The Princess of Northern Land

Chapter 256 - 256 256 Visitor from Li Residence (1)_1

?Chapter 256: Chapter 256: Visitor from Li Residence (1)_1 Chapter 256: Chapter 256: Visitor from Li Residence (1)_1 “How is the collection of food and fodder coming along?” Chu Suifeng asked.

“Wu Qingzi has already gathered some, along with what the Imperial Court has supplied, it should barely be enough to get through this winter.” Si Jinhan responded.

Only enough to get through this winter? Chu Suifeng furrowed his brows.

What will happen if the Imperial Court doesn’t send more food and fodder after this winter? Is he supposed to emulate the Tatars and raid others’ territories?

Chu Suifeng was no ordinary person and didn’t harbor any noble ideal of righteousness. In his opinion, the Tatars had been harassing and raiding the people of the Northern Lands for years, not sparing them from death and destruction. Therefore, as the guardian of the Northern Lands, it would only be justified for him to scavenge their food and fodder while protecting his people.

“If push comes to shove, we can plunder the Tatars’ food and fodder.” Like the right-hand man he was, Si Jinhan seemed to voice Chu Suifeng’s thoughts.

“As long as we survive the winter, we’ll figure something out.” Chu Suifeng expressed somewhat wearily.

Si Jinhan regarded him sympathetically. Over the years, only people like them who had been by Chu Suifeng’s side truly understood the difficulties he had endured.

Despite his princely title, which many admired, how many of the aristocrats residing far away in Capital City envied him? The sheer vastness and harsh climate of the Northern Lands, the Imperial Court’s annual suppression and the Tatars’ harassment were enough to deter those who had always lived in luxury.

Thinking of the Emperor living comfortably in the Capital City, a disapproving sneer flashed across Si Jinhan’s eyes.

It was absurd that such an unworthy master had remained Emperor for so many years and it was surprising that the Princes under him hadn’t rebelled.

Given the current state of corruption and darkness in the Imperial Court, he suspected that day was not far off.

Rumors suggested that the Fifth Prince and the Third Prince were independently presiding over their territories, secretly recruiting soldiers and horses, and had discreetly formed factions against the Crown Prince.

However, no one would likely trouble themselves about Chu Suifeng’s affairs.

Though his elite soldiers were formidable, they were short on resources. Their role had been reduced to defending the borders and preventing the Tatars from breeching the defenses to reach Capital City.

While Chu Suifeng faced threats from all sides, it wasn’t all bad. At the very least, no power would dare to deliberately provoke him. A chance to regroup was an opportunity he needed badly, but he needed material support as well.

It was always about money and resources! Si Jinhan thought of the Northern Land’s high-ranking officials racked with worry over this matter and sighed to himself.

“The Li Family has been amassing wealth all along.” After some thought, Si Jinhan decided to report what he knew.

“As long as they don’t cause significant trouble, leave them be.” Chu Suifeng replied indifferently. Did the Li family really suppose that being his in-laws guaranteed their safety? Had it not been for silencing public gossip, he, Chu Suifeng would have long destroyed this family of his wife’s relatives.

But, the old lady was still alive! For now, he would bear with them. Thinking of his loving grandmother-in-law, Chu Suifeng eventually held back.

“They might even consider targeting the young girl.” Si Jinhan returned to his usual frivolous demeanor.

“Find a way to prevent them from doing so.” Chu Suifeng instructed after a brief pause.

No matter what, Lin Ziyin was his financial backer.

If someone had told him before that a young girl could successfully manage a business and bring large sums of silver to his Residence, he wouldn’t have believed it. But, with the unending silver pouring from Ding’an Temple and the massive profits from the duck shop right before his eyes, he had come to believe it.

With a continuous supply of silver coming from Lin Ziyin, Chu Suifeng would not tolerate anyone harming her.

“Li Yanran seems to be of marriageable age; should be time to find a good in-law for her.” Si Jinhan jestingly said.

“Perhaps this Prince could help you play matchmaker.” Chu Suifeng cast him a sidelong glance.