Ch. 336..340: The Princess of Northern Land Chapter 336-340

Chapter 336: Chapter 336: Greenhouse (4)_1

"Alright, when I get back, I will go around asking for you." Lou Zheng happily agreed.

Lou Zheng was a man of action. He started going around questioning households that very night while he was in high spirits from drinking.

When the villagers heard that the Lin Family wanted to try planting rice in experimental fields, they became perplexed. Nobody could make a decision on the spot. Everyone said they would give Lou Zheng their answer the next day.

Lou Zheng cheerfully agreed, without pressuring anyone to decide.

After all, the land was the villagers’ lifeline, and besides, the Lin Family had said that they were just experimenting, with no guarantee of a good harvest. So, who could possibly agree outright. Even though every family had some idle Silver available, if their fields didn’t produce any income, they would still feel uneasy.

Especially since every villager was aware that the Lin family was going to need a lot more places to grow beans in the future. No matter how many beans were planted, the Lin family could absorb all of them, and the yield was high in the Northern Land. With these things to consider, the villagers were even more unsure.

During training the next day, villagers kept questioning Lin Changshu and the others about the situation.

Even though Zige and Wu Dayou were newlyweds, they both weren’t idle. They didn’t skip training on their second morning after the wedding. As members of the Lin Family, they too were questioned by the villagers.

Wu Dayou didn’t understand the situation very well, so when pressed for answers, he just redirected them to Lin Ziyin.

"I just want to experiment too, but it’s not like I’m not confident at all. I would say there’s about 70% chance of success. However, whether or not plants are grown is up to you, as it’s not my responsibility." Lin Ziyin explained, "No matter the outcome, you can’t blame me."

"Ziyin, our family’s in. All five acres of our paddy fields can be planted." Bai Chunsheng was the first to step forward.

"We’ll try planting on five acres too." Lou Zheng was the second.

Yesterday they heard that Prince was supportive of this. If they planted well, it could be a massive income. Even if the crops failed, there would still be wages to collect every month, and they also have dry land, so there is no fear of going hungry.

If that doesn’t work, at worst they can buy some beans to pay their taxes.

With them leading the way, many villagers gradually signed up, but like Lou Zheng, they’re only planting rice on about a third of their land. The rest will be planted with sorghum and soybeans.

Lin Ziyin instructed Jue Ming to note down the acreage of each family’s land so that they can prepare to plant seedlings accordingly in the future.

When everyone heard that there were free seedlings to use, they felt even more reassured. After all, rice is relatively expensive.

"Ziyin, let’s be clear, we’ll return the rice of the seedlings." Seeing everyone’s reaction, Lou Zheng quickly got annoyed. These people, just looking at the small immediate benefits, never thought if they continually took advantage of the Lin family, they might not be willing to help them in the future.

"Lou Zheng, you’re right, and that’s what we’re thinking too. Rice seeds aren’t easy to find, and it’s great that the Lin family can get them for us all. No matter whether the planting is successful or not, we’re definitely going to return the rice." Lao Manzi’s son came out and stated his position.

"If we fail, we’ll pay back with our wages in the future." Fang Cao also echoed.

More people expressed their attitudes after that. Seeing everyone’s response, Lou Zheng was secretly pleased, it seemed the subtle hints he and Chunsheng had been dropping these past few days had been heard.

Indeed, as long as everyone in the village sticks together, their lives will keep getting better.

The training ground was once again buzzing with activity.

"You sure know how to rally people." Si Jinhan remarked to Lin Ziyin as he moved closer

Chapter 337: Chapter 337: Greenhouse (5)_1

"Third Young Master, actually, the military should have someone specifically responsible for ideological education. The best candidate would be someone who is articulate and loyal to the prince, someone who can inspire people. You need to know that people’s minds can be influenced as well." Lin Ziyin instructed him, and also instilled in them the modern philosophy of managing armies, "Being forced to fight and volunteering to fight are two different matters."

"How can we inspire?" Si Jinhan asked with a laugh.

"That should be something for the Third Young Master and the Prince to handle." Lin Ziyin smiled mildly and replied, then turned to concentrate on training the hardworking soldiers.

