Ch. 646..650: The Princess of Northern Land Chapter 646-650

Chapter 646: Chapter 646: Really Ruthless (6)_1

"Yes, I understand." Lin Ziyin kept nodding, fearing that Chu Suifeng would keep nagging her if she didn’t respond. You see, Zige and Guo Huiniang had been chattering non-stop in her ear these days, to the point she felt like she was growing calluses in her ears.

Once he was assured by her promise, Chu Suifeng satisfactorily pulled her close and gently kissed her cheek. "When I come back, if you feel bored, invite some of the maids in to keep you company."

"Alright," Lin Ziyin obediently agreed, "It’s cold outside, Prince, dress warmly."

She saw Chu Suifeng had already taken off his heavy coat from outside and thinking of the snowy outdoors, Lin Ziyin couldn’t help voicing her concern.

This kind of concern was precisely what Chu Suifeng desired. Pleased, he pressed another kiss on Lin Ziyin’s lips. "My heart is warm, I don’t feel cold at all."

"Prince, Lin Haisheng from the outer hall seems to be making a fuss to see Consort Lin," reported Lun Luo as she came in.

News of what happened in the outer hall would quickly reach them thanks to the likes of Congyi.

Lin Ziyin pushed him away, "You should go check it out."

"Rest assured, little fishes can’t stir up big waves," Chu Suifeng said as he was leaving. "Hurry and serve the food to the Princess."

The maids outside responded in unison.

"Princess, the food is ready." Qiaoqiao and Hong Ying came in, cleaned up the table, and arranged the served food.

On a closer look, Lin Ziyin noticed that the table was laden with all her favorite dishes, a total of twelve. "You girls take a few dishes and eat, quick, before everyone arrives. Otherwise, you’ll have to wait until evening."

"Princess, you eat first. After you finish, we servants will eat," replied Hong Ying, smiling.

"No need, there’s so much food, there’s no way I can finish it all alone. You take half of the dishes next door and eat there. We are short of supplies in the Northern Land, we can’t waste food," Lin Ziyin said, half-joking, half-serious.

"This?" Hong Ying was somewhat hesitant.

Qiaoqiao was firmer, "We’ll wait to eat what the Princess leaves."

Upon hearing this, Lin Ziyin frowned slightly but chose not to say anything. She took off her red bridal gown, keeping on just her woolen clothes and jacket, and sat down to start eating.

Qiaoqiao and Hong Ying served her, Lin Ziyin ate quickly, yet with grace.

"I’m done, come and eat," said Lin Ziyin. She put down her chopsticks, accepted the handkerchief handed over by Qiaoqiao, and wiped her mouth as she spoke.

Qiaoqiao, Hong Ying, and the others saw that she had hardly touched most of the food on the table, they knew she’d intentionally left it for them and were deeply touched.

"Is the Princess finished?" An elderly matron-like figure walked in to inquire.

"This servant pays respects to the Princess." Following the matron was another matron.

"You can stand up," Lin Ziyin signaled for them to rise. Now there were two more matrons in the room. They must be people Chu Suifeng had arranged.

The Lin Family was from a humble background and didn’t have any high-ranking matrons. It must have been Chu Suifeng who specially arranged these two.

As they were from her own side, Lin Ziyin’s attitude towards the two was even more kind.

"This servant’s surname is Qin and hers is Lu. Both of us were previously serving under the favor of the deceased consort. The prince asked us to come here and serve you, our Princess. Please, graciously accept our service," said the matron named Qin. As they finished speaking, both Qin and Lu prostrated themselves and, before Lin Ziyin could react, heavily kow-towed three times.

Chapter 647: Chapter 647: Really Ruthless (7)_1

"Get up, quickly get up." Startled, Lin Ziyin finally snapped back to reality. She hadn’t expected these two maids to be old servants from Empress De’s side. Based on this status alone, Lin Ziyin had to regard them in a different light.

"Thank you, Princess Consort." Qin MaMa and Lu MaMa, having come from the palace, were very precise and courteous in their etiquette.

"You two haven’t eaten yet, have you?" Seeing that the four maids standing by the table were struggling, Lin Ziyin kindly said, laughing.

