Nan Zhiyun, appearing nonchalant, wondered if the other person had heard her, or more precisely, understood her.
"Consort Shu seems unenthusiastic. Is it because you woke up too early today and haven't adjusted?" Rong Chongyuan's gentle voice chimed in. She was the legitimate daughter of the Minister of Rites, but her presence in the palace was rather low-key. Since her name was on the list for the spring hunt, it was no wonder she sought attention today.
"Regardless, it's not as you are accustomed to," Nan Zhiyun replied lightly.
"Yesterday, Her Ladyship must have been tired from attending to His Majesty. It's normal to feel sleepy coming here so early today," Rong Chongyuan chuckled.
"This concubine heard that His Majesty hasn't visited anyone else besides Consort Shu in months. One would think you are accustomed to it. Moreover... Consort Shu is truly capable, to make His Majesty so reliant on you. It's just... that your belly shows no sign of movement." Yu Yan was truly a fearless individual, directly venting her frustrations at Nan Zhiyun.
"What business is it of yours?" Nan Zhiyun looked at Yu Yan, her voice serene. Yu Yan was momentarily stunned, unsure how to respond.
"Are you being sarcastic? Is your brain not working? If you want His Majesty to like you, say it to His Majesty. If you want to learn tricks, go to a brothel. Why did you enter the palace? Are you a mad dog, snapping randomly? Did I provoke you?" Nan Zhiyun found this Yu Yan extremely detestable. What was she? Yu Yan's face turned green and then pale under Nan Zhiyun's words, but being of a lower rank, she dared not retort.
"Consort Shu, your words are too excessive!" Yu Yan emphasized.
"I can't stand you, and weren't you the one who barked first? Noble Consort, may I handle this?" Nan Zhiyun looked at Yan Qing.
Yan Qing was surprised Nan Zhiyun had mentioned her. Since she was called upon, she couldn't just watch. She then said, "Cai Ren Yu Yan truly lacks proper etiquette. Consort Shu holds a higher position than you. Your insubordination is indeed inappropriate. Why don't you apologize to Consort Shu?"
Yu Yan was unwilling, but being subordinate, she dared not be overly presumptuous. She had no choice but to say to Nan Zhiyun above her, "This concubine misspoke. I beg Consort Shu for forgiveness."
Nan Zhiyun said nothing. The atmosphere suddenly became awkward. Yu Yan also felt embarrassed. Fortunately, Yan Qing stepped in to mediate.
"Alright, let's conclude for today. I have important matters to attend to and cannot stay to chat with you all," Yan Qing stood up.
"Yes, this concubine takes her leave." The people below withdrew according to their ranks.
Nan Zhiyun had long been restless but felt it improper to leave early, so she endured until now.
"Consort Shu, please wait." She had barely walked a short distance when she heard someone call her from behind. It was Su Qianyan.
Nan Zhiyun watched her approach. After reaching her, Su Qianyan bowed softly, "This humble concubine greets Consort Shu."
"Do you need something?" Nan Zhiyun remembered this person.
"Consort Shu, please forgive me for disturbing you. It is this humble concubine's fault, but seeing Consort Shu today, I felt a sense of kinship, so I specifically came to greet you." Su Qianyan appeared harmless, but Nan Zhiyun found her quite hypocritical.
"Now that we have greeted each other, I am feeling rather tired and wish to return to my palace. I won't converse with you further." Nan Zhiyun did not want any further entanglements with this Su Qianyan.
Qian Xia instinctively moved to shield Nan Zhiyun, seeing this Su Qianyan.