The Enchanting Imperial Concubine (Book 2)

Chapter 364 - Blessing

"At your command, Your Majesty," Ye Yun responded with a gentle smile as she served food to Ning Chen. "After such a long journey, Your Majesty should eat quickly and rest."

Ning Chen nodded but added, "Stay with me."

"This... isn't appropriate," Ye Yun was briefly stunned, hesitating for a moment.

Being in a temple, after all, some things had to be observed.

Seeing her concern, Ning Chen smiled slightly. "Don't worry, I know what I'm doing. Just lie down with me for a while, and I'll send you back in the evening."

It was nothing originally, but the way he phrased it made it sound as if Ye Yun had misunderstood.

This earned him a fierce, playful glare from Ye Yun.

After lunch, the two retreated to the inner room to lie down.

Ning Chen was genuinely exhausted.

Having decided to leave the palace the previous night, he had made many arrangements overnight, barely sleeping at all.

He had intended to go straight to sleep, but considering that Ye Yun hadn't eaten lunch yet, he stayed and ate a bit with her.

Now, as he held her close, he fell asleep within moments.

Ye Yun was somewhat surprised. She turned her head slightly, drawing closer, and noticed the faint dark circles under his eyes.

Having ascended the throne at such a young age, gradually consolidating power from the hands of the old noble families, Ning Chen was undoubtedly capable, but there was no question that he was also very tired.

At such close proximity, as Ye Yun gazed at his handsome face, it gradually overlapped with another, more youthful face.

So similar, truly similar.

The Fourth Prince was almost like a miniature version of Ning Chen.

In that moment, Ye Yun's heart trembled slightly.

Her eyes flickered before she averted her gaze.

Ning Chen was still young, and for her own survival, to protect her son and family, she knew she had to remain in favor. And because of her favor, both the Ye and Chu families would thrive under Ning Chen's reign.

The Chu family could be set aside, but Ye Zhe held military power.

If, in the future, someone other than the Fourth Prince ascended the throne, who would tolerate the Ye family?

Even if they did tolerate the Ye family, would the new Emperor allow a prince with such a powerful maternal family?

If she were the ruler, she would never allow it.

Thus, it wasn't a matter of whether Ye Yun wanted to fight for it or not—she had to, to survive.

By serving Ning Chen now, she was paving the way for the Fourth Prince's future.

Since Ning Chen didn't hide things from her, it was time to take some appropriate action.

Having thought this through, Ye Yun finally closed her eyes.

Rest first, then make a plan in the afternoon.

An hour later, Yuan Jiu called from outside the door.

Ning Chen was in a deep sleep, but Ye Yun was the first to wake.

In winter, it was incredibly warm to sleep while being held by someone, making it hard to want to get up.

However, they were here to pray for blessings, so some decorum was necessary.