Ch. 446..450: The Princess of Northern Land Chapter 446-450

Chapter 446: Chapter 446 - Evil Will Grind Evil(2)_1

Old Master Lin looked over upon hearing this and immediately saw the old lady lying on the ground.

Even though the Lin Family hadn’t had interactions with the He Family for many years, the old master recognized at a glance who the old lady laying on the ground was. As he recognized who was on the ground, the old master’s eyebrows creased slightly.

These people wouldn’t come here without a reason, and he would not be so foolish as to believe that the He Family had come all this way in a grand manner just to seek kinship.

"Since they are here to cause trouble, just send them away. Creating a scene at the door is always ominous," the old master said coldly.

"Yes, Old Master," Bai Jincheng replied respectfully, holding back a smile, "Go, brothers, drive these people a little further away."

"Uncle Lin, it’s us. I’m He Nian." He Nian’s eyes glowed when the old master came out. Despite many years of not visiting Lin Family, they had seen old master once when Lin Family had come to their house to deliver Silver.

Just as the old master recognized the old lady at first glance, He Nian, as the eldest child in the family, recognized who the old master was based on that one glance from the past.

Getting a pillow when tired, He Nian naturally didn’t want to miss this opportunity, "My mother is also here, but she was fainted by these ignorant doorkeepers. I say oh, for such lowly creatures that regard people with utter disdain, Uncle Lin ought to sell them off to avoid them causing trouble for the Lin Family in the future."

Blah-bla-bla, He Nian spoke a bunch, completely oblivious to the old master’s tightly knitted brows.

The old lady lying on the ground pretending to be fainted really wanted to wake up and give the old master a good scolding with her eldest son, but she wasn’t stupid enough to open her eyes directly.

"If it isn’t the father, I feel quite guilty for not having visited in so many years." He Zhen, observing the displeasure on Old Master Lin’s face, hurriedly stepped forward, feigning courtesy in his greeting, "Sister and brother-in-law are not home, we only found out recently. So as elders, we purposely came to visit today, thinking we should do something for our nephews and nieces."

His honest look and some sincere expression on his face.

Old Master Lin remained silent.

"We come as guests. Even if the Lin Family is wealthy, they can’t leave us, their guests, hanging in the open, can they?" He Bang didn’t have the leisurely spirit to indulge in small talk and reminiscence with Old Master Lin, he rolled his eyes at the old master, "We are maternal uncles and aunts to those children, and our mother is their maternal grandmother. What do you mean by stopping us?"

"Exactly," He Lian popped out, "We have come a long way and haven’t even had time to eat yet. Make sure to prepare some food for us quickly, we are starving. And, we are tired, too. Have your servants prepare rooms for us; don’t delay us." Once finished, she theatrically and coquettishly helped the old lady on the ground with the help of her sister-in-law Lian’s family.

The old lady took the opportunity to stand up with the help of her daughter-in-law and daughter, and then pretended to just wake up and looked around in perplexity. After standing steadily, her spirits immediately lifted, "Good job, old man Lin, is this how you treat your guests. Even the watch dogs are not well-behaved. You should quickly sell them all off, I can’t stand them."

Upon hearing the old lady compare themselves to watch dogs and objects, Bai Jincheng and the others really wanted to throw the old lady into the river. However, since the old master came out and had not spoken, they, as servants, naturally couldn’t step over their master to teach these impudent people a lesson.

"When you sold your daughter back then, you said that there would no longer be any connections between the He Family and the Lin Family. What right do you have to show up at our doorstep and boss the people of Lin around?" The old master Lin might seem silent and quiet, and look like a simple and honest farmer, but he could be quite tough in the face of real situations.

Chapter 447: Chapter 447 - Evil Will Grind Evil(3)_1

Before the tantrums of the He Family, he quietly watched, not sending anyone to inform Lin Ziyin in the side yard. Instead, he sternly chastised the old woman, "They have no relation to the Lin Family whatsoever. You have dealt with this well. If they make a fuss again, just kick them out."

"Yes, Master." Bai Jincheng responded, suppressing a chuckle.

So, they’re planning to just kick them out? There were no gates! Not only would the old woman disagree, but the likes of He Nian, who had come with hopes of wealth and comfort, wouldn’t agree to leave empty-handed.

