In the middle of the night, Nan Zhiyun began to relapse again.
Qianxia, the imperial physicians, and even the newly appointed servants all attended to Nan Zhiyun with trepidation, because... His Majesty's expression was truly terrifying.
Yu Jingchen watched Nan Zhiyun, who seemed restless. The warm yellow candlelight illuminated her flushed face as she slept uneasily, her delicate brows furrowed, her small face red, and her breathing heavy.
"Your Majesty, it's very late. Perhaps you should go and rest?" Xinglai, also concerned for Yu Jingchen's well-being.
"How is Consort Nan?" Yu Jingchen asked again.
"Replying to Your Majesty, Consort Nan's fever has not broken yet. It seems she will need another dose of herbal medicine to see," the imperial physician stammered. They couldn't understand; His Majesty had always seemed to dislike Consort Nan, so why was he so anxious now?
"Then hurry! If her fever is not controlled soon, then all of you imperial physicians are useless," Yu Jingchen said, clearly displeased.
"Yes," the imperial physician sighed inwardly.
Qianxia, standing nearby, had eyes swollen from crying, though she hadn't made a sound.
At this moment, Nan Zhiyun, lying on the bed, seemed to be having a nightmare and stirred restlessly, muttering something.
"Miss, Miss?" Qianxia knelt by Nan Zhiyun's side and took her hand.
"No..." Nan Zhiyun's voice was faint, but filled with fear.
"Your Majesty..." Nan Zhiyun suddenly called out again. Those nearby heard it, but no one dared to speak.
Qianxia was startled, fearing that her mistress's mention of "Your Majesty" would anger Yu Jingchen.
However, Yu Jingchen was far away and likely wouldn't have heard. Furthermore, Yu Jingchen showed no reaction, so Qianxia temporarily relaxed.
But... Nan Zhiyun didn't stop. She called out again, "Your Majesty..."
Qianxia's heart grew tense, especially when she saw Yu Jingchen stand up. Yu Jingchen practiced martial arts, so he would naturally hear everything Nan Zhiyun said.
Yu Jingchen walked towards them.
"Your Majesty, please forgive me. My mistress is delirious. I beg Your Majesty to spare her," Qianxia pleaded, fearing Yu Jingchen's displeasure.
"Retire," Yu Jingchen said simply.
"Your Majesty..." As Qianxia tried to plead further, Eunuch Xing stopped her. "His Majesty said to retire. You should retire," he reminded her.
"...Yes," Qianxia had no choice but to kneel and retreat a few steps.
Yu Jingchen approached Nan Zhiyun.
"Your Majesty..." Nan Zhiyun was still calling his name.
"Your Majesty... this concubine knows her mistake..." Nan Zhiyun added.
"This concubine knows her mistake..." Nan Zhiyun's lips were chapped.
"Bring a cup of warm water and a clean handkerchief," Yu Jingchen calmly instructed. Then, he sat beside Nan Zhiyun.
The people in the room dared not delay and immediately brought what Yu Jingchen had requested.
Yu Jingchen dampened the handkerchief with water from the cup and gently applied it to Nan Zhiyun's cracked lips.
Everyone in the room was stunned by Yu Jingchen's action, but no one dared to make a sound.
Perhaps sensing the moisture on her lips, Nan Zhiyun's mouth moved slightly.
When it seemed sufficient, Yu Jingchen set the items down. He then reached out and touched Nan Zhiyun's forehead. Yu Jingchen's expression was grim.