Ch. 651..655: The Princess of Northern Land Chapter 651-655

Chapter 651: Chapter 651: Unwilling (4)_1

Ironically, many military generals seemed to take Chu Suifeng’s words as truth. As soon as his words ended, many cast dubious glances at Chu Suiyun and the King of Rui.

"I am here only for the ceremony, nothing else," the King of Chu declared, unafraid of backlash, rejecting the request on the spot.

"I, too, am unable to assist," replied the King of Rui, swayed by Chu Suiyun’s craftiness.

"You do seem to harbor dissatisfaction towards me. Have I done something to make both of you wary?" Chu Suifeng’s voice grew cold. "I decree, as of today, no mercantile caravans are allowed to pass through Chuyun Pass."

"Yes, my Prince," a high-ranking general stood up, agreeing firmly. "After finishing this cup of celebratory drink, I will immediately lead my troops back to Chuyun City."

The Kings of Chu and Rui twitched at Chu Suifeng’s audacity, suspecting that he must have known their intentions all along.

"Ha ha, little brother. I was merely joking. It’s your wedding day, why would I let you get drunk? Your bride would blame me if that were to happen." Chu Suiyun, versatile as he was, immediately changed his tone. "You take things too seriously. Why discuss official matters on a festive day? It might dampen everyone’s mood!"

"Even if it kills me, I won’t let you get drunk before entering the bridal chamber. I am waiting to hear flattering words from your bride, and to partake in the merriment in Shili Village," declared the King of Rui without hesitation, revealing his purpose.

Being aware of his intentions, the King of Rui decided to seize the initiative by stating his purpose outright.

"Prince, you’re cheating!" a military official protested.

"What, afraid you can’t outdrink me?" The King of Rui chuckled, deftly sidestepping the issue.

The military official grimaced at a glance from Chu Suifeng, then reluctantly responded, "I dare not entertain such a thought. But I am eager to test the Prince’s drinking capacity."

"So am I, quite curious indeed."

...

"You are many, don’t go overboard. One drink per person should suffice," Chu Suifeng reminded.

The words of Chu Suifeng provided some relief to the Kings of Chu and Rui.

"Alright, one drink it is," agreed the General heartily, filling two bowls before respectfully handing them to the Kings of Chu and Rui. "Allow me to toast the two Princes."

After saying this, he drained his own "cup".

The other generals, also holding large bowls, lined up to wait their turn.

Both Chu Suiyun and the King of Rui were stunned—so this was the so-called ’cup’ in the Northern Lands. With each person serving them a bowl, they wouldn’t get drunk, they’d be dead.

Chu Suifeng managed to evade his fate, quickly returning to the bridal chamber.

In the bridal chamber, the table had been cleared and Lin Ziyin was neatly dressed.

"There will be others coming in soon, don’t be nervous," Chu Suifeng reassured as he sat next to her, his eyes never leaving her since he entered the room.

"I’m not nervous," Lin Ziyin responded with a smile.

"This humble servant pays her respects to the Prince," greeted the two elderly maidservants, their faces tinged with excitement as they entered.

"No need for formalities," Chu Suifeng dismissed with a wave of his hand.

"These two served my mother. From now on, they will serve the Princess. It is inconvenient for a princess not to have any maidservants by her side."

"Their experience will be invaluable. They had served Queen De, and with them by my side, I will have less worries in the future," Lin Ziyin responded with a smile. She knew that Chu Suifeng was worried she might be upset about him introducing new people in her life, hence his detailed explanation.

Chapter 652: Chapter 652: Unwilling (5)_1

"Rest assured, Prince and Princess, I will serve the Princess with utmost devotion from now on." The two nannies weren’t daring enough play it big, so they respectfully made their stance known.

"Princess, save me!" Just at that moment, a woman’s wailing voice suddenly came from outside the door.

"How audacious! Who dares to come here and cause trouble?" Then came the scolding voice of Hong Ying.

The faces of Nanny Lu and Nanny Qin changed simultaneously, they raised their heads cautiously and glanced at Lin Ziyin and Chu Suifeng.

Chu Suifeng’s face had already turned ugly upon hearing the voice. Well good, who had the gall to come and disturb the Princess on her wedding day?

Hehe, it seems his methods have been too soft that allowed those people to think the Princess is easily bullied.

What Lin Ziyin was more curious about, was how strict the management of Prince Ling’s Residence could be. In awe of the butler Bai Xian, the servants shook in fright. How could an incident happen today when Chu Suifeng was present?

"Sister, I am from Madam Qin’s room. Madam Qin has fallen ill and has a fever. If we don’t call a doctor, she will die. I beg you to ask the Princess to find a doctor," the maid outside pleaded with tears in her voice.

