Ch. 491..495: The Princess of Northern Land Chapter 491-495

Chapter 491: Chapter 491: The Wind Rises and the Waves Swell (5)_1

However, the old lady quickly thought of Lin Ziyin’s ability, and her tense nerves immediately relaxed.

Si Jinyu also exhaled. Despite what she felt inside, she had to protect Lin Ziyin because the Prince had ordered her to do so. As a member of the Wang Residence, she had to obey. "Grandmother, we want to play too."

"Yes, let’s go to Shili Village in a few days. With the crowd, we can all have a hearty laugh," Luo Yanlan agreed with a smile.

Li Yanran sneered at Lin Ziyin’s performance. Just keep pretending. A peasant girl trying to be elegant? You won’t be smiling for long.

"Well, in that case, whoever writes the best verse can add a bit of color," suggested the old lady Luo, smiling, "This old woman is a bit older, and I’d like to contribute one hundred silver to entertain the old lady Li."

"If you’re willing to contribute, I’ll add a hundred silver," The old Lady Si and the old Lady Wu also agreed, sponsors contributing with laughter.

"Today is my birthday. I can’t just watch you all contribute. Well, I’ll put in five hundred silver. The top winner gets five hundred silver, the runner-up two hundred, and the third place one hundred. Let’s say the theme is the chrysanthemum," the old lady Li said, finally getting into the spirit as she saw the young people brimming with enthusiasm.

"Ladies and Misses, now that several old ladies have put up prizes, you all have to put your abilities to the test and take the prizes back home," Mrs. You said in a joking manner, her beautiful eyes slanting at Lin Ziyin.

Lin Ziyin, busy having an enjoyable conversation with Si Jinyu and Luo Yanlan by her side, seemed not to be aware that Mrs. You was deliberately targeting her.

"Let the young ones have fun. We old folks will just watch from the sidelines," laughed the old lady Wu.

"We have many young girls and young wives here, so let’s set a rule. Any lady who has a married son or daughter shouldn’t participate in this game," said the old lady Li enthusiastically.

When the birthday celebrant spoke, who wouldn’t give way? Very soon, the servants of the Marquis Residence had prepared all the props necessary for the drum and passing flower game.

The drummer was a maid from Mrs. You’s side, her eyes covered with a red cloth so she couldn’t see the game’s participants.

"Let’s get started," ordered Mrs. Mu, with a smile.

The drum started to beat, and the fiery red satin flower began to be passed among white and delicate hands of the women.

In the next yard, everyone laughed as they heard from a servant about the commotion on the other side.

"They seem to be having fun on their own," joked Luo Yan, "They’ve totally forgotten about us!"

"As a grown man, you should be ashamed of wanting to join in the game," General Luo glared harshly at his son.

"Life is short, isn’t neglecting fun a loss?" replied Luo Yan, grinning. Around people, he always played the role of a spoiled younger brother, saying whatever he wanted.

However, no one dared to dismiss Luo Yan lightly. If Si Jinhan was a tiger with a friendly face, then Luo Yan, or the ’Second Young Master Luo,’ was a sly Wolf. In Feng City, he was almost synonymous with the ’Living King of Hell.’ Consequently, although General Luo scolded him, none of those present dared to neglect Luo Yan.

Li Jiesong felt his legs weaken when he saw him.

While Li Jiesong prided himself on being a refined gentleman in Feng City, he was nothing more than a humble and silent man in front of Si Jinhan, Luo Yan, and Wu Mei. The countless times he had been beaten by the three, resembled the multitude of strands in his hair.

Chapter 492: Chapter 492: The Wind Rises and the Waves Swell (6)_1

"You unfilial son want to be the death of me." General Luo’s dignity was compromised in front of everyone by his own son, his anger causing his beard to bristle. If they hadn’t been guests at the Li Residence, Luo Yan would’ve most likely been given a good beating. "Can’t you just do something sensible for once?"

"Sensible?" Luo Yan looked at General Luo with amusement, then casually replied, "How about I help the prince streamline the grain trade?"

