Ch. 686..690: The Princess of Northern Land Chapter 686-690

Chapter 686: Chapter 686: Joint Calculation(4)_1

This caused Li Yanran great dissatisfaction, as well as jealousy.

"Has Master Hui Zhen arrived yet?" Mrs. You asked tiredly, leaning back in her chair towards Li Jiesong.

"He has come." Li Jiesong sighed in response, "But it’s pointless. This time, Grandmother might really be unable to make it. The Great Monk gave her an injection and prescribed medicine. It can only extend Grandmother’s life for a few more days."

Regarding the old lady’s impending death, Li Jiesong was not particularly upset. To him, given her old age, it was merely a matter of time before she passed on. Being the eldest son and eldest grandson in the Residence, it made no difference to him whether the old lady was there to protect him.

Observing his indifference, Mrs. You felt deep resentment. She regretted having been so blind to have taken fancy to such a superficial and foolish man. For the future fate of the Marquis Residence, Mrs. You held no hope whatsoever.

Li Jieyong shared the same view with Mrs. You. The fall of the old lady gave him a feeling as if the sky was falling. Without much thought, he knew that Marquis Residence without the old lady was simply an empty shell. However, he was not one to despair. He quickly began to plan for the future. As long the people of the Marquis Residence stayed humble, they could still survive in the Northern Land. After all, King Ling had promised to protect the Marquis Residence as long as they did not overstep their bounds.

With this thought in mind, Li Jieyong became full of confidence again.

"Prince." On the carriage ride home, Lin Ziyin took the initiative to tightly grasp Chu Suifeng’s hand.

"It’s fine." Chu Suifeng grasped her small hand in return, placing it under the hem of his robe to keep it warm. "The old lady has been ill for quite some time, I was prepared for this. Aging, sickness, and death are all part of life. Her age makes this an expected occurrence. As long as I have you by my side, I won’t fear being alone."

After saying this, he wrapped his arm around Lin Ziyin and brought her close against his chest.

"We will be happy." Lin Ziyin muttered in reply while embracing his waist, feeling rather upset when she thought about the old lady lying in bed.

Such an elderly woman, though not perfect, genuinely loved her descendants. Just the fact that she had braved mountains and rivers for Chu Suifeng, giving up a comfortable life to willingly endure hardship in the Northern Land, commanded Lin Ziyin’s respect.

"Prince, Princess." Upon their return to the Residence, Qin Momo and the others could finally breathe a sigh of relief. The people in the room began to prepare hot water for their washing.

After taking a bath and lying in bed, Lin Ziyin finally felt rejuvenated.

Chu Suifeng was clearly preoccupied that night. Instead of bothering her, he just held her tightly in his sleep.

Li Yanran lay in bed, unable to find sleep. Her mind was filled with images of Chu Suifeng’s affection towards Lin Ziyin. That which should have been rightfully hers was now stolen by Lin Ziyin, a vile person in her eyes. She wouldn’t accept it, nor would she give up.

Why, just why a woman of such a common background like Lin Ziyin could earn the Prince’s affection? She began to resent the Mu Family and the Marquis. In Li Yanran’s view, if her parents hadn’t treated Chu Suifeng so harshly, why would Prince Ling ignore her now? Finally, she also scolded the old lady under her breath, accusing her of arranging her marriage like an ordinary woman. For what did she regard her?

In summary, she resented everything, without realizing a need for self-reflection.

"Snap." A sudden noise in the room startled Li Yanran, causing her to fall off the bed.

"Miss, are you alright?" Maid Xique asked with concern.

"Quickly, light a lamp." Li Yanran’s voice trembled.

Xique quickly brought a candlestick. The dark room instantly brightened up a bit.

Chapter 687: Chapter 687: Joint Calculation(5)_1

"Ah." Xique, sharp-eyed as she was, had just set the candle on the table when she turned around and noticed a sharp little dagger stuck in the pillar, with a note attached to it.

