Ch. 311..315: The Princess of Northern Land Chapter 311-315

Chapter 310: Chapter 310 Meeting an Old Acquaintance in a Foreign Land (6)_1

After cooperating so many times, Chu Suifeng and Si Jinhan knew she wouldn’t speak without reason.

"Peasants cultivating crops will inevitably threaten the interests of the wealthy families. What is your solution to prevent this?" asked Chu Suifeng.

As a member of the aristocracy, Si Jinhan, in fact, had inherently resented the Lin Ziyin’s land cultivation. So one could imagine the kind of resistance this might face from the other wealthy families.

"Peasants and aristocrats are from different classes. What can I do to mitigate their rivalry? However, the phrase ’a wealthy populace leads to a powerful country’ isn’t just lip service. The aristocracy will surely align with the Prince on certain matters of interest. But have you ever thought about how much these aristocrats can actually benefit the Prince? The Prince once told me that every citizen in his fiefdom should be his subject. They live worry-free only because of the Prince’s patronage. Clearing fields for cultivation may indeed compromise their interests, but in the grand scheme of things, it would ultimately profit the Prince," replied Lin Ziyin, who appeared rather fed up with the topic.

"What’s the ideal amount of land one person should be able to cultivate?" asked Chu Suifeng.

"This falls under the Prince’s discretion - I, as a mere woman, am not in a position to partake in such discussions," Lin Ziyin replied indifferently. "I have other matters to attend to, so I will take my leave now."

After speaking, she stood up, bid farewell to the others in the room, and left directly.

"She really is clever, stirring things up and then promptly leaving," commented Si Jinhan with a wry smile.

"What if we limit each person to no more than five acres, and citizens cannot cultivate more than eight acres? Will that work?" Chu Suifeng asked after much consideration.

"That might work. However, it’s perfectly reasonable for the Prince to be concerned. There will surely be some pushback," Situ Gong replied with a worried look.

"The fiefdom is mine. Surely I wouldn’t let them intimidate me," Chu Suifeng’s face turned icy cold.

Situ Gong and Si Jinhan were taken aback, knowing that the Prince was determined to rectify the ongoing issues.

Indeed, for a long time, many wealthy families and aristocrats in the Northern Land have been sheltered by the Prince. These folks, who are all about indulgence, have always turned a blind eye to the Prince’s predicaments, never lending a helping hand. Instead, they’ve been kicking him while he’s down behind his back.

Perhaps this land cultivation initiative presents a great opportunity.

"Prince, it is our turn." After Lin Ziyin had left, two beautiful girls from the Lin family appeared.

"When Lin Ziyin returns, you two will stay by her side. If a single hair on her head gets harmed, don’t bother coming back to the Prince’s Residence," Chu Suifeng ordered coldly.

"Yes, Prince," replied Hong Ying and Lun Luo, startled. They were trained from a young age in all manner of disciplines, including martial arts and medicine, and were skilled hidden guards in the Prince’s Residence. When they heard that they were to protect a girl from the countryside, they were somewhat displeased.

But given the attitude of the Prince, it was clear that he cared a lot about this girl. They simply couldn’t afford to be sloppy.

Lin Ziyin had no idea that Chu Suifeng had arranged for these maids, and she continued on her way to the workshop with Qiaoqiao. She intended to inform her uncle’s family that the deal had been successful, so they could rest easy.

"Don’t touch anything; behave well and perhaps a master may be willing to take you in." Just before leaving Ziyin’s estate, a commotion could be heard from the village’s entrance.

Shili Village was quiet, because at this time most people were off to work, and the children were at school. Those left behind were either the elderly or the lazy good-for-nothings.

The officer responsible for transporting prisoners was puzzled. The last time he came to the village he had drawn a crowd of spectators, but now there was no one there.

Chapter 311: Chapter 311 Meeting an Old Acquaintance in a Foreign Land (7)_1

"Ah?" Qiaoqiao exclaimed in surprise when she saw the poorly dressed convicts.

"What is it?" Lin Ziyin asked.