"Third Young Master, I do have some ideas about it." Congyi interjected with a smile.

"You know?" Si Jinhan didn’t have much faith in him.

"When I heard Mr. Yu’s speech to the villagers, I realized. Miss will give them speeches as well. After hearing many, naturally, I’ve picked up a few things." Congyi pointed at the soldiers in the distance as he spoke.

"What does Lin Ziyin say to the soldiers?" Si Jinhan had been running between the city and the farmhouse for the past few days and was not aware of the latest happenings.

"Soldiers protect their home and nation so that their families can live in peace."

"A blissful life is earned by the sacrifice of your brothers-in-arms."

"All military merits belong to every soldier on the battlefield."

...

Several guards competed to repeat Lin Ziyin’s daily speeches.

"These are great." Si Jinhan laughed in agreement, "Prince, should we really arrange for someone eloquent to take care of ideological work in the military as the girl suggests?"

"I think these guys are fine," Chu Suifeng glanced at Congyi and the others behind him.

Congyi and the others were immediately taken aback. They were the guards who followed the Prince closely and were assigned to protect him. They weren’t willing to go into the military and just talk.

"In a few days, bring some civil officials to learn." Chu Suifeng ordered.

"Yes, Your Highness." When Congyi and the others heard that they wouldn’t have to go to Border City, they immediately cheered up.

After the training ground dispersed, there were no elders in Wu Dayou’s house, and the Lin Family was not particular about it. The husband and wife, under the persistence of Guo Huiniang and Lin Changshu, went to the Lin Family as well.

They offered tea to the elders and the old man sat at the head, drinking the tea offered by the couple, "This is from grandfather, take it."

The old man handed out two red envelopes to Wu Dayou and Zige, "Wish you a happy and loving marriage."

"Thank you, grandfather." Zige and Wu Dayou thanked him and took the red envelopes. When he stood up, Wu Dayou took the initiative to help Zige up.

The old man saw and nodded slightly in approval, looking pleased. As the elder of the family, he didn’t do much heavy work but would still visit the workshops or stay in the fields. Ziyin paid him a wage and even assigned a supervisor to him.

Having a job made the old man feel useful and not like a freeloader. Additionally, since Lin Ziyin would give him some silver every month, he didn’t lack for money.

"Little brother." Now that they were married and recognized as adults, Wu Dayou and Zige had also prepared red envelopes for Changting and Yanzhi.

The two children took the small pouches, their eyes squinting with joy.

"Keep it." Yanzhi handed the small pouch to Lin Ziyin.

Lin Ziyin joked with him, "Yanzhi, not letting mom and dad keep it for you?"

"Auntie will keep it, to buy sweets for the great-grandfather." The little guy cleverly replied, "Mom and Dad have theirs."

"Great-grandfather has his too." The old man added, pleased.

Chu Suifeng and Si Jinhan, being outsiders, saw the closeness between the Lin family’s generations and felt a twinge of jealousy.

Chapter 338: Chapter 338: Greenhouse (6)_1

The Ma Family did not benefit from the Lin Family’s feast, and Ma Zhicai, fearing that Si Jinhan would cause him trouble, simply hid at home and wholeheartedly immersed himself in his studies, hoping to pass the scholar’s examination in the coming spring, and then clinch the position of a successful candidate in the imperial examination.

Seeing his son studying so hard, Ma Dalang was very pleased and went to work in the city with a jovial mood.

Outside it was freezing, and Mrs Yan was even less willing to go out. Most of the villagers were earning money by working at the Lin Family’s workshop. Seeing that the family of Ma Xincai was all huddled up in the house, Mrs Yan’s voice suddenly rose, "A bunch of wastrels, all they know is being lazy, can’t they go to the mountain to fetch some firewood?"

Mrs Huang did not dare to respond, but Ma Xincai stiffened his neck and roared, "It’s freezing outside, and we’re lightly dressed. If we go out, we could freeze to death. Mother, do you not want your son and daughter-in-law to live?"

