Ch. 811..815: The Princess of Northern Land Chapter 811-815

Chapter 811: Chapter 811: Connection (3)

"Our shopkeeper is really a clever person," Princess Maya said, a rare compliment coming from her.

"The shopkeeper doesn’t have other hobbies; he just likes to ponder over new dishes. This ’Hundred Birds Paying Homage to the Phoenix’ dish was inspired by Prince Alhatu’s guqin playing," the waiter said, his smile never fading. It was clear how much he admired his shopkeeper.

"In that case, your shopkeeper will have to share some money with Prince Alhatu," Lin Ziyin joked.

The waiter looked at her with surprise, not understanding why she would say such a thing.

"Why?" Princess Six was also curious, looking at Lin Ziyin.

"Waiter mentioned that the shopkeeper thought of these two dishes all thanks to Prince Alhatu; in other words, without Prince Alhatu, your shopkeeper might not have been able to create these dishes. So, as the beneficiary, shouldn’t he bleed a little?" Lin Ziyin explained slowly.

Maya looked down on Lin Ziyin to some extent—the noble consort of Ling always spoke of money, which was somewhat vulgar and rather petty. Nonetheless, Lin Ziyin was doing it for Alhatu’s sake, so Maya refrained from any sneers or sarcasm.

"Haha, well said, we should let Alhatu come and ask the shopkeeper for silver." Princess Six burst into laughter after hearing her explanation.

"This?" The waiter finally could not smile anymore, touching his head in worry. Oh no, it seemed he had misspoken. If the shopkeeper found out it was he who spilled the beans, would he be fired?

"Dear patrons, please spare me. If the shopkeeper finds out it was me who blabbed, I definitely won’t be able to continue working here," he pleaded pitifully. "Five days later, we still have to go to the estate for supplies. If Prince Alhatu gets wind of this, he will surely be displeased. If we lose Prince Alhatu’s patronage, our restaurant won’t be able to reopen."

"Alright, stop looking so down. We were just teasing you; Prince Alhatu’s position isn’t something we can get close to," Princess Six said with a smile.

"Miss Maya." Surprisingly, the waiter recognized Maya and knew her status.

"I am certainly not one of those people who are swayed by money over mere dishes. I don’t have the inclination to tattle," Maya said with a trace of pride.

Princess Six felt a slight displeasure upon hearing Maya’s implied message, fearing that Lin Ziyin would get upset.

Lin Ziyin, however, seemed not to notice, as she continued to earnestly taste the dishes on the table. "The gamey taste of the meat has been greatly reduced, though the flavor is still a bit too strong."

"Eat more, once you get used to it, you’ll start to like the flavor," Princess Six reassured her, relieved to see her magnanimity and unwillingness to make an issue of it with Maya, and thus engaged her in casual conversation.

The relationship among the three was the most unstable. Seeing the two getting along well and leaving her out, Maya felt an added resentment towards Lin Ziyin.

Despite some tension in the air, Princess Six and Lin Ziyin were quite satisfied with their meal.

After finishing their meal, Princess Six decided to take Lin Ziyin back to the Residence. "Let’s go out again tomorrow; we’re tired today, better to rest early."

"With just such a short distance to travel, the Consort of Ling is rather frail," Maya said, finding confidence upon seeing Lin Ziyin’s petite frame.

"Hehe, my constitution isn’t great, and I’m indeed a bit tired today," Lin Ziyin replied with a light laugh.

Princess Six didn’t invite Maya to Prince Alhatu’s Residence, because with the addition of Lin Ziyin and several maids, Maya wasn’t shameless enough to push her company on them. They all parted ways at the entrance of Kashen’s.

 

Chapter 812: Chapter 812: Connection (4)

"Qiqige," just as she was about to get on the carriage, someone suddenly called out the name of the sixth Princess.

Qiqige didn’t turn around, yet inwardly she complained bitterly, the plague god had arrived.

