Ch. 701..705: The Princess of Northern Land Chapter 701-705

Chapter 701: Chapter 701: The Jester(5)_1

Lin Ziyin was not particularly striking. At most, she could be considered refined. Compared to this group of dazzling beauties, she was the least attractive. Strangely enough, her ordinariness made her impossible to ignore even when besieged by a group of women.

"This consort has met the Princess." The Consort Wang looked down upon Lin Ziyin yet deep inside harbored a profound jealousy towards her. Helplessly, Lin Ziyin was the only one cherished by Prince Ling. "This consort’s surname is Wang, I am a consort of the residence. My father is the second-ranking official in the capital."

So, they were part of the Crown Prince faction, Lin Ziyin immediately understood.

"My surname is Liu, I am also a consort of the residence." Compared to Consort Wang’s arrogance and show-off, Consort Liu’s introduction was much more modest.

Lin Ziyin didn’t underestimate this cold beauty. From the information that Bai Xian had given her, it was clear that this one belonged to Prince Chu. She was once the top talented woman in the Capital City and in terms of manipulation, she was far more sophisticated than Consort Wang.

"This consort is surnamed Lin, she is a consort of the residence." After being punished, Lin, the consort, had become much more modest. Although her face had stopped swelling, there were still bruises. Having tasted the lessons of hardship, she was no longer as obstinate and overbearing as before.

Strictly speaking, there should only be two consorts in each Prince’s residence, yet for reasons unknown, the Emperor and all the courts somehow assigned Chu Suifeng an additional consort.

"You all are the old residents of the residence." Lin Ziyin intentionally stressed the word ’old,’ which indeed provoked a few surreptitious eye rolls. It did not bother Lin Ziyin though, "The Princess doesn’t want to say too much, but she hopes that everyone will act in the residence’s best interests in the future. By the way, both the Princess and the Prince are quite busy. If you have any problems, you don’t need to go through this Princess. Just follow the old rules and directly approach Lady Ming."

Hearing this, everyone was slightly startled, they didn’t understand what she meant.

As the mistress of the Prince’s residence, Lin Ziyin was currently favoured. Shouldn’t she be tightly holding to the opportunity to seize the authority to manage the residence?

Just as everyone was confused, Lin Ziyin casually spoke again, "If you encounter a problem that Lady Ming can’t solve, you can then turn to two Madams."

She pointed to Madam Lu and Madam Qin standing by her side, "Or you can go to Butler Bai."

The beauties in the residence had all come collectively to demonstrate their power, but Lin Ziyin’s response was downright a slap in the face. They all looked at each other in dismay, not knowing what to say next.

Consort Lin and Consort Liu unexpectedly stood together, "Yes, Princess. This consort understands."

The two consorts who had the highest statuses having stated their positions, the rest of the beauties didn’t dare to be reckless anymore. Even the most provocative Consort Wang, who had been punished by Chu Suifeng, didn’t dare to disrespect Lin Ziyin now.

Nor did they dare to act presumptuously in front of Madam Qin and Madam Lu after they had learned about Lin Wanwan’s things. Their identities, once having served the virtuous Empress, held them back.

Just when the atmosphere in the room had become awkward, Butler Miao and an unwilling Lin Haisheng arrived at the Prince’s residence with the imperial edict.

"The imperial edict has arrived. Prince Ling and Princess Ling, please accept the decree." Butler Miao’s piercing voice floated throughout the residence.

Accept the decree? Lin Ziyin had only seen an imperial edict on television before, she never thought that day would come when she would have to face one in real life.

The women in the room buzzed with excitement upon hearing this. Although they didn’t yet know the specifics of the decree, the journey from the capital to the northern land was a long one, and it had been years since they had seen such a grand event. Most of them lengthened their necks in excitement, straining to see.

Chapter 702: Chapter 702: The Jester(6)_1

Nurse Lu and Nurse Qin frowned at the excited women gathered in the room. Now that the imperial decree had arrived and the prince was absent from the residence, the queen should naturally take control of the situation. What counted for all these women clustering here like bees? "Consorts, madams, representatives from the palace have arrived, please step back."

Why should they step back? Women of higher standing felt unjustified in their hearts. Feeling cooped up in the Wang Residence day after day, they were on the verge of neurotic restlessness. Hardly any news ever trickled down from the Capital City, and they could hardly miss such an opportunity.

Besides, many people wanted to test just how far Lin Ziyin’s patience would stretch.

Lin Ziyin gave a faint smile, seemingly unbothered by their adamant presence, "I understand that the palace has many rules. The eunuch decrees the prince and I to accept the edict. Now that the prince is absent from the residence, if any of you can stand in for the prince and accept the decree, you may stay. Of course, if any of you can stand in for me, you can also stay."

Her speech was nonchalant and seemingly soft, yet it thundered in the ears of those present.