"Oh God, this is unbearable!" When the old woman saw the master turning to re-enter the main compound, she immediately began wailing dramatically, "A grandmother can’t even see her own grandchildren, is there any justice left in this world? Has the Lin Family become so blinded by wealth that they no longer recognise their own kin? Are they trying to starve us out?"

When it came to making a scene, the old woman prided herself on outdoing almost anyone.

Besides, the Lin Family was now rich and certainly cared about their reputation. They surely wouldn’t allow her sob story to continue - in the end, it would be the Lin Family left in disgrace.

"Uncle Lin, our parents may have been harsh towards my sister back then. Over the years, they have deeply regretted their actions. Especially our father, he was still thinking about my sister before he died. They’ve long wanted to visit, but the travel was inconvenient, and they felt embarrassed to humble themselves before their younger generation. But upon hearing of my sister and her husband’s passing, mother packed some stuff just to see them. Uncle, we understand if you’re still angry with us. But for the sake of the children, and my mother’s feelings of guilt and longing, please let us see them," He Zhen pleaded earnestly.

"My poor grandchildren." The old woman, moved by her son’s words, changed the direction of her lamentation.

"Master Lin, we had no idea these were the He Family members." Lou Zheng and a group of others came over, having heard the loud wails of the old woman from far away. Considering they had shown them the way, Lou Zheng and his men felt somewhat embarrassed.

"Don’t worry about it. Even if you hadn’t guided them, they’d have come anyways." Master Lin waved his hand nonchalantly, "If they want to make a noise, let them."

"But...?" Lou Zheng was somewhat troubled, and those who came with him felt it was wrong to let the old woman continue with her disorderly behavior. After all, there were many clients coming to the Lin Family workshop every day. The shameless antics of the He Family might not bother them, but the people of Shili Village still cared about their reputation.

"Master Lin, why not let Ziyin take a look." Wu Erli suggested aloud. Everyone knew that Lin Ziyin was resourceful and determined. If she saw the He Family’s shameless antics, they wouldn’t get away scot-free.

"Yes, let Ziyin come out and have a look." Everyone chimed in.

"Ziyin is very busy, she doesn’t have time to deal with such trivial matters." The old man didn’t want Ziyin to be bothered. He knew that his granddaughter must be busy making crossbows in the side yard.

Compared to the old woman’s tantrums, undoubtedly making crossbows was more important.

After a thought, he firmly decided not to let anyone disturb Lin Ziyin.

Although Lou Zheng, Wu Erli, and the others didn’t understand why the old man insisted on not calling Ziyin, they guessed that she must be doing something important. So, everyone stopped mentioning Ziyin and turned an unfriendly gaze straight towards the He family.

"Say, you guys are really shameless!" Wu Erli was the first to speak directly, "We, in Shili Village, are well aware that you sold Aunt Lin off. I hear you demanded five silvers for her. How cruel to demand that much! And now, seeing the Lin Family’s prosperity, you’ve come to take advantage? Truly, you’ve hit a new low."

Chapter 448: Chapter 448 - Evil Will Grind Evil(4)_1

"Such a person, calling them cheap is an understatement. If it were someone else who sold their step-daughter, they wouldn’t have the nerve to show up again. Aunt Lin and Uncle Lin passed away several years ago, and they only show up now, hahaha, claiming they just got the news. I bet they only just found out that the Lin family has become rich." Another young man added with a smirk.

"In our Daqin, there’s a law. Anybody sold has no connection with their original family."

...

The villagers purposefully angered the He family with all kinds of harsh words.

"Get lost!" The old lady, bombarded by insults, suddenly became unhappy. She abruptly got up from the ground and glared at the villagers, "I’m here to see my grandson, what’s that got to do with you people? What about selling a daughter? When a daughter gets married, doesn’t the bride’s family ask for a dowry? The He family’s daughter is attractive, so what if we asked the Lin family for some extra dowry? Regardless, their kid is our grandson, no matter where we go, that’s an unbreakable bond." The old lady was indeed fierce, quickly finding an argument that favored herself.

"Even if the elders have made some mistakes, how can the younger generation hold it against them? Disrespecting elders is punishable by law, and cursed by the heavens." An Family had their eyes set on the courtyard ahead.

"Mom, will we be living in this big courtyard from now on?" An Family’s two children asked in envy as they admired the courtyard.

"Mmm, we will be moving into the courtyard to look after your grandmother." He Nian replied as if it was a given.

The people of Shili Village had never seen such shameless people. Everyone was glaring at the He family with murderous looks.

