Why My Domineering Prince Regretted Filing for Divorce?-Chapter 658 - 524: He Knew It Before She Did!

This voice, far too gentle and soft, seemed somewhat out of place in the Taiji Palace, which had just been the site of a fierce debate; moreover, this voice had hardly been heard during the debate, so when it suddenly arose, it felt somewhat unfamiliar.

But immediately, the universal compassion subtly embedded in the gentleness made everyone realize who this voice belonged to.

Shang Ruyi suddenly felt a chill run down her spine.

Slowly turning her head, she saw a tall and graceful figure slowly step out from among the ranks. That incomparably handsome face bore the usual faint, gentle smile. Although dark clouds weighed heavily outside, the moment he appeared, it was as if a gentle breeze swept through, instantly dispelling a trace of anxiety from everyone’s hearts.

It was Yu Wenqian.

Seeing him speak, Yu Wenye couldn’t help but frown slightly.

Even Yu Wenquan probably didn’t expect him to speak up, and for a moment, he seemed a bit stunned, "Qian’er, you mean—"

Yu Wenqian walked forward, speaking gently, "Father, in my opinion, it is best to evacuate Anle Square and Yanzuo Square. These two markets are closest to Anhua Gate and Mingde Gate, allowing those seeking medical aid from outside the city to directly enter there, preventing them from spreading out to other squares and increasing the chance of infecting others."

"..."

"Moreover, there are already several medical clinics in these two markets. Next to Anle Square, in Da An Square, are the largest two clinics and pharmacies in the city, making treatment and dispensing medicine more convenient."

"..."

"More importantly, these two markets are the farthest from the Imperial Palace—"

He didn’t say the rest.

Though unsaid, everyone understood that being far from the Imperial Palace ensured the safety of the Emperor and the Eldest Princess; of course, everyone in Daxing City knew who truly held the highest power now, and naturally, he was the one who needed the most protection.

And Yu Wenquan’s Duke Mansion was in Longqing Square, not far from the Imperial City, naturally far from those two markets as well.

So choosing these two markets was almost entirely beneficial.

After hearing this, Shang Ruyi was stunned.

She had only had her flash of insight into using the potential epidemic as a bargaining chip yesterday when cornered in Liangyi Hall by Chu Chengfei and Chu Ruoyan. Even then, she hadn’t completely planned what to do should the epidemic appear.

But Yu Wenqian, seemingly in an instant, had solved the most critical issue.

It was as if—

He knew more than she did, earlier!

Thinking of this, Shang Ruyi’s breathing hitched.

She looked at Yu Wenqian, almost unbelieving, yet saw his calm demeanor, lacking any smugness or delight of foreknowledge, as if what he’d done was only part of his duty.

Shang Ruyi couldn’t help but furrow her brows.

Yu Wenquan was visibly surprised, but more delighted—these recent days, since Shen Shiyan’s fall from grace, the Yuwen Family had been caught in a whirlpool of power, with everyone either worried or busy over the matter. Yet, Yu Wenqian, as the Princely Heir, had remained detached, still an outsider to the chaos, much to his chagrin.

Unexpectedly, at the most critical moment, he stepped forward.

With a smile, Yu Wenquan looked at him. Beyond the surprise, he immediately turned around and ordered, "Send out the command, place the whole city under lockdown, forbid people in different squares from moving around! Evacuate Changle Square and Yanzuo Square, move people temporarily to Da An Square, and if any patients are found, send them immediately back to Changle Square."

"..."

"Left and Right Weiwei, enter the markets immediately, gather the patients, and take them all to Anle Square and Yanzuo Square; until cured, no one is allowed to leave."

"..."

"Left and Right Brave Guards, go beyond the city immediately, search the surrounding villages, and if any patients are found, bring them into the city at once."

"..."

"Remember, do not harass any ordinary citizens."

"Yes!"

After receiving their orders, several people immediately left the main hall.

However, as they left, Shang Ruyi noticed that the Left Brave General Yu Dingxing seemed to intentionally glance back at Yu Wenqian, but said nothing, having already walked far away.

At that moment, Shang Ruyi’s heartbeat involuntarily quickened.

But this seemed unprompted, and she didn’t have time to discern the reason for her erratic heartbeat before Yu Wenquan had turned and walked slowly over to Chu Ruoyan and the pale, terrified Chu Chengfei she held.

With this, the entire court quieted down again.

Though the sudden outbreak of disease outside caused alarm, what was happening in court was truly significant.

How would Yu Wenquan handle these two people?

As everyone waited in silent anticipation, Chu Ruoyan held her breath, as if waiting for a sentencing of fate, Yu Wenquan let out a long sigh and said, "I will send people to strictly prevent the disease from entering the palace. I also ask His Majesty the Emperor and the Eldest Princess to retreat immediately to the inner palace, and not set foot in the front court unless absolutely necessary, to avoid further incidents."

"..."

"Today’s matter will be discussed at a later time."

"...!"

The courtiers exchanged glances, remaining silent, but their eyes showed they fully understood.

This meant Yu Wenquan was going to place them under house arrest.

In fact, even if not imprisoned, at this point, where else could they go?

Yu Wenquan’s last eight words made it very clear—the matter would be discussed once the epidemic was over, once the Yuwen Family had gathered enough public support and prestige, they would seamlessly take the Emperor’s throne from Chu Chengfei, just as she had stated.

All they could do was wait.

Wait for the final loss!

Chu Ruoyan’s lips trembled, unable to utter a single word, her beautiful face drained of blood, leaving only a touch of rouge barely upholding her dignity as the Eldest Princess, while the trembling Chu Chengfei in her arms had already disgraced the entire Royal Family.

Neither did a single official, beneficiaries of the Emperor’s favor, step forth to speak for them.

Finally, her nearly shattered gaze fell upon Yu Wenye.

"Second Brother..."

Though long told by her deceased father and gentle, kind mother never to address Yu Wenye thus before other courtiers, at this moment, she couldn’t help but call out, incapable of offering any other words.

She could only seize the last straw for life.

The man who always walked ahead of her, perhaps not gentle, but eternally enchanting, at that moment, she could only look at him.

Chu Ruoyan’s trembling voice grew fainter, soft as a mosquito’s hum, as if she wasn’t calling him but making one last plea to the world in her heart.

She said, "Second Brother..."