Ch. 521..525: The Princess of Northern Land Chapter 521-525

Chapter 521: Chapter 521: Forced by Death (7)_1

Suddenly, the courtyard was in chaos. Nobody noticed the old lady alone in her room, lying in bed and quietly shedding tears.

Lin Ziyin managed to get back home during the heavy rain in the afternoon.

Chu Suifeng intended for her to stay at the Wang Residence until the next day. However, with something weighing on her mind, Lin Ziyin had no intention to hang around.

Seeing that he couldn’t convince her to stay and not trusting anyone else, Chu Suifeng simply decided to personally escort her back to Shili Village.

True to her worries, ever since Lin Ziyin left, the rest of the family had been consumed by unease.

Upon seeing her return, Lin Changting ran out into the rain to hug her, not minding the rainfall at all. "Sister, why were you gone so long?"

"Too long." Yanzhi also ran out.

"It’s raining! Let’s go inside." Lin Ziyin laughed as she pulled the two of them under her arm to shield them from the rain.

Chu Suifeng held up an umbrella for her. Seeing her shield the two children, he felt a twinge of jealousy. "Don’t only protect them and end up soaking yourself."

Lin Changting also grew bold and shot him a sly look.

In the past, Chu Suifeng was his hero. Now, humph! Daring to steal his sister away, Prince Ling became an enemy in his eyes right away.

"You’re back?" Guo Huiniang greeted her cheerfully upon seeing her. "I’ve asked the kitchen to prepare extra dishes." She secretly glanced at Chu Suifeng after that.

"Sister-in-law, elder sister, be careful. You’re both close to giving birth. It’s slippery when it’s raining, don’t walk around too much." Lin Ziyin was already under the corridor, holding the two children.

"Good that you’re back." The old master grinned happily. He had been worrying over the last few days. It sounds nice to be rich and noble, but it definitely doesn’t mean living comfortably all the time!

"It’s pouring outside, let’s go indoors." Zige quickly led her indoors, excited to have her back.

"Please, Prince." Both the old master and Lin Changshu courteously invited Chu Suifeng inside.

"Please, grandfather, elder brother, brother-in-law." Chu Suifeng responded even more politely, his tone a little stiff but his demeanor earnest.

Perhaps this was the first time he had spoken to the Lin family with such familial terms. There was some awkwardness on both sides.

"What about me?" Lin Changting felt neglected as a male member of the Lin family, and he was unhappy about it.

"Little brother." Chu Suifeng corrected himself, feeling a little like a tiger bullied by a dog. Yet, this feeling was oddly thrilling and made him feel happy.

Zige was most worried about Ziyin’s situation in Feng City. He didn’t hold back in asking questions in front of Chu Suifeng. It seemed he was afraid that Ziyin might be taken advantage of.

"Sister, I just went there to celebrate the old man’s birthday and got to know some people. By the way, isn’t the makeup workshop launching a lot of new products in a few days? I’ve coaxed some noble ladies to come over for a trial." Lin Ziyin changed the subject with a smile. If she let Zige continue interrogating her, he would probably even ask how many times she went to the bathroom during her stay at the Wang Residence.

"That’s great." As expected, as soon as business came up, Zige instantly forgot his previous topic. He started to discuss business matters. Lin Changshu and Wu Dayou also joined in the conversation and the room became lively.

Chu Suifeng took this opportunity to distribute the gifts he brought to the Lin family. They covered food, clothing, and daily necessities, making Yanzhi giggle in delight.

To this end, the Lin family truly recognized Chu Suifeng as their son-in-law, and Prince Ling finally breathed a sigh of relief.

"Why did you come in?" At night, when Lin Ziyin came back to her room after washing up, she found someone had already occupied her bed. She glared unhappily at the person lying there.

"I couldn’t sleep because I missed you, so I came over." Chu Suifeng responded without any embarrassment. It was one of the sweetest phrases that couples say to each other, but coming out of his mouth, it sounded just like casual chatter.

"Where am I supposed to sleep with you on the bed?"

"Here." Chu Suifeng gave her some space. "I’ll go back after a while. I just wanted to discuss how to bring people in. Without a household registration, they won’t be able to cross into Liao City."

When it came to business, Lin Ziyin turned serious.

As a modern woman, she didn’t have so many rules. Besides, both she and Chu Suifeng were fully clothed. Nothing inappropriate would occur. So, she followed Chu Suifeng’s lead and lay on his left side.

They were indeed chatting as they analyzed each potential issue that could arise in bringing in people. They began to strategize as well.

Just as Lin Ziyin and Chu Suifeng had worried, before the Lin family could harvest the corn and rice, news reached the Imperial Court.

