Ch. 36..40: The Princess of Northern Land Chapter 36-40

Chapter 36: First Meeting (2)_1 Instantly, a pleasant aroma filled the air.

“Big sister, what food is this? How come I’ve never seen it before?” The woman selling noodles sniffed the scent and couldn’t resist coming to ask.

“This is fragrant tofu.” Lin Ziyin saw that her sister-in-law and older sister were tensed up and smiled as she replied.

“Eat.” Lin Yanzhi pointed at the fragrant tofu. He hadn’t even eaten this at home before.

“How come I’ve never seen you make this before?” Wu Dayou was also puzzled as he stood watching.

“Everyone, try some.” Lin Ziyin quickly speared some with bamboo sticks and handed them out to her family.

Pilgrims and people out for a stroll had smelled that alluring aroma quite a while ago, but they didn’t recognize what was in the flat pan. Hence, despite their curiosity, none had come forward to make a purchase yet.

They found it odd how this family was conducting their business – not a single serving had been sold yet, and they had already started eating it themselves.

“How much for this?” Someone finally noticed how much Wu Dayou, Lin Changting, and Lin Yanzhi were enjoying it and couldn’t resist coming over to ask out of curiosity.

At the inquiry about the price, Lin Changshu and the others were thrilled. However, they didn’t dare set the price themselves, so all of them looked to Lin Ziyin.

“Five pieces for three wen.” Lin Ziyin answered with a beaming smile.

“How can it be so expensive?” The customer gasped in surprise, causing Lin Changshu and the others to flinch at the price too.

With the way Lin Ziyin had portioned it, a pound of tofu could easily be made into over thirty pieces, so the price really was steep.

“Sir, my fragrant tofu is a unique business, and due to its complex preparation process, it’s currently only being provided for masters at temples. Plus, the distinctive aromatic spices and sauces, it’s absolutely unparalleled. What’s sold at three wen is not only the taste, but also its finesse. And besides, judging by your apparel, you don’t seem to be someone who would haggle over small change.” Lin Ziyin wore a business-like smile on her face.

People generally like to be praised. The customer, upon hearing Lin Ziyin’s words, no longer wanted to dispute the price.

“Since it’s the only one of its kind, give me one skewer.” He took out three wen and handed it over.

“Alright, sir. Here you are.” Lin Ziyin swiftly prepped a skewer and handed it over, making sure to brush on the sauce.

“This is delicious.” After a few bites, the customer couldn’t help but exclaim.

That was essentially a live testimonial! Some people suspected that the customer had been planted, but a glance at their attires and the two kids sitting behind with sauce all over their faces wiped out any doubt.

“Get me a serving.” A young man stood in front of the stall and disdainfully tossed a piece of silver into the box.

“Alright.” Seeing the broken silver, Lin Ziyin promptly handed him a skewer.

The teenager, dressed in fine white damask, looked ethereal just standing there. In full view of the crowd, he calmly tasted his skewer, not giving a hint of vulgarity.

The crowd held their breath as they awaited the young man’s verdict.

“Three more skewers.” Unexpectedly, after finishing his skewer, the first customer ordered three more skewers as he tossed nine copper coins into the box.

“Alright.” Lin Ziyin adeptly prepared another three skewers and handed them to him.

“Delicious.” The man continued to praise and advertise Lin Ziyin’s business even while he ate.

“Five skewers.” After finishing one skewer, the teenager ordered five more skewers, indicating his servant to pay with another piece of broken silver.

“Two skewers for me.”

“Three for me.”

Suddenly, pandemonium erupted. The inactive Lin family got a shock.

“Please form a line, we’ve plenty of tofu, but only one stove.” Lin Ziyin cheerily said, “Sister, cut the tofu. Sister-in-law, add firewood.”

“Okay.” Guo Huiniang snapped back into reality and quickly went to help with Lin Zige. Lin Changshu was also busy carrying tofu. The old grandfather was appointed the guardian of the two children, as the market was crowded and chaotic, the children were a priority.

“Eight skewers for you, young master. Enjoy.” Lin Ziyin handed a handful of skewered tofu to the teenager.

Chapter 37 Order (1)_1 “Give me a few more,” said the young man leaning in with narrowed eyes.

Without hesitation, Lin Ziyin handed him another five sticks. Today, she had landed a big spender.

“Take this to the old lady to taste,” the young man instructed the small boy next to him.

“Yes.” The boy quickly agreed. It was unknown where he got the food container from, but he placed the tofu skewers into it and then hurried away.

“Sir, your change,” Lin Changshu noticed he was leaving after receiving the skewers and quickly called him back.

The young man had pulled out over an ounce of silver in two occasions. It was just a few tofu skewers – he didn’t need so much silver.

“Your tip, young man,” the boy didn’t even look back and walked away.

