The people in the epidemic zone needed to be placed under lockdown.
It was unknown how many of them were already carrying the pathogen.
If they were to escape now, they would endanger the people in the nearby villages.
The situation was dire. Chu Qianli immediately dropped what she was doing, threw on her coat, and prepared to head out.
Feng Yexuan's eyes darkened, and he said displeasantly, "Even if you go out now, they won't listen to you."
"If persuasion works, then persuade them back. If not..."
"Surely, you aren't going to lay hands on unarmed villagers?" Feng Yexuan's expression turned grim.
Chu Qianli glanced at him. "In your eyes, am I such a cold and cruel person?"
Feng Yexuan did not wish to answer this question.
Chu Qianli did not intend to press further.
She put on her coat and left. Feng Yexuan could only follow behind her.
As soon as they stepped out, they saw the commotion of guards being mobilized in the distance.
Chu Qianli's face fell, and she quickened her pace.
It was Chu Minghao ordering the guards to assemble.
"Listen up, all those who escape must be brought back by this prince, with no mercy for the kill!"
"Yes!"
"Hold on!" Chu Qianli hurried over, displeased. "Chu Minghao, what are you doing?"
"Most of the villagers here are sick. If they go out, they will endanger others!"
Chu Minghao had already received news of the villagers escaping.
Although this team was led by the princess this time, if his father were to become emperor in the future, this team would then be under his command.
He absolutely could not allow the sick to escape and endanger the villagers of other villages.
Otherwise, if the situation spiraled out of control and escalated, it would be his dereliction of duty!
Therefore, there was no need to explain this decision to Chu Qianli.
Chu Minghao waved his hand, about to issue the order.
Chu Qianli stepped forward and raised her hand.
Chu Minghao's hand was unable to fall.
He turned his head, glared at Chu Qianli, and said angrily, "What are you doing?"
"With this princess present, when has it ever been your turn to give orders here?" Chu Qianli said expressionlessly, and with a wave of her hand, she pushed Chu Minghao back.
Most of the guards present were people brought by Chu Minghao.
Chu Qianli ordered sternly, "Guards, take the guards of Prince Yu's manor and secure all roads out of the village to prevent further villagers from escaping."
"They've already escaped! How many more can you secure? Those who have fled will spread the harm infinitely. What's the point of just guarding here without pursuing them?"
Chu Minghao was so angry he wanted to tear this woman apart.
"If you don't have the guts to issue the order, then..."
"This princess never said we wouldn't pursue. But they are all unarmed villagers. Can you, as skilled martial artists, truly bear to swing your blades at them?"
Chu Qianli ignored Chu Minghao any further, her gaze cold and firm, falling upon the guards.
"I don't care if you are from Prince Yu's manor or the royal army; you are all the same people, that is, citizens of my Nanming."
"You can go to battle and kill countless enemies, but can you truly bring yourselves to kill your own compatriots?"
The guards lowered their heads, none daring to speak.
Chu Minghao said displeasedly, "If they hadn't tried to escape first, do you think this prince would have..."
"They are escaping simply because they don't trust us enough, simply because they are afraid. Instead of comforting the people at this moment, you want to kill them?"
Chu Qianli let out a cold snort. "With such barbarity and lack of benevolence, what right do you have to be the esteemed young prince of Nanming?"