The Princess of Northern Land
Chapter 852: Revenge (2)

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.