"What are you screaming for? Hurry and fetch it." Li Yanran was frightened too, but for some reason, she managed to calm herself down.

Xique fearfully went over and exerting all her strength, she managed to remove the small dagger from the pillar. Then she handed the trembling note to Li Yanran.

Li Yanran took the note and held it close to the candle to read. By the time she finished reading, a sly smirk appeared on her lips.

Good. No matter who sent the message, as long as it could get rid of Lin Ziyin, she was willing to risk her life for the opportunity. What she couldn’t have, Lin Ziyin was not allowed to have either.

The next day, Chu Suifeng was up early. Lin Ziyin also wanted to get up, but he held her down. "It’s cold outside, and there will be visitors coming to the residence today, so you need to stay here."

"The old madam..." Lin Ziyin was uneasy.

"Nothing will happen for a while." Chu Suifeng leaned over and kissed her blushing cheek, "Just rest at home. If you need something, instruct the servants. As for the visiting guests, you can dismiss them at your pleasure."

"Hmm." Lin Ziyin giggled when kissed, hiding in the thick of the quilt.

Her squirrel-like expression made Chu Suifeng finally break into laughter, "Have a good meal after you get up. I may not make it back by noon."

"Oh." Lin Ziyin agreed and couldn’t help but remind him, "Prince, you must not skip your meal at noon."

"I won’t." Chu Suifeng kissed her lips again and then left satisfactorily.

Unable to fall back asleep after Chu Suifeng’s disturbance, Lin Ziyin simply got up.

The women in the residence did not dare to bother her at will. Though her breakfast was slightly plain, it was peaceful. Under the watchful eyes of the nurse, she actually ate quite a bit.

"Madam, Lady Mei has sent a card over." After her meal and practicing a set of exercises in the courtyard, the visitors began to arrive one after the other.

Lin Ziyin was prepared. As the hostess of the Prince, she was obligated to assume corresponding responsibilities. The females from various official’ households in Feng City would inevitably come to visit her, the newly promoted princess.

In fact, she had also made a lot of preparations behind the scenes.

"Please lead her to the flower hall." Lin Ziyin’s body felt warm, and Qiaoqiao hurriedly put a cloak on her.

Wearing a white-bordered tiger skin cloak, she looked majestic.

The word "indomitable" was the first impression Lady Mei got when Lin Ziyin entered the room.

"I greet the Princess." Lady Mei heard Lin Ziyin’s name from her husband, Mei Hanqing’s mouth several times, each time with unveiled admiration.

To be honest, although she had seen Lin Ziyin before, she had never really interacted with her. Bringing her daughter-in-law to visit today, she was truly a little worried.

"Lady Mei, young lady, please sit down." Lin Ziyin said casually, without any pretense.

"Isn’t the young lady due to give birth soon?" Noticing Lady Mei’s daughter-in-law’s protruding belly, Lin Ziyin quickly found a topic.

Offspring was always a topic that warms up friendship among women. As expected, when she brought it up, the faces of Lady Mei and the young lady softened.

"Thank you for your concern, Princess, I’m in my seventh month now." The young lady’s surname was Yin, Lin Ziyin had done some research on the noble ladies who frequented the capital. Mrs. Yin appeared gentle, but her eyes were sharp.

 

Chapter 688: Chapter 688: Joint Calculation(6)_1

"Young Mistress, you’re too thin. It seems that your little one is giving you quite a hard time," said Lin Ziyin with a laugh.

"It’s alright, just that there’s some fuss at night which keeps me up." The young mistress gradually relaxed upon seeing Lin Ziyin’s affable demeanor.

The atmosphere became much lighter as everyone started to converse.

When the later arrivals came, they saw that the Mei family’s mother and daughter-in-law were already sitting intimately with the Princess Consort of the Wang residence.

"The young ladies of the Si, Wu and Luo families greet the Princess Consort." These women, though not late, found the hall already filled with visiting ladies of high status.

