noon

Because the Empress Dowager was returning to the palace, all the concubines in the harem were waiting outside, including Yu Jingchen.

Because of her lower rank, Nan Zhiyun stood a little further back.

"The Empress Dowager has always doted on Consort Nan since she was a child. She probably wants to see you first when she returns this time. Come forward and stand at the front," Yu Jingchen said.

Her words caused a huge stir, and almost everyone looked over, including Nan Zhiyun herself.

"What are you standing there for? Come up in front!" Yu Jingchen said again.

"Yes..." Nan Zhiyun bowed and stepped forward. However, she was still unsure where she should stand.

"Come stand here," Yu Jingchen reminded him.

Nan Zhiyun walked slowly forward with her head down. Because Yu Jingchen had not yet appointed an empress, he stood alone at the front, but now Nan Zhiyun was also there. This made everyone seem thoughtful.

Soon, the Empress Dowager's entourage arrived.

Yu Jingchen was somewhat dazed by the grand procession. In his previous life, after Nan Zhiyun left, the Empress Dowager seemed to age ten or twenty years in an instant, and Cining Palace became deserted and desolate. Therefore, she also left not long after Nan Zhiyun.

The palace maid beside the Empress Dowager lifted the curtain of her sedan chair and then helped her out of the sedan chair.

The Empress Dowager, dressed in a phoenix robe, was graceful and composed, exuding an aura of authority befitting a ruler.

"Welcome back to the palace, Your Majesty the Empress Dowager!"

The Empress Dowager glanced coldly at the group, then said indifferently, "You may all rise."

After saying this, the Empress Dowager looked at Yu Jingchen, who was also looking at her. After their eyes met, Yu Jingchen stepped forward and said, "Welcome back to the palace, Mother."

The Empress Dowager seemed unconcerned about Yu Jingchen's attitude, nor did she notice that he addressed her as "Mother." She simply replied indifferently, "Your Majesty is kind."

Yu Jingchen paused slightly, because... the Empress Dowager seemed a bit too cold.

However, the Empress Dowager paid no attention to what Yu Jingchen was thinking. Instead, she walked right past him and went to Nan Zhiyun's side.

"This concubine greets Your Majesty the Empress Dowager and respectfully welcomes Your Majesty back to the palace," Nan Zhiyun said with a faint smile.

"Yes, Yun'er, you've worked hard." The Empress Dowager came over and held Nan Zhiyun's hand. Her face finally showed some other expressions, becoming gentler and no longer as serious as before.

"I've been away from the palace for so long, Yun'er must have suffered." The Empress Dowager looked at Nan Zhiyun with affection.

"Your Majesty, please rest assured, I am doing very well now." Nan Zhiyun's smile seemed more genuine than before.

"You're just trying to coax me." The Empress Dowager was not pleased by Nan Zhiyun's words; instead, she felt even more distressed.

"Your Majesty the Empress Dowager~" Nan Zhiyun unconsciously began to act coquettishly.

"Alright, alright, let's not talk about it anymore. I'll take care of things from now on." The Empress Dowager patted Nan Zhiyun's head.

Yu Jingchen's eyes darkened as he watched the interaction between the two, a sight that stung the eyes of the others in the harem.

"I'm tired, so I'll head back to Cining Palace first. No one is to disturb me. Yun'er, will you stay with me today?" The Empress Dowager said, looking at Nan Zhiyun with affection.

Nan Zhiyun was genuinely happy.

After speaking, the Empress Dowager prepared to leave directly with Nan Zhiyun.