Before Qiaoqiao could answer, the officer had already noticed Lin Ziyin smiling at him. "Miss, this time I am again in charge of transporting convicts through here. I wonder if you need any more people."

"Miss." Qiaoqiao called out to Lin Ziyin in a quiet voice.

Lin Ziyin turned to look at Qiaoqiao, who looked hesitant and troubled.

"Is this maid one you bought last time?" The officer noticed the tattoo on Qiaoqiao’s forehead, his gaze inadvertently switched to the convicts that had been dragged along but offered a cold smile, "See, her kind heart is something you could benefit from. If any of you could catch her eye and be chosen to stay, you would have good days ahead."

Most of the convicts that had been brought in were numb from the cold, they all seemed in a trance, their eyes on Lin Ziyin were dull.

Similarly, among this batch, there were few old men, and not too many children. The majority were strong adults.

"Do you know any of them?" Lin Ziyin asked Qiaoqiao.

Qiaoqiao nodded, tears in her eyes, "A portion of them are from the escort agency, they just arrived at this timing, and there are a few who seem to be from Minsheng Hall. I don’t know how they ended up here. I don’t know who the rest are."

"Qiaoqiao." Someone in the crowd recognized Qiaoqiao, and a few young men looked at her with a surprised glimmer in their eyes.

"It’s me." Qiaoqiao answered tearfully.

"Oh, we have a familiar face in the crowd." The officer remembered that he could earn some silver and he beamed a smile.

"What’s the price?" Lin Ziyin asked.

the convicts hearing she was about to buy people, immediately perked up. Many of them were shouting.

One young man holding a sick old man begged, "Miss, please buy my grandfather, I beg you."

"That’s Doctor Xu from Minsheng Hall." Qiaoqiao explained, "Minsheng Hall ranks amongst the top medical halls in the Capital City, and to think it ended up in this state."

As Qiaoqiao spoke, she sighed.

"Six taels of silver for adults, four taels for children, two taels for the elderly." The officer, knowing they knew each other, immediately raised the price.

"Something doesn’t seem right about that." Lin Ziyin answered with a faint smile, "It was not this price the last time. Looking at their condition, I am worried that it will cost a lot to nurse them back to health."

"But Miss knows these people, why would she mind a bit of silver." The officer cut to the chase.

"I have the silver, but why would their life or death matter to me?" Lin Ziyin asked coldly, "With the asking price, I could buy healthy and strong slaves."

"Forget it, seeing that we know each other, I will stick to the old price. And I can’t go any lower." Seeing her firm attitude, the officer seemed a bit deflated.

"Qiaoqiao, go get the silver." Lin Ziyin ordered.

"Yes, I will go right away." Qiaoqiao hurriedly replied, "Ask your family to come over."

Qiaoqiao then immediately scampered off.

Shortly afterward, she came back, flanked by the hastily arriving Yu Shaohui and the Qian Family members. "Miss, my father and uncle are at the workshop, and they do not know yet."

"Pick out the ones you recognize." Lin Ziyin ordered.

Hearing the order, Yu Shaohui and the Qian Family members were filled with excitement. They quickly selected the people from the escort agency. Lin Ziyin took a glance: there were about forty people of all ages.

"Miss, these few are from Minsheng Hall and they have a good name in the Capital City." Qiaoqiao and a woman from the Qian family said as they looked at the youths and elderly men on the ground.

"Alright, buy them." Lin Ziyin nodded.

The Xu family members were not many, just six people and elderly in total.

Lin Ziyin selected more young men and children from the crowd. Most of these people possessed some sort of skill and many were skilled farmhands.

"You siblings should lead them to the Training Ground and make them comfortable. Then go to the market and buy some blankets and cotton clothes and distribute them. I will arrange work for them tomorrow." Lin Ziyin instructed.

"Yes, Miss." Qian Family members and the others cheerfully complied.

Everyone bought was ecstatic, as if they had escaped death. They now had a chance to survive. But for those that remained, they wailed and begged Lin Ziyin to buy them as well.

Qiaoqiao and Yu Shaohui hurriedly led the people to the vacant houses near the Training Ground.

Unwilling to linger, Lin Ziyin walked slowly towards the workshop with Jue Ming and others.

