The thought that Consort Shu was to be punished by His Majesty and fall out of favor was still on people's minds. But judging by the current situation, was she really out of favor? This was clearly still the height of imperial favor, and even more so than before.
"How was the hunt today?" Yu Jingchen asked.
"Replying to Your Majesty, Consort Shu had the most prey today, ranking first," a person in charge of counting the prey reported.
"Then this time, Consort Shu may ask me for one request. I will inform her once she wakes up," Yu Jingchen said with an impassive face.
Xing Lai inwardly cursed... What was he pretending for? Besides, the rewards mentioned before never included this. Wouldn't Consort Shu be wasting this opportunity? Truly... despicable.
"Today is the last day of the spring hunt. You have all worked hard these past few days. The martial artists of our Great Yuan Dynasty have not disappointed me. The empire remains strong, and talented individuals continue to emerge. I am deeply pleased. Today, I shall toast you all with this wine," Yu Jingchen raised a goblet.
"Long live His Majesty!" The people below also raised their cups and shouted. Only after seeing Yu Jingchen drink the wine did they follow suit and drain their cups.
"Tonight, everyone, don't worry too much about the rules. Eat to your heart's content and have fun!" Yu Jingchen seemed to be in a good mood today. The people below also seemed to have noticed this. After Yu Jingchen said this, the atmosphere below became much more relaxed, no longer as solemn as before.
The hunting grounds instantly became lively. Nan Zhiyun had already fallen asleep, so Yu Jingchen barely paid attention to what the people below were doing. Instead, he gazed at Nan Zhiyun.
Her small face was flushed from sleep, like a baby's. She was wrapped up tightly, her lips rosy, making one's heart soften at the sight.
"Your Majesty, perhaps we should send Consort Shu back first?" Xing Lai suggested.
"It's fine, let it be. It's not the first time anyway," Yu Jingchen replied. The last time in the imperial palace, hadn't this girl also slept soundly? That time, she had even cried out of shyness... but he wouldn't pry too much into how much of that crying was genuine.
Yu Jingchen was an astute man. How could Nan Zhiyun's little tricks escape him? He was merely indulging her, after all, Nan Zhiyun rarely showed such a side.
However, she seemed to have gotten much better these past few days. He wasn't sure if it was because she had revealed her true nature after coming out, but Nan Zhiyun was much more lively than before.
Especially after being beaten last time, Nan Zhiyun seemed completely liberated, able to let go of everything. She acted like a child, cooing, seeking praise, throwing tantrums, and pouting like a little wildcat.
Yu Jingchen truly had a heart that softened completely for such a Nan Zhiyun. This Nan Zhiyun made him feel heartache from the bottom of his heart, yet he also cherished her deeply, unable to leave or part with her.
The current Nan Zhiyun was good... He also wished that Nan Zhiyun could be as carefree as these past few days for her entire life, without any worries, just occasionally acting spoiled towards him would be enough.
Consort Yuan watched Yu Jingchen's doting gaze towards Nan Zhiyun from below, feeling a pang of unease. This Consort Shu was indeed too favored. If this continued...
"Sister Yuan Fei, when favor is too abundant, historically, few who are so favored have met a good end..." Bai Yusheng said softly beside her.
Consort Yuan looked at Bai Yusheng, "I haven't heard of any exceptions either..."
"That's right. So, Sister Yuan Fei, you needn't worry. There is still a long way to go," Bai Yusheng said.
"I naturally wouldn't worry. After so many years, my heart hasn't been in chaos. I hold my position, and there are many who watch me..." Consort Yuan said with a hidden meaning.
"Sister Yuan Fei, please rest assured, this sister understands," Bai Yusheng was also an intelligent person.
Consort Yuan said no more. There would be plenty of opportunities. Why care about this moment or two? One's vision should always be long-term. When playing chess, one must not only look at the present but consider the entire board, shouldn't they?
"Your Majesty," a voice suddenly echoed from the banquet hall.