After speaking for a long time without receiving a response from Nan Zhiyun, Yu Jingchen grew impatient and asked loudly again, "What are you daydreaming about? Didn't you hear me?"

This time, Nan Zhiyun replied, "Your Majesty, I understand."

Although Yu Jingchen was somewhat unhappy, he ultimately did not continue the conversation. It was almost time for the morning court session, and he did not want to waste any more time with Nan Zhiyun.

As Yu Jingchen said, he did not keep running to He'an Palace. After leaving that day, Nan Zhiyun focused on recuperating and he did not come to disturb her again.

Perhaps that's why Nan Zhiyun has been in a good mood lately, less nervous and afraid, and thus recovered relatively quickly. Because she was still under house arrest, Nan Zhiyun hadn't left the gates of He'an Palace, but the Empress Dowager had still visited a few times, and Yu Jingchen hadn't prevented them from meeting.

Zichen Palace

Xing Lai looked up at Yu Jingchen, who had a worried expression, and her heart skipped a beat. What had happened this time? Why did he look like this?

"Yu Jing'an has submitted a memorial requesting to return to the capital before the Mid-Autumn Festival." Yu Jingchen put down the memorial in his hand.

Prince An? Fortunately, his heart tightened slightly. Apart from General Nan Su, His Majesty's first priority in dealing with Prince An was... However, compared to General Nan, Prince An was nothing.

"How long until we reach the capital from Nansu?" Yu Jingchen asked.

"It will probably be another half month," Xinglai replied. Half a month... that means arriving in the capital in early August. No matter how fast Yu Jing'an is, it will be the first half of the month.

"How is He'an Palace doing lately?" Yu Jingchen changed the subject.

"Consort Shu is doing well. She's been taking her medicine on time every day and is almost fully recovered. The Empress Dowager also visits her frequently." Xinglai has been keeping a close eye on the situation at He'an Palace lately.

Yu Jingchen remained silent for a moment after hearing this, leaving Xinglai unsure of his meaning.

"How are the injuries on her hands and knees?" Yu Jingchen asked again.

"Her Majesty Consort Shu's knee injury is almost healed, but the injury on her hand needs to be treated with medicine for a couple more days," Xinglai said.

"Send someone over in a bit and tell her that she doesn't need to continue copying what she's been doing for now," Yu Jingchen said, picking up his pen.

“…Yes,” Xinglai replied.

Yu Jingchen remained silent, and the atmosphere in the room instantly quieted down. Xing Lai secretly pondered His Majesty's feelings for Consort Shu. Judging from the current situation, things should be different from before. His Majesty should be paying more attention to Consort Shu now, right?

If General Nan returns this time, hopefully nothing unexpected will happen on the way, otherwise how long can this relationship be maintained?

He'an Hall

The Empress Dowager came here again today and talked with Nan Zhiyun for a while. They probably had some private conversation, as there were no other people in the room besides the Empress Dowager, Nan Zhiyun, and An Xin. Qianxia's injuries hadn't healed yet, so Nan Zhiyun didn't let her serve her.

"His Majesty hasn't come these past few days. Are you feeling disappointed, Yun'er?" The Empress Dowager gently embraced Nan Zhiyun and asked.

Nan Zhiyun gently shook her head: "No, not anymore." She said softly.

Yu Jingchen, who was about to enter through the door, stopped in his tracks. An Xin was standing facing outside, so she saw Yu Jingchen's figure. The Empress Dowager glanced at An Xin, and An Xin nodded slightly.

"Why not? Yun'er wasn't like this before. I thought you'd be unhappy because His Majesty hadn't come these past few days." The Empress Dowager treated Nan Zhiyun like her own daughter, which made sense, since she had practically raised her.

"I've figured it out, so I don't want to stay confused anymore. His Majesty... he won't like me, he'll only hate me." Nan Zhiyun nestled in the Empress Dowager's arms, seemingly having come to terms with it.

"Yun'er used to like His Majesty very much. No matter how much A-Su and I tried to persuade you, you insisted on entering the palace. Are you willing to accept this now?" the Empress Dowager asked again.

"But I'm scared. My resentment can't outweigh my fear. I don't dare anymore. I was always too naive before. This kind of thing is impossible. No matter what I do, I'll only get hurt." Nan Zhiyun has thought a lot during this time. Yu Jingchen's feelings are too much of a luxury for her.

Hearing these words, Yu Jingchen, who was standing at the door, had no intention of going in. After hearing Xinglai's report on her situation today, he had thought of coming to check on her, but he did not expect that the Empress Dowager had already arrived before he came and happened to hear these words.

"Does Yun'er still like His Majesty?" the Empress Dowager asked her.

Upon hearing this question, Yu Jingchen, who was standing at the door, actually clenched his fists; he was nervous.

"I wouldn't dare," Nan Zhiyun replied. She was injured and afraid, so she wouldn't dare.

"If one day His Majesty treats you differently and becomes better, would you accept him again?" the Empress Dowager pressed on.

Nan Zhiyun pondered for a moment, then shook her head: "Perhaps I no longer need it."

"No need..." Upon hearing this answer, Yu Jingchen, standing outside the door, felt a slight tightness in his heart. He was afraid, he dared not, he didn't need it anymore. Why did these answers sound so jarring?

"Yun'er, do you really want to leave here? You should know that if you make up your mind, there will be no room for regret later." The Empress Dowager seemed to be speaking earnestly, but it was unclear whether she was speaking to Nan Zhiyun.

"I've made up my mind. I want to leave here, and I won't regret it. Besides, His Majesty has already agreed..." Nan Zhiyun said without hesitation.

"You agreed?" The Empress Dowager raised an eyebrow. "When did you agree?" she asked.

Just as Nan Zhiyun was about to answer, Yu Jingchen gave Xing Lai a look, and Xing Lai immediately understood, then shouted, "His Majesty has arrived!"

Nan Zhiyun was immediately silenced, while the Empress Dowager's expression became meaningful. Hearing that Yu Jingchen had arrived, Nan Zhiyun quickly stood up from the Empress Dowager's embrace, and began to curtsy when she saw Yu Jingchen enter.

"Your Majesty, I have just met you." Nan Zhiyun had not seen Yu Jingchen for several days, and now that they were meeting, a sense of nervousness immediately welled up in her heart.

Yu Jingchen glanced at her casually, noticing the injury on her hand. The swelling had subsided, but he couldn't see the condition of her palm.

"Get up," Yu Jingchen said.

"Thank you, Your Majesty," Nan Zhiyun obediently stood up and stood to the side, not daring to move.

"What brings Your Majesty here today?" the Empress Dowager asked Yu Jingchen. Yu Jingchen replied casually, sitting down beside her. "Just came to visit," he said, before his gaze returned to Nan Zhiyun.