"Really? Did it really happen?" He Fuxing was so excited upon hearing the news from Lin Ziyin that he didn’t know what to do.

"Beginning tomorrow, I will arrange for you to have the materials needed. The yard next to you is large. You can turn it into a furniture workshop." Lin Ziyin said, "As for the minor parts that will be required, the prince will send someone to deliver them in a few days."

"Excellent." He Fuxing was delighted, "I promise we will work hard."

The news that Lin Ziyin bought more than 80 people spread throughout the village by evening. Many villagers felt insecure. With so many new people in the Lin Family, would they still need them?

"Bah, perhaps she is nothing more than a rich flesh peddler, thinking herself so grand?" the Yan Family woman facing the direction of the Lin Family house spat.

"Mother, calm yourself. Some things are fine to think, but speaking them aloud could lead to big trouble." Ma Zhicai glared at his mother.

"Don’t interfere with the Lin Family’s affairs. That young woman has a good relationship with Prince Lin. If she heard your words, she could sabotage Zhicai’s official future." Elder Ma also glared at Mrs. Yan, "Just be calm. Once our Zhicai becomes a scholar, you will be the mother of a scholar, and what will you have to fear then?"

Chapter 312: Chapter 312: For Whom Does She Dress Up (1)_1

Upon hearing this, Yan Family was convinced. No matter how rich Lin Family may be, it could never break free from its merchant label. In terms of status, she had definitely outstripped Lin Family.

If her son, Zhicai, becomes a scholar, every member of Lin Family would have to respectfully address her as Scholar’s Aunt.

"My dear son, you must strive hard, so that you can later make that disgraceful Lin Ziyin see." Mrs. Yan instructed her son.

"I know, Mother." Ma Zhicai impatiently replied. Many people in the village have a heated brick bed; he also had one in his room. But the fact that his younger brother, Youcai, came to take advantage of the bed from time to time, irritated him to death.

When Lin Ziyin got back home, she discovered that Chu Suifeng had brought back two beautiful girls, who were waiting for her in the study.

"We greet Miss Lin." After being disciplined by Chu Suifeng, both Hong Ying and Lun Luo were very respectful to Lin Ziyin.

"Who are you?" Lin Ziyin looked puzzled at the two pretty girls and asked.

"They are the personal maids I’m giving you." Chu Suifeng replied indifferently, "Jue Ming and others are men, it isn’t appropriate for them to take care of you sometimes."

Upon hearing this, Qiaoqiao was somewhat unconvinced. Even though Jue Ming and others were not appropriate, wasn’t she still there to look after her Lady?

As if knowing what she was thinking, Chu Suifeng gave Qiaoqiao a cold glance, "She’s not martially trained enough, some occasions will not suit her."

Qiaoqiao darkened at his words, recalling her tattooed forehead. The prince was right, in important gatherings, it would be embarrassing if she was accompanying the Lady. Upon this consideration, her hostility towards the two newcomers diminished.

Lin Ziyin did not rejoice at Chu Suifeng’s well-intended gift. She didn’t like others to install their people around her. Wouldn’t she be giving Chu Suifeng a clear picture of whatever she does in the future?

"These are their indentures." Chu Suifeng ordered Hong Ying and Lun Luo to hand over their indentures one by one, "Here, I gift the persons to you. If they make mistakes, you are free to castigate them as you please."

That was fair. Hearing Chu Suifeng’s final remark put Lin Ziyin at ease.

"Are you both truly willing to serve me?" She was skeptical, noting that both maids were very beautiful, far more so than herself. Lin Ziyin was still uncertain, "This is a small family here, it’s not at all comparable to serving in the Wang Residence."

"Your servant Hong Ying, asks the Lady to be at ease. Since the prince has entrusted your servant to accompany the Lady, henceforth, Hong Ying is loyal to you. Whatever orders the Lady commands, your servant shall execute." Hong Ying replied modestly and confidently.

Lun Luo also saluted and stated, "Your servant Lun Luo, will follow the Lady loyally in life or death unless the Lady herself discards her servant."

