Ch. 116..120: The Princess of Northern Land Chapter 116-120
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.
Chapter 117: Chapter 117: If You Can’t Retreat, Advance(1)_1
"How did the girl from the Lin family end up like this?" A villager exclaimed upon seeing Lin Ziyin.
"Lou Zheng, did the Lin girl get hit by someone?"
...
In just the blink of an eye, Lou Zheng’s ox cart was surrounded by villagers.
Lou Zheng, Mrs. Zhang, and a few little monks all frowned simultaneously.
"It was a simple misunderstanding, it’s all good now." Lou Zheng remained tight-lipped, with Mrs. Zhang keeping silent.
After using Master Hui Zhen’s medicinal ointment in the temple, the swelling on Lin Ziyin’s face had significantly reduced. However, the bruise remained. She had had better meals these recent days, so her face was no longer the previous waxy yellow, but instead had become many times paler and tender, thus making the bruise on her face much more prominent.
"A woman can’t trade without showing her face and taking losses." Even though Lou Zheng had intended to conceal the truth, there were quite a few gossip mongers in the village.
"Isn’t it? If business was so good, everyone would be rich." Someone gloated over the situation.
"She must have offended someone she shouldn’t have outside. Look at how pitiful she looks."
...
These sour words fell on Lin Ziyin’s ears as though she hadn’t heard them. Villagers in the rural villages had limited forms of entertainment, and were illiterate, so they always loved to gossip whenever something fresh happened.
Ever since the Lin family’s fortune improved, many villagers became envious and jealous. A lot of them even wished that the Lin family would encounter some mishap. In simple terms, they were just sour grapes.
"What nonsense are you all spouting?" Lou Zheng naturally heard the villagers gossip too. He was worried and cast a surreptitious glance at Lin Ziyin. Seeing the obscure emotions on her face, his heart jumped, and he quickly lashed out at the villagers who were chattering idly, "It’s already said that it was a misunderstanding. If you guys have too much free time, wouldn’t it be better to find some work instead, so you could earn a bit more for your household?"
"Lou Zheng, we don’t have the skill to easily rake in silver like the Lin family," someone voiced out in dissatisfaction loudly.
"If you don’t have the skill, at least you have the strength, right? Rather than dreaming all day of pie falling from the sky, wouldn’t it be better for you to wait for silver to roll into your house?" Lou Zheng was quite a formidable character and effortlessly lectured the villagers.
"Amitabha. The mishap today was due to our negligence in the temple for not adequately protecting Benefactor Lin. However, such incidents won’t occur again in the future. The Abbot has decreed that my fellow monk brothers and I will take turns escorting Benefactor Lin." The simple-minded Liao Kong immediately made a statement.
When the affair involved the monks from the temple, the villagers finally closed their mouths.
"Let’s go home," Lin Ziyin, not wanting to be gawked at any longer, softly reminded Lou Zheng.
"The sun’s hot, let’s go home quickly," Mrs. Zhang also urged. The villagers were too talkative. Regardless of whether Ziyin found it displeasing, she didn’t like listening to them either.
Upon arriving at home, this was the first time the little monks came to her house. They were all curiously sneaking glances at the courtyard.
"What happened?" Guo Huiniang was pouring out water when she saw Lin Ziyin approaching with her bruised face. She was so frightened that the basin dropped from her hands.
"Sister," upon hearing the voice and seeing Lin Ziyin, Lin Changting was so terrified that he could hardly speak. Yanzhi, who came after, was scared into crying instantly because of her appearance.
"What happened?" The last to appear was Zige, "Ziyin, what happened?" As soon as she spoke, she turned her head and saw the injuries on Lin Ziyin’s face. She immediately rushed forward to hug Lin Ziyin, and then her teardrops started falling too.
"I’m hungry," Lin Ziyin spoke, "Uncle Lou Zheng and his wife haven’t eaten either. Later, tell them that you guys passed by and saw me. I’m fine now, it looks severe but the injuries are all superficial."
