Chapter 524 He knew it even earlier than she did!
The voice was too peaceful, too gentle, and seemed somewhat out of place in the Taiji Hall, where a heated debate had just taken place; moreover, it had been almost completely ignored during the debate, so its sudden appearance felt slightly unfamiliar.
But immediately, the universal compassion conveyed in the gentleness made it clear to whom this voice belonged.
Shang Ruyi suddenly felt a tingling sensation in her back.
She slowly turned her head and saw a tall, elegant figure slowly walking out of the train. As always, a faint, gentle smile appeared on his handsome face. Although dark clouds were looming outside, his appearance was like a gentle breeze, immediately taking away the anxiety in everyone's hearts.
It was Yuwen Qian.
Upon hearing him speak, Yuwen Ye couldn't help but frown slightly.
Even Yuwen Yuan was probably taken aback by his words, and was momentarily stunned: "Qian'er, you mean—"
Yuwen Qian stepped forward and said gently, "Father, in my opinion, it would be best to clear out Anle Ward and Yanzuo Ward. These two wards are closest to Anhua Gate and Mingde Gate, allowing those seeking medical treatment outside the city to enter directly there, preventing them from spreading to other wards and increasing the chance of infecting others."
"..."
"Moreover, there are already several clinics in these two wards. In Da'an Ward, next to Anle Ward, there are the two largest clinics and pharmacies in the city, making diagnosis and treatment even more convenient."
"..."
"More importantly, these two markets are the furthest from the palace—"
He didn't say anything more after that.
Although it wasn't said aloud, everyone understood that being furthest from the palace would ensure the safety of the emperor and the eldest princess. Of course, everyone in Daxing City now knew who held the highest power, so naturally, he was the one who needed the most protection.
Yuwen Yuan's Duke's Mansion was located in Longqing Ward, not far from the Imperial City, and was naturally far from those two wards and markets.
Therefore, choosing these two markets is almost always beneficial.
Shang Ruyi was stunned after hearing these words.
Regarding this potential plague, she only had a sudden flash of inspiration yesterday when she was pushed to her limit by Chu Chengfei and Chu Ruoyan in the Liangyi Hall, and she thought of using it as a bargaining chip. Even so, she was still unable to fully plan what she could do if the plague broke out.
But Yuwen Qian solved the most crucial problem almost instantly.
It's like—
He knew it even before she did!
Thinking of this, Shang Ruyi's breath hitched again.
She looked at Yuwen Qian in disbelief, but saw that he was calm and composed, without any sense of relief or smugness after having foreseen the future, as if what she had done was just her duty.
Shang Ruyi couldn't help but frown.
Yuwen Yuan was also visibly surprised, but even more so, he felt a surge of joy. These days, ever since Shen Shiyan was convicted, the Yuwen family had been caught in a power struggle, with everyone either worried or busy about the matter. However, Yuwen Qian, as the heir apparent, had remained aloof, still acting like an outsider, which gave him a real headache.
Unexpectedly, he stepped forward at the most crucial moment.
Yuwen Yuan looked at him with a smile, and in his surprise, he immediately turned around and ordered, "Send down the order to put the whole city under martial law. People from different wards and markets are not allowed to move around anymore! Empty Chang Le Ward and Yan Zuo Ward, and take everyone to Da An Ward for temporary shelter. If any sick people are found, send them back to Chang Le Ward immediately."
"..."
"Left and right guards, immediately enter each market town, gather the patients, and bring them all to Anle Ward and Yanzuo Ward. No one is allowed to leave until they are cured."
"..."
"Left and Right Guards, immediately go outside the city and search the surrounding villages. If you find any sick people, bring them into the city immediately."
"..."
"Remember, you are not allowed to harass any ordinary people."
"yes!"
After receiving their orders, the group immediately left the main hall.
However, as they were leaving, Shang Ruyi saw that General Yu Dingxing of the Left Valiant Guard seemed to consciously turn around and glance at Yuwen Qian, but he didn't say anything and had already walked away.
At that moment, Shang Ruyi's heart skipped a beat.
But this seemed to be without reason. Before she could even figure out the reason for her disordered heartbeat, Yuwen Yuan had already turned around and slowly walked to Chu Ruoyan and Chu Chengfei, who was in her arms, pale-faced and terrified.
The entire court fell silent once again.
Although the sudden outbreak of the epidemic outside was alarming, the matter at court was of true importance.
How will Yuwen Yuan treat these two people?
Just as everyone fell silent, and Chu Ruoyan held her breath as if awaiting her fate, Yuwen Yuan suddenly let out a long sigh of relief and said, "Your Majesty, I will send people to take strict precautions and absolutely prevent the plague from entering the palace. I also request that Your Majesty and Princess immediately return to the inner palace and, unless there is a major incident, refrain from setting foot in the outer court again, so as to avoid causing further trouble."
"..."
"Let's discuss today's matter later."
"...!"
The people in the court looked at each other, and no one spoke, but their eyes already understood.
This means Yuwen Yuan is going to place them under house arrest.
In fact, even if they weren't placed under house arrest, where else could they go at this point?
Yuwen Yuan's last eight words made it very clear—today's matter will be discussed later. That is, once the plague is over and the Yuwen family has accumulated enough popular support and prestige, they can follow her words and rightfully take the throne from Chu Chengfei.
All they could do was wait.
Waiting for the final loss!
Chu Ruoyan's lips trembled, but she couldn't utter a single word. Her beautiful face was now completely drained of color, with only a trace of rouge barely supporting her dignity as the eldest princess. However, the trembling Chu Chengfei in her arms had already shattered the dignity of the entire royal family.
Yet, in the imperial court, not a single one of these officials who received the emperor's salary stood up to speak for them.
Finally, her trembling, almost broken gaze fell on Yuwen Ye.
"Second brother..."
Although her deceased father and kind mother had told her countless times not to call Yuwen Ye that in front of other court officials, she had no choice but to speak at this moment, and even less could she utter any other words.
She could only grasp at the last straw in her life.
The man who always walked in front of her, perhaps not gentle, yet who stirred her heart endlessly, was someone she could only look at now.
Chu Ruoyan's trembling voice grew softer and softer, as if she wasn't calling him, but rather issuing her last cry for help to the world from her heart.
She said, "Second Brother..."
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