Ch. 436..440: The Princess of Northern Land Chapter 436-440
Chapter 436: Chapter 436: In Trouble with the Top-Notch (6)_1
"Lin Ziyin, this is all your fault, just wait and see." Alone at a table, Ma Zhicai gritted his teeth and mumbled to himself.
After a few days away from home, he thought it was high time to return. Being in Feng City, he couldn’t do anything; after all, he was just an ordinary citizen and couldn’t even get close to the Wang Residence.
But none of that mattered, the prince had also appeared at the Lin Family, hadn’t he? Perhaps by watching the Lin Family, he could gain a lot of news.
Ma Zhicai hurriedly packed his belongings. For this trip into the city, he had brought only a few changes of clothes, making packing a simple task.
Bundles of silver were laid out on the bed, and Ma Zhicai’s expression became obscure again. There were forty taels of silver on the bed, left behind by his uncle, Ma Erlang, to be brought back and handed over to the Bao Family.
Forty taels of silver was no small sum, and Ma Zhicai found himself torn, wondering whether to bring all this silver back and hand it over to the Bao Family.
After pondering alone for a while, he hurriedly wrapped the silver in his clothes, slung it on his back, and checked out of his room.
"Ouch, can’t you even walk properly?" Perhaps Ma Zhicai was just unlucky; he had barely taken a few steps outside before he was bumped into by several women.
"Are you trying to take advantage of us?" Before Ma Zhicai could speak, several dark-faced men rushed out, each one looking frightful.
"Look closely, they bumped into me while trying to avoid a carriage." Ma Zhicai said coolly, "The government offices are nearby. If you want to frame me, we might as well go there and talk."
The men on the other side probably didn’t expect him to suggest going to the government offices. They were instantly taken aback, somewhat at a loss.
An ordinary citizen would rather avoid the government offices. The place was no better than Yama Palace. Besides, under the rule of the prince, the officials were always keenly observant. As no one was injured here, there would be no benefit in going to the government offices.
"You think you’re a hero for standing up to us?" A dark-faced man glared at Ma Zhicai and scolded, "If you weren’t such a weakling, I’d give you a good thrashing."
A dispute broke out, quickly drawing a crowd of onlookers. Faced with the pointing fingers of the crowd, Ma Zhicai was so embarrassed, he could bleed. "Who are you calling a weakling?"
"I’m talking about you. What are you going to do about it?" The dark-faced man glared at him defiantly.
Ma Zhicai wanted to fight him right then. As a scholar-in-training, he’d never been so humiliated before. If his teachers and classmates at the academy found out, he would be mortified.
Despite his rage, Ma Zhicai hadn’t lost his wits. Seeing the crowd supporting the man, and considering the robust and menacing appearance of the men, Ma Zhicai lost heart, "I have no interest in bickering with unreasonable people like you. It wouldn’t befit a scholar."
He emphasized the word ’scholar’.
Sure enough, when his opponents heard that word, their expressions shifted, and they began to regard Ma Zhicai with caution.
Ma Zhicai quietly delighted in his opponents’ uncertainty, holding his head even higher. Yes, he had done it on purpose. Let them misunderstand. Up north, if a commoner were to attack a scholar, strict punishment would be meted out by the authorities.
"Make way, please make way." Just as the standoff persisted, an urging voice came from not too far away.
Chapter 437: Chapter 437: In Trouble with the Top-Notch (7)_1
Everyone looked up and noticed a row of horse-drawn carts carrying boards were coming their way.
"Excuse us, folks, we just got some new furniture for the residence and need to get them inside," a manager said loudly. After that, he went to the back of the cart and spoke to two men, "Young Master He, Third Young Master He, sorry for the inconvenience, we took up a bit of your time."
"It’s not a problem." A warm voice said, silencing the argument of those around.
"Big brother, doesn’t that voice sound like that bastard He Dingyi?" A dark-skinned young girl asked, looking puzzled.
