Ch. 206..210: The Princess of Northern Land Chapter 206-210
Chapter 206: Chapter 206: The Showdown(7)_1
"On what grounds...?" Having been brutally beaten down for nothing, Yan Family’s matriarch was truly indignant.
"Quiet!" However, Elder Ma reprimanded her, "Lou Zheng, rest assured. Since this is all a misunderstanding, we won’t spread rumors. But what about the others in the village?"
Lou Zheng found his words reasonable and could not help furrowing his brow. With so many villagers present, all with loose lips, what would happen if word got out?
"If anyone gossips, don’t blame me for being heartless." Hei Yi sneered as he stepped forward, "The border is currently in need of human shields. The Prince does fancy those who volunteer for such positions."
The blatant threat made everyone lower their heads. It was clear to them all that the manager from the Wang Residence was completely siding with the Lin Family. If they offended the Lin Family and were truly sent to the border, they’d never return, and who would want such an outcome?
"What happened today is over. Those who dare to gossip will be struck by lightning."
"Yes, yes, everyone go home and watch your wives’ mouths."
...The crowd expressed their agreement.
"Among those present, how many agree with what I just said?" Lin Ziyin asked lightly, "I am referring to the belief that we should continue to love and support our wives, daughters, and sisters even after they’ve been unfairly framed?"
The villagers didn’t expect her to still be concerned about the earlier shocking statement. They were all unsure of how to react.
"Those who agree that life is more important than reputation, stand to the right." Lin Ziyin continued to speak.
The villagers looked at each other but no one spoke.
People like Lin Changshu and Guo Huiniang were also unclear about Lin Ziyin’s intentions, watching her worriedly.
"I’m in favor. If I came across such an unfortunate incident, I’d rather my family lived comfortably. Reputation isn’t that important compared to one’s life," an honest man stood up.
"I think the same way." Another older man also stood up, followed by a couple of his sons.
Gradually, about half the villagers joined in, while the rest watched apprehensively, studying the faces of those who had stepped forward.
"Is that all?" Lin Ziyin shouted at the crowd.
No one else moved.
"Elder Brother, Brother Dayou, please pick some diligent, capable individuals with discreet mouths from this group." Lin Ziyin pointed to those on the right.
The crowd lept at her words, suspecting that the Lin Family was seeking to hire workers.
Now that this could affect their family businesses, Lin Changshu and Wu Dayou immediately became cautious.
"Elder Brother, as long as you’re sure about the selection, make a note of it for us to discuss later. Think over your decisions at home as well. I have new work that requires hiring people for long-term positions. The wages will depend on the intensity of your labor, minimum wage is twenty-two copper coins a day and doesn’t include lunch. Overtime is extra, and there will be corresponding bonuses on holidays. Of course, there are conditions to work in my house—the one I just mentioned being one of them, the equality of men and women. Working for us means you must practice martial arts with the Lin Family servants, and your children will be taught literacy and martial arts in the Lin Family private school. In training, there is no distinction between men and women." Lin Ziyin stated the basic requirements.
"Miss Ziyin, I want to ask. We’re all of such age, what’s the point in practicing martial arts?" A man stuttered out his question.
"Because I don’t want you unable to spend your hard-earned money due to an untimely death." Lin Ziyin replied nonchalantly.
What? No one understood.
Lin Ziyin didn’t care if they understood or not and simply went into her courtyard with Hei Yi and her family.
As soon as the grand door of the Lin Family was closed, all the villagers broke out in heated discussion.
"Lou Zheng, what did she mean by all that?"
"We can’t ruin the way things have been done, how can men and women train together?"
...
At this moment, everyone was only concerned about their own affairs; the beaten Ma Family members were already long forgotten.
Looking at the closed doors of the Lin Family residence, Ma Zhicai’s eyes sparked with fury. If he could, he would set the Lin Family residence ablaze.
"Let’s go." Noticing the resentment in his mother’s eyes, his anger flared up towards his mother instead, "Haven’t you caused enough trouble?"
Being scolded by her son for no reason, The matriarch of the Yan Family felt extremely wronged, "Mother only did it for your own good."
"Enough with embarrassing ourselves, go home immediately." Elder Ma was also furious, but his main concern was whether today’s incident would impact Zhicai’s examination. Clearly, the manager of the Prince’s village was advocating for the Lin Family.
He was filled with worry and didn’t want to remain at the entrance of the Lin Family residence any longer.
Chapter 207: Chapter 207: Relying On (1)_1
"Ziyin, are you trying to recruit people to farm?" Back in the courtyard, Lou Zheng hesitated for a moment before finally asking.
"Apart from farming, we also need people to raise chickens and ducks. The house will be opening new workshops, and we’ll need people for everything." Lin Ziyin replied.
