"Is that good?" Nan Zhiyun couldn't answer.
"Yun'er used to like following me and shouting 'Your Highness, Brother', telling me I like you. Now, Brother Your Highness will give these words of affection back to you, okay?" Yu Jingchen gently touched the young girl's head.
Nan Zhiyun didn't dodge. It was still raining outside, and the atmosphere today was a bit oppressive, perhaps because the sky was so gloomy.
The roses in the courtyard had already been battered and scattered by the wind and rain. She wondered how long this rain would last.
"Your Majesty... the Grand Tutor has left the manor and gone to... Cining Palace. Does Your Majesty wish to summon the Grand Tutor to an audience?" Xing Lai approached Yu Jingchen and asked.
He went to Cining Palace? Gu Yin... Yu Jingchen's eyes deepened slightly. This person seemed truly not as he appeared... Wasn't he rumored to be the Son of Heaven's Will? It was precisely because of this resounding title that the late emperor had appointed the sixteen-year-old Gu Yin as Grand Tutor... Later, he became infatuated with some Daoist arts. Gu Yin, was he truly a good person?
In his previous life, Gu Yin's only memory was of the Empress Dowager and himself. For the Empress Dowager, Gu Yin exchanged his life for hers and perished in Miaoyin Pavilion.
What kind of place was Miaoyin Pavilion? It was the most powerful force in the entire martial world, the most mysterious existence. And existence often came with the greatest danger.
"Summon him here," Yu Jingchen said. Xing Lai understood and replied, "Yes," before withdrawing.
Gu Yin's visit to Cining Palace was not public knowledge, but when Xing Lai found him, Gu Yin showed no surprise.
Not long after, Gu Yin arrived at Zichen Palace.
This time, Gu Yin... surprised Yu Jingchen. In the past, Gu Yin had always worn white, appearing like an immortal, beyond desecration.
But this time, Gu Yin was dressed in a deep blue robe embroidered with unknown patterns. The white jade hairpin that used to style his hair had been replaced by a silver coronet.
"Your Majesty summoned this humble servant for what reason?" Gu Yin inquired, without formal greeting or any tone of reverence, as if speaking to an ordinary person.
"Why is the Grand Tutor dressed this way today?" Yu Jingchen voiced his inner question. He was accustomed to the aloof Gu Yin, and this somewhat aggressive demeanor was hard to adapt to.
"Since when does Your Majesty concern himself with such trivial matters?" Gu Yin's tone was calm, as if he didn't regard the person before him with much importance.
Yu Jingchen frowned at Gu Yin's attitude. He couldn't shake the feeling that the current Gu Yin was strange, very off.
"What does Your Majesty wish to ask? You didn't summon me here just to exchange pleasantries, did you?" Gu Yin cut straight to the point.
"What is Gu Yin's relationship with the Empress Dowager?" Yu Jingchen's eyes also turned slightly cold.
"What business is that of Your Majesty's? Are you the Empress Dowager's child? Or do you consider the Empress Dowager your mother?" Gu Yin was no longer afraid. Yu Jingchen's words caused the pressure around him to suddenly plummet.
"Is this the Grand Tutor's attitude?" Yu Jingchen's tone was displeased.
"Shouldn't I be the one saying that to you? Is this how you treat me?" The Grand Tutor had completely changed from his former self, unlike the same person. Xing Lai, listening from the side, felt his hair stand on end but dared not interject, for fear of being caught in the crossfire.
Yu Jingchen and Gu Yin stared at each other, neither speaking first, but the aura between them suggested neither was yielding.
"Grand Tutor... you have overstepped," Xing Lai finally couldn't help but remind them. After all, if he didn't offer a way out, who would? But clearly, neither of them gave him any face, especially Gu Yin. "Your Majesty summoning me here was a mistake. If Your Majesty had any discernment, you would know that this seat is not one you can manipulate like those others!" Gu Yin's imposing presence surged forward.
Yu Jingchen's eyes narrowed. How could he allow someone to act so presumptuously in his presence? However, before Yu Jingchen could react, a sound came from the side. Both of them looked over simultaneously and saw Nan Zhiyun standing there, looking flustered, somewhat guilty and nervous, but mostly frightened, having accidentally knocked over a vase.
