Su Qianyan’s gaze turned cool as she observed Yu Yan's condescending demeanor. Yu Yan? Hmph, overestimating herself. She then looked into the distance, her eyes thoughtful, towards the direction of Zichen Palace.
"She's quite ambitious," remarked Bai Yusheng, who had been standing there observing both Yu Yan and Su Qianyan.
"She's merely a concubine's daughter, how much ability can she possibly possess? My lady need not take her seriously," the personal maid offered a word of comfort.
"Being a concubine's daughter isn't the main point. Though she is one, her current favor surpasses that of the legitimate daughter. Does that not suggest ability? She was barely a factor two years ago, yet now she holds such a position. Yu Yan is likely to suffer a loss," Bai Yusheng watched the scene with amusement, anticipating the unfolding drama.
He'an Palace
Nan Zhiyun had felt unwell yesterday, and Yu Jingchen had stayed by her side all night. As he didn't have morning court today, Yu Jingchen remained in He'an Palace.
Xinglai had also brought the imperial edicts to He'an Palace. Due to Yu Jingchen's "poisoning and coma" these past few days, many matters had piled up. He had the edicts placed by the bedside and sat there, guarding Nan Zhiyun while perusing them.
Nan Zhiyun was never a still sleeper. Just now, she had rolled over in her sleep. Yu Jingchen had long noticed this "habit" of hers and had arranged for a padded quilt to be placed on the other side to prevent her from accidentally falling.
Noticing Nan Zhiyun's movement, Yu Jingchen glanced sideways, finding her rolling over rather amusing. How could she be so endearing?
Yu Jingchen shook his head gently but soon returned to his tasks. Not long after, Nan Zhiyun rolled back again. Perhaps sensing something, she kept moving towards where Yu Jingchen was sitting, eventually nestling beside him.
Yu Jingchen looked down at her. "Such a restless little girl." He reached out and caressed her face. "How can you sleep so soundly? Why aren't you awake yet?" Yu Jingchen was genuinely amazed by Nan Zhiyun's sleeping habits.
Nan Zhiyun moved her lips, showing no intention of waking. Her mouth was slightly open as she slept. Seeing Nan Zhiyun sleeping so soundly, Yu Jingchen couldn't bear to disturb her. He gently stroked her with one hand while turning the imperial edicts with the other, managing both without compromise.
Perhaps another hour passed before Nan Zhiyun stirred. For the past hour, she had slept quite peacefully.
Nan Zhiyun opened her eyes, her vision blurry. She rubbed her eyes, feeling disoriented by her surroundings.
"Hmm? Who is awake?" Upon seeing Nan Zhiyun stir, Yu Jingchen put down his imperial edicts and leaned down to look at her.
"Your Majesty~" Nan Zhiyun shifted her body, her voice soft and with a hint of a childlike lilt.
"Who is awake now? Is it Nannan or Xiao Yun'er?" Yu Jingchen looked down at her.
Nan Zhiyun felt a little embarrassed and pulled the quilt to cover herself. Yu Jingchen pulled the quilt away. "What's wrong? Still not awake? Is it Nannan or Yun'er?" Yu Jingchen spoke as if coaxing a child.
"It's... Nannan." Nan Zhiyun smiled at Yu Jingchen.
"Is that so? I thought it looked like Xiao Yun'er too," Yu Jingchen said, helping her to sit up.
"Nannan is Xiao Yun'er." Nan Zhiyun tilted her head up. Yu Jingchen pulled her into his embrace and then felt her forehead. It didn't seem like she had a fever. Judging by her state, she should be well.