Ch. 181..185: The Princess of Northern Land Chapter 181-185

Chapter 181: Chapter 181: Helping Relatives (3)_1

Lin Ziyin directed Hong Zhong and others to carry boxes of mooncakes onto the ox cart. By the time Master Hui Zhen had finished his meal, the cart had been neatly stacked with several boxes of mooncakes.

"Delicious." Master Hui Zhen gave Lin Ziyin a thumbs up. He had tried the mooncakes earlier, and the Lin family’s mooncakes were infinitely better than those sold at the previous year’s market. Given how fragrant they were, it would be strange if they didn’t sell like hotcakes. And this girl was full of clever ideas.

Lin Ziyin laughed, nimbly hopped onto the horse cart and said to her sister-in-law and elder brother, "Pick me up from the market this afternoon, then we’ll all go to aunty’s house together."

"Okay," Lin Changshu agreed.

When the ox cart reached the market, Lin Ziyin had the Yu brothers, Shaohui and Shao’en, unload the mooncakes to the Vegetarian Feast and arrange them on the counter. The rest were sent to the temple.

After the dawn, the crowd in the market multiplied, the pilgrims wearing a wide diversity of clothing and speaking accents from all corners of the mainland.

Yu Qiaoqiao and Cui Duoduo were also brought out. They set up a table at the entrance of the Vegetarian Feast as Lin Ziyin instructed and started loudly calling out, "The unique mooncakes, don’t miss out..."

Mooncakes were common and thus many didn’t show much interest, so few people were willing to come over and inquire.

"Miss, what if no one comes over?" Cui Duoduo asked Lin Ziyin, pouting.

"Bring a tray over," Lin Ziyin said.

Qiaoqiao hurriedly fetched a clean white porcelain plate from the kitchen. Lin Ziyin then opened a box in public, cut up two mooncakes and announced, "Free taste sampling, don’t miss out! Sweetness and bliss are guaranteed for lovers who eat them, long life and health to old people, and round happiness to families."

"Really free?" There were always those who loved a bargain. Upon hearing the call, indeed some were attracted and came over.

Lin Ziyin handed out the cut-up pieces to everyone.

"There’s a filling inside?"

"It’s nothing like the mooncakes we usually eat."

"This isn’t a mooncake, it’s a delicate pastry! No wonder it’s sold at the entrance of the Vegetarian Feast."

...

"Miss, how much are these mooncakes?" Everyone who tasted was attracted.

"Three taels of silver per box," Lin Ziyin replied with a smile.

"Why so expensive?" Many were taken aback when they heard it cost three taels of silver.

"You’ve all tasted and know that my mooncakes are extraordinary. It’s not me charging a high price. These mooncakes are all made with vegetarian oil, and the filling is very generous. It’s not boasting, but in Feng City, you won’t find a second place selling such mooncakes," Lin Ziyin said with a laugh. "We don’t have many mooncakes. Some are sold in the temple, and the rest are all here. If they sell out today, you’ll have to wait until tomorrow."

"There are words on top too? Blooming flowers, full moon! Such roundness," a man scrutinized the mooncake in the box.

Lin Ziyin gave a slight smile, "On Mid-Autumn Festival, who doesn’t hope for their family to be united and content?"

"Are the words different on each mooncake?" the man asked.

"That’s right," Lin Ziyin nodded, "Different fillings come with different words."

"Open a full box for me to see."

Laughing, Lin Ziyin opened a new box.

"Give me ten boxes." The man placed an order after taking a look.

"Sure thing." Lin Ziyin agreed promptly. She had Shaohui tie up ten boxes with a red ribbon and hand them over, and the man pulled out a silver note of thirty taels and handed it to Lin Ziyin.

As Lin Ziyin took the silver note, her eyes narrowed into slits. Indeed, in a transit hub like Feng City, what’s never lacking are the wealthy.

Chapter 182: Chapter 182: Helping Relatives(4)_1

The rest of the deal went smoothly, and by midday, Yu Shao’en and the others had sold all the mooncakes. There was also news from the monastery that all the mooncakes had been sold out.

They only brought eighty boxes of mooncakes this time, and many customers kept asking, but Cui Duoduo and the others explained over and over, if they wanted to buy, they would have to wait until tomorrow.

Some of the people who came over simply placed orders for pick up the next day.

