Ch. 321..325: The Princess of Northern Land Chapter 321-325

Chapter 321: Chapter 321 Zige Gets Married(3)_1

Upon seeing Li Yanran, she wishes she could slap her and throw her out. Such a shameless woman, not even having any official status, yet constantly fawning over the Prince.

Li Yanran initially came to show off, but she did not expect the women in the backyard of the Prince’s mansion to be so disrespectful, and speak so lowly of her, she was instantly furious.

Consort Liu was the coolest among all the concubines, stunningly beautiful yet aloof. While others were harsh on Li Yanran, she quietly sat on the side without speaking, not wanting to offend anyone.

Consort Lin, who was fond of painting, was a gentle beauty. Seeing Li Yanran looking angry, she smiled and said, "After all, Miss Li is Prince’s cousin, technically our cousin too. As hosts, we should treat our guest properly. Let’s all restrain ourselves."

All the beautiful ladies sneered at these words, pretending to be cordial, they were no different from the others disliking Li Yanran.

Hearing Consort Lin’s words, Li Yanran was furious. What audacity, trying to show off in front of her. Aren’t they just a bunch of concubines? They truly think that they are the mistresses of the Prince’s mansion. When she becomes the real mistress of the mansion, she will put them in their place.

"Indeed, with the Prince not present, some cats and dogs are acting out of line, giving me a headache." Li Yanran, being a highly competitive person, definitely wouldn’t let herself be easily beaten by a group of women.

"What cats and dogs?" A beautiful woman asked naively, "The Prince doesn’t like us having pets, there are no cats or dogs as pets in the courtyard."

Everyone collectively rolled their eyes at the woman speaking, but when they saw it was the most naive beauty Qin, they understood.

"Young lady, you’re partially correct, the Prince doesn’t like stray cats or dogs, but some bewildered creatures pretending to be something they’re not still wander around. Sadly, I wonder if the Prince will blame us for not keeping the home well when he comes back." Consort Wang replied with a smile.

"What should we do, should we ask sister Ming to send someone to investigate? Otherwise, the Prince will definitely punish us when he returns." Beauty Qin said fearfully.

"Don’t worry, the present pets are all under the disguise. They have thick faces and sharp claws. The Prince will definitely be considerate towards us when he sees them." Although Consort Wang seemed to comfort Qin, her eyes were constantly smiling at Li Yanran.

Li Yanran’s two maids, seeing their lady under attack, were immediately angry and began to help Li Yanran fight back.

"Our lady came here today to lighten the Prince’s concerns." One maid said with a smile, "The Lady has prepared rations for the Prince using her own silver. When the Prince sees the lady later, he will definitely be happy."

"Exactly, toys are just toys. The Prince’s treatment of our lady is of course different. Otherwise, why would Sir Situ let the lady roam freely within the Wang Residence?" Another one was equally tough.

"Watch your tongue." Li Yanran lightly scolded her maid, the arrogance and disdain for the beautiful ladies in her eyes, however, was clear as day.

None of the beautiful ladies expected that Li Yanran came today with great achievements, they were stifled and glared at her. Further hearing the maid referring to them as ’toys’ and implying that Li Yanran could move about "at will", reminiscing about how they were forbidden from leaving the yard, they were upset.

"Guards, come and slap them." An enraged Consort Wang ordered, pointing at Li Yanran’s maids.

Several old women and maids on guard at the scene heard this and immediately walked towards Li Yanran.

Chapter 322: Chapter 322 Zige Gets Married(4)_1

"How dare you." When striking a dog, one must consider its master. Li Yanran would not allow those by her side to be disadvantaged.

"Miss." Seeing the opponent’s maids and matrons approach aggressively, the girls by Li Yanran’s side no longer displayed their earlier arrogance, but instead shrank behind her in fright.

"If you dare lay a finger on them, I’ll have my cousin chop off your hands," Li Yanran seething with anger. These ignorant fools were provoking her openly.

"These are merely slaves, yet they scoff at us. If we do not teach them a lesson today, they will assume the Wang Residence is a market place where they can run amok," Consort Wang stood up in a fit of rage, "Impudent slaves, do you have no respect for the Prince?"

At the mention of Chu Suifeng, the maids looking at Li Yanran grew anxious.

Indeed, Li Yanran held back her anger as she protected her girls, "Don’t use my cousin to threaten them. When have any of you ever respected me?"

"So you’re admitting that you’ve been encouraging these slaves to show Prince disrespect and contempt?" Ms. Gao sneeringly retorted.

"What are you all standing around for? Strike now," Consort Lin shouted in anger.

"Who dare?" Li Yanran looked at the approaching servants and maids, her mind filled not only with anger but fear. She could put up a fight, but she only had two girls with her today, while the opponents were a group of people. Once the fight started, she would undoubtedly be at a disadvantage. "Let’s see how you’ll answer to my cousin when he comes back."

