Ch. 466..470: The Princess of Northern Land Chapter 466-470
Chapter 466: Chapter 466: Risky Move(1)_1
"There’s always a way to get rid of it." Lady You spoke coldly, growing increasingly disappointed with her husband. He had no decision-making ability, and in the face of adversity, he could only scream and yell. But when presented with benefits, he would be more proactive than anyone.
"What way?" Li Jiesong’s face was gloomy, "If we don’t sell the shop to get Silver to cover the costs, Lord Hei is not someone we can trifled with. Even my father, if he finds out we’re selling grain, he won’t let us off the hook."
He emphasized the word "us" to remind Lady You that if as the head of family he gets into trouble, she won’t be able to escape. Perhaps even the entire You Residence might be implicated.
Even without Li Jiesong’s reminder, Lady You was aware of this, and she thought even further. She was certain that once Marquis Li found out about their grain trading with the You Residence, he would sacrifice the You Residence first.
After all, the trading of grain in the Northern Land was a big deal. As the son-in-law of Chu Suifeng, Marquis Li wouldn’t dare or want to be used as a stepping-stone, causing Prince Ling and the Li Residence to lose favor.
"I’ll go to the gambling house tomorrow." After thinking it through, Lady You made her decision.
"You want to use Lord Hei to deal with the grain?" Li Jiesong looked at Lady You as if he’d seen a ghost.
"Yes." Lady You answered calmly. Gradually, a large quantity of grain had already been brought in from outside. If they sold it at the price Chu Suifeng had required, the loss in Silver Taels would be something neither she nor the You Residence could bear.
With no other options, they could only seek a way out from the brutal Lord Hei, who ran the gambling house. It was said that Lord Hei was a notorious bandit in the Northern Land. Many of his subordinates were highly skilled, constantly trading between Feng City, North Country, and the surrounding small countries. Such a person should ostensibly not be favored by Chu Suifeng or the Monarch of the North Country, yet, to everyone’s surprise, Lord Hei’s power was firmly established in the Northern Land. Even in a closely-guarded place like Feng City, Lord Hei’s business thrived.
Lady You didn’t put much thought into matters that others couldn’t understand. She was only thinking about how to convince Lord Hei to take over her grain business.
"And if Lord Hei refuses, what do you plan to do?" Li Jiesong was conflicted. He feared that doing business with Lord Hei was like asking a tiger for its skin, yet he hoped that Lady You could genuinely persuade him to take over their mess. On the other hand, he didn’t want to face Lord Hei personally.
Li Jiesong had a comprehensive plan. If Lord Hei agreed to take over and an unforeseen problem arose, he could lay the blame on Lady You.
"If Lord Hei definitely refuses, I’ll think of another way." Lady You glanced at him, guessing his guarded motives. However, as his wife, facing such a cowardly husband made her feel rather uncomfortable. She didn’t want Li Jiesong to have it so easy, so she deliberately asked, "Won’t you come with me to the gambling house tomorrow?"
Li Jiesong was taken aback upon hearing this, then awkwardly responded, "It’s better not to put all our eggs in one basket. I’ll look elsewhere for other possible solutions."
"Sure." Lady You responded, with a hint of sarcasm in her voice.
Li Jiesong’s expression suddenly turned awkward. He knew he was being unfair, but people are naturally selfish, so there’s no harm in him considering his own interests, right?
The residences of Mei Hanqing and Yuan Yanzhao were very beautiful and sufficiently large.
After Lady Mei and others entered the residence, they found it had been thoroughly cleaned by the servants and the furniture and calligraphy inside were very valuable.
"The Prince has been very thoughtful." Lady Mei said, appreciatively touching a table.
Chapter 467: Chapter 467: Risky Move(2)_1
"The Prince inherited the Empress Dowager’s temperament." Mei Hanqing answered.
Madam Mei thought of that smart and beautiful figure from the past, her eyes becoming misty. Back then, the Empress Dowager was the most famous talented woman in the world. Not only was she gifted, but also beautiful. No wonder both the late emperor and the current emperor were deeply fond of her. Yet, such a kind-hearted woman met such a tragic end. It indeed confirmed the ancient saying, ’there is no kindness in the imperial household’.
If Prince Ling becomes powerful in the Northern Land, would he also become heartless like the emperor?
At this thought, Madam Mei sighed melancholically, dampening her joy of moving into the new house.
