Ch. 851..855: The Princess of Northern Land Chapter 851-855

Chapter 851: Chapter 851 Revenge (1)

The Bao Family’s matriarch slapped Da Gouzi across the face, "He is your father, he wronged the Northern Land, wronged the Prince and Princess, wronged Shili Village, but he has never wronged you, never wronged our family."

Tears streamed endlessly down Da Gouzi’s face.

"You did the right thing," Ma Erlang finally let his tears fall too. When he knew that it was the Bao Family’s matriarch who had betrayed him, his hatred for her was bone-deep. But now, he didn’t hate anymore; she had done the right thing. The life he’d led was like walking on the blade of a knife, and it was only a matter of time before his identity would be exposed and he’d be plunged into hell. His death was no big deal; after all, these years in the North Country, he had lived worse than pigs and dogs. The people of the North Country looked down on him and took out their anger on him whenever they pleased.

To survive, he had trained desperately every day. With the Bao Family’s matriarch exposing him, he no longer had to live a life of constant fear, he could finally sleep peacefully, and no longer had to worry about his children being implicated.

"Live a good life, settle down peacefully in the village from now on. Don’t follow in my footsteps. As long as you bear no ill will towards others, the villagers won’t harm you. Even if they say some unpleasant words, do not take them to heart; consider it atonement for your father." A dying man’s words are kind, and this, applied to Ma Erlang, seemed quite fitting.

"Dad," Da Gouzi wrapped his arms around him and wailed loudly, while Ergouzi cried even harder, struggling to catch his breath.

"Take the children and go. Don’t write anything on my grave to avoid complicating things for them," Ma Erlang wept as he gave his instructions. Death was terrifying, but he also felt an inexplicable sense of liberation. "Xincai, my nephew’s wife, if you have the time, take care of them now and then. The children will always remember your kindness. You are good people, and with you looking after them, I can rest in peace when I’m gone."

"Uncle, whatever we can do to help, we certainly will," Ma Xincai was still a bit frightened, afraid of Chu Suifeng’s blame. But Lady Huang readily agreed.

Even the Prince and Princess had spared the Bao Family’s matriarch and her two daughters; helping them in a moment of crisis wouldn’t make the Princess think they were heartless or unjust. Besides, the two children really did seem pitiable, and lending a hand shouldn’t be a big problem.

Tears streamed unceasingly from the Bao Family’s matriarch’s eyes, impossible to fully wipe away.

"Take them and go, let me depart this world with some peace of mind," Ma Erlang turned his head away, refusing to look at the Bao Family’s matriarch again.

With her head bowed, amidst the people’s scornful yet sympathetic gazes, the Bao Family’s matriarch led the two children away step by step.

"Take the silver with you," Lin Ziyin said indifferently, "No matter how this silver came to be, it’s still a testament to a father’s and husband’s dedication to his family. Take it."

The Bao Family’s matriarch turned to give her a deep, long look, then went to carefully gather the package on the ground. Pulling the two children with her, she gave Lin Ziyin three deep kowtows.

Lin Ziyin understood what the Bao Family’s matriarch meant; she wasn’t kowtowing to the Princess of the Northern Land but to Lin Ziyin, to the Lin Family. With this, the grievance between the Ma Family’s second branch and the Lin Family was resolved.

The elder did not speak, accepting the Bao Family’s matriarch’s apology on behalf of the Lin Family. From now on, he would hold no grudge against her, a weak woman.

"The Lin Family will save some seedlings for you, let these two children go to school. With education, they’ll understand what’s right. You must also guide them well," the elder finally spoke.

The Bao Family’s matriarch looked up, her eyes suddenly brimming with tears.

"Rise. When I go back, I will have the villagers help you flatten the land, getting ready to plant rice when spring comes," Lou Zheng sighed. With the Lin Family’s statement, he was speaking on behalf of the villagers. From today on, the village would no longer ostracize her, nor bring up the matter of Ma Erlang again.

Chapter 852: Chapter 852: Revenge (2)

Bao Family’s widow didn’t speak, she simply kowtowed three times to Lou Zheng and the few respected elders in the village.

Surrounded by onlookers moved by the sight of the mother and her orphans, many began to wipe away tears, and Ma Erlang was already crying his eyes out.

Life is like clear water, what you give to it, is what it gives back to you. Unfortunately, he only came to understand this principle too late. If only he, like the other villagers, had been diligent in farming and not greedy, then his family of four would be as harmonious and happy as the other families in the village.

The Ma Xincai family of four was a typical example.

Ultimately, the Bao Family’s widow left with her two children, not staying to continue watching.

