Ch. 726..730: The Princess of Northern Land Chapter 726-730

Chapter 726: Chapter 726: Disappearance (2) _1

Chu Suifeng’s heart was in turmoil - he was feeling fear and negative emotions he had never experienced before, all in the course of one night.

"Investigate secretly. Show no mercy to the ones seized," Chu Suifeng ordered, taking his time with each word.

"Yes, my Prince."

To Chu Suifeng, Lin Ziyin was like his second life, and the old lady was also an important person in his life. He was distressed that Lin Ziyin was missing, but under Situ Gong’s guidance, he managed to suppress his impulsive feelings.

The descendants of the Li Family were anxiously pacing in front of the altar, as the time for the old lady to start her journey passed. Surprisingly, the prince, who should have been there, was nowhere to be found.

Should they wait or not? They were caught in a dilemma.

The Marquis knew that there had been a significant disturbance in the city last night, and he supposed something serious must have happened within Feng City.

Being the ruler of Feng City, Chu Suifeng would definitely need to deal with this matter. But would the prince appear or not? It was uncertain!

If they decided to wait, according to customs, delaying the time would be unlucky for the future generations of the Li Family. However, if they didn’t wait, there was a possibility that the prince might arrive later. Given the prince’s affection for the old lady, missing her burial would surely incur his wrath on the Li Family.

"Father, the prince is too busy to find the time to come here," Li Jiesong suggested, somewhat gloating. He found it more comfortable when Chu Suifeng was not present. Each time he saw Chu Suifeng, he was reminded of the grain incident and it made him tremble with fear.

"Father, I think we should wait a little longer," Li Jieyong opposed, "Considering the prince’s affection for grandmother, no matter what happened, he will rush over here."

"If we wait any longer, we will miss the proper time," Li Jiesong coldly rebutted. As he saw it, the status of Marquis’s heir was unfairly taken by Li Jieyong. Now, Li Jieyong was not a good brother to him, but an enemy. Anything Li Jieyong supported, Li Jiesong would definitely oppose, "If something goes wrong, you, as the future Marquis, would be the one to suffer."

Li Jieyong was well aware of his brother’s character, and wouldn’t stoop to arguing with someone as petty as him. Seeing that the Marquis seemed a little indecisive, he quickly added, "Our grandmother’s spirit is watching from above."

There was a saying in the Northern Land that after a person’s death, their spirit stayed in the house until the seventh day.

Remembering the old lady’s constant defense of Chu Suifeng, Lord Li had to give up his intention to start the funeral procession immediately, "Let’s wait."

"My lord," Lady Mu, dressed in white mourning clothes, stepped forward, "We can’t wait. In life and death, the dead are our priority. If the prince has affairs that keep him from coming, we should not wait."

Upon hearing that his mother agreed with him, Li Jiesong couldn’t help but give Li Jieyong a triumphant look, "Isn’t it the case, Father? We can’t delay grandmother’s burial just because of prince’s status."

"We must wait for my cousin," Li Yanran, dressed in all white with a white silk flower pinned in her hair, looked as charming as always. She stood up, resolutely supporting Li Jieyong.

"Ha, what do you know, sister? Don’t act impulsively," Li Jiesong was close to going mad with anger, knowing that Li Yanran was infatuated with Chu Suifeng. However, it was now the time for dispute between brothers and this foolish girl was causing trouble.

Seeing the disputes among her children was painful for Lady Mu. In her eyes, the enmity between her sons, Li Jiesong and Li Jieyong was entirely due to the old lady who had passed away. If it hadn’t been for the old lady changing the line of succession from the elder son to the younger one, their relationship would undoubtedly still be as good as before.

Members of the second branch of the family also came forward, not to be outdone, "Big brother, I think it’s better to hold the funeral first. The prince is too occupied with official duties, he definitely won’t be showing up."

Chapter 727: Chapter 727: Disappearance (3) _1

"Yes, indeed, delaying the hour would not be good for our ancestors." Jin spoke, twisting her torso to join the conversation. She held a handkerchief, pretending to wipe the corners of her eyes, but there were no tears. "We, as their descendants, have to make sure they have a good sending off."

The second family home was practical in their thinking; delaying the funeral would disadvantage their direct descendants, the Li family, potentially bringing bad luck. They didn’t want to encounter any misfortune. Having always been involved in business, they believed in feng shui and such matters more than the average person.

Secondly, of course, they wanted to dampen the spirit of the future head of the family, Li Jieyong.

Faced with so many questionable relatives, Li Jieyong had no choice but to sigh constantly in his heart.

