Ch. 221..225: The Princess of Northern Land Chapter 221-225

Chapter 221: Chapter 221: Bad Idea(1)_1

"According to the laws of Daqin, a mistress can buy and sell concubines at will," Si Jinhan replied with a mischievous smile. "Are you rushing to have the Lin family sell your daughters, insisting they accept them?"

Although Yan Daniu was a despicable man, he knew who he could offend and who he could not. He glimpsed at his previous benefactor who was now flattering Prince, his heart pounded in discomfort and fear. Upon hearing Si Jinhan defending Lin Ziyin, he was even more panicked.

"Prince, we don’t want to casually give our daughters away to be concubines, but Lin Changshu and Wu Dayou did indeed spoil their purity." Yan Family realized that the situation was turning bad, and quickly resorted to playing the victim again.

Yan Liu and Yan Yun were also nervous, fearing that under the decree of the Prince, their wishes would be unfulfilled. Once the Yans finished speaking, the sisters immediately began to loudly cry again, performing their act of wishing for death.

"The Lin Family acted out of humanitarianism, how could they be accused of tarnishing your purity. If you are willing to die, then throw them into the river," Chu Suifeng commanded with an ominous expression.

Right after his words fell, a few guards immediately stepped forward to seize Yan Yun and Yan Liu.

Yan Daniu was directly startled. How could the Prince have the same idea as Lin Ziyin?

"Prince, please spare us, we won’t dare to anymore," Yan Liu and Yan Yun froze out of fear. In the Northern Land, the Prince was the real royal authority, and his words held more power than the laws of the Daqin Empire.

"Cousin," Li Yanran saw Chu Suifeng wasn’t giving her any face, and she immediately stomped her feet and began to act spoiled.

You’s wife felt a headache upon seeing this. Her younger sister-in-law was truly dim-witted. She couldn’t see that Chu Suifeng was on the edge of losing his temper and dared to provoke him.

"Does the Li Residence lack affairs to deal with?" Chu Suifeng was not one to pamper and cherish women. Li Yanran’s pampering not only didn’t make him feel affectionate, but it directly ignited his anger. "On your wedding day, do you also want to add several mistresses to your future husband? A young girl is actually meddling in other people’s affairs, what a big show the Li Residence is putting on!"

"Prince, please forgive us. It was out of compassion for these two young girls that I dared to make the decision. If the Lin Family doesn’t want it, then forget it." You’s wife knelt down and apologized, "It was my lack of consideration."

After she finished speaking, she cast an apologetic gaze towards Lin Ziyin.

Lin Ziyin read the threat in her gaze, but the Lin Ziyin of today was not the timid girl of the past who could be threatened. She was not afraid of trouble, "Prince, if there is nothing else from our Lin Family, can we leave now?"

"Miss Lin, I just happened to want to settle accounts with you," Si Jinhan replied with a smirk.

Upon hearing his words, Lin Ziyin inwardly rolled her eyes at him. He was clearly trying to take advantage of her business, definitely not a good guy.

However, since she had said it herself, it wouldn’t be proper to take it back. Plus, Lin Ziyin was not a shallow person, she knew that some businesses were too big for her to handle alone.

"When a young girl grows up, it is not suitable to go out and flaunt herself, lest she pick up bad habits. My dear cousin and sister-in-law, if you have nothing to do, you should better be learning some principles at home, otherwise, you may say the wrong thing, do the wrong thing, and be criticized by others," Chu Suifeng warned without leaving any face for Li Yanran and You’s wife.

Li Yanran lost face in front of many people, especially those she looked down upon-the country commoners, making her feel wronged and upset.

Chapter 222: Chapter 222: Bad Idea(2)_1

But she dare not defy Chu Suifeng’s command. "Cousin is right, Yanran will certainly learn the proper etiquette when she returns."

Having obtained Li Yanran’s assurance, Chu Suifeng’s gaze fell upon Lady You again.

Lady You’s heart shivered, and she hastened to echo, "I shall certainly bear in mind Prince’s instructions."

"Conger, send two of the beauties gifted by the palace to our cousin’s residence when you return," Chu Suifeng didn’t let Lady You off easily.

"Yes, Your Highness." Conger repressed his laughter and answered ceremoniously.

Upon hearing this, Lady You felt like she wished for death.

The beauties bestowed by the palace were naturally gifts from the Emperor to Chu Suifeng. But Chu Suifeng, uninterested in them, passed them to the Li Residence. His intent was clearly to make things difficult for her. After all, the beauties from the palace aren’t ordinary concubines one could buy; even she, the wife, would have to be careful and couldn’t oppress them indiscriminately.

