Ch. 816..820: The Princess of Northern Land Chapter 816-820

Chapter 816: Chapter 816 Escape (1)

Princess Ziyin had always been cunning, but at this moment, she was also awkward and at a loss. To be honest, just thinking about the words Du Lengcang’s lady spoke to her yesterday made her feel uneasy.

Although in the North Country, it was not uncommon for women to remarry, the truth was that the calculations against Lin Ziyin were hidden from the person involved, the consort of Prince Ling. This made it seem as though the North Country was being rather petty.

"Are they not afraid that Chu Suifeng will seek revenge and settle accounts?" The voice inside the room continued.

"Afraid? With the loss of the consort of Prince Ling, Chu Suifeng would be caught in a deadlock. I’ve heard that the consort of Prince Ling is essential for the workshops and crop cultivation in the Northern Land. If she could be made to stay willingly in the North Country, then Chu Suifeng would become a tiger without claws—seemingly fearsome but no longer to be feared. Even without food supply support, he would have to stay confined within Feng City."

"How dare they." Hearing the people inside going too far, and seeing the dark expression on Lin Ziyin’s face, Princess Ziyin angrily kicked the door open.

Bayan and Tana looked at Lin Ziyin with some concern, and when they met her icy gaze, they immediately looked away guiltily.

Yi Lian, although not as acquainted with her as Bayan and Tana were, had served Lin Ziyin for some time and being from Alhatu, naturally did not step forward to comfort Lin Ziyin.

As the door was kicked open, the people inside were revealed.

"Princess Ziyin!"

"Princess Ziyin?"

Two sounds of shock emerged, and soon Lin Ziyin also clearly saw the situation inside.

Inside, one was Maya and the other was an unknown lady, who based on her attire appeared to be a noblewoman as well.

Seeing Princess Ziyin and Lin Ziyin standing before the door, they were immediately frightened and looked utterly perplexed.

"Discussing the Royal Family behind their backs, a capital offence! Do you understand?" At this moment, not a trace of warmth was left on Princess Ziyin’s face, her typically aloof personality on full display.

"Is what you just said true?" Lin Ziyin asked from the doorway, her voice soft yet chilling.

Startled out of their wits, Maya and the noblewoman realized that if their words were heard by the Emperor, they were as good as dead.

Maya didn’t even dare to plead with Princess Ziyin.

But as Lin Ziyin questioned them, her anger exploded suddenly, "You yourself flit from man to man, hooking up everywhere; are you afraid of others speaking?"

Princess Ziyin stepped forward without hesitation and slapped her with a resounding smack, "Shut up."

"You hit me?" Maya covered her cheek, looking at Princess Ziyin with disbelief.

Princess Ziyin’s gaze was sharp as a knife, without any of the usual warmth of their friendship.

"Why are you even helping her? You’re my best friend," Maya cried out uncontrollably. She was the foremost beauty of the North Country, with a wealthy background, never having suffered in her life. She truly treated Princess Ziyin as her best friend, but today Princess Ziyin’s actions had deeply wounded her heart. "You’re actually siding with her?"

"You brought this upon yourself; I can’t save you. You should go back to Agula," Princess Ziyin spoke coldly.

Lin Ziyin was furious, but soon calmed herself. How the North Country schemed against her didn’t matter to her. While her heart felt aggrieved, she would leave tomorrow and didn’t need to dwell on it. But she could use this incident to keep herself quiet for a few days.

"Princess Ziyin, shouldn’t you give me an explanation for this?" she asked coldly.

How could she explain? The incident was indeed unseemly for the North Country. Faced with Lin Ziyin’s questioning, Princess Ziyin felt embarrassed. But that moment passed quickly, and a smile appeared on her face, "This is a misunderstanding. Our father once joked that it would be nice if the consort of Prince Ling could become a daughter-in-law of North Country. It’s not as they said."

Chapter 817: Chapter 817: Escape (2)

"Do you really not know that I’ve been married before?" Lin Ziyin said with a cold laugh as she continued to ask.

"Lin Ziyin," sighed the Sixth Princess, "in the North Country, customs are liberal. As long as someone is beautiful and virtuous, even if they are married, they can still be pursued by warriors."

Lin Ziyin couldn’t help but let out another cold laugh. The Sixth Princess’s words sure sounded nice. But such rhetoric was nothing more than a cover for plundering and sleaziness.

