Ch. 261..265: The Princess of Northern Land Chapter 261-265

Chapter 261: Chapter 261: Visitor from Li Residence (6)_1

"Mom, what should we do?" Pang Family was out of ideas.

"What else can we do but go back." The elder Pang woman, pinching two taels of silver in her hand, responded angrily as she got up from the ground and left in the direction of her home.

She realized that Miss Lin from the Lin Family had truly become an independent woman that was no longer easy to deceive. Moreover, with the two incidents involving the Ma Family previously, the Zhou Family would not dare to mess with the Lin Family.

Since she had already received two taels of silver as compensation, she should quit while she’s ahead to avoid losing more than she gains.

Hearing the gatekeeper’s report that the Zhou Family had wisely left, Lin Ziyin chuckled lightly. Knowing they were scared made things easier.

"Ziyin, your uncle doesn’t have much work at home. Do you need more help?" Lou Zheng, who was idling at home, felt stifled.

As long as someone in the village was of good character, Ziyin recruited them to work. Their children were sent to school. The ones left behind either had poor character or were elderly. As one who was in-between age-wise, he felt uncomfortable walking around the village.

See, he was only in his forties, but saw himself as a static figure. Each month, he watched his wife, children, and daughter-in-law bring home silver. Every time Lin Family handed out wages, he felt a sense of discomfort stir within him. He felt like he lacked authority at home.

"Uncle, you don’t feel ashamed?" Lin Ziyin teased him.

"Why would I be ashamed? Uncle does not steal nor rob, and I am honest in work. What’s there to fear?" Lou Zheng’s voice escalated several notches. In reality, his decision to join the Lin Family and work was because he was initially unwilling to lose face. But he eventually realized that there’s nothing wrong with earning an honest living, and not commit any crime. Besides, even the Prince had to listen to Lin Ziyin when it came to business.

"Alright, since Uncle is willing to come work, I’ll assign you as the person in charge of mung bean noodle production." Lin Ziyin said.

In the Northern Land, there isn’t much rice to make rice noodles, but they had a significant amount of sweet potatoes. She thought about trying to make some mung bean noodles to sell. It might even become popular in the winter.

"What noodles?" Lou Zheng looked at her, perplexed.

"Things made from sweet potatoes. You’ll understand when the time comes. My brother and Brother Dayou are too busy. So, when the time comes, the workshop will be left to you." Lin Ziyin said with a smile, "You’ll be in charge of delivery, which is perfect as Uncle can read."

Being in charge of the accounts meant he would be a manager. Lou Zheng was delighted as this job suited him, and it showed the trust Ziyin had in him.

"However, before we can start up the workshop, I need Uncle’s help in sourcing sweet potatoes from other villages." Lin Ziyin said with a smile, "The sweet potatoes we buy can’t have blemishes or wormholes."

He would have to go out and purchase sweet potatoes?

Lou Zheng thought about it and felt there was nothing wrong with it. The villagers in Northern Land lived a hard life. Previously, the excess sweet potatoes had just gone rotten. If they could purchase them, that would be great.

"Uncle, let’s go together. We’re busy buying radishes, green beans, and potatoes. Let’s team up." Lin Changshu said with a laugh, "You know many people, so we won’t get bullied if we go together. "

"Okay, let’s go together." Lou Zheng, who had received a few compliments, immediately became enthusiastic.

Now that there was an actual plan, Lin Ziyin simply ordered someone to purchase a large jar, ready to make various types of pickled and fermented vegetables.

To make mung bean noodles, they would definitely need a machine. Early the next morning, after Lin Changshu and others had left, she went to the workshop to prepare the machine for producing mung bean noodles. She was a person who planned ahead, and the machine had been prepared beforehand by the people in Tianji Building. All she had to do was to assemble it and add some auxiliary facilities to it.

These were not difficult for her.

Chapter 262: Chapter 262: Visitor from Li Residence (7)_1

"Miss, someone from the Li family in Feng City has arrived." Qiaoqiao walked into report when she was busy with Jue Ming.

The Li family? Lin Ziyin searched in her mind, finding them unfamiliar.

