The Princess of Northern Land

Chapter 116 - 116 116 Punishment (2)_1

?Chapter 116: Chapter 116: Punishment (2)_1 Chapter 116: Chapter 116: Punishment (2)_1 “Isn’t that right? Sister Gao’s benevolence has always been clear as day. Who wouldn’t notice?” As soon as she finished speaking, a woman dressed in goose yellow laughed and seemingly agreed with Consort Gao, but her tone and gaze told a completely different story.

The women around her laughed quietly in response.

The Wang Residence doesn’t have a main wife. Consort Gao may hold a high position, but the prince treats all the women equally. Ever since their arrival into the prince’s court, he hasn’t spent a night in anyone’s quarters. As such, none of the un-favored women can hold dominance over the others. Moreover, the backgrounds of the women who were able to enter the Wang Residence as wives aren’t any worse, who would fear who anyway?

Consort Gao was annoyed amidst the jokes of others, thinking they’re all vixens and none of them were good.

“I’m tired and want to rest. The rest of you can do as you please.” Instead of dealing with the group of women, Consort Gao spoke languidly.

“Consort Gao, the prince orders the consorts to the front hall, all ladies also need to accompany.” Just then, a stern-faced guard came to report.

The women around him broke into animated discussions as soon as they heard, “Oh my, the prince is summoning us, I need to go and touch up my appearance.”

“Me too.”

“What to do, this outfit doesn’t seem appropriate.”

…

Seeing the chattering women, Conger sneered. The women of the prince’s harem knew no restraint, constantly scheming against each other all day long. No wonder the prince didn’t favor any of them.

The flamboyant women continued their lively gossip. They never lacked food or clothing in the back yard, but they barely saw the prince over the course of a year. Today, the sun has risen in the west as the prince was actively gathering everyone. None of the women, excited about the beginning of a love affair, wanted to lose to the others.

Usually, upon hearing such good news, Consort Gao would have reacted the same as the women present. However, today, upon hearing Conger relay the command, she felt a flutter of fear. For no apparent reason, she felt guilty.

“The prince ordered all the ladies to come to the front yard immediately. Those who delay the prince’s time will bear the consequences,” Conger said coldly. After saying her piece, she left without considering the reactions of the women.

Conger was one of the prince’s trusted guards. None of the beautiful wives or consorts doubted her words.

As a result, a group of women, filled with anticipation and excitement, followed Conger to the front yard.

Once they arrived, they found that the other women from the residence were already standing inside the room. And at the head, sat the prince they fancied, Chu Suifeng.

Chu Suifeng was dressed in white, a white jade hairpin held his ink-black hair in place. His handsome face was frosty, making him appear aloof and unapproachable although quite good-looking.

All the chatter ceased immediately. It was quite obvious that the prince was in a poor mood today.

“Your humble servant greets the prince.” A large group of women acted obediently and reverently saluted Chu Suifeng.

“Who is Gao Lan?” Chu Suifeng’s first sentence was filled with questioning.

“Your humble servant is here.” Consort Gao answered timidly as she stepped forward, her eyebrows lowered obediently. She felt sorrowfulness in her heart. She has been in the Wang Residence for two years already, yet the prince couldn’t remember who she was. Although she always thought of the prince, it seemed the sentiment wasn’t reciprocated.

“Drag her out and give her twenty hits with a heavy plank. If she survives, demote her to a lady.” Chu Suifeng, without giving any reason, handed down this severe punishment to Consort Gao.

“Please spare me, my prince. I have acknowledged my mistake.” The twenty heavy hits would be enough to claim half a person’s life, making Gao Lan’s face lose color in fright.

“Who gave you the audacity to make a scene at the Ding’an Temple? Do you want all the commoners to see how the Wang Residence can bully people with its power?” Chu Suifeng’s voice was stern yet calm, but his intimidating aura made all the women’s legs tremble.

“Your humble servant dares not, I will never dare again.” Consort Gao did not dare to argue and could only sob and plead for mercy.

“The rest of you are confined for half a year.” It seemed that Chu Suifeng’s anger hadn’t subsided as he punished all the women present, “During the execution of the punishment, everyone is to watch.”

“The lady has committed a wrongdoing.” Congyi beckoned, and several guards came over to drag away Consort Gao who was crying and squealing. The women, with no other choice, happened to stand in the yard.

It was the guards of the Wang Residence who carried out the punishment, not the matrons. The sound of each plank hitting the flesh made the women’s faces change with fright. Some of them even fainted when they saw the blood on Consort Gao’s buttocks.

Chu Suifeng sat on his chair with a solemn expression, silent and motionless.

Meanwhile, Lin Ziyin, who had returned to the village, also made Shili Village a busy, bustling place.