After Nan Zhiyun fell asleep, Yu Jingchen gently removed his hand. Nan Zhiyun's face, which had been terrifyingly pale, now had a little color back.
After falling asleep, Nan Zhiyun's little face was quiet and peaceful, looking rather adorable. Yu Jingchen's lips unconsciously curled into a smile; even he himself didn't realize that he had been smiling much more often lately.
The next day, as usual, when Nan Zhiyun woke up, it was already late, and Yu Jingchen had already left.
She had thought her stomach would hurt as badly as before, but when she woke up this morning, her abdomen felt warm and the pain was not as intense as before.
Nan Zhiyun suddenly remembered what Yu Jingchen had done last night, and her heart fluttered slightly. Moreover... the flowers that had withered seemed to be blooming again.
Meanwhile, Yu Jingchen went to the Hall of Diligent Governance after the morning court session.
"How's the matter I asked you to investigate going?" Yu Jingchen asked.
"Your Majesty, we have investigated. There is indeed something wrong with Consort Nan's meals. Not only the food, but even the incense burned in her room has been adulterated with unclean things." When he found out, he felt a chill of fear. It was fortunate that they investigated, otherwise the consequences would have been unimaginable.
"When will He'an Palace be ready?" Yu Jingchen asked with a dark expression.
"The He'an Palace is almost ready, and we can move in at any time," Xinglai replied.
"Have someone thoroughly inspect the area, inside and out," Yu Jingchen instructed.
"Yes," came the response.
"Also, investigate this matter!" Yu Jingchen's face was full of hostility, he hadn't expected anyone to dare to use such tricks under his nose.
Yes, Xinglai also knew the seriousness of the matter.
"How long until the Empress Dowager returns to the palace?" Yu Jingchen asked.
"Your Majesty, the Empress Dowager will depart at the end of the month and should arrive in the capital in about ten days," Xinglai replied.
"Prepare well; we can't be perfunctory when the Empress Dowager returns to the palace. Go to the Consort's residence later and issue an imperial decree, instructing her to personally oversee the preparations of Cining Palace," Yu Jingchen said.
"Yes." Xinglai has been increasingly unable to understand their Emperor lately. Why does he always feel that the Emperor is different? Not only towards Consort Nan, but even towards the Empress Dowager, he doesn't seem as indifferent as before.
After giving all the necessary instructions, Yu Jingchen spent almost the entire day reviewing memorials in the Hall of Diligent Governance. Several concubines came by, but Xinglai stopped them all.
After receiving Yu Jingchen's decree, the Imperial Concubine simply said respectfully, "Your Majesty, I obey your decree and will certainly not fail to live up to your trust." As for her expression... well, it remained completely calm.
For several days in a row, Yu Jingchen did not set foot in the inner palace, but everyone had gotten used to it. What Yu Jingchen did not expect was that... the things he had Xinglai investigate last time had come to fruition, and it was found that they were done by the people who had served Consort Chen before, supposedly to avenge Consort Chen.
So soon, news spread throughout the palace that Consort Chen had plotted against the concubines, displaying malicious intent. She was punished with fifty strokes of the cane, and the palace maid who caused her death was also executed. This news caught everyone off guard. Some speculated about the specific reasons, even suggesting that Consort Chen was responsible for Nan Zhiyun's miscarriage.
Unfortunately, everyone was proven wrong, because that very afternoon they learned the truth about what had happened that night.
At the beginning of the month
Everyone was going to pay their respects to the Imperial Concubine, and Nan Zhiyun was no exception. There weren't many people there when she arrived. However, her appearance immediately drew everyone's attention.
"Oh, isn't this Consort Nan? We've finally seen you." The one who spoke was Consort Yin, a former member of the Eastern Palace.
"Consort Nan is so frail, she could be blown away by a gust of wind. Look at Ya Jing Ju, the threshold is practically worn down by the imperial physicians." It was Consort Yin again. Consort Yin used to be Yu Jingchen's concubine in the Eastern Palace. Her father was a proper Minister of the Court of Judicial Review, and she was usually proud and arrogant.
"Sister Yin is right. Consort Nan's health... tsk. So, Consort Nan, it's best if you go out less often, otherwise you might bump into something and have to rest for several days. Besides, Consort Nan is the one who most easily angers His Majesty."
"Don't you know His Majesty's temper? On the contrary, you should know it best. After all, His Majesty doesn't care about us as much as he does about Consort Nan. He personally teaches her everything." This time, it was Consort Shu who spoke.
She had barely finished speaking when everyone in the hall burst into laughter, and it was obvious to everyone that it was intentional. However, Nan Zhiyun didn't seem particularly embarrassed. She walked straight to the side and sat down in her seat, ignoring what others were saying.
Just as they were about to say something, the Imperial Concubine came out of the room.
"What did everyone talk about? They seemed to be having a great time?" the Imperial Concubine asked casually.
"Greetings to the Imperial Concubine!" All the concubines quickly bowed.
"No need for such formalities, ladies," the Imperial Concubine greeted them gracefully, then sat down in her seat. Only after she was seated could the other concubines take their places. The Imperial Concubine looked at the concubines below, her gaze sweeping over them before finally settling on Nan Zhiyun.
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