However, the He family, blinded by greed, didn’t notice the hostility of the villagers.

"You all better bring the stuff and follow me into the house." The old Mrs. He glared at He Bang, and naturally issued her orders.

When the village crowd saw how shameless she was, they gasped in surprise.

The old woman ignored the public opinion, leading the way towards the Lin family’s main entrance with her head held high.

It wasn’t that she was brave and fearless of Bai Jincheng, it was just that she had a twisted logic. Now that the Lin family had become prominent, they certainly cared about their image. They would not dare touch her, an elderly woman, in the presence of so many villagers. On the other hand, if Lin’s servants actually dared to lay a hand on her, she could take the injury to the government offices and sue Lin Changshu for being disrespectful and unfilial.

No matter which way she looked at it, Mrs. He thought it worked in her favor.

Bai Jincheng and the others barricaded the main entrance, but no one dared to raise a hand. Given that Elder Lin was present, they could not dare to make a move.

"Why are you all here?" Just as the old lady was persistently harassing them, He Dingyu arrived. She was with a group of village girls, her face twisted in anger.

"You brat, who are you talking to?" On seeing her niece, who was of similar age, He Lian immediately got on her nerves. Especially considering He Dingyu now dressed and ate well in the Lin family, her complexion had improved and her face had become rounder, giving off a delicate and attractive aura.

He Lian, reflecting on her own dark skin and sturdy build, felt jealousy spreading like wildfire. She rushed over to He Dingyu in a few strides, cursing dirtily, "You little wretch! Don’t you know how to greet your elders and yet you dare disrespect them. Let’s see how I teach you a lesson."

With that said, she lifted her hand, ready to slap He Dingyu in the face.

Chapter 449: Chapter 449 - Evil Will Grind Evil(5)_1

"Elder, are you, worthy of it?" He Dingyu had been at the Lin family for more than half a year, practicing martial arts and learning characters with the villagers every day, and she was no longer the timid girl she used to be. Seeing He Lian’s slap coming at her, she certainly wouldn’t stand there and let He Lian hit her.

"Let me go, you worthless little wench." He Lian’s palm was grabbed by He Dingyu, which infuriated her, freeing her other hand to slap He Dingyu’s face again.

He Dingyu was somewhat impatient, having lived with He Lian for so long, she knew her personality, so she reached out with her other hand, pushing both of He Lian’s arms back, causing He Lian to cry out in pain, "You damn girl, have you grown a leopard’s gallbladder? Ouch, my arm. Brothers, are you all dead?"

Among the three He brothers, He Bang was the most impulsive. Seeing He Lian at a disadvantage, he charged at He Dingyu.

He didn’t care that He Dingyu was his niece, he raised his fist and aimed for He Dingyu’s chest. If He Dingyu couldn’t dodge the punch, she was bound to be seriously injured. Moreover, a man hitting a young girl’s chest, no matter how you look at it, seemed vulgar.

Everyone in Shilitun was familiar with the He family and got along well with them. Seeing He Bang’s shameless actions, not only were many men itching to step forward and beat him, even the girls who followed He Dingyu were grinding their teeth wanting to hit someone.

In fact, someone did step forward to help He Dingyu.

This person was none other than Wu Erli.

Wu Erli was the first to practice martial arts with the Lin Family, and his skills were naturally good. Seeing He Bang’s fist about to land on He Dingyu, he stepped forward and with one kick, only one kick, he knocked He Bang to the ground.

No matter how tough He Bang was, in the end, he was just an ordinary man. How could he withstand his kill-intent-filled kick? Although Wu Erli didn’t aim for his vital parts, He Bang still coughed up blood after being kicked.

"Ayo." The kick in the crotch was heavy, causing He Bang to roll around on the ground.

"Murderer, God damn it, I’ll fight you to the death." He’s grandma initially thought that her second son was just pretending to lie on the ground to avoid getting up, but as He Bang spat out fresh blood, she realized something was wrong.

Seeing the painfully distorted face of their second brother, and He Lian restrained by He Dingyu, He Nian and He Zhen felt their hearts beating rapidly.

"Scram." With one swift movement, He Dingyu threw He Lian onto the ground.

"Mother, that little wench wants to kill." He Lian, who had never suffered before, was now crying with a ruined face.

"You incestuous husband and wife, I’ll fight you to the death." While shouting, He’s grandma genuinely wanted to attack them.