Lin Ziyin agreed.

Some guests of the Vegetarian Feast who didn’t get any mooncakes decided to stay in the guest room at the Vegetarian Feast and wait until they were able to buy mooncakes the following day.

"Master, you’re awesome." The monk in charge of cooking looked at Lin Ziyin, complimenting her with a hearty smile.

"Does it need you to say it? If the Master makes a move, is there anything that won’t sell like hotcakes?" Another Firehead Monk sneered at him.

Lin Ziyin laughed and went to the back with Yu Shao’en and the others for a casual meal.

They had just put down their bowls when Lin Changshu, Guo Huiniang brought Yanzhi over.

"Auntie." Yanzhi saw Lin Ziyin and quickly waved at her enthusiastically, "Dad said to bring you to my maternal grandparents’ house."

"I’m coming." Lin Ziyin patted him laughing, "Drive yourselves back home, and remember to take the food containers. Pack them up as we did yesterday when you get back."

"Yes, Miss." Cui Duoduo obediently replied.

Lin Ziyin watched them leave, then got into another carriage from their home with Lin Changshu and the others, and headed to the Guo Family’s village.

Kong Yi’er drove the carriage with Yu Shao’en sitting in front, while Lin Ziyin, hugging Yanzhi, sat at the back with Lin Changshu and Guo Huiniang.

The ox cart entering the village drew a lot of attention. Despite many people in the village being busy, many still noticed them. Many people from the Guo Family village had been clearing up in the Lin Family’s land and were very familiar with Lin Changshu and Lin Ziyin.

It was not surprising that Lin Changshu and Guo Huiniang came, after all, her home was in the village. But Lin Ziyin’s arrival was a novelty. After a summer, everyone knew that the person in charge of the Lin Family was actually this young girl.

The land in Heihe is actually hers, too.

People immediately greeted them as soon as they arrived.

Lin Ziyin didn’t know many people, she simply gave them a faint smile. Guo Huiniang, who knew many more people, warmly responded to those who greeted them along the way.

Some children who ran faster had already gone home to inform their daughters about the news.

So when the ox cart stopped at the Guo’s house, Guo’s father and mother were already waiting at the gate.

"Grandpa, Grandma." Yanzhi cheerfully called.

"Good boy." Mrs. Hei stretched out her hand to take him down first, then she looked up at the others.

"Ziyin also came?" Guo’s father was excited to see her.

He felt guilty towards the Lin Family. Thinking of the matter of the fifty taels of silver, he felt unable to lift his head.

"Uncle, I came uninvited, you won’t be unwelcoming me, will you?" Lin Ziyin asked laughing.

"Of course not." Guo’s father was honest, and her teasing made him sweat.

"Why didn’t you come in the morning?" Mrs. Hei asked, "You didn’t even make it in time for lunch."

"Mother, there are a lot of things at home, we have been busy day and night, so we couldn’t come over for lunch." Guo Huiniang complained, sounding a bit spoiled, while also taking down the gifts they brought from the cart.

"Why did you bring so many things?" Mrs. Hei looked at Guo Huiniang with reproach.

"Mother, all of these are useful things, it’s not much at all. We were so busy we didn’t have the time to come over. This little bit of stuff, where can it be considered a lot." Lin Changshu pitched in for his wife on the side.

Chapter 183: Chapter 183: Helping Relatives(5)_1

"Sister, brother-in-law." As they were talking, Guo Shuanzhu and his wife Guo Zhongkui came over.

"Why are you coming in the afternoon?" Guo Zhongkui, an honest man, saw Guo Huiniang and asked straight away with a reprimanding tone.

"Sister, brother-in-law." Lian Zhen, another honest woman, was all smiles as she saw Guo Huiniang and her group, behind them, a shy little girl trailed.

"Meimei, come to your auntie." Guo Huiniang joyfully spoke to the little girl.

"Auntie." The little girl who seemed to be only six or seven, all shy and bashful, looked at Guo Huiniang.

"Here, have some candy." Guo Huiniang took out a piece of candy from her bundle and offered it to the little girl.

Guo Meimei apprehensively accepted the candy, then hid behind Guo Zhongkui.

"Don’t just stand there. Everyone, come inside." Mrs. He greeted everyone.

