Ch. 51..55: The Princess of Northern Land Chapter 51-55

Chapter 51: Processing (1)_1 “Amitabha.” The Little Monk again joined his palms together, “This poor monk has brought two more benefactors here. They also intended to come buy tofu.”

“Miss.” The familiar young man looked at Lin Ziyin with a beaming smile, “We meet again.”

“Are you also here to buy tofu, young master? How much do you want?” Lin Ziyin asked naturally looking at him. This young man had a mischievous look in his eyes and didn’t appear easy to get along with. She wasn’t afraid, at least there was no malice in his eyes.

“Fish, eat fish.” In the courtyard, the just caught fish were in the bucket, leaping about.

The splashes brought up by the fish tail immediately sprayed onto Yanzhi’s face, making Yanzhi chuckle incessantly.

“Little sister, your sister-in-law can’t cook fish without that fishy taste. You should do it.” Guo Huiniang, coming out of the house, spoke as she walked, unaware of the guests at the entrance of the courtyard.

“Fish without the fishy taste?” The young man chuckled revealing his teeth. What a big claim, even his family’s chef dared not boast so.

Lin Ziyin immediately had a bad feeling.

Sure enough, she heard the young man speak to the silent person beside him, “Honglin, how about we stay here for a meal today?”

The young man gave Lin Ziyin a skeptical look.

Lin Ziyin’s eyebrows involuntarily furrowed. Damn, without asking for their permission, he decided on his own to stay for a meal?

Chu Suifeng hadn’t actually intended to have a meal at an unfamiliar farmhouse, but when he saw Lin Ziyin’s furrowed eyebrows, he somehow wanted to see how much this little lass could endure. “Okay.”

“You guys go back, we’re staying.” The young man in white grinned at the monks.

“Amitabha, benefactors, this poor monk bids farewell.” The two monks greeted Lin Ziyin, and then greeted the aloof young man with a Buddhist phrase before leaving.

Upon seeing the Little Monk’s actions towards the two young men, Lin Changshu immediately understood. The young men were either rich or noble. Given the reality of his household, his fluttering heart began to sink.

Lin Changshu was a practical man. He had the simplicity of a farmer and the rare intelligence of one. As the head of the family, he bore the burden of the family. He only wanted to improve his family’s living conditions, but he had no intention of provoking people they couldn’t afford to offend.

“Excuse us, noble young masters, but we only have simple food and drink, which might not be to your liking.” He hurriedly spoke.

“No problem, as long as there is food. Also, can we have some of that fragrant tofu like last time?” The young man in white began to speak in a playful and carefree manner.

“Apart from ‘simple food and drink,’ there’s also a phrase ‘even a clever housewife can’t cook without rice.'” Lin Ziyin spoke casually.

Interesting! Chu Suifeng took a second look at her.

“We’ll eat what you’re having for lunch, no need to be overly polite.” The young man in white was still insisting shamelessly.

Lin Ziyin’s eyes flashed, refusing to back down, “If we give all the food to you, what will our family eat?”

“So you want silver? You should have said so earlier.” The young man in white spoke disdainfully.

“Wrong.” Lin Ziyin looked at him coldly.

Seeing her angry demeanor, both the elderly man and Lin Changshu were instantly covered in cold sweat. This lass usually was clever, why was she acting foolish now? Could their Lin family afford to offend these two masters?

“The two of you showed up uninvited for food and drink. I’m only collecting a reasonable fee.” Lin Ziyin responded calmly. “Even if you two give silver, whatever we eat, you’ll have to eat the same.”

Chapter 52: Processing (2)_1 “What a quick-witted little lass.” The young man in white finally started to acknowledge Lin Ziyin with a proper look. Interesting! He had never seen such a bold woman before.

“If the people outside want to eat, they will have to pay extra.” Lin Ziyin added.

“Fine.” The young man in white instructed his attendant to toss a silver note, “A fifty taels silver note should be enough to cover today’s meal, right?”

