Ch. 716..720: The Princess of Northern Land Chapter 716-720

Chapter 716: Chapter 716: Panic (6)_1

"Prince Seven, you are joking." King Chu tried to lighten the mood.

"Who’s joking with you? Am I familiar with you?" Chu Suifeng rudely rejected his words.

Chu Suiyun was silenced and could not utter a word.

"Prince Seven, negotiation is about ’talking’, don’t rush." King Rui replied amiably.

"You all are bullying this prince. Do I need to be polite with you?" Chu Suifeng was quite domineering, not giving them any face at all.

Well, now even the good-tempered King Rui had nothing to say.

Seeing the three of them at a stalemate, Marquis Li hurried to mediate, "Your Highnesses, please come inside. It’s cold outside, the house is warmer."

Chu Suifeng shot him a cold glance, and Marquis Li’s words were instantly "frozen."

"It’s cold outside, get in the carriage quickly. Rest at the Wang Residence, I will bring you back when the funeral is over." Chu Suifeng, after fastening the belt of Lin Ziyin’s cloak, gently reminded her.

"I’ll go back immediately." Lin Ziyin, fixing the robe in front of her, told him, "Try and talk it out, don’t lose your temper."

"Hmm."

Watching Chu Suifeng acting so "submissively" in front of Lin Ziyin, both King Chu and King Rui were surprised and nearly lost their balance.

Chu Suifeng’s temper was too evident; why was he so arrogant and domineering towards them, rude and unreasonable?

Chu Suifeng didn’t care about their thoughts. He courteously saw Lin Ziyin off to the carriage, then turned his head and walked straight into the courtyard, without giving King Chu and King Rui a glance.

Although King Chu and King Rui had not had much dealings with him, they knew of his character. King Ling always went about his business in a straightforward manner, according to his own preferences, which matched the information they had already gathered.

However, it didn’t matter if Chu Suifeng had a bad temper. Since he had stated his intentions, King Chu and King Rui had made up their minds to wrestle the business from him.

"What’s the matter?" Lin Ziyin, sitting in the carriage, questioned as the carriage suddenly stopped moving.

"Reporting to the queen, there are black-armored soldiers ahead." Hong Ying answered quietly.

"Go and see what’s happening," Lin Ziyin ordered softly. With the prince not in the residence, why are there black-armored soldiers on the main street?

Qiaoqiao and Nurse Lu surrounded her protectively, fearing some mishap might occur.

Moments later, Hong Ying returned, accompanied by Situ Gong and Si Jinhan.

"Greetings to the queen." Situ Gong greeted her respectfully.

"Greetings to the queen." Compared with the former, Si Jinhan’s greeting was much less earnest.

Lin Ziyin didn’t hold it against him. Instead, she leaned out of the carriage window to ask, "Master Situ, what has happened?"

"The You Residence ignored the decree and privately sold grain. The third young master and I were ordered to investigate," Situ Gong answered with a smile. "One hundred thousand catties of grain, not a single one missing."

As he spoke, they saw the black-armored soldiers bringing many people out from the You Residence. Each of them bore a sorrowful expression, as if they had lost their parents. Some of the womenfolk were wailing, struggling, even kneeling on the snow to plead with the black-armored soldiers.

The black-armored soldiers trained by the Prince Ling were absolutely his trump card. The pleas from the people of the You Residence fell on deaf ears to them. They ignored all the pleas and when their patience wore thin, they began to lay their hands on them.

After being beaten, the people of the You Residence finally quietened down, but the crying didn’t stop.

"Queen, it’s cold outside, please return." Situ Gong politely ushered her back.

Si Jinhan remained silent, but waved his hand, and the black-armored soldiers immediately cleared a wide path for Lin Ziyin. The officials and commoners on the street began to point at the carriages and the people of the You Residence, whispering amongst themselves.

Chapter 717: Chapter 717: Panic (7)_1

However, Lin Ziyin, who was riding in the carriage, didn’t hear what they said at all.

After returning to the Wang Residence, Lin Ziyin finally breathed a sigh of relief. Her heart had been aching since she saw the old lady leave today, filled with an inexplicable sense of sadness.

She didn’t know if this sadness was for Chu Suifeng, or for herself.

The Wang Residence was quiet with fewer people around, and she had just married Chu Suifeng. The entire residence was still adorned in red, making Lin Ziyin feel slightly more at ease as she took in the sight.

"Miss, the medicine is ready. You should drink it. If you don’t take the medicine, how will your body recover quickly?" In the backyard, Qingting persuaded Miss Ming while wiping away her tears.

Miss Ming remained motionless, her face turned towards the bed, keeping her current emotions a mystery.

"Miss, why are you doing this to yourself? The Prince doesn’t know about your self-abuse. You’re only hurting yourself and benefiting others. Perhaps others are secretly laughing at you." Qingting tried to convince her earnestly.