The matriarchs of both Si and Wu Families watched Lin Ziyin, being flattered by the surrounding crowd, and marveled to themselves. How true it is that fortunes could change within a decade. Anyone looking at the now sophisticated and sociable Princess Consort could hardly believe she was once a simple country girl.

"Since we’re all here, I have something I want to discuss with the ladies," Lin Ziyin said with a smile to the assembled crowd.

"Please do tell, Princess Consort," a woman chimed in impatiently.

"Lady Ji," Lin Ziyin singled her out.

"Princess Consort, I can be a bit blunt at times - my apologies if I offend," Lady Ji said, a hint of pride and trepidation in her voice. She was known for her impulsiveness and tendency to jump the gun, often becoming the butt of jokes for it.

"There’s nothing to apologize for. Your straightforwardness is a refreshing change - it reminds me of the Northern Land," Lin Ziyin smiled, and continued, "As everyone knows, come next year, the Prince will establish free schools all over the land. All children of the appropriate age should attend these schools where they will learn to read and practice martial arts."

Everyone agreed, nodding their heads. This was not a minor matter, and the men of respective residencies had probably already discussed this at length at home.

"If these schools will have female students, then it stands to reason that they also need female teachers." Lin Ziyin looked around the room, gauging everyone’s reactions, then continued smilingly.

"Whatever the Princess Consort requires, she need only ask," stated the young SMistress of the Si family, expressing her opinion first.

"The Prince and I have discussed this. Since these schools will be freely open to all, the salary for the generally sparse population of educated women will not be very high. I wonder if any of you present here would like to be involved in teaching," asked Lin Ziyin, adroitly bringing up the matter she had been eager to broach.

Murmurs erupted among the ladies and maidens present at this proposal.

Before the chatter could subside, Lin Ziyin dropped another "bombshell," "Any woman who becomes a teacher at these schools will be officially cataloged by the Wang Residence. Their names will be forever recorded in the school’s history."

The room buzzed with louder whispers. Although the Princess Consort hadn’t explicitly spelled it out, everyone understood that the female teachers in these schools would be essentially considered state-appointed officials.

Compared to profit, which none of the ladies and young girls in attendance lacked, they all craved fame.

"Of course, not just anyone can become a teacher at these schools. You have to pass an assessment by the Wang Residence. Preferably, the age of applicants should be between eighteen to forty-five. Apart from knowledge in music, chess, calligraphy and painting, those proficient in female-specific skills such as sewing, cooking and medical skills would be given priority. Successful candidates will also have the freedom to choose their own spouse," The last point caught everyone by surprise. Was the Princess Consort suggesting that unsatisfied women could divorce, and those unmarried could even choose their own husbands?

Upon hearing this, many of the elders immediately decided against sending their daughters and daughters-in-law to teach at these schools.

Marriage decisions should always be in the hands of those senior. It’s absolutely unacceptable for women to start taking charge and turn the societal norms upside down.

Chapter 689: Chapter 689: Joint Calculation(7)_1

"If the Princess Consort doesn’t mind, after my daughter-in-law gives birth to her child, she can try at the Academy." Madam Mei smiled slightly, being the first to offer her support.

Upon hearing this, Lin Ziyin looked over approvingly.

And receiving the support of her mother-in-law, Madam Yin became excited, and her cheeks turned red.

"May I ask, what is the young madam’s specialty?" Lin Ziyin asked happily, treating her with great warmth.

"To answer the Princess Consort, my family’s business is in silk production. Having been immersed in this environment, I’ve picked up some basic knowledge on weaving and embroidery. Moreover, I’ve also studied poetry and prose since I was young," Madam Yin answered modestly.

"Wonderful, that’s marvelous," Lin Ziyin rejoiced. Such a person was indeed a talent. For a girl, nothing was better than mastering a particular skill.

"Madam Mei took the first spot, but I was just about to recommend my own granddaughter-in-law too," the Old Madam Si said while chuckling.

