Ch. 826..830: The Princess of Northern Land Chapter 826-830

Chapter 826: Chapter 826 Unexpected Way (4)

The young followers at her side all held great admiration for the new Princess. They had accepted Lin Ziyin in their hearts.

By nightfall, they finally found an abandoned cabin on East Hill Slope. The house was small but sturdy and had a fireplace and simple living utensils inside.

They even discovered some dried meat on the walls and stumbled upon some dried vegetables and rice in the corner.

"At least we don’t have to spend the night in the snow," a young man said, bursting with joy.

"Go hunt some game," Luo Yan ordered. In fact, each of them carried a bit of dried meat, but now that they were able to hunt, it was necessary to save those provisions.

The fire lit quickly, and the cabin warmed up immediately.

"Here are your clothes," Si Jinhan tossed a cape to Lin Ziyin.

The white cape came from the backpack behind him.

Lin Ziyin silently accepted it.

Leaving the Capital City of North Country, she did not want to carry traces of North Country with her.

She simply untied her hair and used a cloth to tie it into a ponytail.

Si Jinhan felt she looked much more pleasant, and Luo Yan and the others pretended to laugh casually.

The ones who went out returned soon, bringing back several partridges.

Someone immediately took over, gutted and cleaned them, and soon the smell of chicken filled the cabin. In addition to roasting, chicken meat was also cooked in the pot with rice, and everybody had a full meal.

Meanwhile, the Monarch of North Country’s royal decree of pursuit had spread to all provinces, and all checkpoints leading to the Northern Land began strict inspections. It was just as Luo Yan and the others had predicted.

The Monarch was indeed capable, quickly finding out that the assassin had entered the villa with Kashen’s transport carts. Thus, a large group of soldiers directly surrounded Kashen. Unfortunately, by the time they arrived, the store was already empty, and no one was to be found.

Princess Maya stomped her feet in anger when she heard the news, regretting not noticing any clues back in the tavern.

In prison, Maya learned of the news and, surprisingly, became joyful. Lin Ziyin’s escape gave her hope.

When it came to sleeping arrangements for the night, it became quite an issue.

There was only one bed in the cabin, and that bed was undoubtedly for Lin Ziyin. But under everyone’s gaze, it seemed improper for her, a woman, to lie down and sleep.

Lin Ziyin herself did not mind, but Luo Yan and the others felt awkward.

Finally, Si Jinhan had the guards bring two bundles of branches to set up in front of the bed as a makeshift solution, and they lay down nearby the fire, resting directly on the branches.

Lin Ziyin lay in the bed looking at the people on the ground and let out a soft sigh. However, she said nothing and soon closed her eyes and fell asleep.

The next day, before dawn, everyone had a quick bite and set off again.

The night had been calm, and Si Jinhan and the others guessed that the people of North Country might not have anticipated them taking such a risky path.

Shortly after crossing the mountain, they indeed encountered a river, the downstream of Heihe River. As long as they followed Heihe River, they would return to the territory of the Northern Land.

With the correct route, everyone’s spirits were lifted.

However, their contacts had not arrived, but they could not just wait there. So, everyone began to walk along the riverbank.

At night, their luck was not as good as the previous day, and they found no place to stay on their journey.

Fortunately, by nightfall, they finally made contact with the people who had come to meet them.

Chapter 827: Chapter 827 An Unexpected Way (5)

The people who arrived came with dogs, a group of well-trained sled dogs.

Everyone decided to build a wind-sheltered area out of snow to spend the night temporarily.

All formidable individuals, they set to work together and quickly created a place to take shelter from the wind.

The group hurriedly caught some wild chickens and started to barbecue them.

The night was cold, but at least they made it through. The next day, with sleds and ice skates, their speed of advance was much faster.

For five consecutive days, they traveled without any pursuers behind, but not a single person dared to let down their guard.

"This mountain is the intersection of three countries; Blackie’s people are entrenched here. If we can bypass them without alerting them, that would be best," Luo Yan said, pointing to a spot on the map.