After the feast at the Lin Family’s yesterday, Ma Xincai and his wife couldn’t help but sigh. If their family hadn’t fallen out with the Lin Family, they could have been working there. In that case, their life at home would be much better. At the very least, the young couple could save some private money, and their children could go to the private school. It is said that the Lin Family’s private school is heated by charcoal all day long, so the children in the village are not afraid of being cold when they study there.

Ma Xincai looked at his two children, wearing thin, ragged cotton-padded jackets, and thin cotton trousers, their noses were running due to the cold. Mrs Huang was busy covering the children with quilts to keep them warm.

The couple lived in the west room, which saw virtually no sunlight throughout the day. Even if the whole family sat under the quilt, it was not too warm.

"Dear, should we beg the Lin Family to let us work in the workshop, too? Even if it’s just working in the hot house, it’s better than sitting idle at home. If we can find work, we can send the children to the private school so they won’t be afraid of the cold." Mrs Huang pondered.

"What are you saying?" Ma Xincai glanced at her, "Do you think I want to sit at home idle? Have you forgotten Mother’s temper? The Lin Family would never let us work there."

He tried to come to terms with it, but Mrs Huang gave him a glare, "Or, we should separate from the family."

The sudden suggestion shocked Ma Xincai so much that he almost fell off the bed, "What nonsense are you talking about? Our parents are still alive. How could we separate from the family? Don’t you fear being laughed at by people in the village? Besides, our parents would never agree."

"If they don’t agree, why shouldn’t they?" Mrs Huang, so upset that she burst into tears, "The money you and Dad earned, they gave it all to your younger brother to go to school. We are the ones who do all the work in the field. But in the end, our children can’t even eat enough. Open your eyes and take a good look around. Who in the village isn’t better off than us?"

"Oh, keep your voice down." Ma Xincai, fearing that Mrs Yan would hear it and cause a fuss at home, hurriedly covered Mrs Huang’s mouth.

Over these days, many more carriages have appeared at the Lin Family’s greenhouse.

As the Lunar New Year approached, the vegetables in the Lin Family’s greenhouse were growing beautifully. Of course, while the sight of the vegetables made people drool, the prices were enough to make anyone’s eyes pop out.

With the Lunar New Year nearing, Chu Suifeng, the Prince of Feng City, was naturally busy, but he still came over on the first day when Lin Family started selling their vegetables. Earlier, when he set up his estate not far from Shili Village, he had promised Lin Ziyin that they would sell their greenhouse vegetables primarily to the Lin Family.

There are many wealthy families in Feng City who would like to please Chu Suifeng. Many of them first sent their carriages to Prince Ling’s estate, but unfortunately Hei Yi and Hei Er explained that their vegetables would only be sold after the Lin Family’s greenhouse had sold out.

Without any other choice, these people had to come to the Lin Family again.

Although it was said to be the first day of selling, that wasn’t completely true. Many of the Lin Family’s greenhouse vegetables had already started to supply to the Vegetarian Feast, it was just that they were not sold to the public. The wealthy residents of the Capital City who wanted to eat fresh vegetables had to dine at the Vegetarian Feast. Otherwise, even with their silver, they couldn’t buy fresh vegetables.

Chapter 339: Chapter 339: Greenhouse (7)_1

Glancing around, the entire Feng City only had three spots where one could procure these goods: Prince’s manor, Ding’an Temple, and the Lin family. However, the Prince did not sell to the public, and neither did the Lin family. The produce grown by Ding’an Temple was for the monks’ personal use. Although many families were wealthy enough, no one dared to use force against these three entities.

"Your Highness," many of the managers who initially complained about the high prices were silenced upon seeing Chu Suifeng still appearing in the bustling greenhouse. Furthermore, among the vegetables grown in the Lin family’s greenhouse, many were types that had never before been seen in the Northern Lands.

"Two baskets of black bean sprouts, five boxes of leeks, one box of round onions, five boxes each of chive and garlic sprouts, ten cherry tomatoes..." Everyone who came bought an impressive amount of vegetables.

The original workers in the greenhouse were swamped, so Chu Suifeng decisively had people from his own estate come to help.