"I beg to leave." Consort Liu was the first to rise and curtsy as she asked permission to leave, and those who supported her immediately followed suit.

Next was Consort Lin. Unaware that Lin Haisheng was the one announcing the imperial decree, she hastily put forth her withdrawal after suffering a setback.

Needless to say, those who aligned with her party also prepared to retreat.

Consort Wang fumed inwardly, greatly displeased by the actions of Consort Liu and Consort Lin. The prince’s absence from the residence was the perfect chance to stifle Lin Ziyin in concert. Yet these women were so timid. Lin Ziyin hadn’t done much to scare them off; they were just useless. However, reason prevailed over her emotions. Most women had retreated, forcing Consort Wang to make the same choice.

"I beg to leave." With Consort Wang’s withdrawal, those women trailing behind her also curtsied in succession.

By now, all the women have succumbed under the non-aggressive attitude of Lin Ziyin.

"The imperial decree has arrived, I’m afraid I cannot accompany all of you. Please feel at ease," Lin Ziyin’s demeanor remained placid, seemingly unperturbed by their reactions.

The more it went this way, the more unsettled all the women felt within. They developed a new perception of Lin Ziyin: the queen was genuinely challenging.

The fancily dressed women were like a passing whirlwind. Unfortunately, their exit was a bit slower. It was in Changting that they bumped into Eunuch Miao and Lin Haisheng.

"Is this Consort Lin?" Eunuch Miao and Lin Haisheng were both favorites of the Emperor, their relationship much closer than the other officials’. Eunuch Miao had some recollection of the lawful second daughter of the Lin Family. "Master Lin’s daughter?"

"So, it’s Eunuch Miao." As a consort, she naturally wouldn’t need to bow to a eunuch. However, Lin Wanwan didn’t dare act big in front of Eunuch Miao. She maintained a respectful demeanor, being cordial yet also showing filial respect to elders. She handled it quite well.

The other women were also familiar with Eunuch Miao. After all, before they traveled to the Northern Land, when they visited the palace to meet the Emperor, it was this eunuch who led the way for them.

"Eunuch Miao."

"Oh, it’s Eunuch Miao, we haven’t met in years. Has Miao become younger?" Many were rushing over to build connections.

Surrounded by women of the rear quarters of the residence, Eunuch Miao’s vanity was immediately inflated. No matter where Eunuch Miao went, people always praised him, even the powerful Prince Ling had to be respectful in his presence.

"Consorts and ladies, Eunuch Miao and Master Lin have traveled far to arrive here, possibly bringing the Emperor’s decree. If you wish to reminisce, wait until Eunuch Miao and Master Lin have accomplished their official matters." Bai Xian had led Eunuch Miao and Lin Haisheng into the residence. Seeing the unsteady behavior of the women in the rear quarters, his face still bore a smile, but his tone was far from kind.

Chapter 703: Chapter 703: The Jester(7)_1

Truth be told, all these women’s daily expenditures were in the hands of Bai Xian. Even if he seemed congenial at first glance, in reality, he was nothing but a ruthless man with a smiling facade. As Chu Suifeng’s confidante and a cunning man, almost all the women in the backyard had suffered from him. Therefore, as soon as Bai Xian spoke, all the women scattered like birds and beasts.

Superintendent Miao was stunned, watching the departing women. Just a moment ago, these people were all warm towards him, but due to a single sentence from Bai Xian, they all left without hesitation.

He glared at Bai Xian in annoyance.

The smile on Bai Xian’s face was brilliant, oblivious to his gaze. "Superintendent Miao, Master Lin, please."

"What happened to your face?" The only woman in the backyard who hadn’t left was Lin Wanwan, as she was stopped by Lin Haisheng. Lin Haisheng was furious; he saw a bruise on his daughter’s face.

Such a large bruise couldn’t have been due to an accident. So, the only other explanation was that Lin Wanwan had been hit.

As a consort of the Wang Residence, who dared to hit Lin Wanwan? Without second thoughts, it had to be either Chu Suifeng or Lin Ziyin. The Wang Residence could deal with its women as it pleased behind closed doors, perhaps none else had a voice in it.

The point was, he, Lin Haisheng, hadn’t even left the Northern Land yet, and the Wang Residence dared to hit his daughter’s face. He felt his dignity challenged as he thought this was more an attack on his face than Lin Wanwan’s.

Lin Haisheng felt a burning sensation on his face.

"I got careless and hit my head against the wall. There is no need for you to worry, father. I’ll take my leave now." Lin Wanwan departed quickly with a formal bow. If it had been when she just arrived at the Northern Land, she definitely wouldn’t have concealed things as she was doing now.

It’s not that she was fearful, but rather, she was extremely clear about one thing. She could never return to the Capital City. Since she had to continue staying at the Wang Residence, how could she afford to offend Lin Ziyin and Chu Suifeng, let alone Bai Xian?