"Going east takes us to Changchun Country, whereas heading west would bring us to Batulu. No matter how formidable Blackie is, he’s merely a bandit. As one of Chu Suiyun’s men, he wouldn’t dare lay a fatal hand on the princess," Lin Ziyin disagreed with the detour.

"Then let’s force our way through," Si Jinhan said, squinting his eyes decisively.

Though Luo Yan was troubled, he knew Lin Ziyin’s plan was the best one. "Let’s go."

Thus, the group didn’t dare to stop and continued moving forward. Truthfully, everyone felt utterly exhausted. Yet because hope was in sight, each of them summoned the strength to press on.

Following the plan devised by Luo Yan and Si Jinhan, they believed that traveling through the valley at night would increase their safety. However, they were also concerned about Lin Ziyin’s ability to withstand the journey. After much deliberation, everyone decided to quickly pass through the mouth of the valley at dawn the next day.

Finding a windbreak, everyone ate something simple, daring not to light a fire, and then curled up and closed their eyes.

Lin Ziyin was treated well, someone carried a sleeping bag for her personally—that was her own invention—and she was also covered with a white fox fur cloak given by Alhatu.

"Let’s go." Lin Ziyin had just fallen asleep in the middle of the night due to worry, but she was woken up by Si Jinhan and Luo Yan.

She didn’t dare delay. Her physical strength was actually quite good, but compared to those martial artists like Luo Yan, she was still much weaker.

Because of many concerns, the whole way, everyone kept silent, and even the well-trained Gougou didn’t make a sound. Lin Ziyin was intentionally surrounded in the middle by Luo Yan, Si Jinhan, and the rest.

Suddenly, Gougou started barking collectively in one direction.

They’re here! Without hesitation, everyone drew their weapons.

Si Jinhan and Luo Yan especially didn’t dare to leave Lin Ziyin’s side even for half a step.

"I’ve been waiting for the Princess of Ling for many days now," Blackie said arrogantly, standing at a higher ground with a group of bandits and laughing.

"Protect the princess and leave," Luo Yan said in a low voice to Si Jinhan.

Si Jinhan looked at him worriedly and bit his lip in agreement.

However, Lin Ziyin wouldn’t agree. Luo Yan and Si Jinhan were Chu Suifeng’s most reliable men; she couldn’t let herself be the cause of cutting their lives short.

"I will stay, let them go," Lin Ziyin said coldly, loudly.

"Fair enough," Blackie laughed in response. "As long as you come up here alone, they may leave."

"Don’t listen to them," Si Jinhan said, grabbing her.

"If you go over, he won’t let us go either," Luo Yan also became anxious.

"I know," Lin Ziyin replied softly.

"Knowing that and still acting foolish," Si Jinhan said sharply.

"They wouldn’t dare kill me, and right now I’m just a burden to you. Look at the crossbows in their hands; Si Jinhan, protecting me and escaping only has a 30% chance. But if I go to them, you have at least an 80% chance of getting away," Lin Ziyin analyzed calmly. "As long as someone remains, you will always find the time to rescue me."

Chapter 828: Chapter 828 An Unexpected Way (6)

"Blackie is ruthless," Si Jinhan disagreed. It was not easy for them to have come out from North Country, and he was reluctant to let her venture into danger alone.

"Let go," Lin Ziyin urged anxiously.

Yet, Luo Yan and Si Jinhan showed no signs of compromise.

"It seems that the people under the Princess of Ling are unwilling," Blackie said smugly, "then don’t blame me for being rude."

"I told you already, they won’t easily submit; why bother talking so much with them?" A middle-aged man appeared behind Lin Ziyin and the others.

"The National Master of North Country?" Lin Ziyin squinted her eyes.

Beside her, both Luo Yan and Si Jinhan tensed up, their bodies in the highest state of alert.

The National Master of North Country was not alone; standing beside him were Timur and a group of guards, all holding crossbows ready to shoot.

Caught between the wolf in front and the tiger behind, Lin Ziyin and her companions had become prey.

"I want this woman," the National Master pointed at Lin Ziyin.

Blackie burst out laughing, "Master of the Nation, it seems like our prior agreement didn’t go like this. You said you only wanted Si San and Luo Er."