“Enough.” Lin Ziyin quickly stepped aside to admit them.

Only then did the two boys set foot in the courtyard.

Despite its small and dilapidated state, the farmers’ courtyard had been kept extremely clean. The family, too, was dressed neatly, indicating a hardworking household.

“Do not enter the kitchen.” Lin Ziyin declared nonchalantly.

The young man in white stiffened, then retorted disdainfully, “I wasn’t planning to.”

Lin Ziyin nodded, “I feel relieved then,” and stepped into the kitchen.

The remaining youth’s face turned beet red, while Chu Suifeng rarely exhibited a hint of amusement on his face.

“Ziyin, we have run out of meat.” Guo Huiniang tugged at her sleeve anxiously as soon as Lin Ziyin entered the kitchen.

“No worries, it’s just they won’t be having the best meal.” Lin Ziyin said, chuckling lightly.

The young man outside heard this clearly. Lin Ziyin’s comment about them not having the best meal thoroughly infuriated him, “Meat, I’ll buy it myself. You there, go to the market and buy meat right now.”

“Yes, sir.” The attendant that came with the youth respectfully assured him before the sound of horseshoes started to echo outside.

“We only have plain boiled water at home, I hope you lads can make do.” Lin Ziyin walked in holding a kettle.

“Leave it there.” The young man in white commanded lordly.

Lin Ziyin silently placed the teapot down and left the room. She didn’t mind his arrogant attitude one bit. Not to mention the ancient times, even in modern times, many rich people flaunted their wealth and acted like lords.

Given that the two gentlemen voluntarily handed over their silver, Lin Ziyin wouldn’t dare to show them a long face.

“Gentlemen, please make yourself comfortable.” As the head of the household, Lin Changshu took on the duty of entertaining the guests. Sitting in the room, he felt awkward all over. He was utterly stifled internally but couldn’t leave.

Lin Ziyin checked the kitchen to find some braised meat was left. Noticing fresh offal like intestines and vegetables and cilantro sent by the Bai family and Lou Zheng yesterday, she began to think about what to cook.

“Zige, go to the village and buy some eggs, buy plenty, I’ll keep some.” Lin Ziyin instructed Zige.

“Alright.” Lin Zige responded nervously. She never had such noble guests at home before. Now she was so scared that she was at a loss of what to do.

However, she knew that the two gentlemen had paid in silver, so they couldn’t be short-changed in this meal.

Lin Ziyin started to prepare once she took stock of the supplies at home.

Stir-fry pork intestine, stir-fry kidney, stir-fried pork liver with garlic sprouts, steamed eggs. There was enough fish to make fish dumplings and braised fish. Once the meat arrives, she could add in dishes like twice-cooked pork. That should be enough.

As she mused, she began cooking.

Lin Zige quickly returned with a basket of eggs, “Is this enough?”

“It’s plenty.” Lin Ziyin said with a smile, “Sister-in-law, go borrow some plates and bowls from Lou Zheng’s house.”

“Alright.” Guo Huiniang hurriedly went out.

“Meat.” A guard placed a big chunk of pork into the kitchen, also bringing a basket full of items.

Lin Ziyin checked and found that there were ribs and two freshly slaughtered chickens.

Help indeed arrived in a time of need.

She decided to add sweet and sour ribs and boiled chicken to the menu.

With the clanging noises echoing from the kitchen, the scent of food began to waft throughout the courtyard in no time. The young man in white sitting in the room sniffed appreciatively, his entire being seeming eager to move.

“It smells quite appealing, let’s see how it actually tastes.” He laughed as he spoke to Chu Suifeng.

Chu Suifeng glanced at him, then turned his gaze toward the kitchen. It was quite unusual for a rustic household to produce someone with culinary skills. He was also curious to learn if the young girl was just bluffing.