"What do you all think about this?" the emperor asked high above everyone else. "The Northern Land has started cultivating rice."

"Your Majesty, even if the Northern Land can grow rice, what about the yield? Furthermore, given the cold climate there, they could only plant one crop each year. Even if they matched Jiangnan’s yield per acre, it would still be insignificant." The Grand Preceptor didn’t attach much importance to the news, and addressed it with some pride.

"Your Majesty, it’s just Prince Ling trying out in his own estate, we still don’t know what it will be like next year. As long as Your Majesty decrees a ban on food delivery to the Northern Land, Prince Ling will surely voluntarily ask for Your Majesty’s help." The Prime Minister proposed a solution as well.

Chapter 522: Chapter 522: A Golden Phoenix Flies Out of the Grassy Nest (1)_1

"Indeed, Prime Minister is right." Another official stepped forward, "As long as we control Daqin’s grain supply to the Northern Land, Prince Ling will inevitably continue to seek help from the Emperor. In this way, the situation in the Northern Land remains in the Emperor’s control."

"I agree with the Prime Minister and Minister’s suggestion. Even if the Northern Land is capable of growing rice, it cannot be largely cultivated due to the climate, and the yield will definitely not be higher than that of Jiangnan. Despite the vastness of the Northern Land, its population remains sparse. Even if Prince Ling had supernatural powers, he would not be able to solve the problems of population and climate. As long as the Emperor takes appropriate precautions, Prince Ling will naturally not dare to harbor evil intentions when seeking the Emperor’s help." Officials stepped forward one by one, all echoing the words of the Prime Minister and Minister of Rites.

Both of these individuals belong to the Crown Prince faction.

As the future Crown Prince, he of course needs to be appeased.

"In my humble opinion, we should not alienate the Northern Land entirely." There were those who disagreed, for every person in favor.

The Crown Prince, with a gloomy face looked at those in opposition, who were supporters of the third prince, and felt especially displeased, "According to Minister Yin’s opinion, should we support Prince Ling’s grain supply?"

The reigning Emperor heard this and his face darkened.

Supporting Prince Ling is tantamount to harboring ill intentions towards the Emperor, isn’t it? No Emperor would ever tolerate an official with such treasonous intentions.

Minister Yin, terrified, immediately fell to his knees in explanation, "I would willingly sacrifice my life for the Emperor and would never dare to harbor any personal interests. Nowadays in Daqin, the shops everywhere are selling biscuits, cakes, white jade cakes and other pastries from the Northern Land, in addition to milk buns and soy milk powder, and various nuts, which have already been sold in every street and alley. Especially the soy milk and cow milk, many of the young masters and misses from large residences prefer to drink. If the grain supply is completely cut off, Prince Ling has already announced that he will not allow any more goods to be transported out."

At these words, the officials below began to discuss again.

Minister Yin’s words made a lot of sense - the bean products and vegetable oil from the Northern Land had already deeply permeated every household. If they were suddenly cut off, it would certainly cause trouble.

"In my opinion, we must absolutely not permit the transportation of grain to the Northern Land." The Crown Prince stood up in firm opposition, "Even when Daqin originally did not have vegetable oil, we were still very capable. As for pastries, without those from the Northern Land, the varieties of pastries in Daqin are even more numerous. As for soy milk and cow milk powder, large families have their own wet nurses, so what is there to fear."

"What the Crown Prince said makes sense. Emperor, if Prince Ling has a sufficient supply of grain, then he would be completely independent of the Imperial Court’s control." The Prime Minister is a firm supporter of the Crown Prince.

"Emperor, in my humble opinion, an equivalent exchange may not be a bad option. Anything edible can replace grain. If our Daqin merchants carry grain to the Northern Land but bring back pastries, going back and forth would not fundamentally affect the grain supply in the Northern Land." Those against were persistent as well.

The Emperor, somewhat irritated, looked at the quarrelsome court officials below. Noting how the officials of the court were basically divided into two factions, half in favor of the third prince and half supporting the Crown Prince. As for Prince Ling? Heh, since childhood he had been sent to the Northern Land; none of the senior officials in the court had any connections with him.

"Grain is the lifeblood of a nation, how can we allow large quantities of grain to flood into the Northern Land over trivial treats?" The Emperor, who had been silent all this while, finally spoke up in the midst of the heated debate between the two factions.

" Your humble servant is terrified." Those officials supporting the third prince were petrified; it was clear that the Emperor was favoring the Crown Prince’s side this time.

The word of the supreme authority is decisive. However heated the debate among the officials, the final decision has to abide by the Emperor’s words. The officials on the third prince’s side, afraid of being accused of plotting treacherously by the Emperor, held their tongues once the Emperor spoke. Thereafter, no one came forth with further objections.