"We old servants will eat later." Lu MaMa smiled at Lin Ziyin, her eyes filled with gratification and joy.

"Princess consort, the bride should not remove her wedding gown." Qin MaMa couldn’t help but warn her.

"I understand. It was a bit hot while eating, so I removed it beforehand." Lin Ziyin answered quite awkwardly, "No one is coming for now, so you two should go for dinner first. Otherwise, when people come later, you will be needed. Even a body of iron cannot withstand hunger."

Qin MaMa and Lu MaMa saw that the maids were indeed uneasy. After expressing their thanks, they left in compliance.

After seeing the two maids leave, Hong Ying and the others seemed relieved.

"If we don’t eat soon, the food will get cold." Lin Ziyin said lightly with a chuckle.

The maids laughed with gratitude at her words, and then started eating.

"I heard that Lin DaRen was displeased with my arrangements?" Chu Suifeng, in the front hall, immediately set his sights on Lin Haisheng as soon as he stepped in.

Lin Haisheng was indeed dissatisfied in his heart. After all, his daughter was his legitimate second daughter. Even in the Capital City, she could be a hot selection for the role of Princess Consort, if not for the particular circumstance that led to her being sent to the Northern Land’s Wang Residence as a consort.

Such a promising girl was in the Wang Residence yet receiving inhumane treatment, Lin Haisheng couldn’t swallow this fact.

"What does the Prince mean?" As an experienced official, Lin Haisheng put on a smile despite his internal dissatisfaction. "I am simply worried about my daughter. I was somewhat worried due to not seeing her on such an important occasion."

"Just worried?" Chu Suifeng replied coldly after looking at him, "Do you not think you’re here to cause trouble, rather than to visit?"

A direct confrontation? Chu Suiyun and the Duke of Rui were both flabbergasted.

"Prince, you must understand, I dare not." Lin Haisheng’s surprise was apparent, with a hint of sweat on his back.

"Dare not?" Chan Suifeng’s voice harboured displeasure, "Knowing full well that today is my wedding day, you let a consort preside over organizing the house on the day my princess consort arrives. What were you intending?"

The crowd became noisy.

The leading wife in a large family was supposed to arrange for the introduction of concubines. If a consort was left to organize events, it was an issue beyond simply defying the Princess Consort’s authority. One could consider that Lin Haisheng harboured malicious intentions, and that he wanted his daughter to seize the position of the Princess Consort from Lin Ziyin.

Upon Chu Suifeng’s prompting, Lin Haisheng had also come to grips with this point, his face instantly growing pale.

Even the Emperor himself couldn’t decide the consort of the Prince. Though he was the Minister of Rites, he’d committed a novice mistake. Everyone was guessing that he was purposely encouraging his daughter to harbour ill intentions towards the Princess Consort.

"I accept my mistake. I beg for the Prince’s understanding. My only intention is my concern for my daughter, and nothing else." Lin Haisheng apologized, his face covered in a cold sweat.

"Haha, today is your joyous day, why speak of such gloomy matters?" Duke of Rui came over, laughing, playing the good guy, "Sir Lin is merely missing his daughter from whom he has been separated for a long time."

Chu Suiyun lazily watched from the side but didn’t join the conversation.

"Humph, so much the better. I don’t want to hear any gossip that would upset the Princess Consort." Chu Suifeng answered coldly, giving some face to the Duke of Rui.

"Sir Lin, there are many days ahead of us. After the consort has met with the Princess Consort tomorrow, the Prince will undoubtedly arrange a meeting between you two."

"Thank you, your Highness." Lin Haisheng, feeling slightly stunned, bowed in acknowledgement to Chu Suifeng’s gesture.

Only then did he firmly acknowledge that this was the northern land, not a place where he, an official from the Capital City, could freely exert his power.

The people around Chu Suiyun watched as the Duke of Rui easily handled the situation by speaking a few kind words, earning Lin Haisheng’s loyalty. Secretly anxious, they hoped that Chu Suifeng would also intervene with a few nice words to win over Lin Haisheng.

"Congratulations, your Highness."

"Your Highness, happy wedding."

At this point, the entire hall was filled with joyous clamor. It seemed everybody had forgotten the previous weirdness and discomfort.

