Ch. 676..680: The Princess of Northern Land Chapter 676-680

Chapter 676: Chapter 676: Coma (1)_1

Any business operation of the Lin Family is enough to make people envious! However, the Old Master’s attitude was very firm, and Lin Ziyin had no intention to accept any kinsmen. Even the Prince was backing them, so what did the Lin Family have to worry about.

"Ziyin and I have discussed opening a Lin Family Shrine near Shili Village. In a few days, the host monk of Ding’an Temple will choose a good day to start the construction," said Chu Suifeng calmly.

"This Monk has come precisely for this matter." As soon as his words fell, a loud response immediately came from outside the door.

Lin Haisheng looked in the direction of the sound and found that the visitor was a large monk. This monk was thin like firewood, wore a thick robe, with a shiny bald head exposed and no monk’s hat, but his face was rosy, indicating his robust health at a glance.

"Master Hui Zhen," the Old Master stood up to greet him.

Upon hearing this, Lin Haisheng’s mind buzzed.

Although he did not live in the Northern Land, even in Capital City, the reputation of this monk from Ding’an Temple was well-known.

It is said that this Master is exceptional in martial arts and medical skills and has close contact with Divine Doctor Valley. Having helped many during his early years in the Jianghu, his reputation is strong, and he is referred to as the Medical Hero. He later allegedly became a monk at Ding’an Temple after seeing through the worldly desires. But the rumors don’t stop there. Although he is ostensibly a monk, he has a wild demeanor, eats meat, and is extravagant. Anyone who offends him often ends up severely injured or worse. Even the host of Ding’an Temple can’t deal with him.

To call him a monk is to elevate him, this clearly is a hooligan became a monk.

After recalling the information about Master Hui Zhen, Lin Haisheng’s breathing became careful. He definitely did not want to unconsciously offend the Great Monk and then be mysteriously poisoned by him.

It was said that the poison administered by Master Hui Zhen is not only difficult to solve, but also, nobody dares to solve it.

"Master Hui Zhen, you managed to arrive even earlier than us," grumbled Lin Ziyin.

"It’s because you guys are too slow," Master Hui Zhen replied in a rocking and shaking manner, "Without you here, those few in the kitchen got lazy - they’re not even willing to make Beggar’s chicken for a monk."

"Enough, stop pretending. I heard that the chickens in the chicken coop haven’t decreased in your stomach," said Lin Ziyin in an annoyed manner.

"Haha," Master Hui Zhen, caught red-handedly, was not angry or hiding anything, "Who can blame the host monk in the temple for being too traditional. Poor me, there’s not even a single chicken in the temple."

As expected, he’s unrestrained! Lin Haisheng inwardly murmured upon hearing his words, who ever heard of raising chickens in a temple?

Nevertheless, he could only keep these thoughts to himself. There was no way he would dare to voice it out loud in front of Master Hui Zhen. Lin Haisheng was somewhat surprised at the attitude Lin Ziyin had towards the Great Monk Hui Zhen.

"Great Monk, which place are you interested in?" asked Chu Suifeng indifferently.

"The area near the eastern part of the village at the foot of the mountain has excellent fengshui. The site with mountains and water is a blessed land, conducive for attracting prosperity and the continuity of blessings for future generations." Master Hui Zhen replied in a rocking and shaking manner.

Chu Suifeng raised an eyebrow, he clearly didn’t believe his words.

"The Host selected the location, and Master Hui Lian also praised it as a blessed land before. If it weren’t for the girl’s sake, this Monk wouldn’t have said anything." Facing Chu Suifeng’s intimidating presence, Master Hui Zhen showed no fear. He didn’t mince words with Chu Suifeng.

Interestingly, Chu Suifeng wasn’t angry, "That’s more like it, ask again and choose a good day."

"Okay," Master Hui Zhen replied impatiently, "Anyway, the Great Monk has a lot of free time and is particularly proficient at selecting auspicious dates."

Chapter 677: Chapter 677: Coma (2)_1

"Thank you, Master Hui Zhen. Once the ancestral hall is completed, I’ll surely bring the descendants of the Lin Family to Ding’an Temple and make a donation to Buddha," said the old master of the Lin Family, overjoyed.

"Enough. My role doesn’t involve donations. You should go make your reputation with Brother Hui Lian instead. Let the kitchen prepare some fine wine and dishes for me at noon, that’s more in line with my style," Master Hui Zhen replied impatiently, "If the princess could personally prepare the meal, that would be even better."

"I intend to build another temple in the Border City. Located at the junction of several countries, the city attracts many merchants. Building a temple there could spread Buddha’s glory," Chu Suifeng said slowly.