"Really?" The man who was about to beat Ma Zhicai hesitantly replied.
"I heard that manager-like person calling him Young Master He. Since when did that scoundrel He Dingyi become a young master? Mark my words, it would be a miracle if they even survived after leaving our family," An old woman in a shabby indigo dress scornfully dismissed the young girl’s suggestion.
"But the voice sounds just like his, and he also has the surname He." The dark-skinned young girl insisted.
"Little sister, you must have misheard. There are many people in the world with the same surname as ours. Besides, think about it, they were kicked out into the cold. They should consider themselves lucky if they survived, let alone prosper. It’s completely impossible." Another man scoffed at her.
The young girl watched the cart move away, her face full of confusion.
Ma Zhicai listened to their conversation and sneered inwardly. What a small world, even randomly stepping out of the door could bring him face to face with relatives of the Lin Family. These people did not look like good folk. They probably didn’t even know that the Lin Family was now well-off, did they?
"I know that person," he said coldly.
"You do? Is his name He Dingyi?" A man asked anxiously.
"Why should I tell you?" Ma Zhicai put on airs and looked up towards the sky.
"Beat him up."
"Second brother, stop it!" A man held the impulsive man back.
Ma Zhicai looked at the three men who looked very alike, feeling anger bubbling up inside him. Their complexions were as dark as the bottom of a pot, and they looked so identical that he couldn’t tell who was who.
"Young gentlemen, we admit it was our fault just now. Please accept our apologies," the younger man said, full of laughter, apologizing with a bow, "My name is He Zhen, it’s said those who don’t fight don’t come to know each other, I hope you won’t mind."
"Third brother, why are you wasting your time with this brat?" The man they called Second Brother asked unhappily.
"Second Brother, we should apologize, it was indeed our fault." By now, the oldest of the men had also changed his attitude.
"I am from Shili Village. The person just now is indeed He Dingyi. He is a cousin of the Lin Family. Now, he is very prestigious. The Lin Family has been in favor with the Prince and all their workshops are flourishing. He Dingyi is quite powerful now as the Lin Family has helped him establish a furniture workshop, which is why people call him Young Master. If you ask anybody out there, you’ll find out that the He family probably earns several thousand silver in revenue from the furniture alone each year." Ma Zhicai said this with joyous malice in his heart while observing the look of greed on their faces.
"The Lin Family is really well-off now?" The young girl asked in surprise.
"Of course. Forgetting about the far-off places, just within Feng City, the roast duck shop, furniture shop, and the vegetarian feast outside the Ding’an Temple are all owned by the Lin Family. I guess with the silver you have, you probably cannot afford even a single roast duck." Finished speaking, Ma Zhicai flicked his sleeves and left.
"Damn kid." Second Brother was so furious he wanted to beat Ma Zhicai, but he was held back by Third Brother.
"Why are you stopping me? Didn’t you see that brat looking down on us?" Second Brother’s anger exploded.
"Are you stupid?" The oldest brother glanced at him. "If that brat was telling the truth, do you still have the mood to find that pretty boy?"
"Brother, do you think what he said is true?" The young girl’s eyes gleamed.
"Whether it’s true or not, we should take our parents to Shili Village for a visit." Third Brother said with a sinister smile.
"Right, if it’s true, we should also get a share." An enchanting-looking woman said gleefully.
Ma Zhicai had guessed right, these people were indeed the Lin Family’s relatives. At the moment, they were plotting how to get benefits from the Lin Family.
Lin Ziyin had not expected Chu Suifeng to shamelessly move into the Lin residence again, under the pretext of discussing how to break the war formation.
"When the bulls start running frenziedly, it’s impossible to control them. If our men charge against the bulls, it’s bound to result in major casualties. Do you have any methods to overcome this?" Chu Suifeng had actually brought a map of the border city.
Even though the markings on the map were just rough estimates, Lin Ziyin began to study it closely. The issue Chu Suifeng raised was indeed a major one. In history, breaking the Fire Bull Formation had always resulted in significant loss of life.