Seeing that there were still things on the ox cart, Guo Shuanzhu proactively went to bring them inside the house.

Yu Shao’en and another man named Kong kept watch outside, perched on the ox cart.

"Father, mother, brother, sister-in-law, how are the ducks at home?" As soon as Guo Huiniang settled down, she eagerly asked about the situation at home.

"More than half died, the rest were moved out in time, they are stable now." Guo’s old father answered honestly.

"That’s good." Guo Huiniang nodded.

"Look at ducks." Yanzhi said softly.

"Little brother, I’ll take you to see them later," Guo Meimei whispered back.

"Sister, look at ducks together." Yanzhi’s eyes squinted with joy.

"Yanzhi, your uncle will take you and your sister to see the ducks." Who would really let the two children go to see the ducks? Guo Shuanzhu volunteered to take the children to see the ducks.

"Coincidentally, uncle, aunt, I also want to see the ducks." Lin Ziyin said with a smile.

"Since younger sister wants to see, let’s all go check it out too." Lin Changshu knew she had many ideas. When Lin Ziyin said she wanted to accompany them to the Guo’s village, he guessed she must have something in mind.

"Not even a sip of water has been touched." He sighs, feeling bad.

As they were talking, a child’s cry came from the inner room. Lian Zhen went in and came out carrying a boy.

The boy looked about the same age as Yanzhi. Seeing so many people in the room, he shyly stopped crying and began secretly studying the people in the room with his eyes.

"Brother, have some candy." Yanzhi took out a few candies from his pocket, stood on his tiptoes, and tried to hand them to the boy. The boy lowered his head and struggled to come down, Lian Zhen obliged and put him down.

With the candies in their hand, the two little ones quickly started playing together.

"You can have tea at any time, uncle, I’ve never seen a flock of ducks before." Lin Ziyin put on a childlike act.

"Father, we are all family, there’s no need for so much formality?" Guo Huiniang argued with a laugh.

Old man Guo saw that they were determined to go, so he nodded his head, agreeing to take them all there together.

"Let’s put away the things first." Guo Huiniang said, "Sister-in-law, brother, with these two pieces of cloth, could you make clothes for everyone in the family?"

Lian Zhen looked up and saw the fine cotton cloth on the table, she wanted to say something but didn’t. Even though both pieces of cloth were of good quality and color, there were too many people in the family. Surely, it’s not enough for everyone. If it’s really not enough, she and her husband could just do without.

"This is the cloth for the children. This is for father and mother." Guo Huiniang took out a few more pieces of fabric from underneath, which were not cut yet.

It turned out she had thought of everything beforehand.

"Thank you, sister." Lian Zhen’s face turned red, feeling a bit embarrassed for her earlier worries.

Chapter 184: Chapter 184: Helping Relatives(6)_1

"For snacks, sister-in-law, take two boxes and put them in the house for the children. The rest, I’ll leave for mom and dad." At home, they made mooncakes and Lin Ziyin had Lin Changshu bring over ten bags, each with six pieces. The amount was quite plentiful.

After thanking them again, Zhen Shi had no worries about having plenty of snacks in her in-law’s room. Her in-laws were honest folks who never skimped on her or the children. If they had a bite to eat, the kids always got their fair share.

The braised meat, fatty meat, and chicken were then placed directly in the kitchen and locked up.

"This oil is too expensive, you should bring it back." Looking at the six jars of vegetable oil, Father He Guo panicked. Having stayed at the Lin family’s for a day, they knew exactly how expensive that oil was.

"Uncle and auntie, no matter how expensive, it is made by our own family. The small jar contains sesame oil." Lin Ziyin was indeed a generous person. Whatever the family made, she/ made sure Lin Changshu and Guo Huiniang brought some over.

"The tofu can be kept in cold water, but after tomorrow it can’t be eaten." Lin Ziyin added another reminder.

"Ah, Ziyin, you’ve brought too many things." He Shi was a bit uncomfortable with receiving so much.

"Let’s go, let’s go see the ducks." Flush with gratitude, Guo Zhongkui had already planned on having his sister and brother-in-law take back some duck eggs and ducks. To be honest, given their current situation, they had nothing else that would be a suitable gift to give in return.

After the gifts were put away, Father Guo led them towards the riverbank, where they raised their ducks. The ducks were usually housed there.