“Miss, give me three more.” A customer started to eat as soon as he got the skewers. The food was so delicious that he threw down another handful of copper coins without leaving.

“Hey, you’ve already eaten, and we haven’t gotten ours yet,” someone behind grumbled.

“There is, there is,” Lin Ziyin’s movements were quick. Fortunately, the stove was being fueled by wood, and the fire was burning so strong that the tofu was quickly ready.

The line to buy tofu gradually advanced, and many passersby joined after asking about it.

Many of these people were brilliantly dressed servants. Apparently, they came on behalf of their masters.

Business was surprisingly good so much so that all the tofu brought by the Lin family was sold out in less than two hours.

“Miss, when will you come again?” A person who hadn’t yet satisfied his craving asked.

“We’ll be back at the next market day.” Lin Ziyin replied.

“Bring more next time,” someone said.

“Of course,” Lin Ziyin nodded, “Actually, today’s tofu can also be made into tofu soup, or braised pork, or cooked with other ingredients. It tastes good and is nutritious.”

“Really? Then Miss, you must bring more next time. We want to cook at home,” someone joyfully said.

“Okay, but we can’t bring too much. After deducting the amount for Ding’an Temple, there’s really not much left,” Lin Ziyin explained.

“Miss, how about this? Tomorrow, when you deliver tofu to Ding’an Temple, bring me some too. I’ll come again tomorrow,” someone placed an order.

“Alright, I’ll ask my brother to bring more tomorrow. But we come early, so if you want some, you have to come early too,” Lin Ziyin reminded everyone.

“Fine, we’ll come early tomorrow,” someone answered loudly.

“Ziyin, I didn’t expect it to sell out so quickly,” Lin Zige said happily, holding Lin Ziyin’s arm.

“Our business will only get better. You just wait to count the silver,” Lin Ziyin replied with a laugh.

“Good sister, I’ll listen to you,” Lin Zige agreed enthusiastically, nodding continuously.

“With the silver, let’s also buy some clothes and bedding to take home,” Lin Ziyin took out the broken silver from the box, grabbed a handful of copper coins, and then gave the rest to the old grandfather, “Grandpa, you keep it.”

“Okay, I’ll look after the carriage, you go and have fun,” the old man said happily.

“Grandpa, I’ll deliver the stuff to the temple for safekeeping now. I’ll be back shortly,” Lin Changshu said.

Meanwhile, Wu Dayou had already neatly arranged the remaining firewood from the stove.

“Come, let’s buy some snacks for you,” Lin Ziyin poked Yanzhi’s nose and said with a smile.

“Sister,” the little kid sweet-talked.

“No, it’s ‘auntie.’ If you don’t call me ‘auntie’, there will be no snacks. And no new clothes to wear,” Lin Ziyin corrected him with a laugh.

Chapter 38 Order (2)_1 “Auntie.” The little one immediately corrected himself.

“You, always going whichever way the wind blows.” Lin Zige tapped the child’s forehead.

Lin Yanzhi didn’t care, his mind was set on delicious food and new clothes.

The three women and two kids entered the cloth store, and the shop assistant greeted them immediately.

“Sir, do you want fabric or ready-made clothes?” The assistant was polite and didn’t look down on them because of their outfits.

“Cotton fabric.” said Lin Ziyin with a smile.

“Hemp is better.” Guo Huiniang and Lin Zige said in unison.

“Cotton.” Lin Ziyin insisted. “I will also take leftover fabric if you have it.”

“We do have some, but the colors are a bit faded.” the assistant answered hesitantly.

“The color doesn’t matter.” Lin Ziyin insisted.

So, the assistant brought out two rolls of cotton fabric from the back, one in a deep aqua color, the other one looked nicer, but it was clear both had been through rain.

“As they’ve been through the rain, each roll is just a hundred copper coins.” the assistant said somewhat regretfully.

Lin Zige and Guo Huiniang were a bit unsure, a piece of good cotton fabric is not cheap, the least expensive ones cost two taels of silver. They didn’t expect these two rolls to be so affordable.

Thinking that cotton fabric is always better than hemp, when Lin Ziyin took out her silver for the purchase, neither of them tried to stop her.

“Two jin of maltose, please.” When they passed a sweet shop, Lin Ziyin noticed the envious looks of the two kids, so she cheerfully took out a copper coin to buy maltose and a jin of Guihua flaky pastry.

“You’re the one with a sweet tooth.” Seeing the extra treats and toys in her kid’s hands, Guo Huiniang felt somewhat embarrassed.

“Sister-in-law, they’re just children.” Lin Ziyin laughed and pulled Lin Yanzhi closer.

“Miss, are you buying meat?” The butcher who had a keen sight immediately recognized Lin Ziyin.

“We still have some at home.” Seeing Lin Ziyin’s interest, Lin Zige quickly tried to pull her away.