Chapter 118: Chapter 118: If You Can’t Retreat, Advance(2)_1
"I’ll make it for you now," Guo Huiniang said, wiping her tears.
"Eat noodles, plain ones, the little monks are all present too," Lin Ziyin instructed.
Guo Huiniang agreed and rushed into the kitchen.
Changting, on the other hand, vanished in the blink of an eye.
Lin Ziyin didn’t mind it.
However, shortly after, there were panicky footsteps outside in the courtyard.
"What has happened? I heard that you were beaten?" The first one to step inside was Lin Changshu, who looked extremely flustered.
"Is the injury severe?" Wu Dayou, who was rather impulsive, ran so fast that he almost knocked Lin Changshu over.
"It was our fault," said Lou Zheng, looking a bit embarrassed.
"Dad, what’s going on?" Wu Dazhuang and the others had come to gauge the situation after hearing the news.
Lin Ziyin explained dismissively, "There were too many people, and I offended someone important. Thanks to the abbot at the temple, I only got a few slaps."
"Are you telling the truth?" The old man, who arrived late, was sitting silently in a corner, his arms around Yanzhi.
"Judging from the tone of that noble lady, it seemed like she came specifically for Ziyin," Lou Zheng spoke hesitantly. He had heard all of Consort Gao’s words and the more he pondered over them, the more things seemed amiss.
"Ziyin," Lin Changshu stared at Lin Ziyin sternly.
"Perhaps it was due to the other party’s interest in the Lin family’s formula, or perhaps because they thought too much after seeing the Prince Ling and Master Si. Hiding things from our family might be worse, it’s better to speak openly," Lin Ziyin said with a wry smile.
"What should we do then?" Wu Dayou asked with a frown, "We can’t resist being targeted by such a noblewoman. Are we really going to hand over the formula?"
He spoke with a fierce tone, feeling extremely vexed inside.
The old master and Lin Changshu remained silent. Guo Huiniang and Zige also showed a serious expression. The Lin family, or even the entire Shili Village, were merely commoners. How could they have the strength to compete with the consort at the Prince’s residence?
"I’m afraid that even if we give up the formula now, it will do the Lin family no good," Lin Ziyin smiled bitterly, "Do you really want to live that impoverished life again, Brother?"
"It’s worth it if the family can be together, even if it means living in poverty," Lin Changshu responded tearfully, "that’s better than being injured again and again."
"You oversimplify things, Brother," Lin Ziyin continued to argue, "The techniques of making tofu and pressing oil were conceived by our family. Even if we sell the formula, those who have ulterior motives for targeting the Lin family might not spare us. After all, only the dead can truly keep secrets. And even if they leave the Lin family alone, there could be others targeting us. Without money, can the Lin family finally live in peace? Are you willing to abandon us and go to the border to build walls every year?"
A series of questions stunned Lin Changshu, and he didn’t know what to say.
"You are the head of the household, Brother. Our family is full of elderly and young, women and weak. Without you holding up our home, can it still be considered a family?" Lin Ziyin sighed, "Once the Lin family took the first step toward wealth, we had to anticipate today’s situation. To tell you the truth, even if you and sister-in-law are willing to live that impoverished life, I am not."
"I can’t do anything either, I can’t protect you," Lin Changshu responded in extreme anguish.
"I’m useless too," said Wu Dayou, looking very dejected.
However, the old master lift up his head and looked at Lin Ziyin, "Ziyin, what do you suggest we should do?"
"Faced with a dilemma, it’s not always possible to retreat from it, if we can’t retreat, then we have to choose to advance. Don’t worry, I have a plan. Today’s incident may have been a test for the Lin family. But I’m sure that with the protection of Ding’an Temple, they will not dare to harm us for the time being. By autumn, once the private kitchen opens, we can breathe easy," Lin Ziyin explained seriously.
Those words left everyone looking at each other in surprise.
"Ziyin makes sense," said Lou Zheng, "Today, even the consort had to retreat in the face of Master Hui Zhen’s authority. I’m sure many people noticed this and will not dare to harm the Lin family rashly. Once our private kitchen truly opened, no one would dare to target us again."