However, she quickly thought of that odd character, Li Yanran. Could it be that the Li Family wish to stir up trouble again?

"Who has come and in what numbers?" Lin Ziyin raised her head to ask.

"The note stated, it’s the eldest son of the main branch, Li Jiesong, and the second son, Li Jieyong," Qiaoqiao replied.

They switched people? Lin Ziyin wondered what these two were up to visiting her, she didn’t even know them.

"Lead them to the guest room, I’ll be there soon," Lin Ziyin said, frowning.

Regardless of whether the guest is welcomed or not, as the hostess of the Lin family, Lin Ziyin was obligated to greet them.

"You guys continue nailing, make it secure," Lin Ziyin instructed.

"Yes, Miss," they responded.

After Lin Ziyin gave her instructions, she returned to the living room with Qiaoqiao.

Two young men were seated in the living room, and by looking at their eyebrows, it was clear that they were brothers.

"Master Li?" Lin Ziyin greeted upon entering.

Li Jiesong and Li Jieyong were anxiously waiting in the living room. Thankfully the unique setup of Lin family’s living room kept them busy. While they were observing the furniture, they were caught off guard by the greeting.

Both of them instantly straightened up.

The one who stepped out was a young girl, about fourteen or fifteen. She was dressed simply and did not possess outstanding beauty, but looked quite delicate and clearly pleasing to the eye up close.

"Miss Lin?" Li Jiesong stood up first, followed by Li Jieyong.

"I am Lin Ziyin, may I know why the two Master Lis have visited?" Lin Ziyin didn’t want to play guessing games with them and directly questioned their purpose once she sat down.

Li Jiesong kept studying Lin Ziyin unhindered, so much so that Qiaoqiao glared at him fiercely. Yet, he didn’t notice her resentment.

On the other hand, Li Jieyong was more considerate; he lowered his gaze after meeting Lin Ziyin’s.

The contrasting characteristics of the brothers were instantly apparent.

Lin Ziyin wasn’t a petty girl from the ancient times, Li Jiesong’s probing gaze had no impact on her.

"Master Li, have you had your fill of looking?" noting his blatant stare, she asked coldly.

"My apologies." Hearing her reproach, Li Jiesong finally snapped back to reality, realizing his indiscretions. He coughed a couple of times with his right fist placed on his chin, feigning embarrassment, "I’ve long heard that Miss Lin, albeit young, owns quite a few workshops and her partners range from businessmen all over the country."

"It’s just a matter of others overpraising," Lin Ziyin replied indifferently, "Master Li, I presume you didn’t visit me just to discuss the affairs of my business partners?"

She was so blunt and decisive! Such direct conversation nonetheless had Li Jiesong caught off guard.

It was now abundantly clear to him why his sister had suffered a loss at Lin Ziyin’s hand.

"We heard that our sister had spoken out of turn to Miss Lin, and the elders at home were furious when they found out. They have already punished her. We brothers are here, especially bearing gifts, to apologize and admit her mistakes," Li Jieyong explained with a light smile.

"Offence? What do you mean by that?" Lin Ziyin asked in pretended surprise. "Birds of a feather flock together, it’s only natural for Miss Li, from a noble family, to not get along with a country bumpkin like me. Where does offending come into it? Besides, I’m a nobody, how could I possibly bear such a huge misunderstanding?"

Li Jiesong and Li Jieyong felt slightly awkward as they could not find a single indication from her words that she would relent.

Lin Ziyin’s words may sound pleasant as if she was speaking for Li Yanran. But on closer thought, ’birds of a feather flock together’ was quite an insult to Li Yanran.

"Regardless, it’s undeniable that it was our sister’s fault for having spoken rudely to Miss Lin. Our apology, please accept it," Li Jieyong sincerely bowed and performed the greeting.

You can’t attack someone who’s all smiles. Seeing Li Jieyong as a much better person than Li Jiesong, Lin Ziyin stopped making things difficult for him. "Since Master Li insists, I’ll accept the gifts. However, like I said before, the rumor was just a misunderstanding, you really don’t have to apologize," she said.