"You do not need to worry." Mei Hanqing softly comforted his wife, "The Prince’s temperament is like the Empress Dowager’s and is completely unlike the emperor’s. He wouldn’t be heartless. If we delve deeper, our Mei Family is here to repay a favor."
Madam Mei did not speak, she just gripped the large hand that reached out to her, "No matter what you do, I will always follow. My only hope is that in the end, the Mei family can have a good outcome."
"Father." In this moment of melancholy, Mei Junrui and his two brothers came to greet their parents.
Mei Hanqing and Madam Mei looked at them, their hearts instantly warmed.
"Have everything been arranged?" Mei Hanqing asked. All three sons were proficient in both civil and military virtues. For many years, he took great pains to cultivate them, with the aim of having them shield and shelter the Prince in the Northern Land.
"Yes, father, don’t worry. Everyone has been arranged properly." Mei Junrui answered respectfully.
Mei Hanqing nodded with satisfaction. He had done well in educating his children. None of them opposed his decision to move to the Northern Land. Even their daughters-in-law had no complaints.
A harmonious home can build a strong nation. What else could he be dissatisfied with?
"My lord, should I go to the Wang Residence tomorrow to deliver the card?" Madam Mei asked tentatively.
"No need." Mei Hanqing shook his head, "The Prince has said that we should not get close to those women in the backyard of the Wang Residence. Even if you meet them, just mind your own business. If they try to take advantage of you, there’s no need to maintain their face."
Madam Mei opened her eyes wide in surprise.
"Those are just things sent by the officials and nobility in the Capital City." Mei Hanqing sighed. It would be somewhat rebellious if this was heard outside. After all, although there was no main consort in the Wang Residence, there were several consorts, most of whom were legitimate daughters or second daughters from notable families in the Capital City.
The Prince’s attitude towards them was actually so indifferent?
"If you have time, you can visit the Luo Family, Wu Family, and Si Family more often." Mei Hanqing instructed.
"Shouldn’t I go to the Li Residence?" Madam Mei asked nervously.
Mei Hanqing thought for a moment, then replied, "You can go visit the Old Madam, but there’s no need to bother with the others."
"I understand." Madam Mei’s eyes lit up. Although she did not come from a high background, she was very smart and would not drag her husband down.
"In Feng City, you should understand what kind of people you should make friends with, right?" Mei Hanqing started to instruct his sons again.
"The three lords are not in Feng City these days." Mei Junrui answered softly.
"You just arrived in Feng City, it would be good to make more friends and learn more about the situation in Feng City." Mei Hanqing repeatedly reminded.
"Yes, father." The second son, Mei Junlu, obediently answered.
The arrival of Mei Hanqing and his family indeed relieved Chu Suifeng, and the news was not deliberately hidden. Very soon, those women in the backyard got to know about it through their own means.
Chapter 468: Chapter 468: Risky Move(3)_1
Thus, several high-ranking consorts were all waiting for the women of the Mei family to come and pay their respects. They had been away from the capital city for many years, feeling as though a lifetime had passed. Many of them started to miss their homes and those they yearned for in the flourishing area remembered from their past.
However, no matter how long they waited, no women from the Mei or Yuan families came to pay their respects.
The wind seemed to be shifting again.
The technique to make Kun noodles was indeed simple. Once the technique was understood, no problems would occur if the strength was just right.
Five days later, the visitors learned how to make these noodles. The Lin family’s canteen finally stopped having all kinds of peculiar noodles every day.
"Young lady, is this acceptable?" A man beamingly presented his noodles to Lin Ziyin as if seeking praise, resembling a child who had done well.
Lin Ziyin took the noodles to inspect them and immediately had a bowl cooked up by the Cui family.
The Cui family did not dare to delay and quickly set about cooking in the kitchen.
Although they had been eating noodles for five days straight and their tastebuds had grown tired, they still enjoyed the taste, thanks to the superb cooking skills of the Cui family.
"Very nice, they’re chewy." The men making the Kun noodles ate and laughed, evaluating the noodles while eagerly watching Lin Ziyin, waiting for her final judgment.
No matter how well they performed, it would not pass without Miss Lin’s approval.
"Not bad, up to standard." Lin Ziyin nodded and finally gave her opinion.
Immediately, hearty laughter filled the workshop, that came genuinely from their hearts.
"Miss, hurry out and see, Hei Yi and his team have brought many deer and roe deer." In the midst of their joy, they saw Long Feishou, who was so ecstatic he was about to break into a dance, rush in to report.
