Nanzhi Yun, however, was flattered by Yu Jingchen's actions.
"You are not allowed to be scared anymore, or I will throw you out," Yu Jingchen said.
Nanzhi Yun: "..."
She had not expected, nor dared to imagine, that Yu Jingchen would do such a thing.
Nanzhi Yun's fear gradually subsided, but... she was still nervous. After all, Yu Jingchen's hand was on her, so she dared not move rashly.
Thus, Nanzhi Yun maintained that posture until Yu Jingchen fell asleep. She felt her body stiffen a little.
Nanzhi Yun moved her body slightly, and her tense mood relaxed. Perhaps it was truly because she was too tired that day, and Nanzhi Yun slowly fell asleep.
After Nanzhi Yun's steady breathing could be heard, Yu Jingchen opened his eyes and glanced at the sleeping person, though he could only see an outline.
"Fool," Yu Jingchen softly uttered, his tone carrying a hint of... speechlessness?
Then, Yu Jingchen stopped paying attention to Nanzhi Yun and went to sleep himself. However, his hand did not retract.
In the latter half of the night, Yu Jingchen was woken up by Nanzhi Yun. Nanzhi Yun had been sleeping restlessly, and even in her sleep, she often had nightmares. Especially during this period, Nanzhi Yun had not had a peaceful sleep every night.
Just like now, Nanzhi Yun's forehead was covered in sweat, and she was constantly tossing and turning, frightened.
"Nanzhi Yun?" Yu Jingchen called out to her. Looking at the person on the bed who was breaking out in a cold sweat and sleeping extremely restlessly, he frowned.
But Nanzhi Yun showed no reaction, instead beginning to mutter restlessly in her sleep.
"Nanzhi Yun?" Yu Jingchen gently called her name again, only to hear Nanzhi Yun whisper as if mosquito-like, "No, it hurts so much, let me go, I know I was wrong..."
Yu Jingchen was a little confused. What kind of nightmare was she having? He tried to wake Nanzhi Yun up. "Nanzhi Yun? Wake up."
"Help, save me... Your Majesty... can you spare this concubine this time?" Nanzhi Yun said uneasily. Only in dreams did she dare to beg for mercy like this, to show weakness like this. Or perhaps... she could no longer bear it.
"Let me go, let me go, I beg you, please..." Nanzhi Yun grabbed Yu Jingchen's arm.
Yu Jingchen didn't know what she was dreaming about, but he couldn't wake her up now.
"It's alright, there is no punishment for you, don't be afraid," Yu Jingchen said, holding Nanzhi Yun's hand.
"No..." Nanzhi Yun struggled. Those people were torturing her, and the needles were very long, but they held her hands tightly. She couldn't move, and she couldn't break free.
Those slender silver needles pierced through her fingers...
Nanzhi Yun cried out in pain, her hands seeming to be undergoing some immense torment.
Yu Jingchen noticed the abnormality.
"Guards!" Yu Jingchen called out towards the outside.
Someone quickly entered.
"Light all the candles," Yu Jingchen ordered.
Once the candles were lit, Yu Jingchen truly saw the dense cold sweat on Nanzhi Yun's forehead.
"Don't... it hurts..." Nanzhi Yun was still crying out.
Her hands were spread open. Yu Jingchen looked at her hands. He hadn't noticed before, but now, upon closer inspection, he found quite a few needle marks between Nanzhi Yun's fingers.
Yu Jingchen's expression immediately turned grim.