The Princess of Northern Land
Chapter 633: I Rule My Own Territory (7)_1

Chapter 633: Chapter 633: I Rule My Own Territory (7)_1

"Talk about what?" Zige still wasn’t convinced. "In a few days they will be formally wed, why is he taking advantage of our household?"

"Cough, cough, cough." The sound of deliberate coughing came from the entrance.

The argument in the room disappeared all at once.

"It’s late, and the young one needs rest. Everyone should leave," the patriarch ordered. Standing beside him was Changting, who also wore a solemn countenance.

"Grandfather, we shall retire for the night," Lin Changshu quickly stood up to assert himself.

"Grandfather, we were just about to take the baby and leave," Wu Dayou also rose to his feet.

Zige was just about to speak when Guo Huiniang promptly kicked her under the table. Zige immediately swallowed her words, and said, "We will retire for the night."

When Zige left, the old man turned to Lin Changshu and said, "Your wife is right. You are overexerting yourselves, worrying about needless matters."

With that, the old man turned and left with Changting.

Guo Huiniang let out a giggle and catching sight of Lin Changshu’s slightly reddened face, quickly turned her attention back to comforting the baby.

The Chu and Rui Princes stayed at the Wang Residence for three days without laying eyes on Chu Suifeng, which left them feeling a touch displeased.

However, aside from Chu Suifeng’s absence, Situ Gong and butler Bai Xian, along with the rest of the household, treated them very warmly. They couldn’t find so much as a single complaint.

"Such commitment from the Prince of Ling. With his wedding only days away, why is he still at the camp?" teased the Prince of Chu, as he took a bite of a frozen pear and chewed loudly.

"Attendance to public duty must be diligent, just like personal matters." The Prince of Rui said with a laughter, appearing to be in good spirits.

"Thank you for your concern, sirs. The prince should return in a few days," replied Situ Gong, showcasing his patience and gentle temper.

Busy with public duty? What a crock of shit.

People from Prince Chu and Prince Ru’s entourages had already collected information on the matter. There was no way Situ Gong believed their stories.

"I bring with me the Emperor’s decree. What should we do in the absence of the Prince of Ling?" Prince Rui asked Situ Gong with a questioning look.

"I do not know the whereabouts of His Highness either. Perhaps you should wait a bit longer," Situ Gong dodged the question.

"What decree are you talking about?" Just then, Chu Suifeng walked in with a stern expression, followed by a large group of men.

At one glance, the Princes identified the men following Chu Suifeng: Mei Hanqing, the Si family brothers, members of the Luo family. Some were familiar faces, while some were recognized from portraits.

Although they were brothers, this was the first time the three of them were seeing each other as adults. Princes Chu and Rui were sizing up Chu Suifeng.

Chu Suifeng entered the room without a hint of a smile, glanced at Princes Chu and Rui, and said, "Both of you move. This is my seat."

What was this supposed to mean? His words were not polite at all. Even the most patient guest would have their pride wounded by such an insult, especially when they were respected figures in the Capital City, accustomed to being fawned over. No one had ever disrespected them as Chu Suifeng just did.

The men following Chu Suifeng stifled their laughter, their eyes locked on Princes Chu and Rui with predatory intensity. It was clear that if the two didn’t immediately vacate their seats, the followers would reclaim the positions by force.

Prince Chu suddenly lost his appetite for the pear, and the smile vanished from Prince Rui’s face. They could begrudgingly concede their seats since they were in Ling’s residence, and it was fitting for the host to occupy the head of the table. However, there were two seats at the head of the table, and Chu Suifeng was insisting they vacate both. Was he planning to occupy both seats?

Chu Suifeng’s face darkened, completely devoid of humor, as if Princes Chu and Rui owed him a hefty amount of silver.

"Youngest brother, your hospitality is truly unique," Prince Chu laughed heartily, then with a resigned expression, rose to leave his seat.

Prince Rui also rose with a polite smile, and took an unoccupied seat. "Guests should comply with the host’s wishes."

Upon vacating their seats, Chu Suifeng immediately claimed the seats at the head of the table. Only then did his followers approach the Princes to pay their respects in an orderly fashion.

Seeing their manners, the Princes were slightly relieved. To be frank, they hadn’t seen Chu Suifeng for many years and their knowledge of him was limited to hearsay. If Chu Suifeng turned hostile that day, they had no idea how to react in his territory.

"The Prince of Ling has tasted victory and driven the Tatars from the Northern Lands. Every member of the Imperial Court can’t seem to praise him enough. Adding to that the imminent wedding, it’s a double blessing. I offer my congratulations first," Prince Rui said cheerfully. "In celebration, I brought some gifts. Please accept them as a token of my respect."

Having said that, he beckoned one of his guards who pulled out a gift register and presented it to them.