Chapter 53 Solution (1)_1 Whether boasting or not, Lin Ziyin soon backed up his words with his actions.

“Who knew tofu could be prepared in such diverse ways?” The white-robed young man exclaimed as he looked at the various tofu dishes on the table.

Chu Suifeng picked up his chopsticks in silence, grabbed a piece of minced meat tofu, and began to taste it.

It was indeed delicious, combining the freshness of tofu and the savouriness of meat.

“This sauce is also well done.” The young man was puzzled. The dish was simply poached chicken, yet it tasted remarkably good here.

“Yue Lin.” Chu Suifeng gently looked at Si Jinhan who sat opposite him, but called him by his other name. “Satisfied?”

“Not bad.” Si Jinhan replied with a smile, looking utterly nonchalant.

Then there was silence again, with only the sound of chopsticks hitting the bowls and plates.

“Gentlemen, we apologize for any inconvenience. The dish you’re eating is shredded pork noodles, most of which is available here.” Lin Changshu and Wu Dayou came over carrying two large plates of shredded pork noodles placing them on the millstone in the courtyard. Guo Huiniang and Lin Ziyin then brought out two large plates of stir-fried greens with egg and braised tofu.

As their masters were seated right in the middle of the parlor, the guards outside dared not speak loudly. Each of them held a large coarse bowl and began to eat. As soon as they took their first bite, they wore strange expressions. They were servants, but they were from the prominent Si and Chu Families and thus were accustomed to good food. However, they never expected that such a poor peasant family could make noodles taste so delightful.

The two large plates of noodles and the dishes in the plates were gone in no time.

Si Jinhan looked at the guards outside with a smirk, “They really know how to ride on my coattails. Seeing them eat makes me want to go and try the noodles.”

“Is all this food not enough for you? Do you need to compete with them?” Chu Suifeng, who had eaten more than usual today, put down his chopsticks, feeling stuffed.

He chuckled to himself. When did he start becoming as food-obsessed as Si Jinhan?

“Let’s make do.” All the chairs and tables in their home were occupied by the outsiders, the Lin Family members had to squeeze into the tiny kitchen, finding it difficult even to turn around.

Seeing Lin Changting, Lin Yanzhi and Grandpa, Lin Ziyin felt a tad bit unfair. She had some extra dumplings at hand, which she brought out, suggesting that the three could eat them along with another plate of steamed eggs.

Grandpa wanted to decline, but Lin Changshu and Guo Huiniang also encouraged him to eat, and the children eagerly watched him.

With no choice, Grandpa picked up a pair of chopsticks and, standing in the kitchen alongside the children, finally decided to start eating a little.

“Young lady.” Si Jinhan put down his chopsticks after having his fill and then yelled towards the kitchen.

Lin Ziyin and Lin Changshu quickly appeared in front of them.

“I’ll be needing thirty pounds of tofu tomorrow. And the day after that, you’ll be free to do your business. Consider this as my reward to you.” Si Jinhan’s illness was severe, which was evident from his tone of charity.

But Lin Ziyin did not mind, after all, her family, the Lin Family, was benefiting. “Thank you, young masters.”

She and Lin Changshu immediately expressed their gratitude to the two gentlemen at the top of the table.

“By the way, I’ll also take ten pounds of that new product, and for the braised meat, keep some of each kind for me. Someone will come to pick it up in the future.” Once he finished speaking, he beckoned, and a sturdy man came in from outside.

“From now on, you’ll be the one coming daily to pick up tofu and other items. If there’s anything good here, you have to bring it to me at once.” Si Jinhan commanded arrogantly.

Chapter 54 Solution (2)_1 “Yes, young master,” the man responded respectfully, “Miss, my name is Si Si.”

“Mr. Si,” Lin Ziyin politely greeted him, a salutation that immediately brought a change to Si Si’s complexion, “No, Miss, please call me Laosi(one of his nicknames) instead.”

