Yu Jingchen didn't know this originally, but later, when he had people investigate some of Nan Zhiyun's childhood anecdotes and preferences, he found out. Nan Zhiyun was also very young then, around six years old. To be honest… well, she was quite cute.
After hearing Yu Jingchen's words, Nan Zhiyun's face flushed with embarrassment. How could he bring up these embarrassing moments of hers?
"At that time, this concubine was just ignorant," Nan Zhiyun said.
"Yes, the ignorant Yun'er was very cute." Yu Jingchen stroked Nan Zhiyun's head. Nan Zhiyun didn't think there was anything wrong with this gesture before. But after raising this cat today, she felt that Yu Jingchen's gesture of stroking her head… was quite similar to how she stroked the cat.
She suddenly remembered what Qian Xia had said earlier…
"This concubine is not a cat," Nan Zhiyun said.
Yu Jingchen was stunned for a moment when he heard this, then he reacted: "How can you not be? You are exactly the same." Yu Jingchen said deliberately.
Nan Zhiyun was unconvinced: "How am I like a cat? Is this concubine as small as a cat? Do I have fur? Do I have green eyes?" Nan Zhiyun asked a series of questions.
"Heh…" Yu Jingchen was amused by Nan Zhiyun's current demeanor, her actions, and her words.
"Yun'er's head feels fluffy when I touch it, just like a kitten's. And Yun'er is indeed small; I can hold you entirely in my arms with a gentle embrace. As for your eyes… they are bright and just as captivating. Besides, Yun'er is even cuter than a kitten." As Yu Jingchen spoke, he actually pulled her into his embrace and reached out to pinch her cheek.
Nan Zhiyun was speechless… She wanted to refute, but didn't know where to begin.
"Yun'er is truly adorable. Why is she so endearing?" Yu Jingchen loved looking at Nan Zhiyun.
Nan Zhiyun: "…"
"Then, may this concubine ask for someone to help raise it?" Nan Zhiyun changed the subject.
"Of course. Do you need me to find someone for you?" Yu Jingchen agreed readily.
"No need. It will be him. This concubine has already found someone." Nan Zhiyun pointed at Jiang Ji, who had been standing by the side with a minimal presence.
Upon hearing this, Jiang Ji immediately stepped forward and knelt: "This servant greets Your Majesty!"
Yu Jingchen looked over and recognized him at a glance. His gaze narrowed slightly: "Why him?" Yu Jingchen asked.
"He was already raising this kitten before, and he has experience with pets. Isn't that perfect? So, this concubine chose him, as I was too lazy to find someone else. Is that okay, Your Majesty?" Nan Zhiyun asked, gently tugging at Yu Jingchen's sleeve. How could Yu Jingchen refuse?
"Then it shall be him. We'll do as Yun'er wishes," Yu Jingchen said.
Previously, he had merely ordered the cat to be kept separately, observed for a few days, and only then presented to Nan Zhiyun after confirming there were no issues.
However, he hadn't known that the one raising the cat would be him, nor that he would go to the Imperial Garden. Was it a coincidence? Being habitually suspicious, he wouldn't believe it so easily. Moreover, this was someone by Nan Zhiyun's side… Therefore, he still needed to be thoroughly assessed.
He actually didn't wish for him to stay now, but since Nan Zhiyun had personally designated him, so be it. He would just pay closer attention later.
With these thoughts, Yu Jingchen no longer dwelled on it.