Ch. 501..505: The Princess of Northern Land Chapter 501-505

Chapter 501: Chapter 501 A resounding slap (1)_1

Chu Suifeng gazed down at the person in his arms, detecting a hint of petulance mixed with seriousness in her expression. This left him wondering whether she was really upset. Being inexperienced in romantic relationships, the Prince suffered from a particularly strong fear of loss. Especially since Lin Ziyin, he knew, was someone who detested even the slightest unfaithfulness in romantic affairs. Now that he had initiated the subject of the women in the backyard of his residence, Chu Suifeng was ridden with insecurity.

"If you do not wish to manage them, the butler can do it for you. Anyway, they will be disposed of soon," Chu Suifeng tentatively suggested after pondering the issue.

"I do not want to be involved. However, if they dare to trouble me, I will certainly make sure they understand not to mess with me. You better not feel sorry for them then." Lin Ziyin shot him a sideward glance as she spoke.

"Nonsense." Chu Suifeng, having never dealt with a woman before, could not distinguish between her feigned tantrums and cunning tactics. Her words left him slightly anxious.

Lin Ziyin glanced at him with a half-smile, making no attempts to argue back.

Feeling overwhelmed, Chu Suifeng couldn’t counter her. In a spontaneous move, he leaned down to plant a feather-light kiss on her lips, "Are you jealous?"

Lin Ziyin felt slightly shy but mostly scornful. Having lived two lifetimes, she was emotionally mature. If she were to feel jealous over some irrelevant women, she might as well not live in this ancient time. "Has the prince forgotten? The Lin Family produces heaps of vinegar. Why would I be jealous?"

Chu Suifeng felt both regret and joy when he heard her deliberately confuse the two concepts. As the Prince who ruled the Northern Land, the women by his side ought to be special. If Lin Ziyin were to constantly make a fuss about insignificant matters, he wouldn’t have the patience or time to placate her. Yet, her indifference stung him.

As a man newly in love, Chu Suifeng wished more than anything to occupy every corner of Lin Ziyin’s heart.

"In the chilly winters of the Northern Land, the snow is quite deep. Have you ever trained your men in skiing or ice skating?" Lin Ziyin, unsettled by his mixed emotions, asked. While she was willing to be open-hearted with Chu Suifeng, she was, in essence, a newbie herself, clueless about how to treat or care for him.

The clueless pair inevitably suffered from moments of awkwardness. To alleviate the awkwardness, Lin Ziyin strategically brought up a topic of mutual interest.

"Skiing, ice-skating?" Chu Suifeng relaxed his hold on Lin Ziyin and stared at her puzzled, "What use are they?"

"Snow and ice are common occurrences in the Northern Land during winters. If the soldiers learn to ski and skate, they can assemble quickly during battles. In case of enemy pursuance, they can also shake off their pursuers more effectively," Lin Ziyin explained, "Even when it comes to delivering food using sleds across the frozen rivers in winter, the speed would also be much higher."

Chu Suifeng’s eyes lit up upon hearing this, "Nobody in the army knows how to ice skate or ski. What should we do?"

"Don’t rush to train the soldiers. If one is to specifically teach skiing and ice-skating, these skills can be mastered in just a few days. As we’ve just entered autumn, and the weather isn’t cold enough yet for snow and ice river training. Once winter arrives, the prince can send some soldiers over. I’ll train them for a few days. Once they’ve mastered the techniques, they can apply them in real-life situations. I believe they will pick it up quickly. However, if sleds are to be used for food transport, the prince needs to find some sled dogs for training first, as horses won’t be used to pull the sleds, but dogs instead." Lin Ziyin explained.

Chapter 502: Chapter 502 A resounding slap (2)_1

The last time she was in Border City, she had carefully studied the river from Feng City to Border City. Although the Northern Land was cold, there were many rivers, and a large one ran between Feng City and Border City. Lin Ziyin believed that with proper training, transporting goods on ice would be much faster than traveling by carriage through the accumulated snow.

"I’m afraid I’ll have to trouble you," Chu Suifeng said apologetically, looking at Lin Ziyin.

Lin Ziyin sat up straight and replied with a faint smile, "Prince, you’re too kind."

Chu Suifeng was taken aback. Realizing that Lin Ziyin would also become the mistress of the Northern Land, he found his courtesy seemed distant.’It was Prince who misunderstood,’ he smiled at her, ’I take back my words.’

