Yan Qing smiled faintly, as if the matter didn't concern her.
"The Emperor's decisions are not for us to interfere with. You are best advised to focus on your own duties. I am merely a noble consort and cannot bear such responsibility. If you are displeased, you may approach His Majesty directly." Yan Qing looked at the people below, her expression unreadable.
No one spoke. Noble Consort De cast a disdainful glance at the others, thinking how timid they were, like quails.
Trouble was brewing in Yunpeng Palace, but its central figure, Nan Zhiyun, was still sleeping soundly. The morning greeting was at Chen Shi (around seven o'clock), and in the dead of winter, how could she possibly wake up early?
In the past, she wouldn't dare sleep so late. But now that His Majesty permitted it, she was naturally at ease. Whatever others thought was of no concern to her. After all, whether in the past or present, she had never cared about the opinions of those outside her immediate circle.
In another half a month, a new batch of imperial consorts would enter the palace to learn the rules. Although the thought made her feel a bit uncomfortable, it wasn't unbearable. In truth, even she herself didn't know where this confidence came from.
Today, after the morning court, Yu Jingchen did not come to He'an Hall, which made Nan Zhiyun a little unaccustomed. However, she still obediently ate her meals and took her medicine. The rash on her body had almost completely disappeared these past two days.
"It's sunny outside today. Does Your Highness wish to go for a stroll?" Qian Xia asked.
"No, my feet hurt." Nan Zhiyun slumped into her chair. She was simply lazy and didn't want to go out. Qian Xia had no choice but to not press the matter further.
"His Majesty sent this over this morning," Qian Xia said, taking out an item: a jingle bracelet, along with the bracelet she had sent out yesterday.
"His Majesty said that if Your Highness likes this kind of bracelet, he would have one sent. As for the one from yesterday, His Majesty is not returning it. And this jade bracelet was originally yours, so it has been brought back as well," Qian Xia explained.
Nan Zhiyun took the jingle bracelet. It looked much better than yesterday's, both in terms of material and craftsmanship, which were extremely fine.
"I like it very much," Nan Zhiyun's eyes curved into smiles.
"By the way, where is Lingdang?" Nan Zhiyun suddenly remembered.
"Jiang Ji took Lingdang to be examined. His Majesty said it needed several checks and to observe for two days. It will be returned to Your Highness once there are no problems," Qian Xia explained.
"Alright." Nan Zhiyun had become accustomed to Lingdang's presence. Not having it around for these two days felt a bit strange.
"Also, the civilian chef His Majesty hired according to Your Highness's wishes has arrived. The small kitchen in He'an Hall has been prepared, and it can be used from now on. Your Highness can have the chef prepare anything you wish to eat. Imperial chefs can also be summoned directly to He'an Hall," Qian Xia concluded her report.
Yu Jingchen took all these matters to heart. Nan Zhiyun felt not only surprised but also deeply touched. She had grown up pampered, with everyone doting on her and flattering her. But what she had with Yu Jingchen now was different. It felt different, and her emotions were different too.
Fortunately, she had waited. She was somewhat greedy, hoping that Yu Jingchen would always be this way. Nan Zhiyun rested her head on the chair. For some reason, she felt a sense of wistful emptiness. Could these things truly last forever?