When two armies are facing each other, they couldn’t possibly start digging tunnels or ditches.
"Your Highness, it would be best to start training the cavalry to adapt to the Fire Bull as quickly as possible," Lin Ziyin said with a bitter smile. She felt somewhat powerless. After all, she was not a professional strategist.
"Use ballista to attack first, then obstruct them with rolling logs." There were many pine trees on the Beidi Mountain. Lin Ziyin came up with a way to counter the rampaging Fire Bulls. "The crossbowmen could cooperate with the long spear team to specifically attack the legs of the bulls."
Thinking about the feasibility, her eyes lit up, "As long as we knock down the first wave of Fire Bulls, we are almost certain to win the war."
Chu Suifeng listened, his lips slightly curling up into a smile.
Chapter 438: Chapter 438: Contest (1)_1
"During the process of changing formations, Prince needs to pay attention to the transmission and changes of signals." Lin Ziyin reminded Chu Suifeng. The ancient world lacked modern advanced communication devices, so they had to come up with other methods to compensate for the lack of convenience in communication. She was not sure how Chu Suifeng usually commanded his troops.
"Signals?" Chu Suifeng looked at her with a smile, "In battle, our army relies on the transmission of cavalry. You tell me if you have any good methods."
Lin Ziyin merely asked casually, she did not expect that this time and space still really had no method of transmitting information by flag signals. So she talked to Chu Suifeng about the naval flag signals and the transmission of primitive signals in land warfare, "This is just a personal idea of mine. How exactly to do it still depends on the Prince’s judgment. But setting up flag signals will save a lot of trouble."
"The method you mentioned has greatly provoked my thoughts." Chu Suifeng looked at her with a smile, "I will use your suggestion in training, and I will also record your name in the history books."
"No, I appreciate your kindness, but let’s not talk about eternal fame." Lin Ziyin responded with a forced smile, refusing the offer.
"Prince, Mei Hanqing and the others have arrived in Feng City, please return to the Residence." Congyi reluctantly came to report. Just now, his brothers saw the Prince and Miss Lin talking and laughing happily, and no one dared to interrupt. But Mei Hanqing is a very important person; the Prince definitely needs to return to the city to meet them. Without a choice, Congyi had to gather his courage and come in.
"I need to go back, take a rest for a few days, wait until your hand heals before working again." Chu Suifeng admonished her once more before leaving.
"Even if it heals, it’ll get injured again as soon as I start working." Lin Ziyin replied with a faint smile, "Instead, it’s better to push on and make more. With these crossbows, perhaps fewer soldiers will die."
Chu Suifeng was left speechless, looking at her with complex emotions.
As a man, he did not want to see the woman he was fond of get hurt in front of his eyes. But as a commander, he hoped that fewer of his subordinates would die. The two sentiments were in sharp conflict!
Congsan and others, who stood outside and heard Lin Ziyin’s words, were deeply moved.
In their eyes, Lin Ziyin was absolutely worthy to be the princess consort of the Wang Residence. It is indeed a blessing for the soldiers of the Northern Land to have a virtuous master like her.
"If Prince trusts me, you can send over the newly harvested wheat." After hesitating for a moment, Lin Ziyin spoke again. This suggestion was quite daring. Food supplies have always been crucial for the army, and for a small farmer like her to ask for their rations, it seemed a bit unreasonable.
Chu Suifeng looked at her puzzledly, but agreed without hesitation, "I will have Hei Yi send it over tomorrow."
Lin Ziyin did not keep secrets and took the initiative to explain, "After a while, autumn will come. The weather in the Northern Land gets cold quickly. It would be good if we could provide something warm for the soldiers to eat on the battlefield. I will make Kun noodles, a type of noodle that can be stored for a long time once made. During a major battle, food can be prepared in a very short time."
