 The plot was uncovered, and Bălcescu was imprisoned in Mărgineni Monastery, where he remained for the following two years.The rough imprisonment conditions left irreversible marks on Bălcescu's health.Upon his release (after being granted a pardon by the new prince, Gheorghe Bibescu), he took part in forming a secret society drawn up from the Freemasonry and named "Frăția" ("The Brotherhood"), which he led together with Ion Ghica and Christian Tell (joined soon after by Gheorghe Magheru) in resistance against Prince Bibescu.