Hearing Bai Yusheng mention Nan Su, Nan Zhiyun's sharp edges softened slightly. Her father was, after all, someone who served under her own father.
Seeing her words had an effect, Bai Yusheng felt a little more at ease. She then turned to the maid behind her, "Bring me the pair of Ding Dang bracelets I just selected."
Ding Dang bracelets? Nan Zhiyun had never heard of them and was a little curious. The maid opened the box, and Bai Yusheng took out two bracelets. In essence, it was one, but it was made of two silver bracelets joined together, delicate and beautiful. When they collided, they also made a pleasant sound.
"Madam, these are Ding Dang bracelets. They are not particularly valuable, but they are crafted exquisitely and, more importantly, carry a beautiful meaning: eternal love, one step at a time, one thought at a time – 'thought' as in contemplation. Today, I'd like to offer this gift to the Empress, may I? It's also my blessing to her." As Bai Yusheng spoke, she reached out to place the bracelets on Nan Zhiyun's wrist.
"This might not be entirely appropriate," Nan Zhiyun withdrew her hand.
"What's inappropriate about it? Does the Empress perhaps find them unimpressive?" Bai Yusheng smiled and made a joke, then directly fastened the bracelets onto Nan Zhiyun's wrists. Nan Zhiyun found them novel; she had indeed never seen anything like them before.
"Then I shall accept them. Thank you, Miss Bai." She then took off a jade bracelet from her own wrist and offered it to Bai Yusheng, "This is a return gift." Nan Zhiyun disliked owing favors.
Bai Yusheng accepted them graciously. "Then I won't be polite. Thank you, Madam, for your generosity." She wasn't one to be coy.
Just then, Yu Jingchen emerged from the room.
"Nannan," Yu Jingchen called out. They all heard him and looked over, appearing somewhat startled.
"Husband!" Nan Zhiyun exclaimed with joy and wanted to move towards him, but her foot was injured. Yu Jingchen strode forward, scooped her up, and held her in his arms as if she were a child.
"Have you made your selection?" Yu Jingchen asked.
"They're all beautiful, I couldn't choose," Nan Zhiyun said, hugging Yu Jingchen's neck.
"Then shall I have them all sent back for Nannan, alright?" Yu Jingchen doted on her, as these were all prepared for her in the first place.
"Okay, thank you, Husband." Nan Zhiyun didn't refuse.
Yu Jingchen smiled and then looked towards Bai Yusheng and the other woman. The two women bowed.
"If that's the case, then Madame Yuan and I shall not disturb you further," Bai Yusheng said.
Yu Jingchen didn't reply. Bai Yusheng and Yuan Suoyi prepared to leave. Just before departing, Yuan Suoyi remarked, "The Empress is truly charming."
"Alright, Madame Yuan, let's go," Bai Yusheng said, pulling her away quickly. Yuan Suoyi smiled, said nothing more, and followed her out. Nan Zhiyun felt a pang of discomfort at Yuan Suoyi's words.
"It's alright, don't mind her." Yu Jingchen saw Nan Zhiyun's unhappiness. As for that Yuan Suoyi... if she couldn't speak properly, she should be taught a lesson.
Nan Zhiyun didn't say anything. But perhaps thinking of something, she took off the bracelets on her wrist. Yu Jingchen looked at her curiously, wondering what she was doing.
Nan Zhiyun handed the bracelets to Yu Jingchen. "Husband, Miss Bai gave these to me. I thought they were pretty and I liked them. Could you ask the imperial physicians to look at them?" Nan Zhiyun was being completely honest.
"Bai Yusheng gave them?" Yu Jingchen frowned.
"Yes. But since I accepted her gift, I also gave her a bracelet in return," Nan Zhiyun added.