When Lin Ziyin heard his correction, she understood that he knew her intentions and couldn’t help but smile. The two of them were silent but their silence was more eloquent than words.

For the first time, Chu Suifeng found himself feeling particularly close to Lin Ziyin.

The distance from the Marquis Residence to Wang Residence was not particularly close, but neither was it too far. It took about one incense stick’s duration if one traveled slowly by carriage.

"Prince, Miss." Butler Bai Xian had been waiting at the gate with his servants.

Lin Ziyin slightly raised her head, carefully examining the gate of the Wang Residence. A plaque above the gate read "Wang Residence," penned with large characters in red on a golden background. It had an elegance yet sharpness as well. Guards in black armour stood with their weapons on both sides of the gate, while two fierce stone lions sat at the base of the stairs. The daunting atmosphere of Wang Residence’s guard was palpable even before Lin Ziyin stepped in.

"Is everything ready?" asked Chu Suifeng.

"Everything is prepared as per your instructions, Prince. Master Situ had given his orders earlier," Bai Xian replied earnestly.

"His name is Bai Xian, the butler of Wang Residence. If you need anything, just ask him. He is as important in this residence as Master Situ," instructed Chu Suifeng, turning to Lin Ziyin.

"Mr. Bai," Lin Ziyin acknowledged the butler with a modest nod. Given her current status, she was not required to pay deep respects to a butler, even if he was extremely valuable to the Prince.

Although Bai Xian had never been to the estate side, he was familiar with Lin Ziyin. He was well-aware of all the contributions she had made to Wang Residence. Despite it being their first meeting, Bai Xian showed Lin Ziyin the full extent of his loyalty.

"Please, Miss," Bai Xian said, slightly turning aside, not daring to accept her nod of respect. "Please don’t let this slave age prematurely."

His use of the term ’slave’ further displayed his attitude towards Lin Ziyin.

"Mr Bai, I don’t want to take advantage of your good nature. As the Prince respects you, I dare not act superior. I’ll still need your help in the future," said Lin Ziyin, with a casual smile lacking any arrogance, "I am from a humble background and may lack knowledge in estate management. I hope that if you find me wanting in the future, you won’t hesitate in pointing it out."

As an elite businesswoman in modern times, Lin Ziyin understood the importance of a top-tier butler. After entering the Wang Residence, she must secure good relations with the Butler as she, being the mistress of the residence, would often need to interact with Bai Xian.

"Madam is too humble. Whatever the lady requires, just command this slave," said Bai Xian, touched by Lin Ziyin’s high regard for him, but appearing even more humble on the surface.

Chapter 503: Chapter 503 A resounding slap (3)_1

Chu Suifeng happily watched Lin Ziyin and Mr. Bai Xian exchange greetings, particularly observing Bai Xian’s respectfully treating Ziyin, which brought an even broader smile to his face. "Enter the residence," he said.

"Yes, Your Highness," Bai Xian stepped aside to make way.

The gate guards all snuck glances at Lin Ziyin. Seeing Chu Suifeng reach out to hold Ziyin’s hand, they all widened their eyes in surprise.

Congyi, Conger, and the others proudly watched the guards, then followed Chu Suifeng and Lin Ziyin into the residence with their heads held high and chests out.

"From now on, seeing her is as if seeing me. She may freely come and go from the Wang Residence, without anyone needing to report it," Chu Suifeng, who had just walked a few steps with Lin Ziyin, suddenly stopped, speaking solemnly as he looked outside the main gate.

The crowd was taken aback, but quickly understood his meaning. They were well-trained guards who naturally understood the Prince’s instructions, "Yes, Your Highness," they replied.

After giving his instructions, Chu Suifeng continued leading Lin Ziyin by hand into the Wang Residence.

The Wang Residence was not as luxurious as Lin Ziyin had expected. There were very few plants in the courtyard, but it was well-appointed with pavilions and terraces galore, making each courtyard appear particularly spacious.

"This is the courtyard prepared for you." After passing through several gates and walking along the corridors, Chu Suifeng finally led her to stop at the entrance of a courtyard.

"This humble one pays respects to Your Highness." The gate was guarded by two women who appeared to be in their forties, dressed in servant attire. When they saw Chu Suifeng approach, they promptly and respectfully greeted him.

"You two are to take good care of the young lady. If she suffers even the slightest discomfort, I will make no allowances," Chu Suifeng said sternly, not allowing them to rise yet.