Lin Ziyin nodded, "It’s simple to work for me, as long as you are loyal to me and do not perform deeds harmful to me or my family. You’ve just arrived so you should listen to Qiaoqiao’s arrangements for now."

Upon hearing that new arrivals were to be ordered by her, Qiaoqiao immediately became delighted, her head lifting high.

Hong Ying and Lun Luo seemed to bear no resentment, they saluted Qiaoqiao, "Please provide us your guidance, Miss Qiaoqiao."

Observing their attitude, Lin Ziyin sighed inwardly. The people trained by this peculiar Chu Suifeng were truly good, they knew how to work with circumspection.

Chu Suifeng observed Lin Ziyin approving of Hong Ying and Lun Luo, his mouth corners slowly lifting.

Hong Ying and Lun Luo saw this, further solidifying their confidence and deepening their respect for Lin Ziyin.

The next morning on the Training Ground, the villagers were practicing martial arts while sneaking glances at the nearby courtyard.

Lin Ziyin had her far-sightedness or rather premeditation. She built a lot of houses and courtyards adjacent to the Training Ground. The villagers used to wonder, building such good green-brick courtyards would be a huge waste, and these workshops aren’t far from the courtyard too, using these residences for workers seemed too extravagant.

Chapter 313: Chapter 313: For Whom Does She Dress Up (2)_1

Alright, now that so many people have come, the house isn’t as empty as before.

"Ziyin, with so many more people in your house, are you going to dismiss us?" A young wife who couldn’t stand the inner conflict found the time to ask.

"With these few people, if I let you go, what will happen to my workshop?" Lin Ziyin, seeing many sisters-in-law and young wives come over, knew everyone must have been worrying privately. He explained with a joking tone, "When I see those kids out there, I wish they were all grown up young men and women now, so that there could be more hands in the workshop."

"Ha-ha."

"Master, you seem a bit impatient."

"Young boys and girls eat well and grow fast. It won’t be many years, you don’t need to think about it so anxiously now," Old Lady Bai said with a smile.

"What I hope is that all of you can have more children. As long as everyone does well, those in postpartum recovery, I will give a three-month leave, and the salary will be paid for these three months as usual."

"Really or not?" Many women exclaimed in surprise, they would still get paid for the time when they couldn’t work because of giving birth, no one in the whole of Daqin does something so good.

"Of course it’s true. You can rest for a month before delivery and continue to get paid. Whether it’s a boy or a girl, it’s a treasure to the whole village. However, I claim in advance that this only applies to those who work hard and diligently. As for anyone who violates the workshop rules, I can’t care about it," Lin Ziyin also said half seriously and half jokingly. "Also, everyone better not give birth at the same time, otherwise, there would be no one working in the workshop, and I would have no one to complain to."

"With such benefits, those who don’t work hard really deserve to be struck by lightning," someone shouted with a laugh.

"Indeed, we can’t be ungrateful," many people agreed.

Lin Ziyin laughed and joked with everyone.

"She is really considering for the prince, a young girl encouraging everyone to have more children, her face doesn’t even turn red," Si Jinhan, standing beside Chu Suifeng, said jokingly.

"If you have so much free time, you might as well go to Border City," Chu Suifeng glared at him coldly.

"I haven’t solved the grain and grass problem yet, how can I show my face to the soldiers in Border City?" Si Jinhan responded cheerfully, daring not to joke about Lin Ziyin anymore.

With Lin Ziyin’s guarantee, the villagers were not only relieved, but also felt excited about the new benefits. The training ground was filled with laughter and cheer.

After everything was over, Lin Ziyin did not follow the others back home, but went to the backyard to see the people who arrived yesterday.

"Head escort." Upon seeing an old friend, Bai Jincheng started to speak but was choked with emotion.

"First Kit, Second Kit." Jia Gu and Kong First Kit and Second Kit also hugged each other on the other side.

Yu Shaohui and Yu Shao’en, on the other hand, were fighting with a few boys of their age, indicating how deep their friendship was.

The women of the Qiao family were choked with sobs upon seeing each other again.

"It’s good to be alive," Yu Sha’ou said, his eyes red. "Thank God that we are all alive to see each other."