"Please enjoy yourselves. Today, I can’t enjoy drinking to my heart’s content with everyone, so please allow Situ Gong and Luo Er to accompany you all for a drink." Chu Suifeng was the first to refuse anyone’s attempt to toast him.

"HAHAHA."

"Hehe."

Understanding laughter could be heard everywhere.

"Your Highness, I also happened to come for a drink." A lazy voice with a hint of humor resonated, standing out amidst the noise.

Everyone looked over, only to see a handsome boy in a teal long robe entering the hall. Si Jinhan, unseen for a long time, now stood before them all.

"How did the work go?" Chu Suifeng asked in a cold voice.

"Mission accomplished." Si Jinhan replied nonchalantly grinning, "Blackie’s troops were wiped out by me, and none of the thirty thousand granaries were lost."

Chu Suiyun’s face tightened subtly. He had never anticipated Chu Suifeng’s ruthlessness; sending men to suppress the outlaws on his joyous day. The man was indeed ruthless!

Chapter 648: Chapter 648: Unwilling (1)_1

How could King Chu not be anxious? Blackie was ostensibly a bandit from the Northern Land, but secretly, he was working for him.

Thirty thousand loads of grain, that was a huge sum. Added to the grain that Blackie had previously used to test the waters, nearly forty thousand loads of grain had easily fallen into Chu Suifeng’s hands. How could he not feel heartache? But he Chu Suiyun had to swallow this bitter pill silently.

Cruel, truly cruel. Blackie had been silent for so long, planning to move the grain to Border City while the defences outside Feng City were lax on Chu Suifeng’s wedding day. But who could’ve thought that Chu Suifeng would be just as ruthless, having Si Jinhan silently lay a trap on his wedding day.

Chu Suiyun had never underestimated the Prince, but through today’s events, he had a higher regard for Chu Suifeng.

The Prince was ruthless to both others and himself, and his mind was meticulous. He was definitely a worthy opponent for Chu Suiyun.

"Did anyone die?" Chu Suifeng asked indifferently, be it on a festive banquet his question was inappropriate, but he asked as casually as he would ask about the weather. It was this damn indifference that made Chu Suiyun angry. As the King of Chu with Jiangnan as his fief, he had far more silver on hand than Chu Suifeng. Even if it was forty thousand loads of grain, he could afford the loss.

What really upset him was Chu Suifeng’s attitude. Chu Suiyun didn’t believe that Chu Suifeng wouldn’t know that Blackie, who had been hiding as a bandit in the Northern Land for many years, was his man.

Putting it plainly, choosing this time to eliminate Blackie was actually a warning to him.

Prince Rui was secretly delighted in his heart. Although he didn’t say anything, his ears were pricked up high. He enjoyed the conflict between Chu Suifeng and King Chu. Let them fight. It would be best if they hurt each other. One was a wolf, the other a tiger leopard. As far as the Crown Prince was concerned, both were powerful opponents. If these two were to fight, the pressure on the Crown Prince’s side would be lessened.

"Blackie escaped, the rest were all eliminated." Si Jinhan responded lazily with a laugh, his demeanor was even more laid-back than Chu Suiyun’s. "Your Highness, does my congratulatory gift pass?"

Chu Suiyun felt slightly relieved. It was still good that Blackie hadn’t died. It wasn’t that he had deep feelings for Blackie, but because Blackie had been in the Northern Land for many years, he was an important chess piece of his Chu Suiyun. If he wanted to keep Chu Suifeng in check, he had to retain this spy Blackie.

"It passes." Chu Suifeng answered with a light smile, "Take a drink on my behalf with everyone."

Today was Chu Suifeng’s wedding day and none of the guests dared to freely pour wine on him. However, when the second and third son of the Luo family came forward, everyone was especially pleased. Particularly the merchants who were present, they were overjoyed.

After all, in Northern Land noble young masters like Si Jinhan and Luo Yan were like gods. It was usually harder for them to get close to these young masters than to get to heaven. But today was different. If they could strike up a conversation with them while drinking, it would make future business more reassuring.

For a moment, all the people wished they could get close to Luo Yan and Si Jinhan.

Of course, those who wanted to curry favors with King Chu and Prince Rui were not in the minority.