"Yes, Your Highness," the two women promptly agreed, although they did not dare sneak a glance at Lin Ziyin.

"Your humble servants greet Your Highness." Unexpectedly, there were more people in the courtyard. Hearing the commotion outside, all the maidens emerged from the house. Lin Ziyin discreetly counted and realized there were eight maidens.

"She is your new mistress. Your futures lie in her hands," Chu Suifeng solemnly instructed the maidens who had emerged.

"Yes, Your Highness." No one dared to defy the Prince’s command.

"You may rise," Chu Suifeng said, then turned and wore a gently intimate expression, "Go in and see if you like it. If not, let me know and I will have it change it for you."

"Alright," Lin Ziyin agreed with a light smile.

The two walked side by side into the courtyard, followed closely by Hong Ying and Lun Luo, along with Mr. Bai Xian. Aside from them, all the guards stayed at the courtyard gate.

"Brother Congyi, is she to be our future Mistress?" one maiden quietly asked Congyi in surprise.

Before Congyi could answer, a scolding voice of a matron met her ears, "Is the Prince’s business something for you to discuss? Do you not want to live?"

"Auntie, I was just curious," the startled young girl hastily explained in a whisper.

"This is the Wang Residence, coveted by multitudes. If you don’t want to stay, ask Manager Bai to replace you. Don’t cause trouble for all of us by angering the Prince and the young lady," the matron said, not mincing words.

In grand households, nothing was more taboo for servants than loose lips stirring up strife, especially in the Wang Residence!

If not for the sake of the new Mistress, there would typically be no maids in the Wang Residence. These maids, who were specially chosen to be here and yet dared to gossip being about their master’s private affairs, were simply outrageous.

Chapter 504: Chapter 504 A resounding slap (4)_1

"Madam, she is just a child, merely curious, she meant no harm." Conger said with a smile, trying to intercede on her behalf.

The madam gave him a cold, sideways glance, her attitude remaining unchanged, despite his proximity to the Prince. "You should be saying these words to the Prince, Guard Conger."

Choked by her words, Conger did not dare to speak rashly anymore.

"We must respect those who the Prince respects. We shouldn’t be spreading baseless gossips behind their backs." The countenance of another madam also turned frosty.

Despite appearing deferential in front of Chu Suifeng, looking like humble gatekeepers of the courtyard, their actual stature was known to all the maids and guards at the courtyard gate.

Such formidable old ladies had been arranged by the Prince to guard a single courtyard, it implies the importance he attaches to the woman residing inside.

"Henceforth, the young lady will be the Mistress of the Wang Residence, and there will be no other Mistress henceforth," said Congyi, who held the highest position among the guards. He looked at the maids and declared, coldly.

These maids were not ordinary either; they all have been picked meticulously by the Hidden Guards. Each one of them possessed exceptional martial arts skills. Being part of the Hidden Guard, they were ready to lay down their lives if need be. Having trained alongside Chu Suifeng from a young age, their loyalty towards the Prince ran deep.

Actually, transforming from a guard ready to die into a maid in the Wang Residence was almost seen as a promotion for them.

As Chu Suifeng pulled Lin Ziyin inside the courtyard, she found it to be quite spacious. Compared to the front yard, it was distinctive, the biggest change being the yard full of exotic flora, and a decently sized pond, in the middle of which stood a large pavilion. There were three paths built connecting the shore to the pavilion, the architecture carrying the style of Jiangnan.

"Let’s take a look inside the house," Chu Suifeng suggested with a playful smile.

Lin Ziyin nodded in agreement and followed him inside.

The interior of the house was beyond luxurious. Not only the furniture, but everything including the doors and windows, were made of pear wood. Her eyes caught sight of the glaze on the doors and windows, this sent her into a state of absolute delight.

"My Lord?" Lin Ziyin extended her hand to touch the glass on the doors, her eyes still locked with Chu Suifeng’s.

Seeing the surprise in her gaze, Chu Suifeng couldn’t help but laugh. "When I heard you speak about of the features of glass, I sourced it from some Persian merchants. The clear glass is extremely rare, took a considerable effort to find them."

Bai Xian, standing behind Chu Suifeng in silence, couldn’t help but exclaim internally. The glass was not only scarce but exorbitantly priced as well. Only the Wang Residence in Feng City could afford to have glass embedded into their doors and windows. However, the glass worked wonders, as it made the room appear bright and luminous.