However, since they did not share the same values, she couldn’t be bothered to continue quibbling with the Sixth Princess.

"I, the Princess Consort, am tired and would like to return," she said, and without looking back, she left the building.

As soon as she was gone, Bayan and a few others immediately followed her down.

Only the Sixth Princess, Maya, and some other ladies of the North Country remained upstairs.

"Maya, do you realize the trouble you’ve caused? I can’t save you this time. When you return, immediately seek out Agula. Perhaps our father, the Emperor, will spare your life because of Agula’s notable service," the Sixth Princess said coldly as she stared at Maya for a while, then hastened downstairs after Lin Ziyin.

"Ah, dear guests?" The Shopkeeper, followed by a servant boy holding many jewelry boxes, came upstairs only to see the guests leaving in a hurry.

"Forget it, next time perhaps," ordered the Sixth Princess coldly, then left without looking back.

The guards outside, seeing the Sixth Princess emerge, immediately began to prepare to depart with renewed spirit.

The good business was lost, but seeing the display outside, the Shopkeeper did not dare to press the Sixth Princess for an explanation and obediently took the jewelry back.

Upstairs, in the private room, Maya and the noblewomen were already collapsed in their chairs. They all realized that they had caused a great disaster today.

"Maya," the noblewoman said angrily, looking at Maya. After all, the root of all this lay with Maya.

Maya had the protection of Agula, but what about her? The thought of the consequences she would face made her tremble all over.

The North Country Royal Family was indeed well-informed. Shortly after Lin Ziyin and the Sixth Princess left the Silver Building, several members of the Imperial Palace had been informed.

So, all the members of the royal family sprang into action.

It was good that everything was out in the open. At least everyone could now act directly.

"To marry her?" The Crown Prince snorted disdainfully.

"The Emperor’s intentions are clear; he is focusing on peace now. Alhatu’s proposal has greatly pleased His Majesty. If you persist, it will only make the Emperor increasingly disgruntled with you, thereby driving you further from the position," Brukan’s mother told him sternly.

"It’s just a woman. The Emperor is making a mountain out of a molehill," Brukan, who loved beauties, complained, as Lin Ziyin was merely pretty, and far from his personal standard of beauty.

"Just a woman? Indeed, Lin Ziyin is just a woman, but this woman could help you seize the position of Crown Prince. In fact, with her help, Suifeng has made significant changes to the North Country. Your father, the Emperor, has these ideas because he has seen the changes in the Northern Land over the past two years, and the potential for further development in the future. Do not underestimate this woman," the elder woman advised earnestly.

The expression on Brukan’s face remained unconvinced.

"If you don’t want to take that position, then do as you please. You like beauties; you can marry all kinds of beauties in the future, it’s just that the position of the principal wife won’t be a loss for you," she said severely.

"The consort of Prince Ling and I don’t see eye to eye."

"Don’t see eye to eye with what? Just find a way to make her happy," the elder woman said sternly, now softening a bit seeing him relent, "A moment of patience in a moment of anger saves a thousand moments of regret. Remember, if you want the position of Crown Prince, you must charm that woman."

Chapter 818: Chapter 818: Escape (3)

Brukan felt displeased but could only nod his head haphazardly.

After Lin Ziyin returned to Alhatu’s Residence, she entered her own room. Moreover, she did not allow anyone to stay inside, not even Tana, who was very familiar with her.

Bayan and Tana both understood that the Princess Consort was angry.

On the way back, Alhatu had already received messages sent by people Bayan dispatched. He was tormented by a headache throughout the journey, continuously pondering how to explain himself to Lin Ziyin upon his return.

Initially, he had no particular thoughts about Lin Ziyin. But as he spent time with her, he realized Lin Ziyin was truly different from other girls. Yet even so, he still had no thoughts about her, not even when he gave her the Fire Fox. It was only with the emperor’s hints that he discovered he truly harbored distinct feelings for the Princess Consort.

After understanding his own feelings, he found that just seeing Lin Ziyin filled him with a warm surge in his heart.

He had originally planned, since Lin Ziyin was unaware of his feelings, to slowly move her through their interactions, and thus win her affection. But now, all his plans were disrupted. When he returned, Lin Ziyin would definitely not show him a kindly face. How was he to coax her?

Men from the North Country were not accustomed to coaxing women; similarly, women from the North were clear in their love and hate, requiring no cajoling. However, it seemed women from Daqin were more delicate, like creatures made of water.