The master of You Residence was desperately trying to ingratiate himself with Chu Suiyun and Prince Rui. He was almost scared to death just now. He knew better than anyone how those grains ended up in Blackie’s hands. Because most of them were transferred out by the You Residence.

Since the third son eliminated the bandit and wiped out the bandits, if the Prince found out that the grain came from them, the You Residence would surely be exterminated. With this thought, You Shiyong broke out in a cold sweat.

However, seeing that the third son had not mentioned You Residence and hadn’t even glanced at him at all, You Shiyong’s mind began to stir again. The trade between You Residence and Blackie had always been known only to the two of them. The rest of the bandits did not know who sold them the grain. As Blackie had already escaped from Si Jinhan, perhaps the You Residence was safe.

Chapter 649: Chapter 649: Unyielding (2)_1

Regardless, the You Residence could not be entirely at ease now, they still needed to cling to a powerful figure.

In the Northern Land, there were few who could act as such powerful entities, and all these few were aligned with Prince Ling. Even if You Shiyong wanted to gain their favor, he would need to carefully weigh his options.

He would not be so foolish as to provoke people like Chu Suifeng and Si Jinhan, who were more cunning than foxes. If he stumbled, he wouldn’t even know how he died.

After much deliberation, several ideas already swirled in You Shiyong’s mind in a short span of time. His gaze swept back and forth among the key figures, finally settling on his target.

King Chu and King Rui were not from the Northern Land, but if they could win their favor, maybe the You Family could turn their situation around. After all, with the statuses of King Chu and King Rui, they certainly had the power to uplift a humble aristocratic family.

If it eventually came to light that the You Residence was selling grain, worse comes to worst, the You Family could simply follow the two princes and leave the Northern Land.

"Your Highnesses, Ding’an Temple is a sacred place in our Northern Land, and the winter plum blossoms are now in full bloom there. If you are interested, this humble one is willing to lead the way and serve as your guide," You Shiyong said, kowtowing to curry favor.

"I heard that due to the cold climate, ordinary plum blossoms simply cannot survive here. Is it possible that the rumors are false?" Prince Rui asked in surprise.

"That sounds fascinating," King Chu spoke languidly, "Are they like the ones in Ling Prince’s Residence that only thrive thanks to the heating wall?"

"Not at all," You Shiyong quickly denied and explained, "The rumors are true, the cold climate of the Northern Land does not support the growth of plum blossoms. However, last year, the Princess Consort’s men discovered a hot spring in a mountain valley where the climate is warmer than elsewhere. So, Prince and Princess Consort decided to plant a large plum forest there. This year is actually the first year the winter plum has blossomed. Additionally, since the hot spring is close to Ding’an Temple, anyone visiting the temple would inevitably go to enjoy the plum blossoms."

Seeing You Shiyong’s smug demeanor, both Prince Rui and King Chu shared a smirk, tacitly agreeing to visit the plum forest and Ding’an Temple the next day.

Seeing their agreement, You Shiyong felt a weight lift off his shoulders.

Lady You also worried, fearing that the You Residence’s dealings might be exposed and drag her and the Marquis Residence down. However, she felt a little relieved when she saw her brother You Shiyong talking to King Chu and Prince Rui.

There was absolutely no chance to depend on Prince Ling’s Residence anymore, but if the You Residence could cling to either King Chu or Prince Rui, they wouldn’t have to worry even if something went wrong.

Li Jiesong was on pins and needles, filled with regret. Had he known, he would have rather died than be involved in the grain business. Engaging in such a business had led him into a predicament where withdrawing was difficult. If Prince Ling found out he was behind the grain dealings, he would definitely be punished severely. Moreover, the third and second princes were worse than incarnations of the King of Hell, they would certainly not let him go easily.

The more he thought, the more fearful he became, and the more he blamed Lady You. If it wasn’t for her whispering words in his ear, he would never have had the courage to get involved in the grain business.

Chu Suifeng picked up his wine glass and slowly walked towards a table.

Everyone held their breath, quietly watching his move.

Chu Suifeng arrived at a table and finally stopped, "Maternal grandmother, today is a joyous day for me. I toast this wine to you to express my gratitude for all the years of care you’ve given me."