The civil official and scholars kneeling were sweating profusely despite the cold winter, with many foreheads beaded with perspiration.

"The Prince and Princess are atoning for their crimes," the crafty officials began pleading for mercy.

"Utterly corrupt," said Chu Suifeng coldly as he looked at the group on the ground, "Since you have no brains, you no longer deserve to occupy your positions. Mei Hanqing, Situ, you two quickly find capable individuals in the academies to replace them."

"Your Highness, I have the Court Seal," protested an official, who immediately realized he had sealed his fate.

It was clear that today, the Prince was making an example out of them, and they were the monkeys being warned.

By making such a scene, Chu Suifeng not only vindicated Lin Ziyin but also seized the opportunity to purge those officials he disapproved of.

The critical point was that after this incident, no one in Feng City would likely harbor any resentment towards Lin Ziyin.

Indeed, Chu Suifeng was determined to reform the customs of the Northern Land. Since he had elected to do so, he was not afraid of displeasing the Imperial Court.

Once the crimes of Ma Zhicai and the others were confirmed, Ma Zhicai continued to shout protests, but he was still reduced to a mutilated body hanging on the city wall, alongside the Tatars he had served. Yan Family’s widow was driven insane on the spot when she saw her favorite son being skinned until only his bones and organs remained.

Though Ma Dalang and Ma Youcai had not participated in the betrayal, they were implicated and sent to Underworld City to serve hard labor for life, never to leave.

Despite being distressed for them, Ma Xincai could only secretly slip some silver to Ma Dalang and the Yan Family’s widow, using the sum secretly given to him by Mrs. Huang, albeit not much.

With this, Chu Suifeng elegantly quelled the spread of rumors.

"At the start of the year, you should still look for a suitable family to arrange a marriage," suggested the Si Family’s wife in the Si Residence’s drawing room, earnestly advising Si Jinyu while holding her hand.

"I think that young man from the Luo Family is quite good," said the old lady with a smile.

"Grandmother, Mother, I’m not planning to arrange a marriage yet. I want to do more in the Academy, the work I’m doing now is meaningful. It relieves some burden from the Prince and Princess of the Northern Land, and I feel proud," Si Jinyu smiled as she declined.

"But..." the Si Family’s wife was slightly reluctant. It’s not easy to find a good match when a girl gets older. Yet, seeing her daughter’s enthusiasm, she couldn’t bring herself to object.

"She has chosen her own path, let her walk it," the old General of the Si Family declared.

Though the Si Family’s wife was worried, she couldn’t help but accept the situation. Initially, Si Jinyu was raised to be a Consort, prepared to enter the Wang Residence, including that girl from the Luo Family. But who can predict the twists of fate!

She looked at Si Jinyu with complex eyes.

"Not entering the Wang Residence may not be a bad thing. And even if the Luo and Wu Families are good, Jinyu should not marry into either," said the old General lightly.

Even without stating his reasons, the Si Family’s wife and the others understood, their faces suddenly showing surprise.

"Perhaps, the second young master of the Mei Family would also be a good choice," suggested the old General with a smile.

 

Chapter 853: Chapter 853: Revenge (3)

Si Jinyu remained silent. As a female scholar in the academy, she had the freedom to choose her own marriage. For the moment, there was no suitable candidate in her heart, but as for the future, she would see when the time came.

Having dealt with the rumors circulating in Feng City, Lin Ziyin finally found some peace, and so the matter of the fate of the women in the back courtyard became her most pressing concern.

Chu Suifeng had already posted notices at the market regarding the women of the back courtyard. Had this been before, such a significant matter would have undoubtedly turned into wild speculation.

But due to the last incident with the rumors, the citizens of Feng City had a whole new understanding of Lin Ziyin, the Prince’s wife. After the notices were posted, it seemed natural to everyone, with only a few making some lukewarm comments.

"You all need to pack up quickly. The Prince has already arranged new residences for you. There, he will provide you with living expenses for half a year, and he’s also informed your families to come and take you back. If after half a year, no one from Capital City comes for you, you must fend for yourselves; the Wang Residence will no longer provide you with living expenses." Bai Xian gathered all the women in the back courtyard into the hall and lectured them.

"We want to see the Prince!" A beauty immediately panicked and was the first to retort, "All of us sisters were appointed by the emperor himself; we are not the ones who made mistakes. Why should we be sent away without cause?"

"Yes, we do not know what wrongs we have committed to deserve such punishment."

...

The room instantly erupted into chaos.

There were some who remained calm, "Butler Bai, may we know if this decision came from the Prince or the Princess?"