"Miss Lin is indeed generous, no wonder you are friends with the Prince and the Third Young Master," Li Jiesong immediately celebrated when he saw her finally willing to accept their gifts, then he relaxed his attention.

"Big brother," Li Jieyong knew he had become overexcited and quickly tried to stop him from continuing.

However, Li Jiesong was full of ego, as cousin of the duke, people generally catered to him when he was not home. He often flaunted himself as one of the Four Heroes of Feng City, he cared little about Li Jieyong’s response.

"Miss Lin, our Li family’s strength in Feng City is not less than that of the Si family. I wonder if you have any good business opportunities available? If you do, we would like to consider a partnership," he proudly put forth his proposition, eagerly waiting for Lin Ziyin to agree on the spot.

Considering the illustrious reputation of the Li family in Feng City, he was certain that Lin Ziyin would gratefully accept his proposal if they offered to do business with the Lin family.

Upon seeing he couldn’t stop him, Li Jieyong felt flaming mad. The jerk even had a pig’s brain, how could his elder brother be so unintelligent?! He thought about the numerous troubles his elder brother had caused him over the years and his anger began to flare.

"Miss Lin, my elder brother is only joking, please don’t mind him," Li Jieyong spoke, unable to sit still any longer under the ambiguous smiling gaze of Lin Ziyin.

On the contrary, Li Jiesong was still oblivious, "Younger brother, don’t interrupt me. I’m having a serious talk with Miss Lin."

 

Chapter 263: Chapter 263 Hatred After Humiliation (1)_1

What shameless people. Lin Ziyin finally understood where Li Yanran and Madam You’s confidence came from; turns out the entire master of the Li Residence shares the same characteristics. Even though Li Jieyong hadn’t proposed a collaboration, his purpose for coming was undoubtedly for the silver in her pockets.

Earning silver is truly difficult. If she hadn’t found suitable partners from the very start, she probably wouldn’t have been able to compete against the Li Family today.

"I apologize, Masters Li. The significant business in our family has already been agreed upon with the Prince and the third young master. The smaller businesses don’t earn much silver. We have established these workshops merely to give villagers some extra money. Therefore, I am sorry, but I currently do not have any promising business to collaborate with the two Masters Li. I deeply appreciate your kindness towards me, but I can only accept the goodwill in spirit," Lin Ziyin politely explained, not wanting to cause any offense.

"How can there not be any business?" Li Jiesong said unhappily. "As far as I know, your family’s bean products, soy sauce, and vegetable oil businesses can earn silver fairly quickly, and it seems you don’t have any business partners for those."

Upon hearing this, Jieyong was so embarrassed he wished he could hide his head in his pants. What a disaster, his elder brother was acting like a pighead. It was true that the Lin Family’s businesses were profitable, but that’s exactly why they had earned lots of silver. If the business was doing well, why would they need a business partner?

His statement clearly had the suspicion of robbery. How foolish! Doesn’t he know how to phrase his words more tactfully?

"The business of soy sauce, vegetable oil and bean products is indeed going well, it seems you two have a deep understanding of our family business." Lin Ziyin’s words made Li Jieyong blush all over again. Lin Ziyin was mocking the Li family for paying too much attention to their business and coming over with an ulterior motive.

Though it was indeed the case, being pointed out directly by the party involved was quite another thing. Li Jieyong was somewhat regretful about coming to Lin’s house today.

"Miss Lin has a way with business, and we don’t need to inquire to know. Everyone on the streets knows that Lin’s vegetable oil, soy sauce, and bean products are the best around. Even children know that, hahaha." Thankfully, Li Jiesong cleverly avoided falling into the trap Lin Ziyin had set.

"You only know half of the story." Lin Ziyin calmly explained, "Our collaboration with the Prince, the third young master, and Ding’an temple, is all predicated on the understanding that the soy sauce, vegetable oil and bean product business will not partner with anyone else. This is because we are in the food business, and these three items are the foundation for other businesses. Everyone knows that good business is the key to earning silver. But similarly, I am also well aware that prosperity comes with risks. To put it bluntly, our partnership with the Prince, the third master, and Ding’an Temple is just a means to seek powerful backing specifically for these three areas of our business."

