The Princess of Northern Land
Chapter 440: Contest (3)_1

Chapter 440: Chapter 440: Contest (3)_1

"How could His Majesty and his predecessor, who cherished Virtuous Consort, easily believe the words of a few monks?" Lin Ziyin questioningly asked.

"Huangjue Temple is a state temple, known to handle the divination affairs of Daqin. Curiously enough, after the Empress Dowager held the prince, she fell ill and died shortly after returning. Similarly, the young princely heir from Prince Min’s residence also died after he had seen the prince in Virtuous Consort’s palace. Hence, rumors surrounding the prince in the Imperial Palace grew increasingly unfavorable, and the court officials began to pressure the former emperor. In order to save the prince’s life, Virtuous Consort pleaded with the former emperor to grant a territory in the Northern Land to the prince, vowing that the prince would never return to Capital City in his lifetime. To keep things proper, the prince would be raised by monks from Ding’an Temple, akin to being raised by the Buddha himself."

"Did the former emperor agree to this?" Lin Ziyin asked in surprise. She had a hard time believing that both the Empress Dowager and the princely heir of Prince Min’s residence were hexed by Chu Suifeng. The signs of a rat were clear, but it was unfortunate that the Emperor’s thoughts were unknown.

"His Majesty was already panicking. His love for Virtuous Consort couldn’t compete with his concern for his own life," Hong Ying replied with disdain.

"Wait a minute, wasn’t His Majesty the Crown Prince at that time? How could he already have Virtuous Consort’s title?" Lin Ziyin asked, confused.

"Our present Emperor is confused, but the former emperor loved talented people. To save the prince’s life, the Consort, undeterred by her frailty from childbirth, knelt outside the grand hall day and night. Due to her kindness and her bravery in shielding the former emperor from an assassin’s blow, the former emperor was moved and granted her wish. After the prince was sent to his territory, Virtuous Consort’s health completely deteriorated. In less than a month, she passed away. The former emperor, cherishing her talents, specially decreed that her title of Virtuous Consort be retained." As Hong Ying finished recounting the past, she was already in tears.

"And what’s the situation with Ding’an Temple?" Lin Ziyin asked, confused.

"The dean of Ding’an Temple back then was Master Hongyuan. Originally, he was one of the leading experts in the jianghu, only becoming a monk later in life. However, for reasons unknown, Master Hongyuan once displeased Huangjue Temple’s dean. During one of the religious debates, Master Hongyuan was falsely accused, putting the lives of all the monks in Ding’an Temple at risk. Virtuous Consort saved him, thus sparing the lives of all the monks within the temple. So she entrusted the prince to the temple’s care," Lun Luo explained.

"Has Master Hongyuan passed away?" In the temple, Lin Ziyin did not hear anyone mention such a person, so she speculated that the original dean was gone.

"No, the master is still alive, but his whereabouts are unknown. In order to give the prince a chance to survive, he dedicated himself to sheltering and training many orphans to become monk soldiers, also rallying many people from the Jianghu for the prince. As he felt that he hadn’t completely given up his worldly desires and therefore unfit to face Buddha, he left as soon as the prince was able to stand on his own, leaving no one with knowledge of his whereabouts," explained Lun Luo, appearing much calmer than Hong Ying.

"So, have you two grown up together with the prince?" Lin Ziyin asked them.

"Yes." Hong Ying and Lun Luo responded unanimously.

No wonder Congyi and Hong Ying felt differently about Chu Suifeng.

"Also, Third Prince and Prince Luo," Luo lun added.

"I see. You may leave now." After listening to Chu Suifeng’s story, Lin Ziyin showed no visible reaction. She sat down and resumed her work on the crossbow.

Seeing her react so calmly, Hong Ying, with her tearful eyes, did not know what to do. Lun Luo pulled Hong Ying away.

Lou Zheng stepped out of the dining hall, only to see Big Bro Ma waiting for him at the entrance, which immediately crinkled his brows.