Nan Zhiyun was truly exhausted. She hadn't woken up since falling asleep.
The young lady had missed both lunch and dinner. Yu Jingchen had debated whether to wake her, but seeing how soundly she slept, he felt reluctant.
Forget it, let her sleep. If she was truly hungry, she would wake up on her own without him needing to call. Yu Jingchen pulled her into his embrace, and Nan Zhiyun, seeking warmth, automatically snuggled into his arms, hugging him.
As for today's events… it was rumored that many palaces in the harem had received new furniture.
By the time Nan Zhiyun woke up the next day, Yu Jingchen had already left. Well, even though she slept early, she still woke up quite late.
As soon as Nan Zhiyun woke up, she felt a discomfort all over her body. It hurt terribly, especially her waist and abdomen, which were aching so much that any movement was uncomfortable.
“Qian Xia…” Nan Zhiyun called out, only to realize her voice was also hoarse. Recalling yesterday's events, Nan Zhiyun felt a little embarrassed, her face instantly flushing red.
She hadn't felt this way the last time, but why was yesterday so different?
“Niangniang…” Qian Xia, hearing Nan Zhiyun call her, rushed in immediately. She had been waiting for a long time.
“Has His Majesty finished his morning court?” Nan Zhiyun asked.
“It should be soon. Niangniang, are you hungry? You slept early yesterday and missed lunch and dinner. His Majesty specifically instructed that you should be watched while eating once you woke up,” Qian Xia said.
“Mm.” Nan Zhiyun acknowledged. Qian Xia helped her get up. As Nan Zhiyun tried to stand, her legs felt incredibly weak, and she couldn't stand steadily.
“Niangniang, be careful.” Qian Xia naturally knew what had happened yesterday, and… the marks on Niangniang’s body.
Qian Xia helped Nan Zhiyun wash and dress. Breakfast was already prepared outside. However, Nan Zhiyun didn't expect to see an unexpected person there: the Second Princess, Yu Wan'er.
“Why are you here?” Nan Zhiyun asked.
Upon seeing Nan Zhiyun, Yu Wan'er immediately knelt down: “Wan'er pays her respects to Noble Consort Niangniang.” Yu Wan'er had come to pay her respects.
Nan Zhiyun frowned: “Why is the Second Princess coming to pay her respects to me? Didn’t you get injured? You should be recuperating, no need to come specifically.” Nan Zhiyun glanced at Qiu Yun, who understood and immediately helped the Second Princess up.
“Wan’er lives in the Hexian Palace and must pay her respects to Noble Consort Niangniang. This is the rule, and Wan’er remembers it,” Yu Wan'er said somewhat timidly.
“You came this early?” Nan Zhiyun was a little surprised.
“Niangniang, the Second Princess arrived at Chenshi and said she couldn't be disrespectful of the rules,” Qiu Yun explained.
“You…” Nan Zhiyun was truly astonished this time.
“I beg Noble Consort Niangniang not to send Wan’er away. Wan’er will be obedient and follow the rules,” Yu Wan'er said, about to kneel again, but Qiu Yun reacted quickly and held her back.
Nan Zhiyun’s emotions were complex. Finally, she sighed helplessly.
“You came so early, have you eaten?” Nan Zhiyun changed the subject and asked.
“Replying to Noble Consort Niangniang, Wan’er hasn’t had a chance to…” Yu Wan'er replied.
“Then sit down and eat with us,” Nan Zhiyun said. Qian Xia helped her to the dining table.
Yu Wan'er seemed to not quite believe it. After a moment of reaction, she dared to speak: “Yes… Thank you, Noble Consort Niangniang.”