The mention of grain was too sensitive, and immediately, the lively chatter in the room ceased.

Li Jiesong’s legs wouldn’t stop shaking. Why did they have to bring up the grain trade? He was scared that his secret activities would be discovered by Chu Suifeng’s people. If that would stir up a big mess, even if Chu Suifeng spares his life for the sake of their relatives in the Marquis Residence, he wouldn’t escape punishment for his crimes. He didn’t want to spend his life in jail.

"Not a bad idea." Chu Suifeng responded lightly.

"I heard that the Prince’s estate has already started experimental planting of rice and wheat. I wonder if the Prince could bring us along for the ride next year? I have the fields the Prince generously bestowed upon me, and I wouldn’t mind asking the Prince for a little favor." Shao Liufeng said with a smile.

"Your Highness, I, too, have some fields, but as a blunt man, I have no idea how to manage them. Your Highness mustn’t play favorites. If you are going to teach the scholars how to farm, please don’t forget about me." Wa Jie hastily stood up, cupped his fists and said to Chu Suifeng.

With both scholars and warriors asking, many others followed suit and began asking for advice.

After hearing this, Marquis Li felt slightly startled and increasingly like an outsider. Despite being new arrivals, it was clear to those present that these men were devoted followers of the Prince, including Mei Hanqing who had come from the Imperial Court.

That the prince could extend his reach into the imperial court was a clear affront to the Emperor. It wouldn’t take long for the court to understand Mei Hanqing and others were not spies, but there to aid Chu Suifeng in the Northern Land. It made one wonder about their reaction.

Of course, the underlying implications of this talent migration event were worth pondering.

The Prince severing the court’s provision, choosing self-sufficiency for the Northern Land, seemed like a poor move at first glance. But those with discernment would realize that the real winner here was the Prince himself.

The Northern Land is frigid, but vast. Its total land area likely exceeds that of Jiangnan and the Capital combined by several folds. The court once believed the resource poor Northern Land, with its year-long low crop yield, would forever depend on them.

Now with the North not only able to produce wheat, but also rice, and reportedly with veryhigh yield per acre, even higher than in Jiangnan. Although the downside is that they can only grow one crop per year, the vast expanse of the Northern Land can easily cover the shortfall in frequency of plantings.

With its agricultural self-sufficiency plus business brought by Lin Family, the North is bound to undergo earth-shaking changes. What then, for Chu Suifeng, king of the North?

As a possibility occurred to him, Marquis Li felt a chill down his spine. If the prince declared himself emperor, how would the court, or the Tatars in the North, react? Considering the potential future of the North being under attack from both sides, Marquis Li felt cold sweat run down his back.

"Next year, if you wish to plant rice and wheat, you can learn from either my estate or the Queen’s," Chu Suifeng answered with a light smile.

Chapter 493: Chapter 493: The Wind Rises and the Waves Swell (7)_1

This had brought a chuckle to the crowd, but bitterness filled the heart of the Li family. Was the prince truly planning to abandon the Li family?

"With his tactic of trading grains for goods, the Prince has likely shattered the dreams of those with ulterior motives. I wonder how the Prince plans to deal with those dreamers?" Luo Yan casually glanced at everyone with a hint of a smile.

Sweat immediately slipped down Li Jiesong’s back. He couldn’t help but feel that Luo Yan’s words were directly pointed at him.

No, he needed to quickly dispose of his stockpile of grain. He refused to end up rich but dead.

"No mercy," declared Chu Suifeng, a faint smile on his face yet his words were filled with a decisive, murderous intent.

This almost made Li Jiesong pass out. He couldn’t bear the pressure anymore. Aside from the need to dispose of his own grain supplies quickly, even those of the Yu family couldn’t be allowed to leave any traces.

"The Prince is right. Those who dare to disrupt the grain trade must be dealt with promptly. Otherwise, this will only root future calamities for the Prince." Mei Hanqing agreed, and many others voiced their approvals.

The members of the Li family felt ill at ease, particularly Marquis Li. He wished he knew nothing of Chu Suifeng’s intentions.