Opening new workshops? Lou Zheng was taken aback.
However, concerning business secrets, he didn’t feel it was appropriate to ask what kind of business the Lin Family was planning to do.
Regardless of what business the Lin Family was doing, as long as his family continued to earn silver, that’s all that mattered. With the thought in mind, Lou Zheng felt completely reassured.
But the returning villagers were all uneasy. Despite their loud clamoring in front of Lou Zheng, once they returned home and shut the doors, thinking back to Lin Ziyin’s words, regret was their main emotion.
Not because of anything else, but their regret was not being able to work for the Lin Family, let alone the benefits mentioned by Lin Ziyin. Not being able to enjoy any advantages was distressing. Even rural kids could attend school for free. That was a great honor, and they had missed it. What could they do now?
However, those standing on the right were overwhelmed with joy. Most of these people were honest and hardworking families. With the thought of getting employment soon, they all had cheerful expressions, secretly determined that no matter how tough, they would work hard for their children and their families. What was the big fuss about men and women practicing martial arts together? It wasn’t just them who would lose face; many villagers were joining them as well. In any event, even the Lin Family servants, including the Lins themselves, were training too.
Each person had a different state of mind, all hoping to find someone clear-headed person to advocate for them to the Lin Family. But Shili Village was different from other villages where the majority were from the same family, with the clan as the core. Therefore, the people who had a say in the village were all respected elders.
On the other hand, Shili Village had more outsiders without any ancestral temples and clan chiefs. At present, it seemed only Lou Zheng and the Bai Family could speak to the Lin Family.
That night, both Lou Zheng’s house and the Bai Family was bustling like a marketplace. The villagers were trying to establish a connection with Lin Ziyin through these two families.
The Bai Family was very clever and, of course, wouldn’t become stepping stones for the villagers. They never lost their sense under the villagers’ flattery. Bai Chunsheng had already issued an order to his entire family that the Bais, who were not officials, were not afraid of offending people. Thus, they turned away anyone who came, stating that the Lin Family’s hiring process didn’t allow for outsiders’ interference, and they couldn’t mediate.
Although the villagers were dissatisfied with their attitude, they had seen Lin Ziyin’s stubbornness in the morning, so everybody returned dejectedly despite their dissatisfaction.
Compared to that, Lou Zheng’s house was much more chaotic.
No matter what Lou Zheng said, many people were crying and making a fuss and refusing to leave.
When faced with self-interest, the villagers collectively lost their dignity.
"Crying for it now, but what about in the morning? How did you ridicule the Lins then? You witnessed it too, the King Ling, the Master Si, and the Ding’an Temple all value Ziyin, but you, you refused a golden opportunity and even had the audacity to insult him. Now you dare come here. Let me tell you, even though our family head has a good relationship with the Lins, we can’t influence their hiring decisions. After all, it’s not our family head’s money. Why should the Lin Family listen to us? If you’re not convinced, it’s not a big deal to replace Lou Zheng." At last, Mrs Zhang, thoroughly annoyed, pulled out her trump card.
At her words, everyone was stunned.
If not Lou Zheng, then who? Lou Zheng was upright and had done a lot for the villagers. Compared to other village chiefs who were greedy and selfish, he was far better. If he was truly replaced, there was nobody in the village capable enough to fill his position.
Chapter 208: Chapter 208: Relying On (2)_1
Lou Zheng noticed the sudden change in everyone’s faces and felt a secret sense of satisfaction. If it were before, he really wouldn’t have had the courage to refuse, as the position of village chief did bring quite a bit of income to his family every year. But now it was different; each of his relatives, excluding him and his grandchildren who were idle men, were bringing home more than one tael of silver every month.
If he really stopped being the village chief, he could find some work in the Lin Family and make two taels of silver at the least every month.
Reflecting about this, Lou Zheng began to think that it may be a good thing to relieve himself of these burdens.
"We just wanted to ask you to speak favorably for us; if you are unwilling, let it be." Pushed to the corners, the villagers finally backed off.
Everyone left Lou Zheng’s place without achieving anything. As they passed by the Ma Family compound, all of them thought that if it weren’t for the matter of the Ma Family, they would not have borne a grudge against the Lin Family. Hence, the Ma Family was once again cursed inwardly.
Aside from losing face today, Ma Zhicai was also beaten by men of the Lin Family, leaving him lying on his bed, harboring a deep resentment.
"They’re practically trying to beat someone to death!" Yan complained angrily as she applied medicine on Ma Zhicai’s swollen face, cursing the Lin Family. "They exerted such brute force, they clearly wanted to take a life. No, we can’t swallow this loss. Once the day breaks tomorrow, we’ll file a complaint at the government offices against the Lin Family."
