Nan Zhiyun felt a moment of loss upon hearing the news, but it wasn't unbearable. She quickly composed herself and ate her lunch obediently.
Yu Jingchen didn't stay long with the Imperial Concubine, likely only for the duration of lunch before departing.
After leaving the Imperial Concubine's chambers, Yu Jingchen returned to the Hall of Diligent Governance. Everyone assumed he wouldn't visit the inner palace again that day, or perhaps he'd go to the Imperial Concubine's again. However, news soon spread that he was going to Ya Jingju.
Yu Jingchen's recent attitude towards Nan Zhiyun was perplexing to many. Yet, due to deeply ingrained preconceptions, no one truly believed Nan Zhiyun had genuinely regained favor. Most concubines attributed it to the Empress Dowager's imminent return.
Nan Zhiyun was also surprised when Yu Jingchen arrived at Ya Jingju that evening, mainly because there had been no prior notification.
It wasn't the fault of the servants. After all... Xing Lai felt a touch of exasperation. His Majesty had just said he was taking a casual stroll, and that stroll had led him near Ya Jingju.
Xing Lai had even asked, "Does Your Majesty intend to visit Ya Jingju? Shall I have someone inform Consort Nan to prepare?"
"No need, I'm just taking a walk," Yu Jingchen replied. Then, with a composed demeanor, he indeed took a stroll, which coincidentally ended at the doorstep of Ya Jingju.
"Why have we come here?" Yu Jingchen frowned.
"Never mind, since we're already here, let's go in and have a look," Yu Jingchen said casually, as if it were an afterthought.
Xing Lai: "..."
In the end, both of them entered Ya Jingju. The lack of advance notice caught everyone by surprise.
"This concubine greets Your Majesty," Nan Zhiyun rushed out of her chambers upon hearing of Yu Jingchen's arrival.
"No need for formalities. Are you recovered?" Yu Jingchen asked, his gaze falling upon Nan Zhiyun's face.
"Replying to Your Majesty, I am much better," Nan Zhiyun replied, still with a hint of timidity.
"Let's go inside," Yu Jingchen said.
"Yes," Nan Zhiyun replied, following him inside after he entered.
"Sit," Yu Jingchen said, seating himself upon entering.
Nan Zhiyun, unsure of Yu Jingchen's intentions, sat down obediently. Perhaps the events of yesterday still lingered, as Nan Zhiyun cast a cautious glance at Yu Jingchen and then murmured, "Your Majesty..."
"Hmm?" Yu Jingchen responded.
"Last night, this concubine..." Nan Zhiyun seemed to find it difficult to articulate.
"What about yesterday?" Yu Jingchen asked, as if deliberately feigning ignorance.
"This concubine lost her composure yesterday. I beg Your Majesty not to hold it against me," Nan Zhiyun said.
"Heh, not bad. You've made progress. This time, you didn't immediately kneel to beg forgiveness," Yu Jingchen said meaningfully, looking at Nan Zhiyun. Her face flushed, whether from nervousness or fear, it was unclear.
"I haven't even settled accounts for the misdeeds you committed yesterday," Yu Jingchen deliberately brought up.
"You slept quite soundly yourself. Did you think that after a day, I would forget?" Yu Jingchen raised an eyebrow slightly.
"Yes, please punish me, Your Majesty," Nan Zhiyun lowered her head but did not kneel. And... she didn't seem as terrified as before. For reasons unknown, perhaps intuition, Nan Zhiyun felt Yu Jingchen wasn't truly intending to punish her, and therefore wouldn't resort to his usual methods... perhaps?
— Four updates tomorrow evening