Chu Suifeng’s face darkened even more, while Lin Ziyin found it amusing. She’s no fool to quarrel with Chu Suifeng. Why did the maid choose this moment to come just to vent her grievances?

Sensing Chu Suifeng’s anger and worries, she reached out and gently held his hand.

The hand was warm and soft, unlike Chu Suifeng, a man who trained daily. The warmth rushing into Chu Suifeng’s heart, making his heart itch. Great, the Princess isn’t angry!

"A fever? You could find nurse Ming, why bother the Princess at this time,do you want to trouble her intentionally?" Lun Luo’s voice held a trace of anger.

"How dare I trouble the Princess?" The unfamiliar voice outside sounded aggrieved and sad, "Sister, my mistress truly has a fever. I went to find nurse Ming, but she was not there, and Butler Bai was in the front hall, I didn’t dare to go there."

With that, the maid began to cry.

On such a joyous day, how dare a maid cry outside the bridal room? Even if Chu Suifeng did not believe in fate, he was still irritated at this moment.

With a cold expression, he wanted to go out and personally deal with the audacious maid.

However, Lin Ziyin gently held him back and shook her head at him.

Only then did Chu Suifeng withdrew his foot, but his face still looked awful.

Nanny Qin saw this and went out with a frown, "Hong Ying, follow her to find a doctor in the Residence for her mistress."

"Yes, Nanny." Hong Ying responded loudly. From the voice, Lin Ziyin deduced that Nanny Qin and Hong Ying must have known each other before, otherwise they would not be so familiar in such a short time.

"No need, I’m here." A cold voice rang out, and Lin Ziyin found the voice familiar.

"Do you realize your mistake, Nurse Ming?" Nanny Qin’s voiceheld an unusual severity.

"Yes, I understand." Nurse Ming replied with a soft voice, "I caught a cold. I didn’t expect that in the span of a turn, she actually found her way to the Princess’s bridal chamber. It’s my fault. A doctor has already been arranged to see Madam Qin. This maid is ignorant, I will punish her."

"Since you realize your mistake, go to the Punishment Hall for punishment, Nurse Ming," Nanny Qin stated without any emotion.

"Yes." Nurse Ming’s voice was emotionless as well.

Inside the room, Chu Suifeng’s face had turned an ashen color, "One hundred lashes and confinement in the rear courtyard for three months."

Chapter 653: Chapter 653: Unwilling (6)_1

"Thank you, Your Grace." This time, Miss Ming’s voice finally carried a tremble. "I wish that the Prince and Princess Consort will grow old together, a couple full of love."

Lin Ziyin remained silent. She was no fool—the maidservant from Lady Qin’s side managed to get into her courtyard. How could a weak woman come this far without the support of anyone?

It was said that this Miss Ming managed all the women in the rear courtyard. If she said she didn’t know about this matter, Lin Ziyin would absolutely not believe it.

"The Princess Consort spare us." Outside the room, the maid who got here first was kowtowing and crying desperately.

Lin Ziyin still said nothing.

Since they decided to be pawns of others, why should she be the nice person? Did they really think she was as malleable as dough, with no temper at all?

"What’s this?" Suddenly, there was a flurry of footsteps outside, followed by the surprised voice of the old lady.

"To answer the old lady, it’s just a small matter." The old Miss Qin replied respectfully.

"Miss Qin?" The old lady called out Miss Qin’s name in surprise.

"I’m here, my respects to the old lady."

Upon hearing this, Lu, the wet-nurse in the room, looked at Lin Ziyin.

Lin Ziyin understood her meaning and nodded her head.

Then, Nurse Lu also went out, "My respects to the old lady."

"Lu Ping?"

"The old lady still remembers this servant, the old lady is safe." Nurse Lu’s voice was full of sentiment.

"Good, it’s good that you’re all here." The old lady murmured to herself.

"Help, old lady." The maid, seemingly not wanting to be ignored, cried loudly for help.

"What’s this?" The old lady looked at the maid on the ground with doubt.

"Lady Li, this maid is obviously not the Princess Consort’s person. Today is a joyful day for the Prince and Princess Consort, yet she knelt here crying and making a fuss, it’s simply ill-intentioned. In my opinion, such a restless maid should be taken down and harshly punished, then sold away." Lady Luo, being from a military general family, started off fiercely.

"No, the servant dared not make trouble. It’s simply because my mistress is seriously ill, and I had no choice but to come to the Princess Consort for help to find a doctor. Unbeknownst to me, Miss Ming had already arranged for a doctor." The maid cried out, "It was me who was impulsive. I beg the old lady and the Princess Consort to spare this servant."

"Miss Ming." The old lady held back her anger and glared at Miss Ming.

"Old lady." Miss Ming looked back at the old lady with a bitter smile, "It’s due to my lack of consideration, I’m willing to accept punishment."

