Ch. 401..405: The Princess of Northern Land Chapter 401-405

Chapter 401: Chapter 401 Fire Bull Formation(6)_1

Si Jinhan scrunched up his nose in silence, and immediately stopped whispering ill of Lin Ziyin behind her back.

The meal concluded in a relaxed and joyful atmosphere. The merchants took their own required goods with Lin Family’s unique credentials, all volunteering to take their leave to restock.

The Lin Family’s residence became quiet once again.

"What news have you gathered?" Chu Suifeng asked directly after returning to Lin Ziyin’s study.

Luo Yan glanced at Lin Ziyin in the room and fell silent.

"I’ll excuse myself for a moment." Lin Ziyin was not naive. Seeing Luo Heng’s reaction, she knew he didn’t trust her and immediately offered to step out.

"She’s one of us; speak plainly." Chu Suifeng prodded impatiently, grabbing Lin Ziyin’s arm as she was about to leave.

At those words, Luo Yan was momentarily taken aback.

Si Jinhan’s facial expression turned even more solemn, the Prince was not a man to be taken lightly, his words clearly held a deeper meaning.

Despite Chu Suifeng’s complete trust, Lin Ziyin did not appreciate it. Having clear understanding of her abilities, if she were a man, and born into nobility at that, she wouldn’t hide her talents. But as it stands, being a poor woman, involving her in political affairs, she believed, might not be good for the Lin family.

"Sit down." Chu Suifeng didn’t give Lin Ziyin the chance to refuse, dragging her down beside him, then coldly regarded Luo Yan.

Luo Yan and Si Jinhan both inwardly flinched. For many years, they hadn’t seen Chu Suifeng look at them with such eyes. Normally, those cold-eyed glances were reserved for enemies. Today, Luo Yan’s unintentional words had evidently touched a raw nerve in Chu Suifeng.

"Prince." Lin Ziyin was annoyed as Chu Suifeng’s firm grasp kept her there.

"In Tatar, although the Second Prince Alhatu disagrees with the aggressive expansionist plans put forth by the Crown Prince, the Monarch of the North Country supports the Crown Prince, moreover, the Crown Prince is advised by the State Preceptor, and there is much support for him in the Imperial Court. A spy in Feng City has leaked the shortage of military funds and supplies in the Northern Land, now, the State Preceptor and the Crown Prince are training troops for a winter assault." Having established Lin Ziyin as a trusting party by the Prince, Luo Yan did not hesitate to share the intelligence he acquired. "According to the spies, the State Preceptor is currently practicing the Fire Bull Formation."

After airily sharing the information he obtained, Luo Yan stopped talking and took a sip from his cup.

Lin Ziyin, who initially struggled to leave and was somewhat angry at Chu Suifeng’s forceful restraint, sat down silently after hearing Luo Yan’s words.

The Lin Family couldn’t do without the Northern Land, the survival and changes in the Northern Land directly affected the Lin Family’s development. And Chu Suifeng was her business partner. For both public and private reasons, Lin Ziyin didn’t want any trouble in the Northern Land, or...

At this thought, she glanced at Chu Suifeng, hoping even more so that there would be no mishap with Chu Suifeng, the ruler of the Northern Land.

"A trained ox isn’t scared of loud drumming or firecrackers. With its thick hide, stout horns, and sturdy hooves, it will surely prove a tough fight." Luo Yan stated with some concern.

"What the Tatars have in abundance is oxen, a herd of trained oxen, effectively equate to a group of valiant soldiers." All mirth disappeared from Si Jinhan’s face, replaced with absolute seriousness. "I once sent someone to observe their training, ordinary weapons don’t even scratch them, instead, those who attack end up dead beneath their hooves, enraged by their assailants."

 

Chapter 402: Chapter 402 Fire Bull Formation(7)_1

"Fire Bull Formation?" Lin Ziyin lowered her head in silence, though her mind was carefully considering how to break it. It seemed that this formation had been used in history.