However, the newcomer didn’t allow her to ignore him, "Is my esteemed eldest brother also here to dine?"

Turning around with a smile blooming like flowers, the sixth Princess indeed had the charm to grace all quarters.

"Ran into Timur, was just about to go inside. It looks like you’ve just finished eating?" Brukan’s eyes were extremely sharp, and as he spoke, he had already approached Lin Ziyin.

"Who is this beauty?" Looking at Lin Ziyin dressed in North Country attire, he actually extended his hand toward her as he asked.

Maya hadn’t had the chance to leave yet, and witnessing this scene, her heart immediately swelled with vindictive pleasure.

Lin Ziyin was no fool; she certainly wasn’t going to stand there stupidly and let Brukan toy with her. When Brukan gave her a malevolent look, she had already quietly stepped back, positioning herself between Bayan and Tana.

Even wounded, Bayan was still a fierce tiger.

His duty was to protect Lin Ziyin at the risk of his life. The moment Brukan reached out, Bayan’s hand shot out as well.

Brukan’s frivolous smile instantly froze, his gaze toward Bayan now filled with venomous malignance. For Bayan’s action was a grave disrespect toward him.

"How dare you show such insolence," Brukan looked coldly at Bayan.

Bayan said nothing, just stubbornly met his gaze, not showing the slightest sign of yielding.

The situation was somewhat embarrassing for Timur, who, in his heart, cursed Brukan half to death.

"So this is the courtesy of the North Country." Protected by Bayan, Lin Ziyin immediately scoffed at Brukan, "This consort has certainly broadened her horizons."

"Consort? From which residence are you a consort?" Brukan asked with a sinister stare, his tone aggressive, "Are you a woman of the Alhatu Residence? I hear you are currently in favor."

Hearing this, Maya was furious, tempted to confront him but then retracted the step she had taken.

Brukan was a madman, with a heavy penchant for revenge. If she approached now, she might very well become collateral. After all, Brukan had always coveted her, intent on making her a consort in the Crown Prince’s Residence.

Not the least tempted by Brukan—even if he offered her the position of principal wife—she wouldn’t have accepted.

It wasn’t worth it for her to get involved because of someone unrelated. Without hesitation, Maya quickly departed with her maid, leaving Kashen behind.

The sixth Princess was also furious. Even if Lin Ziyin was not the wife of the Prince of Ling from the Northern Land, Brukan’s behavior was an affront to her, given that the person was someone she had brought out. "Brukan, what is the meaning of this?"

"I am Chu Suifeng’s woman, the consort of the Northern Land. Do you not know? Or are you feigning ignorance, nothing more than that for the elder prince of the North Country?" Lin Ziyin said, scoffing, fearlessly declaring her identity.

She was gambling, and she was completely confident in her bet; after revealing her identity, Brukan surely would not dare to harm her directly, right?

Indeed, Brukan hadn’t anticipated her to reveal her identity.

The onlookers hearing this showed looks of hatred toward Lin Ziyin, but their expressions quickly shifted to ones of complicated anticipation.

Timur inwardly sighed, Brukan had truly brought humiliation upon himself; Lin Ziyin was now a distinguished guest recognized by the emperor. In front of Lin Ziyin, Brukan could only put on airs but could do nothing against her.

The consort of the Prince of Ling revealing her identity on the streets had indeed put Brukan in a difficult position. The day’s events would inevitably implicate him. He sighed and then looked at the sixth Princess, "It was all just a misunderstanding. Elder Prince, let us go inside to eat."

Chapter 813: Chapter 813: Connection (5)

"I indeed receive favor, but it is my husband Chu Suifeng who favors me," Lin Ziyin retorted relentlessly, pausing after each word while giving the crown prince a stern look, "Under the broad daylight, the crown prince dares to lay hands on a woman, what great manners. From whom did the crown prince learn such royal etiquette?"

Brukan, seeing her composed and serious demeanor, trembled with anger, but since Lin Ziyin had clearly stated her identity, he indeed could not lay a hand on her again.