"It is the Prince’s decision." Butler Bai responded with a smile, "The Princess is busy with the seedling cultivation project and hasn’t had much time to deal with your affairs. The Prince declared that anyone who does not comply will be sent to Underworld City to fend for themselves, allowing their families to come to Underworld City to take them."

Underworld City? The beautiful women were startled and no longer dared to speak out of turn.

If the Northern Land was a place for the most severe criminals of Daqin to serve their sentences, then Underworld City was the place for the most severe criminals of the Northern Land.

That place was in the deepest part of the Northern Land, surrounded by desolation. It was said that even if one rode a horse, it would take over a month to leave Underworld City. Those sent there were guarded every day by elite soldiers who oversaw the criminals clearing the land and farming.

And resources were extremely scarce.

If these delicate beauties were sent there, how would they survive?

Seeing that all of the beauties were subdued, Bai Xian chuckled to himself. Indeed, they were only afraid of severe punishment!

"Pack your things and leave starting tomorrow. Do not take anything that belongs to the Wang Residence," added Bai Xian.

"It’s absolutely outrageous," someone said indignantly once Bai Xian had left.

But her words barely stirred anyone’s interest; everyone returned to their own courtyards with sullen faces, along with their maids.

Lin Wanwan did not return. Instead, she took her maid to Lin Ziyin’s residence.

"Please announce my presence, Lin Wanwan seeks an audience," she said respectfully to the matron.

The matron scrutinized her, and seeing her respectful demeanor, also remembering the incident with the reporting of Consort Qin, she gave Lin Wanwan a bit of face and nodded, "Of course, I will report to the Princess. However, whether the Princess wishes to see you is another matter."

"I understand. I thank you for your trouble," Lin Wanwan said without a hint of impatience.

The matron turned and entered the courtyard to see Lin Ziyin, and reported Lin Wanwan’s request to see her.

"Could it be that she’s still thinking of currying favor with the Princess?" Qiaoqiao speculated discontentedly, her impression of Lin Wanwan still deeply marked by her haughty demeanor from their last encounter.

Chapter 854: Chapter 854: Revenge (4)

"Can’t be, last time she certainly was a huge help," Huangying said, puzzled.

"Let her come in and talk," Lin Ziyin commanded.

Madam Qin then went out and brought Lin Wanwan in.

"Greetings to the Princess Consort," said Lin Wanwan, who was a Consort. Yet, upon entering, she did not perform the Consort’s greeting; instead, she knelt down and gave Lin Ziyin a solid kowtow.

She at least knows respect! The expressions on Qiaoqiao and the others’ faces all eased.

"What are you doing here?" But before Lin Wanwan could rise, Chu Suifeng strode in.

Upon seeing Lin Wanwan on the ground, his originally beaming handsome face instantly frosted over, his gaze toward her sharp as knives.

It really was because of the affairs with Beauties Qin and Ming that Chu Suifeng had become frightened.

He loathed the women of the inner courtyards and was wary of all the women there.

Lin Wanwan’s appearance, in his eyes, was nothing but ill-intended.

"Women’s private matters, Prince. Please, wait a moment; I have important issues to discuss with you," Lin Ziyin gently said to Chu Suifeng.

Faced with Lin Ziyin, Chu Suifeng seemed like a different person altogether, his face full of smiles, his eyes becoming gentle, "Alright, I will wait for you in the study."

"Speak, what do you want with me?" Lin Ziyin asked. "Sit."

"Thank you, Princess Consort, but it’s better for me to stand," Lin Wanwan replied, seeing Chu Suifeng’s high regard for Lin Ziyin and not daring to show any disrespect, "I came here to plead for a chance from the Princess Consort. I wish to enter the Academy and become a female scholar, even if only to teach beginner girls."

As she spoke, Lin Wanwan knelt down again.

This request took everyone in the room by surprise.

"Do you not wish to return to the capital?" Lin Ziyin asked in astonishment.

Tears slowly welled up in Lin Wanwan’s eyes as she gently shook her head.

"Why?" Lin Ziyin asked, curious.

"Last time, when my father came for the ceremony, it happened to be when the Princess Consort was in trouble. The Prince was once willing to let me leave, but my father, he refused. From then on, I knew I would be a girl without a family," two lines of clear tears streamed from Lin Wanwan’s eyes.

"Princess Consort, this maid can read, and also cook, do laundry, and wash clothes. I am willing to follow my lady into the Academy," the two maids kowtowed and said, "Our lady is skilled in music, chess, calligraphy, painting, and also needlework. Letting her be a teacher would surely pose no problem."