"Ziyin." Chu Suifeng stared at her deeply. Even though the woman in front of him had not agreed to his affections, she still did a lot for him, Chu Suifeng. In his heart, the only woman who could become the princess of the Northern Land was her. No other woman could catch his eye.
In his agitation, Chu Suifeng pulled Lin Ziyin into his arms.
Lin Ziyin was upset, this man was becoming too accustomed to taking advantage of her.
"Don’t move, I just want to hold you." Chu Suifeng’s voice was somewhat choked, making Lin Ziyin who was struggling, surprisingly forget to keep trying to break free from his embrace.
Chapter 439: Chapter 439 Competition (2)_1
Don’t blame Lin Ziyin for being shocked. Ever since she knew Chu Suifeng, her impression of him had been of strength and tenacity. Indeed, the same was said by the people of the Northern Land. But now, this man, who had never faced defeat in battle, began sobbing on her shoulder, and Lin Ziyin’s heart became a whirlwind of emotions.
Chu Suifeng was treating her as his closest confidant, she could genuinely feel the warm affection. Chu Suifeng’s embrace was very warm, warming Lin Ziyin’s heart for a moment. At this point, even Lin Ziyin herself forgot whether she remained in Chu Suifeng’s embrace due to her emotions or out of sympathy for Chu Suifeng.
Outside, Congyi and the others were teary-eyed, praying in their hearts that Lin Ziyin wouldn’t be too obstinate and ignore the Prince’s feelings.
"I have to leave. Tomorrow I’ll send food and people for you. Rest assured, no one will spread the secrets you have taught." Releasing Lin Ziyin from his arms, Chu Suifeng returned to his firm, War God persona.
Lin Ziyin looked up at the man in front of her, his sharp features still bearing the same coldness. The relentless Northern winds had not dulled his complexion, his fair face, prominent nose, even his captivating, almond-shaped eyes. Truly, royal genes were superior!
But Lin Ziyin could feel the bitterness in this man’s heart.
"Don’t think that because we have had a dispute, you can skip your tonic. Starting from tonight, you must take it daily," Chu Suifeng instructed before departing hastily.
Lin Ziyin didn’t even have a chance to refuse. She watched Chu Suifeng’s retreating figure, feeling an inexplicable sourness in her heart.
Perhaps it was because she saw in Chu Suifeng past reflections of herself, similarly desiring warmth, feeling lonely, and feigning strength......
"Miss, I hope you don’t mind my boldness." Hong Ying finally couldn’t hold back, and despite Lun Luo shaking her head in disapproval, she knelt in front of Lin Ziyin. "The Prince is in much pain. I’ve never seen him treat any other woman with such tenderness. I dare not, nor have the right, to ask you to promise anything to the Prince. But please, in consideration of his genuine feelings, will you give the Prince an opportunity to get closer?"
"When did you start serving the Prince?" Lin Ziyin asked indifferently, her gaze still fixed on the door.
"In response to Miss, I have been following the Prince since I was a child. So have Congyi and the others." Hong Ying seemed to have found an opportunity to vent and before Lin Ziyin had a chance to delve further, she began her tale in rapid succession.
"Hong Ying." Lun Luo grew anxious, wanting to stop her.
"Let her continue," Lin Ziyin waved her hand.
Lun Luo also knelt before Lin Ziyin, biting her lip, but didn’t say a word.
"The Prince’s mother, the fourth queen, was the virtuous queen. Both her beauty and talents were unparalleled. Had it not been for the Empress Mu’s scheming and the lower status of the Li Family, the virtuous Queen would be the Empress. Both the current Emperor and the previous loved the virtuous queen, and she had an unshakeable status in the palace, even elevating the Li Family to great heights. However, jealous of the virtuous queen’s favor, Empress Mu and the other concubines conspired against her, leading to her severe health deterioration while giving birth to the Prince. Yet these people were truly heartless, they bribed the monks from Huangjue Temple and accused the Prince of being a devil who would ruin the foundation of Daqin. They said that his presence in the Capital City would bring demise to all family members." Hong Ying, becoming visibly emotional, ended her narration.