"Chu Suifeng killed countless warriors of our North Country, yet you dare stand on the soil of North Country?" Pondering in his mind over and over again, Brukan finally decided to use public anger to embarrass Lin Ziyin.

"Is it interesting to argue over this matter?" Lin Ziyin scoffed at Brukan, completely indifferent to the restless populace around her. Instead, Princess Alhatu and Bayan among others were on high alert. "It was your people from North Country who started the war, is the crown prince willing to play the robber, disturbing and looting our Northern Land? Should our people of Northern Land just submit everything willingly? If your people are warriors, aren’t ours? In our Northern Land, we have always adhered to the policies of ’good neighborliness, prosperous neighborliness, and friendly neighborliness.’ Anyone harboring ill intentions towards our Northern Land will definitely not be tolerated."

Her words were powerful and resonant, and the crowd suddenly quieted down.

Some were angry, some were ashamed, some looked displeased...

"Do not your North Country people honor warriors and the strong? How is it that, having truly lost, you cannot accept defeat?" Lin Ziyin mockingly looked at the crown prince. "Coming to your Northern Land was not my wish, but after arriving here, your country’s second prince, the emperor, and even the State Preceptor treated this Princess quite kindly. I just do not understand why the crown prince alone treats me unkindly. Or is it that the crown prince always treats women this way?"

Timur internally groaned, Chu Suifeng was difficult to deal with, and he had not expected his princess to be so formidable too. In just a few words, she made the people understand her worth, and further pushed Brukan into a dilemma.

The surrounding populace gradually dispersed. The scene at the gate of the second prince’s residence last time had already spread throughout the entire Capital. Princess of the Tomb was able to cultivate rice and wheat in North Country, turn milk and wool into silver. This rumor had taken deep root in people’s hearts.

Those who died are gone, and the living must move forward. Besides, there were some truths in what Princess of the Tomb said. The populace, though still irked by Lin Ziyin, wouldn’t trouble her further.

But Brukan was different; he had been publicly humiliated repeatedly by Lin Ziyin, and his fury had turned into towering rage, wishing he could strangle Lin Ziyin right then.

"Crown Prince." Seeing Brukan’s expression, Timur quickly grabbed him.

Brukan had brought him over today to humiliate the Princess of the Tomb, which he was not pleased about. If not for fear that Brukan’s impulsiveness would cause trouble, he wouldn’t have stood here and let himself be made a monkey of.

Honestly, everything Brukan did, let alone others, even he, Timur, could not respect.

"Do not anger the Emperor over this matter," Timur whispered in Brukan’s ear.

"Crown Brother, today’s events, I will report truthfully to our father the Emperor." After recovering from her shock, Princess Alhatu righteously began to confront Brukan.

"You?" Brukan’s face changed, and a bloodthirsty look appeared in his eyes.

Princess Alhatu remained unmoved; her faction and the crown prince’s faction had long been at odds, it was not a matter of one or two days. Since they were to tear their faces off, what did she have to fear? Moreover, she had come out today with a mission.

Chapter 814: Chapter 814 Connect (6)

Seeing the malice in Brukan’s eyes, Timur immediately felt displeased.

The Sixth Princess was the one he fancied, and the Crown Prince had always known this secret, yet Brukan showed murderous intent towards the Sixth Princess right in front of him.

Heroes of the North Country could die for the nation on one hand, and on the other, could fight for a beauty.

In an instant, Timur’s resolve to support Brukan began to waver.

"Princess Consort Ling, please." The Sixth Princess, unmindful of Brukan’s ugly expression, directly pulled Lin Ziyin onto the carriage, and then they left quickly.

"Such a woman, and you still like her? I think you should change your taste, why not let Aya be your chief wife?" Brukan, having gained no advantage, turned to tarnish Qiqige’s reputation in front of Timur.

"No need." Timur refused without a second thought, for he liked the Sixth Princess’s forthrightness.

