The Princess of Northern Land
Chapter 370: King Ling Takes Action (3)_1

Chapter 370: Chapter 370: King Ling Takes Action (3)_1

Ever since she arrived at the Residence, she had often been made to feel inferior, and it was becoming increasingly rare for Li Jiesong to spend a night in her room each month. On the surface, Lady You had a glamorous life, but the hardships she endured were insurmountable and never shared with others.

"Speak your mind quickly, I have things to attend to." Li Jiesong impatiently grumbled, his mind preoccupied with the dainty figure of his new concubine.

"Father." Two young boys entered from outside the room, and respectfully greeted Li Jiesong. "Mother," they then turned to Lady You and greeted her as well.

"Since you’re here, Muxiu, you should use this opportunity to rest well indoors." Lady You tried to hide her relief as she turned to her sons. With their father’s unpredictable behaviors, she placed all her hopes upon them.

"Yes." Noticing their parent’s likely need for a private conversation, the two boys tactfully exited.

"Master, I request your presence as there’s something I need to discuss with you." Lady You started.

"Just handle whatever it is on your own." Li Jiesong responded impatiently.

"It’s a serious matter, I can’t decide about it on my own." Lady You snapped back angrily, "Master, the Prince is reforming the land distribution system. With the arrival of the autumn season, fluctuations in food prices are inevitable."

"What’s the relationship between land reforms and volatile food prices?" An exasperated Li Jiesong asked. "Why are you, a woman from a well-bred family, bothering yourself with such affairs? Father has clearly expressed his disinterest in us getting involved in this situation."

In response to Li Jiesong’s impatience, Lady You maintained her composure, "Master, you must bear in mind that although the Li family is quite wealthy, all of our assets are tied up in public shares at present. Our Hostess, who happens to be our birth mother, should not be forgotten by you, Master. Moreover, she has more than one son, and the second house is not an easy target either. With the backing of the old lady, do you think they would willingly give up a part of the estate?"

"They..."

"Master, swallow your pride and think about it. How much private property do we truly possess? If not for my dowry, Master..."

"Enough." Li Jiesong’s face reddened at the mention of his use of her dowry, and he reacted with exasperation.

"Since I am wedded to you, my loyalties naturally lie with you, Master. However, in the long run, without any savings of our own, we will eventually suffer." Lady You could see clearly that the Marquis was favoring Li Jieyong, his second son. Unfortunately, Li Jiesong seemed blind to this fact, showing no ambition beyond indulging his personal pleasures. She had misgivings about what they could retain from their inheritance if this state of affairs persisted.

"What’s your solution?" Realizing his inferiority to Lady You in finances, Li Jiesong immediately softened his tone.

"There are those in Feng City who are dissatisfied with the Prince. When winter comes, food prices will certainly fluctuate. If we start hoarding food now, by then..." Her voice trailed off, but Li Jiesong listened with increasing interest.

"Prince, the first batch of grain has quietly been brought in by waterway. Moreover, a branch of the Jiangnan’s premier aristocratic family has already entered into a business deal with us," Situ Gong reported with favourable news. "Since letting out the news, the Ma, Bai, and Mo families have all begun making their moves. It won’t be long before these families supersede the likes of the Zhang Family."

"Send escorts for the Ma and Bai families." Chu Suifeng directed, a glint of bloodlust in his eyes.

"Yes, Prince."

"As for the Lin Family, ensure someone is there to protect them." Chu Suifeng added another command.

"Yes, Prince." Situ Gong agreed before departing to make the arrangements.

Alone in his study, Chu Suifeng sat quietly observing the markings on his map. No one knew what he was contemplating.