Ch. 486..490: The Princess of Northern Land Chapter 486-490

Chapter 486: Chapter 486: The Tomb King’s Wife(7)_1

The Li Family also hoped to use the Old Madame’s birthday this time to strengthen ties with other residences and re-enter the public eye.

"Congratulations, Marquis." Mr. Wu and Mr. Lu shared a glance and responded with polite smiles.

The Wu Family, Luo Family, and Si Family were the most trusted by the Prince of Ling. They knew clearly the Prince’s attitude towards the Marquis of Li. Had it not been for the Old Madame’s birthday, no amount of generous gifts would have enticed them to set foot in the Li Residence.

On the other side, Mrs. Mu was warmly holding the hands of Lady Wu and Lady Luo in conversation.

Both ladies were exceedingly polite, responding to the greetings of each lady present without revealing any information, successfully resisting the friendly advances of Mrs. Mu. They had regrets—why hadn’t they learned from the Si Family and come later? It felt rather foolish to sit here smiling like wooden figures.

Mrs. Mu was infuriated. The status of her Mu Family in Capital City was impresive. The current Empress was from their family. Despite being a concubine-born daughter, she was highly regarded amongst the aristocratic ladies in the capital city.

Yet, in Feng City, the dynamics changed. What could the Wu Family or Luo Family amount to -- they were nothing more than dogs raised by the Prince. They shouldn’t forget that the Li Family was the Prince’s in-law. As long as the Old Madame was alive, their status would not decline.

If they genuinely angered the Li Residence, who would live and who would die remained to be seen.

Even if a real issue occurred, would Chu Suifeng dare to act against his in-laws? It was likely that the Old Madame wouldn’t allow it.

The Old Madame, dressed in a bright red birthday outfit, sat in the hall surrounded by a group of ladies and young girls who were flattering her with their jesting and laughter. Li Yanran and Mrs. You, all dressed up, stood behind the Old Madame, each on one side. They managed to earn plenty of enviable gazes along the way.

Li Jiesong, standing at the second door and welcoming guests, was feeling somewhat discontented. Being the eldest son of the Marquis Residence, he naturally felt entitled to inherit everything. However, his father seemed to favor his younger brother Li Jieyong lately, leaving the significant responsibilities of the residence to him, while neglecting him. Why did he have to greet guests with Li Jieyong on such an occasion?

"Old Madame Si, Lord Si, Lady Si, and all other ladies and young Misses," Li Jieyong was aware of the displeasure his elder brother, Li Jiesong held for him. Still, he didn’t care. He deemed his older brother a fool, not worth any effort or plotting to deal with him.

Provided that he performed well today, his path ahead would undoubtedly be smooth.

"Are you the second son?" Old Madame Si inquired gently, looking at Li Jieyong.

"Yes, I am Li Jieyong, the legitimate second son of the Li Residence’s main branch of the third generation." Li Jieyong responded politely without a hint of ingratiating, "I am grateful that Old Madame remembers me."

"Good." Old Madame nodded approvingly.

Li Jiesong was furious, feeling that Li Jieyong was deliberately showing off in front of the Si Family, stealing his thunder.

"Grandma, it seems we’re late," interfered Si Jinyu, already stepping forward to help and act coquettishly with the Old Madame, without waiting for Li Jiesong to make his move.

"Come in." The Old Madame gently patted her hand and laughed, "You are just in time."

"Please." The Si Family was Chu Suifeng’s staunchest supporter, and Li Jieyong dared not neglect the family, guiding them personally further into the courtyard.

The Old Madame of the Li Family was delighted to see Old Madame Si coming. She waved for her to sit near her. Next to her were already sitting the matrons of the Wu and Luo Families, along with various other ladies and girls. The Old Madame seemed to enjoy the bustle.

"Why did you come so late?" Old Madame of Li expressed her displeasure as soon as Old Madame Si sat down.