Chapter 523: Chapter 523: A Golden Phoenix Flies Out of the Grassy Nest (2)_1

"Proclaim my decree. From this day forth, no merchant shall transport grain to the Northern Land." The Emperor calmly uttered the royal decree.

Despite the Third Prince’s dissent, he was left with no option but to swallow his objections.

With the Emperor’s proclamation, this news quickly made its rounds among the common folks on the streets of Daqin.

There was much public debate. While the Northern Land was Prince Lin’s territory, it was also a border of Daqin. There were five hundred thousand soldiers stationed there, all hailing from ordinary families.

The Emperor’s ban on the transportation of grain to the Northern Land was a death sentence, for it was widely known that the region was large yet sparsely populated, hardly suitable for crop cultivation.

Tears streamed down the faces of the people who had children and grandchildren stationed in the Northern Land. Their loved ones willingly sacrificed their lives to protect the border of Daqin. How could the Emperor so callously disregard their wellbeing? Certain scholars even began voicing their support for Prince Chu Suifeng, albeit secretly.

This was largely due to the benevolent acts of the late Virtuous Empress, remembered fondly by many, and secondly, the relative peace and stability Daqin had enjoyed was largely credited to Chu Suifeng. This prince, sent away at a young age and shouldering the responsibility of defending Daqin from his teens, had served with unwavering dedication for many years without a hint of disloyalty.

Yet the Emperor sealed off the Prince’s escape route based on mere rumors, leaving many chilled by this heartless act.

Merchants from various provinces were particularly restless.

Originally, Lin Ziyin and Chu Suifeng agreed to trade with them, exchanging goods for grain. Many goods from the Northern Land were already selling well throughout Daqin; products like vegetable oil, vinegar, various soy sauces, sesame oil, and bean curd had become household necessities. Especially for wealthy families or restaurants, they simply could not do without these items. To suddenly break off their business would result in significant losses.

In addition, a variety of seasonings produced through trade with the Northern Land was something they couldn’t replicate. The loss from ceasing the supply of soy milk powder, wool, and related products would be unbearable for many.

"Thank goodness, Miss Lin and Prince Lin are far-sighted." The larger merchants, however, had countermeasures.

"Please convey to the prince that we will complete the tasks he entrusted to us." In the backyard of an inn, several merchants were discussing quietly. "We would also appreciate it if you could help us procure more goods."

"We can ensure the supply of seasonings and sea products, and vegetable oil. But for the rest, the prince has said that it would be temporarily halted," replied a young man in white. "However, the prince will not forget the Zhu family’s kindness in the future."

"I wouldn’t dare dream of such," replied the middle-aged man with a smile.

"Then I will take my leave and return to the Northern Land first," proposed the man in white, rising from his seat with a smile.

"Please, when you have time, allow me to show you around Capital City," responded the middle-aged man.

"Thank you, I will keep your kind invitation in mind." The young man replied with a smile, indicating a close relationship between the two.

"Master, is this perhaps too risky?" Upon the middle-aged man’s return to the backyard, the elderly man with a goatee who had been standing beside him asked with concern.

"Of course it’s risky. But now in Capital City, our First-Class Building is the only one that has vegetable oil for sale, and the full range of seasonings. Business couldn’t be better. As long as we complete the tasks given by Prince Lin, the money we’ll earn in three months will surpass what we usually make in a year," explained the middle-aged man, smiling. "However, we must take some risks to reap the benefits. Although it’s a little risky, luckily we can use the household records that those people have. We’re just doing our business, and at the same time doing a good thing. We’re not trafficking people. Even if government offices find out, what can they do? Don’t forget, behind us stand the Virtuous Concubine and Prince Su Qing."

Chapter 524: Chapter 524: A Golden Phoenix Flies Out of the Grassy Nest (3)_1

The man with the goatee nodded approvingly. It was true. As long as there was silver to be gained, business people would never let go. Furthermore, as the proprietor had said, their Jia Family was engaged in legitimate business. They had the protection of Prince Su Qing and the Virtuous Concubine behind them, making this business deal rather profitable.

Meanwhile, in all corners of Daqin, anyone who had business dealings with the Prince of Ling was busy finding and transporting people. Although this business was rather peculiar, there was undoubtedly a hefty profit awaiting every merchant.

"Congratulations, sir, we have good news." One day, the master of the Lin Family didn’t go to work because the Prince of Ling had visited a few days ago to inform him that he would be bringing a matchmaker to propose marriage today.

The proposal was a big deal, and the Lin Family took it very seriously.

