Nan Zhiyun's heart leaped with joy upon hearing this.
"I don't have to drink it today?" Nan Zhiyun couldn't believe Yu Jingchen would agree. She had pleaded with him many times before, but he had never allowed it.
"Mmm, not today." Yu Jingchen liked this side of Nan Zhiyun very much.
"Your Majesty, the imperial physician examined my pulse yesterday. It was a check-up for general well-being. The physician said my condition has improved significantly." Nan Zhiyun's words were full of implication.
"Oh? That proves the medicine is very effective." Yu Jingchen replied.
"And I drink the medicine every day." Seeing that Yu Jingchen "didn't understand," Nan Zhiyun added.
"Mmm, Yun'er is very good." Yu Jingchen smiled faintly and gently rubbed Nan Zhiyun's forehead.
Nan Zhiyun: "..."
"Your Majesty..." Nan Zhiyun was about to say something more, but Yu Jingchen cut her off.
"You smell of alcohol. Go bathe first. The weather is cold today; don't catch a chill. You're tired today, too. Soak in hot water to relieve your fatigue," Yu Jingchen said to Nan Zhiyun.
"Yes..." Nan Zhiyun didn't know if Yu Jingchen was doing it on purpose, but she felt too embarrassed to say anything now.
Yu Jingchen watched Nan Zhiyun's retreating back with a hint of helplessness on his face. After Nan Zhiyun went inside, Yu Jingchen turned his attention to the group of people on the ground.
"This time, it's because of your mistress. She is soft-hearted, kind, and genuinely cares for you. If you continue to be negligent in your duties, you know the consequences." Yu Jingchen warned them with a stern look.
"Yes..." They naturally knew it was because of their mistress. Otherwise, given His Majesty's temperament, it would be a miracle if they didn't lose half their lives today.
Nan Zhiyun always took a long time to bathe. When Yu Jingchen entered, Nan Zhiyun was comfortably soaking in the hot water. As usual, the attendants waited outside the curtain, not entering to serve her.
Upon seeing Yu Jingchen arrive, Qian Xia and the palace maids bowed slightly, "Your Majesty."
Hearing Qian Xia address His Majesty, Nan Zhiyun inside became instantly nervous and felt uneasy.
Yu Jingchen lifted the curtain, and Nan Zhiyun looked flustered.
"Your Majesty," Nan Zhiyun called out.
Yu Jingchen's gaze first fell upon Nan Zhiyun's slightly panicked eyes.
"Why are you still not used to this? It's not like this hasn't happened before." Yu Jingchen walked over.
"Your Majesty, could you leave first..." Nan Zhiyun was somewhat flustered, but Yu Jingchen didn't comply this time. He walked directly behind Nan Zhiyun.
Those scars... were still there. The scar-removing cream they had used before seemed to have had no effect.
Yu Jingchen reached out and touched these scars. Nan Zhiyun's body trembled, unsure if it was a natural reaction or if she was scared.
"Don't be afraid," Yu Jingchen whispered to comfort her.
"They look ugly," Nan Zhiyun murmured.
"Mmm, it's all my fault. I was wrong to let Yun'er suffer and be wronged," Yu Jingchen said slowly, his voice laced with self-blame, guilt, and regret.
"It hurt a lot before," Nan Zhiyun told him, though it was unclear if she meant the pain of the wounds themselves or the pain associated with the events before.
"You won't be hurt again in the future. Yun'er, I know I was wrong about the past, and I regret it," Yu Jingchen stated his feelings directly.
"My body has already recovered," Nan Zhiyun changed the subject.
"Mmm, it's good that we were in time," Yu Jingchen felt immensely grateful to be reborn at this moment, when all his mistakes could still be rectified. He was also fortunate to have awakened in time, no longer remaining indifferent or foolish.
"The imperial physician should have told Your Majesty that my body has almost recovered now," Nan Zhiyun continued.
"Yes, that's why I'm so grateful for this opportunity." Yu Jingchen didn't grasp the implication of Nan Zhiyun's words.
"So, can I stop taking the medicine?" Nan Zhiyun revealed her objective.
Yu Jingchen: "..." So this foolish girl had been testing him all along, and she still hadn't given up. He could imagine she had been thoroughly tormented by the medicine.
Yu Jingchen remained silent, just looking at Nan Zhiyun. When Nan Zhiyun met his gaze, she felt a pang of guilt.
"You really dislike taking the medicine that much?" Yu Jingchen asked her, his tone doting.
"I hate it, I really hate taking it," Nan Zhiyun said, with a hint of childishness in her voice.
"Then you don't have to take it anymore, so you won't be unhappy every day." Yu Jingchen compromised. Nan Zhiyun's eyes lit up: "Really? I can stop taking it? Not just today, but from now on, I won't have to take it anymore?" Nan Zhiyun's eyes sparkled.
"Mmm, you don't have to take it anymore. The imperial physician told me yesterday that your body has recovered sufficiently and you can stop the medication. However, you still need to take care of your health. All medicine has some toxicity, and tonics are no exception. So, if you don't want to take it, then don't," Yu Jingchen said, as if coaxing a baby.
"But you still need to take good care of yourself in the future. If I find out you're not being careful, then you'll have to continue taking the medicine, okay?" Yu Jingchen added.
"Okay." Nan Zhiyun agreed readily.
Yu Jingchen smiled, then touched the water in the bath.
"The water is getting cold. Do you want me to add more water, or do you want to get out?" Yu Jingchen asked her.
Nan Zhiyun suddenly remembered that she was naked. She blushed with embarrassment.
"Why are you still shy? Weren't you fine just now?" Yu Jingchen teased her playfully.
Nan Zhiyun bent her legs slightly, and the water covered half her face. She seemed to want to hide herself in the water.
Yu Jingchen, with a sigh of helplessness, picked up a towel and reached to lift her out. The sudden movement startled Nan Zhiyun. Then, realizing her current state, Nan Zhiyun became flustered.
"Y-Your Majesty," Nan Zhiyun stammered. Yu Jingchen, holding her wrapped in the towel, lifted her.
"Yun'er, don't you know this situation can lead to trouble?" Yu Jingchen said to her.
Trouble? What kind of trouble could happen here?
Seeing Nan Zhiyun's confusion, Yu Jingchen didn't explain further. This little girl was too innocent to understand such things. Besides, nothing like that had ever happened before. However... if it happened a few times, she would probably understand.
But for now... let's take it slow. Scaring her would be bad. He knew in his heart that Nan Zhiyun mostly feared him. Although she had improved significantly and could now express her needs and requests appropriately, it didn't mean she was no longer afraid of him.
Yu Jingchen carried Nan Zhiyun over. Her hair was wet, so Yu Jingchen used his internal energy to dry it, saving time and effort. Nan Zhiyun's eyes were filled with wonder; she found it magical, having never seen anything like it before.
Yu Jingchen couldn't help but smile at Nan Zhiyun's curious expression.