She had suffered enough bitterness in the past. Why was she being forced to grow up now? She could have lived in a world filled with kindness, so why was she being forced to face all that filth and ugliness? The world was not as simple and kind as she thought, but she could create a simple and kind world for her.
With these thoughts, Yu Jingchen felt much clearer, realizing he had been mistaken before. He gently pushed her away. Nan Zhiyun remained lost in her own world, her head bowed.
"No more overthinking, okay?" Yu Jingchen bent down slightly, meeting her gaze. "I promise you, everything I say is valid, and my promises will never change, alright? Or… shall we pinky swear?" Yu Jingchen suddenly recalled this way of comforting children.
Nan Zhiyun's heart was touched by his words. She slowly lifted her head, her eyes wet as she stared at Yu Jingchen. He stroked her head. "Do you want to?" he asked, extending his hand.
Nan Zhiyun was momentarily stunned by the hand stretched before her. He was truly treating her like a child. Yet, for some inexplicable reason, she reached out her own hand. Then… "Pinky swear, and let's seal it with a stamp…" Yu Jingchen said. After the "stamp," he naturally held Nan Zhiyun's hand.
"Trust me, okay?" Yu Jingchen held Nan Zhiyun's hand and dangled it in front of her. Under his guidance, Nan Zhiyun nodded slightly.
Yu Jingchen's lips curved upward. Holding Nan Zhiyun's hand, he led her back to the He An Hall. Perhaps because Yu Jingchen stayed by her side, Nan Zhiyun's mood gradually improved, and she was no longer as sensitive as before.
As for the selection of consorts… the ranks of the selected ladies were all decided that day. Yu Yan was granted the title of *Cairen* (才人), with the bestowed title of Jing. Bai Yusheng was ranked as *Meiren* (美人), without a bestowed title. Su Qianyuan, being a mere庶女 (concubine's daughter), was not granted a high rank, only *Baolin* (宝林). (Warm reminder: In the ranking table, *Meiren* is the highest among these three).
Yu Jingchen even specially arranged for this information to be conveyed to Nan Zhiyun. Nan Zhiyun was somewhat surprised when she saw it. She was surprised that Yu Jingchen would inform her of such matters, and… was Yu Yan's rank too low? Shouldn't she at least be on the same level as Bai Yusheng? But now, she was indeed one rank lower.
For someone as proud and arrogant as Yu Yan, this would likely be difficult to accept. What was the point of having a bestowed title if her rank was still lower? Moreover, she already had a rivalry with Bai Yusheng and was always trying to outdo her. This was undoubtedly a blow.
As expected, upon learning that her rank was lower than Bai Yusheng's, Yu Yan caused a huge scene in the manor. If not for the Prince Consort's wife intervening, who knew how long she would have made a fuss.
"Brother, why don't you say anything to help me?" Yu Yan looked at Yu Jiangyan, who was standing by the side, uninvolved.
"How can I help you with this? It's already decided, and no amount of fuss will change it. It's better to strive for yourself in the future and climb to a higher position than her," Yu Jiangyan replied indifferently.
"Am I even your sister? Can't you show me a little more care?" Yu Yan was dissatisfied. This brother of hers had been cold and taciturn since childhood.
Yu Jiangyan did not respond to her words. He had recently entered officialdom and secured a proper position. It was not advisable to cause trouble at this time.