Nan Zhiyue actually wanted to ask more, but couldn't continue. Perhaps Yu Jingchen sensed Nan Zhiyue's emotions and released her.
"What did you want to ask?" Yu Jingchen asked.
Nan Zhiyue shook her head without speaking. Yu Jingchen looked at her for two seconds and didn't press further.
Just then, Xing Lai entered. "Your Majesty, it's time for dinner."
"Then serve the meal," Yu Jingchen ordered.
"Yes." As Xing Lai was about to withdraw, Yu Jingchen called him back.
"Wait a moment," Yu Jingchen said.
"Your Majesty?" Xing Lai didn't know why Yu Jingchen had stopped him.
"Have the He'an Palace tidied up later. You'll move there in a few days," Yu Jingchen said. The first half was for Xing Lai, and the latter half was directed at Nan Zhiyue.
"Yes..." Xing Lai was a little surprised but didn't show it.
"Go serve the meal," Yu Jingchen waved his hand.
"Yes," Xing Lai retreated.
Nan Zhiyue, however, was somewhat surprised. "Your Majesty?"
"I don't have that much patience to tolerate your tantrums. Don't be ungrateful and refuse again after refusing once?" Yu Jingchen said, though he wasn't truly angry.
"Your concubine dares not," Nan Zhiyue replied.
"Good. Get ready, and let's go eat," Yu Jingchen stood up.
"Your Majesty..." Nan Zhiyue held Yu Jingchen back again.
"Yes? Is there something else?" Yu Jingchen asked.
"Could you have everyone else leave in a moment?" Nan Zhiyue's tone held a hint of pleading.
Yu Jingchen understood quickly.
"There won't be anyone else, don't worry," Yu Jingchen said. He knew Nan Zhiyue didn't want others to see her in her current state.
"Your concubine thanks Your Majesty," Nan Zhiyue smiled.
Yu Jingchen didn't respond, only helped Nan Zhiyue up. "Go get ready."
"Yes," Nan Zhiyue happily agreed.
When Nan Zhiyue emerged again, the feast was already laid out outside, and no palace maids remained. Yu Jingchen was already seated at his place.
"Ready? If you're ready, come and sit," Yu Jingchen said upon seeing her appear.
Nan Zhiyue pursed her lips and slowly walked to Yu Jingchen's side to sit, still appearing somewhat overly restrained.
"Help yourself to whatever you want to eat. Don't expect me to serve you," Yu Jingchen said.
"Yes..." Nan Zhiyue said so, but her actions didn't change.
Yu Jingchen: "..."
"Aren't you eating? Serve yourself," Yu Jingchen gestured.
"Your Majesty has not touched your chopsticks, so your concubine dares not," Nan Zhiyue replied.
Yu Jingchen: "..." Why did that sound a bit odd?
"Eat," Yu Jingchen casually placed a dish into Nan Zhiyue's bowl and then began eating himself without looking at her.
Nan Zhiyue looked at the dish Yu Jingchen had placed in her bowl. It was just a fish. Nan Zhiyue looked at it and silently ate it.
However, after eating the fish, Nan Zhiyue didn't really help herself much more, only occasionally taking a bite from one or two dishes directly in front of her.
"Don't you like the other dishes?" Yu Jingchen asked. He could naturally see that Nan Zhiyue was still somewhat uncomfortable.
"No, it's just that your concubine has eaten enough," Nan Zhiyue replied.
Yu Jingchen looked at Nan Zhiyue's nearly untouched bowl and frowned. "No appetite? Or are you feeling unwell somewhere?" Yu Jingchen asked.