An Xin was also startled to see Gu Yin in such a state: "Lord Gu..."
"I'm fine. Take good care of the Empress Dowager," Gu Yin said, and then left directly. An Xin was powerless and hurried in to check on the Empress Dowager's condition.
Outside the palace,
The General's Mansion.
Yu Jingchen had already brought Nan Zhiyun outside the mansion. When the carriage stopped, the servants at the entrance of the General's Mansion were a little confused as to whose carriage it was.
Xing Lai stepped forward and produced a token. As servants of the General's Mansion, they naturally recognized it. Upon seeing it, they were startled and immediately prepared to kneel.
"No need to make a fuss. Go and inform General Nan," Xing Lai said promptly.
"Yes!" The servant dared not delay and immediately went to fetch Nan Su.
Meanwhile, a servant lifted the curtain of the carriage. Yu Jingchen got out first, then reached out to lift Nan Zhiyun out.
Nan Zhiyun felt a bit dazed upon seeing the words "General's Mansion." She had not returned for a long time. She had been excited moments ago, but now her eyes felt a little blurry from the wind and sand.
"What's wrong?" Yu Jingchen asked, looking at Nan Zhiyun's reddened eyes. "Homesick? It's alright, aren't you back now? Be good, don't cry. General Nan will be upset if he sees you like this later." Yu Jingchen held her without letting go.
"No~" Nan Zhiyun nuzzled in Yu Jingchen's arms. Yu Jingchen smiled and carried her into the General's Mansion.
In fact, he had not been here for a long time either. The last time... seemed to be before his ascension to the throne. He used to come more often when he was a child, because Nan Su would teach him martial arts when he visited.
Nan Su was also very shocked to hear that Yu Jingchen had come to the General's Mansion. He had not expected Yu Jingchen to come here at all. When he came out to look, he found that it was not only Yu Jingchen, but also Yun'er who had returned, and she was being held by His Majesty.
Nan Su couldn't bother with anything else. Upon seeing them, he bowed: "This old minister pays his respects to His Majesty, and greets Consort Shu."
"Lord Nan need not be so formal. Please rise." Yu Jingchen was holding Nan Zhiyun, so it was inconvenient for him to help Nan Su up himself.
Nan Su straightened up. Nan Zhiyun struggled to get down. Yu Jingchen released her and helped her stand steady.
"Daddy!" Nan Zhiyun's voice was cheerful and clear. The next moment, she was about to rush towards Nan Su.
"Daddy, Yun'er misses you." Nan Zhiyun pounced into Nan Su's embrace, and Nan Su held her.
"No manners. His Majesty is still here," Nan Su said, though there was no reprimand in his tone. His face was full of doting, and his hand did not let go.
"His Majesty won't blame me, will he, Your Majesty?" Nan Zhiyun looked at Yu Jingchen.
"Yes, Lord Nan need not worry too much. Yun'er is merely being affectionate with you. There are no outsiders here, so there's no need to be reserved," Yu Jingchen said in a gentle tone.
"Your Majesty and Consort, please come in first," Nan Su released Nan Zhiyun.
Yu Jingchen nodded slightly, then took two steps forward and stopped Nan Zhiyun: "Your foot is injured, be careful." Yu Jingchen reminded her considerately. Although Nan Su did not speak, he was paying attention the whole time.
Yu Jingchen escorted Nan Zhiyun into the room and then sat down in the seat below the head position. Nan Zhiyun was pulled to sit beside him. Nan Su said nothing, merely sitting quietly in the opposite seat.
"Serve tea to His Majesty and Consort," Nan Su said to the butler. In this vast General's Mansion, with only him, it was somewhat lonely.
Nan Zhiyun watched, and inexplicably felt a pang of heartache. Daddy always seemed to be alone...