Ch. 791..795: The Princess of Northern Land Chapter 791-795

Chapter 791: Chapter 791: North Country Wind and Cloud(4)_1

On the second day of the month, Lin Ziyin was unfamiliar with the customs of the North Country, but her observational skills were keen.

Early in the morning, the maids and guards in the Wang Residence began to bustle about. She guessed that there would be many visitors to the Wang Residence today. Indeed, at breakfast, Alhatu looked at Lin Ziyin with an awkward expression, "Many people will be visiting the residence today, so..."

"I won’t leave the courtyard." Lin Ziyin replied indifferently.

All of Alhatu’s prepared excuses were suddenly silenced. "I’m sorry." After a long silence, he sincerely apologized to Lin Ziyin.

Lin Ziyin gave a cold laugh without speaking. Seeing the prosperity of Alhatu Residence, she thought of Chu Suifeng, and remembered how that man had joyfully anticipated spending the New Year together. But Alhatu destroyed everything, and Lin Ziyin’s heart began to ache faintly. She started to worry about Chu Suifeng.

It was certain, even Alhatu understood, that Chu Suifeng would not be spending the New Year quietly at the Tomb King Residence. That man might be lurking somewhere in the North Country, waiting to strike.

"In a few days, I will take you to see the villa." Alhatu seemed to be making a promise.

Lin Ziyin couldn’t be bothered to respond to him.

In fact, Alhatu was very busy. As the second prince of the city, he had his own world. When busy, he simply had no time for Lin Ziyin. The courtyard where Lin Ziyin resided was the quietest and most tightly guarded place in the entire Wang Residence.

However, through the wind, she could still hear the laughter and flirtatious voices coming from within the Wang Residence. Compared to the tranquility of her own courtyard, these sounds made her miss Chu Suifeng even more. She hoped that he wouldn’t behave recklessly because of her.

After a calm week or so passed, only after the tenth day did Alhatu finally make some time.

"My apologies for the delay due to trivial matters. I broke my promise." Alhatu began to apologize as soon as they met, "We can start for the villa tomorrow."

"In fact, whether or not we go to the villa doesn’t matter." Lin Ziyin didn’t want to see him, "Since the second prince has already successfully grown vegetables using the hot springs, what use is there for me to pay a visit?"

"What’s the difference between greenhouse cultivation and hot spring cultivation? Miss Lin has quite a lot of insight in cultivation, and may be able to provide some advice if you go and have a look." Alhatu replied in good temper, seemingly unaffected by Lin Ziyin’s impatience.

"Since the second prince has already made your decision, why bother telling me?" Lin Ziyin really couldn’t stand him. Her tone was not pleasant at all.

Alhatu smiled faintly, "Then I will come back tomorrow."

To be precise, Alhatu really didn’t have much to say to Lin Ziyin.

Over the past days, he had provided her with nothing but the best. Apart from personal freedom, anything good that could be thought of, he had sent to Lin Ziyin.

The maids in the room were somewhat dissatisfied with her attitude towards Alhatu. But Alhatu’s attitude dictated theirs, and nobody dared to slack off.

Lin Ziyin was very lonely. In the Northern Land, those who she knew well were not here. Bayan and Tana were healing their wounds and couldn’t come out to talk to her. She felt like a golden bird trapped in the Wang Residence, ignorant of the outside world.

However, she was never one to accept fate. By the time Alhatu came to travel with her the next day, her mood had changed.

Upon reaching the mountain, she was even more interested. The reason was simple, Alhatu’s mountain villa was indeed different. In the vast land of the villa, there were several hot springs located in the mountain hollows, and a large number of greenhouses were built in the area. They were slightly different from the greenhouses in Shili Village - these greenhouses didn’t have firewalls.

Chapter 792: Chapter 792: North Country Wind and Cloud(5)_1

"Miss Lin, you should be familiar with these greenhouses, shouldn’t you?" Alhatu asked with a smile, "They are all built by imitating the greenhouses of Shili Village."

"Nothing can be planted here in the summer, can it?" Lin Ziyin asked.

Alhatu nodded, "The ground temperature is too high in the summer, making it unsuitable for any vegetables. Even in winter, growing these vegetables is not easy."

Lin Ziyin stretched out her hand to grab a handful of soil and examine it.

The soil quality was excellent, it was dark and rich black soil. A handful was almost greasy, but the temperature was a bit high.

"There is nothing I can do about the high surface temperature. Besides, the Second Prince might not believe this, but others have always managed the land at home. I personally don’t know much about farming." Lin Ziyin said seriously.

"Not knowing much doesn’t mean you know nothing." Alhatu was not upset by her words, "As long as Miss Lin can help us in North Country to cultivate crops and solve the hunger of our people, you will be our hero."