Brukan’s expression grew even darker. As the Crown Prince and future heir of the North Country, he did not like anyone defying his will. If Timur wasn’t the bravest warrior of the North Country and his family did not hold a prominent position, he would have killed Timur long ago. A subject being more favored than him in front of the State Preceptor was simply unforgivable.

"I will report everything that happened today to my emperor father, so that he can make decisions for you," the Sixth Princess said with an apologetic tone in the carriage.

"That man is too stubborn and self-willed to be a Crown Prince," Lin Ziyin intentionally stirred.

Upon hearing this, the Sixth Princess instantly fell silent, knowing that the choice of Crown Prince was not something a woman could influence; she was powerless in this matter.

After sending her back to Alhatu’s residence, the Sixth Princess hurried away.

By the afternoon, the Imperial Palace of the North Country had sent carts of gifts, and the eunuch in charge of delivering the gifts casually let slip some news in front of her that the Crown Prince had been disciplined by the emperor, reflecting in seclusion for ten days.

Is that even a punishment? Lin Ziyin scoffed. Still, the thought of that arrogant pig Brukan losing face brought her a sense of achievement.

"Brukan won’t dare to lay a hand on you easily from now on," Alhatu said with a light laugh, his gaze on her carrying a hint of warmth.

"I hardly ever go out, unless he barges in here; otherwise, it’s unlikely that I would encounter him," Lin Ziyin replied indifferently.

"Tailors will come tomorrow to take your measurements," Alhatu mentioned, trying to shift to an easier topic, not wanting to continue the unpleasant conversation.

"There are plenty of clothes in the closet, thanks to the Second Prince’s niceness. I am not in need of clothes," Lin Ziyin immediately reinstated her detachment.

"How could those few clothes be enough?" Alhatu explained good-naturedly, "In a few days, visitors will gradually come over, and it’s quite necessary to add a few more outfits."

Alhatu seemed like a changed man, his gentle tone almost dripping with warmth. Lin Ziyin listened, her whole body forming goosebumps. Does this man have a sickness?

"Anyway, don’t worry, I’ll handle everything."

Hearing this, Lin Ziyin rolled her eyes. What was there for her to worry about? In a few days, she was going to leave this wretched place; if Alhatu wanted to fuss, she would just let him fuss.

"Thanks," Lin Ziyin thanked him nonchalantly.

Seeing her lack of enthusiasm, Alhatu began to ponder how to cheer her up.

At night, lying in bed, Lin Ziyin felt slightly excited. In a few days, she would leave and see Chu Suifeng.

Thinking of Chu Suifeng, her heart felt a slight ache, then she thought of her family and the other people in the estate.Chapter 815: Chapter 815: Connection (7)

Having endured so much in North Country, Chu Suifeng finally arrived. Although the two had only been apart for a little over a month, Lin Ziyin felt as though she had left that man for far too long.

Yes, today in the restaurant, she had finally managed to make a connection with Chu Suifeng’s people.

Deep-fried ice cream and "Birds Returning to their Nest," these two dishes were ones she had taught her own people to make, and no restaurants had yet introduced these new styles. If the names of the two dishes could still be called a coincidence, then the pinyin for ’Honglin’ written on the menu left no doubt that the restaurant was backed by Chu Suifeng’s people.

Because she had hope, the usually calm Lin Ziyin found it almost impossible to stay put.

That night, too excited to sleep, she tossed and turned in bed until the third watch of the night when she finally closed her eyes and drifted off.

The next morning, to her surprise, the sixth Princess came over again with guards and maids in tow.

"We only got halfway through the market yesterday; let’s go out for another stroll today and stop by the Silver Building to pick out some accessories for you. The jewelry you wear is quite plain," the sixth Princess invited enthusiastically.

Lin Ziyin glanced at the string of beads around her neck and sighed inwardly. A nation truly has its own cultural heritage; reflect on the jewelry and clothes from the Northern Land, not a single one is anything less than flashy.