"We must wait for the Prince." Li Yanran coldly stared at Jin, not treating her as an elder at all.

"Oh, my, Yanran, even at this time, you’re still thinking about that?" Jin exclaimed dramatically. Everyone knew exactly what the ’that’ she was referring to meant.

The expressions on the faces of Lady Mu and Marquis Li suddenly changed to distaste, and Li Yanran turned the color of a pig liver.

"The Prince has arrived." Just then, Chu Suifeng finally arrived.

The people of the Mu family and Marquis Li all breathed a sigh of relief.

The people from the second house were also pleased; regardless of what had happened, Chu Suifeng’s arrival only served to bring more honor to the Li family, as long as the hour was not delayed.

The Prince of the Mausoleum had come, but his wife had not. The sharp-eyed members of the Li family spotted immediately that Chu Suifeng had come alone.

Both Marquis Li, Lady Mu, and the inhabitants of the second house were somewhat discontented with this. Hmph, Lin Ziyin had just moved up from being a peasant woman to becoming a princess, and she was already making a show of it. It was too bad that she had initially shown a virtuous and propriety facade to the Old Madam, when in reality she was such a despicable villain.

Li Yanran was delighted to see Chu Suifeng arrive, but given the unusual circumstances, she decided against rushing forward to greet him and possibly upsetting him.

"The hour has come, time to send the Old Madam on her way." Chu Suifeng looked terrible, his eyes were red and bloodshot; it was chilling to see.

Last night, the Prince of the Mausoleum must have been up all night dealing with state affairs. Considering that despite his business, he had still come, the descendants of the Li family felt a surge of joy.

Especially when they saw the admiration in the eyes of the spectators and common people around them, their hearts filled with pride.

The mournful cries of the suonas filled the sky, and like a switch had been flicked on, the descendants of the Li family began to sob loudly. The women, comparing who could sob louder, were dressed in white mourning clothes adorned with white silk flowers. With white handkerchiefs in hand, they wiped away their tears, lamenting the Old Madam’s kindness to them, her care for the descendants of the Li family, and her great deeds.

The men, however, with reddened eyes, gritted their teeth and sobbed silently, each holding a filial staff while following behind the coffin.

Perhaps because the Old Madam truly was kind, or perhaps because of Chu Suifeng, the Ding’an Temple sent monks who all wore earth-colored robes. They beat wooden fish drums as they walked, continually chanting Buddhist scriptures.

One could confidently say, that there was no one else in Feng City whose funeral could surpass the Old Madam’s.

Snowflakes in the sky whirled around in the fierce northern wind. The paper money being thrown around, enveloped by the snowflakes, was blown everywhere by the wind. Soft-hearted commoners who watched this, thinking of Empress Dowager’s kindness and the Old Madam’s good deeds, also joined in crying along with the Li family.

Chapter 728: Chapter 728: Disappearance (4)_1

Chu Suifeng did not shed any tears, riding silently behind the coffin of the old lady. Even so, no one thought he was not grieving. On the contrary, many people were moved by his restraint and began to feel sorry for him.

"What a hullabaloo." Inside the inn, the Chu prince was standing up high, smilingly watching the crowd that were part of the funeral procession outside. "I reckoned the Prince of the Tomb would have trouble showing up at the funeral."

"My lord, the search outside is very strict. All the city gates have been sealed off," the guard beside him reported.

"I guess I won’t be able to go back to the Capital City for the New Year, so I might as well stay in Feng City and experience the festive atmosphere of the North Country," said the Chu prince with a smile.

"Yes, my lord."

The Wang prince hid in the courtyard, seemingly indifferent to the events happening around him.

"My lord, Chu prince’s men seem to have mingled in."

"Ignore things we should not concern ourselves with," commanded the Wang prince coolly. Playfully swirling his wine glass, he grinned and added, "This year’s celebration is unlike any other. It’s an intriguing change."

Everyone in the room chortled along with his comment.

Just then, a commotion arose in the courtyard next door, pushing the Wang prince’s radiant smile to greater heights. "Now it’s even merrier! Those who intend to go can’t, and those who don’t want to leave just might have to stay."

The ones returning to the adjoining courtyard were Elder Miao and Lin Haisheng, who had packed up early in the morning and planned to return to the Capital. However, for some reason, the gates of Feng City were sealed. Black-armored soldiers were incessantly questioning and inspecting the merchants passing by. Even when they revealed their identities, no soldier paid them any mind.

Ordinarily, Elder Miao would be fuming in rage.