"Shut up." Ma Dalang, tired of her squealing like a pig, was extremely annoyed. He was also upset about his son being taken advantage of and beaten, but what Ma Dalang was more worried about was whether today’s incident would have any influence on Ma Zhicai’s future scholar examinations. "You need to think more. The Lin Family has connections to the Wang Residence, Si Family, and Ding’an Temple, do you think the government offices would stand by your side?"
"So what are we supposed to do, just let it go?" Yan’s voice faltered a bit.
"If not, then what else? If you have the guts, go complain yourself, as long as you don’t mind ruining your son’s career." Ma Dalang shot her a glare.
"Mother, could you quiet down for a bit." Ma Zhicai equally despaired at Yan’s shortsightedness. Today he was off guard and underestimated Lin Ziyin’s cunning. He was afraid the outcome might affect his exams.
What if Lin Ziyin really talks to the government officers who conduct the exams about him, then what would he do?
With that said, Ma Zhicai had too many worries. He didn’t think about the fact that Lin Ziyin could possibly be too busy to bother with his affairs.
Lin Ziyin was overwhelmed with work. The newly recruited workers needed assignments, and the children of some of the villagers also needed to be placed into private schools. She had no time to bother with the Ma Family.
"With so many people being employed, what do we do?" Lin Changshu asked anxiously.
Lin Zige and Wu Dayou also emerged from the shadow of the Ma family debacle, and threw themselves wholeheartedly into their work at home.
"Brother, tomorrow put up a notice in the village that opening our mountains to the public is permissible as long as they do not damage the trees." Lin Ziyin arranged the first job.
"Stop talking about the mountains, I’m anxiously asking what to do with people!" Lin Changshu urged her.
"I’m talking about the arrangement of the staff," Lin Ziyin answered with a smile, "Mr. Fang’s family and the old couple will be arranged to work at the chicken farm. Some of the remaining people will be assigned work in the sheds, and the rest will be put in charge of merchandise processing."
"What kind of merchandise processing?" Guo Huiniang asked in confusion.
"We also need to assign people to work on potato starch and sweet potato starch," Lin Ziyin continued, looking at their plan. "Later on, we’ll be making soy milk powder as well, I’m just wondering what we can do with the cows."
Chapter 209: Chapter 209: Relying On (3)_1
Half of it was muttering to herself, the other half was informing the family.
"Brother Dayou, you will take people tomorrow to purchase peanuts, hazelnuts, pine nuts, green beans, fava beans, chestnuts, walnuts," Lin Ziyin arranged, "Oh, yes. When spring comes, we need to find someone specifically to take care of the chestnut and walnut trees on our mountain."
"Who doesn’t know how to roast beans, peanuts, and melon seeds? And speaking of pine nuts, they have a strong taste— who would like that?" Lin Zige worriedly asked.
"You don’t worry about it. Brother Dayou and big brother, don’t go to the oil mill, the work there is hard. The two of you just need to take Yu Shaohui, Kong Yier and the others to go buy nuts." Lin Ziyin instructed, "The roasted goods I make are different from others, we definitely won’t lose money at home."
"If you say it’s feasible, then it is." As long as a plan was proposed, Lin Changshu still trusted her a lot. "Tomorrow, Brother Dayou and I will take people to buy."
On the third day, all of the selected villagers indeed gathered at the Lin Family.
"Leave the children to Qian Xuan. Boy or girl, as long as they reach the age of four, they can go to a private school to study. If they do not study well, they will definitely have to endure beatings, and when that time comes, you parents must not be overly sympathetic." Lin Ziyin joked with the villagers.
"Of course." All the villagers laughed. If their children have the opportunity to study, who would care if they were beaten by the teacher. There aren’t many children who study and yet aren’t beaten by the teacher, even the Crown Prince is said to be beaten while he studies. Country kids may not have other advantages, but they sure are tough.
The children were warned by their parents a long time ago, and they also saw Lin Changting, Lin Yanzhi, and Bai Dunzi become so much more impressive since they started studying and practicing martial arts. Their little friends have long been envious.
Now this opportunity is in front of them. Most people are excited and thrilled, and they are even more in awe of teacher Qian Xuan.
"Line up by height and follow me." Qian Xuan sternly yelled as he scolded.
After all of the children squabbled and pushed, they obediently lined up and followed him.
The villagers watched as their children obediently obeyed the rules. Each of them secretly rejoiced that they are smart for seizing the opportunity.
"Those whose names are called follow me." Cui Da came over with a list and began to read from it.
All the people pricked up their ears to listen. Even the villagers who came to watch for fun quieted down.
An overwhelming majority of the villagers are on the list.