"Amitabha, don’t worry, Benefactor Lin. The abbot takes this matter very seriously. No one will bother you again," said Liao Kong, bringing his palms together in prayer.
"That’s good to hear," Mrs. Zhang breathed a sigh of relief, and the others from the Lin family also relaxed.
Lin Ziyin also wore a smile on her face, but she had other thoughts in her mind.
Chapter 119: Chapter 119: Scheming (1)_1
What she did not mention was her intention to foster her own human resources. In ancient times, without power and strength, one could never have a say. The Lin family could temporarily rely on Ding’an Temple or the Prince of Ling, but for how long?
What if someone notices the larger sum of silver the Lin family was earning from their other business, would another noble consort, similar to Consort Gao, emerge to seize it? Besides, Shili Village was located in the Northern Lands, a border region of several countries. Without their own strength, who could say when they might be swallowed up by others?
In any case, only when her family had sufficient strength, could they carry out tasks or negotiate with full confidence.
No matter how Lin Ziyin calculated, under the guidance of Lou Zheng, and the reassurance from the Little Monk, the Lin’s family were temporarily at ease.
"It’s hot and stewing meat is no longer suitable. You might as well stay at home and recuperate, don’t go out. If the masters in the temple wish to learn [the recipe], let them come sometimes," Lin Changshu advised her.
Lin Ziyin obediently nodded, confirming her agreement.
Shortly afterward, Guo Huiniang made plain noodles, then mashed some freshly pickled cucumbers and made a plate of stir-fried chives with eggs.
Lin Ziyin invited Lou Zheng, Mrs. Zhang, and herself for a meal, also courteously inviting the Little Monk to taste the Lin family’s noodle soup, Lou Zheng and Mrs. Zhang courteously took their seat, but the little monks shook their heads, rejecting her kind, and left straight away.
Lin Ziyin quietly finished her noodles, then retired for her midday rest under the teary eyes of Guo Huiniang and Zige.
After her nap, Lin Ziyin discovered that the outside sun seemed dimmer.
"Sister." Lin Changting, seeing that she was finally awake, carefully brought her some water to wash her face. Yanzhi was also obediently watching her from a small bench.
"Thank you," Lin Ziyin said with a smile, accepting the handkerchief from Changting and wiping her face.
"What’s the matter?" Lin Ziyin glanced at Changting’s near-teary countenance and asked in wonder.
"Sister, I am going to practice martial arts with the little monk from now on. I will protect you and our Lin family from being bullied in the future." Changting, perhaps due to his young age, couldn’t hold back his tears.
He was naturally close to Ziyin, and seeing what had happened to Ziyin’s face today, he was so distressed he wanted to fight on the spot. But he also understood that the person who had hit Ziyin was powerful and of special status; he couldn’t win against them. Then, he observed the graceful way the Little Monk left and started to develop an aspiration to learn martial arts.
"After some days, I plan to send you to a private school to study." Lin Ziyin stroked his hair, "As for martial arts, it depends on whether the Little Monk is willing to teach you or not."
"Then, I will study hard and come back to support you after I get the highest score in the imperial examination," Changting resolved.
"Top scholar." Little Yanzhi chorused, his face just as serious.
"Good, when Yanzhi grows a bit older, he will also go to the private school to study and aim for becoming a top scholar." Lin Ziyin praised, kissing his little face.
Upon hearing this, Lin Yanzhi’s face turned excitedly red.
"Are you awake?" the old master stood outside the room listening to the activity inside and then silently walked in.
"Grandpa." Ziyin respectfully looked at him.
The old master found a chair to sit down and studied her in earnest, "What’s on your mind?"
He asked straightforwardly without beating around the bush.
"I don’t have any specific plans for now. But when the summer heat dwindles, I plan to send Changting to a private school. If I have some spare money later, I want to buy more servants, hmm, and more land as well," Lin Ziyin answered, keeping her head down.
Chapter 120: Chapter 120: Scheming (2)_1
Ginger gets spicier as it ages, she knew she couldn’t hide anything from the old man.