But after the incident at the Tomb Prince’s Residence, the sight of the black-armored soldiers drained him of his fury. Especially when he learned that the commander of these soldiers was the son of Luo Er, they obediently followed the soldiers’ instructions and returned home.

Fortunately, before they had left, the firewood and bedding that were inside the inn were still there, and so was the food in the kitchen. So, after returning, Elder Miao and his companions’ quality of life was not affected in the slightest.

Seeing the neatly arranged furnishings inside the house, Elder Miao, Lin Haisheng and the others heaved a sigh of relief. Well, even if they had to spend the New Year in the Northern Land, they didn’t need to worry about living inconveniences.

"What on earth happened at the Tomb Prince’s Residence?" Inside a room where only Elder Miao and Lin Haisheng remained, Elder Miao could no longer hold back his curiosity. "Mr. Lin, do you know anything about it?"

"Elder Miao, why pretend to ask a question when you know the answer? You might even know more than I do," replied Lin Haisheng, refusing to be fooled.

Even though he was exposed, Elder Miao didn’t get upset. Instead, he mused to himself, "Such a bold thief, daring to intrude into the Tomb Prince’s Residence and kidnap someone."

"Elder, this incident is no good news for either of us," Lin Haisheng glanced at him and said.

Upon hearing this, Elder Miao fell silent. Lin Haisheng was right. The Tomb Prince had locked down the city, trapping them in the Northern Land. The Emperor would be kept in the dark. Fear arose that they’d be held responsible when they return, and even face the Emperor’s wrath.

"I’m visiting the two princes shortly," said Lin Haisheng, standing up.

"Mr. Lin, you can’t break the bridge after crossing the river, abandoning Zajia alone," changed Elder Miao, looking at him with sharp eyes.

"Elder Miao, what are you talking about? Am I that kind of person? Besides, my loyalty lies with the Emperor. Even for that alone, I am on the same side as Elder Miao," Lin Haisheng answered rather vehemently.

Chapter 729: Chapter 729: Disappearance (5) _1

"Master Lin, please calm down. I am not feeling well at the moment, which makes me a bit restless. When I get back, I will not forget your kindness." Eunuch Miao raises his voice as he speaks, his face switching from anger to a sycophantic smile.

If it were before, he might have doubted Lin Haisheng’s words, but now he believes what Lin Haisheng has said. Since his weakness is under the control of the prince, Eunuch Miao believes that there are also vulnerabilities in Lin Haisheng’s letters, complying with the prince’s demands.

Their secrets cannot be revealed to the emperor. In one way, they share common interests and stakes.

Lin Haisheng snorted coldly and walked away directly.

Eunuch Miao sighed repeatedly in his bed. After coming to the Northern Land, it seemed as if the whole world had changed. How much longer would he have to endure this kind of constant suppression?

"Stop." The funeral procession of the Li family was also stopped by the soldiers in black armor at the city gate.

"Prince Chu." Marquis Li saw this and immediately got close to Chu Suifeng.

"It’s just a routine check. It won’t take too long," Chu Suifeng declared coldly.

Marquis Li heard this and immediately stepped aside without a word.

The soldiers in black armor began to search the crowd accompanying the Li family’s funeral procession.

"Please step out of the carriage," A soldier in black armor ordered coldly to Li Yanran, who was inside the carriage.

"There’s so little space in this carriage. You could look for yourself. It’s cold outside; I don’t want to get out." Li Yanran boldly instructed her servant to lift the curtain of the carriage.

The soldier in black armor briefly inspected the carriage and found nothing suspicious. "Sorry for the inconvenience."

Then he moved on to inspect the next carriage.

Shortly after the women of the Li family left the courtyard, they all boarded the carriages. The arrival of the soldiers in black armor made them feel uncomfortable. But since the order came from Chu Suifeng, they all heard it and no one dared to express any dissatisfaction, even if they were unhappy.

"Let them go." After checking every horse, carriage, and wagon, the Li family was riding without finding anything suspicious, so the soldiers in black armor let them pass.

"I apologize for the inconvenience." Si Jinhan, the leader in East City, said to the marquis after the soldiers had completed their inspection.

Marquis Li knew the status of Si Jinhan in Chu Suifeng’s heart. Si Jinhan was showing courtesy towards him, but he dared not take the apology too seriously. "Third Son, you’re being too polite, I am aware of the responsibilities that lie with you."

Fortunately, the attitudes on both sides were very friendly.

"Depart." The carriages started to move again, and the mourning sounds accompanied by the chanting of Buddhist scriptures resumed.

