CHAPTER 282 (1): TOO LATE
Just before Yun Ruofeng fell into the lake, Qin Ling had mustered up his courage to walk into the back garden. He had been waiting outside for more than two hours, and had grown worried when Prince Yun still hadnât returned.
When he finally found Prince Yun, the latter was bending over to pick up the pieces of the shattered wine pot before he fell into the lake. Waves broke the surface of the lake, blowing apart itâs previously serene surface.
Qin Ling immediately ran up and jumped into the lake, taking ahold of Yun Ruofengâs arm and attempting to bring him to shore. However, drunk as he was, Yun Ruofeng stubbornly struggled to try to stay at the bottom of the lake. Qin Ling had no choice but to knock him out by hitting his neck before dragging him ashore.
When Qin Ling saw Prince Yunâs pallid face, he knew that things werenât looking good. Prince Yun has been badly affected by his loss of power this time around.
Without thinking about anything else, Qin Ling carried Prince Yun on his back and ran to the main courtyard. He then instructed an imperial guard to secretly summon Imperial Physician Fang from the imperial palace.
A maidservant from the Prince Yun Residence had been summoned to change Yun Ruofeng out of his wet clothes. However, before her hand had touched him, Yun Ruofengâs eyes snapped open with a cold blaze. âDonât touch this Prince! Lan-er doesnât like it if others touch this Prince!â
The maidservant was confused. Who is Lan-er? Does Prince Yun like a woman called Lan-er? The maidservant didnât know what to do and immediately left the room to find Qin Ling.
When she told Qin Ling about the situation, he immediately understood who âLan-erâ was. âI will take care of it, just keep quiet about this matter.â
The maidservant nodded and turned on her heels to leave.
When Qin Ling entered the main hall, he found Yun Ruofeng sitting on a red wooden chair, the latterâs eyes furiously darting around the room. âWhere is this Princeâs tea? Lan-erâs favourite tea is kept here by this Prince. Why did it disappear?! She wonât be happy if she finds out itâs missing.â
When Qin Ling saw that the dispirited Prince Yun was beside himself, he started to worry and hastily walked up. âPrince Yun, you just asked your maidservant to take the tea away, saying that you didnât want to see those tea leaves. The previous Eldest Imperial Princess has already passed away; you need to let it go.â
âPassed away?â Yun Ruofeng chuckled and suddenly quieted down. âShe hasnât passed away; she is alive. This Prince just saw her. She doesnât want to forgive this Prince and is refusing to come back.â
Qin Ling was even more worried. Prince Yun is starting to talk nonsense. How can he meet someone who has already passed away? Heâs missing the previous Eldest Imperial Princess so much that it has become a disease. But if he misses her so much, why did he kill her? Perhaps if he hadnât done so, Prince Yun wouldnât be this way. Perhaps Commander Wei wouldnât have died either.
Prince Yun brought all of this upon himself. This much was obvious to Qin Ling, but he didnât dare to say it. Rather, he couldnât bear to say it.
âThis Prince wants to drink tea; bring it here.â Yun Ruofeng looked at Qin Ling and ordered.
âPrince Yun, you should change out of your wet clothes.â
Yun Ruofeng waved his hand. âNo, this Prince wants to drink tea.â
Qin Ling couldnât think of anything else to say besides... âThe previous Eldest Imperial Princess might be here soon. If she sees that you are sitting here in wet clothes, she wonât be happy.â
âWonât be happyâŠâ Yun Ruofeng murmured to himself. His inebriated mind was full of thoughts of Ning Rulan.
âYou are right, this Prince will change my clothes. Bring the tea over soon.â
âThis subordinate understands.â Qin Ling left then left the room to retrieve the tea.
However, he could only sigh as he walked away. If Prince Yun had known that this would be the result, why would he kill the previous Eldest Imperial Princess? He should understand that what goes around comes around. I hope that Prince Yun can reflect on this and feel some guilt.