"The National Master has changed his mind. What about trading those two for the Princess of Ling?" the National Master asked coldly, "I have use for this woman."

"Could it be that the National Master also has a knack for cherishing beauty?" Blackie mocked as he looked at the National Master.

Luo Yan and Si Jinhan, upon hearing this, were filled with rage and wished they could just slaughter him. Blackie’s words were a complete insult to Lin Ziyin.

Lin Ziyin was their princess of the Northern Land; insulting her was like insulting Prince Ling and themselves—a slight no man could tolerate.

Lin Ziyin raised her hand to stop them.

The more dangerous the moment, the less impulsive they should be. Lin Ziyin was exceptionally calm now, "Isn’t the National Master someone who looks down on women?"

She hoped to delay time to sort out her thoughts, but the National Master ignored her and continued to negotiate with Blackie, "Swap those two for her, and throw in an extra hundred thousand taels of silver."

Lin Ziyin didn’t expect to be so valuable in ancient times; she quickly thought of a plan.

Luo Yan sneered quietly, signaling his companions.

The numbers of archers targeting Blackie and the Tartars increased.

"Fine," Blackie agreed to the National Master’s proposal unexpectedly quickly.

A cold light flashed in Si Jinhan’s eyes.

Just then, the situation suddenly changed.

The crossbowmen on Blackie’s side and those on the National Master’s side fell down in rows, screams filling the air.

The change was so sudden, Blackie could hardly react.

"Damn you, Wa Tian." Once he regained his senses, many of his companions had already fallen.

An internal revolt? Lin Ziyin’s eyes brightened.

"Let’s go," Luo Yan commanded with a cold laugh.

Several men immediately took off running.

"You can’t escape," the National Master yelled; his soldiers behind him immediately rushed forward, weapons in hand.

"The ones who can’t escape are you," Chu Suifeng appeared, flashing out from a group of people in white.

The Prince? Both Blackie and the National Master were taken aback.

Then, they saw many people emerging from the hilltop.

"Prince," Lin Ziyin cried happily, seeing the bearded and disheveled Chu Suifeng, her tears finally overflowing.

Having not seen him for over a month, Chu Suifeng had suffered a lot and looked very disheveled. Undoubtedly, he had had a tough time during her absence.

Chapter 829: Chapter 829: Unexpected Way (7)

"I’m okay now," Chu Suifeng came to her side, stretching out a hand to embrace her into his arms, while his other hand clumsily wiped the tears from her face.

"Princess Consort."

"Princess Consort," several voices rang out in delight.

Lin Ziyin turned her head to see that Huangying, Hong Ying, Jue Ming, and the rest had all arrived.

"Girl, what are your thoughts after making a round in the North Country?" Master Hui Zhen asked with a lean, smiling face.

"I have many thoughts," Lin Ziyin deliberately answered loudly, "Without three years, our Northern Land will make them unable to catch up even if they take off their shoes."

"Good," Master Hui Zhen laughed loudly and gave her a thumbs up.

"It’s all my fault for letting others take advantage of the situation," Chu Suifeng said, with a sense of guilt in his eyes, and what tugged at Lin Ziyin’s heartstrings was that his eyes were also brimming with tears.

"I’m fine, haven’t I returned?" Lin Ziyin hugged him tightly to comfort him.

"Mhm," Chu Suifeng also held her tightly, understanding the feeling of having regained something precious.

Blackie and the National Master, seeing the enemy completely ignoring them, suddenly felt a surge of anger. But at this moment, they were not thinking about how to kill Chu Suifeng, but how to escape from this place.

Because Chu Suifeng did not come alone this time to pick her up, he brought over three thousand men, almost all elite soldiers.

As such, the bandits and the National Master’s men could not compare with the opposition.

Moreover, Blackie had always relied on his geographical advantage for survival until now. Now, with a traitor among his people, he completely lost his edge.

He had just insulted Lin Ziyin, and with Chu Suifeng’s vengeful nature, if he didn’t run, the only outcome would be a miserable death.

Without a second word, Blackie was the first to turn his horse and flee with his trusted subordinates.

