Whether it was Yu Jingchen's words that struck a chord deep within Nan Zhiyùn's heart, she didn't react immediately.
"Think about it yourself," Yu Jingchen left the sentence and departed directly. He had said all he needed to say, and ultimately, what Nan Zhiyùn did was up to her. Leaving Yǎjìng Jū, Yu Jingchen returned straight to Zǐchén Gōng.
On his way back, Yu Jingchen kept replaying the events of his previous life.
In his past life, this incident occurred around the turn of the year. It was triggered by a palace maid from Nan Zhiyùn's quarters who suddenly came forward with accusations, leading to the discovery of a voodoo doll.
According to the palace maid, Nan Zhiyùn had orchestrated the entire affair herself. She claimed Nan Zhiyùn had deliberately written her own birth details onto the voodoo doll and then arranged for it to be placed in the Consort's palace.
The palace maid further asserted that she had come forward due to a guilty conscience, not wishing for Nan Zhiyùn to commit such an act. She chose to report it before the voodoo doll could be moved.
Upon hearing this, Yu Jingchen didn't bother to investigate. The setup targeting Nan Zhiyùn was so obvious that most people could see through it at a glance. Yet, with just a single sentence, Yu Jingchen condemned Nan Zhiyùn.
He declared, "Daring to practice voodoo within the imperial palace is a capital offense." However, before he could finish speaking, the Empress Dowager's voice was heard from outside.
"Your Majesty, are you going to pass judgment without even investigating the truth of the matter?" The Empress Dowager had come for Nan Zhiyùn.
"Isn't it already obvious? What is there to investigate? Empress Dowager, please return to your palace." Yu Jingchen's expression was icy.
"Emperor! It is the end of the year, do not chill people's hearts!" The Empress Dowager was at her wit's end.
Though Yu Jingchen understood the Empress Dowager's words, they only fueled his growing disgust for Nan Zhiyùn.
And so...
"The death penalty is spared, but punishment is unavoidable. Guards, Consort Nan has acted erratically and audaciously, daring to practice voodoo within the imperial palace. Punish her with caning, and order all consorts and嫔 to attend the punishment as a warning to others!" These were Yu Jingchen's exact words at the time.
The Empress Dowager wanted to intercede further, but she was powerless.
That day, Nan Zhiyùn publicly received her punishment. Everyone, regardless of their rank, even many palace maids and servants, gathered around to watch Nan Zhiyùn being beaten within an inch of her life.
The executioners were careful, inflicting pain but not to the point of death. It was likely over a hundred strokes. Nan Zhiyùn fainted twice during the ordeal, only to be revived each time with a splash of ice-cold water.
It was the end of the year, and the weather was already cold. Her outer garments were removed, and the icy water not only chilled her body but also her heart.
Finally, she lost consciousness completely. Had the punishment continued, she might have truly lost her life.
After Nan Zhiyùn received her punishment, the Empress Dowager immediately sent her to Cí'ān Gōng and summoned many imperial physicians. However, Nan Zhiyùn was severely injured, with a large, bloody mess. Even the imperial physicians could not bear to look.
Moreover, Nan Zhiyùn at that time had completely lost the will to live and remained unconscious. The Empress Dowager was anxious and angry, even scolding Yu Jingchen. Yet, even so, Yu Jingchen showed not the slightest flicker of emotion.