"I have a fondness for embroidery, perhaps the academy is in need of an instructor of such skill," Madam Luo boldly stepped forward.

"It’s a pity that I’m not old enough, otherwise, I would certainly go," Si Jinyu regretfully pouted.

"When the time comes, we’ll take the test together," Luo Yanlan encouraged her.

Only these few families responded on the spot, the rest remained silent, especially the elder daughters-in-law who were hesitating because they wanted to run the households.

"If the two young misses do well, they may also be eligible," Lin Ziyin said with a smile.

Hearing that, Si Jinyu and Luo Yanlan thanked her and went to the side to exchange news joyously.

Seeing the Si family and Luo family being so proactive, others felt both envy and helplessness.

After a while, people slowly scattered off.

"Princess Consort, it seems that not many people are willing to become female teachers in the academy," Nanny Lu sighed.

"It doesn’t matter," Lin Ziyin relaxedly leaned against the chair’s back, "Quality over quantity. Forced marriages don’t end sweetly, and the academy is meant for cultivating talents, not for those with ill intentions."

"The Princess Consort is right," Qiaoqiao nodded with a smile.

"Is my sister in?" A woman’s voice came from outside the door.

Sister? Lin Ziyin was still inside the flower hall without having time to exit, turned her head to see everyone in the room, "Do you have any sisters or anything working as attendants in the residence?"

Everyone shook their heads.

Before she could figure out what was going on, Huangying pushed the door open, "Princess Consort, Consort Lin wants to meet you."

Consort Lin? Lin Ziyin became even more surprised.

The prince had strictly forbidden the women in the back courtyard to come and disturb her. But now she thought of Lin Haisheng, and the freedom these women had to walk the streets in the past few days, she understood.

"Princess Consort, let me go and send her away, " Nanny Qin offered.

Lin Ziyin shook her head, "No, let her in."

Today, Consort Lin was dressed in a robe with golden threads, wrapped in a dark red cloak, she was radiant in her entire appearance.

"Princess Consort allows Consort Lin to come in," Huangying came out to relay the message.

Hmph, even a maidservant dares to put on airs towards her, she’ll be sure to discipline these insolent maids when she rises in rank. No matter how upset she was, Lin Wanwan dared not show her displeasure to Lin Ziyin’s servants.

She had come today with a purpose.

"Wan’er pays her respects to Big Sister, the Princess Consort," once in the room, Lin Wanwan respectfully offered her salute to Lin Ziyin.

"Sit." Lin Ziyin, having been busy all morning, didn’t have much energy left. She asked with brevity, "Does Consort Lin have business with me?"

Lin Wanwan was stunned by the blunt question. She was trying to think of a way to start a conversation, but Lin Ziyin gave her the chance before she could even launch into her prepared speech.

"If there’s nothing, I’m quite tired. Consort Lin should return," Lin Ziyin, seeing that Lin Wanwan was out of sorts, quickly became a little impatient.

"I’ve come to find the Princess Consort today, indeed, because of a personal matter," Lin Wanwan, having gathered her emotions, finally started to speak. She wore a full smile on her face, and her eyes were filled with sickeningly sweet adoration when she looked at Lin Ziyin.

Lin Ziyin felt her skin crawl from being under Lin Wanwan’s gaze.

"I’m guessing the Princess Consort already knows, we are officially sisters. I saw Father yesterday, and he told me. If I had known earlier that the Princess Consort was my sister, I would have gone to visit her in Shili Village," Lin Wanwan said, becoming more excited as she went on. To think Lin Ziyin was just a girl from a side branch of the Lin family brought her immense joy. No matter how high-ranking Lin Ziyin was, she still had to call her ’big sister’. Just thinking about having control over Lin Ziyin, made her bursting with joy, "Sister, don’t blame Father. There’s also the clan head in the clan, he..."