"Why didn’t I see Sister Ya Zhi?" The Qiao family was looking for someone.

"Sister Ya Zhi, she... she didn’t make it," a woman sobbed. "She got a cold on the road and couldn’t get through it."

"Poor child." The Qiao family looked at the three children standing not far from Shaohui and others, and couldn’t help but shed tears.

"Brother Jincheng endured all the hardship for the sake of the child. He thought he would lose his life when he reached the border this time. We never expected to meet Qiaoqiao here," the woman said with a smile.

Chapter 314: Chapter 314: For Whom Does She Dress Up (3)_1

"The master we serve now is a good person, and it seems that our good days are ahead." Mrs. Qian softly consoled through tears.

Thinking of the grandeur that the Brave Escort Agency used to enjoy in the Capital City, and looking at their current plight, everyone was filled with deep emotion.

"Don’t worry, the current masters of the house are benevolent. As long as we work diligently, we will receive our salaries on time every month, the same as an ordinary citizen. We are also given the best food and accommodation." Yu Shao’en noticed the anxiety in the young boys and girls, and quickly reassured everyone.

"The master? The young lady yesterday seemed kind-hearted." A maid remembering yesterday’s incidents, nodded in agreement.

"She does not like being called ’Young Lady’, we should refer to her as ’Miss’." Yu Shaohui corrected.

"The master?" Bai Jincheng and the others were also curious about what kind of people their new masters were.

Yu Sha’ou explained the current situation of the Lin family, "The entire family of our masters are honest and upright people. Moreover, they are currently in need of a large workforce. Many outsiders are envious of the Lin family’s business, so the arrival of you all is timely. From now on, there won’t be any place for titles such as ’escort head’ or ’madam’. You all can just call me Sha’ou and call my wife Mrs. Qian."

While this side was bustling with conversation, the Xu family was also far from calm.

"Miss." Seeing the young lady who had bought them yesterday and a monk with her, the three generations of the Xu family all stood up.

"I heard that the elder’s health is not in a good state, so I brought a master from the Ding’an Temple to examine him." Lin Ziyin explained.

"Thank you, Miss." The Xu family grew excited at the news that the monk was a medicinal monk from Ding’an Temple. Even though they were far away in the Capital City, they had heard that the medical skills of the medicinal monks from Ding’an Temple were highly advanced.

"Aside from your medical skills, what else can you do? My household does not keep idle people." Lin Ziyin said calmly.

"Apart from medical skills, I also know a little about cultivating medicinal herbs. As for anything else, I do not have any knowledge." A thin man answered with shame on his face, "The others also learned medical skills from me and they know very little about any other matters. But rest assured, Miss, we will diligently learn and in some time, we should be able to do anything."

Xu Lianfa was slightly nervous, fearing that Lin Ziyin might find them useless and resell their family.

"Tomorrow, I will give you a prescription. You should research on it as per the instructions. Later, the elder can teach medical skills to some talented children at the school. There are some things that I do not know much about, but I need the help of the elder in its research and development." Lin Ziyin added after some thought.

She indeed had a plan. Though the medicinal monks at Ding’an Temple were excellent, they were not her private personnel. She did not have much trust in the surgical procedures of the ancient times. It could be that in some places traditional Chinese medicine might be effective, but it might not be so in the Northern Land, which was closest to the battlefield. Since she could not escape it, Lin Ziyin thought it was better to be prepared.

She did not know much about medicine, but that did not prevent her from directing those who were proficient in medicine to participate in the research and development of Western medicine and surgical procedures. The arrival of the Xu family was timely.

"I will serve at your command, Miss." Xu Lianfa responded respectfully.

"I don’t like being called ’Miss’, you can call me ’Miss’ from now on." Lin Ziyin corrected them lightly.

"What can you two do?" She turned her gaze to the Xu mother and a maid.

The maid was somewhat nervous, her face and hands were all riddled with frostbite. However, her fair complexion indicated that she had originally been a well-praised lady.

