News of Yu Jingchen's return to Yazheng Ju and the punishment of some palace servants quickly spread through the harem.
At Zhiyun Hall
Chen Xiurong, still cradling a cat, let out a sarcastic laugh upon hearing the news.
"Her Majesty the Empress Dowager is about to return. Although His Majesty's relationship with the Empress Dowager is not close, appearances must be maintained. Based on her status, Nanzhiyun is destined to never receive His Majesty's favor in this life. The most important thing now is to have a child..." Chen Xiurong was not flustered at all.
Her father was only a minor official of the fifth rank. When she was chosen to enter the palace, her rank was the lowest. Yet, now she had attained the position of one of the Nine Consorts.
"Your Ladyship is correct. Only with a child can one's position be truly stable," said her maid, Rui Xin.
"Let's go. Nanjieyu has been ill for so many days, and we haven't visited her. His Majesty didn't allow anyone in previously, but now it should be time to see her." Chen Xiurong handed the cat in her arms to a nearby palace maid and stood up.
Yazheng Ju
When Chen Xiurong arrived, Yu Jingchen had not yet left, and Nanzhiyun had just finished her medicine.
"Your Majesty, Chen Xiurong has arrived," a palace servant reported.
"What does she want?" Yu Jingchen frowned instinctively. He had some impression of Chen Xiurong; she seemed to be Concubine Yun from his previous life. It was because she miscarried and accused Nanzhiyun that he had, seizing the opportunity, dealt with Nanzhiyun.
"Let her in." Yu Jingchen did not turn her away.
However, he did not notice the tension that Nanzhiyun showed after he spoke these words.
Chen Xiurong was quickly called in. Upon entering, she first bowed to Yu Jingchen: "Your concubine pays her respects to His Majesty."
"Rise," Yu Jingchen said without any inflection in his voice.
Nanzhiyun was also about to bow, but just as she made a move, Yu Jingchen said to her, "Just stay seated there. What else do you need to do?"
This meant she did not need to bow. Nanzhiyun was momentarily taken aback. Chen Xiurong's eyes flickered, and she then looked at Nanzhiyun: "Nanjieyu is unwell, so there's no need for formality. They are just empty courtesies."
"Yes, Your concubine thanks His Majesty and thanks Chen Xiurong." Although Nanzhiyun did not bow, she still observed the proper etiquette.
"Why have you come here?" Yu Jingchen asked directly.
"Your concubine has come to see Nanjieyu. I heard His Majesty is also here, and as it happens, your concubine hasn't seen His Majesty in a long time and misses him." Chen Xiurong was telling the truth, in a way.
She was unlike many women in the harem; she was usually quite direct and would occasionally express her thoughts to Yu Jingchen openly.
"You've seen him now. Let's go." When Yu Jingchen said this, Chen Xiurong was utterly stunned, her expression freezing. Nanzhiyun was also somewhat surprised. Chen Xiurong had acted like this before, and Yu Jingchen had always been "charmed" by her.
"Your Majesty, your concubine hasn't seen you for a long time. If you have time today, could you visit Zhiyun Hall? Your concubine has recently learned some new dishes and wishes to personally cook for His Majesty." Chen Xiurong's words were very clear and unreserved.
"Are you tired of sitting so securely in your position?" Yu Jingchen's eyes suddenly turned cold.
"Your Majesty, forgive me!" Chen Xiurong immediately knelt on the ground.
Compared to other consorts in the harem, she was indeed bolder, but when Yu Jingchen was angry, she dared not show any emotion.