Thinking about how beauties she found disagreeable would occasionally compete with her for her husband, Lady You’s heart began to bleed. Then, she considered whether Chu Suifeng’s conspicuous support for Lin Ziyin indicated that Lin Ziyin held an unusual place in Chu Suifeng’s heart?

Li Family had long intended to marry Li Yanran to Chu Suifeng as the principal wife. If Lin Ziyin became an obstacle and spoiled the plans of Li Residence, what would they do then?

Although Li Family was Chu Suifeng’s maternal home and had indeed been supporting Prince Ling, as the Prince was growing up, Li Family’s prestige in the Northern Land had been waning year after year.

Clear-sighted individuals realized that the Prince was deliberately weakening the influence of Li Family. Had they not noticed how the Si Family and Luo Family, among the Prince’s vassals, had all risen rapidly in a short span of time?

No, they absolutely couldn’t let Lin Ziyin spoil Li Yanran’s marriage prospects. Upon this thought, a murderous glint grazed past Lady You’s eyes.

"Please relay to the Residence, the Lin Family is my collaborator. If the Lin Family encounters any difficulties in the future, I hope the Residence could lend a hand." Chu Suifeng caught a glimpse of Lady You; despite the fleeting murderous look, he had caught it.

Lady You dared to act this way in his presence - it seemed that he had indulged the Li Family too much, so much that they had forgotten who the true ruler of the Northern Land was.

Lady You was not a fool, on the contrary, she was quite clever. She naturally understood Chu Suifeng’s warning and was instantly startled again. "Yes, I will surely convey Your Highness’ words to the Residence."

"Good." Chu Suifeng spoke coldly. "It’s growing late, you should take your leave."

"Cousin." Being dismissed just like that, Li Yanran was naturally unsatisfied. She hadn’t seen Chu Suifeng for a long time, and they’d had no private moments together even longer than that. Today, having finally bumped into him, she didn’t want to let such an opportunity slip away.

Chu Suifeng remained silent, merely staring at Li Yanran with his profound gaze.

Li Yanran conceded defeat in the face of his slightly menacing gaze, lowering her head in embarrassment, "We’re heading back. If cousin doesn’t have anything to do, you should visit Grandmother at the Residence. She’s been constantly worried about you."

"When I have the time, I will naturally come over." Upon mentioning Lady Li, Chu Suifeng’s tone finally softened a little.

Li Yanran rejoiced, thinking that as long as her grandmother was around, Chu Suifeng couldn’t bring himself to brush the Li Family off.

Anticipating that she would be able to see Chu Suifeng at the Residence soon, she grew overjoyed.

"How very tedious." Having observed the farce from the sidelines, Si Jinhan rudely interrupted their sugar-coated exchanges.

Upon hearing his impulsive interruption, Li Yanran seethed with resentment in her heart, but she was entirely powerless. Everyone in the Northern Land knew that Si Jinhan, the third young master of the Si Family, was Chu Suifeng’s right-hand man. In terms of importance in Chu Suifeng’s eyes, Si Jinhan’s position definitely surpassed the several uncles of the Li Family.

Chapter 223: Chapter 223: Bad Idea(3)_1

Chu Suifeng was not pleased by what he heard. He coldly glanced at Si Jinhan and then looked at Lin Ziyin, "How do you plan to deal with these people?"

Yan Daniu was hiding in the crowd, wishing he had never shown up. Even though he can be rash and hooligan-like, he never dreamed of being brash in front of the prince.

Chu Suifeng, the ruler of the Northern Land, could simply lift a finger and eliminate him.

Lin Ziyin, being addressed, saw Yan Yun and Yan Liu struggling desperately in the guards’ grips and gave a faint smile. Then he sternly looked at Yan Daniu, "Are you still planning on sending them to the Lin Family?"

"No, no more," Yan Daniu wobbled on his feet, not daring to look at Lin Ziyin. In his heart, he had already cursed the instigator, the Yan Family, to hell. Without his sister’s incitement, he would have never thought of scheming against the Lin Family.

Today, the tables were turned. Not only did they fail to scheme against others, but his own family narrowly missed losing their lives.

"Would the Prince still be able to find a bold and unrestrained woman?" Lin Ziyin turned his head and saw the resentful look on Yan Family’s face, so he continued asking with a smile.

"As long as you want to find someone, no matter what kind of person it is, I can help you find them," Si Jinhan wasn’t very interested in the village affairs. He was eager to know what business Lin Ziyin was seeking him out for.

"If the Third Son could find a bold and unrestrained woman, please help deliver her to this auntie’s doorstep. Perhaps the auntie could churn out a few good sisters," Lin Ziyin responded with a gleaming smile.

When the Yan Family heard that Lin Ziyin planned to find concubines for Ma Dalang, they instantly became furious, and their resentment towards Lin Ziyin reached its peak. "You damned harlot," they shouted.