"Quickly leave." Timur’s face dramatically changed; after exchanging a look with the National Master, he too took his men and ran.

"Timur, go back and tell your Monarch that if he wants to continue doing business with me, Alhatu must be made the Crown Prince. National Master, you don’t need to go anywhere," Lin Ziyin called out loudly.

Was the Princess Consort planning to kill the National Master? Timur looked at the National Master with worry. He owed the National Master favors and could not let him come to harm.

As the Princess Consort had decisively given her orders, Chu Suifeng’s men naturally would not let the National Master go.

"Just cause the National Master severe injuries," Lin Ziyin whispered to her own people. Her words just now had been meant to frighten the National Master. Who was to blame when that annoying National Master kept scheming against her?

The Northern Land was not strong enough; they couldn’t provoke a formidable enemy. Like the North Country’s Monarch’s worries, she couldn’t let the National Master die here in the Northern Land either.

"Why do you want to be involved in their internal strife?" Chu Suifeng, feeling jealous, asked.

"Who cares about their affairs? I was merely speaking based on the facts. Alhatu may not be a good person, but he is stronger than the people from Brukan’s faction in one aspect. At the very least, he cares about the people. He wouldn’t start a war for his own selfish reasons, and we in the Northern Land need to develop and maintain peace in the coming years. I don’t want Brukan acting arrogantly and harassing us at any moment," Lin Ziyin explained.

Chu Suifeng grudgingly accepted her explanation.

With that, the rescue mission had essentially succeeded.

Si Jinhan, witnessing their loving appearance, felt a sting in his heart, drawing his sword and ridding the remaining bandits and Tatars.

Luo Yan sighed inwardly and went to take care of the aftermath.

"Your subordinate Wa Tian greets the Prince and Princess Consort," Wa Tian came forward with a fist salute.

"Stay here for now and clean up the camp. In the future, I plan to build a city here where merchants can stop to rest," Chu Suifeng ordered.

"Yes, Your Highness," Wa Tian respectfully responded.

Chu Suifeng didn’t need to lift a finger in such a small battle. He helped Lin Ziyin onto the horse, then mounted himself, wrapping them both in a warm fur cloak, "Let’s go home."

And so, the group once again set out grandly from the valley.

Si Jinhan and Luo Yan stayed there to handle matters and did not depart immediately.

Lin Ziyin had been away from the Northern Land for a month and a half and naturally missed her family greatly.

She was eager to return to Feng City.

"You’re too tired, having traveled continuously. Let’s rest in Border City for a couple of days before we return," Chu Suifeng said lovingly, looking at her thin face, "There’s no rush in these two or three days."

"Your subordinate greets the Prince and Princess Consort," they arrived at Border City where Luo Heng had long been waiting outside with a group of soldiers.

Seeing the Princess Consort unharmed and back, Luo Heng and all the soldiers felt shameful and dared not meet Lin Ziyin’s eyes.

Since the Princess Consort was kidnapped through Border City, they felt ashamed that they let the enemy slip past them.

Looking at their expressions, Lin Ziyin smiled slightly and deliberately said in an unkind tone, "General Luo, there are flaws in the defense of Border City."

"I have managed poorly, please punish me, Your Highness," out of guilt, he addressed Lin Ziyin first.

"Punishment is needed," Chu Suifeng’s face was as cold as ice.

"Your Highness, speaking of which, you also bear responsibility," Lin Ziyin looked at Chu Suifeng with a smile.

"Mhm," Chu Suifeng did not deny it, "Set up a watchpost on the mountain, and guard it. Any suspicious people must be signaled immediately with flares," he coldly ordered.

So this was the punishment? Luo Heng and all the soldiers admired Lin Ziyin’s magnanimity even more.

"At the very least, we’ve found the weak points in Border City’s defenses," Lin Ziyin quickly comforted Chu Suifeng, noting his still somber face.

"Mhm," although she was back, Chu Suifeng’s heart was still heavy.

If it weren’t for his carelessness, Lin Ziyin would not have been lost.

"Aren’t you going to ask about my situation in the North Country?" After freshening up back in Border City, Lin Ziyin finally changed from inside out into her own clothes.

