Nan Zhiyun did not understand Yu Jingchen's intention and could only wait quietly for his "punishment."
"Don't say these words again. If you dare to speak such nonsense next time, I will make you copy them thousands of times. Do you remember?" Yu Jingchen said this without any intention of blaming her. Nan Zhiyun was somewhat surprised.
"Yes... Thank you, Your Majesty, for your forgiveness." Nan Zhiyun said cautiously.
"You don't need to continue copying today. You can copy tomorrow. Just submit it to me by the end of this month," Yu Jingchen continued.
Nan Zhiyun looked at him, and Yu Jingchen signaled for the things to be put away.
"Didn't the imperial physician bring the scar-removing ointment today? Apply it again, then get some rest tonight. If you feel uncomfortable, you need to know your limits and focus on recovering your health first," Yu Jingchen said.
"Yes..." Nan Zhiyun was a little shocked by Yu Jingchen's words.
"Also, the pill you were given today was just to aid digestion. You foolishly ate so much without knowing how to refuse. To prevent you from feeling uncomfortable later, I had someone bring you indigestion medicine. It's not poison, so don't overthink it or act foolishly," Yu Jingchen added an explanation.
"If you eat too much and feel uncomfortable from indigestion, it will be you. So, you couldn't go to rest directly. But sitting idly is boring, so I found something for you to do, and to help you remember. You've been copying for a long time now, so that should be enough."
Nan Zhiyun was so stunned by his words that she almost forgot to react. Her gaze towards Yu Jingchen was bewildered; she had never expected his intention to be this.
"You're already silly, and you look even sillier like this. Take that look away and go rest," Yu Jingchen said with a hint of disdain.
"Yes..." Nan Zhiyun obediently nodded and prepared to withdraw. However, she stopped halfway.
Nan Zhiyun hesitated for a moment, then turned around, looking at Yu Jingchen tentatively.
"What is it? Is there anything else?" Yu Jingchen saw her hesitant expression and asked proactively.
"...Your Majesty, will you stay tonight?" Nan Zhiyun asked with extreme caution.
"Do you wish for me to stay?" Yu Jingchen countered.
Nan Zhiyun dared not answer. If it were before, she might not have even had the courage to ask such a question. It was only because she sensed Yu Jingchen's change that she dared to ask, yet she didn't know how to respond.
Saying she didn't want him to stay would be a lie. In fact, she had almost given up before, but now she seemed to have some illusion, making her clingy.
However, if she truly wanted him to stay, she was afraid. Firstly, she feared displeasing Yu Jingchen and ruining their hard-won rapport. Secondly, she feared his rejection, which would force her to face reality again and be disappointed once more.
"I will not leave tonight. Go and wash up," Yu Jingchen said, taking the initiative.
Nan Zhiyun was surprised and, moreover, felt a surge of joy.
"Yes, your concubine takes her leave." Nan Zhiyun didn't realize her tone had become lighter, but Yu Jingchen did.
"Go," Yu Jingchen's mood inexplicably brightened as well.
Nan Zhiyun quickly withdrew. This time, she did not deliberately delay. When she emerged, Yu Jingchen had already changed his clothes.
Without the imposing dragon robe, and in his sleepwear, Yu Jingchen looked much more relaxed and casual, devoid of his daytime sharpness.