As soon as the Imperial Concubine entered, she saw Yu Jingchen sitting beside her with a cold expression. She stepped forward and curtsied, "This concubine greets His Majesty."
"Why are you here?" Yu Jingchen's tone was icy.
"I heard that Consort Nan's illness is quite serious, so this concubine came to see if there was anything she could help with," the Imperial Concubine said.
"Just now, this concubine heard that Consort Nan had a high fever that could not be brought down. Is she any better now?" the Imperial Concubine asked.
"Not yet," Yu Jingchen replied.
Perhaps he hadn't noticed it himself, but the Imperial Concubine sensed something different in Yu Jingchen's tone. She couldn't quite articulate what it was, but it felt unlike his usual cold demeanor.
She looked at Nan Zhiyun, who was lying on the bed, with a thoughtful expression. Then she said to Yu Jingchen, "Your Majesty seems to have been here for a long time today. This concubine knows Your Majesty is worried about Consort Nan, but Your Majesty should prioritize your own health and not overexert yourself. Why don't Your Majesty go back and rest, and leave this place to this concubine?" the Imperial Concubine asked tentatively.
"No need. You may leave," Yu Jingchen said without even looking at her.
The Imperial Concubine was momentarily stunned by his words but showed no displeasure. "Yes, this concubine takes her leave." She knew that Yu Jingchen meant what he said, and there was no room for negotiation, so she did not intend to linger. She left alone. However, His Majesty's attitude towards Nan Zhiyun seemed a little off...
After the Imperial Concubine left, Nan Zhiyun seemed to become delirious from the fever, even starting to talk nonsense. However, no one could understand what she was saying.
Because Nan Zhiyun's fever was so high, if it couldn't be brought down, there might be problems. Therefore, the imperial physicians consulted and decided to increase the dosage and administer a strong medicine.
Yu Jingchen also knew there was no other way, so he agreed. However, after Qian Xia finished brewing the new prescription, Nan Zhiyun couldn't drink it.
No matter how Qian Xia tried to feed her, the medicine would all flow out of the corners of Nan Zhiyun's mouth. Qian Xia was in despair but could do nothing.
"Miss..." Qian Xia fed her while crying, but Nan Zhiyun was unconscious and couldn't swallow anything.
Seeing this, Yu Jingchen's brows furrowed deeper. Finally, he got up and walked to Nan Zhiyun's bedside.
"Give the medicine bowl to me. You, help her up. Be careful not to touch her wounds," Yu Jingchen said.
Although Qian Xia was afraid of Yu Jingchen, there was no other option now. So, after handing the medicine bowl to Yu Jingchen, she carefully avoided Nan Zhiyun's wounds and gently helped her sit up.
Nan Zhiyun leaned against Qian Xia, but Qian Xia's slight build made her uncomfortable. Perhaps her wound had been accidentally touched again, and Nan Zhiyun said, "It hurts..."
Seeing this, Yu Jingchen put down the medicine bowl, then himself drew her closer. He put his arm around Nan Zhiyun's shoulders, letting her head rest against his chest.
He then picked up the medicine again. Perhaps it was because the posture was much more comfortable now, but Nan Zhiyun was able to drink the medicine that Yu Jingchen fed her.
Seeing that Nan Zhiyun was finally taking her medicine, Qian Xia finally relaxed. For a moment, she forgot who Yu Jingchen usually was. When Yu Jingchen reached out, she directly handed him a handkerchief and took back the medicine bowl.
Yu Jingchen took the handkerchief and first wiped away the medicine stains on Nan Zhiyun's body, then wiped his own hands. By the time Qian Xia reacted, she found it unbelievable. Why would His Majesty do such a thing? And to their young lady?
Not only Qian Xia, but Eunuch Xin and the imperial physicians present were also shocked. However, no one said anything. No one dared to question the Emperor's actions.
But there are always those who are not observant. After the Imperial Concubine left, another Consort Min arrived.
When Yu Jingchen heard that Consort Min had arrived, he did not immediately dismiss her. As Consort Min entered, she saw Nan Zhiyun leaning in His Majesty's arms, and jealousy instantly ignited in her eyes.
"This concubine greets Your Majesty," Consort Min said, bowing while suppressing her jealousy.
"I heard that sister is gravely ill. As we are somewhat related, this concubine feels remorseful, so I have come to visit," Consort Min said.
"Nan Zhiyun is the only daughter of the Nan family. When did she gain an older sister?" Yu Jingchen glanced over lightly. Although his tone was not heavy, it inexplicably inspired fear.
"This concubine admits her mistake!" Consort Min immediately knelt. No one in the harem was not afraid of Yu Jingchen, because they all knew that their Emperor was never a merciful person. As long as he was displeased, he would disregard anyone and punish them as he pleased, according to his mood.
"Since you admit your mistake, go out and kneel." Yu Jingchen's words left Consort Min dizzy and disoriented.
"Your Majesty?" Consort Min seemed to disbelieve him.
"What? Do you have an opinion? Weren't you remorseful? Then kneel until Consort Nan recovers," Yu Jingchen said.
"This concubine dares not. This concubine will go out and kneel immediately." Consort Min did not know how much anger was boiling within her.
But just as she was about to leave, she heard Yu Jingchen say, "Wait."
Consort Min thought there was a turn of events, but in the next second...
"Kneel in the Imperial Garden. Don't stand at the doorway and be an eyesore," Yu Jingchen's voice was devoid of any warmth.
Consort Min: "..."
"Yes," Consort Min gritted her teeth and endured it. With so many people coming and going in the Imperial Garden, she naturally knew that Yu Jingchen was truly angered by her this time. But she didn't know why. Was it because of that little bitch Nan Zhiyun?
Consort Min added another mark against Nan Zhiyun in her heart. It was already dark. Yu Jingchen had only said to kneel until Nan Zhiyun recovered. But if Nan Zhiyun continued like this, she feared her legs might be crippled. After all, once Yu Jingchen issued a decree for punishment, he would absolutely follow through.