Ch. 841..845: The Princess of Northern Land Chapter 841-845

Chapter 841: Chapter 841: Dealing With Rumors (5)

"Yes, I will remember and be more vigilant," said Guo Zhongkui, looking at her gratefully.

"Stay for dinner today, and don’t you leave," Lin Changshu said, "You really should change that temper of yours."

After persuading Guo Zhongkui to stay, he lightly reprimanded Guo Huiniang.

"Sister-in-law, Brother Guo and Sister-in-law Guo are not that kind of people; they are victims too," Lin Ziyin said, smiling and playing peacemaker.

"Everything is ready, I will have the meal prepared now," Guo Huiniang finally relented, her expression softening.

After lunch, Mr. and Mrs. Guo hurried back home while Lin Ziyin and Chu Suifeng took the carriage back.

The princess’s return to Wang Residence is a major event, similar to that of Shili Village. Following the entrance of the royals’ carriage into the Capital City, many wealthy families set off firecrackers to dispel any bad luck for the princess.

"Those things in the back court, I will take care of them once we return," Chu Suifeng mentioned in the carriage, giving her a heads up.

"What about the Capital City?" Lin Ziyin said, unconvinced and worried.

A minor setback should not cause unnecessary major troubles.

"Don’t worry, I have already arranged a way out for them," Chu Suifeng said, holding her hand reassuringly.

"Waiting for the prince and princess to return," the carriage stopped at the entrance of Wang Residence, where Mr. Situ and Butler Bai, along with a crowd, were waiting.

"Salutations to the prince and princess." Also present were many from the aristocratic families of Feng City, including the Luo Family, Wu Family, Si Family, Mei Hanqing, and others. Upon seeing Lin Ziyin and Chu Suifeng alight from the carriage, they immediately knelt and bowed.

This gesture was a grand salutation, fully expressing their attitude toward Lin Ziyin’s return.

Chu Suifeng’s expression was slightly cold; he had not told Lin Ziyin that rumors disadvantageous to her were already circulating in Feng City.

Although these whispers were not loud, they could not be ignored.

He also would not allow anyone to insult his woman.

Even if it meant destroying the entire city.

"Rise," Chu Suifeng commanded, and the crowd stood up.

Even without asking around, Lin Ziyin could sense that, with her return, Feng City would not remain calm.

These loyal ministers had come today to show their stance.

"It’s too cold outside, and you’ve waited long enough. Let’s move inside and warm up," Lin Ziyin said to them, smiling as ever, her tone gentle.

"Thank you, princess," the Situ matriarch and other ladies smiled and thanked her.

Everyone followed her and Chu Suifeng into Wang Residence.

"Now that everyone is here, it’s a good time for you to witness something," Chu Suifeng spoke up without hesitation as soon as they were seated.

The crowd looked at him, puzzled, while faces of Situ Gong and Bai Xian broke into knowing smiles.

"The women in the back court, I have never touched them in all these years. Now that I am married to the princess, I will not be entering their quarters. It’s not suitable for them to stay inside Wang Residence anymore, so I have specially constructed a manor for them, planning to send them there shortly," Chu Suifeng explained slowly, scanning the crowd.

The crowd was shocked; why did Prince Chu need their consultation on a decision he made? Strictly speaking, this matter was his private affair; what was his intention?

Mei Hanqing, an official who had served under the former emperor, was much sharper than the average person. "Privately, these women are the prince’s concubines; whatever the prince wants them to do, they should comply without objections. Publicly, their identities are already suspicious. With the previous example of Minister Qin’s daughter harming the princess, it’s really not prudent to let them stay in Wang Residence any longer."

Chapter 842: Chapter 842: Dealing With Rumors (6)

Old fox, everyone cursed in their hearts.

Situ Gong smiled faintly, following up with, "Prince, where do you intend to arrange them? After all, their statuses are different, and the current situation in the Northern Land isn’t suitable for war."

This comment was just shy of openly stating that the Prince intended to rebel.