"So soon?" Lin Ziyin exclaimed in surprise joyfully standing.
"Not soon, it’s been four days since they left." Long Feishou excitedly nearly danced with excitement.
"Let’s go, let’s have a look." Lin Ziyin was also very excited. If the deer and roe deer arenas could expand, they would be a significant source of income for the Northern Land in the future.
Once Lin Ziyin stepped outside, she immediately understood why Long Feishou was so excited.
As it turned out, Hei Yi and Hei Er had indeed brought back a large number of deer and roe deer. She counted over forty deer. Lin Ziyin wondered if they had wiped out an entire herd of deer?
"Came across a herd of deer. They’re so fortunate. Hei Yi and his men are so skillful, they directly captured these animals." The older man with wrinkles on his face was excitedly giving a speech to everyone. The liveliness made him seem years younger.
"Uncle Yuanshan, good job, only took you five days to find these big guys." Lou Zheng playfully patted his shoulder in appreciation.
"It’s Hei Yi and his team’s merit." Yuanshan vehemently shook his head, "The last time they found a deer was there."
"They caught all of them, not a single one was left." As Lin Ziyin had guessed, Hei Yi’s words confirmed her suspicions.
"It seems we need to build the deer fence quickly." Lin Ziyin excitedly turned to look at the multitude of deer present.
"Whatever you need, Miss, just give the order."
"Find Master Yin, ask him to build some fences and deer houses." Lin Ziyin approached and touched a fawn.
The little one might have been scared stiff and retreated continuously. His big dewy eyes kept a wary look on Lin Ziyin.
Lin Ziyin grabbed some tender grass from Qiaoqiao’s hand and offered it to the fawn.
The little one peeked at it, finally overcoming its fear due to hunger, it extended its neck and started to eat.
Chapter 469: Chapter 469: Risky Move(4)_1
"The frogs can’t be delivered yet, they will need a few more days," said Hei Er.
"Fine, they will be reared in the pond behind the hill at the back of the mountain," Lin Ziyin had figured it out long ago.
Seeing her confidence, Hei Yi and Hei Er secretly planned to acquire the frogs as soon as possible.
"We can’t get them all at once, like capturing deer," Lin Ziyin added.
"Understood."
Shili Village was planning to establish a deer farm, an additional source of income, especially after hearing about the series of profits generated by the deer farm, many villagers were hopeful that the herd of deer could multiply, bringing in even more silver for them.
Ergouzi of Ma Erlang’s family was only seven years old, at that ever-curious age.
He watched from afar as the villagers gathered to see the deer, his envious eyes never leaving the sight.
The village children did not want to play with him, and his father was gone. His mother occasionally lost her temper forbidding him from playing with his older brother Gouzi and other village children.
Those village children could attend school every day, during their rest days they were busy with community service, earning a little money from workshops or in the fields.
Even his brother Gouzi was taken by their mother to work in the field, leaving him as the only lonely child in the village, life was hard.
"What are you staring at?" Gouzi, carrying a heavy load of pig feed, saw Ergouzi’s envious gaze and looked back at the gathering villagers with resentment. He then roughly helped Ergouzi up from the ground, "Get back home quickly, or mother will get angry if she doesn’t see you later."
As soon as he heard Gouzi mention their mother, Ergouzi, immediately got up from the ground and followed Gouzi towards home.
The villagers had all gone to the spectacle, so Gouzi and Ergouzi encountered few people on their way.
When they reached the entrance of their house, they suddenly heard voices coming from within.
One belonged to their mother, and the other was a man’s voice.
Gouzi’s eyes hardened. He immediately dropped the basket he was carrying and rushed into the house like a gust of wind.
"Mother," he called before he even entered.
"What are you shouting about?" Bao Family’s Mistress glared at him impatiently.
"Second brother." Gouzi thought that their mother, tired from working all day, was seeking comfort from a strange man. He was surprised to see Ma Zhicai, their cousin who always looked down on their family, sitting in the house. "What brings you here?"
Gouzi’s words slipped out without passing through his mind.
"Am I not allowed to come?" Ma Zhicai gave him a cold glance.
"Second cousin." The latecomer, Ergouzi, saw him, turned pale, and quietly gave him a greeting.
"It’s just that we seldom see Second Brother. We’re just a little curious," Gouzi answered awkwardly.
"Go cook," said their mother.
"Yes, mother." Gouzi did not dare to object. Despite the fatigue from a day’s work, he obediently went to the kitchen.