With his emotions in turmoil, Alhatu hadn’t managed to sort out his thoughts when he realized he had already returned to the Residence.

Problems must be faced, and upon returning to the Residence, Alhatu immediately couldn’t restrain himself and went straight to Lin Ziyin’s courtyard.

Though it was cold, all the maids serving Lin Ziyin were standing in the courtyard, and outside it stood a group of guards headed by Bayan.

"Second Prince," Everyone saluted Alhatu.

"Where is she?" Alhatu had lost his usual gentleness, his face etched with urgency.

"She’s inside the room, no one is allowed to enter," Tana said anxiously, looking towards the room.

Alhatu strode up to the front door, but instead of pushing it open, he stood seriously at the entrance and expressed his feelings, "I know my father’s intentions have hurt you. But I won’t apologize because I’ve only recently realized that I truly like you."

There was no sound from inside the room.

Receiving no response, Alhatu did not get angry but instead continued softly, "Whether you believe it or not, I have never intended to force you, and I will definitely not act against your wishes."

"I can assure you, I will help your North Country successfully cultivate rice and wheat, but you must make it clear to your Monarch. Once I have fulfilled my promise, you must send me back to the Northern Land unharmed," Lin Ziyin’s voice from inside the room sounded especially cold.

Very calm, it seemed Alhatu’s confession had no effect on her whatsoever.

Alhatu fell silent.

Because of his affection, he couldn’t and didn’t want to deceive Lin Ziyin. Now, whether or not to let Lin Ziyin leave the North Country seemed to no longer be his decision to make.

Receiving no answer, silence fell once again inside the room.

The guards and maids had quietly left as soon as Alhatu approached the door. Now, Alhatu stood alone outside, his eyes fixed intently on the door as if his gaze could penetrate through and see Lin Ziyin inside.

His expression was complex and tinged with sorrow.

Chapter 819: Chapter 819: Escape (4)

Lin Ziyin had in fact already made it very clear to him that she would not stay in the North Country, nor would she harbor any thoughts towards him, the Second Prince.

The two of them were like that—one inside the room, the other outside—neither speaking for the duration of an incense stick. Finally, Alhatu left the courtyard with a look of dejection on his face.

As soon as he left the courtyard, maids and guards seemed to spring up from nowhere, standing motionless in the yard.

Lin Ziyin sat inside the room, her heart undisturbed by any of Alhatu’s words. For her, Alhatu was a stranger, perhaps even an enemy. It’s just that, in the North Country where she was surrounded by enemies, Alhatu’s behavior was somewhat gentler.

What she had said to Alhatu was merely a temporary strategy because her mind was completely preoccupied with considering how the people sent by Chu Suifeng would take her out of the North Country.

From the capital of the North Country to Border City, one has to pass through several states and counties. If she were to leave, the Monarch of the North Country would surely send people to intercept her along the way, not to mention the possibility of Brukan and the State Preceptor’s people ambushing her.

A route—she desperately needed a map of the North Country. Of course, she also tried hard to recall the geography of the North Country she had once studied, hoping to find an effective escape route. Perhaps the person sent by Chu Suifeng had already made preparations, but she still wanted to be well-prepared, just in case.

For in the world, there are no absolutes; she needed a secure escape plan.

In the evening, Lin Ziyin dined in her room, leaving Alhatu, who had been waiting for her appearance, utterly disheartened.

The following day, Alhatu came to her courtyard early, hoping to see her and have a proper talk. Unfortunately, Lin Ziyin still did not come out, not giving him any chance.

Both Tana and Bayan were anxious over the coldness between the two. Truthfully, the people of the North Country are sentimental, and Lin Ziyin once stood by them during their direst moment, which meant she had saved their lives.

They truly wished Lin Ziyin would stay, remain in the Second Prince’s residence, and eventually become the mistress of this residence. But Lin Ziyin’s attitude made it clear to them that this was impossible.

Since the Prince Consort seemed so opposed to staying in the North Country, what would be the consequences? Tana and Bayan were unwilling to contemplate them.

The news of Alhatu being snubbed did not spread, after all, everyone in the residence was his person.

So as soon as the doors to Alhatu’s residence were opened, guests arrived bearing gifts.

And the guests were all acquaintances: the Eldest Prince, the Third Prince, the Fifth Prince... almost all the adult princes and princesses of the North Country gathered.