Chapter 440: Chapter 440: Contest (3)_1
"How could His Majesty and his predecessor, who cherished Virtuous Consort, easily believe the words of a few monks?" Lin Ziyin questioningly asked.
"Huangjue Temple is a state temple, known to handle the divination affairs of Daqin. Curiously enough, after the Empress Dowager held the prince, she fell ill and died shortly after returning. Similarly, the young princely heir from Prince Min’s residence also died after he had seen the prince in Virtuous Consort’s palace. Hence, rumors surrounding the prince in the Imperial Palace grew increasingly unfavorable, and the court officials began to pressure the former emperor. In order to save the prince’s life, Virtuous Consort pleaded with the former emperor to grant a territory in the Northern Land to the prince, vowing that the prince would never return to Capital City in his lifetime. To keep things proper, the prince would be raised by monks from Ding’an Temple, akin to being raised by the Buddha himself."
"Did the former emperor agree to this?" Lin Ziyin asked in surprise. She had a hard time believing that both the Empress Dowager and the princely heir of Prince Min’s residence were hexed by Chu Suifeng. The signs of a rat were clear, but it was unfortunate that the Emperor’s thoughts were unknown.
"His Majesty was already panicking. His love for Virtuous Consort couldn’t compete with his concern for his own life," Hong Ying replied with disdain.
"Wait a minute, wasn’t His Majesty the Crown Prince at that time? How could he already have Virtuous Consort’s title?" Lin Ziyin asked, confused.
"Our present Emperor is confused, but the former emperor loved talented people. To save the prince’s life, the Consort, undeterred by her frailty from childbirth, knelt outside the grand hall day and night. Due to her kindness and her bravery in shielding the former emperor from an assassin’s blow, the former emperor was moved and granted her wish. After the prince was sent to his territory, Virtuous Consort’s health completely deteriorated. In less than a month, she passed away. The former emperor, cherishing her talents, specially decreed that her title of Virtuous Consort be retained." As Hong Ying finished recounting the past, she was already in tears.
"And what’s the situation with Ding’an Temple?" Lin Ziyin asked, confused.
"The dean of Ding’an Temple back then was Master Hongyuan. Originally, he was one of the leading experts in the jianghu, only becoming a monk later in life. However, for reasons unknown, Master Hongyuan once displeased Huangjue Temple’s dean. During one of the religious debates, Master Hongyuan was falsely accused, putting the lives of all the monks in Ding’an Temple at risk. Virtuous Consort saved him, thus sparing the lives of all the monks within the temple. So she entrusted the prince to the temple’s care," Lun Luo explained.
"Has Master Hongyuan passed away?" In the temple, Lin Ziyin did not hear anyone mention such a person, so she speculated that the original dean was gone.
"No, the master is still alive, but his whereabouts are unknown. In order to give the prince a chance to survive, he dedicated himself to sheltering and training many orphans to become monk soldiers, also rallying many people from the Jianghu for the prince. As he felt that he hadn’t completely given up his worldly desires and therefore unfit to face Buddha, he left as soon as the prince was able to stand on his own, leaving no one with knowledge of his whereabouts," explained Lun Luo, appearing much calmer than Hong Ying.
"So, have you two grown up together with the prince?" Lin Ziyin asked them.
"Yes." Hong Ying and Lun Luo responded unanimously.
No wonder Congyi and Hong Ying felt differently about Chu Suifeng.
"Also, Third Prince and Prince Luo," Luo lun added.
"I see. You may leave now." After listening to Chu Suifeng’s story, Lin Ziyin showed no visible reaction. She sat down and resumed her work on the crossbow.
Seeing her react so calmly, Hong Ying, with her tearful eyes, did not know what to do. Lun Luo pulled Hong Ying away.
Lou Zheng stepped out of the dining hall, only to see Big Bro Ma waiting for him at the entrance, which immediately crinkled his brows.