Things were still much better than before. Nan Zhiyun was frail, and when she had a fever, it would take a long time for it to subside. This was why, in her previous life, Yu Jingchen had spared no effort for Nan Zhiyun's health.
But in this life, everything had to start from scratch, and even more effort would be needed than in the previous life. After all, Nan Zhiyun's health had deteriorated severely during her two years in the palace, and Yu Jingchen knew it was all his fault; he had allowed it to happen. If he had treated Nan Zhiyun even a little better, this situation would not have arisen.
Before long, palace attendants brought the evening meal. Yu Jingchen had it prepared, fearing Nan Zhiyun might suddenly wake up. It was just some simple congee and light dishes, as she was injured and couldn't eat anything too greasy.
Yu Jingchen ordered a small table to be moved next to the bed. Nan Zhiyun couldn't eat much at the moment, but she was surprised when she saw the dishes, as they were some of her favorite foods.
However, Yu Jingchen shouldn't have known what her favorite foods were. Nan Zhiyun cautiously looked at Yu Jingchen, who noticed her gaze. Her current timidity and fear made his heart ache. He didn't expose her small actions, fearing it would only make her more terrified.
"What kind of soup is this?" Yu Jingchen asked, looking at the soup prepared by the imperial kitchen.
"This is fish soup prepared by the imperial kitchen, it's light," Xing Lai replied.
"Take it away. Don't bring this kind of thing again. Concubine Shu cannot eat fish; she is allergic to fish," Yu Jingchen instructed.
After Yu Jingchen said this, everyone present was surprised. How did His Majesty know that Concubine Shu was allergic to fish? Nan Zhiyun was also shocked and couldn't recover for a long time. In her eyes, she thought Yu Jingchen would know she liked to eat fish, but why did he know she was actually allergic to fish?
And... Concubine Shu? Hadn't he decreed to demote her and cast her into the cold palace?
"There's a lot I know, so take a good look, feel it, don't be so scared, and then discover things, alright?" Yu Jingchen brought Nan Zhiyun a bowl of congee. "Your movements are inconvenient, I'll feed you." As he said this, he began to act.
Nan Zhiyun was overwhelmed with gratitude but also fear. Yu Jingchen's current behavior was too abnormal. She flinched back.
Noticing Nan Zhiyun's avoidance, he didn't get angry. "Be good, eat a little first, or your body won't be able to handle it. You'll have to drink medicine later, so be obedient and don't hide." Yu Jingchen said.
Nan Zhiyun refused to open her mouth. She was like a startled fawn, a wounded little beast hiding far away to lick her wounds alone.
"Don't be scared, alright? I won't hit you or scold you. Eat something, or do you not want to drink congee now?" Yu Jingchen asked.
Nan Zhiyun remained silent. Whenever Yu Jingchen approached, she instinctively tried to evade him. "Don't avoid me, okay? Eat a little. You'll get hungry later, and you're still burning with fever. Your body won't be able to take it if this continues." Yu Jingchen placed a hand on Nan Zhiyun's head.
"Eat something. If you can't finish it, I won't force you, but you must eat a little," Yu Jingchen said patiently. He then stopped talking, picked up the spoon, scooped up a small spoonful, and brought it to her lips.
"Open your mouth, take a bite," Yu Jingchen coaxed her. Nan Zhiyun hesitated as she looked at the millet congee nearing her mouth. Yu Jingchen... was not normal.
"Eat it, okay?" Yu Jingchen always had a gentle smile. He had smiled a lot by Nan Zhiyun's side in his previous life, so his smile now didn't seem stiff; instead, it softened his sharp edges.
Nan Zhiyun timidly opened her mouth, and Yu Jingchen fed her the congee. The millet congee was soft and glutinous. The warm congee slid into her stomach, feeling warm and comfortable.
"Is it delicious?" Yu Jingchen asked, then continued to feed her another spoonful. Nan Zhiyun didn't answer, but she obediently ate when Yu Jingchen offered it again, without resistance.
However, perhaps due to the fever, Nan Zhiyun didn't have much appetite. After eating only a little, she couldn't eat anymore.
Yu Jingchen had spent so much time with Nan Zhiyun in his previous life. Now, he could basically guess her thoughts from her gaze, a small movement, or a slight emotion. But she still didn't dare to speak. Yu Jingchen helplessly put down the bowl. "Can't eat anymore?" he asked.
Nan Zhiyun hesitated for a long time before nodding. Yu Jingchen smiled and patted her head comfortingly. "If you really can't eat anymore, then don't. You should tell me directly about these things in the future, otherwise, if I can't guess something, what will you do if you don't dare to say it?"
"Does your head still hurt?" Yu Jingchen asked her.
Nan Zhiyun nodded. Her head felt heavy and dizzy, and she felt weak.
"You're still running a fever, so it hurts a bit. You'll feel better after drinking some medicine later. Rest well these days. You'll stay in Zichen Palace. Once your injuries are healed, we can discuss what you want to do, alright?" Yu Jingchen's way of coaxing Nan Zhiyun now was very much like coaxing a child. He had probably gotten used to it in his previous life and was now very skilled at it. But he might not have realized that this change in him appeared somewhat terrifying in Nan Zhiyun's eyes.
To Nan Zhiyun, Yu Jingchen had always been cold, stern, and decisive, inspiring fear. He was even crueler to her, never showing mercy. Therefore, Yu Jingchen's sudden transformation made him seem like a completely different person to Nan Zhiyun, and she found it difficult to accept.
"You need to tell me directly if you need anything, otherwise I might not guess. And if you feel unwell, you must say so; don't endure it yourself, or it will become more serious and complicated later, understand?" he asked.
"I want to go back..." Nan Zhiyun's voice was still tearful, small and very scared.
"I just said, you can go back when your injuries are healed. How can you move around in your current condition?" Yu Jingchen told her.
Nan Zhiyun didn't say anything further. Yu Jingchen knew it wasn't that she agreed, but rather that she didn't have the courage to repeat herself.
"Alright, I promise you that once you're better, you can go back. And besides that, I'll grant you an extra request, okay?" Yu Jingchen coaxed.