Ch. 151..155: The Princess of Northern Land Chapter 151-155

Chapter 151: Chapter 151: Further Progress (1)_1

"Thank you, but I’m not fond of sweets. Young master, please have it yourself." Lin Ziyin smiled at the child. She recognized him; this child was the nephew of Si Jinhan, whose life she had once saved.

"Grandma, this sister saved me." Si Tingwei who was declined looked somewhat regretful. He immediately recognized the beautiful sister before him as the hero who had killed the enemy that day. That’s right, the uncle beside her was also very formidable. Sadly, the sister no longer remembered him.

A child’s thoughts are simple; he clearly knows who treats him well.

"It’s remarkable that you still remember." Laughing, the young lady teased her son, and then stood up to look kindly at Lin Ziyin, "We really owe you a debt of gratitude for that day. Had it not been for your intervention, I shudder to think what might have become of my son and me."

Lin Ziyin could hear the genuine gratitude in her words.

However, she didn’t save people that day in hopes of receiving anything in return, so she politely responded, "Anyone seeing such a situation would have intervened. You’re being too kind."

Her reply was politely distanced but lacked warmth.

All the women of the Lin family, who had remained silent, were stealthily evaluating Lin Ziyin. As Feng City’s largest family, Si Family’s thriving prosperity could be attributed to their cautiousness and loyalty to the King.

If Lin Ziyin would have rushed to befriend them today, the women would have given her some silver and sent her away.

In contrast, Lin Ziyin’s dignified approach, neither servile nor overbearing, genuinely appealed to them.

"Regardless, you and your brother truly saved Tingwei and me. It wouldn’t be an exaggeration to say you are our family’s life saviors. We’ve been wanting to invite you two to our residence for quite some time. It’s just that we’ve been caught up with so many things. Anyway, today you are our distinguished guests, and you mustn’t decline." Lady Si smiled as she spoke.

"Sister-in-law is right. Our grandmother has been wishing to meet you two, her life savers, for a long time. You mustn’t deny her." The second Lady also chimed in with a smile.

Even though Si Family was large, the three branches seemed united at heart with only legitimate wives in each branch and without any concubines, which might be another secret to their thriving prosperity.

"Come here, let me have a look at you," the grandmother beckoned Lin Ziyin with a warm smile.

Lin Ziyin couldn’t be rude to the elderly woman. She awkwardly stood up and kneeled in front of the grandmother, "I’m sorry for any disrespect I might have shown."

"You’re beautiful, brave, and of good character. A good young lady," the old grandmother said with a smile, "I heard you opened a workshop?"

"In response to grandmother, it’s just a trivial method of making a living, not worthy of mention." Lin Ziyin’s hands were gently held by her, making her feel extremely uncomfortable. In her previous life, her mother died early, her relationship with her father’s side was complicated, and in this life, she only has her grandpa as the oldest in the Lin family. She had never experienced such affectionate behavior from an elder.

"Thank you for your kind words, madam." Lin Ziyin replied with a rigid smile.

Si Jinhan saw her uncomfortable demeanor and couldn’t help but burst into laughter.

So, even a brave girl could have such a lovely side.

"I heard that some people are making trouble behind your back because they saw your workshop making silver. The next time anyone dares to do this, you tell Si Si, and have Yue Lin deal with it." The old lady sighed and looked at Si Jinhan, "Yue Lin, don’t think you can fool me. If I hear about anyone bullying this girl, I’ll have words with you."

"Grandmother, who’s your real grandson here?" Si Jinhan dramatized, his face full of discontent.

"If uncle bullies sister, sister can come to the residence and tell the grandmother. The grandmother will support sister," Si Tingwei liked Lin Ziyin and wanted to show off himself continuously.

Chapter 152: Chapter 152: Further Progress (2)_1

"Little ingrate, you see a beautiful sister and you forget how your uncle dotes on you every day?" Si Jinhan glared at him.

"Our ancestors said, to go by reason, not by person. Uncle is a man, and a man should not bully a woman." The little fellow wasn’t big but could certainly reason well.

Lin Changshu stood in the room, looking extremely formal. The room was filled with women. Though there were Si Jinhan and Si Tingwei present, one was almost prettier than the women, and the other was still a child. What was he, a man, doing standing here?

"Do you have a lot of land back home?" Finally, the elderly lady at the head of the table remembered him and decided to ask Lin Changshu a question.

"We only have about three acres of good land, and one of dry land, which we are busy cultivating recently." Lin Changshu was honest, knowing that even if he did not say, the Si Family would definitely find out if they wanted to.

