The matter of Yu Jingchen sending an imperial physician to Yanjing Residence quickly spread, along with rumors that Nan Ziyun had collapsed on the floor, so weak she couldn't stand, and that an imperial physician was called every time Yu Jingchen visited.
Although a reason was given, some still speculated that Yu Jingchen had punished Nan Ziyun again, causing her injury, which led to the continuous summoning of imperial physicians. They believed Yu Jingchen had deliberately explained it differently for various reasons, as his past attitude towards Nan Ziyun was well-known in the palace, making such a sudden change unlikely. It was all for show, they thought.
The thought of this possibility delighted Liu Cairen (formerly Min Jieyu) the most. She had already gone to bed but was awakened by a servant reporting activity at Yanjing Residence.
This time, Yu Jingchen did not release any true information. Instead, he deliberately guided the imperial concubines to believe that Nan Ziyun had a miscarriage after eating cold food, so the others in the harem remained unaware of the actual situation.
"Heh, I thought she was lucky, but she's still suffering. I knew it. How could a daughter of the Nan family be favored by His Majesty? When His Majesty no longer needs to put on such a show, what will Nan Ziyun amount to? Then, I will repay the suffering I endured a thousandfold to her!" Liu Cairen said fiercely.
"Cairen, there's no need to be angry with her. Don't harm your health," the maid Zhi Shu beside Liu Cairen comforted her.
"Is it true that they say she had a miscarriage? Go and find out more," Liu Cairen seemed eager for the truth of the matter.
"It seems highly probable. I heard that basins of blood were carried out," Zhi Shu replied.
"If it's true, then it's her retribution. But why was she able to get pregnant?" She was unwilling to accept that Nan Ziyun could conceive.
In the vast harem, there were only two princesses and one prince, all born when he was Crown Prince. However, their mothers had low rank and humble backgrounds.
The eldest princess was six years old, her mother being Yang Jieyu, whose father was a minor county magistrate. The second princess, a little over five, had a mother, Zhao Jieyu, whose father was a prince of the commandery with little real power. The eldest prince was also six, a month younger than the eldest princess, and his mother was Yuan Chongyi, born into a merchant family.
If these women had stronger backgrounds, the children, including themselves, would not have been so fortunate. Fortunately, these individuals were generally low-key and rarely caused trouble.
Yanjing Residence
Perhaps because of Yu Jingchen, the pain in Nan Ziyun's abdomen significantly eased. Her tightly furrowed brow also relaxed slightly.
"Your Majesty..." Nan Ziyun, now a little better, slowly opened her eyes and looked at Yu Jingchen.
"Does it still hurt?" Yu Jingchen asked.
Nan Ziyun shook her head and said, "Much better, thank you, Your Majesty." Nan Ziyun had not expected Yu Jingchen to treat her this way, even using his internal energy to relieve her pain.
"Mm, then rest for now," Yu Jingchen said dismissively.
"Alright..." Nan Ziyun softly agreed.
Yu Jingchen did not withdraw his hand. The warmth on her abdomen made Nan Ziyun feel somewhat comfortable. She gradually became sleepy and soon fell asleep again.