Finally, upon hearing Qingting’s words, Miss Ming moved, "You can put the medicine on the table, I’ll drink it later. For now, I need some quietness." She finally managed to speak.

Seeing that she was willing to talk, Qingting was delighted. She promptly placed the medicine on the table as per Miss Ming’s instructions and reminded her before leaving, "Miss, remember to drink the medicine while it’s still warm."

Miss Ming just nodded indifferently.

Qingting sighed and stepped out, "I’ll be next door. If you need me, call me."

She didn’t receive any response from Miss Ming. Qingting took one last look before sighing and closing the door.

In the quiet room, Miss Ming finally turned her head. If Qingting saw her at that moment, she would have been too scared to leave her side. Because right now, Miss Ming’s face was fully covered in tears, her complexion pale, even her lips devoid of blood. "Why? Why can’t I let myself go?"

Her voice choked with tears, her eyes filled with despair.

"Miss, don’t forget to take your medicine." The reminder from Qingting came from outside.

"I’ll drink it right away." Miss Ming’s voice immediately returned to normal, and everything quieted down.

She struggled off the bed, the scars on her buttocks stinging even more with her movements. But she didn’t care, as the physical pain can never outweigh the emotional torment.

Looking into the dark medicine bowl, she scoffed and threw the medicine out of the window. Then, she nonchalantly closed the window and stood silently inside the room, looking up at the ceiling. If anyone saw Miss Ming right now, they would probably be scared half to death. She looked as if she had fallen into madness.

"Madame Ming." After a long while, a hurried voice came from outside.

Miss Ming heard the sound but had no desire to respond.

"What do you want with Miss?" It was Qingting, who had heard the sound and came out.

"Our lady’s illness has relapsed, and we beg Madam Ming to find a doctor for her." The maid outside was pleading, her voice tinged with tears.

Miss Ming, who has managed the backyard for many years and has devoted herself to Chu Suifeng, knew who the visitor was just by hearing the voice.

"Our Miss is not well; you should go to the front yard and find Butler Bai." Qingting rudely refused.

"Madam Ming." The maid raised her voice, "Butler Bai is very busy. He doesn’t have the time to look after our mistress."

Hearing the sadness in the voice made Miss Ming’s heart sour, but it wasn’t for the maid, but for herself. "Come in."

Qingting outside was taken aback, glaring at the young maid.

The maid, however, didn’t mind Qingting’s hostile look and pushed the door open directly.

After the maid entered, Miss Ming was already lying back on the bed. "I’m not feeling well, and I can’t help you. The residence has a royal princess; you should find her maids to handle it."

After saying those words, she seemed almost as if she were asleep on the bed, not moving at all.

The maid left with just those words, feeling somewhat dissatisfied. But when she saw the bowl of medicine on the bedside table, she thanked Miss Ming and hurried out.

"These people, they ridicule Miss normally but when trouble arises they remember her kindness." Qingting complained on behalf of Miss Ming. "But it’s wasted effort. The princess isn’t even in the residence."

"Why isn’t the princess in the residence?" Miss Ming suddenly asked.

"The old lady from Marquis Residence has passed away. The Prince has gone to pay his respects with the princess. They probably haven’t come back yet." Qingting answered.

"The old lady has passed? The Prince must be very sad." Miss Ming murmured to herself.

"The old lady was unconscious for several days before she passed away. The Prince was well prepared. But I heard that the old lady has always been urging the princess to give the Prince a son. She probably wasn’t at peace when she left." Qingting sighed, "The Prince just got married. How would there be a child? The old lady’s wish couldn’t be fulfilled. But in my opinion, it’s only a matter of time before there’s a prince in the residence."

A prince? A child? Miss Ming’s head went blank at those words. She froze! Panic set in her heart!

If Lin Ziyin were to give birth to a child, she would have no chance left. The thought of Chu Suifeng happily holding their child and chatting with Lin Ziyin caused her heart to ache so much that she could hardly breathe.

News of the You Residence being seized spread quickly throughout Feng City. Mrs. You quickly received the news. Upon learning that her parents and brother along with his wife, and everyone else in the You Residence had been arrested, she fainted in her panic.

Chapter 718: Chapter 718 Mourning and Conspiracy (1)_1

The maid servants around her rushed to revive her. When she came to, Lady You inhaled a shivering breath, the tears in the corners of her eyes constantly streaming down, her face turned deathly white.

"Miss, this is a letter from your grandfather." The young servant on the ground kneeled with his head down, "I barely escaped. Miss, you must plead with them."

"You can go back." Lady You finally managed to steady her mind and ordered solemnly.

The young servant on the floor was shocked. Where would Lady You ask him to return to? The You Residence had been sealed off by the third son and his men. Everyone in the residence was arrested by the government troops. If he returned, wouldn’t he be throwing himself into the trap?