"Is Miss Lin implying that she looks down upon our Li Family?" Li Jiesong’s face revealed a furious look.

"How can Master Li say that?" Lin Ziyin expressed surprise. "This is our first meeting, how could there be a question of disdain? Moreover, in terms of heritage, the Li family’s social standing in Feng City is virtually matchless. Our Lin family is just a small rural household. How could I possibly look down on Master Li?"

"Since you are fully aware, then stop beating around the bush. And stop dropping names like the Prince, the third young master, and Ding’an Temple to intimidate me. I’ve never been one to be scared. As it stands, the Prince happens to be my cousin. Since I am older, even if he stood in front of me now, he would have to call me cousin. If the Prince has to do this, what standing do the insignificant Si family and Ding’an Temple have?" Li Jiesong threatened Lin Ziyin.

"Elder brother." Li Jieyong, having heard his words, not only was not pleased, but was instead greatly alarmed.

Chapter 264: Chapter 264 Hatred After Humiliation (2)_1

Others didn’t know, but as a member of the Li family, he was well aware that the Li family of today was no longer the same as before. The Prince held grudges against their Li family, and had completely stripped them of their rights. Now, all that was left was empty titles, devoid of any real power. How could other major families take an interest in a power-less Li family?

Ding’an Temple, though it appears to be just a temple, is a world-famous one. The Prince’s martial-monk master and his disciples all come from here. It was said that this temple’s rise was closely tied to the Prince’s mother. Otherwise, why would Ding’an Temple support the Prince so strongly?

The last concern, if today’s conversation reached the Prince’s ears, would the Prince harbour further reservations about the Li family? A series of worries continually ran through Li Jieyong’s mind, almost making him restless.

"Miss Lin." Li Jieyong quickly organized his thoughts, intending to smooth out his elder brother’s words.

"Haha, so that’s how our Si family appears in your eyes, Master Li. However, Prince, it seems that your position in front of the Li family isn’t very high either? They are waiting for you to respectfully call them ’cousin’." But before he could finish, a hearty laughter came from the door.

"Master, stop pretending to be profound. When people treat you as a charlatan, you’ll start acting mysterious."

Upon hearing the laughter, Li Jieyong’s face turned deathly pale, and Li Jiesong’s his face didn’t look any better.

The brothers stiffly turned their heads towards the courtyard. The first people they saw were the three people whom Li Jiesong had just mentioned.

The Prince looked at them coldly, showing absolutely no warmth in his eyes, let alone any respect or affection. Si Jinhan, however, was smiling like a flower- unfortunately, it was too much like a poppy; beautiful, but poisonous. Hui Zhen, the one left, stared at them with wide eyes, the Buddha beads in his hands spinning quickly, manifesting his inner rage.

"Prince..." Li Jiesong greeted hesitantly, cold sweat already breaking out on his forehead.

Lin Ziyin watched with cold eyes, laughing in her heart. Being caught lying so blatantly, they didn’t even fear that their tongues would flash with all that boasting.

Suifeng came fashionably late, yet perfectly on time, seeing the terrified expressions on the two Li brothers’ faces brought her immense satisfaction.

Li Jieyong was aggrieved and felt like stabbing his brother with a sword. It’s over, they had made a mess today, and he didn’t know how much the Prince had heard of their conversation. It seemed like he had heard everything.

At this point, all Li Jieyong could do was hope that Suifeng hadn’t heard Li Jiesong’s previous words.

It was a little self-deceptive, but it was the most effective method of self-comfort.

"The lady pays respect to the Prince, Third Master, and to you, Master." Lin Ziyin stood up calmly to greet the three of them.

"I came to discuss some matters with you." Suifeng didn’t even bother to greet Li Jiesong, not a hint of polite greeting in her words.

A naked slap to face! The hot flush on Li Jiesong’s face was immediate. More than the embarrassment, however, he was more afraid that Suifeng would hold him accountable for his words.

"Cousin..." Striking first to gain the upper hand, an idea flashed through Li Jiesong’s mind, and he smiled obsequiously at Suifeng.