The expressions of those present varied, some were overjoyed, some showed worry, and fear flickered in the eyes of others.

Among those who had come, there were also those who went with the flow, and who weren’t truly loyal to Chu Suifeng.

Imperial authority reigned supreme, loyalty to the emperor. This was their deep-rooted belief, and Situ Gong’s words just now were virtually a direct accusation of rebellion. How could they not be afraid?

Chu Suifeng and Situ Gong observed everyone’s expressions carefully, assessing their thoughts.

"Prince, how can I justify dismissing them due to my situation? The ones who harmed me were Lady Qin and Miss Ming, but you’ve already dealt with them. How can the women in the rear courtyard be blamed unjustly?" Lin Ziyin certainly wouldn’t hold Chu Suifeng back since he had already made a decision, seemingly persuading Chu Suifeng, but actually offering him a ladder to step down.

"It is precisely because their statuses are different that I take this matter seriously. Rather than wasting their youth in the rear courtyard, it would be better to let them choose their own lives. After leaving the Wang Residence, I will issue a notice explaining everything. They can choose to stay in the Northern Land and marry or follow their families back to Capital City. I will provide them with some silver for their departure," Chu Suifeng explained with a light smile.

So there had been a plan all along, and everyone breathed a sigh of relief.

"The Prince and Princess think of everything," a Military General stood up and said heartily.

"Indeed, our Prince and Princess are kind-hearted." Many Military Generals had long disliked the group of women in the rear courtyard. With their frank personalities, they resented that the women were spies from various factions—a secret that was no secret—and felt it was unworthy of Prince Chu Suifeng.

Now that the Wang Residence had a new mistress, and what Lin Ziyin, the Princess, had done, earned their deep respect. The clear-cut lovers and haters among them couldn’t wait for Chu Suifeng to clean out those wicked-hearted women from the rear courtyard.

The thoughts of the Civil Officials were much more complex. The clever ones had already guessed what Chu Suifeng’s actions signified, while the slow-witted were still trying to understand his intentions.

Compared to the Military Officials, the Civil Officials were much more conservative, and hardly any spoke up.

"Prince, all these women are legitimate daughters sent from the residences of Capital City. If they are dismissed like this, might the Emperor and the various residences become dissatisfied with the Prince?" someone finally couldn’t help but stand up and object.

Chu Suifeng looked up to see that this person was an old official from the Northern Land. Although he had dismissed a portion of the officials before, he couldn’t rid himself of all of them indiscriminately; there had to be some directly appointed by the Emperor for accountability.

This speaker, holding a less prominent official position, was cautious and somewhat faint-hearted, but hadn’t committed any outrageous offenses, so Chu Suifeng hadn’t acted against him.

But now, this man’s words greatly displeased Chu Suifeng.

Chu Suifeng glared coldly at him, "So, because we fear their discontent, should I and the Princess endure discomfort?"

Out of anger, the man was so startled that he broke out in a cold sweat and didn’t dare speak again. He finally remembered the bloody methods Chu Suifeng used to handle officials earlier in the year and immediately regretted speaking.

"I have already sent people to write letters to Capital City, explaining the matter to the Emperor. Of course, I have also sent letters to the various residences, inviting them to come to the Northern Land to fetch their people." Chu Suifeng successfully intimidated those with ulterior motives, calmly and soothingly offering everyone a pill of reassurance.

Chapter 843: Chapter 843: Dealing With Rumors (7)

"Prince has thought things through," Situ Gong said with a faint smile in his congratulations.

"Having just returned with the princess, today we will not entertain everyone," Chu Suifeng issued an eviction order.

The crowd immediately caught the hint and excused themselves in small groups.

"This prince does not keep useless people around. Those who have left the Residence and whose families have not come to claim them shall partake in the pioneering labor," Chu Suifeng said in a cold voice after most people had dispersed.

Situ Gong and Mei Hanqing, who had stayed behind, immediately brightened up upon hearing this. With this arrangement, if the people from Capital City abandoned the women in the backyard, those women would really suffer. Yet over the years, these women had harbored ill intentions themselves, so such an outcome was their own doing.