"You’re a smart child, but ’the prominent tree in the forest meets the wind first.’ Understand this proverb?" the old man asked.
"I understand." Lin Ziyin nodded his head with a bitter smile, "But I also know there are no take-backs when you shoot an arrow. Grandfather, rest assured, I know what I have to do. Perhaps, living in the Northern Land, it is all fate." He sighed noncommittally.
The old man nodded, "It’s time for dinner. Clean up and bring the kids out to eat."
Just as quietly as he appeared, he left with his hands behind his back.
Lin Ziyin stared blankly at his retreating figure. Upon hearing Changting’s call, he took the children to the front hall.
This time’s crisis seemed to have passed just like that. In the days that followed, Lin Ziyin and the old man immersed themselves in tending to the corn and chili peppers in the back yard.
Despite the villagers’ keen interest in the affairs of the Lin family, Lou Zheng’s wife kept tight-lipped. However, due to the villagers’ incessant gossiping nature, everyone knew within a few days that Lin Ziyin managed to offend a person of status due to his rash behavior, and that dignitary was actually a consort from the highly esteemed Wang Residence in Feng City.
The village stirred up a commotion. Many people couldn’t help but talk about the Lin’s courtyard, fearing that their actions might bring disaster to the village.
"They are all nothing!" Dame Bai barked angrily at home. Earlier in the day, she had heard a bunch of older women gossiping about the Lin’s, and almost rolled up her sleeves to fight.
"Let others say whatever they want, just restrain yourself and don’t cause trouble for the Lin family." Bai Chunsheng glared at her in reproach.
"How am I causing trouble for the Lin’s? I am doing this for their interest." Dame Bai retorted to her husband defiantly.
"Mom, a lot of people in the village are envious of the Lin family now, as well as of us. They can’t wait for the Lin family to face troubles. Granted, the Ding’an Temple is protecting them, there shouldn’t be any issues. But the villagers are still taking this opportunity to spread rumors, hoping that the Lins will face misfortune so they can take advantage of it. If mom picks a fight, it would just play into their hands. What should the Lin family do then?" Lady Bai patiently persuaded.
Dame Bai immediately understood. Right, if she stirred up trouble, it would be the Lin family who would face the wrath. "Forget it, let those big-mouthed people get away with it."
"Dad, should we intervene?" The incident was also being discussed at Lou Zheng’s family.
"How?" Lou Zheng glared at his youngest son.
"Are we just going to stand by and let them spout rumors?" Wu Erli challenged defiantly.
"Just do your job." Lou Zheng rolled his eyes at him, "You can’t even keep your cool, while the Lin family can. Take note of it, focusing on your work is the best support for the Lin’s."
"Dad, I do see that. I have never been a slacker at work," Wu Erli retorted impatiently, "I just can’t stand the hypocrisy of those people. The moment the Lin family came upon some good fortune, they grew envious. They even wish for the Lin’s downfall. What kind of people are they?"
"If you know their true character, then why do you still care? You’re not ambitious at all." Wu Dali also scolded him.
"Time for dinner." Lou Zheng sternly ordered, making everyone else hold their tongues.
"It would be great if the Lin family is in trouble." Madam Yan was gleefully musing at home, "It’s just unfortunate that we didn’t manage to get the prescriptions."
She was oscillating between joy and regret.
Ma Zhicai pondered outside, would the Lin family really fall? How great it would be if he could obtain those prescriptions, and the few courtyards?
The Lin family seemed totally oblivious to the villagers’ gossip, and continued to live their lives as usual.
Wu Dayou, Lin Changshu, and Bai Erzhuang were on duty at the oil mill, while Lin Ziyin forbade Guo Huiniang and Lin Zige from embroidering by candlelight in the evenings, citing that it would damage their eyesight. So, the Lin family extinguished the lights early and went to bed.
In the middle of the night, Lin Ziyin suddenly opened his eyes, he quietly got out of bed, dressed himself, grabbed the stick at his bedside, and went out.