The moment Yu Jingchen saw Nan Zhiyun, he immediately retracted his aura, his entire demeanor softening. At this moment, he seemed to have switched places with the former Grand Tutor; he became gentle, and Gu Yin became sharp.
"Yun'er, why did you come out? Come here," Yu Jingchen said gently, his eyes filled with affection and longing as he looked at Nan Zhiyun. Nan Zhiyun hesitated, not daring to step forward.
Seeing this, Yu Jingchen's lips curved into a slight smile. Since she wasn't coming to him, he would walk towards her.
As Nan Zhiyun saw Yu Jingchen approaching, she clearly flinched and tried to retreat. Though her movements were subtle, Yu Jingchen saw them clearly.
"Yun'er, don't be afraid, come here." Yu Jingchen extended his hand to her. Seeing she still didn't react, he pulled her closer and held her in his arms.
"It's alright, we weren't speaking in secret, nor did we intend to keep you out. Otherwise, we wouldn't be talking here, would we? So Yun'er did nothing wrong just now, don't be scared. Hmm? Okay?" Yu Jingchen understood Nan Zhiyun's thoughts perfectly.
Gu Yin, standing nearby, watched Yu Jingchen and Nan Zhiyun at this moment, an unknown emotion rising in his eyes, making him seem dangerous.
"I heard people talking outside, so I came out..." Nan Zhiyun seemed to want to explain.
"I know, it's fine. Yun'er, don't feel guilty or worried," Yu Jingchen's voice was gentle, coaxing Nan Zhiyun as if she were a little girl. No, perhaps even a little girl wouldn't receive such treatment.
Nan Zhiyun didn't seem to relax at all upon hearing Yu Jingchen's words. However... she looked towards Gu Yin, who happened to be looking back at her. Their eyes met, and in that instant, Nan Zhiyun shrank back. His... his eyes were so deep, as if they could suck a person in.
Yu Jingchen noticed Nan Zhiyun's subtle movements. He was instantly displeased. Now that Nan Zhiyun was here, he didn't have the luxury of prolonging the stalemate with Gu Yin. So, he immediately issued an order to leave: "If the Grand Tutor has nothing else, you may go."
But Gu Yin was not about to comply. He lightly parted his lips. Although he was speaking to Yu Jingchen, his gaze never left Nan Zhiyun. Nan Zhiyun dared not look at him; being stared at by him felt like being watched by a beast, sending shivers from her head to her toes.
Yu Jingchen sensed this. He pulled Nan Zhiyun closer into his embrace, then gently pressed her head against his chest, hiding her from Gu Yin's predatory gaze.
"What is the Grand Tutor doing?" Yu Jingchen's voice was bone-chillingly cold, much colder than before.
"Your Majesty summoned this seat today precisely because you seek peace of mind, did you not? Now I tell Your Majesty clearly... you will never have peace in this life..." Gu Yin's eyes suddenly became terrifying, the corners of his eyes turning slightly red, sending a chill down one's spine.
Yu Jingchen's heart tightened at these words, not for any other reason but because...
"With just these few words, the Grand Tutor is quite confident. Aren't you afraid you won't be able to leave this door today?" Yu Jingchen's killing intent was also stirring.
"Your Majesty summoned this seat because you trust my abilities, did you not? So, does Your Majesty still trust me now? However... it is not up to you whether you believe it or not. Has Your Majesty forgotten that everyone in the world believes I am the Son of Heaven's Will? Do you think I obtained such a title for no reason?" Gu Yin smiled, but the smile didn't reach his eyes.
Yu Jingchen tightened his grip on Nan Zhiyun. If it were any other matter, it would be fine, but this concerned Nan Zhiyun. How could he be at ease? How could he take risks?
"Your Majesty... this seat is willing to play with you. Why doesn't Your Majesty see who has more ability, this Grand Tutor, or Your Majesty, who is the supreme ruler of the land?" Gu Yin's scarlet eyes grew more apparent, and coupled with his tone, it was chilling.
The atmosphere between the two gradually became tense and confrontational. Nan Zhiyun, held in Yu Jingchen's arms, felt a chill. Perhaps sensing the young girl's fear, Yu Jingchen no longer wanted to prolong the confrontation.