However, even if their families came to retrieve them, their fate upon returning might not necessarily be good. Having been married into the Lingwang Residence and then sent back, with such a title, how would the people of Capital City regard them? Could the Emperor truly be at ease about them? They could never expect to live comfortably again.

"This move by the prince is effectively a purge," Mei Hanqing said with a smile.

"I received news yesterday that the State Preceptor of the North Country has been gravely wounded by Si San and his men, and Blackie has been rescued and headed towards Liao City," Situ Gong’s expression grew much more solemn when he mentioned Liao City.

"Prince, confronting them head-on right now does not seem prudent," Mei Hanqing sighed.

"Liao City is a critical passageway from Capital City to Northern Land, strategically vital. At any cost, I must seize this city," Chu Suifeng stated determinedly.

Seeing his resolute attitude, Situ Gong and Mei Hanqing felt both relieved and worried.

"Don’t worry. Since we are preparing for war, I am already prepared," Chu Suifeng reassured her, "but now we need to use the princess’s name to wage this attack. Do you mind?"

"It doesn’t bother me," Lin Ziyin shook her head, "but you still need to consider the North Country. If they seize the opportunity to ally with Daqin, Northern Land could become sandwiched."

"It won’t be a problem," Situ Gong intervened. "They schemed against the princess, how can the prince let them off? They will soon be too busy to worry about us."

Lin Ziyin, sensing he implied having more plans, looked at Chu Suifeng in surprise.

"The Monarch of North Country is very cunning; he’s vigorous and healthy, naturally not wanting to appoint a Crown Prince too soon. With his rule, North Country is very united, and they are also brave and skilled in battle. If we attack them directly, the only outcome would be mutual destruction and if the Imperial Court strikes from behind, our Northern Land would be in danger," Chu Suifeng explained.

"The elder prince of North Country, Brukan, is reckless and overambitious, and ruthless at heart. With just a little push, he will definitely be unable to restrain himself and will make a move against the Monarch," Situ Gong added.

"Internal strife?" Lin Ziyin looked astonished.

Situ Gong and Mei Hanqing gave her a knowing smile in affirmation.

What exactly was happening in North Country mattered little to Lin Ziyin.

For the troublesome events she had worried about had finally occurred; overnight, the lively discussions about her on the streets and alleys had reached a deafening level.

Even the next day, a group of scholars and some former officials formed cliques outside the Residence gates, kneeling to request the dismissal of the princess.

The reason was that Lin Ziyin had been abducted by North Country, and her reputation had been damaged.

They almost outright said that Lin Ziyin had put a bright green hat on Lingwang’s head.

Lin Ziyin, who was in the Residence, was also aware of the news but did not come forward to explain.

Innocent stays clear, others’ disbelief in her wouldn’t change with her explanations, and it would only make things worse. Moreover, she believed that Chu Suifeng would handle the situation well.

The two had previously discussed this matter, so Lin Ziyin was mentally prepared and was neither anxious nor upset.

However, Lin Zige and Guo Huiniang were quite worried and specifically came to keep her company.

"What should we do? These people want to pin this scandal onto your head," Zige asked with a pale face.

"Don’t worry, the prince will handle it," Lin Ziyin reassured her with a pat on the hand.

"How can you not be anxious..." Lin Zige was almost frantic, and seeing Lin Ziyin’s calm demeanor, she nearly wanted to knock on her head to wake her up.

In fact, Chu Suifeng did not disappoint her.

On the very first day the former officials and scholars ’requested an audience’ at the Residence, Chu Suifeng did not step forward, nor did he allow anyone to come out to explain anything.

As these people didn’t get what they wanted, they returned the next day, and it seemed that there were even more of them.

At noon on the second day, a squad of black-armored soldiers appeared, escorting a dozen people, and both the onlookers and petitioners showed curiosity on their faces.

"Speak, who sent you to tarnish the princess’s reputation?" Chu Suifeng pointed at one man and demanded angrily.