Even with this string of beads she wore, which had turquoise and rubies, it was still considered plain by the sixth Princess.

Well, since she was leaving anyway, she might as well let the Princess have her way.

With a resigned attitude, Lin Ziyin joined the sixth Princess in the carriage once more.

"Wait." Lin Ziyin, who had been gazing at the scenery outside from the carriage, suddenly spotted a familiar figure in the passing crowd. He moved hastily, quickly turning into a Residence. "Whose house is that?"

Lin Ziyin asked the sixth Princess, pointing at the Residence.

"A bit farther from here, it’s where Brukan stays," the sixth Princess replied with a disdainful tone.

Brukan’s Residence? Why would Ma Erlang appear in his Residence?

Supposedly having no connection with one another, yet they ended up in the same place. Lin Ziyin instantly recognized a conspiracy.

Being astute, she quickly surmised the cause and effect.

After Ma Erlang was wanted, he vanished without a trace. Turned out, he fled to North Country and even became Brukan’s lackey. Perhaps all the news from Shili Village, including her every move, had been leaked by Ma Erlang.

Of course, with Ma Erlang’s abilities, he certainly couldn’t have carried out such an extensive plan alone. There must be someone else in Feng City who he was collaborating with. Who could it be? It seemed necessary to investigate thoroughly upon her return.

"The Silver Building is just ahead," the sixth Princess said with a smile.

Lin Ziyin’s train of thought was interrupted, and she looked up with a smile, "Jewelry and such, I don’t really care for."

"How can a woman not care for jewelry? No matter, I am definitely going to buy several pieces today," the sixth Princess answered with a hearty laugh.

They got out of the carriage, and the Shopkeeper from the Silver Building, seeing the grand entourage of maids and numerous guards, hurriedly came out to greet them personally, "My guests, what do you need? This lowly one will definitely bring out the best goods from our store for you to choose from."

"Prepare a private room for us, bring all the best goods there," commanded the sixth Princess boldly.

"Yes, I’ll prepare everything right away," the Shopkeeper said, knowing from their manner that they were not concerned about spending and were big clients. His enthusiasm grew even greater.

Most of the guards stayed outside the Silver Building, with only a few close-protection guards and maids accompanying them upstairs.

Lin Ziyin wasn’t bothered; these guards might be said to be protecting her, but it wouldn’t be incorrect to say they were keeping watch over her.

The Monarch of North Country and Alhatu had been on guard against Chu Suifeng sending people to abduct someone.

Never expecting to become such a "delicious treat" herself one day, Lin Ziyin sighed inwardly.

"Bitch." Just as she and the sixth Princess had reached the second floor, they heard a familiar voice—it was Maya. "I don’t believe the Emperor would let Lin Ziyin, that bitch, become the second Prince’s principal wife."

What? Lin Ziyin’s face changed dramatically upon hearing this news.

The face of the sixth Princess turned even uglier, and just as she was about to barge in, Lin Ziyin stopped her with an outstretched hand, coldly.

The sixth Princess smiled bitterly; if she were to rush in to stop Maya from speaking further, it would only show her own insecurity. If she didn’t go in, she was afraid that Maya, that fool, might blurt out something even more "earth-shattering."

"It’s true, it’s the news from the palace. However, the Emperor hasn’t specifically decided which Prince she will be the principal wife to, His Majesty seems to want all the Princes to compete on their own merits. But as things stand, the second Prince is the crowd favorite," a woman responded respectfully.

"I don’t believe it, I can’t believe that Du Lengcang’s Empress would consent," Maya’s voice was filled with anger and sobs.

"Everyone outside is saying that the Princess Consort of the Prince of Ling can change the livelihood of our North Country’s people. If the second Prince takes her as the principal wife..." The rest of the sentence was left unspoken, but whether it was Maya inside the room or Lin Ziyin outside, they both understood.

So this was the Monarch of North Country’s plan; Lin Ziyin trembled with anger.