"Consort Lin," Lin Ziyin interrupted her incessant chatter, "Did Mr. Lin not make it clear to you? Our Lin Family and Mr. Lin, and whatever Lin family clan in Capital City have nothing to do with each other. The domicile of my birth family is being built up with the help of the Prince. Mr. Lin has mistaken us for someone else, has he not found the person he’s looking for?"

 

Chapter 690: Chapter 690 Everywhere are Enemies (1)_1

Lin Wanwan didn’t expect Lin Ziyin’s answer to be like this, it was not what she had hoped for.

"If there is nothing else, Consort Lin, please go back. I have important matters to attend to and cannot accompany you." Lin Ziyin dismissed her rudely.

"But our father..." Not getting the answer she wanted, Lin Wanwan was not willing to give up, she continued trying to persuade Lin Ziyin, "The Lin Family is a big clan in the Capital City. It can be your support in the future."

"Slap her." Hearing Lin Wanwan referring to herself as her sister over and over again, the maid got angry, "Has Consort Lin forgotten the rules? It is disrespectful to speak to the Princess like this. You, Consort Lin, are not in a position to call her sister."

After that, she walked up to Consort Lin with an arrogant air, "According to the rules in Wang Residence, she should be slapped ten times."

Lin Wanwan was shocked and extremely angry. She couldn’t believe a mere slave dared to threaten to slap her - as if she was someone easy to bully.

"Is it because of your high position as a Princess that you refuse to acknowledge your family?" Lin Wanwan asked defiantly. She was not afraid of Lin Ziyin. What good would it do being the main wife if she had no connections and barely settled in the residence? How much trouble could she stir up?

"Princess, please enforce the family laws." The maid knelt down to Lin Ziyin and pleaded.

Another maid was also watching Consort Lin with cold laughter. She did not think highly of this Consort who had come voluntarily seeking trouble. If the Empress’s mother hadn’t been tricked by Lin Wanwan, she wouldn’t have left so soon. "Princess, we cannot ignore the rules."

Being provoked by two slaves in front of her, Consort Lin was so angry that her chest hurt. Even so, she was not afraid, she was sure that Lin Ziyin would not dare to do anything to her. Besides, if they were to act, they had to go through the person in the backyard first.

"I can’t be bothered to lift a finger. Since Consort Lin has been living in the residence for so long and still has no manners, let the maid educate her." Lin Ziyin lazily stood up and prepared to leave.

Since Consort Lin was sitting, when Lin Ziyin stood up, Lin Wanwan had to lift her head and tilt her face up to see her clearly.

Looking down at her from above, Lin Ziyin clouded her face with cold highness. She’s the kind of master who would not tolerate being used, and if someone tried to stir up trouble, she wouldn’t let them get away with it. Lin Wanwan was, in this case, willingly walking into her trap.

"Princess, what did I do wrong?" Lin Wanwan, in her indignation, stood up and could no longer keep her composure. "Don’t forget, I am a consort, I rank just below the Princess. Moreover, the Prince had once given orders that all matters in the backyard must go through Ms. Ming, aren’t you afraid that the Prince will punish you for defying his orders?"

Furious and not thinking clearly, Lin Wanwan said these words without thinking. When there was no princess in the residence, Ms. Ming was in charge of the entire backyard and was the object of all women’s jealousy. But everyone knew that no matter what, Ms. Ming was just a tool for the Prince, he never truly cared about her or any other women in the yard.

But Lin Ziyin was different, she was the only one who had an intimate relationship with the Prince. For this reason alone, Lin Ziyin had become the enemy of all the women in the backyard.

If Consort Lin did not have ulterior motives, she would never have voluntarily appeared in front of her.

"How the Prince chooses to punish me is my concern." Lin Ziyin said plainly, she quickly lost interest in this vain woman, "Since Consort Lin doesn’t understand what she did wrong, Maid, it’s your responsibility to tell her."

"Yes, your servant obeys. Please be at ease, Princess." The maid answered respectfully.