Master Hui Zhen’s face stiffened for a moment, then he shook his head regretfully at Lin Ziyin, "With the prince being so narrow-minded, it seems that it will be difficult for me to taste the dishes prepared by the princess."

Lin Haisheng, completely ignored by the Lin Family, Master Hui Zhen, and Chu Suifeng, dared not show any signs of dissatisfaction in front of them.

But he couldn’t bear to watch the establishment of a Lin Family temple in Shili Village.

If the Lin family were to leave the main branch, not only would he lose control over Lin Ziyin, but also considerable amounts of silver. Regardless of everything, he had to prevent the establishment of the Lin Family’s independent ancestral hall.

"Since you have found the wrong person, it’s better to find the right one soon," Lin Changshu gave Lin Haisheng a glimpse and finally spoke up bravely, "Today, the prince and princess returned. I’m sorry, we cannot entertain you anymore."

The eviction order had been issued! As thick-skinned as Lin Haisheng was, he couldn’t stay any longer.

"Uncle Wu, I understand that you’re upset. But what’s done is done. Please let go of the past. I would visit you in a few days". He stood up with a smile, demonstrating an attitude of not arguing with the younger generation, "Today, I shall not disturb the prince and princess anymore."

"Mister Lin, being too rigid is not good for any of us. The Lin Family is humble and occupied with making a living every day, so we may not have enough time to entertain you in the future. Please do not waste your time here," the old master said, a little more bluntly.

Lin Haisheng was filled with rage, yet he knew that with the prince’s backing, the old master was completely unafraid of him.

What could be done to change the attitude of the members of the Lin Family? He had to return and think of a solution quickly.

But before leaving, Lin Haisheng made a condition, "Your Highness, please forgive my parental anxiety. Kindly grant me a chance to meet my daughter."

This time, the desperation on Lin Haisheng’s face seemed genuine.

Lin Ziyin sneered. This cunning old fox, for his personal greed, wanted to cause trouble for the Lin Family. She was no saint. Why should she let him meet his daughter comfortably?

"Your Highness, does Mister Lin’s daughter also reside in the residence?" She deliberately turned her head and asked Chu Suifeng as if she were surprised, "I wonder who the beauty by your side is?"

Chu Suifeng’s response was even more to the point.

He knew perfectly that Lin Ziyin was purposely embarrassing Lin Haisheng. He surprisingly didn’t criticize Lin Ziyin but instead added fuel to the fire saying, "You are the only beauty by my side, where are the other beauties in my residence?"

Lin Changshu and others felt rather uneasy. The prince’s personality had changed too drastically, which they found difficult to adapt. Chu Suifeng’s words just now could even be considered as openly flirting with Lin Ziyin.

At least, in public, neither Lin Changshu nor Wu Dayou could utter the words Chu Suifeng had spoken.

Chapter 678: Chapter 678: Coma (3)_1

To Lin Haisheng, Chu Suifeng’s response was more agonizing than a stab to his heart. He couldn’t believe that the prince dared to treat him in such a manner. He was an important minister in the Imperial Court and the Emperor’s favorite, and yet Chu Suifeng showed him no respect. He vowed to give Chu Suifeng a piece of his mind in return.

Within a few moments, Lin Haisheng had already hatched a plan to censure Chu Suifeng in front of the Emperor.

Chu Suifeng did not even spare him a glance, but instead continued to smile warmly at Lin Ziyin. "In my heart, only the Princess is a true beauty."

He declared once more, "All other women are just grotesque figures to me. If these hideous creatures would only behave themselves, I would have no reason to bother with them. However, it seems that there are some who love to inconvenience me. They truly live up to the saying ’ugly people are prone to mischief’. Minister Lin, what do you think I should do with such creatures?"

Upon hearing this, Lin Haisheng broke out into a cold sweat. Clearly, Chu Suifeng was intentionally targeting him. Could it be that the prince knew his daughter was assigned to be a spy in the Wang Residence?

She was his biological daughter, and his only legitimate child. There was no way that Lin Haisheng could be unconcerned about her well-being.

However, it was difficult for him to respond to Chu Suifeng’s question.

To remain silent was not an option, but to answer was even worse.

Just as Lin Haisheng found himself in a predicament, Lin Ziyin was the first to speak. "Prince, you shouldn’t belittle the other sisters just to flatter me."

She laughed softly, her gentle words transforming Chu Suifeng’s warning to Lin Haisheng into a mere joke, offering Lin Haisheng a graceful way out.

Lin Haisheng let out a sigh of relief. Luckily, he didn’t have to respond to Chu Suifeng’s thorny issue.