"I have no desire to be a hero." Lin Ziyin replied sarcastically, "Most heroes meet miserable ends."

"As I’ve said, as long as I am here, no one can harm Miss Lin." Alhatu reiterated once again.

Lin Ziyin was silent, not fully trusting his words. How tyrannical royal power could be, she knew better than anyone. The second prince, even if favored, was still just a prince. If a real crisis happened, it wouldn’t be something he could control.

The trip to the villa was not fruitless, at least, Lin Ziyin had enjoyed a very comfortable bath in the hot springs here.

However, this trip had also shrouded her identity with mystery, because the next day, rumors about Alhatu were circulating in the Capital City:

"Did you hear that the Second Prince has found a new love? This woman is exceedingly beautiful and the prince is not even leaving his residence, throwing feasts every night."

"That’s nothing, I heard that the Second Prince gave all the treasures in his study to this woman."

"That’s true, women are never allowed into the Hot Springs Villa, but the Second Prince took this woman there and they stayed for several days."

...

"Are the rumors true?" In a large courtyard in Capital City, a beautiful woman, seething with rage, swept all the items from her table onto the floor upon hearing the news from her maid.

All the maids in the room lowered their heads at the loud noise, none of them daring to make a sound.

"Answer me!" After she had finished throwing everything in the room, the woman harshly questioned the maid who had entered the room before.

"The carriage went straight into the Second Prince’s residence, I couldn’t see the people inside." The maid answered in fear, keeping her head down.

"Well, that’s really wonderful." the beautiful woman said with a cold laugh, "I would love to see who this slut is, daring to compete with me, Maya, for a man."

The maid sighed inwardly but didn’t dare to step forward and say a word.

"Send an invitation to the Sixth Princess for a meeting at the tavern tomorrow." The woman suddenly calmed down.

The Sixth Princess in the palace received the message soon.

After receiving the note, the Sixth Princess didn’t refuse Maya’s invitation. But as soon as Maya’s personal maid left, she went to find Duchess Du Lengcang.

Duchess Du Lengcang was both her and Alhatu’s biological mother, and also the legitimate daughter of the Du Lengcang household of the North Country.

"She’s seeking you out at this time simply because of the visiting prince’s wife staying in Alhatu’s residence. You must not let her manipulate you." Duchess Du Lengcang, not yet forty, had beautifully pale skin, well maintained, devoid of the usual northern complexion and appeared to be in her early twenties.

Chapter 793: Chapter 793: North Country Wind and Cloud(6)_1

"Mother, I’m not as foolish as you think." The Sixth Princess responded with a light laugh, "Alhatu is my royal brother, of course I won’t pull him down. Maya’s wish to use me against the Queen Consort is merely her wishful thinking. Maya’s family power is too big, I just want her to help my royal brother."

"It’s a good thing that you are mindful of this. Alhatu has softened somewhat, and with you, his sister, planning for him, I can rest easy. Remember, there is too much strife in the palace. Although your mother appears to live gracefully, each step is cautious, for fear that a misstep will plunge one into a deep abyss. The Queen Consort, the mother of the eldest prince, is the top consort, and there are many things she can’t do. But you as a princess are different, the emperor has allowed you to do so. If Alhatu and your uncle’s family fail, you and the Queen will fall into an irredeemable state of wickedness, do you understand?"

"Mother, I’m not a child." The sixth princess replied seriously, "Alhatu has softened somewhat. In my view, he should not have brought the Queen Consort back. If this matter is not handled well, he will be besieged on all sides, and it could even provoke war between the two countries."

"The eldest prince has the support of the State Preceptor and the Simon family, and he has always been warlike. But if it is because of Alhatu that the war breaks out between the two countries, they will certainly use this situation, and the final result is unpredictable. In the previous border war, Chu Suifeng’s actual strength was truly revealed, and our North Country is not confident of winning if we were to fight again. Since it is Alhatu’s actions that are causing these problems, I fear the eldest prince and the State Preceptor will force your uncle to lead an army. Once defeated, the three of us, Alhatu and his mother and I, will definitely not survive. Alhatu is overly ambitious this time." Lady Du Lengcang’s face reveals a worried expression.

"Mother need not worry too much, Alhatu’s abduction of the Queen Consort is not without benefits. The King Consort is said to care greatly about her, and now that she is our North Country’s hostage, he would not dare to launch a full-scale attack. Furthermore, the Queen Consort is reputed to have many surprising methods. The wool thread and milk powder from the Northern Land are widely sought after, thanks to her management. Even the planting of rice and wheat in the Northern Land are her merits. If she can help our North Country to improve the people’s living standards, Alhatu will no doubt become a hero, gaining the popular support. By then, even if the State Preceptor teams up with the eldest prince, it will not help." The sixth princess was not old, merely sixteen or seventeen, yet she analyzed the situation with clarity.