As the words fell, the villagers heard a few resounding slaps. Before their eyes, they saw the Yan family’s faces swell.

"Your mouth really stinks," Jue Ming retorted innocently before turning to Lin Ziyin, "Miss, do you want her thrown into the river to wash up?"

"How dare you hit someone?" the Yan Family raged.

"Already hit. You still ask. You really are clueless," Jue Xin said with a grin, "Amitabha Buddha."The villagers, seeing the swollen face of the Yan Family, retreated a few steps as a group, astonished. The monks around Lin Ziyin were formidable. Jue Ming’s move stunned many, all quietly deciding that they must avoid angering Lin Ziyin in the future.

Yu Family was also shocked. They had never imagined the Ding’an Temple and Lin Ziyin’s relationship to be so close, with the temple actually sending multiple experts to accompany her. Thinking of this, they wanted to return home early to discuss the next steps with their husband.

Of course, Lin Ziyin had no intention of explaining the misunderstanding to the Yu Family.

"Bitch," Chu Suifeng glanced disinterestedly at the Yan Family. It was only then that they belatedly realized who they had been insolent in front of. Even if they were unwilling to accept it, they dared not speak any more unpleasant words now.

"Useless girls, come home with me. You are a disgrace," with the hope of his daughters joining the Lin Family now impossible, Yan Daniu directed all his anger towards Yan Yun and Yan Liu.

The villagers had just witnessed the sisters struggling to escape the guards. They understood now that today’s incident was a trap designed by the Yan sisters for Lin Changshu and Wu Dayou. The villagers, simple and honest, began to dislike Yan Yun and Yan Liu for their actions.

Yan Daniu’s yelling at his daughters did not arouse any sympathy from the villagers.

Yan Yun and Yan Liu were dragged away by the casino staff. As they left, they stared at Lin Ziyin’s back, eyes filled with resentment. They believed that if Lin Ziyin hadn’t interfered today, they definitely wouldn’t have ended up being sold. As for their despicable actions, the two seemed to have conveniently forgotten.

Chapter 224: Chapter 224: Bad Idea(4)_1

"Tell me, how will you show your gratitude for all the help I’ve done for you today?" Immediately upon returning to the Lin family residence, Si Jinhan unabashedly asked for his reward from Lin Ziyin.

"I plan to open a roast duck restaurant in Feng City. I wonder if the Third Son has any interest in that?" Lin Ziyin replied with a wry smile.

Guo Huiniang, with her teary eyes, had been feeling a mix of emotions and was yet to settle down upon entering the home. Suddenly upon hearing Lin Ziyin mention "roast duck", the rememberance of the ducks at her family home caused her heart to sink.

"Roast duck?" Si Jinhan tasted the sound of it, "Ducks have a strong earthy taste, what’s so delicious about that?"

"The roast duck I make is unique." Lin Ziyin said simply.

"What percentage of profits do you plan to give me?" Si Jinhan leaned in to ask.

"Ten percent." Lin Ziyin replied tersely. "The same as the prince."

"The matter today was resolved thanks to my assistance, what does this have to do with His Highness?" Si Jinhan dared to say, fearlessly driving a wedge even in Chu Suifeng’s presence, without caring that Chu Suifeng might resent him for it.

Chu Suifeng really didn’t mind. He was there not for business, but something more significant.

"Pack up and accompany this king on a journey to the border." As a soldier, Chu Suifeng wasn’t one to prefer dragging things out.

Upon hearing this, Lin Changshu and the others were taken aback and immediately rushed forward to kneel before him.

"Your Highness, if it is labor that is required, as the eldest son of the family, I am willing to accompany His Highness to the border. My younger sister is too young, it’s not suitable for her to travel to the border." Lin Changshu begged tearfully.

"Allow me to go." Wu Dayou also kneeled down and pleaded, "Big brother, you have elders and children to look after back home, unlike me with no ties or responsibilities." As he spoke, he cast a reluctant glance at Lin Zige.

Chu Suifeng said nothing, merely held his tea cup.

Si Jinhan, however, gave a chuckling explanation, "His Highness is asking Miss Lin to go to the border, not to frolic or fight a war. It’s because Miss Lin mentioned needing special cattle; His Highness wants to bring her to personally select some."

Upon hearing this, Lin Changshu and the others were taken aback, it turns out all the fuss was for a business matter.

Lin Ziyin was not as naive as her family members, she presumed that Chu Suifeng asked her to go to the border because there must be something important that he needs her help with. So far, the only thing that she could be of use for would be the catapult.

However, she had already helped improve the catapult, so what did Chu Suifeng need her at the border for?