Seeing them about to leave, Yu Shaohui quietly followed behind them, leaving only Kong Yieruo to watch the bullock cart.

"Duck, duck." The river wasn’t far from the Guo’s house, and even before they arrived they could hear the quacking of the ducks. Yanzhi and Guo Baobao were so excited they ran off with an eagerness to see the ducks.

Guo Huiniang, worried that the children would accidentally roll into the river, quickly followed them, calling out, "Slow down."

Lin Ziyin watched the children laughing and couldn’t help but smile herself, thinking how carefree and comfortable the world of children was.

The Guo’s raised their ducks well; they were all plump. If it weren’t for the fact that she had been told that the ducks had just gone through a harrowing experience, Lin Ziyin would never have believed that they had suffered.

"Did these ducks grow up eating little fish, shrimp, and snails?" Lin Ziyin asked.

"Indeed, they did." Guo Shuanzhu responded proudly, "Our ducks produce the largest eggs. When it comes to raising ducks, no one in the village can compare to my father and brother."

"Stop boasting." Guo Zhongkui scowled at his younger brother.

"How is that boasting?". Just as they were talking, they turned to see a group of people standing behind them.

When the Guo family saw who it was, they all furrowed their brows.

"Huiniang, why didn’t you come to visit first aunt’s house when you returned?"

"Your second uncle knew you were coming and rushed back from the fields."

"Son-in-law, why did you bring your sister here? This thoughtless girl, she doesn’t know how to treat guests."

...

"First Uncle, Second Uncle, our household is busy, I have to return soon." Guo Huiniang said with a forced smile.

"No matter how busy you are, shouldn’t you at least have a meal at home? Old Three, you are in the wrong..." The oldest uncle began lecturing them, acting as an elder.

Father Guo’s face darkened. He glared at his eldest son, "The kids are busy at home. They are our children and can come over whenever they want."

"Mom and Dad, why did you come over?" Zhen Shi timidly glanced at her parents.

"You ungrateful girl, we are your parents. How is it wrong for us to visit our daughter’s home?" Lin Ziyin frowned at the large group of people. As expected, just as her sister-in-law mentioned, Zhen Shi was a good person. It’s just a pity that she had such a tiresome family.

Chapter 185: Chapter 185: Helping Relatives(7)_1

"The duck pen must be cleaned regularly, and it should be ventilated and built high enough to prevent the ducks from getting sick," Lin Ziyin said.

"This is the niece of Guo Huiniang’s family, right?" Mrs. Zhen shamelessly asked, trying to build a relationship.

Lin Ziyin merely smiled and nodded, but did not respond to her question. Instead, she asked, "Uncle, what do you do with the duck eggs you collect?"

"We sell them directly on the streets," Old man Guo answered.

"How do you sell them?" Lin Ziyin asked.

"One penny each," Old man Guo replied.

"The price is too low," Lin Ziyin commented.

"Indeed, he’s a stubborn one..." Guo Family’s second son interjected.

Lin Ziyin again disregarded him and said, "Uncle, I want to buy your duck eggs on a long-term basis, is that okay?"

"If you want to eat them, just come and get them. There’s no need to buy," Old man Guo hastily insisted.

"Yes, Miss Lin, if you want some, we’ll deliver them to you," Guo Zhongkui echoed.

The Zhen family wanted to slap their son-in-law for not seizing the opportunity. They wondered how the Guo family could be so clueless about Lin Ziyin’s wealth.

"I’ll teach you how to cure duck eggs. I’ll buy them for three pennies each, but you can’t sell them elsewhere. If the recipe leaks, I’ll hold you accountable. And I won’t spare anyone who steals the recipe, even if they are relatives. Uncle, do you agree?" Lin Ziyin asked.

"Ziyin." Guo Huiniang’s eyes welled up, not from anger, but realizing that Ziyin was trying to help the Guo family and also served as a warning for those with ill intentions.

"It’s a lot of eggs over the year, are you sure?" Old man Guo first thought of Lin Ziyin’s ability to handle this.

"Don’t worry, I have ways to sell them," Lin Ziyin confidently replied, "In addition to the duck eggs, I will also buy your ducks later at the market price. If you agree, we need to sign an agreement."

All this sounded like a pie falling from the sky to the Guo family, leaving them somewhat breathless.

