Jiang Ji, despite his previously timid demeanor, did not hold back when it came to action. He slapped Yu Yan twice, who was taken aback that such a lowly eunuch dared to lay hands on her. Yu Yan intended to strike back, but was stopped. "Bitch! You an emasculated man dare to hit me?!"
Nan Zhiyun wondered how such a person managed to enter the palace, solely due to Yu Yan's status? Not wanting to waste more words with her, she simply ordered Yu Yan to kneel for an hour. Even though Yu Yan was unwilling, she could not defy so many people.
On the way back, Nan Zhiyun furtively glanced at Jiang Ji several times, hesitating to speak. Logically, this had nothing to do with her, but... he was ultimately someone from her palace, and she had always been kind to those around her.
"You don't need to take what she said to heart," Nan Zhiyun finally managed to say after a long pause.
"Thank you, Your Ladyship, for your concern. This servant's status is humble, and what Princess Yan said is the truth. This servant dares not to be dissatisfied." Jiang Ji always kept his head bowed low, and Nan Zhiyun had no idea what he was truly thinking.
To be honest, Jiang Ji had been very dedicated these days, taking excellent care of Ling Dang. He was just too quiet, and kept himself at an extremely low posture, seeming... quite self-conscious.
"Actually... I don't think you need to think that way. You weren't born a servant. Besides, I don't think any of you are particularly lowly; aren't we all the same? My father used to tell me that everyone's birth is different, but birth is not something we can choose, so don't think your status is too noble or too lowly."
"Those in high positions are supported by people in ordinary positions, and those in ordinary positions need those in high positions to provide them with appropriate protection. It's impossible for everyone in this world to be the same. Those in high positions and those in ordinary positions complement each other. Father used to say that our current positions are also because of these people, so we must also consider those whose status is lower than ours." Nan Zhiyun heard Nan Su's words most often when she was young.
Jiang Ji's heart stirred slightly. He slowly looked up at Nan Zhiyun and saw her lips curved into a gentle smile. Nan Zhiyun looked back, meeting his gaze with her clear, bright eyes. Jiang Ji, somewhat flustered, lowered his head.
Nan Zhiyun thought she had frightened him, as palace rules dictated that servants were not allowed to look directly at their masters. However, in the Han'an Palace, she had never been so strict. She was quite lenient with the people in her palace. It was this Jiang Ji, for reasons unknown, who was excessively bound by rules. She supposed it might be due to his previous master.
"Jiang Ji, I've noticed you seem to be quite afraid of me?" Nan Zhiyun asked him.
"Consort Shu's status is noble, this servant..." Before Jiang Ji could finish, Nan Zhiyun interrupted him, realizing her previous words had been in vain.
"I've already told you, there aren't so many rules here. You don't need to be so cautious all the time. If you treat me as your master with undivided loyalty, I won't treat you harshly." Nan Zhiyun had never had a habit of casually punishing palace staff. People's hearts are made of flesh; if they are good to her, she will not mistreat them.
Jiang Ji lowered his head and remained silent. Nan Zhiyun felt somewhat helpless, but she didn't want to say more. It was fine; she would take it slow. She was out of options anyway.
---
Due to a special circumstance, a close family member has passed away. I apologize, and will make up for it tomorrow.