He Xian Hall
When Yu Jingchen arrived, he didn't announce himself. Everyone was already used to it. He entered the inner room and found Nan Zhiyun lying on the bed, her feet propped up high. Her hands cupped her head, and a book lay on the bed, which she was reading with great interest.
Yu Jingchen smiled at Nan Zhiyun's adorable appearance. What was this girl looking at that was so engrossing? She hadn't even noticed his arrival. He tiptoed closer, but Yu Jingchen didn't speak to disturb her. He simply stood behind Nan Zhiyun, watching her read.
Nan Zhiyun had no idea Yu Jingchen had arrived. She even reached out to turn the pages of the book. Perhaps the content was too amusing, for she chuckled as she read. Yu Jingchen's eyebrows twitched slightly. This little girl was living quite a carefree life.
Yu Jingchen leaned down slightly and whispered into Nan Zhiyun's ear, "What are you reading, Yun'er? It looks so interesting?" Nan Zhiyun was startled by Yu Jingchen's sudden voice. She had been leaning by the edge of the bed, and now she lost her balance, almost falling off.
Yu Jingchen's heart tightened, and he embraced her. This foolish girl was a bit too alarming.
Nan Zhiyun had her eyes closed, not expecting to be held by Yu Jingchen.
"Why are you so easily startled? Besides, am I that scary?" Yu Jingchen looked at Nan Zhiyun with a helpless expression.
"Why didn't Your Majesty make a sound? You clearly intended to scare me." Nan Zhiyun's courage had truly waned.
"I came in from there, and I didn't deliberately try to keep you unaware. You were just so engrossed in your book, why are you blaming me now?" Yu Jingchen gently placed Nan Zhiyun back on the bed to sit properly.
But Nan Zhiyun wouldn't have it. She directly wrapped her arms around Yu Jingchen's neck. "I want to sit on Your Majesty's lap," Nan Zhiyun said.
"Alright," Yu Jingchen agreed happily. He sat down, and Nan Zhiyun straddled him.
"Where did Your Majesty go today?" Nan Zhiyun cupped Yu Jingchen's face.
"Does Yun'er miss me?" Yu Jingchen asked her with a laugh.
"No, it's just that Your Majesty arrived a little late today, which is why I was reading like this," Nan Zhiyun was still making excuses for herself.
"I went to He Qing Palace, to the Consort's quarters, and after a few words, I came right over," Yu Jingchen answered truthfully.
"Why did Your Majesty go there today?" Nan Zhiyun was a little surprised but not angry.
"She said she hoped I would grant her some of the dignity befitting a Consort, and for that, she was willing to do anything." Yu Jingchen didn't hide anything. There was nothing to conceal. If he didn't tell her, this girl might start overthinking things. So, rather than letting her misunderstand, it was better to tell her directly.
"Consort Niangniang is quite pitiable..." Nan Zhiyun remembered seeing her previously, looking so dejected.
"Consort and De Niangniang have always had a good relationship. It's normal for her to have trouble accepting De Niangniang's departure this time," Yu Jingchen actually didn't want to dwell on this topic.
"Does Yun'er have any close friends?" Yu Jingchen asked. He realized that Nan Zhiyun seemed to have no close noble ladies or consorts around her.
Nan Zhiyun shook her head and said, "No."
Yu Jingchen didn't know what he was feeling, but his heart ached slightly upon hearing this.
"Then does Yun'er want a friend?" Yu Jingchen asked her again.
"Actually, I don't really feel anything. The Empress Dowager used to tell me to interact more with these noble ladies, but I knew that most of them were only interested because of my status. So, I don't like being with them," Nan Zhiyun thought for a moment before finally answering.
Those people were fawning and flattering, only caring about her family background. What did it matter if she had no friends? Rather than dealing with such people, she was better off alone. Besides, she wasn't alone now. She had her father, the Empress Dowager, His Majesty, the palace servants of He Xian Hall, and Little Bell.
"Your Majesty will always be with me, won't you?" Nan Zhiyun asked him, pulling Yu Jingchen's face towards her.
"Mhm, I will always be with little Yun'er," Yu Jingchen kissed Nan Zhiyun's forehead.
"I will always be with Your Majesty too," Nan Zhiyun smiled carefree, which melted Yu Jingchen's heart.