"Grandpa, Auntie is amazing," Yanzhi softly commented, gently shaking Old man Guo’s hand.

"Yes, she is amazing," Old man Guo hummed, his mind buzzing with confusion.

"The head of the household," Mrs. He exclaimed, equally agitated.

If all this came to pass, their life would definitely improve. They had over two hundred ducks at home, which could lay about a hundred eggs a month. At three pennies each, it could earn them close to ten taels of silver a month.

Guo Zhongkui, Guo Shuanzhu, and Mrs. Zhen all held their breath in anticipation. All those outside the Guo family watched them envy, jealousy and hatred.

"Ziyin, won’t this cause trouble for you?" Old man Guo fidgeted, feeling uneasy under so many gazes.

"Miss Lin, we can also raise ducks. Would you be willing to purchase from us? We promise not to disclose the secret recipe," Guo’s oldest uncle responded first, jumping at the opportunity.

"We too," the second Guo family quickly expressed their agreement, only a fool would leak the recipe.

"A son-in-law is half a son, such a rich daughter means an enjoyable life for her mother," the Zhen family boasted, completely smug.

"Mother," Mrs. Zhen couldn’t stand it any longer. She usually tolerated her mother’s behaviour, but in front of her sister-in-law’s family, couldn’t her mother make less trouble?

"I’ve only heard that a daughter married off is like spilled water," Lin Ziyin said indifferently. Her cold voice, like the river flow, made Mrs. Zhen’s mother choke, her face turning purple.

Ignoring her again, Lin Ziyin continued, "As I’ve stated clearly, my purchase and recipe are solely for your family, Uncle. Anyone else possessing the recipe, I will have them sent to government offices, at all costs."

Her voice was cold and without emotion. Everyone shivered at her words.

"Father, you should agree," Lin Changshu persuaded. Guo Huiniang also anxiously looked at her father.

"Alright, I agree," Old man Guo firmly nodded.

Lin Ziyin instantly burst into laughter, "Alright, please get the village chief and other respected individuals here, let’s sign the agreement."

"I’ll go immediately," Old man Guo repeatedly nodded, having made up his mind, he wanted to secure things as soon as possible so there wouldn’t be any complications.

Finding people in the village was quite straightforward. Old man Guo soon brought the village chief and a few respected individuals. Lin Ziyin, in front of everyone, wrote up the agreement and let them look over it. The terms were as Lin Ziyin had initially stated.

Such remarkable conditions, not only did the villagers envy, even the village chief was tempted. The Guo family had found a great son-in-law, their wealth was guaranteed.

"Miss." After both sides had stamped the agreement, Lin Ziyin kept one copy, sent one to the village head to keep, and gave one to the Guo family. The remaining copy was given to Kong Yier, "Deliver this to the government office tomorrow."

"Yes, Miss," Kong Yier acknowledged, putting a few boxes of desserts on the table at the same time.

"Honorable elders, thank you for coming to bear witness. These are some homemade desserts for you to sample. I hope you don’t find them too modest," Lin Ziyin said with a smile.

"Miss Lin, you’re being too modest," they hadn’t expected to get a gift just for witnessing the agreement. The village chief and others were overjoyed, their eyes squinting into a line.

"Here is fifty taels of silver. Please use it to renovate the duck pen and purchase new ducklings. I will come to purchase the first batch of ducks in a few days," Lin Ziyin said. Seeing Old man Guo’s hesitant expression, she laughed and added, "This is my initial investment."

Fifty taels of silver? That’s a large sum, especially in the countryside. The greedy Guo relatives had fire in their eyes.

"Uncle, Aunt, Brother, and Sister-in-law, I have to say it. Wealth is earned by people but it must be guarded well. If you can’t stand firm, and let people take advantage of you, you won’t be able to keep it regardless of how much you have," Lin Ziyin advised.

Although the Guo family were simple people, they were not foolish. After hearing Lin Ziyin’s reminder, Old man Guo immediately responded, "We learned our lesson last time when we were in desperate situation. Don’t worry, young lady. We’ll guard the secret recipe and maintain our wealth. We won’t bother with unrelated people anymore."

Upon hearing this, the Guo relatives felt a wave of disappointment. It seemed as though the Guo family had decided not to have anything else to do with them. How could this be?