What kind eventful alias? Lin Ziyin was taken aback, but after catching a glimpse of the white-clad young man’s somewhat amused expression from the corner of her eyes, she understood. Hence, she followed Si Si’s lead and revised her greeting, “Big Brother Laosi.”

“Pfft.” Si Jinhan finally burst into laughter.

Big Brother Laosi? This was the most amusing address he had ever heard.

Si Si’s face had turned bright red.

Mystified, Ziyin secretly rolled her eyes.

Chu Suifeng, who had been observing Lin Ziyin’s reactions all along, naturally noticed her uncouth action, prompting him to suppress a twitch of his lips.

Seeing the curve of his lips, Si Jinhan was petrified. How long has it been since this gentleman laughed? This young girl was unexpectedly capable!

“As this master takes leave, do not express too much gratitude.” He added rudely.

This enraged Lin Ziyin who rolled her eyes yet again. She wanted to tell this egomaniac that he was overthinking, but given the favor she had just received, she suppressed the impulse.

The group had come and gone, having fully satiated themselves in an inexplicable manner.

“Let’s eat; I’m starving.” Lin Ziyin barely found the will to move once everyone had left.

But considering that she had to make tofu the next day, she managed to stir herself to pre-soak the beans.

Lin Zige and Guo Huiniang reheated all the remaining dishes, and everyone sat down to eat, undeterred by the leftover meal.

“Brother Wu, I feel bad. You caught the fish but didn’t get to eat it fresh,” Lin Ziyin apologized.

“Young lady, Brother Wu won’t appreciate such formality,” Wu Dayou berated Lin Ziyin with a stern face.

“What are you getting angry for? My sister is just concerned about you,” Lin Zige rebuked him, “Don’t be so detached. You’re not part of the Lin family.”

That was a harsh remark! Upon hearing this, Guo Huiniang and the others froze in surprise.

As soon as Lin Zige voiced those words, she regretted it. She glanced at Wu Dayou and quickly lowered her eyes.

“Zige, apologize.” Lin Changshu put down his chopsticks and took on the posture of an older brother. He could pamper his sisters, but he would not permit them to lack manners.

Lin Zige’s eyes welled up, and then she whispered, “I’m sorry.”

“Why are you scolding her?” Wu Dayou didn’t appreciate Lin Changshu’s sentiment, and instead defended Lin Zige, “Isn’t it up to me whether I mind being spoken to like that?”

Old Master Lin glanced at Zige, then at Wu Dayou, and got lost in thought.

“Haha, let’s eat,” Lin Ziyin broke the silence, fearing Lin Zige might cry if the argument continued.

The meal ended on an awkward note due to a joke.

“Brother, you’re really naive,” Lin Ziyin whispered to Lin Changshu after dinner, seizing the opportunity.

“Naive?” Lin Changshu didn’t understand what she meant by her words.

“Indeed, naive,” the old master entered wearing a coat, and nodded, “Didn’t you realize? Dayou has taken a liking to our Zige. As her brother, you have been too careless.”

“What?” Lin Changshu asked in surprise.

“Brother, what’s so strange about it? Didn’t you see that sister and Brother Dayou have mutual feelings?” Lin Ziyin laughed and explained, “Now let me state my opinion first. Instead of marrying my sister off to a stranger, I prefer Wu Dayou.”

Lin Changshu remained quiet, he was still unable to recover from the shock brought to him by Ziyin.

“It would be nice if Dayou and Zige end up together.” Said the old master, glancing over at Lin Changshu, “They are well acquainted, live close by, and the Wu Family doesn’t carry any burden. With your help in the future, they won’t have to worry about not having enough to eat.”

“Grandfather, of course they won’t starve. From now on, a portion of the money made from our family business will belong to sister,” Lin Ziyin chuckled.

“I will check with them on their feelings first.” Lin Changshu regained his composure after a while. He reconsidered and started to agree with Lin Ziyin and the old master.