The more one knew, the quicker one died. Chu Suifeng didn’t trust the Marquis Residence, yet exposed so much in front of them. What was his goal?

"Go, find out the results of the game next door." Suddenly, Chu Suifeng ordered Congyi who stood behind him.

The abrupt shift from state affairs to personal matters left Marquis Li somewhat disorientated. He sat there in a daze, not reacting at all.

But those who had been serving Chu Suifeng for years knew him well. Nobody expressed their surprise.

"I’m rather looking forward to the Empress’s performance," Luo Yan added in a fearless manner.

Li Jieyong twitched at the corners of his mouth. Was the prince worried that Lin Ziyin would be at a disadvantage? He gave a bitter smile, realizing that his little sister and sister-in-law were truly determined to stir trouble. Did they ever consider that if Lin Ziyin were mistreated at the Marquis Residence, the Prince wouldn’t let the Li family off the hook?

The Prince had brought Lin Ziyin to celebrate his birthday, publicly acknowledging her as his wife; his stance was clear. By making things hard for Lin Ziyin, embarrassing her, did they think they could change anything?

Li Jieyong couldn’t wrap his head around why the old Madam and Lady Mu had not stopped the reckless actions of Li Yanran and Lady Yu.

"Miss Lin, you are really lucky today. The flower is in your hands again," scoffed Li Yanran, looking at Lin Ziyin.

Si Jinyu and Luo Yanlan were somewhat agitated. Including this time, the flower ball had fallen into Lin Ziyin’s hands three times already. If it weren’t for Li Yanran and Lady Yu causing trouble, they wouldn’t have believed it at all.

"You wretch, how did you play the drum? Why did it land in the honored guest’s hands again?" Before Si Jinhan and Luo Yanlan could stand up in anger to argue on behalf of Lin Ziyin, Lady Yu had already begun to scold the maid who was playing the drum. "Guards, drag this insolent girl away and give her twenty hard strokes."

The crowd’s faces drastically changed.

Everyone perceived that Lady Yu was deliberately making things hard for Lin Ziyin under the guise of disciplining the maid.

Lin Ziyin chuckled bitterly. It was indeed difficult to navigate the Marquis Residence’s intrigues. Despite knowing that Lady Yu and Li Yanran had tampered with the drumming segment, she couldn’t let them punish the maid freely. Otherwise, only her reputation would be tarnished.

Perhaps in the past, she could have disregarded her reputation, but not anymore. Because now, she was representing Chu Suifeng, representing the dignity and magnanimity of the Prince’s residence.

"Why is the mistress so angry?" With this thought in mind, she asked with a soft smile, "It’s just a game after all. Moreover, she can’t see me with her eyes blindfolded. Are you saying she has a divine eye and is deliberately making things difficult for me?"

The elder matriarch of the Si family and others nodded in agreement, their admiration for Lin Ziyin growing.

Though Lin Ziyin’s words seemed to be lighthearted, if one thought deeper, she was candidly slapping the face of the Li family. But, they couldn’t find fault with Lin Ziyin. After all, it appeared as if she was generously pleading for the maid, she didn’t directly accuse the Li family of cheating and creating difficulties for her, her future empress. Everyone sympathetically watched Lady Mu’s face as it changed colors. She was the current mistress of the Marquis Residence.

"Step down." Lady Mu couldn’t take it any longer. "Stop speaking nonsense. Miss Lin is not a petty person. Even if you’re uneasy, you can’t punish a maid without reason."

Her words sounded grand, but everyone knew the truth of the matter. Some people lowered their heads to hide their laughter, while some openly wore a mockery on their faces.

"Yes, Madam and Miss Lin have taught me well. I was too hasty and wrongly reprimanded the maid." Lady Yu quickly acquitted herself.

"As the flower ball is in my hands, I suppose I have to step out once again." Lin Ziyin timely moved the conversation elsewhere.

Everyone held their breaths, fixing their eyes on her once again.