"What’s all this commotion?" Just as tensions were about to erupt, a beautiful woman in a white cloak emerged from the Plum Forest. She seemed chilly, and her white fur cloak and tunic fluttered in the wind as she stood in the Plum Forest, not seeming of this mundane world.

The complexion of everyone present changed drastically upon seeing the woman in the Plum Forest.

"Miss Ming, you’ve come at just the right time." Ms. Gao was the first to rush to complain, "Miss Li’s maids spoke ill of us and disrespected the Prince. We were about to punish them."

"Miss Ming, my maids were emotionally moved by the beautiful scenery, how is that disrespectful to everyone present? Disrespect to the Prince? You’re blowing this out of proportion. My cousin is revered as a god in the Li Family. Whereas you all consume my cousin’s resources, yet are indifferent to him. Gathering together, what are you up to? Miss Ming, since my cousin has put you in charge of the backyard, you must punish them severely." Li Yanran, now invigorated, knew that Miss Ming’s arrival meant her maids wouldn’t be beaten.

"A visitor is a guest." Miss Ming seemed not to hear anyone’s words, her chilly voice dispersed in the air, laden with an inexplicable coldness. "Enjoying the flowers is just that, nothing more. If the Prince knew we had been discourteous to his guest, he would only blame us for not upholding our duties as hosts."

All the women took pleasure in Miss Ming’s words. Even though she seemed to be criticizing everyone present, anyone listening could gather that she was ruthlessly mocking Li Yanran for breaking the rules and was explicitly excluding her from the Prince’s harem, much like telling her not to covet the Prince.

"Miss Li, the backyard is the Prince’s territory. It’s not appropriate for someone of your status to show up here," Miss Ming then coldly said to Li Yanran, "The Prince highly values rules and order. If he were to find out about today’s incident, even if the Consorts decided to punish you, you would still upset the Prince."

Li Yanran was slightly angered, this so-called Miss Ming may sound pleasant, but in plain terms, she was nothing more than the Prince’s maid. She had given her appropriate respect, yet she dared to be pretentious before her.

Chapter 323: Chapter 323 Zige Gets Married(5)_1

But as angry as she was, she dared not quarrel openly with Ming.

Everybody knew that Chu Suifeng allowed Ming to oversee the entire backyard, and even the consorts had to remain humble in front of her.

Li Yanran could anticipate that, regardless of how Ming handled the situation today, if she gave offense, Chu Suifeng would inevitably punish her after his return.

She, Li Yanran, would not conduct a futile action.

"I just wandered leisurely. I have long heard that the plum blossoms in the Wang Residence are flourishing, and Mr. Situ also agreed to let me enjoy them. It seems that the beautiful consorts are not pleased with me." She continued, gazing at everyone with a sarcastic smile, "Since Ming has understood the reason, I will not hold grudges."

Ming’s expression did not change. "Miss Li has also enjoyed the flowers. Please wait for the prince’s return in the front hall."

Li Yanran responded coldly, "The flowers are indeed splendid. It’s a bit of a pity, though."

Ignoring how the remaining beauties’ expression changed, she walked away proudly with her maid.

"Ming, you have seen how arrogant Miss Li is. Why are you not defending our dignity? I worry she does not even care for the prince." The consort was dissatisfied with Ming’s indifferent response.

"As you all have said, since you belong to the prince, your actions represent his dignity. Miss Li is a guest. As hosts, we just need to perform our duties; the rest is the prince’s concern." Ming coldly responded, "Please continue enjoying the flowers."

Following this, she strode away with her maid.

"She is merely a maid." A beauty complained angrily.

But no one in the pavilion agreed with her.

What if she was just a slave? Didn’t the prince still give a slave control over their actions and words? To be frank, wasn’t every one of them a slave in front of the Prince?

With the taste of victory, Li Yanran’s footsteps were light on her way back.

"Miss, each one of them is detestable, and they don’t respect you at all." The maid could not contain her anger.

"You all should say less as well. Don’t smear the prince’s face." Thinking of the ill-tempered words in the pavilion, Li Yanran paused to scold her maid.

On noticing her anger, the maid closed her mouth.

The servant and mistress returned to the waiting hall, sipping cups of tea and nibbling on refreshments. Finally, when the sun was high in the sky, Chu Suifeng returned with Congyi.

"Cousin." On spotting Chu Suifeng, Li Yanran could not contain her joy. "Why did you come back so late? I have been waiting for you for a long while."

The complaint was filled with affection, and her blushing face underscored her cheerful mood at that moment.

Chu Suifeng gave her a cold glance, "I heard you brought some supplies for me?"