But without returning to the You Residence, he would have nowhere to go. Because he had no Silver, and he was an indentured servant, it wouldn’t be long before he was caught and sent to Officialdom for a reward.

The only escape was to stay by Lady You’s side.

"Please spare me, Miss," the servant decided that he would rather die than leave the You Residence. He knelt on the ground, constantly kowtowing and pleading with Lady You.

"Young Mistress, it’s impossible to return to the residence. How about sending him to the manor?" The nanny carefully suggested to Lady You, as she was a long-time family servant of the You Residence, and formerly Lady You’s wet-nurse, her words naturally carried some weight.

"Send him to the manor immediately." Lady You commanded impatiently, "Be careful, don’t let anyone see."

"Yes." A maid stepped forward.

"Thank you, Miss." The servant on the ground was ecstatic and crying tears of joy, happily following the maid out.

Lady You looked at the snowflakes outside the door, her face looking extremely bad.

"Young Mistress." The nanny gestured for a few young maids to stand guard at the door, then carefully approached Lady You and asked, "What about them?"

What to do? They all asked her, but how would she know? Lady You felt suffocated, "Leave them be."

The harsh and heartless words shocked the nanny, who couldn’t help but cry out, "But what about the Old Master and the others..."

"You think I don’t want to save them?" Lady You’s face turned cold, "But have you considered, the matter of the food, both my son and I were involved. If we get involved now, do you think we can get away? Prince Ling is not someone who can be easily deceived."

The nanny sympathized, people are selfish at their core. But her heart ached and she felt desolate when she thought about the Old Master who cherished Lady You so much but faced abandonment in the crucial moment for fear of getting burned.

But then again, she quickly dismissed the pity. Their lives were not affected by the crisis in the You Residence because their indenture was in Lady You’s hands.

As a married woman, Lady You naturally wouldn’t be implicated by the You Residence, which meant that the people by her side could be safe and sound.

After thinking it through, the nanny didn’t hope for Lady You to intervene in the affairs of the You Residence anymore.

"Be sure to watch your mouths. If I hear a word about the food, I will take the offender’s life." Lady You coldly ordered.

"Yes, Young Mistress. I will go and give them a good lecture." The nanny softly replied, "Should we deal with the manor?"

"It is best if we can handle it. Also, send some Silver to the prison so the Old Master has some money on him." Ultimately, he was her father, Lady You didn’t completely abandon him. "Go there again tomorrow."

She repeated her command one more time.

Chapter 719: Chapter 719 Mourning and Conspiracy (2)_1

The maid agreed and left.

After arranging things, Madame You suddenly slumped onto the bed again.

What to do? She could feel a strong sense of crisis.

She’d lost her inheritance from the Marquis Residence and witnessed the fall of her maternal family in such a short period. She hadn’t even recovered from the shock and already felt that her own security might not be guaranteed.

Madame You was sure that if the matter of the food were exposed, the Li Family would undoubtedly sacrifice her. By that time, what would become of her two children without their mother’s protection?

The more she thought about it, the more anxious she became, accompanied by deep fear and a sense of helplessness.

Inside the inn, Eunuch Miao and Lin Haisheng, both fuming, returned from the Wang Residence. Especially Eunuch Miao, he was not only angry but also harbored hatred for Prince Ling.

In his mind, he had even planned to complain about Chu Suifeng to the Emperor once he returned, intending to make it difficult for Chu Suifeng. But the confidential letter Chu Suifeng gave them as they left the Wang Residence was like a stroke of genius, worrying them all the way, for fear of arousing the Emperor’s suspicions.

The two little eunuchs accompanying him had not escaped his harsh treatment either.

After struggling and weighing the situation, both Eunuch Miao and Lin Haisheng couldn’t resist their curiosity; they hid in their own rooms and secretly opened the envelope.

And then there was no more ’and then’.

Because there were two letters in the envelope. The content of the first one was terrifying, all recounting the wicked deeds committed by Eunuch Miao, Lin Haisheng and their families over the years. If the Emperor were to know of these, exterminating their nine generations would still be insufficient to vent his anger.

The second letter was a straightforward warning, the main content of which was cautioning them not to distort facts in front of the Emperor once they returned to the Capital City.

Clearly, the second letter was meant to give Eunuch Miao and Lin Haisheng something to deliver in front of the Emperor.

Eunuch Miao and Lin Haisheng, having read the letters, broke into a cold sweat instantly. You can’t be a regular riverside walker without getting your feet wet. Even though eunuchs don’t have descendants, it doesn’t mean they don’t have families. Suffice to say, few people involved in the court and the harem are actually clean. Third parties may not know whether the evidence in the letter is true or false, but Eunuch Miao and Lin Haisheng, as the parties concerned, knew very well.