"Dense autumn around the house like Tao’s, the sun sets gradually along the edges of the fence. Not that I favor chrysanthemum among all the flowers, but when it blooms, no other flower does." This time, Lin Ziyin chose "Chrysanthemum" written by Yuan Zhen.

The moment her poem was recited, a hush fell over the crowd. Her previous pieces were Tao Yuanming’s "Drinking Wine V" and Chen Yi’s "Autumn Chrysanthemum."

The three poems, whether in terms of artistic conception or in the elegance of verses, had exceeded the understanding of everyone present.

Chapter 494: Chapter 494: Don’t Want to Be a Bad Guy (1)_1

Poetry penned by women often carries a tone of romantic sentiments, or a refreshing style suitable for the occasion. Rarely does one come across poetry like that of Lin Ziyin, imbued with rhythm, imposingness, and profound meanings.

Li Yanran stared at Lin Ziyin in shock, her eyes wide open, not blinking for quite some time. Wasn’t Lin Ziyin just a country girl? How did she manage to compose such splendid poetry? She refused to believe it - who could explain this shocking reality?

Almost simultaneously, the men next door also got to know the three poems composed by Lin Ziyin.

"Excellent poetry! Truly superb!" Mei Hanqing exclaimed in astonishment, almost pounding his hand onto the table.

"We men are no match for the Princess." Yuan Yanzhao sighed, his eyes reluctant to move away from the lines of the poems.

"An extraordinary woman indeed!" praised Shao Liufeng, in an unending stream.

Everyone admired the three poems, expressing continuous awe.

Even the Marquis and Li Jieyong couldn’t help but admire Lin Ziyin. A woman capable of composing such grand poems was indeed a talented lady without a doubt. Who could have imagined a simple farm girl to be such a gifted poet? Chu Suifeng’s perspective was indeed a unique one.

Compared to Lin Ziyin, Li Yanran was worlds away in terms of poetic talent.

The people of the Si, Wu and Luo families were also amazed when they read the poems. Given their prior knowledge of the transformations Lin Ziyin brought to the Northern Land, they found themselves increasingly convinced by their newly crowned princess.

Li Yanran initially thought she could use the game of passing the drum to publicly humiliate Lin Ziyin. Never had she expected Lin Ziyin to surprisingly steal the limelight during the game. Realizing her plot had backfired, she became furious, blaming Mrs. You, who initially suggested the game.

Lin Ziyin’s outstanding performance also took Mrs. You by surprise. For the remaining part of the game, the sisters-in-law tacitly ensured that the flower ball no longer landed in Lin Ziyin’s hands.

"Today is our grandmother’s birthday. I wonder what gift Miss Lin has brought?" Once the game ended and everyone sat down for the feast, Li Yanran seized the opportunity to ridicule Lin Ziyin again.

The women seated around looked at Li Yanran in astonishment. The Li Residence was going to obvious lengths to embarrass the future Princess.

Even in ordinary households, it was considered impolite for the host to ask guests about the gifts they brought. Much less for the daughter of a noble house like the Marquis Residence. Didn’t they understand this basic etiquette?

"Yanran, apologize to Miss Lin right away," Mrs. Mu said with an embarrassed and angry look under the scornful eyes of others. She was angry at her daughter for being impulsive, but even more at Lin Ziyin for her performance today, which left no room for face-saving. "Please forgive her, Miss Lin. Yanran is just a spoilt child. She means no harm."

"Madam, speaking of being young, isn’t Miss Lin younger than Miss Li?" Luo Yanlan interjected with a light laugh, coming to Lin Ziyin’s defense. The prince had entrusted Lin Ziyin to her care. No matter what, she couldn’t allow the Li family to insult Lin Ziyin.

"Miss Li may be young, but she isn’t naive," Si Jinyu also stood up with a smile. "Miss Lin accompanied the Prince to give well wishes to the elder and therefore shares the Prince’s gifts. If Miss Li is curious, she can check the records. Asking such a question in public could make those who know think that Miss Li is naive and curious. As for those who are unaware, they might have other opinions."