Such a large family and such a small piece of land! The faces of the women of the Si Family showed sympathy.

"It must have been difficult for you and your sister. I feel for you." The old lady patted Ziyin’s hand sympathetically, like a benevolent elder would.

"Every family in the countryside lives this way." Ziyin answered mildly.

"Having family around, it doesn’t matter if life is a little tough." Changshu also seemed quite content.

"Old lady, this girl is an amazing cook. You didn’t believe me before, did you? She agreed to show off her skills for you today." Si Jinhan boasted smugly on the side.

"You brat, what nonsense are you spouting? Since when do we allow guests in the kitchen?" As soon as he finished speaking, Lady Si scolded him.

"Miss Lin, please don’t let it bother you. This boy, he’s always too casual." After scolding her son, she apologised to Ziyin, feeling somewhat embarrassed.

"Madam, there’s no need to worry. In fact, Si Jinhan is doing me a favour. He promised that if I cooked a few dishes, he would give a thousand silvers as a betrothal gift." Ziyin replied with a soft smile. She had a rather positive impression of the women of the Lin Family who held high statuses yet were not pretentious, which she considered admirable.

Hearing her tell the truth, Si Jinhan’s proud smile suddenly froze. She was definitely doing this on purpose.

Ziyin’s words indeed surprised all the women in the room.

"Even if he wants to help Miss Lin, the Si Family absolutely does not let guests cook." Lady Si glared harshly at Si Jinhan, then apologised once more, looking embarrassed.

"Grandfather taught us that you get what you give. So, although the betrothal gift offered by the third young master is a bit high, I can accept it in good conscience. After all, it is a matter of our mutual consent. If the old lady and all the other ladies sympathise with me, instead, why not let my brother and me go to the kitchen and cook a few dishes to try?" Ziyin said with a relaxed smile, with no hint of pretense.

Everyone understood at this moment that Ziyin would not take the Si Family’s silver for nothing.

Lady Si and the other women were feeling awkward. They had invited the guests for a meal and were now asking them to help in the kitchen. No matter how they said it, it would not sound good if the word got out.

"You’re spirited. In that case, Yue Lin, you could lead the siblings to the kitchen. However, our cooks also should not stop their working, as we have a feast to prepare for the siblings today." The critical decision was made by the old lady.

"Old Lady, you’re in for a treat today." Si Jinhan stood up laughing, then turned to Ziyin and said, "You sly girl, you deliberately wanted to show off, didn’t you? Alright then, let’s go."

Chapter 153: Chapter 153: Further Progress (3)_1

"Farewell for now," announced Lin Ziyin with grace after respectfully bowing to the women of the household. Then, alongside Lin Changshu, they followed Si Jinhan away.

"That young lady, she is teachable indeed." The elderly dowager sighed in the room once Lin Ziyin was out of earshot.

"It is just a pity about her status," the second lady lamented regretfully.

Hearing this, everyone shared in sorrow and regret.

Unconcerned with their opinions of her, Lin Ziyin made her calculations. If she could please the old lady today with her cooking, perhaps Si Jinhan might, out of respect for the old lady, offer his protection to the Lin family in the future.

However, she found herself thinking that maybe it would be better if Si Jinhan didn’t come to the Lin home after all. At least that way, he wouldn’t bring trouble to the Lin family.

In any case, her feelings were a whirlwind of complexity.

Carrying a turmoil of emotions she couldn’t fully understand, Lin Ziyin, with Lin Changshu in tow, accompanied Si Jinhan into the kitchen.

The appearance of the esteemed Third Young Master in the kitchen caused an uproar among the servants.

"This servant pays her respect to the Third Young Master," one greeted.

"This old servant pays his respect to the Third Young Master," greeted another.

"This humble servant salutes the Third Young Master," said yet another.

The kitchen of the Si Family was extensive, a long central area with tables scattered filled with various ingredients. The kitchen was bustling with servants, both old and young, with well over twenty people in total.

All the servants had cheerful smiles on their faces, their eyes reflecting nothing but Si Jinhan.

Apparently, the charming Si Jinhan was highly respected in his home.

Like two insignificant shadows following behind Si Jinhan, Lin Ziyin and Lin Changshu were largely unnoticed.

"Alright, please rise," Si Jinhan gestured impatiently. "These two are the benefactors of our Young Mistress and Young Master. They are also prominent figures in the bean curd industry. I have specially invited them today to prepare a few dishes for Old Madame. Allot a space in the rear kitchen for them. Whoever they call upon shall assist them. No one dares to show them any disrespect."