"Those who need work urgently can go to the greenhouse first to help. In a few days, when the machines arrive, some of them will be brought into the factory. Oh, in the mornings, you can choose to start work or choose to go to the mountain to pick chestnuts and other nuts. As long as you don’t harm the woods, the mountain will be open to you all year round. The fruits you pick will be calculated by weight but we won’t be responsible for any injuries." Lin Ziyin stated in advance, and also announced the prices for pine nuts, hazelnuts, chestnuts, and walnuts.
"Those who work in the morning will get fifteen copper coins, and after lunch, you must go to work in the greenhouse. There will be a fine for those who are late." Lin Ziyin said.
Upon hearing this, all the selected villagers were overjoyed. They didn’t expect her to give them a choice, though some were worried.
Thirty copper coins a day is definitely not a small sum. The money from the mountains comes fast, if one does well, it’s possible to earn more than ten taels of silver in a month. But the price of going up the mountain could be high, it could even be the price of their lives.
Not to mention the thought of having to climb up the tall oil pine and red pine to pick pine nuts, that’s enough to make people shudder.
"Uncle Fang, Uncle Laoman, you two couples follow Shi Ban to raise chickens. Just listen to Shi Ban for instructions on how to do it. Of course, if you have any good methods, speak up. If we adopt them, we will give you a certain reward." Lin Ziyin said to the remaining few people.
Chapter 210: Chapter 210: Relying On (4)_1
"Thank you for your generosity." Compared to others, Fong Lao Shi valued this job more. The only son in his family had died, and his daughter-in-law had run off with someone else. The grandson left behind was only four years old, and the granddaughter, seven years old. The difficulties they faced at home were imaginable.
Luckily, the Lin Family reached out to them in time. To repay this kindness, they promised to dedicate themselves to their work.
The old man watched the village folks gathered and discussing without any signs of impatience, constantly beaming with smiles.
"Is Ziyin really going to buy mountain fruits?" Lou Zheng asked in astonishment.
"Indeed, she is." The old man nodded firmly.
"Then I should also head to the mountain this morning," Lou Zheng said with gritted teeth and a snicker.
Harvesting mountain fruits was a quick way to earn money. They would pick from easily accessible trees without reaching for the taller ones.
Soon, the villagers concluded their discussions.
As expected, those who ventured faced the promise of greater fortunes. Many families opted to split their time between working half a day and harvesting mountain fruits the other half.
"Let me make one thing clear, I will not buy poor-quality mountain fruits. If anyone is discovered hiding poor quality fruits among the good ones, all the benefits their family enjoys from the Lin Family will be revoked," Lin Ziyin announced.
"That’s only fair," came the agreement from the gathered. Most were honest folk, incapable of such deceit.
"Lin Ziyin, will picking fruits count towards our tasks?" queried one of the individuals who had not been chosen.
"Yes, but not on my family’s mountain," Lin Ziyin answered nonchalantly. "We will still select fruits based on quality."
No access to the mountain? The questioner was notably aggrieved. All the nearby mountains were owned by the Lin family. The others belonged to Prince or Ding’an Temple, making it necessary for them to travel a great distance for picking.
Considering this, along with all the time wasted on the road, there was the added concern that once word got around about Lin family buying fruits, those near other villages may no longer welcome them for picking.
"Ziyin," someone invoked familiarity, hoping to appeal.
"Miss Lin, the goods you ordered are here," interrupted Hei Yi, arriving with a convoy.
The convoy following Hei Yi was about twenty vehicles long, each one guarded by armored soldiers, an intimidating sight to behold.
The villagers about to plead their case were immediately silenced by fear.
Seeing Hei Yi, Lin Ziyin’s face beamed with joy. "Perfect timing, I’ve been waiting."
"Unload the carts." At Hei Yi’s single command, the armored soldiers stationed along the convoy immediately started unloading boxes, assisted by Lin family’s servants. The selected villagers who were not negligent also chimed in to help.
For a while, the front of the Lin Household was bustling with activity.
Yan Family watched the scene unhappily from a distance, grinding her teeth in anger but feeling utterly helpless.
She silently nursed her indignation. It was unfair, how could a poor household like the Lin Family prosper just like that? She was also upset about her two nieces who’d stopped communicating after going back to their home.
Once the boxes were moved into a workshop in the Lin Household and placed on the ground, Lin Ziyin started assembling the items by hand, Hei Yi silently watching her.
It was the villagers’ first time seeing Lin Ziyin manually assembling machines. She expertly fused the many parts together, leaving the onlookers astonished.
Undisturbed by the attention, Lin Ziyin was wholly engrossed in her work. Considering the lack of electricity in the ancient era, she had to design the machines with the inconvenience of fuelwood in mind.
Though the Northern Land isn’t the northeast of the Imperial Court, many things here resemble the northeast: black soil, dry cold, and the growth of nuts... When she had first seen the numerous nuts on the mountain, she had immediately started ideating.