The two of them stood frozen for a while after reading and then swiftly burned the first letter. To avoid suspicion, Eunuch Miao faked anger and slammed the second letter onto the bed.

In the end, he cried out, instructing a waiting young eunuch to pick up the letter from the floor, "Prince Ling is going too far."

The little eunuch glanced at the contents of the letter before advising, "Eunuch, the Northern Land is Prince Ling’s fiefdom. Here, Prince Ling is the final authority, it’s pointless for us to provoke him."

"Yeah, eunuch, now that the imperial edict has been issued, it would be better for us to leave the Northern Land as soon as possible. As for whether he wishes to hand over the tribute, that’s Prince Ling’s business."

"Right, eunuch, you have his handwritten letter, even if the Emperor is angry, it has nothing to do with us."

...

Both little eunuchs were nurtured by Eunuch Miao, considered his most trusted allies. They had witnessed how Chu Suifeng dealt with Eunuch Miao and, accustomed to smooth sailing, had never encountered a demon-like adversary like Chu Suifeng.

To put it bluntly, the two were completely terrified by Chu Suifeng’s thunderous aura, fearing they might be the next ones to face misfortune.

Only by returning to Capital City from the Northern Land, could they return to a life of superior status.

"Eunuch, the doctor has arrived." A guard reported loudly from outside the door.

"Let him in," Eunuch Miao ordered, bearing the pain, "you also prepare. Pack up everything as quickly as possible, we’re leaving tomorrow."

 

Chapter 720: Chapter 720 Mourning and Conspiracy (3)_1

"Yes, sir." The two young eunuchs agreed, then excitedly prepared to carry out the task.

Seeing their excited state, Elder Miao sneered and thought to himself that he would replace these two useless brats once they returned.

The news about You Residence being investigated was a big deal. Because You Residence was related to the Li Family by marriage, it didn’t take long for the Li Family to be informed. Upon hearing the news, Li Jiesong was stunned. The Marquis and Madam Mu had furrowed brows so deep that they could trap flies.

The people in the second house took delight in watching the misfortune of the first house, especially Madam You, who was from You Residence. She was barely spared from being torn apart by their stares.

But Madam You, being first to hear, had already devised a plan in her mind.

"Father, mother," she knelt before the Marquis and Madam Mu, "Although I come from the You Residence, I was not privy to their dealings."

She refused to utter a word more than necessary.

Upon hearing this, Li Jiesong realized she was hiding the truth. He rushed forward and kicked Madam You. The kick was so heavy that Madam You fell to the ground, immediately coughing up blood.

Seeing Li Jiesong’s ferocious expression, her heart turned as cold as ice. This was the man she had chosen, who always took his anger out on her but was the first to run when it came to wealth and power.

Noting the satisfaction on the faces of the other ladies in the room, her heart sank with despair.

Seeing Madam You coughing up blood, Li Jiesong instantly felt regret. If he pushed her too hard, she might confess everything. It wasn’t just the You Residence who was selling the grain; as their son-in-law, he had a share too. How to stop You Residence and Madam You from talking?

"Elder Brother," Li Jieyong couldn’t bear seeing Madam You injured. Being an upright person, he always disapproved of Li Jiesong’s domineering behavior, "She is our sister-in-law, why punish her for her family’s mistakes?"

"Ah, Jieyong, you’ve got it all wrong." Madam Jin saw an opportunity, "Your sister-in-law is indeed a part of the Li family by marriage, but her surname is still You. Selling grain is a capital crime. What if the Prince Lin takes his anger out on our Li Family? Why should our descendants bear the punishment for the You family’s crimes?"

Hearing this, Madam You chuckled grimly in her heart. Look, this is what the Li Family’s people are like, how selfish they all are. Her husband kept pushing the blame onto her, and now, even the people from house two were adding insult to injury. Judging from the Marquis’ and Madam Mu’s expressions, they were also unhappy with her.

The one she had always looked down upon, her brother-in-law, was the only one who had stood up for her.

Glancing at her seated sister-in-law Li Yanran, she bitterly smiled when she saw Li Yanran glaring at her. It was during crises like these that people’s true colors were revealed. Thinking of the relationship she and Li Yanran had in the Li Residence, she had been so good to her. Many in Feng City had been envious of the close sisterly bond they shared.

Who would have thought that even this fool would blame her? Madam You, growing increasingly frustrated, started to laugh at Li Yanran’s overestimation of her own importance. She knew why Li Yanran was so angry, that girl was scared her actions would upset Prince Lin, obstructing her path to the Wang Residence.

Did she ever think, even if Prince Lin didn’t like her, and despite all her efforts, could she ever enter the Wang Residence? Dream on!

Though she concealed the hatred she felt, Madam You was certain she was going to take the fall. However, she needed time to plan for her children’s future.