The crowd in the kitchen was taken aback upon hearing this.

The kitchen today was busy for a reason understood by all; apparently, the old lady and the young lady were to entertain these Lin siblings. That these distinguished guests had come to the kitchen themselves, even intending to show off their cooking skills, was totally unexpected.

Some speculate that the Lin siblings must be eager to ingratiate themselves with the old lady, hence their voluntary entry into the kitchen to demonstrate their culinary prowess.

With this thought, these individuals found their impressions of Lin Ziyin and Lin Changshu souring.

The Si family was renowned and powerful, attracting not only low-ranking servants but also many noble merchants seeking favor from the master. The siblings were suspected of playing the same game.

Despite their inner contempt for the Lin siblings, the servants in the kitchen were shrewd and kept a neutral expression.

"Please rest assured, Third Young Master, that we will attend to Miss Lin’s every need," a sharp-eyed old matron assured him.

"You’re in charge, then. If even the slightest thing displeases her, you all should worry about your heads," Si Jinhan replied, his tone mildly playful.

However, his words instilled terror in everyone present, and their gaze upon the Lin siblings immediately grew respectful.

"My dear, it’s your turn now. You’ve heard it yourself, I’ve staked my reputation on this in front of my beloved grandmother. Don’t intentionally make trouble for me," Si Jinhan said jokingly to Lin Ziyin.

"My lord, don’t worry. Since I’ve accepted your silver, I will certainly put in my utmost effort," Lin Ziyin answered in a calm voice, her gaze steady.

"You’re really no fun," Si Jinhan muttered, shaking his head as he took his leave.

Chapter 154: Chapter 154: Further Progress (4)_1

Upon hearing her tone and attitude when speaking to the third son, the people in the kitchen no longer held any contempt towards Lin Ziyin and her sibling.

"Miss Lin, whoever and whatever ingredients you need, you may instruct accordingly," said the old woman who spoke to Si Jinhan earlier, politely. Then, she acquainted Lin Ziyin with some of the head chefs in the room.

"Just get me a capable fire-stoking maid," Lin Ziyin ordered nonchalantly.

At this moment, all she wanted was to finish cooking quickly and then return home.

She did not want to stay in the Si Family mansion for a moment longer.

"Cuihong, you will attend to Miss Lin," the old woman instructed, indicating a maid.

The maid was neatly dressed and had bright eyes. She was a smart servant.

"Just her is enough. The rest of you can carry on with your own work, I don’t like too much interference when I work." With her words, she quickly put to rest the intentions of those who were eager to come in for the spectacle.

"The Old Lady has spoken. Considering the importance of today’s guests, all specialties must be made," the old woman announced, immediately making the room abuzz again.

"I need a few fresh lotus leaves," Lin Ziyin said, pointing at the ingredients. Si family’s inventory was quite extensive, and despite lacking some seasonings, it could be considered a fully-stocked kitchen by Feng City’s standards. Lin Ziyin selected some items she required and then informed the old woman.

"They will be brought over soon, Miss need not worry!" the old woman responded with a smile from the outside.

Given that the Old Lady of the Si family had tried all the fancy dishes, Lin Ziyin simply chose to take the ordinary route and selected mostly common home-cooked dishes, except that her desserts and cold drinks were a bit special.

Squirrel fish, white-boiled shrimp, white-cut chicken, stir-fried eggplant in soybean paste, and lotus leaf porridge...

All in all, ten cold dishes, sixteen stir-fries, two desserts, and a cold drink were made, with a main course of cold noodles at the end.

The maid who started the fire was astounded by Lin Ziyin’s skilled knife-work, leaving her mouth agape in surprise.

When the dishes were completed one by one and taken out, it surprisingly made the chefs and servants who were waiting outside almost pop their eyes out of their sockets.

Even Lin Changshu, who was in the room, was also left shocked. He never knew Lin Ziyin had such a skill up her sleeve. His surprise was warranted as every dish prepared by Lin Ziyin was decorated with vegetables, making each plate look like a piece of art, instantly stimulating one’s appetite.

"Brother, have a taste," Lin Ziyin said, serving a bowl of shaved ice with double-layer milk to Lin Changshu, keeping a portion for herself and even giving one to the fire-stoking maid.

"I don’t dare to," the young maid said, though her eyes were obviously longing as she knew her place.

"It’s okay. I made some extra portions. You can have one," Lin Ziyin said, placing the bowl in her hands.

"Miss, are there any other dishes to be made?" At this point, the old woman entered the room and seeing the three people chatting and eating, she was momentarily taken aback.