"Very well." Lin Ziyin agreed per Chu Suifeng’s suggestion, "I have been wanting to see the Tatar dairy cows, I wonder if His Highness could help me buy some to bring back?"

"No." Chu Suifeng responded indifferently.

The rejection was swift, leaving Lin Ziyin slightly stunned.

Yet Chu Suifeng showed no signs of jesting, his face was full of solemnity.

"The Tatars rely on their horses, cattle, and sheep for survival. They wouldn’t be willing to sell us their cattle." It was Si Jinhan doing the explaining this time. "What does Miss Lin need the dairy cows for?"

"Not just dairy cows, I also want their sheep and beef cattle." Lin Ziyin replied. "Feng City lies in the Northern Land, where the temperatures are consistently low in the winter. Beef and mutton are good nourishment foods in the winter. As for dairy cows, I was thinking, though we lack various things in the North, we have an abundant amount of soybeans. If we had dairy cows, we could try making some food with soybeans and cow’s milk. Perhaps that could benefit the people of the North."

Making new food products with cow’s milk and soybeans? Benefitting the people? Si Jinhan and Chu Suifeng both paid immediate attention to these phrases.

"Our Northern Land is vast but sparsely populated. Even if we can make food products, so what?" Si Jinhan asked, laughing derisively. "Soybeans aren’t anything rare. We have them in all households, and as for cow’s milk, it’s faintly gamy. Who would enjoy that?"

 

Chapter 225: Chapter 225: Bad Idea(5)_1

"Third young master is not a businessman, he naturally lacks thorough considerations." Lin Ziyin bluntly stated, "The new food I mentioned, after being improved, won’t have any fishy smell and will have a unique taste. The most important thing is, this product can be preserved for many days and is suitable for all ages."

Si Jinhan and Chu Suifeng exchanged glances after hearing this. If Lin Ziyin’s words hold true, the lives of people in the Northern Land would undoubtedly see significant improvements. Regardless of whether Lin Ziyin was telling the truth or not, they would get the cattle for her to try.

"We’ll put the matter of roasted duck aside for now until we return from the border." Chu Suifeng spoke slowly.

"How many days?" Lin Ziyin asked.

"The journey there and back will take five days, and we need to remain at the border for three to five days, so ten days should be enough." Chu Suifeng responded.

Lin Ziyin thought for a moment and agreed, realizing that ten days would not hold up her greenhouse planting.

Having received her answer, Chu Suifeng finally appeared satisfied, "We will embark early tomorrow. Be prepared. We may come before dawn."

Lin Ziyin agreed.

"Though you played hardball, this old man will not bicker with you. Don’t worry, I’ll cover your back if anything comes up," Si Jinhan cheerfully announced as he left, feeling he got a good deal.

After their departure, the Lin Family was in an uproar.

"Ziyin, what did you promise to the prince? The border is so dangerous. What will you do if you encounter Tatars?" Lin Zige was as antsy as an ant on a hot pan.

"I’m just going to check on the cattle and sheep. It’s not like they are making me fight the Tatars. What is there to be afraid of?" Lin Ziyin responded with a beaming smile.

"It’s not acceptable. It’s a long journey and that place is a border region. If you are unlucky, you could run into Tatars causing troubles. I can’t rest easy with you, a girl, going alone." Lin Changshu exerted his authority as the elder brother, "Even if you have to go, I must accompany you."

"Brother, there’s no need for that. I’ll be fine if Jue Ming and the others come with me." Lin Ziyin politely declined.

"Ziyin." Lin Changshu raised his voice slightly.

"Let her go with others including Jue Ming. They will be accompanied by the prince and the third young master on the way, nothing will go wrong. The house needs people to manage, you guys stay and run the business with peace of mind." The final word came from the old grandfather.

Lin Changshu and the others could only reluctantly agree.

Madam Yan returned home with a swollen face, and even received a lecturing from Elder Yan Daniu before he left.

"That bitch Lin Ziyin, she deserves to die. I’ve never seen a more black-hearted person than her." Madam Yan continued cursing Lin Ziyin while her eldest daughter-in-law, Mrs. Huang, tended to her.

"Mother, enough." Ma Zhicai gave her an angry glance.

Ma Zhicai blamed Elder Yan Daniu and his two cousins internally. This useless bunch couldn’t even manage to pull off a simple task. Even worse, after this incident, it would be much harder for him to establish any connection with the Lin Family in the future.

Moreover, the fact that even King Lian came to the Lin family to serve justice might indeed affect his future career.

"Good at nothing but causing trouble!" Big Brother Ma had heard people talking on his way home. He knew about Madam Yan’s scheme against the Lin Family. But now that it had failed, he shifted all the blame to her, "What on earth were you doing? The rumours circulating outside are damaging. If it affects our Zhicai’s exam, I swear I will skin you."