Because he didn't get a response from Nan Zhiyun, Yu Jingchen was also in a bad mood. However, seeing her like this, Yu Jingchen couldn't possibly lose his temper with her.
"Fine, if you don't want to linger outside, then go back." Yu Jingchen said helplessly, and then picked him up.
Su Qianyan was still outside, watching Yu Jingchen carry Nan Zhiyun out. She clenched her fists: "Your Majesty..." She had barely uttered a word when she heard Yu Jingchen's order: "Consort Shun has behaved disrespectfully before the Emperor. She is demoted to the rank of Baolin, confined to her palace, and forbidden to leave without imperial decree. She is to spend her days copying Buddhist scriptures to cultivate her character. If she offends again, she will atone with her death." Yu Jingchen was clearly in a bad mood, yet she insisted on going against him. Wasn't she just courting death?
Su Qianyan begged for mercy, but how could Yu Jingchen be so easily softened? Nan Zhiyun was also a little surprised when she heard this order in Yu Jingchen's arms. After all, Su Qianyan had only said two words, and such punishment was a bit unexpected.
Although it may seem like just a demotion, in this palace... she'll likely be tormented by these opportunists. If nothing unexpected happens, Su Qianyan's life will probably remain like this for the rest of her days.
Nan Zhiyun remained silent. She wouldn't plead for Su Qianyan; she wouldn't have any pity. But... Yu Jingchen's heart was truly cold.
Imperial Preceptor's Mansion
"Reporting to the Imperial Preceptor, everything has been arranged," a servant said, walking up behind Gu Yin, who was currently watering flowers in the courtyard.
"Mmm," Gu Yin replied while watering the flowers.
"Yu Jingchen has surprised me this time," Gu Yin said in a somber tone.
The servants did not respond, and Gu Yin continued speaking while watering the plants: "It's still not enough..." He was implying something.
"Grand Preceptor, His Majesty... has already taken action," a servant reminded him.
"Let him try what he wants to do and see just how capable he really is." Gu Yin seemed completely unconcerned.
"We must send people to keep a close eye on the Empress Dowager. No matter what Yu Jingchen does, he must not involve the Empress Dowager. If anything happens, you must inform me immediately," Gu Yin instructed.
"The Empress Dowager has been kept in watch over, so don't worry, Grand Preceptor, the Empress Dowager will be fine." The servant knew exactly what the Empress Dowager meant to His Majesty.
“Our Emperor still needs someone to help him, and I certainly cannot let him down.” Gu Yin put down what he was holding. The Imperial Preceptor’s residence used to be very plain and there were no flowers at all, but now Gu Yin had flowers planted in every corner of the residence.
Gu Yin's memories returned to his past life... the Empress Dowager in the sea of fire... He slowly closed his eyes. That memory kept resurfacing in his mind, and Gu Yin felt unbearable heartache every time he thought about it.
The fire at Cining Palace... He had to find her, but... he couldn't find her. He was too late. Her snow-white clothes were stained black, making the red even more vivid. By the time he found her, the person he had longed for was already gone. He hadn't even had a chance to tell her that he regretted it; he should have stopped her from entering the palace.
The Scenery of My Past Life (refer to Chapter 566)
"Yu Jingchen... The cycle of fate is inevitable. I want to see if you have the ability to defy destiny. The three lifetimes of fate will eventually come to nothing. You, who loved you, will turn a cold eye and be heartless. The one you loved will also be shattered into nothingness, a mere dream..." These were the last words Gu Yin left for Yu Jingchen.
Memories slowly returned. He had said he would make Yu Jingchen regret it, he would make Yu Jingchen... die with his eyes wide open in disbelief, he would make him regret it...
"Yu Jingchen, it will be soon... Everything you have experienced and everything you have feared will become reality. You should feel it properly and repent properly!" Gu Yin's eyes were already red when she said these words, but the redness was not because of sadness, but because of anger.
Zichen Palace
From the moment Nan Zhiyun returned to the palace, she locked herself in her room and refused to see anyone. At first, Yu Jingchen let her be, but as time went on, how could he possibly allow it?
When he entered, Nan Zhiyun was sitting in front of the dressing mirror, seemingly without any abnormalities. Yu Jingchen slowed his pace as he walked over, initially noticing nothing amiss. However, upon seeing Nan Zhiyun, he suddenly noticed something unusual, especially the faint traces of blood on her hands.
"What are you doing?!" Yu Jingchen's heart skipped a beat, and he immediately squatted down. Nan Zhiyun's expression remained unchanged, neither sad nor happy, which was unsettling to behold.
Yu Jingchen pulled Nan Zhiyun's hand and found that she was holding a hairpin, and her hands were covered with all kinds of scratches, dripping with blood, which was terrifying.
"Nan Zhiyun!" Yu Jingchen accepted the offer; at this moment, he could no longer restrain himself.
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