Even the elderly who were idle at home were recruited to pick tomatoes and cucumbers. For a moment, all the greenhouses were buzzing with activity. The household managers were even busier. Since the vegetables they wanted to buy weren’t all in one greenhouse, they had to gather their purchases from different greenhouses.

Such was always the case with scarce goods. The sellers could call the shots, while the buyers had to put on smiling faces and rush about to make their purchases.

"Uncle, is this the Lin family’s greenhouse?" A voice filled with surprise rang out.

Upon turning around, Si Jinhan saw his sister, nephew, and the manager from his residence had all come.

"Yes," Si Jinhan said, smiling.

"What are those red fruits?"

Seeing the tomatoes, Si Jinyu looked over in surprise and joy, "Such beautiful fruits, I wonder if they are edible?"

"Yes, they are, but this girl is too cunning. She was reluctant to sell her good things." Si Jinhan said. "Today, she is selling them in limited quantities and per piece. Each costs two taels of silver regardless of its size. If you had come any later, everything would have been sold out."

"Are they tasty?" Tingwei asked with anticipation.

"You’ll know once you’ve tasted it," Si Jinhan said with a smile, "Why did you come with them?"

"Sister Lin has not been in the city for a long time, my aunt and I wanted to meet her." Tingwei replied earnestly.

This kid! Si Jinhan thought with a chuckle. He was as serious as his father. Despite his young age, he understood discretion. And he had brought his Aunt Jinyu along, too.

Jinyu had long been curious about the Lin Family, but because her elder brother was busy working with the Prince, the old lady of the house rarely allowed her to make a fuss over there. However, when she heard their house manager was coming to buy fresh vegetables, she insisted on coming along, curiosity convincing Tingwei to join her.

"Later on, only pick the completely red fruits." Not far away, Lin Ziyin was instructing a group of children. "Do not harm the branches and leaves. This is your second social practice. There is a wage, but if you do not perform well, points will be deducted from your assessment."

"Yes." Standing in front of Lin Ziyin were all young boys and girls, all around ten years old.

"She really knows how to use every resource," Si Jinhan commented to Chu Suifeng, smiling.

Chu Suifeng’s eyes turned toward Lin Ziyin as his lips twitched with a smile.

The kids were loosely arranged in lines and started to move around the greenhouse with small baskets, scrutinizing every plant meticulously.

Yu Shao’en and Xu Bo were leading the group, guiding the children very attentively. After checking several tomatoes the kids picked, Lin Ziyin finally felt at ease and walked over to Chu Suifeng’s group.

"Sister Lin," Tingwei called enthusiastically.

Lin Ziyin blinked, then recalled who this plump child was. "Young Master Si..."

"I’m called Tingwei." Tingwei corrected her.

"Auntie, big red fruit." Yanzhi, holding a small basket, appeared. He was supposed to be with the younger kids, but he insisted on staying with Chu Suifeng. Since he was too young to join the lower class, Lin Ziyin let him have his way.

Now that the older kids were put to work, the little ones naturally tagged along too.

Yanzhi was younger but had a very obstinate personality. Upon hearing that the harvest was a graded activity, he started working hard. However, he was small and had limited strength!

Seeing the two tomatoes laying in Yanzhi’s basket, Lin Ziyin wanted to laugh but feared it might hurt his pride. So she crouched down, gave him a big hug and praised, "Yanzhi, well done!"

Yanzhi blushed and chuckled at her praise.

Watching the scene, Chu Suifeng’s face turned cold. "He’s a boy."

Taken aback, Lin Ziyin decided to ignore him. However, Yanzhi did understand him, "Auntie, I’m a boy. You can’t hug me." He then shyly touched his small face.

Chu Suifeng looked at Lin Ziyin with a half-teasing, half-serious gaze, which made her feel extremely uncomfortable.

"She still can’t match up to a child." Chu Suifeng remarked.

Listening to this, Si Jinhan burst out laughing. However, Si Jinyu just watched Lin Ziyin, her previously excited heart sinking.

"The tomato Yanzhi picked is the biggest! Let’s take it home at noon. We will be having tomato soup." Lin Ziyin said with a smile.

