About half an hour later, Imperial Physician Jiang said from the inner chamber, "Your Majesty, I have finished treating Lord You's injuries."
Lin Qinghe strode in. Seeing that You Rong had already put on his inner garments, she walked swiftly to the bedside. She first examined You Rong carefully, then turned to Imperial Physician Jiang and asked, "How is Prime Minister You's condition? Is it serious? How long will it take to recover?"
Imperial Physician Jiang dared not conceal anything and replied truthfully, "Replying to Your Majesty, Prime Minister You's injuries are not minor, but fortunately, they are not life-threatening. With proper rest, he will recover in a month. However, given the severity of his injuries, Prime Minister You should remain in bed and avoid moving about to prevent aggravating them."
Lin Qinghe nodded, "I understand. You may withdraw now."
Imperial Physician Jiang: "Yes, Your Majesty. I take my leave."
After Imperial Physician Jiang withdrew, You Rong suppressed the disgust in his eyes. He forced himself to sit up and cupped his hands, saying, "Your Majesty is wise and understanding. I thank Your Majesty for clearing my name. Since that is the case, I shall take my leave."
You Rong struggled to get up to leave. He had already exhausted his strength from being in the heavenly prison to here, and then dealing with Lin Qinghe. It was difficult for him to stand now. As he rose, he almost fell off the bed.
Lin Qinghe quickly stepped forward to support him, "Be careful!"
You Rong swiftly pulled back his hand that was being supported. "Your Majesty need not worry. I am fine. I shall take my leave."
Lin Qinghe frowned. She saw that You Rong's insistence on leaving was merely to show his disdain for her. However, if he left like this, she would have difficulty finding an excuse to see him in the coming days.
A thought crossed Lin Qinghe's mind. With a look of concern, she said, "You Rong, Imperial Physician Jiang just said your injuries are severe and you should not move about. Otherwise, it will worsen your condition. I know you don't wish to linger in my palace for another moment, but for your health's sake, you must stay here and recuperate for a few days. Once you are better, I will have someone escort you back to the You manor."
As she finished speaking, You Rong's pale lips pressed tightly together, a look of sarcasm flashing across his face.
Lin Qinghe knew without thinking that You Rong must suspect her of keeping him in her palace out of lingering desire.
Although Lin Qinghe had ulterior motives for keeping You Rong, she said with a straight face, "You Rong, you need not worry. While you rest in my palace these few days, I will stay in the Imperial Study and will not return! I am keeping you here because I am genuinely concerned for your health, not for any other purpose!"
You Rong naturally did not believe her. "Thank you for Your Majesty's grace. However, it is improper for a subject to rest in Your Majesty's palace. I will take my leave now."
"What is improper about it! If I say it's alright, it's alright! You Rong, stay here and recuperate for a few days. Once you are well, I will definitely have someone escort you back to the You manor. Alright?"
You Rong knitted his brows and remained silent. It was clear he was unwilling.
Lin Qinghe thought for a moment and then said, "If you are worried about Old Master You and Old Madam You, I will send someone to bring them to the palace. You can see them with your own eyes and then you will be at ease, won't you?"
You Rong clenched his fists. His expression was calm on the surface, but he was seething with anger inwardly.
He said she had changed, yet her methods of threat were exactly the same!
She was threatening him again with his elderly parents!
You Rong said in a deep voice, "Thank you for Your Majesty's great kindness. I will stay in the palace to rest for a few days. As for my father and mother, they are old and cannot endure such a journey. Please, Your Majesty, do not trouble them to come to the palace again."
Lin Qinghe realized belatedly that You Rong had misunderstood her meaning. She quickly tried to explain, "You Rong, I didn't mean that. I just wanted to..."
"Your Majesty, I am tired. Please forgive me, I fear I cannot continue to converse with Your Majesty."
This meant You Rong did not wish to speak with her.
Lin Qinghe sighed inwardly. Forget it. The damage done by the original occupant of this body could not be undone in a day or two. She would find another way later.
Lin Qinghe nodded. "Alright. I will leave now. Lie down and rest well. I will have Wang Jiang guard the door. If you need anything, just call him."
"Yes, Your Majesty," You Rong replied. "Your Majesty, fare you well."
Lin Qinghe tucked You Rong in, watched him for a moment, and then walked away.
Only after Lin Qinghe's footsteps faded and the door closed did You Rong, who had closed his eyes, open them. His deep, dark eyes were filled with icy coldness.
Someone like Lin Qinghe was utterly unworthy of being the monarch of Dongli Kingdom!