"Yes." Li Yanran’s face brightened at the mention of the beans. She was anticipating praise for having performed such a good deed. Ideally, the prince would recognize her exceptional abilities, realize she could be a dependable helpmate beside him, and then take her into the Wang Residence. "My sister-in-law owns a few shops and properties. When the shopkeeper went away to collect rent, I asked them to procure some beans."

Chu Suifeng said nothing, his face showing no emotion.

Li Yanran, in her euphoria, continued, "Nearly all the beans from the farmers around Feng City have been bought by the Lin Family. I worried there would be a grain shortage for the soldiers in Border City in winter. So, I used my own money to buy beans, hoping to ease your mind, cousin."

Chapter 324: Chapter 324 Zige Gets Married(6)_1

"Since it’s been delivered, Congyi, accept it." Chu Suifeng finally spoke up lazily.

Upon hearing this, Li Yanran’s heart blossomed with joy. It seemed like her move to deliver grain and fodder was the right one.

"Show our guests out." Chu Suifeng’s next sentence threw her directly from warmth into a pit of coldness.

"Cousin." Li Yanran anxiously looked at Chu Suifeng. How could this be? She hadn’t even had a proper conversation with Chu Suifeng yet. Plus, it was getting late; it should be lunchtime soon. Was the Prince not inviting her to stay for lunch at his residence?

"I have official matters to handle." Chu Suifeng’s indifferent sentence stopped Li Yanran from persisting.

With a feeling of regret, Li Yanran settled in the carriage to return home.

"Miss, since the Prince has accepted the beans, he is naturally appreciative of you." The maidservant tried to comfort her.

"Indeed, just now the Prince kept staring at you incessantly - it was enough to make even us uncomfortable." Another joined in, flattering her.

"He wasn’t looking at you two, what’s there for you to feel uncomfortable about?" Li Yanran laughed, feeling significantly better upon hearing this.

Upon her return to the residence, she noticed quite a few servants appraising her with odd glances.

Li Yanran was in such high spirits that she didn’t mind their stares.

However, as soon as she stepped into the front hall, a tea cup was smashed in front of her, splashing hot water onto her.

"Ah!" Li Yanran shrieked in shock, "Who doesn’t have eyes..."

Before she could finish her sentence, she looked up to see her father standing there with other important members of the Li family.

"You spendthrift, you still have the nerve to return?" The Marquis of Li, pointing at Li Yanran, shook with fury.

"Father, what did I do wrong?" Li Yanran burst into tears and threw herself into the arms of Lady Mu. "Is it because you’re upset with me that you’re venting it out on me? I don’t want to live anymore!"

"Listen to her! Such an unruly daughter! You always make mistakes but never repent." The Marquis of Li was unbelievably infuriated. He once had high hopes for his daughter, but now he realized she was utterly foolish and should not be relied upon.

"My child, why would you buy and deliver grain to the Wang Residence without telling anyone?" Lady Mu also scolded her, albeit in a softer tone.

"Isn’t it just grain? I didn’t even use the residence’s public silver." Li Yanran shouted, her voice full of grievance. She thought she had made a serious error, but it was just about the grain she delivered to the Wang Residence today.

"Listen to you, even now you don’t know what you’ve done wrong. One day, the Li family will be ruined due to your foolishness." The Marquis, unable to contain his anger, staggered and collapsed on a chair.

The people from the second house didn’t step in to pacify, nor did they add to the chaos.

Li Jieyong sighed and explained to Li Yanran, "A person from the Prince’s side just left. He came to warn our Li family. Little sister, didn’t you think this through? Procurement of military rations is always a serious matter and a military secret. You, as a woman, rashly delivered military rations to the Prince. What do you think the Prince will think of our Li family?"

It was just a few words, but Li Yanran understood them. She was stunned. "I didn’t think that much..."

"Not thinking much, you purchased so many beans and sent them over, are you brainless? Such a big event - don’t you know to ask us?" The Marquis’s anger had not subsided. "By the way, how did you have that much silver?"

Upon hearing this, Li Jiesong immediately coughed and avoided making eye contact with Li Yanran.

Li Yanran was not stupid and did not reveal Li Jiesong’s involvement. "It’s the silver I’ve saved over time. I really didn’t think much. I just wanted to give the Lin family a lesson."

Chapter 325: Chapter 325 Zige Gets Married(7)_1

"She is nothing but a peasant girl, what are you vying with her for? You just ended up belittling your own status. Haven’t you considered that every woman in the back courtyard of the prince’s residence has a status that is higher than that peasant girl?" Marquis Li chastised her in frustration.

"Even though the women in the back courtyard have high status, the prince has never looked at them. But it’s different with the Lin Family. The prince practically lives there now. Every time I think of that damned girl, I feel uncomfortable." Li Yanran raged.