"You’re correct, but that’s only if the Queen Consort is truly willing to help Alhatu. There have been countless wars between the North Country and Northern Land over the years, causing many casualties on both sides. Do you think the Queen Consort would be willing to set aside old grudges and help Alhatu?" Lady Du Lengcang asked with concern.

She did not know that Alhatu and Lin Ziyin had a far past encounter.

"What kind of person the Queen Consort is, I will know when I see her tomorrow." The Sixth Princess thoughtfully said, "If she insists on not helping Alhatu, I will find a way to get rid of her first. I will absolutely not let her become Alhatu’s weakness, and let him become a target due to her."

"That’s good." Lady Du Lengcang nodded in approval, looking at her daughter with admiration, albeit with a slight regret in her heart. If only Alhatu were as decisive as her daughter, she wouldn’t have had such an uneasy life over the years.

Meanwhile, Brukan was also discussing with the State Preceptor about how to deal with Alhatu.

The strength of Du Lengcang’s family was significant, they were an old-established family in the North Country that had held power for many years. Even though Brukan’s backing was strong, and he had the support of the State Preceptor, they could not easily shake Alhatu’s position. Even the old emperor seemed to have a subtle preference for Alhatu.

Chapter 794: Chapter 794: North Country Wind and Cloud(7)_1

Alhatu possesses a special humility that wins him much popularity, whether in the military or among the people. This consequently put Prince Brukan, who always seemed to fall short of finding a way to counter Alhatu’s strong reputation, on the defensive. Now, the wife of King Ling has handed them a golden opportunity - an Achilles’ heel. Both Brukan and the State Preceptor were eager to seize this moment.

"I shall send someone to assassinate the wife of King Ling. If she dies within Alhatu’s residence, Chu Suifeng will make sure Alhatu pays the price," Brukan declared excitedly.

The State Preceptor let out a sigh. He wondered how he ended up choosing such a man as Brukan as his protégé. Although brave, Brukan often acted impulsively. "Don’t forget, Prince, it was our men who originally kidnapped the King’s wife. Alhatu merely took advantage of the situation. Chu Suifeng, being cautious and vengeful as he is, will not spare us either if the wife of King Ling gets murdered under Alhatu’s roof," he reminded.

"Let him come. Do you think I’m afraid of him? Our men in the North Country are strong, Chu Suifeng, however talented, is not invincible." Brukan’s eyes gleam with a savage delight.

"Fear is not the point. The outcome, however, could be a Pyrrhic victory for both sides." The State Preceptor answered, throwing him a cold glance.

"How so?" Brukan asked, surprised. He knew the State Preceptor to be a prideful man; for him to make such a statement was unusual. It seemed to hint at his concerns about Chu Suifeng.

"Think about our devastating loss in the Border City battle. The Emperor is highly displeased while Chu Suifeng has begun to demonstrate his real strength. Whether he’s still hiding his full potential is hard to say. His weapons are superior and his troops are more skilled. A direct confrontation could lead us both to a no-win situation, leaving North Country a hollow shell, regardless of your rise to the throne," the State Preceptor calmly explained.

"What do you suggest we do?" Brukan calmed down and hurriedly asked him for guidance, understanding the pros and cons of the situation.

"Spread the news that the wife of King Ling is in Alhatu’s residence. Someone will certainly help us deal with him. As for the Queen, the Emperor would never allow her to die in our territory. But once she leaves North Country, who knows what may occur?" The State Preceptor chuckled sinisterly.

"This is all Alhatu’s fault. If it weren’t for his intervention, she would’ve already been killed by our men in the Northern Lands. With their involvement, we’d merely need to clean up after. Chu Suifeng would never suspect us," Brukan regretfully mused, slamming his fist on the table.

"Regrets won’t help us now, it’s better to plan our next move." The State Preceptor promptly rose to his feet, not wanting to engage in this fruitless banter.

Brukan was somewhat dissatisfied with the State Preceptor’s arrogant manner. However, since he relied on the State Preceptor’s support, he swallowed his discontent. As the Preceptor disappeared from his view, Brukan made a silent vow - the day he ascended the throne, he’d make sure to dispose of the State Preceptor.

He didn’t want someone so poised to critique his every move lingering around him in the future.

When the State Preceptor returned to his home, he found Timur waiting for him.

"Why are you up instead of recovering from your injuries?" The State Preceptor asked, his brows furrowing together. If there was anyone he genuinely cared for, that’d be Timur.

"She must not be assassinated," Timur immediately spoke urgently as soon as he saw him.