"Xing Lai, escort the Grand Tutor out!" This was the first time Yu Jingchen had been put on the spot since he took power.
Xing Lai dared not delay. Fortunately, Gu Yin wasn't intent on a complete breakdown at this moment, so he didn't escalate further. Xing Lai breathed a sigh of relief as he escorted the malevolent god away. He had never realized the Grand Tutor could have such a terrifying side, as if he had transformed into the former Emperor.
Once the room was empty, Yu Jingchen released the young girl from his embrace. "Alright, hmm? Yun'er, did you hide well just now?" Yu Jingchen's tone was deliberately relaxed, attempting to ease the current tension and avoid putting too much psychological pressure on the young girl.
"It's alright, nothing's wrong, don't be scared, okay?" Yu Jingchen bent down to look at the young girl's current state. However, the little girl seemed a bit shy, and when he looked at her, she even dodged to the side.
Yu Jingchen scooped her up horizontally. The young girl, startled, instinctively wrapped her arms around his neck.
"That's right. Little Yun'er, why are you so reserved?" Yu Jingchen looked at the little person in his arms with amusement and doting affection.
Nan Zhiyun seemed still a bit embarrassed, and now they were so close. Due to their height difference, Yu Jingchen's breath tickled her ear as he spoke, causing Nan Zhiyun's entire face to turn red.
"Little Yun'er, you can't always be like this, or I'll scare you, understand?" Yu Jingchen's words were suggestive, and Nan Zhiyun clearly understood.
However, compared to her morning self, Nan Zhiyun was less sensitive now and wouldn't be flustered by such words. But her face was indeed flushed red.
Yu Jingchen carried the little obedient girl to a side, then sat down himself, and had Nan Zhiyun sit on his lap.
"Hungry? Hmm?" Yu Jingchen reached out and naturally touched her belly.
"It feels soft when I touch it, you must be hungry. Your stomach is protesting, and you still don't say anything?" Yu Jingchen cupped Nan Zhiyun's face and began to playfully knead it.
Nan Zhiyun dared not resist, but her face clearly showed displeasure. "My face will get bigger..." Her voice was barely audible, like a mosquito's.
Yu Jingchen found her sudden remark amusing. What was wrong with this little girl? She was even arguing with him now? However, this was a good sign.
"If it gets bigger, it gets bigger. Even if it gets bigger, it will still be beautiful, and I'll still want it, hmm?" Yu Jingchen was deliberately teasing her. Was she using her beauty to tempt him now that soft persuasion wasn't working?
Nan Zhiyun couldn't stand it and her face immediately flushed red. Yu Jingchen teased her further, "Before, when I looked at Little Yun'er, I thought she was soft and fair. But now I don't think so anymore." Yu Jingchen suddenly changed the subject, and Nan Zhiyun's interest was piqued.
Seeing the little girl looking at him curiously, waiting obediently for him to continue, Yu Jingchen's heart softened. "Now Little Yun'er isn't fair-skinned, she's red, because... Little Yun'er's face has fully ripened." Yu Jingchen said, tapping her head twice.
Nan Zhiyun: "..." She suddenly felt speechless. What should she do?
Yu Jingchen found her reaction amusing. A cheerful little girl was better. She didn't like going out much, and now she was cooped up in the room all day. It was truly worrying.
"Alright, Little Yun'er is hungry. I'll have someone bring some food for Little Yun'er, okay?" Yu Jingchen had truly become like a doting father to her, needing to coax her for everything.
"I'm not hungry..." Nan Zhiyun stubbornly retorted. Yu Jingchen, seeing her like this for the first time, could only indulge her words. "Yes, yes, Little Yun'er isn't hungry. It's me and the baby in Little Yun'er's belly who are hungry, okay?"
How could Nan Zhiyun not know that Yu Jingchen was trying to trick her? How old was she? However... she suddenly thought of something. The light in her eyes gradually dimmed. The scene in her dream... although she couldn't remember it clearly, she recalled that Yu Jingchen had returned to his former self, perhaps even worse, and her father...
She didn't know if the dream was true or false, but she had a vague impression. However... wasn't it said that dreams and reality were opposites? So, what happened in the dream would definitely not happen, right? Nan Zhiyun could only pray in her heart.