CHAPTER 286 (1): HOUSE ARREST
Yun Ruofeng was momentarily stunned before slowly stating, "As long as her soul is Ning Rulan’s, she belongs to this Prince . " He then looked at Ning Lianchen . "When is Prince Hao returning to Beimin?"
"Tomorrow . " This one simple word was a huge blow to Yun Ruofeng's heart .
They are leaving tomorrow - so soon . Yun Ruofeng used both hands to push himself into a sitting position; before he could do so, however, Ning Lianchen had already raised a hand and pushed him back down . The former was already completely out of strength .
"Prince Yun, Imperial Physician Fang has said that you have been overworked, and that your body is currently very weak . You should remain at your residence and recuperate first . Although this nation is important, if you can’t take care of yourself, how do you plan on assisting this Emperor?" Ning Lianchen spoke in a light tone, but what he said next greatly startled Yun Ruofeng .
"In the interest of your health, this Emperor will allow you to convalesce in your residence for the next few months and not attend the court assemblies, Prince Yun . If this Emperor has any doubts over court matters, I will personally come to the Prince Yun Residence to consult you . "
"No, this Prince will recover by today," Yun Ruofeng blurted out without thinking . With how much power Pei Qianhao wields, I will have to use my wits in addition to force to take Ning Rulan back . I am nothing without power; how can I compare to Pei Qianhao then?
"Prince Yun, you might not even recover in a month, to say nothing of today . To be consumed with worries is a psychological illness; if not treated properly, you may even die immediately . It goes without saying that you hold a significant place in the hearts of the people . If you were to pass away all of a sudden, Nanzhao will definitely be thrown into chaos . " Ning Lianchen was stating the facts . Yun Ruofeng must remain alive . I can take away his power, but he mustn’t die .
"This Emperor will have some imperial guards to stand guard in the Prince Yun Residence and watch over you . If your condition deteriorates, this Emperor will know about it immediately . Only with this can this Emperor's heart be at ease . " Ning Lianchen pushed Yun Ruofeng back onto the bed again before slowly speaking his next words . "Prince Yun, don’t concern yourself with other things and have a good rest . You may attend the court assembly again when you regain your health . There is no need to discuss this matter; this Emperor has already decided . "
Having said that, Ning Lianchen exited the room, ignoring Yun Ruofeng's dumbstruck expression .
Closing the doors, Ning Lianchen took a few steps into the middle of the courtyard and swiftly ordered his subordinate to send a troop of imperial guards into the Prince Yun Residence .
Qin Ling, who stood by the side, was alarmed when he heard the order . His Majesty has sent his own people into the Prince Yun Residence while Prince Yun is in ill health . That's as good as putting Prince Yun under house arrest!
At this moment, Ning Lianchen's gaze fell on Qin Ling . "This Emperor is doing this for Prince Yun's own good . If he feels the slightest bit unwell, it’d be this Emperor’s fault for not taking good care of him . " Ning Lianchen's gaze then turned icy as he put on the disposition of an emperor . "Commander Qin, take your orders . "
Even though Qin Lin was a subordinate of Yun Ruofeng, Ning Lianchen had control over half of the military now . Qin Lin held the rules in high regard; he believed in the importance of respecting his master, as well as the monarch . Hence, he immediately went down on one knee .
"There was a court memorial yesterday that bandits were spotted at the borders between Nanzhao and Beimin, a matter that has caused much unrest . This Emperor orders you to bring 1000 soldiers and head to the border . Once the situation at the border has been settled and after Prince Yun's has recovered, this Emperor will order for you to return . "
A verbal edict had sent Yun Ruofeng's newly appointed right-hand man to the borders, and the border between Nanzhao and Beimin at that .
Qin Ling hesitated briefly before he lifted his head and asked, "Your Majesty, has Prince Yun agreed to this?"