"Young lady." A maid standing beside her hurriedly defended her, "The old lady may not know this, but our young lady has also caught a cold and didn’t know that Lady Qin had fallen ill."

"Hua Mei." Miss Ming stopped the maid from continuing. "You get up, your mistress has already taken the medicine, you don’t have to worry. However, according to the rules of the rear courtyard, those who leave without permission shall be beaten to death."

"Princess Consort, old lady." The maid on the ground cried even harder.

Chu Suifeng’s face was so dark it seemed like ink could drip from it.

Good, they were all so brave, daring to play small tricks under his watch.

"Shut up." Nurse Lu was threatening, "Today is the wedding day of the Prince and Princess Consort, how dare you wail here. It seems like you are tired of living. However, the Princess Consort is kind-hearted, considering your loyalty to your mistress, she will spare you today. But you can’t escape punishment entirely. Tomorrow, you will go to the rear hall for fifty strokes."

The maid thanked them with tears of gratitude and dared not cry out anymore.

"Please go in and tell the Princess Consort, we are here to pay our respects to her." The Grand Lady spoke lightly to Miss Qin and Nurse Lu.

Chapter 654: Chapter 654: Unwilling (7)_1

"Come in," commanded Chu Suifeng with a cold voice.

Everyone was taken aback. No one had expected that despite the commotion outside, the Prince was actually in the room. Upon hearing his voice, all the women present shot a mocking glance at Miss Ming who was standing aside.

Unfortunately, Miss Ming kept her head lowered and no one could see her expression.

Since the Prince was present, it meant everything happening outside was within his control. Despite her displeasure, the Old Madam did not continue to pursue the matter.

In the end, she was only the Prince’s maternal grandmother, not his paternal grandmother. It was not her place to meddle with the affairs of the women in the Prince’s backyard, regardless of their status.

Reflecting on how someone had come to stir up trouble on the first day of the princess’ wedding, some of the women felt sympathy for Lin Ziyin, while others rejoiced in secret, and some pondered thoughtfully.

"Go back," Miss Ming commanded in a whispered, clenched teeth to her maid who was on the ground.

The maid shivered as she thanked her and got up from the ground, following behind Miss Ming with her head bowed.

"Miss!" suddenly, the maid beside her shrieked.

Lady Li and the others turned their heads and saw that for some unknown reason, Miss Ming had collapsed in front of them.

At this moment, Miss Ming’s frail body was being held by her maid whose face had turned as white as a sheet from fright.

"Mama, call the doctor, our Miss has fainted!"

Mama Lu and Mama Qin coldly watched the people on the ground, then calmly instructed, "Someone, carry Miss Ming back and have the residence’s doctor check her condition."

No sooner had the order been given than several sturdy old women came in from outside and carried away the person on the ground.

The maid by Miss Ming’s side cast a glance at the bridal chamber, seeing that its doors remained firmly shut, she harbored resentment in her heart. But she dared not to reveal the slightest emotion on her face and hurriedly followed the old women out.

After the commotion, tranquility finally returned to the courtyard. The women who had come to see the newlyweds quietly followed Mama Qin and Mama Lu into the bridal chamber.

The bridal chamber was aglow with red. Every item in the room was extravagant, even the hooks of the bed curtains were made of gold and jade.

"Greetings to the Prince and Princess," the crowd bowed in respect.

"Please, everyone, make yourselves comfortable," Lin Ziyin greeted kindly, aware that these visitors were the most distinguished ladies in the Northern Land. No matter how much she disliked dealing with others, she would have to interact with these women in the future.

"The Princess is really unparalleled in beauty today," someone complimented with a laugh.

"The Princess’s skin is so dewy, it could be squeezed out," another inquired about her skincare routine.

...

Women’s conversations were always plentiful, and all seemed to flatter Lin Ziyin. Chu Suifeng, a grown man, didn’t find it distasteful at all.

Lin Ziyin could easily cope with others, but with Lady Li present, she had to take it seriously. Regardless of the fact that Lady Li was a person Chu Suifeng cared for, considering the old lady’s age, Lin Ziyin didn’t want to upset her.

"The weather is cold outside, Old Madam should wear more layers," she said with a sweet smile, looking like a well-behaved younger generation.

"The down jacket the Princess gave me is very warm," Old Madam smiled at her, "The Princess is beautiful and kind. I am grateful."

The words seemed to be incongruous, but Lin Ziyin, Chu Suifeng, and everyone else present understood. They secretly pitied Old Madam for having such descendants.

"The Prince has prepared a room for Old Madam. It’s not far from our yard. We hope Old Madam can spend more days here," Lin Ziyin invited with a smile.

"I am thankful, Princess," the Old Madam nodded energetically.