"Amitabha." Hui Zhen glanced at him seriously, "Benefactor, your face appears pale, and your forehead is darkened, an omen of bloody disaster. This monk advises you to go home, pray, and fast. Perhaps, you could avoid this calamity."

Hui Zhen also plays the mystic? Lin Ziyin almost failed to keep her laughter in check.

Having grown accustomed to Hui Zhen’s eccentricity, seeing him act mystic now, Lin Ziyin found him comical no matter how she looked.

Chapter 265: Chapter 265 Hatred After Humiliation (3)_1

Li Jiesong’s face flushed a deep red, seething at the monk who dared to curse him. He thought it unbearable, but he could only seethe inwardly and dared not show any disrespect to Hui Zhen. "Thank you for your reminder, Master. I will certainly fix my ways, meditate on Buddha, and keep a vegetarian diet when I return home," he said.

"Your Highness." Compared to Li Jiesong’s arrogance, Li Jieyong conducted himself with much more decorum.

"Vegetable oil, soy sauce, and bean products are businesses that I had promised to leave to her. When you return, let the Marquis know not to entertain any more thoughts of scheming against the Lin Family’s business," Chu Suifeng said bluntly. He left no room for politeness for the brothers.

"Yes, yes. We had good intentions of wanting to develop these three businesses. Since Your Highness and Miss Lin have an agreement, we will surely explain the situation to our father when we return," interjected Li Jiesong, eager to express his thoughts, not waiting for Li Jieyong to speak.

Li Jieyong almost choked on his own blood in frustration at his brother’s ignorance. The Prince had already expressed his discontent, why would he bring their elders into it? If he had simply admitted that it was their idea, maybe the Prince would have been less angry.

"Quite so, the Marquis receives a monthly salary. Have I ever treated him unfairly?" Chu Suifeng cast them a cold glance.

"No, Your Highness has always been generous to the Marquis. The Marquis has never been short of his monthly allowance. We, the younger generation, were just concerned about the many expenses in the Residence, added with our coming of age, have considered finding business opportunities to gain experience, and to also contribute to the Residence," Li Jieyong quickly amended. "We will never act on our own again."

Even if he knew that Chu Suifeng was aware of his lies, he had to keep up the pretense. Both parties needed an avenue to save face.

"Young Master Li is indeed a dutiful son. However, I have heard that nearly all the shops in the south of the city are owned by the Li family. Even the rental income from these shops should be enough to cover the expenses of the Li Residence. Perhaps there are too many idle people in the Residence?" Si Jinhan speculated thoughtfully, looking at the two brothers.

On hearing this, Li Jieyong almost jumped up in agitation. He dared not agree to this statement. Was Si Jinhan suggesting that the Li Family was too ostentatious? Or was he suspecting the Li Family of some underhanded business? Either of these scenarios would be disastrous for the Li Family. Li Jieyong regretted his reckless decision to come here today.

"The shops in the south of the city belong partly to my mother’s dowry, and the rest are my grandmother’s dowry. My sister-in-law also has a few there. But those are their private property, and the Li Residence hasn’t misused them," Li Jieyong carefully replied.

"If there is nothing else, I need to discuss business matters with Miss Lin," Chu Suifeng impatiently intervened, cutting off Li Jieyong’s explanation.

Li Jiesong had always been fearful of Chu Suifeng, and knowing that he spoke out of turn today, he decided to play dumb, letting Li Jieyong take over the explanations. Hearing Chu Suifeng hurry them away, he was not the least bit angry, instead, he felt a sense of relief.

"We’ll take our leave now, so as not to disrupt you in discussing important matters." As he said this, he stood up, hesitated, and then continued, "Your Highness, my grandmother often speaks of you, hoping you can find time to visit her at our Residence."

Li Jieyong wished he could slap him, such an unnecessary addition!

While this seemed like a benign comment, something that could be generally said, was it appropriate given the current atmosphere? Would the Prince think that they were trying to use their grandmother to threaten him?

With these thoughts, Li Jieyong quickly raised his eyes to glance at Chu Suifeng.

"How is the health of the elderly lady?" Chu Suifeng surprisingly, did not get angry.