"Can you think a bit?" Marquis Li calmed down, his tone heavier, "The prince stays there because Lin Ziyin can bring him benefits. Do you think the prince really fancies her?"

"What benefits could a peasant girl bring to the prince? She just provides a vegetarian feast, is the prince really lacking in some silver?" Li Yanran retorted indignantly.

"It’s not just about the vegetarian feast. I heard that Lin Ziyin even tried to grow green vegetables in winter. The prince has always focused on the livelihood of the people and naturally pays great attention to this matter. The prince’s estates, and the Ding’an Temple, they all followed that girl’s lead to build greenhouses. Given your hostility towards the Lin family at this moment, it would be strange if the prince does not hold resentment towards you." Marquis Li became more and more displeased with his own daughter’s stupidity. "Rather than speculating randomly, you should consider how to win the prince’s heart. In the end, a woman’s reliance is a man. As long as you capture the prince’s heart, why fear other women vying for him?"

Li Yanran cried bitterly, but she also understood that her father was genuinely concerned about her, so she nodded lightly.

"You are grounded in the residence for two months, take this time to reflect on your actions." In the end, Marquis Li sighed and issued a house arrest order directly.

"No, father." Li Yanran certainly did not want to be grounded in the courtyard for two months.

"The Li family must give the prince some sort of explanation. If you continue this nonsense, I will send you to Jiang City." Marquis Li saw her still throwing tantrums and was instantly furious.

"You should practice your zither, chess, calligraphy, and painting in the courtyard, and not think about anything else." Lady Mu sighed and pat her back to comfort her.

Lady Yu lowered her eyelids, laughing inwardly. However, she did not expect her husband to be on the same side as Li Yanran. Truly, like brother like sister, both were dim-witted. With this thought, she sighed secretly again.

"Get these beans sent to the Lin family." Within the Prince Ling’s residence, Chu Suifeng coldly issued the order while looking at the beans in the storeroom.

"Yes, your highness." Butler Bai Xian obediently responded, and made arrangements.

Not long after, a maid from the back courtyard sneaked back and reported to a beautiful woman, "His highness has sent the beans to the Lin family."

"I got it. Spread the word, tell the crown prince not to act hastily, Border City has enough provisions." The beautiful woman spoke.

"Yes, Miss." The maid responded respectfully, before quietly withdrawing.

The Lin Family had been worried about raw materials a few days ago, but in the blink of an eye, Chu Suifeng sent over so many beans. Lin Changshu and the old master smiled so much that their eyes became slits with joy as they watched workers moving sacks of beans into the workshop.

Lin Ziyin, however, sighed to herself. The prince was indeed crafty. After some interaction, she had come to understand Chu Suifeng somewhat. Sly and cunning was the true nature of Prince Ling. Sending so many beans to the Lin family out of the blue, the man must want to gain more from her.

After thinking it through, Lin Ziyin felt a bit taken advantage of. It indeed isn’t pleasant to do one-sided business!

As the days slowly passed, the day of Zige’s marriage to Wu Dayou finally arrived.

Because the workers needed to be at the workshop, after discussing, the Wu Family and the Lin Family decided to hold the wedding jointly. This way, it was lively without affecting work at the workshop.

"Sister, this is what big brother and sister-in-law prepared for you. I hope you won’t find it too little." Lin Changshu and Guo Huiniang handed a small box to Lin Zige.

When Lin Zige opened the box and saw one hundred taels of silver and a silver note underneath, she was so frightened that she immediately gave it back to Lin Changshu, "Big brother, it’s too much silver, I can’t accept it. Yan Zhi will need silver when he grows up, but I won’t lack it. Are you trying to make me unable to rest easy?"

"No, our parents passed away early, and I don’t have many skills, so this is all I can give. A girl should have some silver upon marriage. It is necessary," Lin Changshu said. Even though Wu Dayou was not living far away, he was still reluctant to part with Zige, and felt worried. "I’ve also saved up some silver over the past half year."

"Brother, I also have a share in the workshop. Do you think I don’t know how much silver you all have? Don’t forget that I also have as much as you do. You don’t have to worry about me. Over the years, big brother and sister-in-law have been the ones who suffered the most hardships. Zige always remembers the kindness of big brother and sister-in-law." Zige started crying as she spoke.

Lin Changshu’s eyes turned red, while Guo Huiniang cried even harder.

"The makeup has just been applied and the bride starts crying. The makeup on her face is going to be washed off." Sister-in-law Bai and the others felt a sourness in their hearts as they watched and they came over to comfort her.

"Yes, the hour is late. The groom’s wedding procession should arrive soon. We mustn’t miss the auspicious time." Sister-in-law Guihua also advised from the side.