The State Preceptor looked at him with satisfaction and reassured him, "I’ve already told Brukan, no one will attempt to assassinate her while she’s in North Country."

Upon hearing this, Timur visibly relaxed. At least the State Preceptor and Brukan haven’t completely lost their sanity. If the Queen hadn’t arrived in North Country, he wouldn’t have minded who killed her. But now that she’s here, they absolutely could not let her die on their soil.

The following day, Princess Maya indeed arrived at the restaurant with her maidservant for the arranged meeting.

"Princess, I wish to meet that woman by the Second Prince’s side. I don’t want to anger him, and now you’re the only one who can help me," Maya directly stated her purpose upon seeing her.

"I hadn’t heard that a woman has appeared by Alhatu’s side. Are you sure?" The princess asked, pretending to be surprised.

"Of course, I’m sure," Maya replied haughtily. "You know I’ve always liked the Second Prince. My maidservant saw a woman enter the Second Prince’s residence in a carriage. You’re my best friend, you cannot favor outsiders over me."

The princess laughingly said, "If it’s true, not only are you curious, but so am I. You’re my closest friend, if I don’t help you, who will I help?"

Chapter 795: Chapter 795 Summoned (1)_1

Hearing this, Maya immediately beamed with joy. The Sixth Princess, who had grown up with her as best friends, indeed came to her aid in a critical moment.

"She’s just a wild woman. If she doesn’t know her place, thinking she can rise to power by just clinging to the Second Prince, I’ll have to teach her a lesson and make her realize her true colors and identity." Maya asserted, her whole body radiating with domineering arrogance.

A wild woman? The Sixth Princess chuckled secretly. If Maya knew that her so-called ’wild woman’ was the wife of the Lordling of the Northern Land, she probably wouldn’t be so bold.

Both women were filled with curiosity about Lin Ziyin. Although their intentions were different, they both tacitly decided to go to Alhatu’s residence.

Alhatu was not in his residence, and due to Lin Ziyin’s presence, his home was guarded meticulously.

"Your servant pays respect to the Princess." Seeing the arrival of the Sixth Princess, the gatekeeper immediately stepped forward to pay his respects.

"Why are there so many guards?" Seeing the unusual number of guards, Maya, with her sharp eyes, recognized the anomaly compared to other days.

"Perhaps because of the New Year, they are worried about potential troubles, and therefore have deployed extra men on duty." The Sixth Princess joked.

"Where did the Second Prince arrange for that wild woman to be kept?" Maya’s focus was not on the guards. As soon as she entered the residence, she was determined to find her rumored love rival.

"Don’t rush, she wouldn’t have left the Residence by now." The Sixth Princess, knowing that Maya had beforehand learnt that the Lord’s wife didn’t go with Alhatu today, calmly reassured her.

Hearing this, Maya indeed didn’t speak any further.

The Sixth Princess was of high enough status to roam freely around the residence, and she wanted to inquire about some things - the people of the residence would not dare to hide anything from her.

"I’ve heard that Alhatu is besotted with a fairy-like woman, where is she?" The women in the North Country were always straight-forward; if they wished to ask something, they did not hold back.

This time, the people of the residence did not accede to her query. All of the maids in the room dared not step forward to answer the Sixth Princess’s question.

"How audacious, all of you are ignoring the Sixth Princess’s question?" Maya, who was eager to meet the woman, was infuriated by the maids’ responses.

"Please spare us, Princess." The maids were so scared that they immediately knelt down, "We mean no disrespect to the Princess. The Second Prince has given orders that no one is to disturb that lady."

"Damn it..." Maya, seething with rage, kicked the maid who had spoken.

The maid hurt from the kick but didn’t dare to cry out, only keeping her head down and apologizing continuously.

Upon seeing Maya’s behavior, the Sixth Princess slightly furrowed her brows and her dislike for Maya grew.

Maya was increasingly overstepping her bounds. While she, the Sixth Princess, had yet to say anything, Maya dared to attack someone in the Second Prince’s Residence. Worse, Maya was clearly showing that she did not hold Alhatu, nor her, in high regard.

"Maya." The Sixth Princess finally intervened, "If they dare not say, I, myself, with my people will go look for her."

The maids kept silent, their bodies trembling. They were thinking of stopping the Sixth Princess, but all of them backed down upon seeing her intense gaze.

"Contemptible creatures." Maya’s anger had not yet subsided, and seeing the maids’ defiant expressions, she rushed forward to kick another maid.

"Enough, Maya." The Sixth Princess looked displeasedly towards Maya, "What are you doing arguing with a maid? Don’t forget your own place."

Maya pouted, standing to the side, her eyes full of anger, "They dare look down on you and me, it really is too hateful. I think the Second Prince has given them too much leeway."