Jiang Ji continued without pausing.
"But they didn't know that his deep affection was merely superficial. Before marrying his wife, he was already with my mother. He even promised to buy her freedom. My mother had been waiting, but all she received was the news of his marriage."
"My mother waited for him all along. Finally, she heard from him. But he disdained my mother's status, saying she couldn't be his principal wife. Thus, he married someone else, intending to take my mother as his concubine."
"Unfortunately, his affair with my mother was discovered by his main wife. To protect his reputation, he shifted all blame onto my mother. They were powerful and noble, and my mother could no longer remain in the brothel. They intended to force her to death."
"As it turned out, they succeeded. My mother was indeed preparing to end her life, but... at that moment, she discovered my existence, which stopped her. My mother knew they wouldn't allow her to give birth to me, so she kept it a secret. Regrettably, she was found when she was about to give birth."
"To ensure my survival, my mother agreed that if they acknowledged me and allowed my birth, she would exchange her life for mine. Otherwise, she would reveal this scandal to the world, making them a laughingstock."
"They had no choice but to agree. However, my mother didn't expect them to strangle her with a rope immediately after I was born. I was then taken away and ordered to be drowned."
"Fortunately, the servant pitied me and couldn't bear to do it. He took me back and raised me. But secrets don't stay hidden forever. My existence was eventually discovered. I was eight years old then, and I watched those people murder the one who raised me."
"He hid me beforehand, so I managed to escape. What could an eight-year-old child do? I wandered through many places and eventually entered the palace..." Jiang Ji recounted slowly.
Nan Zhiyun was captivated by Jiang Ji's story. She hadn't expected him to have such a past and a tragic upbringing.
"Therefore... Your Highness, I envy you. General Nan and the Empress Dowager truly dote on you. Even after all that has happened, your well-being is their only wish. Why aren't you happier?" Jiang Ji looked at Nan Zhiyun and said.
Nan Zhiyun remained silent for a long time, her eyes red, tears still streaking her cheeks.
"Empress, you have a child now. For this child's sake, you should take care. If you continue to be like this every day, how can the child be well? General Nan and the Empress Dowager love you, and surely you will love your own child, won't you?" Jiang Ji spoke more than he usually did that day.
The room fell silent. Jiang Ji didn't disturb Nan Zhiyun after his words, merely lowering his head, waiting for her to process it herself.
The room remained quiet, with Ling Dang lounging lazily in Nan Zhiyun's arms, comfortable and content.
Zichen Palace
"What did you talk about?" Yu Jingchen asked.
"After Her Highness woke up, Jiang Ji told her about his past. He didn't say much else," Xing Lai replied.
Indeed, how could Yu Jingchen allow Nan Zhiyun to be without company? From the moment Jiang Ji entered, he had been under surveillance.