The heat in Yu Jingchen's mind was unbearable, but at this moment, it was insignificant. The most important thing was to find Nan Zhiyun. Yu Jingchen watched the fire grow larger, his heart tightening.
He headed into the hall and saw Nan Zhiyun standing in the center of the room, clad in a white robe. She was as serene as ever, as if the surrounding flames had nothing to do with her.
Upon seeing her, Yu Jingchen rushed forward without a second thought. Just then, something nearby ignited and collapsed. It landed directly in his path. Yu Jingchen instinctively shielded himself, while Nan Zhiyun remained completely unresponsive to the scene before her.
Yu Jingchen couldn't afford to hesitate. He pushed forward, but the flames were spreading relentlessly, leaving him no time for deliberation.
As Yu Jingchen moved further in, something fell from the eaves, striking his back. Fortunately, it wasn't heavy and had little impact. Yu Jingchen didn't even pause, going straight to Nan Zhiyun and pulling her into his arms. "It's alright, I'll get you out." He said, attempting to lift her, but Nan Zhiyun resisted.
"What are you doing? Let's go!" Yu Jingchen could guess Nan Zhiyun's thoughts, but he couldn't just watch her act this way.
"In my past life, the Empress Dowager was just like this..." Nan Zhiyun finally spoke, but Empress Dowager? Regardless of the reason, the current situation didn't allow for discussion. "Can we talk about it after we get out? I'll carry you out." Yu Jingchen said, trying to pick her up. The room was intensely hot, and the precarious eaves could collapse at any moment. It was extremely dangerous inside.
Thick smoke filled the hall, causing Nan Zhiyun to cough. The smoke entered her nostrils, making it difficult for her to control herself.
She stopped resisting, and Yu Jingchen finally managed to lift her. But as he took his first step forward, his head began to swim. Yu Jingchen shook his head, trying to clear it, but it seemed ineffective.
"There are incense burners lit in the room... If His Majesty cannot let go of me, then accompany me," Nan Zhiyun's voice was ethereal and chilling.
Yu Jingchen looked at her. "Do you hate me this much?" He wasn't angry, but his tone was laced with sorrow.
"Yes, I hate you," Nan Zhiyun said calmly.
Yu Jingchen smiled, a bitter smile. "Then hate me. I'll get you out. If I die, you will still get out." He said, then forced himself to stand, holding her, and walked towards the exit.
However, as soon as he stood up, he collapsed to his knees. His body felt incredibly weak. Nan Zhiyun also could no longer stand steadily, and her consciousness began to blur.
At that moment, people from outside rushed in. Hearing their voices, Nan Zhiyun closed her eyes. She had done all she could. The rest... was up to fate. The rescuers quickly found Yu Jingchen and Nan Zhiyun.
"Take Consort Shu out," Yu Jingchen commanded.
"Yes." They naturally obeyed Yu Jingchen. Nan Zhiyun offered no resistance, knowing she had done all she could. What use was further resistance? But just as the palace maids were about to escort Nan Zhiyun out, disaster struck.
The roof above Yu Jingchen, unable to bear the weight, began to fall. "Your Majesty!" The palace maids tried to shield him, but some were still hit.
"Your Majesty, this servant will help you out." The smoke in the room grew thicker, and staying any longer would be dangerous.
"Get out," Yu Jingchen said.
"Your Majesty?" The palace maid didn't quite understand.
Nan Zhiyun heard these words in her dazed state. She didn't know what Yu Jingchen was planning to do, but she clearly heard his next sentence: "Let's see if this fire can satisfy your wish..."
Nan Zhiyun was led away from the palace. From the outside, it was clear that the entire Zichen Palace was engulfed in flames.
Nan Zhiyun's white robes were now soiled. Before her consciousness completely faded, she looked back at Zichen Palace. He... didn't seem to have come out.
Then, she heard a roaring in her ears and a complete muddle in her head. Afterwards, she heard someone shout, "Consort Shu!" and then she lost consciousness entirely.
Nan Zhiyun had a dream. In her dream, she had a baby, and people called her Empress. She sat in the palace, heavily pregnant, feeling dejected.
Then, she heard the palace maids guarding outside call out, "Your Majesty."
Yu Jingchen entered from outside. From the moment he walked in, a smile played on his lips, gentle and patient.
She, however, sat stubbornly in place, too sulky to move. Was that really her? And was that person truly Yu Jingchen?
She watched Yu Jingchen approach and squat before her. "What's wrong? Upset again? Who made you angry?" Yu Jingchen took her hand and asked with a smile, his voice gentle.
"Has Your Majesty forgotten me?" Nan Zhiyun pouted, looking pitiable.
"How could I? Yun'er is so lovely, how could I forget you? I adore you," Yu Jingchen stood up and then lifted Nan Zhiyun, placing her on his lap.
"My stomach feels uncomfortable, Your Majesty, look, it's so big. But Your Majesty doesn't care about me anymore. I haven't eaten anything today and I feel like throwing up." Nan Zhiyun hugged Yu Jingchen's neck and began to act spoiled.
"Mm, it's all my fault. So, what does Yun'er want to eat? Or are you thinking of leaving the palace again?" Yu Jingchen saw through her act immediately.
"..." Nan Zhiyun was exposed, but she felt no embarrassment. "Then will Your Majesty allow it~" Nan Zhiyun began to coo coquettishly. Yu Jingchen smiled with a mixture of helplessness and doting. "Of course, you can. If you want to go out, then go. Where in Tiansheng can you not go?" He pinched Nan Zhiyun's nose, and Nan Zhiyun, content, smiled.
Looking at this scene... Nan Zhiyun became bewildered. When was that? Why couldn't she remember it?
Nan Zhiyun remained unconscious, and those outside were in a frenzy, but to no avail. Nan Zhiyun, however, felt as though she had had a very long dream. In the dream, her interactions with Yu Jingchen seemed very pleasant. They even had a baby. Yu Jingchen was extremely doting, and she loved clinging to him...
Guoshi Mansion
The melodious sound of the zither was interrupted by the arrival of a servant.
"How is it?" Gu Yin stopped playing.
"Consort Shu is unconscious. The Empress Dowager is by her side, not leaving her for a moment," the servant replied.
"Mm, you may withdraw." Gu Yin spoke with a calm demeanor. The servant hesitated, wanting to say more, but was intimidated by Gu Yin's presence.
"Is there anything else?" Gu Yin asked.
"His Majesty's side..." the servant ventured tentatively.
"No need to attend to it. See what he can accomplish. Prepare yourself. I will be entering the palace tonight. Inform the people of Miyin Pavilion that regardless of the circumstances, the Empress Dowager's safety is paramount. If anything truly happens, protect the Empress Dowager at all costs. Remember, I said at all costs, even if that cost is Miyin Pavilion," Gu Yin finally looked at the servant beside him, his eyes filled with warning.
"Yes, this subordinate understands." The servant dared not question.
"If you have heard clearly, then withdraw. Do not disturb me unless necessary." Gu Yin had been spending his days practicing the zither, tending to flowers, and brewing tea. His life was quite leisurely.