Mrs. Mu turned red, and she hated Lin Ziyin even more. She also couldn’t stand Luo Yanlan and Si Jinyu, who were being sarcastic towards her and the Li family, giving them no face. If it weren’t for it being the old lady’s birthday today, and if it weren’t for the prince being next door, Mrs. Mu wouldn’t have put up with the two young girls.

Chapter 495: Chapter 495: Don’t Want to be the Bad Guy (2)_1

But if the two of them really existed, Mrs. Mu could only swallow her discontent. "Did you hear that, Miss Si and Miss Luo are not any older than you, but they act much more mature. You, relying on the favor of the old mistress and me, act coquettish regardless of the occasion. After today, you must recollect your thoughts."

While gently lambasting Li Yanran, Mrs. Mu also implied that Si Jinyu and Luo Yanlan weren’t pure of heart, being devious and manipulative.

If Chu Suifeng was willing to leave Lin Ziyin in the care of Si Jinyu and Luo Yanlan, it showed that these two were not to be trifled with.

"Enough." The old mistress’ face was dark as storm clouds. She slammed her hand on the table. The sound frightened Li Yanran and Mrs. Mu.

Mrs. Mu stiffly turned her head and looked at the old mistress. When she saw her face full of anger, she sobered up instantly. She had made a mistake, gotten so angry at Si Jinyu and Luo Yanlan that she had completely forgotten her place and responsibilities. If the Wang Residence heard about what happened here, they would probably have even more misgivings about the Marquis Residence.

"Are you purposely trying to add trouble for an old woman, hoping that I’d die sooner than later?" The old mistress was furious. She should have never allowed her son to marry a concubine-born daughter. Listening to Mrs. Mu’s words, looking at her actions, none of them were worthy of the role of the family head’s wife of the Marquis Residence.

And looking at how she raised her daughter, who was petty and had unscrupulous thoughts. How could Chu Suifeng ever be attracted to someone like Li Yanran?

Heart sick, the old mistress had reached a realization - her granddaughter was not fit to be the main wife of the Wang Residence.

"The old mistress is the prince’s grandmother, surely the prince would not fail to show his respect for her?" After watching the commotion for some time, Lin Ziyin finally spoke up. She spoke cheerfully, as though completely unbothered by Li Yanran’s attitude, "Miss Li, are you acting out because you fear the old lady might favor the prince over you?"

Mrs. Mu was taken aback after hearing this. She hadn’t expected Lin Ziyin to step in on behalf of both Li Yanran and herself.

Li Yanran’s eyes were slightly red from Mrs. Mu and the old mistress’ scolding. She didn’t appreciate Lin Ziyin’s intervention but rather, her resentment of Lin Ziyin grew deeper. If it weren’t for Lin Ziyin, she would have been the one to impress everyone today and surely, the prince would have taken notice of her. All her careful planning had been destroyed by Lin Ziyin. Now, this conniving woman was trying to use her as an opportunity to appear magnanimous and gain a good reputation. What a shameless thing to do!

The rest of the ladies, however, were silently nodding their heads, Lin Ziyin was indeed able to handle the role of the head of the house, as only someone broad-minded could go far. There was no doubt, Lin Ziyin was not only broad-minded, but incredibly smart as well.

Even if the Li family was domineering, as long as the old mistress existed, the Li family was unshakeable. If Lin Ziyin had stormed off after being provoked by Li Yanran today, the Prince would probably reevaluate her.

Intelligent people always knew the art of workaround.

"However, I’ve also prepared a little something for the old mistress in private." Lin Ziyin continued to speak cheerfully, seemingly unaffected by Li Yanran’s unpleasant expression. "It’s not something valuable, just a pastry I made myself; I don’t know if the old mistress would like it?"

Upon hearing that Lin Ziyin also prepared a gift for the old mistress, moreover, a pastry that she made herself, all the ladies and misses were curious.

The old mistress’ expression returned to normal after hearing what Lin Ziyin said. Her gaze towards Lin Ziyin was softer, "You girl, you’ve prepared a gift and yet kept it hidden. Quickly, bring it out for me to see."