"Madam Huang, we won’t dare to do this again," said the young maid, standing up hurriedly in fear.

"Madam Huang, you should try some too. I made extra portions," Lin Ziyin said, her face reddening a bit from being caught red-handed. Nevertheless, she smoothly managed to pull Madam Huang into the circle.

"Thanks to Miss, we are enjoying such delicacies today." It’s always the cooks who are the first to taste their own food, a common practice.

However, it was rare to see someone like Miss Lin openly munching away. Lin Ziyin’s consideration towards the young maid and the kitchen manager, Madam Huang, had improved her impression in their hearts.

After finishing the bowl of double-layered milk, Lin Ziyin finally felt some of the summer heat dissipating from her body. Already enjoying the dessert, she decided to quickly prepare a few more servings of cold noodles for the four of them.

Chapter 155: Chapter 155: Further Progress (5)_1

The sour-sweet cold noodles were simply divine in the sweltering summer. Everyone seemed to enjoying them immensely.

"Enjoying the meal?" Sure enough, no one gets away with wrongdoings. Just as they were delighting in the food, Si Jinhan silently made an entrance, a playful expression on his face.

"I made a few more portions." Lin Ziyin noted the fearful look on the faces of Madam Huang and Cuihong. She spoke leisurely, "I thought they could help me evaluate the taste, considering they are most familiar with your preferences, Master."

Upon hearing her speak up for them, Madam Huang and Cuihong offered her a furtive, grateful glance.

"You young girl always have a reason for everything. Do you think I am the sort of master who ill-treats his servants? The snacks you sent in were quite good, bring me another serving." He wanted more double-layered milk custard.

"There’s no more." Lin Ziyin had no intention of continuing to cook.

"So, you’re lazing about now." Si Jinhan eyed the bowl of cold noodles in front of her, "Serve me a portion."

"It will be ready shortly. I suggest you just eat at the table, Third Young Master." Lin Ziyin responded nonchalantly.

"Fine, all of you follow me to dine together." Si Jinhan was merely carrying out the command of his grandmother to invite them over.

"Brother and I are covered in the smell of cooking oil, and our clothes are wet. Besides, you saw it yourself, Third Young Master. We are country folks, and we would be more comfortable dining in the kitchen. Also, we’ve had our fill from taste-testing." Lin Ziyin listed a bunch of reasons, essentially not wanting to eat alongside the Si Family at the flower hall.

"Third Young Master, we better avoid going. We don’t want the scent on us to offend the old lady and others. You know Ziyin’s nature, so would you please be understanding, and extend our thanks to the old lady for us." Lin Changshu was even less willing to go.

"The headstrong girl and the dullard are intent on making things difficult for me, aren’t you?" Si Jinhan broke into a smile.

Meanwhile, Madam Huang and Cuihong, standing to the side, were sweating profusely from anxiety. If it weren’t for Si Jinhan’s presence, they would have urged Lin Ziyin to hurry up and go.

To dine at the same table with the master – it was an honor that many would desire.

"Third Young Master, the Prince wishes to see Miss Lin." At this moment, two unwelcome guests arrived in the kitchen.

"Young girl, you are in trouble." Despite being part of the original plan to fetch her, the cunning Si Jinhan pretended to be innocent at this moment.

"What does the Prince want?" Lin Ziyin asked the guards. She had an impression of these two, who appeared to be always by Chu Suifeng’s side.

"Prince did mention a few days ago about the private vegetarian feast being available once the summer ends. He wishes to discuss some specifics, and enquire about the ingredients that you mentioned." The guard, true to his role as a part of the Prince’s retinue, lied without batting an eye.

About that private feast, no sane person would believe it. The guard’s excuse was only to fool others, however, Lin Ziyin had instantly recalled the blueprint design from their talk.

Indeed, it was trouble. If she could, Lin Ziyin didn’t want to go near the Wang Residence at all. However, Chu Suifeng’s identity forced her to oblige.

"What ingredients?" Lin Changshu curiously asked.

"Broccoli, cauliflower, and stuff. We don’t have them here, so the Prince will have to find a way." Lin Ziyin replied softly, yet her voice was loud enough for everyone in the room to hear.

Broccoli, what on earth was that? While the guards didn’t care, Cuihong and Madam Huang were quite surprised. Despite being worldly-wise due to the Si Family, even they hadn’t heard of these two vegetables. Where did this country girl hear about them?

"You could have just informed me earlier, so I could have covered for you. Now it’s okay, there’s no need to think of alternatives. The old lady won’t be holding you back to dine either." Si Jinhan delightedly quipped.