As soon as Chu Suifeng saw her come out, he held her tightly in his arms.

The reason Lin Ziyin asked was that she knew ancient women valued their reputation highly. What kind of rumors would spread in Feng City now that she was back?

"If they dare to pressure you to marry, I won’t spare them," coldness seeped from Chu Suifeng at the thought of the old Monarch of the North Country having such intentions toward his Princess Consort; he felt like leading his troops straight to the North Country.

"Surely there will be ugly talk within Feng City," Lin Ziyin said with a faint smile as she looked at him.

Chapter 830: Chapter 830: Return (1)

"Whoever dares to disrespect Ayin, engaging in idle gossip behind her back, I will certainly take his life," Chu Suifeng’s complexion changed suddenly, his body beginning to emanate a cold aura.

Seeing his furious demeanor, Lin Ziyin couldn’t help but think how foolish this man was. She moved forward and embraced Chu Suifeng, deeply touched.

Lin Ziyin had once also been a person lacking love; she didn’t believe for a second that Chu Suifeng’s reaction was pretense, nor was it spur of the moment rage on her behalf.

"Don’t worry about what others say, Ayin," Chu Suifeng, nearly losing her, became even more affectionate toward Lin Ziyin. "I swear, anyone who has hurt you or intends to hurt you, I will seek justice for you."

Lin Ziyin didn’t for one moment think he was merely speaking grandiosely.

The people of the Northern Land well knew the Prince’s unforgiving nature. His solemn vow in front of her today was a clear message: He, Chu Suifeng, would definitely take good care of her for the rest of his life.

Lin Ziyin knew she was carried away because of Chu Suifeng’s feelings of guilt, feeling it was his negligence that led to her being harmed.

"It’s not your fault. No matter how capable you are, you’re still just one person," Lin Ziyin said as she held his lean waist. "As the saying goes, it’s not the theft but the thought of theft that is to be feared. I will seriously manage the household from now on and won’t leave it to others anymore."

Even without knowing all the details, Lin Ziyin deduced that the women of the inner court were related to the current situation.

"After we return, I will deal with them," Chu Suifeng said with a cold laugh, his tone sinister. "Some people might not have been directly involved, but they are not entirely innocent either. I made a mistake once and will certainly not make a second one."

As he talked about mistakes, his arms around Lin Ziyin trembled slightly.

Clearly, the incident of the North Country abducting Lin Ziyin had taken a mental toll on him.

"We can’t dispose of them all just yet," Lin Ziyin was much calmer than him at the moment. "We must wait until the autumn harvest is completely collected before turning against them."

"I can’t wait," Chu Suifeng didn’t agree with her. "I said before, whoever harms you won’t escape."

"Listening to me is never wrong," Lin Ziyin soothed him in a soft voice. "Honglin, for me, what others say or do isn’t important. What matters is that you care about me and treat me well."

This was the first time Lin Ziyin openly expressed her feelings to Chu Suifeng.

In matters of the heart, she had always been passive and shy, often reserved. Hearing her confession out of the blue, Chu Suifeng’s face brightened with joy. The frostiness melted away, replaced by the warmth of spring, his entire face blooming with delight.

If it weren’t for concern over Lin Ziyin’s health, he would have loved nothing more than to hold her tight and shower her with affection.

"Prince, Princess, Master Hui Zhen is asking when we can start the meal?" Hong Ying asked timidly from outside, everyone reluctant to disturb the Prince and Princess at this time. But the meal was ready, and the taste would be greatly affected if not eaten soon, even if kept warm. Pressured by Master Hui Zhen’s continuous urging, she lost at rock-paper-scissors and had to be the one to ask.

"Um," Chu Suifeng’s voice came muffled from inside the room, but it wasn’t angry.

Hong Ying sighed with relief.

The couple came out hand in hand, appearing very loving.

Luo Heng dared not look, and Congyi among others didn’t dare to stare straight at them, but Master Hui Zhen had no such scruples. He watched the young couple with a smile, even teasing them, "If you didn’t come out soon, this monk was prepared to start without you. Right, Princess Lin, this monk is still craving your cooking skills immensely."