Because Nan Zhiyun did not respond, Yu Jingchen was in a bad mood. However, seeing her in her current state, Yu Jingchen could not possibly lose his temper with her.
"Forget it, since you don't want to linger outside, then let's go back," Yu Jingchen said helplessly, then directly picked her up.
Su Qianyan had not left yet. Seeing Yu Jingchen carrying Nan Zhiyun out, she clenched her fists. "Your Majesty..." As soon as she spoke, she heard Yu Jingchen's order: "Shun Zhaoyuan is disrespectful before the Emperor, demoted to Baolin, confined to her palace, and shall not leave without an imperial decree. She is to copy Buddhist scriptures daily for self-cultivation. Should she offend again, she shall atone with her life." Yu Jingchen was clearly in a bad mood, yet she insisted on confronting him. Was she not asking for death?
Su Qianyan begged for mercy, but how could Yu Jingchen be so easily swayed? Nan Zhiyun, in Yu Jingchen's arms, was also surprised when she heard this command. After all, Su Qianyan had only spoken a few words, and such a punishment was somewhat unexpected.
Although it appeared to be merely a demotion, in this palace... she would likely be tormented by these opportunists. Su Qianyan... if nothing unexpected happened, her later life would probably be thus.
Nan Zhiyun did not speak. She was not so compassionate as to beg for Su Qianyan, but... Yu Jingchen's heart was truly cold.
Guoshi Residence
"Reporting to the Guoshi, everything has been arranged," a servant said, walking up to Gu Yin, who was watering flowers in the courtyard.
"Mm," Gu Yin responded while watering the flowers.
"Yu Jingchen has exceeded my expectations this time," Gu Yin said leisurely.
The servant did not reply. Gu Yin continued watering and added, "It's still not enough..." he said meaningfully.
"Guoshi, His Majesty... is already making his move," the servant reminded him.
"Let him try whatever he wants to do. Let's see how capable he truly is," Gu Yin seemed completely unconcerned.
"The Empress Dowager must be kept under strict watch. No matter what Yu Jingchen plans to do, it must not involve the Empress Dowager. If anything happens, you must inform me immediately," Gu Yin ordered.
"Someone has always been watching the Empress Dowager, Guoshi, rest assured. The Empress Dowager will be fine," the servant also knew the significance of the Empress Dowager to His Majesty.
"Our current Emperor still needs someone to help him. I naturally cannot fail to live up to his intentions." Gu Yin put down what he was holding. This Guoshi residence used to be very plain, with no flowers at all, but now Gu Yin had people plant flowers in every corner of the residence.
Gu Yin's memory returned to his previous life... the Empress Dowager in the sea of fire... He slowly closed his eyes. The memory of that time always surfaced in his mind, causing Gu Yin unbearable pain whenever he thought of it.
The fire at Ci'an Palace. He wanted to find her, but... he couldn't. He was too late. Her snow-white clothes were stained black, and the red before his eyes became ever more pronounced. When he found her, the person he longed for had already breathed her last. He hadn't had time to tell her. He regretted it. Back then... he should have stopped her from entering the palace.
Previous life Jing (refer to Chapter 566)
"Yu Jingchen... the cycle of karma, I want to see if you have the ability to defy destiny. The destiny of three lifetimes will ultimately be in vain. You will coldly watch those who love you with a cold heart and ruthlessness. Those you love will ultimately be shattered, a mere dream..." This was the last thing Gu Yin said to Yu Jingchen.
Memories slowly returned. He had said that he would make Yu Jingchen regret it, that he would make Yu Jingchen... die with regrets. He would make him regret it...
"Yu Jingchen, very soon... what you experience, what you fear, will become reality. You should feel it well, and repent well!" Gu Yin's eyes turned red as he said these words, but this redness was not due to sadness, but anger.
Zichen Palace
From the moment Nan Zhiyun returned to the palace, she confined herself to her room and saw no one. At first, Yu Jingchen let her be, but as time went on, how could he allow it?
When he entered, Nan Zhiyun was sitting in front of the dressing table, appearing normal. Yu Jingchen walked over slowly. He hadn't felt anything was amiss at first. But upon seeing Nan Zhiyun, he suddenly noticed something abnormal, especially seeing the faint bloodstains on her hands.
"What are you doing?!" Yu Jingchen's heart lurched, and he immediately knelt down. Nan Zhiyun's expression remained unchanged, neither happy nor sad, which was chilling to behold.
Yu Jingchen pulled Nan Zhiyun's hand and found that she was holding a hairpin, her hands covered in various cuts and scratches, bleeding profusely and appearing terrifying.
"Nan Zhiyun!" Yu Jingchen admitted, at this moment, he could no longer restrain himself.