"Jurchen?" Lin Ziyin thought, her mind stirred up. She recalled a conversation with a modern friend discussing ancient formations; they had mentioned the impressive aspects of the Fire Bull Formation and the Jurchen Iron Cavalry Formation.

Chu Suifeng was in serious trouble this time. Knowing the severity of the Fire Bull Formation, Lin Ziyin sighed quietly.

"The Tatars’ horses are better than ours in the Northern Land, and they excel in mounted warfare. If they engage us with the Fire Bull Formation, we might have a tough time responding," said Si Jinhan, his expression unwelcoming. Luo Yan gave out a soft sigh. "Prince, let Mr. Situ think of a solution. If worst comes to worst, we could consider assassinating." Luo Yan added with bloodthirsty eyes, gesturing a throat slit.

"The State Preceptor has gathered quite a number of martial artists from Central region under his wing. Don’t dream," said Chu Suifeng nonchalantly, "Girl, what do you think?"

Suddenly, he casualy looked at Lin Ziyin, indicating her to answer. His demeanor was as relaxed as if they were having an everyday conversation.

"Miss Lin, do you have a solution?" Si Jinhan’s eyes sparkled, his burning gaze fixed on Lin Ziyin.

Lin Ziyin shook her head, "I’m just a country girl..."

"Don’t forget the Lin Family is in the Northern Land, as is your workshop." Chu Suifeng cut her off, smiling, "Would you be willing to let my soldiers fall into the hands of the Tatars?"

The first part of his statement was a threat, while the latter appealed to her sympathy.

Lin Ziyin kept quiet, her mind continually weighing the pros and cons. It wasn’t about whether she wished to involve herself in Chu Suifeng’s military affairs. The situation was compelling her to partake.

Chu Suifeng was right. The Lin Family was forever rooted in the Northern Land; she had to consider her family’s safety. Not that she was boasting, but the ancient weapons were outdated due to compositional issues. Many of them weren’t sturdy enough to withstand the Fire Bull Formation, with its durable hide and powerful charge. If a war broke out, Chu Suifeng’s soldiers would likely be at a disadvantage.

If Chu Suifeng, the overlord, were to suffer substantial damage, she as a commoner would have it worse. Where else could she find peace?

"We’re not entirely without solutions." Having thought it through, Lin Ziyin calmly responded, "I can tell you how to break the formation, but as for the crossbow, I must make it myself."

"You’re making another crossbow?" Chu Suifeng and Si Jinhan grinned. This time, it seemed like they had hit a jackpot.

Luo Yan was unfamiliar with Lin Ziyin’s capabilities, but seeing Chu Suifeng’s and Si Jinhan’s reactions, he was slightly taken aback and re-evaluated Lin Ziyin.

"To break this formation, one must start by understanding the pros and cons of the Fire Bull Formation," said Lin Ziyin. No longer holding back, she beamed with life, her whole being radiated with confidence.

"The Fire Bulls’ thick skin and horns, coupled with their robust hooves, make them powerful and lethal," began Lin Ziyin, explaining the advantages.

Luo Yan listened intently, even though he knew the formation’s pros and cons.

"To break it, we must first have sufficient weaponry," continued Lin Ziyin. "The weapons you currently have easily break. If we don’t replace them, we’re doomed in this war."

"Do you have a solution?" Si Jinhan was all smiles as he asked.

"I wouldn’t consider myself a blacksmith, but I can offer some advice to your craftsmen," a good mechanic would be deeply familiar with the materials they used. Lin Ziyin was clearly an excellent mechanic, given her familiarity with alloys and military blades. She might not be able to forge weapons herself, but she had a wealth of professional knowledge to share.

Without taking any notice of Si Jinhan and Luo Yan’s curious looks, Lin Ziyin quickly wrote some technical terms on a piece of parchment. To help Chu Suifeng and the others understand, she even provided careful explanations.

