The Princess of Northern Land
Chapter 283: Hiring a Hitman(7)_1

Chapter 283: Chapter 283: Hiring a Hitman(7)_1

"It’s all because of that slut Lin Ziyin, who drugged the Prince." Li Yanran was absolutely furious. The town’s south had many shops, and if she got married in the future, she would receive more dowry from the Residence. Selling the shops would mean her dowry would be less. What was even more infuriating was that the Prince truly warned the Li Family for the sake of an ordinary girl like Lin Ziyin.

Thinking that she was not valued as much as an ordinary girl in Chu Suifeng’s heart, Li Yanran had a sense of oppression in her chest. "Father, I refuse to believe that my cousin will harm us for that wench," she fumed.

"You still have the audacity to say that," Marquis Li retorted, seeing her defiant look, adding fuel to his anger. Though he could not discipline his daughter-in-law directly, he surely could discipline his daughter. "You were asked to maintain a gentle and virtuous demeanor before the Prince, but instead, you act like a shrew all the time. Haven’t you thought that the Prince might despise a jealous woman?"

"The Prince is busy with his duties every day, so I hardly get to see him, what can I do? The issue with the Lin Family this time was just an accident," Li Yanran said with tears in her eyes as she heard her father’s reproofs. She had always been the apple of her parents’ eyes in the Residence. When was the last time she was treated so harshly? She utterly despised Lin Ziyin for this.

"Even if it means showing the Prince, we have to sell some of the south town’s shops," Marquis Li finally commanded.

"Let’s sell some. We still hold the majority. Everyone should discuss which shops they’re willing to sell so we are ready when the time comes," Second Uncle Li sighed. "The Prince has become suspicious of our family, and traditionally, one’s dangerous when their accomplishments outshine the Prince’s. Apparently, he wants to forget our family’s support."

"Second brother, don’t utter those words again," Marquis Li glared at his younger brother.

Second Uncle Li sighed and didn’t say another word thereafter.

Selling the shops was a settled matter, no matter how unwilling everyone was. In the end, it was decided that each family would need to sell two of their shops. The younger generation, especially Madam Yu and the two daughters-in-law of the eldest household, was even more upset. As the younger generation, they didn’t have many shops to start with; selling two more was almost asking for their lives. But no one could disobey Marquis Li’s command, so they reluctantly agreed.

"I will not let that wench off." Li Yanran was stomping mad as she walked back to her courtyard.

She did not possess any shops at the moment. Still, her mother had promised her a shop as a dowry, which was now set to be sold. Realizing that she is being forced to sell a shop she’s not even had to govern for a day, she developed a fierce desire to murder Lin Ziyin.

Madam Yu saw Li Yanran’s rage and a hint of taunt flashed in her eyes. Li Yanran had been spoilt by the family and was somewhat arrogant. Despite the fact that the Prince had no feelings for her, she behaved as if she was the future Prince Consort within the Residence. When encountering difficulties, she knew nothing more than cursing and blaming the servants, but had no practical solutions. Each time, it was Madam Yu, her sister-in-law, who came to her rescue.

"Lin Ziyin is indeed audacious and shameless. Aiming to be the Prince’s Consort with her few businesses, she seems to forget her status. If I were in her place, I couldn’t swallow such humiliation. The title of Prince’s Consort rightfully belongs to my sister..." Madam Yu stopped speaking as she looked at Li Yanran.

As expected, Li Yanran’s eyes flashed a cruel light. Madam Yu smile faintly, it’s seemed like she was comforting Li Yanran. "Don’t think too much about it, sister. After all, it’s not unusual for a man to have several wives and concubines. The Prince might just be interested in her because she’s new. With our status, we don’t need to behave as shamelessly as her. But I do feel it’s unfair for you. If I were a man, I could teach her a lesson for you, but at this moment, I’m powerless.".

"Don’t speak anymore, sister-in-law, I know you care about me," Li Yanran huffed, taking Mindam Yu’s consolation to heart.

"Don’t do anything rash, sister. Now remember, you are an aristocratic lady; you can’t stoop to her level. Since you can’t vocalize your frustration, what are you gonna do? Hire Ghost Hand to assassinate her?" Madam Yu joked.

Assassination? A thought flicked across Li Yanran’s mind – not a bad idea.

Only by making Lin Ziyin a dead person could she release the anger inside her.

As she spent a lot of time with Li Yanran, Madam Yu knew her habits all too well. Seeing her expression, she knew she had left a deep impression on her.

"Alright, let’s let this matter pass. You don’t have to be so concerned, sister. Stooping to a common girl’s level will only tarnish your status. Now, I have to go and fill up the deed to present to father. Out of sight, out of mind..." Leaving a chatter in her wake, Madam Yu walked away with her maidservant.

Li Yanran stood silently under the corridor, her face indistinct and mysterious. No one knew what she was thinking or why she was lost in thought.