Yu Jingchen merely wanted to ensure Nan Zhiyun was willing, and if she truly was not, he would not force her.
"This concubine... also looks forward to a child with Your Majesty," Nan Zhiyun replied, though this answer was unsatisfactory to Yu Jingchen.
It was merely looking forward, not willingness. This so-called anticipation didn't necessarily mean for the present.
"Mhm, I look forward to it as well." Yu Jingchen didn't press further, afraid to ask. If he continued, he feared hearing something he didn't want to.
That night, Yu Jingchen did not touch Nan Zhiyun, and Nan Zhiyun didn't find it strange, as they had been intimate just the day before.
For several consecutive days, Yu Jingchen acted this way. Nan Zhiyun didn't know what was wrong with him, only that he seemed unhappy. However, even with Yu Jingchen's peculiar mood these past few days, he still visited to accompany Nan Zhiyun every day.
Meticulous and solicitous in all matters, perhaps sensing Yu Jingchen's low spirits, Nan Zhiyun took the initiative during this time. However, Yu Jingchen refused each time.
He simply told her gently, "Be good, there's still plenty of time. No rush, let's take it slow, alright?"
Initially, Nan Zhiyun thought he was simply concerned about her health. But after being rejected a few times, she also sensed something was amiss.
So...
Nan Zhiyun took the initiative to go find Yu Jingchen. That day, Yu Jingchen was handling memorials in the Hall of Diligent Governance after the morning court. During the morning court, there was another dispute regarding Yu Jing'an.
Yu Jing'an had fled with a portion of his men, leaving Yu Jingchen extremely vexed. The atmosphere in the Hall of Diligent Governance was also incredibly stifling.
Fortunately, Xing Lai saw Nan Zhiyun approaching from outside and found it rather unexpected. This Consort Shu rarely visited. He was aware that Yu Jingchen had been in low spirits these past few days. Even though he was gentle and attentive in front of Consort Shu, when Consort Shu was not present... Yu Jingchen had already punished quite a few people these past few days.
There had been no progress on that matter, and all those around Consort Shu had been investigated without any issues. Therefore... it was more likely that Consort Shu herself was involved, but His Majesty had never believed it.
"Why has Your Ladyship visited today?" Xing Lai walked up, smiling brightly.
"His Majesty didn't come over today, so I came to see His Majesty. Please trouble Eunuch Xing to inform His Majesty. Nan Zhiyun was unpretentious.
"This servant wouldn't dare. Your Ladyship may enter directly; His Majesty will not blame you. Your Ladyship, please." Xing Lai was perceptive.
Nan Zhiyun hesitated for two seconds, then didn't refuse. She said, "Then I thank Eunuch Xing." She then took the items from Qian Xia and entered alone, likely carrying food.
The Hall of Diligent Governance was not like other palaces; the atmosphere here was much more solemn. Nan Zhiyun had almost never been here before. It was even more austere than the Hall of Celestial Radiance. Nan Zhiyun felt nervous as she entered.
As soon as Nan Zhiyun entered, Yu Jingchen noticed. He looked up and saw Nan Zhiyun standing below somewhat apprehensively.
"Your Majesty..." Nan Zhiyun called out softly.
"Why has Yun'er come here?" Yu Jingchen softened his voice and curbed his aura.
The tense atmosphere seemed to gradually ease at this moment. Yu Jingchen stood up from his seat, then came down and embraced Nan Zhiyun. "What is this?" Yu Jingchen took the items from Nan Zhiyun's hands.