beside her, "Keep a close eye on her. She's not allowed to get up until the time is up." With that, she strode away.
Su Qianyan clenched the handkerchief in her hand. This feud was now established. However... it might not be a bad thing, a thoughtful glint flashed in Su Qianyan's eyes.
In the afternoon, after finishing his official duties, Yu Jingchen went to He An Hall. He was already aware of everything that had transpired at Yun Peng Hall that morning but showed no reaction.
"Your Majesty!" Nan Zhiyun rushed out to greet Yu Jingchen upon hearing of his arrival, her steps hurried.
Seeing her, Yu Jingchen immediately opened his arms. Nan Zhiyun tumbled into his embrace, and Yu Jingchen caught her firmly, afraid she might fall.
"Are you in such high spirits? You're still a bit too unrestrained," Yu Jingchen said, gently stroking her head.
"But I like it. Yun'er now is wonderful too," Yu Jingchen added. He took Nan Zhiyun's hand and led her inside.
"Why did you go to Yun Peng Hall today? Did you wake up? You don't have to attend such gatherings if you don't want to. No one would dare do anything to you." Yu Jingchen knew those occasions were always chaotic and didn't want Nan Zhiyun involved.
"I'm fine," Nan Zhiyun replied with a smile to Yu Jingchen.
"As long as you're fine. In short, don't let yourself be wronged," Yu Jingchen reiterated his usual sentiment.
He couldn't do anything about her; as long as she was happy, and as long as she didn't wrong herself, no matter what she did, Yu Jingchen would always be there to support her. What could she possibly do that he couldn't handle?