Indeed, he wouldn’t feel reassured about Zige marrying someone else. Take the previous case of the Ma Family, for instance. It was an arranged marriage decided by his parents a long time ago, but it still proved unreliable in the end.

Though Ma Zhicai was from the same village, he rarely left home and read books all day. He seemed like a clear-headed person, but deep down he was not.

Wu Dayou was different; he spent all his time with him. Whether it’s understanding his true nature or knowing every mole on Wu Dayou’s body, Lin Changshu knew him inside and out.

Chapter 55 Repaying the Money (1)_1 It’s so hard to find someone who truly knows their roots. Furthermore, Dayou’s personality of appearing lackadaisical and not caring about anything hides his genuinely kind-hearted and righteous nature. Otherwise, he wouldn’t have cared for them unflaggingly when the Lin Family fell into adversity.

“Okay, let’s gauge his interest first.” Since the issue of the Ma Family backing out of the engagement arose, the old master of the Lin Family had started to pay attention to the marriages of his two granddaughters.

The task of probing Wu Dayou fell onto Lin Changshu, while Lin Ziyin was given the task of handling Lin Zige.

But before Lin Changshu could leave the house, Uncle Lou Zheng found him first.

“Changshu, Ziyin, both of you are here.” Uncle Lou Zheng greeted them cheerfully as soon as he entered, “Old master.”

He also greeted the old master courteously.

“Lou Zheng, what is it?” The old master was still a little unaccustomed to Lou Zheng’s friendliness.

Lou Zheng silently grumbled about his previous negligence of the Lin Family. Even though they seemed warm to him, they were still distant. “To be frank, I noticed you had guests today, so I thought I’d come by to see. The village isn’t that big, and your guests today seem rather affluent. Everyone is curious.”

Upon hearing this, Lin Ziyin understood Lou Zheng’s good intentions.

Of course, the village was small, and everyone was living a hard life. The sudden arrival of wealthy guests in a carriage would certainly spark discussions.

Too many discussions could lead to bad consequences.

“We also don’t know their identities. They just liked the snacks we made at the market the other day. They wanted to eat them again today, so they specifically came over with the monk from the temple. They happened to be here at lunchtime and, curious about the rural life, decided to stay for lunch. Perhaps the rich are just curious about the lives of the poor.”

Lou Zheng nodded. He was a long-time resident of the village and knew the reality of the Lin Family, which didn’t have any rich relatives. Otherwise, they wouldn’t have been living in such destitution for so many years.

The spoiled rich kids might indeed do something like this. The tofu from the Lin Family was tasty; they probably stayed because they were interested in it.

“Okay, I’ll explain this to everyone when I go back.” Lou Zheng felt embarrassed to continue lingering in the Lin Family’s house.

“Uncle Lou Zheng.” Lin Ziyin with a slight smile began, “Today, an honoured guest had a meal with us and left us some silver. We can use it to repay the Ma Family, could you, Grandpa, elder brother, and a few others from the village be the witnesses? Today, we, the Lin Family, will repay the Ma Family’s silver, and from then on, there will be no more ties between our two families.”

Lou Zheng was initially surprised that the Lin Family could repay the Ma Family so quickly, but then he thought about it. The silver given by wealthy families could be equal to a farmer’s income for half a year.

“Okay, I’ll help you out with this.” Lou Zheng nodded in agreement.

Lin Changshu and the old master were also pleased. They knew how much they had earned today, and that there would be more business coming in the next day. As such, they felt a bit relieved.

“I’ll get the silver.” Lin Changshu stood up and declared.

The old master heard this, remained silent, and led him into his quarters.

Seeing this, Uncle Lou Zheng felt even more determined to improve his relationship with the Lin Family. After all, in the Lin Family, the grandchildren handed over the silver they earned to the old master for safekeeping – such filial piety was hard to find!

Soon, Lin Changshu and the old master came out, so Lou Zheng also stood up.