Reborn as the Crippled King's Beloved-Chapter 469 Brother Yan, I Don’t Want to Leave You

Jun Yuyan had remained silent, simply standing there calmly, his gaze falling on the face of every person present as if deep in thought.

Even though he had lost his memories of the past two years, he recognized everyone there. He was exceptionally intelligent; upon waking up injured and finding himself changed from Prince Ling directly into the Emperor, his first action upon entering the palace must have been to ponder how to secure his throne and stabilize the people’s hearts.

Even if he had no desire to be Emperor, it was not something he could control, for the other Princes had already been dispatched to their fiefs. The Second Prince, for example, had gone to the Southern Ridge, a journey of two or three months’ travel, and at this moment, he likely had not yet arrived at his destination.

"Your Majesty, this humble official has a matter to report; may I enter the Imperial Study Room to discuss it?"

Lou Zixi suddenly spoke up.

Murong Jiu knew he wanted to discuss the matter of His Majesty’s amnesia with her, but she truly lacked the strength for it.

She had been sustaining herself on sheer willpower these past days, but now, it seemed she could hardly hold on any longer.

"The Emperor has already returned to the palace, and henceforth he will be handling all state affairs. This palace is merely a woman with no remarkable abilities and will no longer interfere in any court matters."

By saying this, she had also tactfully declined any further discussions that Lou Zixi and her fathers and brothers might have proposed.

Now, she only wished to go somewhere with no one around.

Somewhere quiet, with her alone.

With these words, she also informed Jun Yuyan that she had no intention to govern as a regent and would not compete with him for power in the future.

Murong Jiu suppressed the discomfort in her heart, and once everyone had left, she turned towards the woman beside Jun Yuyan and asked:

"Your Majesty, may I ask how you intend to arrange for Miss Ah Ying?"

As soon as she spoke, Ah Ying immediately clutched at Jun Yuyan’s sleeve, her face showing signs of nervousness: "Brother Yan, I’m scared; I don’t want to leave you!"

She called him "Brother Yan."

He who never allowed other women to touch his clothing, yet let this woman grasp his sleeve.

In just over a month, it seemed everything had changed.

Jun Yuyan turned his head to look at Ah Ying and said in a gentle voice, "the rules of the Imperial Palace are strict, and it’s improper for an unmarried girl to reside in the inner palace. If you truly wish to stay, I can arrange for you to live with Consort Dowager; would that be alright?"

Ah Ying’s eyes lit up: "Is it Brother Yan’s mother?"

Jun Yuyan nodded.

"Of course, I want to stay; I wish to be with Brother Yan forever!"

Murong Jiu felt like an outsider as she watched them.

Her eyes swelled with acid, not wanting others to see her in such a sorry state. Turning away, she called out for Eunuch Li to make arrangements for His Majesty.

"I’m feeling unwell and will take my leave first."

Murong Jiu bowed slightly and then turned to leave.

Fortunately, Hong Yi and Chun Tao were there to support her by her arms, allowing her to lean on them so that her legs wouldn’t give out from weakness.

From behind, she could hear the excited, soft voice of Miss Ah Ying: "Brother Yan, this is my first time entering the Imperial Palace; it’s so grand and imposing. Her Majesty the Empress is so beautiful, too, Brother Yan, don’t you agree?"

Jun Yuyan’s response was no longer important; Murong Jiu quickened her pace, not wanting to hear any more voices.

She knew it appeared as though she was fleeing in defeat, but this was all the dignity she could maintain.

Upon returning to the Weiyang Palace, both Hong Yi’s and Chun Tao’s eyes were red.

On the contrary, Murong Jiu had calmed down on the way there.

"I’m fine; I’m just a bit tired and would like to rest for a while. Hong Yi, go invite my master to take a look at His Majesty’s health and call a few Imperial Physicians over as well."

Jun Yuyan had lost his memory, forgotten her, and naturally, he would not remember her master either.

Fearing that he might not trust her, it would be better to have several imperial physicians go with her.

"Why do you still care about His Majesty? How could he ever forget about you!"

Chun Tao stamped her foot, tears streaming down, as frantic as ants on a hot pan.

"Falling off the cliff could have injured his head. I should be grateful he hasn’t completely lost his memory; otherwise, the mess left for me would be even bigger, right?"

Her attempt to make light of the situation didn’t comfort Chun Tao or Hong Yi; both felt aggrieved for her.

"Alright, Hong Yi, go ahead. My mind isn’t very clear at the moment, let me have a good sleep."

Perhaps it’s human nature to self-preserve.

Once the frustration in her heart subsided, only sleep could bring her relief and keep her from overthinking.

It had been a long time since she’d slept peacefully.

This time, she slept for an unprecedented four Shichen, and when she woke up, the sun was setting, with golden light spilling through the window as if everything was as beautiful as before.

She was dazed for a moment, and then placed her hand over her chest, where a dense pain seemed to emanate.

The slight noise was heard by Hong Yi, who came in with Chun Tao. Both had swollen eyes. Murong Jiu shook her head and laughed bitterly,

"It’s not that serious. His Majesty is still alive, and that’s the greatest comfort to me. He will remember everything one day, and when that time comes..."

She paused, lost in thought. When that time comes, could they really return to what once was?

She said, "After a nap, my thoughts are clearer. If that woman is with Consort Dowager Qi, bring her here; I have some questions for her."

Hong Yi pursed her lips tightly.

Unable to hold back, Chun Tao spoke with righteous indignation,

"Your Majesty, that girl named Ah Ying is now in His Majesty’s Qianqing Palace. You kindly asked Divine Doctor Zhai to examine His Majesty, but for some reason, Ah Ying wouldn’t let Divine Doctor Zhai see him, nor would she allow the imperial physicians to touch His Majesty. She looked so wary, as if we were going to harm His Majesty!"

Murong Jiu’s mouth fell open, wanting to ask about Jun Yuyan’s reaction, but seeing Chun Tao’s outraged expression, she knew that Jun Yuyan must have sided with that girl and refused to let the master examine him.

Jun Yuyan has always been indifferent and distant to other women, but he was very accommodating and indulgent towards the women he accepted.

In the past, the one he indulged was herself. Now, however, things had changed unconcealedly, and it was a different girl.

"That Ah Ying knows a bit of medicine herself. She claimed that she cured His Majesty’s injuries and that now only the arrow wound on his shoulder needs more rest, and there are no other serious issues. She’s simply talking nonsense; I believe she’s just scared that Divine Doctor Zhai will cure His Majesty’s amnesia and that His Majesty will remember you!"

Chun Tao was so angry that she even resorted to vulgar language.

Murong Jiu said, "Bring Ah Ying over for questioning; we’ll know the situation once we ask."

"I’ll go!"

Hong Yi hastily responded.

She was worried that Chun Tao’s temper might cause her to say something unpleasant, which could backfire if Ah Ying complained to His Majesty. In the end, it would be their empress who would suffer.

With swift footsteps, Hong Yi quickly made her way to the Qianqing Palace.

"Eunuch Li, I wonder if Miss Ah Ying is inside? Our empress wishes to summon her for questioning."

Eunuch Li’s face showed difficulty.

Bending over, he said, "Miss Hong Yi, it’s not that this servant doesn’t want to relay your message, but His Majesty is currently teaching Miss Ah Ying how to paint and doesn’t want to be disturbed. Even this servant is not allowed in."

Upon hearing this, a chill ran through Hong Yi’s heart.

She had only ever seen His Majesty paint with Her Majesty and had never imagined that His Majesty would teach another woman how to paint.