The whole room was filled with women who did not stay too long in the bridal chamber due to the presence of Chu Suifeng. They basically left after exchanging greetings. Even though the visitors were fleeting, they were incessant due to their large number. It was only late in the evening that the flow of guests began to ebb.

"I’m exhausted," Lin Ziyin said languidly, lounging on the bed.

Chu Suifeng’s eyes were deep. No matter how tired Lin Ziyin was, he was going to ensure she freshened up properly. He had no intention of wasting their wedding night.

At the entrance to the Wang Residence, despite the darkness, the guests departing from the prince’s residence wore satisfied smiles.

Among the crowd, the most satisfied was undoubtedly the Marquis Li.

Ha! The Prince indeed treated the Old Madam differently. Now that the Old Madam was staying, perhaps the Marquis Residence could take this opportunity to mend ties with the Wang Residence.

Chapter 655: Chapter 655 Allocation(1)_1

Li Jiesong followed anxiously behind the marquis, and equally upset was Mrs. Mu. She had spent the whole day watching the prince, who was beaming with joy, and the more she watched, the more upset she became, feeling that her daughter had been wronged.

Her daughter, Li Yanran, had admired Chu Suifeng for years, only to end up in her current predicament. Thinking of her daughter, who was at home in a delirious state, Mrs. Mu’s heart ached as if it was being slowly cut by a sharp blade.

Over these years, because she only had one daughter, she had invested even more time and effort into Li Yanran than her two sons.

Her daughter was such a fool for putting her heart on a man who was cold and indifferent.

Speaking of cold and indifferent, she once again glanced at the jubilant Marquis Li, feeling even more despondent. She knew well that in Marquis Li’s heart, nothing could compare to wealth and honor, but sadly, he was short-sighted and failed to seize the opportunity.

Not far away, Prince Chu and Prince Rui were indeed drunk as mud, their steps unsteady, and if not for the support of their guards, they would have already been lying on the ground.

But after all, they were of noble birth, and even in their drunken state, they did not act disgracefully.

"Not drunk, this prince isn’t drunk. General Luo, don’t leave, come with this prince for another drink at the post station," Chu Suiyun rambled on, struggling to pull General Luo along.

"Hehe, it’s the seventh brother’s wedding today, this prince is happy. Drink, none of you can play dirty, if you don’t drink, this prince will be upset." Prince Rui was also somewhat incoherent, but luckily he still remembered the mission he was entrusted with today.

"Farewell, your highnesses." Bai Xian and Situ Gong respectfully saw them off.

"Grand Secretary Mei should still remember his mission to the Northern Land, shouldn’t he?" From a distance, Lin Haisheng stared at Mei Hanqing with a cold look in his eyes.

Initially, Mei Hanqing clamored to volunteer to head to the Northern Land to monitor Prince Chu on behalf of the Imperial Court. But in actuality, what had Mei Hanqing done since his arrival in the Northern Land? He established free schools for students, assisted Chu Suifeng in drafting a series of edicts, and completely seized the spotlight, yet he did almost nothing for the Imperial Court.

"Sir Lin, this official certainly remembers why I came to the Northern Land," Mei Hanqing responded pretentiously. After arriving in the Northern Land and spending his days with the open-minded locals, Mei Hanqing had long shed his former pedantry. The lies just flowed naturally, without a second thought.

"Hmph, the Emperor has been thinking about you, I don’t know what advice you want to give to the Emperor. I can pass on your message for you," Lin Haisheng did not hesitate to threaten him immediately.

However, this tactic had little effect on Mei Hanqing. A person who had plotted for years to leave the Imperial Court and, with all his heart and mind, planned for Chu Suifeng and the Northern Land, would certainly not volunteer to return to Daqin to meet his death. In the Northern Land, where they were far from the Emperor’s grasp, the Emperor couldn’t do much to him. Besides, even if the Emperor issued an edict ordering them to return, Prince Chu’s resourcefulness would allow them to stay unscathed.

Even so, Mei Hanqing still saved face for Lin Haisheng. He made a big show of being mysterious as he looked at Lin Haisheng, "Sir, don’t you think that I’m doing something that’s greatly advantageous for the Imperial Court? All future officials in the Northern Land will be the Emperor’s people. Isn’t what I’m doing enough?"

Lin Haisheng gave him a sidelong glance, not believing him for a second. It all sounded good - Mei Hanqing was managing all the schools in the Northern Land, and the talents trained there would all serve the Imperial Court in the future. Perhaps in a few years, all the civil officials in the Northern Land would be graduates of these schools.

The idea was brilliant, but since arriving in the Northern Land, Lin Haisheng had seen a completely different Mei Hanqing, one who was far from his usual "corrupt" and "candid" self. There was no way he could believe that what Mei Hanqing was doing was for the Emperor’s sake.