"You go help your brother," their mother spoke to Ergouzi.
"Oh." With a reluctant answer, Ergouzi also went towards the kitchen.
"Spit it out." Bao Mistress looked at Ma Zhicai sarcastically, "I don’t want to waste the precious time of a future scholar."
Ma Zhicai’s face turned red from embarrassment and anger. He abruptly stood up, but remembering his purpose for coming, he bitterly sat back down, "Have Ergouzi stand watch at the front door so no one hears what I’m about to say."
Bao Mistress didn’t understand but just looked at him with a sarcastic gaze.
Ma Zhicai knew that Bao Mistress had grievances against his family. After all, since Ma Erlang ran into trouble and escaped, his family had not taken proper
Chapter 470: Chapter 470: Risky Move(5)_1
However, the Bao family was able-bodied and furthermore, the two families had already split up - so why should she continue to support them, a mother and a son?
Of course, under the current circumstances, this last thought, Ma Zhicai could only keep to himself.
"Regarding your second uncle..." Seeing her confusion, Ma Zhicai immediately threw in a heavy bombshell.
"Why are you bringing up the dead?" Bao Family didn’t flinch, showing her deep resentment for Ma Erlang.
"Second Uncle asked me to bring you some silver." Ma Zhicai whispered.
Hearing about the silver, Bao Family sprung into action, "Ergouzi, go watch the small path at the entrance. Don’t let anyone near our house."
Gouzi, who was in the kitchen, felt quite puzzled. At twelve years old, he was old enough to understand some things. He couldn’t comprehend why his mother, who usually despised his uncle’s family, was now whispering underhandedly with his cousin.
"Brother, could you listen carefully to what they’re saying?" Gouzi lowered his voice and instructed Ergouzi, "If you do as I say, I’ll buy you some candy."
Upon hearing the promise of candy, Ergouzi immediately burst with energy and ran out of the door.
"Stand further away." Bao Family cautiously observed the outside of the door, noticing Ergouzi standing nearby, she immediately frowned and instructed him.
Ergouzi had no choice but to back farther away.
"Even further!" Bao Family fumed.
Ergouzi, frightened, immediately ran farther away before stopping.
"Alright, we can talk now. Where’s the silver?" Bao Family went back and re-seated herself across Ma Zhicai to ask.
"Here’s the forty taels of silver Second Uncle sent you." Upon finishing, Ma Zhicai placed the basket he had brought onto the table.
Forty taels of silver? Bao Family’s eyes immediately lit up.
She lifted the blue cloth covering the basket and saw some greens. Pushing aside the greens, she indeed found the silver hidden underneath.
Silver, so much silver. Bao Family’s touch lingered on the metal, her eyes unwilling to shift away.
"Is it all here?" Suddenly, Bao Family fixed her gaze on him and asked.
What did she mean? Ma Zhicai was a scholar and very astute, he clearly understood the implication in Bao Family’s words.
"Is there more? Do you think I swallowed some of the silver?" Ma Zhicai’s face became colder.
Bao Family kept staring at his furious gaze for a long time before finally diverting her eyes, "What is he doing now?"
She didn’t ask about his health or how Ma Erlang was doing, all she asked was what he was doing. People were indeed selfish. Ma Zhicai gave Bao Family a mocking look, "He’s doing business, big business."
"Then why hasn’t he come back?" Bao Family started getting emotional. The thought of Ma Erlang living in luxury wherever he was while their mother and son suffered at home, made her lose control.
"The business he’s doing can’t be seen by others." Ma Zhicai replied icily, "Don’t even think about asking anymore, I can’t tell you. I can only tell you this much. If you continue asking, you’ll regret it."
"I won’t regret." Bao Family blurted out in desperation.
"Even if it costs your life, no regrets?" Ma Zhicai’s tone became even colder.
Bao Family’s voice abruptly halted. What kind of business would threaten one’s life? She continued staring into Ma Zhicai’s eyes
Ma Zhicai didn’t show any signs of avoidance, letting her stare on.
"I won’t ask anymore. As long as he’s doing well, that’s enough." Finally, Bao Family conceded defeat.
Ma Zhicai nodded, thinking she hadn’t completely lost her wits, "That’s best. Don’t tell anyone that I’ve seen your Second Uncle. If there’s a chance, I’ll bring you more silver. But chances to see him are rare and involve lots of trouble. You don’t need to worry about me taking your silver, I don’t have the strength to cross your Second Uncle."