"Will weapons forged with this, cut metal as if it were mud?" Si Jinhan pointed to the word ’nickel’ and questioned, his tone filled with irony. He felt a bit wronged and irritated; he was a well-educated man even if he hadn’t sat the imperial examination in the capital city. Yet, he could barely understand what Lin Ziyin had explained, and to make matters worse, there were some words he couldn’t even recognize.

"If crafted well, it won’t turn metal into mud, but it should easily cut through all the weapons you have," Lin Ziyin answered in a plain tone. The secret she shared with Chu Suifeng was the method to craft the famous modern Damascus steel, a proven commodity on the battlefield. "To prevent rusting, it is best to coat the weapon surface with chromium."

Both nickel and chromium were metals that Chu Suifeng and his companions were hearing about for the first time. Lin Ziyin’s suggestion left them exchanging baffled looks, yet filled with a certain anticipation. Perhaps, the rise of the Northern Land was indeed starting that day.

Chapter 403: Chapter 403 Wheat Harvest(1)_1

Nickel and Chromium are quite rare metals in nature. Concerned that Chu Suifeng and the others would not recognize them, Lin Ziyin carefully described the properties, appearance, and natural environment of the two metals.

Chu Suifeng, Si Jinhan, and Luo Yan listened attentively. In order to remember more firmly, the three of them took notes as Lin Ziyin spoke.

"With the weapons in hand, how do you plan to break the Fire Bull Formation?" Si Jinhan asked with a trace of respect.

"In the Fire Bull Formation, you must first stop the advance of the bulls, then only you can stop the advance of the men," Lin Ziyin replied, then started sketching on a piece of paper. "When a bull starts running, it moves very fast. Relying on human strength to block it is pointless. To completely stop a bull from causing harm, you must first break its hooves."

The principles she mentioned were known to everyone present. There was no surprise on their faces when Lin Ziyin gave her answer. However, when they saw the unique weapon Lin Ziyin had drawn, they all stood up in surprise.

This weapon, similar to a long axe, was something they had never seen before.

"It is summer now, and there is still some time before winter," Lin Ziyin analyzed. "We can use this time to train some soldiers to lead the charge. I believe there is still enough time."

The long axe was a revised version, effective for both attack and defence.

Luo Yan and Si Jinhan, who had battlefield experience, didn’t dare to underestimate Lin Ziyin after seeing the weapon drawings.

"Regardless of the formation method, the real power lies in the people. The Tatars have strong soldiers and sturdy horses. Compared to them, our soldiers and horses are at a disadvantage," Lin Ziyin spoke thoughtlessly, not caring about the others’ reactions.

Chu Suifeng kept smiling as he watched the young woman. For him, the stronger Lin Ziyin was, the happier he was. After all, he was the one who had chosen Lin Ziyin.

"Situations on the battlefield are ever-changing. Carelessness can lead to unpredictable consequences. Instead of letting the chief commander tightly control all the soldiers, it’s better to let the units act independently. Of course, the leading role of the commander must not be overlooked," Lin Ziyin, still heedless of their expressions, started explaining her approach of dividing to conquer.

The so-called dividing to conquer means forming each unit into a small entity. In this entity, the weapons used by the soldiers would vary, including long spears, long knives, simple knives, knife formations, long hook spears, and the long axe. This is the loose formation historically advocated by Yue Fei, also known as the Seven Star Formation.

The Jurchen cavalry in the North Song Dynasty and the Tatar cavalry in the North Country have similarities, both are good at horsemanship and have formidable forces. Therefore, to win against mighty opponents, we must have surprise strategies to counter them.

"One kind of formation is definitely not enough. We must also adjust the formation according to the battlefield situation," Lin Ziyin continued confidently, as though a different spirit had taken over her.

The more Si Jinhan and the others listened, the more astonished they became. The thirty-six strategies Lin Ziyin had spoken about were enough to astound them. Today’s battle formations opened their eyes even wider. Chu Suifeng, Si Jinhan, and Luo Yan were experts in leading an army, but what Lin Ziyin discussed today was a unique theory that they had never heard before. The three were entranced.