The old lady’s grave was located on a hill five kilometers outside the East City, where her husband, the old marquis, was also buried.

Since the tomb was already prepared, the burial process was quick.

Watching the grave getting covered, Chu Suifeng became impatient and couldn’t wait any longer. "Let’s go."

Without waiting for Marquis Li and the others, he left with Congyi, Conger, and the rest on their horses.

Now that the main event was over, and Chu Suifeng had given all the necessary courtesies, there was nothing for Marquis Li to complain about.

"Mother, let me share the carriage with you." On the return journey, Li Yanran squeezed into Madam Mu’s carriage.

"Oh, when will you give your mother a break, so that I can completely relax?" Madam Mu knew Li Yanran’s thoughts too well. In such a unique situation today, her daughter’s gaze was always on Chu Suifeng. It’s a pity the prince is interested, but the Goddess is not. When would this silly girl understand?

Once Chu Suifeng returned to the Capital City, he tirelessly commanded searches with his soldiers in black armor.

Even though they mobilized all the soldiers in black armor, they still couldn’t find any trace of Lin Ziyin.

Chapter 730: Chapter 730: Disappearance (6)_1

Lin Ziyin vanished as if touched by the gods, leaving no trace behind.

"Prince, you should eat something. You’ve not touched a drop of water all day. The Consort would be heartbroken if she knew," Qin’s senior maid advised.

Chu Suifeng closed his eyes, not interested in talking or moving.

"Even if you’re made of iron, you won’t last this way, Prince. The Consort is still waiting for you to find her." Lu’s senior maid also came over to persuade him in concurrence with Qin’s senior maid.

"Leave me alone, I have no appetite," Chu Suifeng sighed in response.

Out of respect for the two senior maids who had once served his mother, even if he was frustrated now, he didn’t reprimand Qin’s senior maid or Lu’s senior maid harshly.

Qin’s senior maid and Lu’s senior maid, who had been caring for Chu Suifeng all along, understood him very well. They could tell that he was getting irritated from his expression.

Qin’s senior maid’s eyes reddened slightly, and thinking of Lin Ziyin who was nowhere to be found, she felt terrible.

"Has the girl woken up yet?" Chu Suifeng asked.

Knowing that he was referring to Qiaoqiao, Lu’s senior maid stepped forward humbly and replied, "Qiaoqiao has already woken up, but she doesn’t remember anything. Consequently, she’s been blaming herself and crying all day."

Chu Suifeng became disinterested in talking again, and the room fell silent once more.

"Do you think I’m really a jinx?" After a while, a feeble voice came from Chu Suifeng.

"How could the Prince be a jinx?" Qin’s senior maid couldn’t bear it any longer, and tears welled up.

Following this, Congyi, the first class guard, also knelt down at once, "Thanks to the Prince, the Northern Land has been thriving for many years. Without the prince, not only would the Northern Land cease to exist, but Daqin would also be in danger. In the eyes of the public, the Prince is revered as a god. How could he be a disaster?"

These words were neither exaggerated nor were they in order to flatter Congyi. The recognition that the people of the Northern Land had for Chu Suifeng far exceeded that for the current Emperor, which was one of his proudest achievements.

But that was not where his heart was. His mood was at an all-time low. Congyi’s praises didn’t cheer him up, "Then why do tragic events happen to everyone close to me?"

The death of the elderly lady and the disappearance of Lin Ziyin had deal a heavy blow to the powerful Chu Suifeng. Shadows of his childhood began to resurface in his heart.

"The Consort will return safely, and the Prince must take care. If the Consort comes back and finds the Prince so desolate, she will be very upset." Bai Xian, the man, also had tears in his eyes.

The Consort has disappeared right under his nose, his self-blame was no less than Chu Suifeng’s.

"Prince, Consort Lin seeks an audience." At a time when the atmosphere in the room was heavy, a guard clad in black armor came in to report.

"At this time, she still wants to stir up trouble," Lu’s senior maid’s eyes flashed with a vicious light. In her opinion, any woman who tried to take advantage of the Consort’s absence and harbored evil intentions towards Chu Suifeng was not a good woman.

"Get out," Chu Suifeng spat coldly.

Apart from Lin Ziyin, who held an important place in his heart, the rest were insignificant to him. Lin Wanwan’s decision to come at this hour made him even more angry.

The black-armored guard, following the order, immediately went out to dismiss the visitor.

"Prince, I know why the Consort disappeared," Lin Wanwan’s shrill cry suddenly rang out from outside the door.

A moment of silence fell upon the room as everyone listened. Then, Chu Suifeng was the first to rush out of the room.