After he said this, he lifted his glass and drained it in one go.

"Good, good." The old lady’s eyes glistened with unshed tears. For so many years, her wait had finally paid off. She had seen Prince Ling grow from a helpless infant to a towering figure and most importantly, she had witnessed his marriage.

 

Chapter 650: Chapter 650: Unwilling (3)_1

Trembling, she also picked up the small wine cup and slowly drank the wine inside.

"The weather outside is cold, and it’s my great joyous day today, maternal grandmother, it would be best if you could stay the night at the residence. The room has already been taken care of by my servants." There was an unusual warmth in Chu Suifeng’s eyes.

"I thank you, Prince." Even as an elder, given the occasion today, the old lady still had to thank him in her capacity as a subject.

Only when the old lady and Chu Suifeng truly began to eat were the atmosphere at the banquet truly enlivened.

Prince Chu and Prince Rui were determined to corner Chu Suifeng, but it’s a pity that civil and military officials from the Northern Land came forward almost unanimously, rushing to toast them first. They seemed to be scrambling to curry favor with them in their eagerness.

Unexpectedly, Luo Yan and Si Jinhan, who were clamoring to have wedding wine earlier, appeared to be ignored, with few people coming over to toast them.

"I am not fond of drinking." Even if he could drink a lot, it would be difficult to withstand so many people.

Before long, both Chu Suiyun and Prince Rui could not hold up against the onslaught of toasts.

What’s more horrifying is, in the open customs of the Northern Land, even before the men finished their wine, there were already numerous women holding wine cups waiting to come over to toast. If one didn’t know, they might assume that these two were the main characters in today’s grand wedding.

Si Jinhan and Luo Yan smiled lightly as they watched the two princes who were being warmly entertained, and then silently sat down to eat and drink.

Chu Suiyun and Prince Rui weren’t fools, they couldn’t be so easily drunk by others.

"I just arrived in the Northern Land, and I felt a little cold yesterday. Therefore, I shouldn’t drink too much wine." Prince Chu playfully declined everyone, his eagle-like eyes gleaming.

"I am not good at drinking and rarely drink. However, everyone’s good intentions..." Prince Rui was employing a people-friendly strategy.

"It seems that the two princes are dissatisfied with me?" Before he could finish his emotional speech, the groom not far away had already been angered. "Are you even unwilling to drink a cup of my wedding wine?"

Prince Chu and Prince Rui saw that he was going to go crazy again. Both were inwardly bitter. They had come to attend the ceremony, and they actually had something to ask of Chu Suifeng later on. Neither of them could, nor were they willing to, have a falling out with Chu Suifeng at this time.

"Little Seventh, how can you say that?" Prince Rui tried to lighten the situation, "It’s true that I don’t drink much, but I didn’t say I won’t drink the wedding wine."

"That’s more like it." Chu Suifeng looked somewhat satisfied, then turned around and sternly "reprimanded" his subordinates, "Don’t think I don’t know what you’re plotting. You just want to get me drunk and make me lose face in front of my wife."

All the military generals immediately broke into laughter.

As military officials, their manners were naturally more straightforward. Immediately, a military general voluntarily stepped forward and responded with a smile, "Prince, when I got married, you made me get so drunk that I fell under the table. Even now, whenever my wife is upset, she brings up this incident to needle me. You can’t be left out on your wedding day, Prince."

"Yes, yes, Prince. There is no distinction between big and small for three days when getting married. No matter what, you have to drink a few more cups today." Some people chimed in.

"What nonsense." Mei Hanqing shook his head repeatedly with a look of disdain.

Both Prince Chu and Prince Rui breathed a sigh of relief. Good, they didn’t have to drink now.

"Prince Chu and Prince Rui wouldn’t just stand by and watch me get drunk, would they?" Chu Suifeng casually turned his head and looked at the two of them with a faint smile. "I don’t believe the two of you hold any grudges against me."

With that said, he had monopolized both the compliments and the criticisms.

Today was clearly Chu Suifeng’s wedding day. Why would their refusal to drink become a sign of their dissatisfaction with him? Prince Chu and Prince Rui found Chu Suifeng absolutely baffling.