Nan Zhiyun could not swim. The sudden feeling of weightlessness as she fell made her feel as if she had lost her breath.
The lake was deep. Nan Zhiyun instinctively flailed her arms. Choking on water, she was unable to cry out for help. The more she struggled, the faster she sank. Moreover, her clothes were too cumbersome and heavy…
Just as Nan Zhiyun felt she was about to sink to the bottom of the lake, she felt an arm encircle her waist. She managed to open her eyes and saw the person before her. Who else could it be but Yu Jingchen?
Yu Jingchen looked at Nan Zhiyun. Without a moment to spare, he immediately scooped her up from the lake. Perhaps driven by the instinct for survival, Nan Zhiyun clutched his clothes, refusing to let go.
“Your Majesty,” Xing Lai, who had also been startled by the sudden turn of events, had never expected His Majesty to go into the water himself, nor that he would react so quickly.
The expressions of the concubines standing nearby were also quite telling. Perhaps there was shock, but more likely envy, jealousy, and disbelief.
“Nan Zhiyun?” Yu Jingchen called her name. Nan Zhiyun was somewhat disoriented.
“Have the imperial physicians wait at He An Palace!” Yu Jingchen’s tone was clearly laced with urgency. Xing Lai did not dare delay. Yu Jingchen carried Nan Zhiyun towards He An Palace.
As he left, he addressed the concubines: “All of you, kneel here and await punishment!” He certainly would not let this matter go unpunished.
Nan Zhiyun was already ill, and after this incident, her condition had worsened. Fortunately, Yu Jingchen had reacted swiftly, so Nan Zhiyun had not choked too badly. By the time they returned, she had already regained consciousness.
Held in Yu Jingchen’s arms, looking at the scene before her, Nan Zhiyun could hardly believe it. Had this really happened? Would Yu Jingchen hold her like this? Would he save her?
“Awake? It’s alright, we’ll be back soon. The imperial physicians will be here shortly. Don’t be afraid.” Yu Jingchen saw that she was awake. Perhaps due to his haste, he himself did not notice the anxiety and worry in his tone, especially in his words.
“It’s alright, don’t be afraid…” These words always seemed ethereal when spoken by Yu Jingchen.
Listening to his words, Nan Zhiyun felt as though she were dreaming. If it had been in the past, she might have been ecstatic for days. But now… there was only unreality and regret. It was a pity that it was not the past anymore…
Yet, she still seemed to crave Yu Jingchen’s gentleness. So, she boldly leaned into his embrace with a sense of peace. Just this once, and perhaps the last time. This incident, this tenderness, she would consider it the end of both her lives, a final reckoning for herself across two lifetimes.
Yu Jingchen did not notice the unusual demeanor of the person in his arms, only thinking of getting her back to He An Palace as quickly as possible. Upon arriving, he had someone change Nan Zhiyun’s clothes, as they were soaked through. While waiting for the imperial physicians to examine Nan Zhiyun, Yu Jingchen went to change into a clean set of clothes himself.
When he reappeared, the worry etched on his brow was undeniable. Nan Zhiyun was mostly lucid. Thanks to Yu Jingchen’s quick action, she had not actually drowned, merely been greatly startled.
However, the imperial physician took a considerable amount of time examining Nan Zhiyun, and his expression seemed peculiar.
“What is it? Is there something wrong with Consort Shu’s health?” Yu Jingchen inquired. Nan Zhiyun’s heart also tightened. Were there other problems?
The imperial physician withdrew his hand and said to Yu Jingchen, “Your Majesty, Consort Shu’s health is not gravely compromised, only… Consort Shu is with child.”
What?! With child? It could be said that no one present was not astonished, but joy… was nowhere to be seen.
“What did you say? With child?” Yu Jingchen’s brow furrowed.
“Yes, but the pulse indicates that the child is not yet fully developed and the pulse is weak. I fear… it may be difficult,” the imperial physician continued.
Nan Zhiyun had not expected this outcome either. Why was she pregnant now? Why was she carrying a child? She had taken medicine…
“Are you certain you did not misread the pulse?” Yu Jingchen seemed disinclined to believe the answer.
“This humble servant is terrified. Consort Shu’s pulse is indeed that of pregnancy, but the month is still early, not particularly pronounced. The Consort’s constitution has always been frail. This fall and fright have caused the fetal condition to be unstable. If not properly cared for, a miscarriage is likely,” the imperial physician appeared to be frightened as well.
“Very well, prepare the medicine and withdraw.” Yu Jingchen did not wish to hear any more. The imperial physician hastily gathered his belongings and retreated from the scene of trouble.
Nan Zhiyun was also terrified. She looked at Yu Jingchen, and he happened to look back. Their eyes met. Nan Zhiyun’s hand moved to her stomach. She was pregnant? This should not be happening…
“Are you feeling unwell anywhere?” Yu Jingchen spoke first, not mentioning the child. Nan Zhiyun could not fathom Yu Jingchen’s intentions and could only shake her head slightly.
Yu Jingchen naturally noticed her hand gesture. After a silence of perhaps one or two seconds, he continued, “Do you want this child?”
Nan Zhiyun did not understand why he would ask that. Oh, right, Yu Jingchen did not wish for her to bear his bloodline… A shadow of sadness flickered in Nan Zhiyun’s eyes.
“You were startled today. Rest well. If you need anything, call for the palace maids. If they cannot resolve it, have them summon me.” Yu Jingchen’s demeanor was clearly amiss, but Nan Zhiyun dared not inquire, nor even speak further.
“The Empress Dowager should be arriving soon. I shall take my leave. Be mindful of your actions. I do not wish to hear any unfavorable news about you.” Nan Zhiyun did not understand the meaning behind Yu Jingchen’s words, and he offered no explanation before turning and leaving He An Palace.
After he left, his mood became even more complicated. Why was she pregnant? This should have been impossible. He had never allowed Nan Zhiyun to conceive. They had only been together twice in total. Judging by the timeline, it should have been the last time, but the Empress Dowager had specifically sent medicine for that occasion, hadn’t she?
Furthermore, he had also arranged for something to be added to Nan Zhiyun’s meals. How could she still be pregnant? This was too bizarre. However, it had become a fact, and he could not help but accept it. He had not permitted it, so the child’s fate was uncertain…