“Give me three jin of lard.” Lin Ziyin pointed at the lard on one side, “And two jin of lean meat. By the way, shopkeeper, why not give me these offcuts as well?”

“Sure, I’ll give them to you.” The butcher immediately agreed.

After Lin Ziyin paid the bill, she casually asked, “How much offcuts do you usually have left each day?”

“At least three portions.” The butcher happily replied.

After a brief moment of thought, Lin Ziyin suggested, “How about this, I’ll buy a whole portion of offcuts from you every day for five copper coins, alright?”

“Sure, why not.” The butcher laughed.

“Miss, I also have some left, do you want it?” another butcher nearby asked.

“Sure, how much do you have?” Lin Ziyin asked while looking at him.

“I usually have about three portions.”

“Okay, I’ll take them, but we need to make an agreement.” Lin Ziyin said, “Otherwise, if one day you don’t have any and I happen to need some, that will be a big loss for me.”

The two butchers were stunned. Someone wanted offcuts every day?

“How about we find someone to write up an agreement?” One of the butchers suggested. A portion of offcuts for fifteen copper coins was almost equal to the price of a jin of lean meat, so they really didn’t want to miss out on this good deal.

“Okay.” Lin Ziyin was secretly delighted. “Let’s agree for a month.”

After they found a literate hawker to write up the agreement, Lin Ziyin bought the offcuts from both butchers on the spot.

“This portion is free, as we agreed earlier. You only need to give me ten copper coins.” The first butcher shyly returned Lin Ziyin five copper coins, “My surname is Zhang, you can call me Big Brother Zhang. In case you need something, you can just ask for ‘Pig Meat Zhang’ on the left street, everyone knows me.”

“My surname is Wang, people call me Pig Meat Wang. We live not far from each other.” The remaining butcher was afraid he would lose out, so he also gave out his name.

“Understood.” Lin Ziyin nodded.

Chapter 39 – Entering the City (1)_1 Only after purchasing the things they needed, did Lin Ziyin and the others return home contentedly.

Once they arrived at where their ox cart was parked, they noticed that the old master, Lin Changshu, and others had been waiting for them in the shade of a tree. They hurriedly loaded their wares onto the cart and climbed aboard for the journey home.

Back at the house, Lin Zige and Guo Huiniang busied themselves preparing the meal, while Lin Ziyin and Lin Changshu attended to soaking the beans.

“I’ll return the cart,” said Wu Dayou with a grin.

“Come back for dinner in a bit,” instructed the old master.

“Absolutely no hesitation from me!” Wu Dayou replied with a hearty laugh.

“You rascal,” Lin Changshu said, patting Wu Dayou on the shoulder.

“After counting the money, we’re still left with one tael and seven hundred copper coins,” said the old master upon returning, diligently counting the silver once more.

“That much?” Lin Zige asked in surprise.

“Yes indeed. Including the money you spent, we’ve made a handsome profit of nearly two taels of silver today,” the old master said with satisfaction.

Guo Huiniang remained silent upon hearing this, but her face was wreathed in smiles.

If things continued this way, their living conditions would undoubtedly improve.

“Grandfather, I’d like to buy a larger millstone. The current one is too small and will inevitably become insufficient. Plus, it’s inappropriate to keep using other people’s millstones,” Lin Ziyin said.

Members of the Lin family were ecstatic about the money they had made that day, but for her—a former elite in the business world—such a sum held little significance. Besides, their earnings today were largely due to the young man’s generous tip.

“A wise decision, sister,” Lin Changshu agreed, nodding his head. As soon as they had some silver in their hands in the next couple of days, they’d buy a new millstone.

“Is anyone home?” Just then, someone knocked at the outside gate.

“It sounds like Shuanzhu,” Guo Huiniang said cheerfully, recognizing the familiar voice.

She spoke as she quickly darted out to unlock the gate.

Lin Ziyin looked up to see a simple-looking young man wearing patched clothing standing outside.

“Shuanzhu.” Guo Huiniang hugged him warmly.

“Sister,” the young man greeted with a laugh, allowing her to hug him, “Here’s what my parents asked me to bring. How’s Lin’s little sister, Ziyin? Has she recovered somewhat?”

As he was speaking, he raised his head to see Lin Ziyin, then smiling with a touch of embarrassment but obvious happiness, said, “Little sister Ziyin really does look much better.”

“Shuanzhu, come in and sit,” invited the old master.

“He’s your sister-in-law’s younger brother, Shuanzhu. You should call him Brother Shuanzhu,” Zige whispered to Lin Ziyin.

“Thank you for your concern. I am much better now,” Lin Ziyin responded politely to Shuanzhu, being unfamiliar with him.

“This is what my parents sent,” Shuanzhu replied, puzzled as he glanced at Lin Ziyin, “Why is Lin’s little sister being so formal all of a sudden? She used to barely say a word.”

