Yu Jingchen's heart felt a pang of discomfort as he watched Luo Yuncheng's gaze linger on Nan Zhiyun.
"Princess Changle mentioned your marriage last time. Does Prince Yuncheng know about it?" Yu Jingchen asked directly.
"Your subject has no such plans yet, so I won't trouble Your Majesty's concern. These are solely my mother's personal thoughts," Luo Yuncheng stated clearly.
"Prince Yuncheng is not young anymore. These matters should be taken to heart. It's not surprising your mother is anxious," Yu Jingchen continued.
"Your subject still hopes to find someone he likes, as it is a lifetime commitment. I do not wish to be bound simply for the sake of being together," Luo Yuncheng said.
"Then, does Prince Yuncheng have someone he fancies?" Yu Jingchen pressed, unwilling to let Luo Yuncheng off the hook.
Upon hearing this, Luo Yuncheng subconsciously glanced at Nan Zhiyun. This look ignited Yu Jingchen. *What are you looking at? I asked if you have someone you like, why are you looking at her? Even if you liked her, it would only be in the past. What's the point of still yearning now?*
However... Yu Jingchen looked at Nan Zhiyun with satisfaction. She was busy peeling grapes, completely oblivious to the proceedings.
In reality, Nan Zhiyun simply felt it had nothing to do with her. With something else to occupy her attention, she could focus on her task, ensuring no one would notice her.
Yet, the same situation evoked different feelings and thoughts in everyone. For instance, Luo Yuncheng felt a pang of disappointment seeing Nan Zhiyun never look at him. He composed himself and then bowed slightly to Yu Jingchen.
"Your subject has no one he fancies yet," Luo Yuncheng replied.
"I believe it's time for Prince Yuncheng to have someone by his side. The position of Crown Princess can be reserved for someone you like, but you should also have consorts. Otherwise, if Princess Changle becomes truly anxious, don't do anything foolish again," Yu Jingchen no longer minced his words.
"My mother overstepped last time. I beg Your Majesty not to be displeased. My mother has already repented after returning," Luo Yuncheng said.
Yu Jingchen had ordered the news of the previous incident to be suppressed, so outsiders only knew that Princess Changle had been punished by Yu Jingchen.
"Very well, this matter is settled. I will look for a suitable young lady from a good family and bestow her upon you as a consort," Yu Jingchen declared with finality.
Luo Yuncheng hesitated for a moment but did not object further.
"Then your subject thanks Your Majesty," Luo Yuncheng said.
Nan Zhiyun was already a Shu Fei, so he naturally could not harbor any further ambitions. Doing so would bring trouble to both Nan Zhiyun and himself.
Only then did Yu Jingchen seem satisfied. After this matter was concluded, the hall quieted considerably. At this moment, Consort Yuan spoke.
"Your Majesty, my sister had previously offended Consort Shu. Today, I have prepared a performance to apologize to Consort Shu. May I ask if Your Majesty would grant my sister an opportunity to apologize for her foolish actions?" Consort Yuan asked gently.
She had an elder prince, but Consort Yuan claimed the prince was unwell, so he had not been brought along.
Nan Zhiyun was taken aback when her name was suddenly called. She still held a half-peeled grape in her hand, but all eyes were now upon her. Nan Zhiyun felt helpless and subtly covered her hand.
"Does Consort Shu wish to grant this opportunity?" Yu Jingchen shifted the question to Nan Zhiyun. He also noticed Nan Zhiyun's small movement, her hand now somewhat stiff. Yu Jingchen found it amusing.
"Very well..." Nan Zhiyun had not even fully processed what had been said.
"In that case, your subject thanks Consort Shu on behalf of my sister," Consort Yuan quickly responded.
Then, Yuan Chongyi, Consort Yuan's sister, slowly stepped forward. A zither was placed in the center of the hall, a treasured ancient instrument of Consort Yuan. It seemed she had indeed prepared thoroughly.
Yuan Chongyi was still dressed in a simple blue robe, her Southern charm exuded perfectly, surpassing even that of Consort Yuan. Some of the other consorts began to speculate, naturally believing Consort Yuan's intention in having her sister perform before the Emperor was not simple. However, they couldn't understand why Consort Yuan would want her sister to enter the palace; there seemed to be no necessity for it.
Yuan Chongyi sat in the center of the hall, facing some of the most powerful individuals in the entire Yuan Kingdom. As a young lady from a merchant family in Jiangnan, she couldn't help but feel nervous.
However, when it came to playing the zither, Yuan Chongyi considered her skill to be quite good. Once she began, her nervousness diminished significantly. Her music was undeniably captivating.
When the piece concluded, she slowly moved aside. "Your Majesty, my skills are inadequate, and I have made a fool of myself. Last time, I was rash and offended Your Majesty and Consort Shu. I now humbly beg forgiveness from Your Majesty and Consort Shu." Yuan Chongyi knelt on the spot.
Nan Zhiyun looked up upon hearing her name and recognized Yuan Chongyi.
"Since it is an apology to Consort Shu, you should ask Consort Shu," Yu Jingchen said, unwilling to offer his own judgment.
"Yes... I implore Consort Shu to forgive me." Yuan Chongyi bowed her head to Consort Shu.
"If Your Majesty does not hold it against me, this consort will not either," Nan Zhiyun replied.
But the crucial point was... Yu Jingchen had not said he wouldn't hold it against her. So, how should this be interpreted?
"I was just discussing Prince Yuncheng's marriage, and now a candidate has appeared. What does Prince Yuncheng think of this person?" Yu Jingchen asked casually. Just moments ago, the person in question had glanced towards Nan Zhiyun again. Since that was the case, he wouldn't be polite.
"This humble subject is terrified!" Yuan Chongyi was startled. Even Luo Yuncheng and everyone else were taken aback by Yu Jingchen's words.
"Your Majesty speaks too highly. Your subject has never met this young lady before, nor have we had any interaction, so I cannot pass judgment," Luo Yuncheng's intention was clear.
"You can get to know each other by spending more time together. How about this, let this woman stay at the Prince's mansion for a few days starting tomorrow to get acquainted and test the waters. What does the Prince think?" Yu Jingchen pressed relentlessly.
Luo Yuncheng clenched his fist slightly, his expression unchanged.
"Your subject believes this might not be..." Luo Yuncheng initially wanted to say it was improper and against etiquette, but something seemed to occur to him, and he changed his words directly, saying, "Your subject accepts the decree." He had agreed.
Yuan Chongyi looked at Luo Yuncheng incredulously, then glanced at Consort Yuan above. Consort Yuan showed no particular expression, merely shaking her head slightly, signaling her not to speak rashly.
Nan Zhiyun was bewildered by this sudden turn of events. She looked at Yu Jingchen, and coincidentally, Yu Jingchen looked back at her.