"The Prince has arrived!" A thunderous voice rang out from outside the courtyard before Old Madame Si had a chance to explain.

"The Prince has arrived."

"The Prince has come." Everyone present, except for the Old Madame, rose to their feet.

"Grandma, Cousin Brother has arrived." Li Yanran’s face glowed with delight. Her eyes shimmered with joy and longing, for she had sought her grandmother’s assistance in discussing her marriage with Chu Suifeng. After today, everyone in the Northern Land might know that she was the mistress of the Wang Residence.

Although Chu Suifeng possessed many women in his backyard, he had no empress in his residence, and no woman accompanied him on significant occasions. As a result, every legitimate daughter of the big families in Feng City had their hearts set on him. Many of today’s guests at the Li Residence actually came with an eye on Chu Suifeng.

In an atmosphere filled with warmth and loud excitement, Chu Suifeng, with calculated calmness, finally emerged, causing many people to gasp in surprise. Shockingly, this time a woman stood beside the Prince!

Chapter 487: Chapter 487: The Wind Rises and the Waves Swell (1)_1

There was a woman by the reclusive Prince’s side; everyone’s eyes fell on Lin Ziyin.

These eyes were mostly filled with curiosity and jealousy. Having chosen to follow Chu Suifeng, Lin Ziyin was well prepared for this.

In the face of complex gazes, she stood quietly beside Chu Suifeng. The smile on her face was also faint, making people feel at ease.

Among the guests at the Marquis residence, many knew Lin Ziyin, like the people from the Si Family, Luo Family, and Wu Family. The elderly ladies and ladies from the three families looked at Lin Ziyin with complex eyes, in thoughtful recollections, wondering if they had ever slighted Lin Ziyin in the past.

No matter what the Prince’s motive for bringing Lin Ziyin was or what her future status was, just based on Chu Suifeng’s attitude towards her today, no one in Feng City or even the entire Northern Land would dare to offend her.

From the moment Lin Ziyin appeared, Li Yanran looked at her with venomous eyes. Was this woman naturally her enemy? Why was she standing by her cousin’s side? That position was clearly supposed to be hers.

An enemy in love is more loathsome upon sight. Li Yanran ranked Lin Ziyin as her number one enemy in her heart.

"Prince." Marquis Li was the first to step forward, breaking the silence in the courtyard.

"No need for formalities, Marquis," Chu Suifeng responded symbolically by lifting his hand. Hearing him call himself Marquis, Marquis Li’s heart trembled, a wise man would have been able to hear how distant Chu Suifeng was from him.

Chu Suifeng didn’t have time to deal with Marquis Li. His purpose here was not for him.

"Follow me to pay respects to my maternal grandmother." Chu Suifeng turned to Lin Ziyin and whispered softly. "Don’t be afraid, she is a kind old woman."

Lin Ziyin nodded slightly.

Chu Suifeng, known as the War God in the Northern Land, always wore a stern face and killing aura in public. Almost no one had seen him with the gentle expression he wore today for Lin Ziyin, which dumbfounded many people.

"Honglin." The old lady called out to Chu Suifeng.

Chu Suifeng walked over in a few steps and replied softly in front of the old lady, "Grandmother, today I brought someone important to meet you."

The old lady’s eyes had been on Lin Ziyin for a while. She followed Chu Suifeng’s gaze, and her sight fell on Lin Ziyin again.

Lin Ziyin wore a goose-yellow dress, a white bodice, a bright yellow waistband around her waist, and not too many ornaments on her head, just a jade hairpin and two small pink silk flowers. She wasn’t extraordinary in appearance, but she was rather radiant, giving people a comfortable feeling.

What attracted the old lady’s attention the most was not Lin Ziyin herself, but the jade bracelet on her wrist. She recognized that bracelet; strictly speaking, it originated from her maternal family. Even as the legitimate daughter, she did not get that bracelet. Her mother had directly passed it on to her daughter.

