But she didn't drink it, instead placing it aside before looking at Nan Zhiyun.
"Sit," he said.
"...Yes." After the incident outside, Nan Zhiyun hesitated only slightly before sitting down.
"Extend your hand," Yu Jingchen continued.
Nan Zhiyun wasn't sure what Yu Jingchen meant, but she dared not disobey, so she slowly extended her hand.
Yu Jingchen gently took Nan Zhiyun's hand. Upon touching its warmth, Nan Zhiyun grew nervous, not entirely out of fear.
"Didn't you apply medicine?" Yu Jingchen suddenly blurted out.
Nan Zhiyun's hands were fair and delicate, but due to the burns, they resembled a flawed piece of craftsmanship. The scar on the back of her hand was particularly unsightly.
"It's already healed," Nan Zhiyun replied somewhat meekly. If it didn't hurt, wasn't it healed? What else could she say?
"Are the injuries on your back also like this?" Yu Jingchen asked again.
"Just some scars, they might fade with time." Nan Zhiyun no longer cared much about them now.
Yu Jingchen released Nan Zhiyun's hand. He said nothing for a moment, and the room fell silent, the atmosphere growing awkward.
"Be smarter next time," Yu Jingchen broke the silence first.
Nan Zhiyun didn't quite understand Yu Jingchen's meaning but responded, "Yes, this consort understands."
Nan Zhiyun's complexion was actually not good. She was only mustering her strength now. She had been bedridden for the past two days, so her current condition was far from ideal.
"Where do you feel unwell?" Yu Jingchen asked, uncharacteristically.
"This consort..." Before Nan Zhiyun could finish speaking, she heard Yu Jingchen say again, "If you dare to say 'nothing' or 'very well' again, try me and see if I won't actually cause you some trouble?"
The words Nan Zhiyun was about to say were immediately choked back.
"Answer truthfully whatever I ask you. Where do you feel uncomfortable, where do you feel unwell? What is there to conceal about these things? Your face is as pale as a ghost; who would believe you if you said nothing is wrong? Who could you fool? Do you believe I won't punish you with the crime of deceiving the emperor?" Yu Jingchen was tired of Nan Zhiyun speaking like this.
Perhaps it was Yu Jingchen's tone, or perhaps it was the mention of deceiving the emperor, but Nan Zhiyun's already bloodless face turned even more ashen.
"Your Majesty, forgive me!" Nan Zhiyun immediately knelt on the ground.
Yu Jingchen felt the veins on his forehead throbbing. Since she was right in front of him, Yu Jingchen directly reached out and pulled her up. However, he didn't control his strength well, and Nan Zhiyun stumbled, unable to stand steadily, and fell into Yu Jingchen's arms.
"Are you lacking a screw in your head?" It was unclear what Yu Jingchen was angry about.
"I'm sorry... this consort..." Nan Zhiyun was truly terrified.
"Stand properly," Yu Jingchen held Nan Zhiyun's arm to steady her.
Nan Zhiyun was uneasy, fearing that Yu Jingchen would use some other means to punish her. Perhaps sensing Nan Zhiyun's fear, Yu Jingchen forcefully controlled his emotions.
"I won't punish you. Stand properly first." Yu Jingchen stood facing Nan Zhiyun.
Upon hearing this, Nan Zhiyun's fear did not diminish at all.
Yu Jingchen suddenly felt rather powerless and let out a barely perceptible sigh.