He used to hold her with one hand, but now he lets Nan Zhiyun straddle him, protecting her with both arms, giving her a great sense of security.

"See, isn't this light enough? I could throw you out with just one move," Yu Jingchen said to her.

“However…” Yu Jingchen frowned, his expression serious. Nan Zhiyun, seeing Yu Jingchen’s expression, also began to feel nervous.

"But what?" Nan Zhiyun couldn't help but ask.

"But I see you just eat and sleep all the time, how come you don't gain weight? Hmm?" Yu Jingchen pretended to be profound.

Nan Zhiyun: "..."

The atmosphere here is quite harmonious right now, but it's hard to say about other places. After today's commotion, the harem is also in turmoil; almost everyone has fallen ill. In any case, the Imperial Medical Bureau is extremely busy today.

Cixi Palace

The Empress Dowager looked a little different today. She had removed her makeup, let her hair down, and wore a simple and elegant white dress.

"Aren't you going to rest?" Gu Yin came out from behind.

"I can't sleep." The Empress Dowager didn't say much more, her expression lingering.

"Were you frightened by that scene today?" Gu Yin sat down next to the Empress Dowager.

"You know what I've been through, this situation is nothing to be ashamed of." The Empress Dowager lowered her head.

Upon hearing the Empress Dowager's words, Gu Yin fell silent for a moment, then a handsome smile appeared on his lips: "Why dwell on the past?" He reached out his hand, perhaps wanting to grasp the Empress Dowager's hand.

But I don't know what I was thinking, in the end I hesitated and didn't put it on.

"Is everything finished with you?" Gu Yin hesitated before speaking.

"It's still a bit short. Let's wait a little longer. This is just a small step; we're still far from over," the Empress Dowager said. Gu Yin smiled and laughed out loud. The Empress Dowager looked at him.

“You’ve always been afraid of not having enough time, but have you ever thought that as long as you have time, you’ll spend it all on these things, and it will never end?” Gu Yin looked at her with a serious expression. He rarely spoke to the Empress Dowager with such a look and tone.

“Aren’t you worrying too much? You’ve already made many moves, and almost every piece you’ve placed is now in the position you wanted. They will all have their effect on the later stages of the game. But… Nan Yin, why are you always so hesitant to let go?” Gu Yin called her name.

The Empress Dowager didn't speak. Gu Yin probably didn't want to continue like this, so he mustered up his courage and pulled the Empress Dowager to her feet. The Empress Dowager didn't pull her hand away from his.

"Nanyin, let go, okay? It'll be alright. The outcome of this game is already decided. Even if something unexpected happens, I can help you get it back on track. So... can you give yourself some time, give me some time..." Gu Yin was being honest with him.

The Empress Dowager stared at him, but only for a second or two before she looked away and pushed Gu Yin away.

"Gu Yin, you know, I..." The Empress Dowager was interrupted by Gu Yin before she could finish speaking.

"I don't know, Nan Yin, I don't know. I don't know why you're so persistent, I don't know why you're unwilling to let go, just because of a ridiculous past life?! But I said, I'm here, I will help you." Gu Yin's emotions had rarely been so intense.