To cover his embarrassment, he handed the basket he brought to Guo Huiniang.

“Why did you bring stuff?” asked the old master with a stern face.

“We don’t have much at home, but my parents wanted to bring something to help Little sister Ziyin recuperate,” Shuanzhu answered honestly, patting his forehead, “We heard about Ziyin’s condition from folks in your village, but we’ve been busy at home and hadn’t had the chance to visit.”

“Is everything taken care at home?” Guo Huiniang asked with concern.

“Everything is settled,” Shuanzhu replied.

“I’m back,” Wu Dayou announced as he strolled in, “Oh, young brother Shuanzhu is here, too.”

“Brother Wu!” Shuanzhu greeted Wu Dayou enthusiastically; it was clear they knew each other.

 

Chapter 40: Chapter 40 – Entering the City (2)_1 “Sister-in-law, everyone is here, and it’s getting late, let’s have dinner now.” Lin Ziyin spoke up.

“Ah.” Guo Huiniang quickly assented.

Since they had guests over, Lin Ziyin personally cooked some shredded pork noodles and fried some extra vegetable and egg dishes.

“What’s this?” Upon tasting the offal, Shuanzhu got a shock. Just a few days apart, he never expected his sister’s home to be serving an array of meats, and they tasted so good too.

“It’s just offal, nothing special.” Guo Huiniang said.

“How come there’s no gamey smell at all?” Shuanzhu asked curiously.

“I wouldn’t know how to cook it, this dish was prepared by Ziyin.” Guo Huiniang answered, smiling.

“I’m planning to make some more tomorrow, how about letting my brother sell it at the market?” Lin Ziyin asked.

“I think that should work.” Wu Dayou agreed, laughing, “The taste is remarkable. Even though offal isn’t a high-quality ingredient, no one out there could replicate this flavor.”

“I think it could work too.” Guo Shuanzhu nodded in agreement.

“Money.” Yanzhi, even without understanding the adults’ conversation, knew what ‘money’ meant.

“Sister, you can sell it.” Changting also voiced his opinion.

“While everyone is present, let me explain.” The elderly man paused before speaking, “The family’s current income is all thanks to Ziyin’s ideas. I’m not biased, the money earned is naturally Ziyin’s. But Ziyin is still part of the Lin family for now, so once you have money in hand, help your brothers and sisters a bit.”

Everyone paused upon hearing this. Shuanzhu did not know that the Lin family was still making tofu. After hearing the old man’s words, he agreed. They were all simple folks, and it was nice to discuss these things up front.

“Grandpa, rest assured. The money is all thanks to Ziyin’s efforts, we will not fight over it.” Lin Changshu, being the eldest in the family, immediately voiced his thoughts.

“Grandpa, we are the oldest, how could we fight with her?” Lin Zige looked at the old man with a touch of rebuke.

In her heart, Lin Ziyin admired her grandpa greatly and was also immensely grateful for her older brother and sister. In a poor farmer’s family, having such simple emotions was a rarity.

“Gramps.” She laughed, “What do I need money for? You’ve already said that I’m part of the Lin family. It’s my duty to contribute ideas for the family. Besides, I have a good head on my shoulders and might come up with many ways to make money in the future. Plus, it’s my brother and sister-in-law and sister who are working hard on our current businesses. So, for the tofu business and the braised meat, I wish that the earnings will belong to my brother and sister-in-law, sister, and Changting. Even though Changting is a little young, as the oldest, we should make room for him. I even want to send the two children to private school once we have more money in the future.”

“How can that be?” Lin Changshu was the first to disagree.

“That can’t happen, the idea of making money is clearly from our younger sister.” Guo Huiniang got anxious.

“I’m serious, I’m really not attached to these small businesses. If I come up with another money-making method in the future, perhaps I’ll selfishly keep it for myself.” Lin Ziyin said jokingly.

“A portion should still be yours.” Lin Changshu insisted.

“It’s rare to see you have such a heart. This will be the deal then, I’ll decide, you will have a share in the business. In the future, once you come up with a good money-making method, they aren’t allowed to participate.” The elder probably thought of the family’s current situation, and had the final say.

“In a few days, I’m thinking of taking the tofu and braised meat to explore the city.” Lin Ziyin added.

Everyone was stunned when they heard this.

“The city is nothing like the market and the journey is much longer. We don’t have a vehicle and have to rely on our legs, which is not convenient.” Lin Changshu hesitated before explaining.

“I was just saying, I was contemplating going into the city to find someone to make a set of tools.” Lin Ziyin explained with a smile.

She was not one with short-sightedness. While there are many people in the market, the number of blacksmiths was rather limited. Even if there was one or two, their craftsmanship could not meet her standards.

Hence, going to the city was inevitable.