"The specific execution will still depend on the commander’s leadership and response to the battlefield. Of course, these are just a few little ideas from me. I can only provide Prince with a few references. How exactly to proceed, I think the Prince already has his strategies," Lin Ziyin modestly stated in the end, conceding back into her persona of a humble female farmer.

Chu Suifeng watched her with a smile, having a general idea of what she was thinking. As he gradually discovered more, Lin Ziyin continued to astound him. Chu Suifeng realized he had unearthed a gem. There was no better choice than Lin Ziyin for Prince’s wife.

Chapter 404: Chapter 404 Wheat Harvest(2)_1

"Please, Prince, send me the materials for making crossbows, and I will personally make some for you. However, there’s something I want to clarify first," Lin Ziyin said in a low voice, avoiding eye contact with Chu Suifeng.

"Hmm." Chu Suifeng’s expression and tone were indifferent.

"I hope that no one disassembles the crossbows I make. I will design mechanisms into them, equipped with poisoned needles. If anyone tries to take them apart, they will be injured by the poison," Lin Ziyin managed to say while holding her breath, unsure if her words would anger Chu Suifeng.

Even if it angered the Prince, she still felt the need to say it. She didn’t want others to steal the fruits of her labor. Most importantly, the continuous-firing crossbows had a long range, and anyone hit by the arrows would more than likely lose their life.

Having been stationed in a military camp, Lin Ziyin had witnessed the life-and-death struggles on battlefields. Despite her kindness, she distinguished right from wrong clearly. Any mercy towards the enemy in battle was, in fact, cruelty towards oneself and one’s comrades.

There was no middle ground in this situation! In this ancient age of cold weaponry, she wasn’t interested in hearing about humanitarian principles or sparing innocent civilians. Once a battlefield was entered, the two opposing sides have to vie for victory, and in order to ensure their own triumph, they must be willing to sacrifice the lives of the enemy.

"Why?" Si Jinhan’s face hardened, "If your crossbows are superior, why not allow the people of Tianji Building to learn from you? It would also expedite the process."

"If the Third Prince insists on having others work with me, I regret that I simply can’t agree," Lin Ziyin coldly rejected, her attitude turning stubborn.

"Stubborn." Si Jinhan was livid.

Lin Ziyin was even angrier. Si Jinhan was a damn annoying pest who really thought he could push her about. If he dared to provoke her further, she would do nothing at all. If Tatars were to invade, she would only have to strengthen their defenses and prepare more defensive weapons for the people on her estate. Worse comes to worst, she could take her family and flee. She didn’t believe that she wouldn’t be able to find a foothold with her abilities.

There were plenty of mountains and forests. In extremity, she could take her family and servants and hide deep in the mountains. Given the abundant resources there, could a large group of them starve?

"Don’t think about leaving me behind," Chu Suifeng’s gaze changed, his voice icy. This ungrateful girl wanted to abandon him after just a few pressing words from Si Jinhan. Did she not care at all about the camaraderie they’d shared these past days? "Do as you wish. If you don’t want anyone to disassemble them, you can put in the deadliest poison needles."

He was agreeing to her terms. Lin Ziyin suddenly lifted her head.

Chu Suifeng kept his eyes on her, his face solemn with a hint of hurt.

Hurt? Lin Ziyin was taken aback and touched her nose, suspecting she might have overreacted a bit.

"No one under the heavens can force you to do something you don’t want to. If they dare to, this prince will be the first to object," Chu Suifeng met her eyes and said deliberately, word by word.

What did he mean? Was that a promise? Lin Ziyin could understand each word, but when they were strung together, she seemed to lose their meaning.

Si Jinhan and Luo Yan were taken aback upon hearing this, their gazes towards Lin Ziyin fraught with complexity.

Lin Ziyin did not dwell on Chu Suifeng’s words; or rather, she didn’t want to think too deeply about them. She would interpret it as Chu Suifeng showing her respect due to their business partnership for now.

