Nanzhi Yun stretched out her mischievous little hand and began to make mischief along Yu Jingchen's eyebrows. She touched his eyebrows, nose, mouth, and even his beard.
"Yun'er, aren't you supposed to be resting? Is this how you rest? Hmm?" Yu Jingchen suddenly spoke, startling Nanzhi Yun.
Yu Jingchen opened his eyes slightly and watched Nanzhi Yun playing around. He reached out and held her hand. He had truly been asleep, but the moment Nanzhi Yun touched his brow bone, Yu Jingchen had woken up.
"Don't want to sleep anymore?" Yu Jingchen asked her.
"Sleep... I'll sleep right away." Nanzhi Yun felt a little guilty, and a faint smile touched her lips.
Yu Jingchen pulled Nanzhi Yun's hand to his chest. "Sleep, close your eyes." He pulled her into his embrace.
Nanzhi Yun obediently closed her eyes and found a comfortable sleeping position in Yu Jingchen's arms, peacefully falling asleep.
Perhaps it was because the issue concerning the child that had been weighing on her heart had now been resolved, or for some other reason, Nanzhi Yun suddenly felt a sense of lightness. Things didn't feel as unbearable as before.
Yu Jingchen gently patted her with his hand, and Nanzhi Yun slowly drifted off to sleep. This sleep was deeper and more peaceful than before, and in her dreams... she no longer cried.
Nanzhi Yun slept from noon until dusk. When she woke up, Yu Jingchen was no longer by her side, and the room was lit by candles.
Nanzhi Yun got out of bed by herself and sat up. Seeing no one around, she got out of bed. Where was everyone? Why couldn't she see anyone?
"Qian Xia?" Nanzhi Yun called out. Hearing her name, Qian Xia quickly entered from outside.
"Empress," Qian Xia replied.
"Where is His Majesty?" Nanzhi Yun asked.
"His Majesty... Empress, Noble Consort Yan said that today's matter has been investigated. His Majesty has just been invited to Yunpeng Palace. Does the Empress wish to go?" Qian Xia asked.
Today's matter? Was it about that imperial physician?
"Yes," Nanzhi Yun said. How could she not go?
"Yes, then I will help you get ready," Qian Xia said, supporting Nanzhi Yun.
"No need, I can't be bothered. It's already dark, and I'll just have to take it off again later?" Nanzhi Yun found it troublesome and time-consuming.
"Then shall I fetch you a dress?" Qian Xia did not insist. After all, no one dared to question whatever the Empress decided to do. His Majesty himself doted on her, so they dared not speak out of turn.
"Mhm," Nanzhi Yun nodded. Qian Xia went to get a dress for Nanzhi Yun, draped it over her, and then called for a palanquin to take them to Yunpeng Palace.
Nanzhi Yun was still at the entrance when the palace servants saw her and quickly rushed forward to greet her.
"Welcome, Empress," the palace servants bowed quickly. This venerable lady could not be treated lightly.
"Where is His Majesty? This consort is here to see His Majesty," Nanzhi Yun asked.
"His Majesty is inside. This servant will escort the Empress," the palace servant dared not delay. Upon reaching the palace doors, he shouted loudly, "The Empress has arrived—!"
Yu Jingchen, inside, heard that Nanzhi Yun had arrived and quickly looked towards the entrance. Yan Qing did the same.
"Your Majesty," Nanzhi Yun appeared at the entrance. Yu Jingchen rose and walked towards Nanzhi Yun.
Yan Qing also stood up. "Your humble consort greets the Empress," Yan Qing bowed.
"Rise," Nanzhi Yun looked at Yan Qing. Yu Jingchen took Nanzhi Yun's hand and walked towards the upper seats.