"This lowly one does not understand what the prince is talking about," the man stubbornly replied.

Chu Suifeng glared coldly at him, and seeing this, one of the black-armored soldiers took out a dagger. Before everyone’s eyes, the stubborn man’s five fingers were severed.

The screams of agony pained everyone’s ears.

"I ask you again, who sent you to spread rumors?" Chu Suifeng asked again, like Asura.

"Prince, is it right to extract confessions under torture? Forced confessions can lead to miscarriages of justice," cried a former official loudly.

The crowd’s gaze again turned towards Chu Suifeng, who snorted coldly and drew the black-armored soldier’s sword beside him, striking down at the man on the ground.

Chapter 844: Chapter 844: The Fate of the Ma Family (1)

Suddenly, the official who had been speaking was beheaded.

The kneeling literati felt a warmth on their faces and upon touching it with their hands, their vision was filled with red. They looked down to see a headless corpse lying on the ground, and several people immediately fainted.

"Prince, spare my life, please spare me," cried the cowards as they began to beg for mercy.

The crowd of onlookers was extensive, and seeing Chu Suifeng standing like a god of death in the center of the gate, flanked by soldiers in black armor exuding murderous intent, everyone stood petrified like wooden chickens.

Some children who were frightened to tears had their mouths quickly covered by adults.

Those who came forward to volunteer were so shocked that their eyes widened, and their mouths trembled; they dared not make a sound.

"Who else wants to speak up? Stand out. Anyone who slanders the Princess will be killed without mercy," Chu Suifeng’s voice carried a murderous aura.

Many literati began to regret inwardly; they suddenly remembered that Chu Suifeng was the true master of the Northern Land. His word was even more powerful than the Emperor’s decree on this land.

Some people, despite their fear, were not convinced in their hearts. It wasn’t that they actually targeted Lin Ziyin, but their outdated thinking worried them that if Lin Ziyin was taken by the people of the North Country and defiled, she would not be worthy of Chu Suifeng.

"If you don’t want to speak, then get lost," Chu Suifeng coldly commanded.

Those who came forward to volunteer, some crawled away and slipped into the crowd, while the majority knelt silently on the ground, shaking even though they did not move.

Chu Suifeng sneered, "Kill."

The word uttered, the black-armored soldiers immediately flashed their gleaming weapons. Swords and knives glistened in the sunlight, and a look of terror covered the faces of the surrounding civilians; they’d only come to watch the excitement but never expected it to turn so bloody.

However, the civilians were not worried because they knew Prince Ling never killed the innocent without cause.

The people standing at the back began to retreat, fearful of being splattered with blood from the killing and suffering an unwarranted disaster.

"Prince, Your Highness Prince Ling. It’s out of concern for you, concern for the Northern Land," an old man with white whiskers started crying out. "My life is insignificant and not worth mourning, but Your Highness is wise and heroic; you must not have any stain on your reputation."

"Prince," many of the kneeling literati wailed as they kowtowed to him.

Situ Gong and Mei Hanqing stood behind Chu Suifeng, silently watching the literati and former officials on the ground, secretly shaking their heads. It was a shame; these people, although outdated, truly had Prince Ling’s best interest at heart.

But since the Prince was enraged, he would surely find some scapegoats to suppress and intimidate with a bloody approach.

It wasn’t easy being the one in the spotlight, and neither of them stepped forward to say a word, just watching quietly.

Among those who volunteered, many knew Mr. Situ Gong and, seeing that Mr. Situ did not speak, each of their hearts grew cold.

Could it be that they would really lose their lives at the doorstep of the Wang Residence? Many closed their eyes in despair, while some looked expectantly at Chu Suifeng or at Mei Hanqing and Situ Gong.

Unfortunately, the attitudes of these three were uniformly indifferent.

"Hold on." Just when the black-armored soldiers were ready to swing their weapons and harvest lives, Lin Ziyin emerged from the gates of the Wang Residence.