"I’ll give another blueprint to the Prince, which can be used to instruct the engineers at Tianji Building to start making ballistas as soon as possible. On the battlefield against the Fire Bull Formation, they can also be of certain use," Lin Ziyin magnanimously offered.

Chapter 405: Chapter 405 Wheat Harvest(3)_1

"What makes your ballista different?" Si Jinhan asked seriously. Speaking of the ballista, Tianji Building had already made them a while ago, but because the ballista was not convenient enough, and the angle could not be adjusted at will, its role on the battlefield was not significant.

"The ballista I designed is slightly different from what you currently have. Once the Third Son hands the blueprints to the craftsmen at Tianji Building, they will explain the difference to you." Lin Ziyin replied indifferently.

Chu Suifeng glanced at Si Jinhan impassively.

Immediately Si Jinhan fell silent, unable to resist a bitter smile in his heart. The Prince’s ignorance towards the matters of men and women gives his many aides a bit of a headache. The Prince is already twenty, the Wang Residence needs not only a lady of the house but also a successor.

The Prince’s inner court is filled with numerous women, with several high-ranking consorts. However, it was regrettable that everyone around Si Jinhan knew that most of these women were spies sent by the Emperor or others. The prince had never spent a night at the residence of any woman, and, certainly, none of them had ever caught his eye.

Now, Chu Suifeng has found his beloved, but sadly, in the Prince’s heart, this beloved person surpasses all those who follow the Prince. Thinking of this, Si Jinhan felt somewhat bitter.

Lin Ziyin concentrated on drawing the ballista, and then handed it to Chu Suifeng.

Upon viewing the designs, Chu Suifeng was greatly shocked. Even though he was not a craftsman, looking at the blueprint, he was amazed. Lin Ziyin’s design for the ballista had completely transformed the original bulky design and also increased the shooting range of the crossbow.

"It’s too hot out. Remember to have a servant do whatever needs to be done." Chu Suifeng reminded her.

"I know." Lin Ziyin responded somewhat awkwardly. Weren’t they just discussing weapons? How did Chu Suifeng change the subject so quickly? She wasn’t used to this!

Both Si Jinhan and Luo Yan were shocked to see that Chu Suifeng behaved tenderly towards Lin Ziyin, something they could hardly believe. It’s been a long time since they had seen the prince smile at anyone, showing a worried and caring expression. This feeling was quite peculiar. However, Si Jinhan and Luo Yan didn’t find it offensive.

"Please have the timber delivered here as soon as possible." Lin Ziyin urged.

"Mmm." Chu Suifeng responded casually.

Given the tense situation at the border, Chu Suifeng and Si Jinhan didn’t have time to linger at the Lin Residence. After they obtained the blueprints and noted the training methods, they hurriedly left to prepare.

Once Chu Suifeng and the others had left, Lin Ziyin sat alone in the study, letting out a long sigh. Being a person was tiring. Both action and inaction had their own advantages and disadvantages. She didn’t want to make a big show, but circumstances often forced her to boldly forge ahead. Could it be because she was too indecisive, or perhaps too emotional?

"Miss, Cui Da has asked if we should hire more people to harvest the wheat?" Hong Ying respectfully asked. Ever since the last incident, she genuinely cared for Lin Ziyin. Her total submission could be seen in her work. Lately, many tasks that Lin Ziyin didn’t even need to mention were being handled by Hong Ying and Lun Luo proactively. When faced with unresolved decisions, they would always seek Lin Ziyin’s guidance.

The two women were getting along just fine, causing Lin Ziyin to treat them more warmly than before.

"Start harvesting tomorrow, and some things still need to be prepared." Lin Ziyin came out of her thoughts, "As for manpower, we can hire some from the market."

Every worker in the house was busy. Vegetable gardening was an everyday task that required constant attention. Fields had more than just wheat; corn, soybeans, and rice also required care. Lin Ziyin found that if they really were going to harvest the wheat, they would indeed need to hire temporary workers.