"Bai Xian, shouldn’t the Wang Residence seriously consider tidying up? Look at how Consort Lin’s face is bruised due to a collision. Master Lin must feel distressed." Superintendent Miao chided, in an oddly tone.

"Everything in the residence is decided by the Prince. I will report your words to the Prince," Bai Xian played dumb. However, he didn’t expose Lin Wanwan’s lie.

When Superintendent Miao arrived at the parlor, his face turned fiery red. He had just mocked the Wang Residence, and now he was confronted with its understated luxury.

The reason was nothing else but him not expecting the doors and windows of the Wang Residence’s parlor to be fitted with colored glass. He knew well the price of colored glass, being a court favorite. But that damnable Prince had embedded such expensive colored glass on doors and windows. How much silver would that cost?

The officials and the emperor in Capital City had always thought that the Northern Land was so poor that they could hardly afford meals. My God, who knew Chu Suifeng was so wealthy. Thinking about the popular items in Capital City, Superintendent Miao instantly felt imbalanced.

"Superintendent, Master Lin." Inside the room, Lin Ziyin and her people were waiting for them. Due to considerations of status, she hadn’t come out to meet them.

"Hmm, so you are the Princess?" Without seeing Chu Suifeng, Superintendent Miao’s sense of superiority surged again. He sat on the seat of honor, ignoring Lin Ziyin’s response.

Lin Haisheng had experienced Chu Suifeng’s shrewdness and was not keen on offending Lin Ziyin directly.

But at this moment, enraged for Lin Wanwan, he didn’t stop Superintendent Miao from making things difficult for Lin Ziyin, nor did he say a word in her favor.

In his opinion, it wouldn’t hurt for the haughty Lin Ziyin to taste bitterness. Only after facing setbacks would Lin Ziyin realize the importance of the Lin clan in the Capital City.

He also found a seat to take a sit but chose a lower seat to maintain the etiquette.

"Summon Chu Suifeng to receive the decree." Superintendent Miao ordered sharply.

Lin Ziyin smiled faintly, "I’m sorry, Superintendent, but my husband is not in the residence. I’ll send someone to the Marquis Residence to get him."

"The Princess must look down on the Zajia." Superintendent Miao scornfully replied, "Zajia has been at the Wang Residence for so long, yet you only now dispatch someone to invite Chu Suifeng. Aren’t you afraid Zajia will tell the emperor everything when we return to the Capital?"

"What if we tell the truth?" Before Lin Ziyin could respond, a domineering voice sounded at the door.

Chapter 704: Chapter 704 Impossible (1)_1

"Prince." Lin Ziyin looked at Chu Suifeng with a bright smile, but she did not move forward to bow.

Chu Suifeng once said that a couple should live like ordinary people, tasty and exciting, and they don’t have to worry about those formalities.

Lin Ziyin did just that. She is not from ancient times, so she didn’t like the cumbersome etiquette.

Such a simple and authentic interaction was their little interesting idea as a couple, but some people did not like it and wanted to make themselves more noticeable.

"The wife of Prince Ling is really as straightforward as the rumors say. Zajia has seen it today." The eunuch Miao sat at the top, and he began to laugh sarcastically at Lin Ziyin, his small eyes revealing his undisguised contempt. "Zajia has seen the wives of each prince in Capital City, and they all come from great families. They dare not to act high and mighty whenever the princes return to their residences."

Chu Suifeng’s body was exuding an icy aura, and Lin Haisheng had already broken out in a cold sweat. However, the pompous eunuch Miao, who wanted to teach Lin Ziyin and Chu Suifeng a lesson, didn’t notice their expressions. He thought he was an insider too, spending time around the emperor; he had seen all types of people.

In Miao’s eyes, the disgruntled Chu Suifeng was just not good at interacting with people since he had been sent to Northern Land from a young age without strict palace training.

Lin Ziyin wore a brilliant smile on her face, it seemed she didn’t notice or hear Miao’s contemptuous comments. "I don’t know how other princes’ wives behave?" she asked Miao curiously.

Miao, who had never seen such a foolish person, despised Lin Ziyin even more. "Not to be a gossip, but on the prince’s return, a royal wife always goes to greet him properly. It’s no wonder that the wife of Prince Ling doesn’t understand, after all, she has never lived in Capital City and doesn’t understand the palace’s rules."

"Northern Land is located at the junction of several countries, and the women there are traditionally outgoing, compared to the noble women in Capital City, they each have their own merits. Zajia, you can’t measure the women from Northern Land by the Capital City’s customs." Lin Haisheng was busy mediating, cursing Miao inwardly.

Stupid eunuch, who came to issue a decree, just read it according to the imperial edict and stop talking nonsense. If he arouses the anger of Prince Ling later, be careful not to get into trouble. Northern Land is not the same as Capital City, where he can act recklessly. If he truly angers Prince Ling, not even the two persons in the post station can appease the situation.