"If you’re not afraid of dying, try me." He Dingyu said coldly, looking at her, as Wu Erli also stared at her indifferently.

Seductive Lian Family woman felt that things were not looking good, so she quickly pulled the old woman back, all the while threatening, "If you hurt people, we’ll report you to the government offices."

"You’re young and reckless, mingling with a wild man." He Nian stepped forward to scold He Dingyu in an elder’s tone.

"Who are you calling a wild man?" Wu Erli’s face darkened when someone inexplicably labeled him with a title he did not want to hear.

He Dingyu also blushed in anger.

"Still dare to quibble, if he’s not a wild man, would he help you?" He Nian pointed at Wu Erli angrily, but his eyes carried a hint of wariness towards Wu Erli.

"What wild man? Wu Erli is engaged to Miss He." Before Wu Erli and He Dingyu could speak, many villagers immediately voiced their disapproval.

Chapter 450: Chapter 450 - Evil Will Grind Evil(6)_1

Indeed, at the beginning of spring, Lou Zheng and his wife had sent someone to propose marriage to the He Family. The He Family also agreed to the match, so Wu Erli and He Dingyu were indeed engaged. It was perfectly reasonable for Wu Erli to come to the aid of his fiancee.

"Uncle Lou Zheng, aren’t you going to stand up for your future daughter-in-law?" A few of Dingyu’s close friends giggled, rallying Dingyu from the side.

Under normal circumstances, since both families were simply engaged and not married, Lou Zheng, as the future father-in-law, should not be the one to intervene.

However, Lou Zheng, not wanting his future daughter-in-law to be bullied, concurred with the girls, "Since she is engaged to us, she is part of the Wu Family, and no one should bully her."

"Exactly, Erli, if anyone dares to bully Ayu, give him a good thrashing." Before Lou Zheng could instruct his son, his wife, hearing the conversation, instructed Wu Erli first.

"Mother, I understand." Wu Erli responded to his mother with a smile, then glanced at He Dingyu a bit shyly.

He Dingyu, seeing that Lou Zheng, his wife and the man she was engaged to were all present, blushed at the thought of how fiercely she had just reacted.

"Ayu, don’t be afraid. Those brazen fools deserved to be beaten. Do they not know that the people of Shili Village aren’t so easily bullied?" His wife arrogantly remarked, showing full support for He Dingyu.

"Oh dear, the people in Shili Village have surely bullied someone to death. Lin Changshu, you monster! Are you just going to stand idly by while we’re beaten to death by your villagers?" The elderly Mrs. He, seeing that after all her ruckus, there was only old Mr. Lin present from the Lin Family and that none of the younger members were around, was even more riled up.

Old Mr. Lin was of her age group, and her tantrum wouldn’t do much to him. But if Lin Changshu and the others showed up, it would be different. She could easily overwhelm them with her authority as an elder.

"Mother, please stop making a fuss. Changshu and his gang have it tough too. We should speak with big brother instead. When you see big brother and his family later, don’t make things difficult for them." He Zhen playing the good guy, earnestly tried to calm the old lady down.

He Dingyu, watching this from the sidelines, merely sneered without uttering a word. Had she not been oppressed by the He family over the years, perhaps she might have been deceived by He Zhen’s seemingly kind demeanor. Although the rest of the He family was repugnant, the person she despised the most was none other than He Zhen standing before her.

He Zhen, despite being the uncle, was in fact younger than his elder brother by two years. At first glance, he seemed quiet and fair in his dealings, but deep down he was rotten through and through. As the youngest son of the He family, their mother adored him, and many of the family’s misdeeds were his idea, executed by his mother.

He Dingyu was convinced that the main reason her father was so badly mistreated stemmed from He Zhen’s involvement.

"No way, why should I leave? I need to see for myself just how black-hearted Lin Changshu and his siblings are." The elderly Mrs. He was determined to get a piece of the pie and would not listen to reason.

"Third brother, don’t interfere." He Lian, crying while she got up from the ground, glared fiercely at He Dingyu--the bold girl. Surprisingly, after leaving the He family looking sickly and thin, she had found a good match. Remembering this, He Lian surreptitiously glanced at Wu Erli who was protecting He Dingyu. He Lian’s eyes glittered for a moment before she said, "This girl forgets her place. The Lin boys and girls must have been instigated by her to avoid us. It serves her right to be punished severely by mother today."

"Mother is already confused, are you going to follow in her footsteps?" He Zhen rebuked He Lian loudly.