He had seen it clearly last time that the girl did not like his methods. So he was now learning to change himself, but some things were already habitual, and it might take some time. He was willing to slowly transform into the way Nan Zhiyun liked, but he also hoped that Nan Zhiyun could slowly adapt to him.
Yu Jingchen placed his hand on Nan Zhiyun's head. "Rest well. If I hear anyone saying you are not resting well and not taking care of your body later, don't blame me for punishing you. You don't want to be punished to help me remember, do you?" Yu Jingchen said with a half-joking tone.
"Will His Majesty's punishment be very heavy?" Nan Zhiyun raised her small face and looked at Yu Jingchen, who was standing.
"Yes, it will be very heavy, extremely heavy. Because if it's not heavy, people don't remember," Yu Jingchen said with a smile.
"Then how will His Majesty punish me?" Nan Zhiyun didn't know where her confidence came from; she just felt that Yu Jingchen didn't truly intend to punish her.
"Why don't Yun'er offer an opinion?" Yu Jingchen raised an eyebrow.
"Does this concubine have to offer an opinion to punish herself?" Nan Zhiyun rarely had the courage to ask.
"Yes, if Yun'er doesn't say anything, then I can only think of something myself. If the punishment is too heavy, Yun'er won't be able to appeal," Yu Jingchen said.
"This concubine's foot is already injured..." Was Nan Zhiyun acting cute?
"It's useless even if it's injured. A sob story won't work on me, so just stay put obediently," Yu Jingchen added.
"...Yes." Nan Zhiyun's mood also improved. The injury that had been very painful moments ago now felt less painful because her attention had been diverted.
"I'm leaving first." Yu Jingchen liked her current demeanor of "bantering" with him.
Yu Jingchen left Nan Zhiyun's room and, upon exiting, looked at Xing Lai. Xing Lai, being observant, immediately stepped forward.
"Everything has been investigated. That little eunuch is not problematic. He just entered the palace this year and was previously an odd-job eunuch, only recently assigned to Madam Yin's service. Madam Yin's temperament became even more volatile after her demotion, and she would often beat and scold those around her. This little eunuch was always the target of her abuse."
"Today, Madam Yin knew that Consort Shu was going to Yunpeng Hall, so she deliberately went to wait for Consort Shu early. During this time, perhaps due to pent-up frustration, and the little eunuch having been severely mistreated before, coupled with the cold weather and thin clothing, he couldn't stand and was scolded and beaten by Madam Yin."
"After Consort Shu's sedan chair was lifted, Madam Yin pushed him out. He was already unstable and thus directly bumped into Consort Shu's sedan chair." Xing Lai had already investigated all these matters.
"Assign someone to keep an eye on him. Inform me immediately if anything is amiss. Yun'er felt pity for him and wanted to spare his life, so don't let him die. Furthermore... this is because of Yun'er, so he has this opportunity. He must remember this point clearly," Yu Jingchen said in a detached voice.
"Yes, this servant understands. Your Majesty, please rest assured." Xing Lai naturally understood Yu Jingchen's intentions. He wanted that person to remember Nan Zhiyun's kindness.
If his guess was correct, then Consort Shu would likely go further in the future. If her position were to rise even higher, there would only be one ultimate position...
Judging by the current development, Consort Chen Shu was not far from that position. Therefore... in the future, personnel management would be crucial. His Majesty was likely paving the way for Consort Shu.
Consort Chen Shu's current mindset was simple. It might be difficult even after reaching that position, and His Majesty was likely concerned about it.
Yu Jingchen looked back. If possible, he did not wish for Nan Zhiyun to be annoyed by such trivial matters. He hoped Nan Zhiyun could always be protected under his wings.
"Has the Minister of Justice entered the palace?" Yu Jingchen's thoughts returned.
"Someone just reported that he has arrived and is currently heading to Yunpeng Hall," Xing Lai replied.
"Then let's go. Let's see how our Minister of Justice disciplines his daughter." A strange curve formed on Yu Jingchen's lips, mostly mocking. When Yu Jingchen arrived at Yunpeng Hall, the Minister of Justice was already there.
Seeing Yu Jingchen arrive, everyone began to pay their respects. Yu Jingchen walked directly to the main seat.
"You may rise," Yu Jingchen's voice carried a hint of coldness.
After Yu Jingchen arrived, the atmosphere in the entire hall became solemn. Yu Jingchen's gaze fell upon Minister Yin.
"Minister Yin, do you see? Is this punishment appropriate, in my opinion?" Yu Jingchen asked him, though his tone suggested it was not a question.
"There is no problem. His Majesty's actions are naturally without issue. It is all my fault for not disciplining my daughter properly. I beg Your Majesty's forgiveness!" Minister Yin was also extremely fearful.
"I've heard that Minister Yin has been doing many good deeds recently and has been of great help to Prince An." Yu Jingchen got straight to the point.
"Your Majesty, please investigate. Since I took office, I have been diligent and conscientious, without any disloyal intentions," Minister Yin quickly declared his loyalty.
"I didn't mean anything else. Helping Prince An doesn't mean you have disloyal intentions. Minister Yin, you are being too sensitive." Yu Jingchen played with a teacup on the table.
"Yes, yes..." Minister Yin was now sweating profusely.
"Alright, I didn't summon you here today to discuss these matters," Yu Jingchen said.
"Yes... it is all my fault for not disciplining my daughter. I am willing to accept punishment," Minister Yin quickly pleaded.
"How do you think you should be punished?" Yu Jingchen looked up at him.
"This minister..." He was choked for words.
"What? Minister Yin, have you run out of ideas? Do you want me to decide for you?" Yu Jingchen's voice was full of pressure.
"Your Majesty, it is all my fault..." Minister Yin looked at Madam Yin beside him.
"Rebellious daughter, why don't you quickly apologize?" He now wished he could strangle his so-called daughter. Why had His Majesty summoned him here if not to resolve this matter? It was clearly a warning and coercion. Had something been discovered?
"I am not guilty..." Madam Yin had nothing more to fear. She knew Yu Jingchen would not let her off, and as for her father... tsk, his eyes were probably only on his own future.
The next moment, with a loud slap, she was struck by her father. Yu Jingchen watched the spectacle below without a word.