Wind Chime Palace
At this moment, Yu Jingchen had a dark expression. The women in the harem were truly restless, arranging people to be in Wind Chime Palace… those responsible for sweeping, those for meals… they were truly omnipresent.
Today, Yan Qing sent over the list of people in Wind Chime Palace. After all, Nan Zhiyun was now Empress, and more servants would surely be assigned to her. He had been too busy these past few days, and Nan Zhiyun had been at the General’s Mansion most of the time, so Yu Jingchen hadn’t had time to investigate. He had entrusted it all to Yan Qing, and he had to admit, her capabilities were exceptional; she had uncovered the background of everyone clearly.
These two individuals were indeed sent in by those women. Of course… Yu Jingchen couldn’t trust them entirely, so he had Xing Lai send people to re-verify everyone in Wind Chime Palace.
“Issue an order that among the consorts in the harem, those favored are to remain voluntarily or return home. All others who are not favored are to be dismissed. Anyone who objects will be executed on the spot! Furthermore, all future selections are to be abolished and not continued.” As soon as Yu Jingchen uttered these words, it created a huge wave in the harem.
Many consorts were unwilling and wanted to see Yu Jingchen, but they were all strangled. Thus, those who came later, even if unwilling to leave, dared not resist.
When the officials in the imperial court heard this news, they rushed to try and stop it, but every time someone stepped forward, Yu Jingchen would order a thorough investigation of that official.
How many of the court officials could withstand such scrutiny? Yu Jingchen was simply culling the chickens to warn the monkeys. With Yu Jingchen holding all the power, who could do anything to him? Moreover, Yu Jingchen was never a benevolent ruler, but a god-slayer. How many lives would they have to trade? This matter was thus left unresolved.
Nan Zhiyun was still unaware of these farces. She was asleep, whether due to exhaustion or pregnancy, Nan Zhiyun slept for eight out of twelve hours a day. She had just fallen asleep again.
When Jiang Ji entered with Ling Dang, Nan Zhiyun was still not awake.
“Why have you come?” Qian Xia asked Jiang Ji.
“I heard that the Empress has been in low spirits these past few days. I thought since the Empress likes Ling Dang, I would bring her over to see if it could make the Empress feel a bit better,” Jiang Ji replied.
“The Empress has been like this these past few days. The departure of General Nan this time has been too great a blow to the Empress. She still hasn’t been able to come to terms with it. His Majesty has tried many methods, but none have been effective. If you can make the Empress a little happier, it would be a good thing,” Qian Xia said, her face filled with worry as she looked at Nan Zhiyun’s current state.
“Let’s try. It’s better than doing nothing. The Empress has been kind to me, and I want to do something for her…” As Jiang Ji spoke, he looked towards Nan Zhiyun, who was sleeping, a glint flashing in his eyes. Though obscured by the curtain, it was faintly visible.
“The Empress has only just fallen asleep. Come back when she wakes up. Do not disturb her now,” Qian Xia said. Having stayed by Nan Zhiyun’s side these past few days and seeing her grow thinner day by day, she also felt distressed.
Jiang Ji nodded slightly.
“I know what I’m doing. You’ve been staying by the Empress’s side day in and day out and are tired. Leave this to me,” Jiang Ji said.
“Then stay. Call me if anything happens.” Qian Xia didn’t say anything else. Jiang Ji had been serving Nan Zhiyun for a long time. During the spring hunt, Qian Xia had noticed that he was quite meticulous in his work, so she wasn’t particularly worried now.
After Qian Xia left, Jiang Ji walked closer to Nan Zhiyun, holding Ling Dang. Ling Dang was very obedient in his arms.
“Little Ling Dang, this is Master.” Jiang Ji’s thin lips parted. At this moment, he seemed like a completely different person, effeminate and sickly, with slightly reddened eyes.