The significance of the jade bracelet was clear. The old lady thought of the words her granddaughter and son had pleaded with her a few days ago. Her mood immediately became heavy.

She was aware that Chu Suifeng was not particularly fond of his two sons, and he didn’t like her granddaughter, Li Yanran. But what can be done even if she knew it? Both sides are flesh and blood to her. She loved her grandson Chu Suifeng, but the children of the Li family were her children and grandchildren as well. She was old and genuinely hoped to see harmony and happiness among her children and grandchildren in her lifetime.

Back then, the Li family had to relocate to the Northern Land with their whole family under the oppression of the emperor. If she were to pass away, and the Li family lost the protection of the Prince, they would soon be expelled from the aristocratic families of the Northern Land.

Chapter 488: Chapter 488 Turbulence (2)_1

If such consequences were to occur, she wouldn’t know to how face the ancestors of the Li Family in the afterlife.

"Cousin, you are intending for Grandmother to introduce Miss Lin, aren’t you?" Li Yanran, fearing that Chu Suifeng would utter something earth-shattering, preemptively broke the silence.

She looked at Lin Ziyin with a beamish smile, as if they were long-lost sisters, and said, "Grandmother, this Miss Lin is quite remarkable. The local roast duck restaurant, and even the Vegetarian Feast at Ding’an Temple, were both opened in partnership with Cousin."

Miss Lin? Lin Ziyin chuckled softly. She knew exactly what sort of person Li Yanran was. This young girl was scheming and malicious, petty and jealous; Lin Ziyin would definitely not become friends with such a person.

She was sure Li Yanran was burning with rage at this moment – wishing to tear her apart – yet still addressing her so affectionately. One would wonder whether she felt stifled at such hypocrisy.

Of course Li Yanran felt stifled; her inward rage could burn Lin Ziyin to ashes. Unfortunately for her, Chu Suifeng’s presence kept her in check!

Ignoring Li Yanran’s words, Chu Suifeng turned around, took hold of Lin Ziyin, and led her to meet the Old Lady.

Congyi found two cotton pads from somewhere and placed them on the ground. Chu Suifeng, pulling Lin Ziyin along, kneeled down, saying, "Grandmother has been urging me to get married. Today, Honglin presents his wife for your inspection."

His wife? Li Yanran’s head spun as her world started swirling around. She looked at Chu Suifeng tearfully, yet dared not speak. While she harbored deep resentment for Lin Ziyin, she also blamed Chu Suifeng. Did her cousin not understand the implications of the term ’wife’?

Marquis Li and Lady Mu were taken aback. The guests around them no longer dared to study Lin Ziyin insolently.

They also understood the meaning of Chu Suifeng’s words.

While Si Jinyu felt a faint sigh of regret, she remained calm with her head down. Suddenly, Old Lady Si quietly reached out to hold her hand.

Nearly to the point of tears, Si Jinyu clasped Old Lady Si’s hand back fiercely.

"She’s your grandmother, a woman I deeply respect. From now on, you should also call her grandmother," Chu Suifeng turned to Lin Ziyin once more.

"Grandmother," Lin Ziyin obediently responded.

Everyone held their breath, awaiting the Old Lady’s response.

Despite Lin Ziyin’s prowess, she lacked in terms of status. If the Old Lady opposed this union, would the Prince fall out with her?

"Ziyin is a gentle and thoughtful woman. She will surely manage the Wang Residence well and take good care of my grandson. I will not let her, a woman I am fond of, be wronged." Chu Suifeng firmly held Lin Ziyin’s right hand, disregarding the outrageousness of his public display of affection.

With each word Chu Suifeng spoke, Li Yanran felt as if her heart were dripping blood. She had harbored feelings for Chu Suifeng for many years and never heard him speak so tenderly to her. She anxiously waited for the Old Lady’s decision.

