Yu Jingchen instinctively wanted to refuse, but the words wouldn't come out.

"Why not let Yun'er leave the palace for a few days? Can't Your Majesty think it over carefully? It's a good opportunity for you to examine your own heart and face the difference in your feelings," the Empress Dowager continued.

Yu Jingchen remained silent, and the Empress Dowager, unperturbed, waited. After a long while, she finally heard Yu Jingchen speak: "Alright..."

The Empress Dowager did not show much surprise.

"If that's the case, then I'll take Yun'er away for a few days. Your Majesty can tell me when you've made up your mind. If you don't want to get entangled with me anymore, then I'll take Yun'er and leave forever..." the Empress Dowager said, looking at Yu Jingchen.

"...Where is she? I want to go see her," Yu Jingchen asked instead of answering.

"She's asleep. Your Majesty, if you wish, you may go and see her. But don't wake her." The Empress Dowager, unusually, did not stop her.

Yu Jingchen nodded slightly, and then went to Nan Zhiyun's room.

The Empress Dowager watched Yu Jingchen leave without making any move until An Xin entered.

"Why did the Empress Dowager allow His Majesty to go?" An Xin thought the Empress Dowager wouldn't agree.

"The timing is perfect, it's good to go," the Empress Dowager said, her words carrying a hidden meaning.

Yu Jingchen arrived at Nan Zhiyun's room at this time. Looking at the person sleeping soundly, Yu Jingchen's heart softened for no reason. He didn't know how many times he had stayed by Nan Zhiyun's side while she slept.

Yu Jingchen sat down next to Nan Zhiyun. Perhaps he was sleeping too soundly, and the blankets were warm, so his little face was all rosy from sleeping.

Yu Jingchen suddenly laughed as he looked at the little figure on the bed. His lips curled slightly, and when he realized what he had just done, his expression paused for a moment. Then, he looked at the little figure on the bed with complicated emotions.

Yu Jingchen didn't stay inside for long. The Empress Dowager wasn't in a hurry while waiting outside, and Yu Jingchen came out on his own after a short while.

"Your Majesty, you may return now that you have seen it. I will leave with Yun'er shortly," the Empress Dowager said calmly.

"Leaving in a bit?" Yu Jingchen frowned.

"Didn't I just make things clear to His Majesty? I'll be leaving with Yun'er soon. If we're late, there will be more trouble in the harem. I have no mood to deal with them." After saying this, the Empress Dowager said to An Xin, "You and that girl Qianxia go and pack Yun'er's luggage."

"Yes..." An Xin was about to leave when she heard Yu Jingchen call out, "Wait."

An Xin looked at Yu Jingchen, and the Empress Dowager also looked over.

Yu Jingchen looked at the Empress Dowager, seemingly finding it difficult to speak.

"Does Your Majesty have any other instructions?" the Empress Dowager asked.

"I... I'll let it go this time." Yu Jingchen changed his mind.

"What did Your Majesty say?" The Empress Dowager seemed somewhat surprised.

"I say that this time, the Empress Dowager cannot take Nan Zhiyun with her," Yu Jingchen said.

"Why?" the Empress Dowager asked.

Yu Jingchen did not answer immediately, and of course, the Empress Dowager did not urge him. After a while, Yu Jingchen spoke: "I think what the Empress Dowager just said makes sense..."

"What are you saying?" The Empress Dowager's face remained expressionless.

“It’s different now. It seems that I really am different towards her now. I admit it… Nan Zhiyun now has a place in my heart…” Yu Jingchen said hesitantly.

——————The extra chapter I mentioned before