Hong Ying and others followed by her side, vigilantly watching the people lying on the ground and the crowd around them, protecting her firmly in the center.

The lady of the house appeared, and she was also the leading lady of the incident, so for a time, the entire front of the Wang Residence fell silent.

"Prince, let them speak," Lin Ziyin said. "Otherwise, even if you kill them now, there will be others who are discontented, and future hidden dangers will remain."

Chapter 845: Chapter 845: The Fate of the Ma Family (2)

"They deserve death," Chu Suifeng’s expression finally softened considerably as he saw her.

Many of the commoners around had never truly seen Lin Ziyin in person, and now that they had the chance, many were stealthily appraising her.

"You all come forth to challenge me, implying that I am impure. Speak then, what grounds do you have for such accusations? Is it simply because I visited the North Country?" Lin Ziyin looked down at the people before her and asked coldly.

At this moment, though she lacked Chu Suifeng’s ferocious demeanor, she possessed an authority no less imposing than his.

It was a different kind of confidence and self-respect.

"My lady," an aged man prostrated on the ground finally raised his upper body after hearing her challenge. "Since the princess is willing to grant this commoner an opportunity to speak, let me be frank. It is not my intention to offend the Prince and the Princess, but the Prince is the War God of our Northern Land, the hero in the hearts of our people. The Princess was taken by the Tatars, and though against her will, it will invite criticism. Forthwith, whenever this matter is discussed, the Prince will inevitably be subject to censure."

"Censure?" Lin Ziyin let out a light laugh, "Such as by you? It seems you are merely looking for trouble because you’ve had too much to eat. Instead of trying to protect the Prince’s reputation, it’s more like you want to mold the Prince into your own version of an idiot."

Upon this remark, the crowd let out surprised sounds, but Mei Hanqing and Situ Gong couldn’t help laughing.

Chu Suifeng gave them both a cold glare, and they quickly bowed their heads, suppressing their laughter.

"Princess, this commoner respects you..."

"Such ’respect,’ I do not want," Lin Ziyin curtly interrupted him, "Fortunately, the Monarch of the North Country doesn’t share your disgusting sentiments."

Many Civil Officials and literati, upon hearing her, looked at her with dissatisfaction.

"The Princess has only been in the North Country for a few days and yet speaks on their behalf?" someone impulsively questioned.

Chu Suifeng looked over sharply.

"Are you insinuating that I’ve been turned by the people of the North Country?" Lin Ziyin retorted with disdain.

The other party was momentarily speechless, for though they hadn’t voiced it, that was indeed what they thought.

"I’d like to know how someone with such a brain ever managed to study," Lin Ziyin looked at them with contempt.

"This commoner respects you..."

"Forget about it, I truly do not desire such ’respect’," Lin Ziyin interrupted him again.

The man’s face turned pale with anger, and the Civil Officials and literati on the ground looked at her as though they had been insulted, eyes collectively fixed on her.

Lin Ziyin scanned them indifferently, "I wonder, why does the North Country harass our Northern Land yearly?"

"It’s because they’re ambitious wolves," a literatus responded through clenched teeth.

"That’s not a sufficient answer," Lin Ziyin glanced at him dismissively.

Chu Suifeng, standing aside, seemed somewhat impatient. These many people ganging up on his wife, did they think he was dead?

But Lin Ziyin wouldn’t let him intervene, so he had no choice but to stand aside and wait, feeling aggrieved.

"Because the North Country lacks food, especially during the harsh winters," a young man standing in the crowd of onlookers pondered for a moment before responding aloud.

"The Tatars lack not only food but other resources as well. Even if they can barely solve the problem of hunger by breeding cattle and sheep, those items can’t be sold as goods. Without a certain standard of goods, how can a nation have the silver it needs to sustain its army and keep the vast mechanisms of state running? Even the Prince, after all these years, dare not waste a single grain of food, because the Northern Land is our root, and the Prince hopes to endure hardships together with everyone," Situ Gong said loudly, continuing the young man’s speech, intentionally or unintentionally singing praises of Chu Suifeng.