Xu Danhua felt very nervous when asked by the master. When nothing had happened to her family, they were also a prestigious family, and she was the legitimate daughter of the Xu family, always enjoying the best things at home. She always had four head maids and six secondary maids beside her, and including other elderly maids and female servants, the compound was simply teeming with people. Her parents and grandparents always feared that she would be wronged or suffer hardship, so she was always quite arrogant. But on the route of being re-distributed, she had experienced a lot, tasted the cold and warmth of the world, and matured considerably.

Chapter 315: Chapter 315: For Whom Does She Dress Up (4)_1

"In reply to your question, young miss, my daughter and I have some proficiency in traditional feminine skills, such as musical instruments, chess, calligraphy, painting, and needlework. My family used to be in the textile business, so I’m familiar with the ins and outs of weaving and dyeing." In order to stay and provide a stable life for her family, Chen’s mother listed all the skills she possessed.

She was afraid, afraid that Lin Ziyin would not accept her and sell her and her daughter separately. Servants like them, with tattoos on their faces, considered finding a master nothing short of a divine blessing. Seeing that their prospective mistress appeared kind and seemed to bear no malice, she truly wished to stay.

"After supper, you can demonstrate your skills in the workshop. If you’re as competent as you say, you can then teach the maids at the school, in addition to playing the qin." Lin Ziyin said.

Upon hearing that she would be made a female teacher, Chen’s mother was startled, and then she felt overjoyed.

"Thank her quickly." Xu Lianfa reminded his wife.

"Your servant thanks you, young miss." Overwhelmed with joy, Chen’s mother burst into tears, then her thoughts returned to her daughter, and a worried look crossed her face.

"I have many workshops that would be suitable for your young daughter, she can choose what interests her, and soon, I will open another workshop where she might be needed as a leader. For now, she should focus on learning." Lin Ziyin explained calmly.

"We are grateful to the young miss." Everyone in the Xu family, except for the old man on the bed, knelt and bowed to Lin Ziyin.

"However, I must clarify that while I can provide you with an opportunity, there will be no mercy for those who betray me." Lin Ziyin sternly informed them.

"The Xu family swears that starting from today, we will serve you as our mistress for the rest of our lives. If we ever betray you, we warrant to be struck by lightning and meet our doom." The old man struggled to kneel and made a solemn oath.

Following the elder’s lead, the rest of the Xu family also vowed fiercely.

In ancient times, words of oath were taken seriously. The fact that Xu family made such an oath was a testament to their commitment.

Xu Jin had been observing Lin Ziyin ever since she stepped through the door. As a renowned physician who has treated countless patients and saved numerous lives, he could differentiate between the good and bad.

He found the young mistress, who had bought his family, appeared to be frigid and unsociable despite her young age, but he knew she was kind-hearted. Otherwise, there was no reason to buy an old man like him.

Even with his distinguished medical skills, the elder Xu didn’t think Lin Ziyin had purchased him for his expertise. If she wanted a doctor, his son and three grandsons were already quite competent. Even with him added, it wouldn’t make much of a difference.

It was less accurate to say the mistress bought him; she had saved him instead.

"If you perform well, I promise that beginning with the fifth generation, I’ll set you free and you will no longer be slaves." Lin Ziyin declared.

The members of the Xu family were instantly dumbfounded, unable to believe their ears. Could they really be free? Or was the young lady testing them?

"However, if anyone from the Xu family commits a mistake in the interim, I will revoke my promise." Lin Ziyin added, before they could respond.

"Miss, whatever medicine you need, this poor monk can provide for you. Besides, Monk Jue Yuan is quite proficient in medical skills. Don’t underestimate him because he’s old. His skills might even rival those of Jue Yuan and Jue Cong." Hui Zhen said, looking displeased.

"Great Monk." Lin Ziyin held great respect for Hui Zhen. Seeing him upset, she rushed to explain, "The Northern Lands are not far from Border City. If a war breaks out one day and many people get injured, you, the Great Monk, and others in the temple have expertise in herbal medicine and pulse readings, but aren’t particularly skilled in treating physical injuries. I once read in a book that for severe injuries, merely using medicinal herbs may be slow and not very successful. However, if surgery is performed, the wound can heal quite fast."