"Great!" Yanzhi grinned, showing his little teeth. He had tasted tomatoes before and was very fond of the sweet and sour taste. He thus loved the idea of having a tomato-based soup for lunch.

Chapter 340: Chapter 340: Old Age(1)_1

"Do you want to eat now?" Lin Ziyin, who adored Yanzhi greatly because this child was so considerate, having suffered much in the past. Seeing Yanzhi’s eyes fixated on the big tomatoes, with a somewhat envious gaze, she squatted down and asked with a smile.

"I’ll eat when we get home." Yanzhi replied bashfully.

"Eat now, and Yanzhi can pick some more to take home later. We’re not short of these two." Lin Ziyin stroked his head.

"Grandpa Zeng hasn’t eaten." Yanzhi found another excuse.

"Grandpa Zeng is right next door in the shed. There are two here, wash both of them, give one to Grandpa Zeng and eat one yourself." Ziyin said, "When you’re done eating, come back and pick some more to take home. Let Aunt Cui from the kitchen make soup for you."

Yanzhi was still a child. Having heard her words, he glanced at Chu Suifeng bashfully. Although he was young, the teachings of his parents led him to understand that Chu Suifeng was the Prince, and any benefits should go first to this Prince.

Upon seeing the child’s timid manner, Lin Ziyin’s face turned slightly cold. Damn, her own child wanted to eat a tomato, yet he had to consider Chu Suifeng’s feelings. Was being a Prince really that amazing?

"They have hands and feet. If they want to eat, they can pick for themselves." Lin Ziyin mollified Yanzhi in a soft, gentle voice.

Yanzhi stood still, not daring to move because Chu Suifeng hadn’t spoken yet.

Chu Suifeng was quite pleased with the child’s tact, and in a casual tone, he asked, "When has this Prince ever taken food from a child?"

Yanzhi understood, "Thank you, Prince." He then grabbed the two tomatoes happily, not caring about the expressions of Si Jinhan and the others, and ran off.

Si Tingwei’s heart, so hot with passion, abruptly cooled. He was here with a full heart of enthusiasm, with the sole purpose to see the sister he had always been thinking about. And now, his sister did not regard him as important at all.

"If you want to eat, go pick your own and learn from those children. Only the fruits you pick yourself will taste the sweetest when eaten." Lin Ziyin handed Yanzhi’s little basket to Si Tingwei, "Be quick, if Yanzhi comes back and sees you took his basket, he will be upset."

"Thank you, sister." Upon hearing this, Si Tingwei’s sorrow turned into joy instantly. It turned out his sister still cared for him, wonderful!

"Not sister, call me Aunt." Chu Suifeng’s tone was rather cold, treating him as if he were not a child.

"Thank you, Aunt." Si Tingwei obediently corrected his address.

Lin Ziyin didn’t mind about how she was addressed, she laughed and patted his head, "Go pick."

Si Tingwei looked at Chu Suifeng, then noticed that his third uncle didn’t object, and finally happily picked up the basket to pick fruits.

"Prince." Si Jinhan greeted Chu Suifeng with a respectful bow, then stood quietly to one side.

Lin Ziyin was quick in action, she picked a few fruits herself and handed them to Qiaoqiao, "Wash them and bring them over."

Qiaoqiao agreed and left with the fruits to wash them.

In not much time, she came back with the basket.

"Try them, though the fruits of the winter season may not taste as good as those of the summer, compared with other vegetables, they are still a rare delicacy." Lin Ziyin distributed the fruits to everyone present, even the maids Hong Ying and Lun Luo and Qiaoqiao standing behind her.

Congyi received a fruit, seeing that Chu Suifeng didn’t object, he gleefully accepted, "Thank you, miss. Eating two taels of silver in one mouthful, I do feel a bit embarrassed."

"No matter how expensive, it’s still something grown at home." Lin Ziyin said with a laugh.

"Jue Ming, pick a basketful later, wrap them well and send them to Ding’an Temple for Master Hui Zhen and the others to try." Lin Ziyin ordered Jue Ming.