"Good child." The Old Lady’s face was plastered with a warm smile. After Lin Ziyin and Chu Suifeng had given her three formal bows, she gently helped Lin Ziyin to her feet and inspected her carefully. Her gaze revealed an elder’s affection for the younger generation.

"Honglin is always preoccupied with state affairs, he has no experience in taking care of a girl." The Old Lady held onto Lin Ziyin’s hand tightly, showing no intention to let go, as Lin Ziyin felt mildly uncomfortable.

She was never fond of being too close to unfamiliar people. Despite feeling the Old Lady’s goodwill towards her, she still felt discomfort. However, she didn’t resist, choosing instead to smile at the Old Lady, "I am honored by your affection for me, Grandmother. The Prince treats me very well."

Chapter 489: Chapter 489: The Wind Rises and the Waves Swell (3)_1

Hearing her refer to herself, many aristocratic young ladies showed a sneer on their faces. Indeed, she must come from a small family, she doesn’t even know how to address herself. In such an important occasion, she should have referred to herself as ’this girl’. She dares to use ’I’ in front of the old lady and the Prince, she really has no manners at all.

"A good child indeed." The old lady’s tolerance towards Lin Ziyin exceeded many people’s expectations.

"Honglin didn’t even send someone to notify us in advance, it caught me off guard, and unfairly burdened this girl." The old lady complained while ordering someone to bring a box from her room.

The people around her moved quickly, and before long, a maid presented an exquisitely carved box.

The old lady handed the box to Lin Ziyin,"The things in this box were given to me by my mother when I got married. Now I pass them onto you, hope you take good care of the Prince in the future. This boy has been living alone for too many years, he’s too lonely."

Lin Ziyin could hear the regret and self-blame in her tone. Although she didn’t know what was in the box, it was made of pear wood, carved so delicately, and given that it was the dowry of the old lady, she knew this gift was too valuable.

She hesitated and looked at Chu Suifeng.

"What are you looking at him for? Although I told you to take care of this boy, it doesn’t mean you have to consider his feelings in everything you do." Without allowing her to refuse, the old lady stuffed the box into her hands.

There was a full smile on Chu Suifeng’s face, he seemed to enjoy the harmonious scene between the old lady and Lin Ziyin.

"Grandmother, I am the real relative here," he joked. Those around them, whether sincerely or not, burst out laughing.

"You are already so grown-up, do you still want to be jealous of your own wife?" The old lady laughed and scolded.

"Why wouldn’t I be jealous? You gave her such a big gift upon first meeting her, and yet I never see you giving me anything." Chu Suifeng was joking around with her, creating a harmonious atmosphere.

"Miss Lin is talented and smart, it’s not surprising that the old lady takes a liking to her. The Prince, you can’t steal her spotlight." The Si Old Lady joked.

"That’s right! Old lady, save some time for us later." The Wu Old Lady also said with a smile, "These days, we’ve been wanting to find her."

"Look at that, just as she’s arrived, you guys are already trying to take her away from me." The Li Old Lady also joined in the jovial conversation.

"Miss Lin will be your granddaughter-in-law in the future, old lady, you can see her whenever you want. Unlike us, trying to meet her is not easy. She’s a busy woman." Luo Old Lady chimed in with a smile.

The atmosphere suddenly became very lively.

Li Yanran and Lady You, standing behind Lady Li, were bulging their eyes in disbelief. They knew the value of the gift Lady Li had bestowed upon Lin Ziyin. They had tried to curry favor with Lady Li many times hoping to receive this box, but Lady Li never hinted that she would give it to them.

They didn’t expect Lady Li to present this box as a gift to Lin Ziyin, who she just met. Why? Why? The eyes of the two ladies turned red with envy.

"This officer pays his respects to the Prince." As they were talking, the men from the other courtyard came over to offer their salutations to Chu Suifeng.

"You’re excused." Chu Suifeng, seemingly in a good mood, greeted them with a continuous smile.