"No matter where the woman is from, they should be serving their husbands and raising their children. As a royal wife, maintaining etiquette is even more important. If you behave so recklessly in front of the emperor, it might provoke his wrath and cause a mess. Lady Ling, Zajia is just thinking of your wellbeing." Miao was implying Lin Ziyin in his words.

"Zajia is Eunuch Miao, right? I didn’t expect that after all these years you would climb up so fast. At the beginning, you served as a junior eunuch at the Internal Affairs Bureau and received many favors from Empress De." Nurse Lu ridiculed him."

Only when someone mentioned the past, did eunuch Miao look at the person speaking behind Lin Ziyin. When he looked up, his expression changed immediately.

"You were with Empress De?" He exclaimed.

"So you do remember me." Nurse Lu’s mockery was even more than the one Miao showed, "I thought you had long forgotten about me. After all, you are a favorite figure by the emperor’s side now."

Miao’s face reddened, and he quickly regained his composure. "Since Nurse Lu and Nurse Qin are by the wife of Prince Ling, how could you forget to guide her on some palace customs? If someone saw what happened just now, I don’t know how many people would ridicule the wife of Prince Ling."

Chapter 705: Chapter 705 Impossible (2)_1

Seeing his smug face, the elder Qin was furious. "Our Princess is very well-behaved, everyone praises her when she is out. But it seems Eunuch Miao has forgotten the proper manners he learned over the years. Is it because he ate too much dog food back then that he has changed?"

Lin Ziyin was surprised to hear that the arrogant Eunuch Miao had once lived off of dog food. She gave him a challenging look.

Lin Haisheng nearly couldn’t keep from laughing.

When Miao was just a young eunuch, he was often bullied. Rumor had it that during his impoverished times, he was forced by the head eunuch to eat dog food. This shameful past became taboo after Miao rose to power as the Emperor’s favorite eunuch. No one in Capital City dared to bring it up in front of him. However, after coming to the Northern Land, this embarrassing past was publicly revealed by a nurse from the Prince’s Residence.

This time, Eunuch Miao indeed thoroughly lost face.

"How dare you." Eunuch Miao trembled with rage. The story of eating dog food was the most humiliating episode of his life. Anyone who had humiliated him back then was suppressed and lost their lives. With this record, he successfully intimidated all the eunuchs and palace maids in the palace. Apart from the Emperor, he doubted anyone dared to bring up this past incident.

The old nurses of the Prince’s Residence were really courageous. Did they still think they have the backing of the virtuous imperial concubine, both the Qin and Lu families?

Just when Eunuch Miao was about to strike, the always silent Chu Suifeng walked over without a word and aimed a kick at him.

Eunuch Miao was a martial arts practitioner with decent skills; he saw Chu Suifeng’s kick coming.

He wanted to dodge, but strangely, he couldn’t avoid Chu Suifeng’s kick at all.

Chu Suifeng’s kick solidly hit his chest. Eunuch Miao fell backward, the pearwood chair under his buttocks shattered. It was clear how hard Chu Suifeng had kicked him.

Suddenly, blood sprayed from Eunuch Miao’s mouth. Lin Ziyin didn’t say anything and watched coldly.

Hong Ying and others watched him with a smile, not concealing the schadenfreude and disgust in their eyes.

Chu Suifeng walked back to Lin Ziyin’s side, reprimanding her with a bad tone, "Being bullied like this and you don’t know how to resist, how can this prince leave you alone in the Residence?"

"No worries." Lin Ziyin waved her hand with a smile, "I have never seen a eunuch before, he just satisfies my curiosity. It doesn’t kill to talk, and whether I listen or not is up to me."

"You all will be fined for two months of silver allowance." Chu Suifeng was somewhat satisfied with Lin Ziyin’s words. After sitting down with her hand in his, he began to punish Hong Ying, Lun Luo, and the others, "You watched the Princess being bullied without protecting her. If it wasn’t for the princess being happy, I would not have spared any of you."

"Yes, my Prince." Hong Ying and others responded with a sour face. If they had known this earlier, they would not have let the princess enjoy the scene.

"What’s so good about watching a eunuch who is neither man nor woman." He turned his face and expressed his dissatisfaction to Lin Ziyin.

Eunuch Miao, who was vomiting blood, heard their conversation and was so furious that his heart hurt, "Prince, you dare to attack an eunuch."

"It seems like he hasn’t been beaten enough." Chu Suifeng turned to look at him like he was looking at a dead man. But because of Lin Ziyin’s words, he became less fierce and turned into a graceful man, "Take him out and break his arm bones."

"Yes, my Prince." Congyi and others from the outside came in and answered respectfully, then they walked towards Miao with malicious eyes.