However, he immediately began to worry again. He had always believed that his daughter, skilled in musical instruments, chess, literature, and art, and carefully tutored from a young age, was superior in both spirit and knowledge to other people. He had assumed that the newly appointed princess, Lin Ziyin, a merchant’s daughter who hadn’t received any formal education, could not compare and his daughter would eventually replace her. But surprisingly, Lin Ziyin proved herself to be extremely savvy and astute, easily diffusing the awkward situation.

What he couldn’t understand was why Lin Ziyin helped him. Could it be that even if the Lin Family did not wish to acknowledge their connection, Lin Ziyin still had a personal interest in having the Lin Family in the Capital City as her backing. With the possibility of this in mind, new hope sparked within Lin Haisheng.

"Minister Lin, you may visit your daughter whenever you wish. As long as she abides by the rules of the Wang Residence, I don’t mind the details." Having heard Lin Ziyin’s remark, Chu Suifeng softened his stance as well.

His sudden change in demeanor made Lin Haisheng feel like they were a couple mirroring each other’s moves.

"Thank you, Your Highnesses. I shall proceed to the Wang Residence to visit my daughter." Lin Haisheng replied respectfully, "Her mother has sent some local specialties for her. I will deliver them to her. She’s still a child at heart, always longing for the treats and trinkets from the Capital City.

"If she is so homesick, why not take her back home this time?" Chu Suifeng spoke out of the blue.

Lin Haisheng was taken aback, and with a nervous glance at Chu Suifeng who now seemed fully engrossed with Lin Ziyin, he found himself unsure of how to react.

"Your Highness, please forgive me. If you do not wish for me to visit my daughter, I promise I would not step foot into the Wang Residence." Lin Haisheng feigned a frightened look.

Chapter 679: Chapter 679: Coma (4)_1

"Hmm?" Chu Suifeng’s gaze finally fell on him. "What is this you are saying, Lord Lin? Are you blaming this prince for neglecting Consort Lin?"

"This humble servant wouldn’t dare." Lin Haisheng bowed his head in apology, knowing all too well that even were Chu Suifeng to punish his daughter without cause, he, Lin Haisheng, would have to swallow it all here in the Northern Land.

He was not one to blur the lines between superior and subordinate, choosing to bow his head when necessary.

"Is it that you dare not, or do not wish to?" Chu Suifeng looked at him with a provocative gaze.

Under Chu Suifeng’s piercing stare, filled with the threat of killing intent, Lin Haisheng’s back broke out in even more sweat.

"Your Highness." Lin Ziyin spoke gently, "You always speak half sentences, no wonder it causes misunderstandings."

"What do others’ feelings have to do with me? As long as the queen does not misunderstand me, it’s all that matters." As soon as she spoke, the killing intent on Chu Suifeng’s face lessened.

Lin Ziyin looked at Lin Haisheng with a smile, "Lord Lin, the prince is saying that Consort Lin, being so far from home, has been away for several years. He sympathizes with her, and if she wishes, the prince would allow her to accompany you back to the Capital City to visit her family."

After her explanation, Lin Haisheng felt greatly relieved. Luckily, he did not anger the Prince. He despised Chu Suifeng’s unpredictable temper, but he did not dare to provoke him, knowing well that Chu Suifeng’s title as the War God was not undeserved. Being earned through countless killings, if Chu Suifeng chose to entrap him in the Northern Land, the emperor back in the Capital City would be powerless to intervene.

Only upon personally visiting the Northern Land and witnessing the loyalty and support of the people and soldiers for the prince, could one truly perceive the terror of his presence.

"Thank you for your generous offer, Your Highness, but it is a thousand li between the Northern Land and the Capital City. A trip back home would take over half a year. The long journey might be bearable, but my young daughter is delicate and cannot endure such lengthy travels." Lin Haisheng was reluctant to part with his daughter, but despite his feelings, he could not take Lin Wanwan back. The Emperor himself had arranged for her to stay at the prince’s residence.

Why did he travel all this way? Was it not to have Lin Wanwan serve as his eyes within the prince’s residence? If he were to take Lin Wanwan back to the Capital City without authorization, he knew the emperor would not spare her, and would likely vent his anger on the Lin Family.

Both Lin Ziyin and Chu Suifeng were not surprised about Lin Haisheng’s refusal. This man had maneuvered cunningly in the court for years, succeeding in earning the Emperor’s favor. It is clear how crafty he is. They could not expect much loyalty from a man who manipulated even his own daughter.

