Throughout the journey, Yu Jingchen held Nan Zhiyun in his arms, unwilling to let go. Upon reaching the General's mansion, Yu Jingchen helped Nan Zhiyun alight from the carriage.
A crowd of commoners had gathered at the entrance, but upon recognizing Nan Zhiyun and Yu Jingchen's identities, they respectfully parted to make way. Nan Zhiyun remained silent all the way to the mourning hall. The moment she saw Nan Su's memorial tablet, she could no longer contain her emotions. Dressed in plain white, Nan Zhiyun knelt before Nan Su's tablet, quiet and still, yet tears streamed uncontrollably.
Yu Jingchen stayed by her side, unwilling to leave her alone. Given Nan Zhiyun's delicate condition, Yu Jingchen could not permit her to do anything that might harm her body.
Thus, after a short while, Yu Jingchen gently picked Nan Zhiyun up, comforting her and feeding her medicine, which Nan Zhiyun obediently took.
Apart from them, other high-ranking officials also arrived, a testament to Nan Su's status. Yu Jingchen had many affairs to attend to. With the arrival of guests, mostly noble ladies, there were others to keep Nan Zhiyun company. Seizing this opportunity, Yu Jingchen went to handle his official duties.
However, an unexpected incident occurred during this interval.
"Empress, please accept my condolences. General Nan, in heaven, would surely wish for you to be happy," some of the noble ladies began to converse.
"General Nan served the nation his entire life; he is truly admirable. This matter... no one wished for it." Whether their words were sincere or not, they had to maintain appearances.
"It is truly a pity for the Empress. The General has just passed, and now the Empress Dowager is gravely ill, said to be fading within these few days..."
The room fell silent at these words.
"What did you say?" Nan Zhiyun looked at the woman who had just spoken.
A madam beside her nudged the speaker, but she seemed entirely oblivious.
"This humble subject says the Empress Dowager is also unwell... I fear..." Before she could finish, she was interrupted by Qian Xia.
"Madam, mind your words!" Qian Xia had not anticipated such a revelation, especially after explicitly requesting discretion.
The madam seemed to realize her mistake and quickly knelt down. "It was this humble subject's lapse in judgment. The Empress Dowager is blessed with celestial fortune; she will surely be fine."
"What has happened to the Empress Dowager?" Nan Zhiyun looked at Qian Xia, who dared not speak.
"Speak! Why are you hiding everything from me?!" Nan Zhiyun's pent-up emotions, already at their limit, could no longer be contained.
"Your Majesty, please forgive us. His Majesty is also concerned for your health, and the Empress Dowager will not suffer greatly. The Imperial Preceptor has said he will ensure the Empress Dowager recovers..." Qian Xia attempted to comfort her.
"You..." Nan Zhiyun's words trailed off as she fainted once more.
"Empress!" The room was thrown into immediate disarray. By the time Yu Jingchen arrived, Nan Zhiyun had lost consciousness.
"Summon the Imperial Physician!" Yu Jingchen had been on edge for days. He never expected such a complication to arise in such a short time.
"What is going on here?" he demanded.
"Your Majesty, forgive us. This madam just let slip some words, and the Empress learned of the Empress Dowager's condition..." Qian Xia explained.
"Take her away to await judgment. If anything happens to the Empress, she will pay with her life!" Yu Jingchen declared, before carefully carrying Nan Zhiyun away.
However...
"Your Majesty, the Empress's current condition is precarious. The child... it may not be the right time..." the Imperial Physician said, implying they should consider terminating the pregnancy.