"Where is the Prince Consort?" Brukan didn’t beat around the bush upon arrival and went directly in search of his target.

Indeed, they had come for the Prince Consort. To Alhatu, all these men were his rivals in love; moreover, he truly liked Lin Ziyin now, so seeing the covetous looks from the Eldest Prince and the others, of course, he was not pleased.

"She is unwell and resting inside," replied Alhatu with a cold face, without his usual respect and gentleness towards Brukan.

"We are also here by command, Alhatu. Hiding away the Prince Consort is not a good look, is it?" The Fifth Prince, a burly man, spoke with an equally brusque tone.

Alhatu knew that Lin Ziyin was not in good spirits at the moment, so he didn’t want these "brothers" to go and disturb her.

"I’m not trying to stop you. She really is feeling unwell. Plus, she’s quite upset after learning about our father’s intentions," Alhatu told the truth, hoping it would hold them off.

Chapter 820: Chapter 820: Escape (5)

Brukan and his companions were quite displeased. In their view, the women of Daqin were entangling in emotions. Humph, what cajoling of women. As far as they were concerned, once a woman was trained to obey in bed, wouldn’t men dictate everything else in life afterward?

If it hadn’t been for the Monarch’s orders, they would have long since forced themselves upon Lin Ziyin.

"No matter what, we must present the gifts in person," said the Third Prince, without a hint of politeness.

There was no helping it; that’s just how it was in the North Country. Men took by force what they coveted, be it people or goods. It was a belief deeply ingrained since their childhood.

Therefore, Alhatu’s words were far from enough to deter this group.

"If you don’t believe me, fine, I’ll personally take you to see for myself. However, let’s make one thing clear beforehand, if she doesn’t wish to see you, you must not make a scene afterward," Alhatu said sternly, stepping back.

The men agreed in a scattered and unenthusiastic manner.

Their attitude was clear, see the person first and talk later. If they could charm the consort of the Prince of Ling into happiness, what did Alhatu’s words matter?

A grand procession made its way to Lin Ziyin’s courtyard, but before they could speak, Lin Ziyin’s voice of displeasure came from inside, "Second Prince, I have already said that I will not see you before the land inspection. Please leave."

Alhatu’s face darkened, his mood plummeting.

It seemed that Alhatu, who had been the most hopeful, didn’t have such a good relationship with the consort after all, a realization that instantly excited the visiting princes.

"Consort of the Prince of Ling, the Fifth Prince, Tie Ta, seeks an audience."

"Consort of the Prince of Ling..."

Fearing to be outdone, several princes rushed to announce their titles.

Brukan’s face turned red; he was reluctant to come in the first place, and previously, he was the only one who had a confrontation with Lin Ziyin, so while all the others announced their names, he couldn’t bring himself to speak.

"All of you, go back and tell your Monarch to stop harboring inappropriate thoughts. In a few days, when the weather improves, I will inspect the soil quality in various places. I do not wish for anyone to disturb me during this time," Lin Ziyin’s voice was icy cold.

But her words did not intimidate the princes who had come. They started to praise Lin Ziyin with one flattering remark after another, expressing their admiration for her.

Hearing the nauseating talk outside, Lin Ziyin simply found two clean handkerchiefs and stuffed her ears with them.

The winter in the North Country was very cold, and although these princes were dressed warmly, they could not withstand the assault of the cold wind. After an hour, they each were red-faced and lips turning purplish from the cold.

Was it worth it, all for a woman? Brukan was the first who could no longer endure it, "The gift has been delivered. Since the Prince of Ling is unwell, I shall return tomorrow."

Having said that, he left without turning back, taking his guards with him.

The other few, enduring the cold, kept waiting at the Second Prince’s courtyard for a while, yet the inside of the house remained particularly quiet; eventually, they could stand it no longer and left as well.

Alhatu waited the longest in the courtyard. Seeing his forlorn figure, Bayan and Tana’s hearts ached with him.

He waited until midday before leaving. Because of his presence, Lin Ziyin was unwilling to even eat lunch.

Thus, Brukan and the other princes came to harass her for three consecutive days, until Lin Ziyin could no longer stand it.

"Tomorrow I will go to the villa," she took the initiative to have Tana convey the message to Alhatu.

Alhatu was overjoyed upon hearing this. He too disliked the harassment of Brukan and the others. Lin Ziyin’s initiative to go to the Hot Springs Villa, could it signify that deep down, Lin Ziyin harbored something special for him?