They had expected Lin Haisheng would reject the proposal. Seeing his "terrified" face, Lin Ziyin was quite amused. The man was indeed callous. If he had taken Lin Wanwan back willingly, her life would have been far better than staying in the Northern Land. It was a shame that his decision was so pitiful.

Chu Suifeng seemed indifferent to Lin Haisheng’s moral posturing, "You are not willing, that’s all."

"Thank you, Your Highness. I will take my leave to the residence." Lin Haisheng dared not utter another word, not even a word of flattery. The more one speaks, the more errors one is likely to make, so it was better to say nothing.

"Escort him out. We have too many people in the residence these days." Chu Suifeng said impatiently.

Only after thanking Chu Suifeng repeatedly did Lin Haisheng quickly leave the Lin Family residence with his servant.

"Grandpa, is this man truly from our relatives back home?" Once they had left, Zige couldn’t help but ask, a curious gaze fixed on Lord Lin.

Chapter 680: Chapter 680: Coma (5)_1

Old Master Lin nodded, then shook his head, "The identity of the man matters not, you only have to remember this: the Lin family lost all their lives on their way to the Northern Land."

Ziyin had heard of the animosity of the older generation. Their branch of the Lin family did indeed have a connection with the Lin family in the capital City. However, it’s unfortunate that grandfather of the old master was used as a scapegoat by the Lin family. He was blamed for the mistakes of the legitimate members, and then his entire household was banished to the Northern Land.

Although there’s a basic difference between banishment and demotion, the hardships endured are pretty much the same. Moreover, when the Lin family reached the Northern Land, they had a tough time, and they didn’t receive any care or assistance from their relatives in the capital. It’s almost impossible for the old master not to bear any resentment towards the main family after all these years.

Changshu and the others never had the luxury of a big clan’s lifestyle. Nowadays, the Lin Family is flourishing. Seeing Lin Haisheng plotting against them so blatantly, they have even less goodwill towards the so-called main family in the capital.

"Really, are we going to build a family shrine?" Changshu asked, worried yet somewhat eager.

Ziyin understood the importance placed on offspring by ancient men. Everyone in the Lin family may be opposed to recognizing their relatives, but that didn’t mean they didn’t care about the family. A family shrine symbolized the prosperity of a family. Changshu and the old master want to use the family shrine to show everybody that the Lin Family is standing up again.

Ziyin didn’t object to this urgent sentiment.

"Let’s pick a good time in the spring to start construction," said Chu Suifeng.

Changshu and the others were elated. With the Prince’s support, the establishment of the family shrine was a done deal.

"Your Highness and Queen, I would like to build the ancestral hall next to the school. In the future, the ancestral hall will only keep a side room to store the family records. The rest of the rooms should still be kept for the children to use," the old patriarch proposed.

The smiles on Changshu and the others’ faces froze. Could a family shrine that didn’t offer incense still be considered a family shrine?

However, Ziyin heartily agreed, the prosperity of a family wasn’t about how many descendants it had, but whether the family’s character and morals were celebrated by other people.

As expected of the older generation, it was noteworthy that an ancient man like the old master could have such a progressive mindset.

"I agree with grandfather’s opinion." Ziyin was the first to express his position.

"I’ll follow grandfather and sister’s lead." Changting immediately echoed.

"Hmm hmm." Although the youngest Lin Yanzhi didn’t understand what the adults were saying, it didn’t prevent him from expressing his opinion. He believed that everything grandpa, aunt, and uncle said was always right.

"We have no objections." Changshu had great respect for the old master, how could he oppose something proposed by him?

Hence, the matter of establishing the family shrine was settled.

At noon, the Lin family treated everyone to a feast with good food and wine. Everybody - the family, Lou Zheng, and others, and even the uninvited guest, Master Hui Zhen, thoroughly enjoyed it. In the afternoon, after Ziyin had made arrangements for the workshop and the fields, assigning tasks to the managers, she departed from Shili Village with Chu Suifeng.

"The old servant was about to send someone to Shili village to notify your Highness and Queen." Barely back at the Wang Residence, Mr. Bai Xian came rushing over, a look of urgency on his face.

"What happened?" Chu Suifeng asked coldly.

"The Marquis Residence sent a letter, the old madam has been unconscious since this morning, and the medicinal monks are at a loss." Mr. Bai Xian answered delicately, he knew how important the old madam was to Prince Ling.

Upon hearing this, Ziyin looked at Chu Suifeng worriedly.

Chu Suifeng’s expression, however, remained unchanged, not revealing a hint of panic.

Ziyin guessed that it might be because he was already aware of the old lady’s physical condition. He was prepared for the old lady’s current state, and had braced himself for it.