"Si Jinyu, Luo Yanlan, I leave my queen to you." He turned his head to look at two beautiful girls in the courtyard and instructed. "I’m going to the front yard, if there’s anything, just have a maid come to tell me."

"The Prince, rest assured, with Grandmother and two young ladies here, I will take good care of myself." Lin Ziyin lightly promised.

Chapter 490: Chapter 490: The Wind Rises and the Waves Swell (4)_1

"I assure you, Your Highness, we will not fail you," Si Jinyu and another young lady bowed and pledged allegiance.

Chu Suifeng nodded and left with a group of men in tow.

The courtyard was then left with only the women, each of them extravagantly dressed, alluringly attractive. Those who wore light makeup, like Lin Ziyin, were limited.

"Miss Lin, your skin is truly impeccable. Is the Lin Family store about to unveil a new line of cosmetics?" Although Chu Suifeng had left, the remaining people dared not to act insolently in front of Lin Ziyin, and the environment consequently fell into an uncanny silence. The woman appointed by Chu Suifeng to care for Lin Ziyin finally broke the silence.

"The creams and waters currently on the market are ordinary, but soon our store will release a premium and a luxury line. In addition, makeup removers and masks will also be launched," Lin Ziyin responded with a smile. Being a woman of few words, she felt uncomfortable amidst the throng of women in the Li Residence.

Luo Yanlan gave her an opportunity to speak, which she took advantage of promptly.

All women yearn to be beautiful, and as the proprietor of the Lin Family store, there’s likely no one more knowledgeable about cosmetics than Lin Ziyin. Soon, everyone was gathered around her, laughing and chatting.

"It’s good to be young," the old Lady Si commented, watching the group of young girls engaged in conversation.

"Never mind them, I know you ladies also want to join in and ask questions. Feel free to go and inquire. There’s no need to keep this old woman company," the old Lady Li advised the slightly older women who were standing beside her.

The Mu family and Li Yanran were envious, but as they were in the Li Residence, they dared not commit any foul play against Lin Ziyin.

"Grandmother, since we only have women here, why don’t we play a game of drum poetry?" Lady Yu came up with an idea. She thought they couldn’t openly hurt Lin Ziyin, but what about underhanded tactics? How would Lin Ziyin defend herself?

"Grandmother, indeed, with so many people, playing the drum poetry game would be fun. But which theme should we use for the poems?" Wanting to embarrass Lin Ziyin, Li Yanran didn’t want to miss this opportunity.

Lin Ziyin, a commoner by birth, probably didn’t even know what a poem was, did she? Let’s see how they make a fool out of Lin Ziyin and how she would feel about it when it happens.

"Why bother with the drum poetry game when we could simply chat? It’s lively with so many people," Lady Li disagreed unwillingly. She sighed inwardly, thinking how unsophisticated these descendants of hers were. Didn’t they notice the favor that the Prince had shown Lin today? Did they want to insult Lin Ziyin with this inferior plan so much that they were willing to risk the Prince’s wrath and possibly end their support for the Li Family in the future?

What a short-sighted bunch of people.

Ladies like Lady Si, Lady Luo and Lady Wu, and others of Chu Suifeng’s close servants, all knew that Lin Ziyin would be the future mistress of the Prince’s Residence. They certainly couldn’t stand to let her be humiliated.

"Indeed, although we are old, we are interested to learn more about cosmetics from Miss Lin," Lady Wu interjected with a laugh.

"The Lin Family will host a free trial of their cosmetics at a product showcase in Shili Village. We will have professional makeup artists on hand. I invite all of you to visit in three days," Lin Ziyin replied with a smile, "Since we have all gathered today and it seems Madame Li and Miss Li wish for us to have some fun, then why don’t we play a game?"

Upon hearing this, Lady Si and the others were slightly taken back. They thought that Lin Ziyin would know that Li Yanran and Lady Yu had intended to make things difficult for her, yet she had agreed to Li Yanran’s proposal.