"Madam, this mirror is incredibly clear," Qiaoqiao exclaimed in surprise while looking at the mirror on the dressing table, "it seems to be made of glass, too."

"My Lord, this must have cost a fortune?" Lin Ziyin asked with a smile.

"Hmm," Chu Suifeng admitted without trying to hide this fact, "The windows and doors of the pavilion in the middle of the pond are also embedded with glass. You can enjoy the cool breeze in there in summer, and not worry about the wind and snow in winter."

"Did my uncles make the furniture?" Lin Ziyin questioned again. Last time, she had heard about a pearwood furniture order at the carpenter’s shop. She had no idea that the client was Chu Suifeng. This made it clear that Chu Suifeng had been decorating this house for a while now.

"Was the color to your liking, as I had chosen the shades you usually prefer?" Chu Suifeng asked, sitting in the chair.

"I like it," Lin Ziyin nodded.

Unlike other girls, she never favored vivid colors; she preferred shades of blue and soft yellows. This room was decorated primarily in blue and yellow, with other shades merely providing a touch of contrast.

Chapter 505: Chapter 505 A resounding slap (5)_1

Chu Suifeng was very considerate, this room was almost identical to the one she stayed in at the Lin’s residence. If there were any differences, it would be that the decorations and furniture here were even more luxurious.

Her boyfriend was willing to put in extensive effort for her, and Lin Ziyin had nothing to complain about.

"Did you not eat well at the Li’s residence due to the crowd?" Chu Suifeng looked at her while smiling and asked.

Lin Ziyin nodded, not minding it at all.

"Prepare an early meal." Chu Suifeng ordered.

"Yes, Your Highness," replied Bai Xian.

"Follow him to the kitchen, instruct him on your preferences." Chu Suifeng added, speaking to Qiaoqiao.

This time Qiaoqiao didn’t decline, she happily followed Bai Xian toward the kitchen.

"Come, follow me to the study." Chu Suifeng didn’t stay in the room for long either.

Lin Ziyin was stunned, wasn’t the study a restricted area? It was her first time here, and Chu Suifeng was in a hurry to bring her to the study, wasn’t that a bit rushed?

Chu Suifeng didn’t care about the complexity of her feelings, he took her hand and led her directly to the study.

The courtyard of the study was next door, where Chu Suifeng currently resided. Compared to the courtyard designated for Lin Ziyin, this one was much more spacious. There were no trees or even a single blade of grass.

This is too monotonous. Lin Ziyin thought to herself.

"Your Highness." The door was being guarded by black armored guards, they saw Chu Suifeng and Lin Ziyin and immediately bowed in respect.

"From now on, she can come and go as she pleases." Chu Suifeng didn’t even halt his steps, he pulled Lin Ziyin and directly entered the study.

The black armored guards were so shocked by his words that they couldn’t close their mouths. Who was this woman, that His Highness trusted her to such an extent?

"Open your eyes wide and recognize your future princess." Congsan teased.

Fu...Future princess!? All the black armored guards were astounded by the title, their eyes widening.

The Wang Residence was substantial, but it also had its limits. The women residing in the rear courtyard quickly learned from various sources that the prince had brought back an unfamiliar woman today.

Suddenly, the courtyard was buzzing with excitement.

"How can there be a woman by His Highness’s side? You must have made a mistake." A shriek was heard from Gao Meiren’s courtyard.

"This servant heard it from the kitchen staff, I dare not spread rumors." A maid wearing a green dress answered trembling.

"I don’t believe it, I don’t believe it." Gao Meiren’s face twisted in frustration. She knew that many of the beautiful women in the rear court had ulterior motives, and she was no different. Yet, she actually loved Chu Suifeng.

From the initial reluctance to when she first laid eyes on Chu Suifeng galloping on his horse, she had lost her heart to him. Over the years, she has indeed never dared to defy the Emperor’s decree, but all the information she passed on was just trivial affairs, not betraying the prince. Because she has been awaiting her turn to become the actual mistress of the Wang Residence.

She could not accept that the prince had brought an inexplicable woman back to their residence today!

"Now that’s interesting." Lin’s consort remarked with a cold laugh.

"Miss, should we pass on this information?" The maid asked softly.

"No rush, let’s wait and see." Lin’s consort replied nonchalantly.

The maid shivered, breaking out in a cold sweat. She knew she had overstepped her boundaries, "Miss, I had your best interest in mind."

"No need," Lin’s consort coldly rebuff.