"Being a teacher is not as easy as you think," Lin Ziyin said, looking at her with compassion.

"I know, but I am willing to try," replied Lin Wanwan firmly, "If not for these two who have followed me since their childhood, I wouldn’t bring them with me. I am not afraid of hardship, as long as I can support the three of us."

The two young maids cried even harder upon hearing this.

Madam Qin and the others were moved by the deep bond between the maidservant and their lady.

"To enter the Academy is not up to me alone, anyone wishing to be a teacher must go through rigorous testing. I will ask Master Mei and the others to conduct a series of assessments on you. If you pass, you can be a female scholar in the Academy. If they want to work in the Academy as well, they must be assessed, but if you are willing to support them financially, then they do not need to be assessed," Lin Ziyin explained.

"No, no, we are willing to undergo the assessment," the two maids eagerly stated their resolve.

"If I cannot become a female scholar, then I am also willing to do miscellaneous work in the Academy," Lin Wanwan whispered, "Even if it’s a bit further away, as long as it’s in the Northern Land."

It seemed she was absolutely determined.

Chapter 855: Chapter 855: Revenge (5)

Lin Ziyin nodded, "Go pack up, and later I will send someone to take you to the Academy. However, as a master, it’s not okay to lack confidence."

Lin Wanwan heard and suddenly lifted her head, seeing the teasing look in her eyes, she nodded emphatically, "I understand, thank you, Princess Consort."

"She’s a smart one," Nanny Lu sighed softly after Lin Wanwan and her servant had walked some distance away.

"Indeed very smart," Lin Ziyin replied with a smile. "If she can overcome her own demons, it’s not impossible for her to find a suitable man in the future."

In Lin Ziyin’s view, Lin Wanwan wasn’t bad; growing up in the Lin family’s environment, a lot of things weren’t her choice. When opportunities presented themselves, Lin Wanwan was always able to seize them in time. The key was that Lin Wanwan was very good at assessing situations. The Prince had released the beauties from his back courtyard; Lin Ziyin guessed, in Capital City, who knows how many families would take them back, and even if they did, what position would they be given?

After all, these beauties had been in the Northern Land for several years, and as soon as they returned, that one in Capital City would surely be suspicious of their families. Those old foxes in Capital City wouldn’t leave such a potential problem!

The Prince’s desire for revenge was indeed strong; originally, the Emperor and those families had sent him beauties to cause him trouble, and now he was ready to return them one by one.

"Hong Ying, let’s go." Lin Ziyin stood up. After the last incident, Chu Suifeng no longer felt at ease and insisted that Hong Ying or one of the others always accompany her.

After arriving at the study, Hong Ying and Congyi, like the others, waited outside.

Chu Suifeng was delighted to see her come in, putting down the book in his hand, "Why bother with someone who’s not important?"

"Lin Wanwan is smart and also quite pitiable. Besides, she’s never harmed us, so we might as well help her if we can. Most importantly, we’re short of people in the Northern Land. We should welcome anyone who truly wishes to stay," Lin Ziyin said with a smile.

Chu Suifeng couldn’t win the argument, and of course, had no desire to debate with her. In his eyes, Lin Wanwan was no different from a stranger; if Ziyin wanted to keep her, then keep her.

"What’s the matter, you wanted to see me?" Chu Suifeng pulled her to his side and asked.

These days, he had been preparing to attack Liao City and was, of course, also on guard for any trouble from the North Country people in the background.

Without an important matter, Lin Ziyin wouldn’t have asked him to come back.

"Are you sore?" Chu Suifeng extended his hand to massage her waist.

At the mention of this, Lin Ziyin blushed. Since her body had recovered, Chu Suifeng had been full of energy, and he wouldn’t let her go until she begged for mercy every night, seemingly wanting to make up for the more than a month he had lost.

But Lin Ziyin was shy, and she blushed at the mention of private matters between husband and wife. So even if she woke up with a nearly broken waist and her whole body ached, she wouldn’t let her maidservants give her a massage.

"Prince," upon seeing Chu Suifeng’s unserious demeanor, she glared at him with a flushed face.

"Don’t move, you talk, and I’ll massage you," Chu Suifeng’s expression turned solemn.

Well, a massage would indeed feel much better. There was nobody else in the study, so Lin Ziyin permitted it. "These are the items I need, find them for me, and this is the blueprint, help me manufacture two thousand of them."

"What is this?" Chu Suifeng took a look at the blueprint, but after a long time, all he saw was something strange.

"The dimensions of this thing must be absolutely precise, not the slightest bit off, or it could cost lives," Lin Ziyin said gravely.