Lin Ziyin preferred not to make a fuss, so not a single villager knew that today was a big day.

"Pili-pala."

Deafening firecracker sounds echoed at the entrance of the Lin Family’s house.

The workers in the workshop were all taken aback, wondering which family in the village was celebrating.

By convention, if there was a celebration in a family within the village, it would be known to everyone. But when everyone asked around, no one knew which family was celebrating.

The servants of the Lin Family mostly knew about it, but none of them gossiped.

The villagers, while working, quickly forgot about the firecrackers.

"Why did they send so many?" Lin Ziyin, looking at the courtyard filled with boxes, asked with a headache.

"I’m here to propose, so naturally I had to bring enough betrothal gifts." True to his reputation as the War God of the Northern Land, he was decisive and efficient in everything he did. He even brought the betrothal gifts for the marriage proposal.

"Shouldn’t the first step be to give the pre-engagement gifts?" Zige asked Chu Suifeng, puzzled.

"I visited Ding’an Temple a few days ago and had the master there match our horoscopes. The master said our horoscopes are a match made in heaven, the most compatible match ever. Since our two families are interested and our horoscopes match, I thought, why not skip the formalities and give the betrothal gifts first? Because in a few days it will be harvest season, and everyone will be very busy. It’s more convenient to get it all done at once." Chu Suifeng answered with a smile, seemingly very laid-back.

Zige, dumbfounded, wondered if this was some sort of a joke. Shouldn’t wealthy families be more particular? Seeing Chu Suifeng staring intently at Ziyin, she guessed that he was afraid the Lin Family would change their minds, so he skipped some steps.

"Master, young master, here is the list of gifts." At any big event, Situ Gong would definitely show up. Today, Situ Gong was wearing a dark green long gown, neatly dressed, and looked very spirited.

"It’s a live goose." Yanzhi was captivated by the pair of live geese in the courtyard.

The old master scanned the gift list quickly, then handed it to Lin Changshu, "You and Huinong have a look, then give the list to Ziyin. It’s her stuff, she should take care of it herself."

"Yes, grandfather." Lin Changshu respectfully took the gift list. His parents were not alive, so as the elder brother, he needed to look over it. It was just a formality, and he would never embezzle a single bit of his sister’s betrothal gifts.

He gave it a cursory glance, then was too shocked to speak, "This?"

Huinong didn’t quite see what was written on the gift list. Seeing her husband’s expression, she asked in surprise, "What is it?"

"Ziyin, you can keep it." Without saying more, Lin Changshu directly handed the gift list to Ziyin. Even though the Lin Family was now prosperous and considered wealthy, after seeing the gift list, Lin Changshu was still stunned by Prince Ling’s "generosity".

Chapter 525: Chapter 525: A Golden Phoenix Flies Out of the Grassy Nest (4)_1

The matchmaker stood to one side, not daring to say a word. She wore a smile so continuously that the muscles in her face became sore. Quite possibly, this was the easiest matchmaking job she had ever done in her career.

Since she set foot in the door and wished the household congratulations, there was barely anything more for her to do. The men and women of the family were already joyfully engaged in celebrating, leaving no opportunity for her to speak.

"Old man, what’s the celebration? Why are there firecrackers at the gate?" Lou Zheng and Gao Dashan shouted before they even entered the door.

"Did Huiniang give birth?" A group of women also came over.

"We humble folks pay respect to the Prince." As soon as they entered the door, they saw the courtyard filled with boxes, all tied with bright red ribbons. Everyone froze. Then they saw Chu Suifeng standing jubilantly beside the patriarch and Lin Changshu, all quickly bowing and paying their respects.

"No need for formalities." Chu Suifeng was in such good spirits today that, seeing the villagers coming over, he didn’t put on his usual stern face. Instead, he beamed with joy.

"What is this?" Sister-in-law Guihua, surprised at the sight of so many boxes in the courtyard, looked at Huiniang.

"Today is the day that the Prince is sending the betrothal gifts; it’s a day of great joy for the Lin family," stated the patriarch, speaking as the head of the household.

Sending betrothal gifts? A day of great joy for the Lin Family? It took a moment for everyone to grasp what was happening,

"Miss Lin, with her noble and virtuous demeanor, has won the prince’s heart. Today, the Prince came specifically to present the betrothal gifts. A great joy, a great joy indeed!" The matchmaker finally found an opportunity to enter the scene, repeatedly expressing her congratulations to the Lin Family.

"Tip her." Chu Suifeng was so happy that he became very generous.

"Add more dishes to the lunch." The patriarch quickly ordered.

Everyone finally seemed to understand, immediately stepping forward to congratulate Chu Suifeng and the Lin family. Ziyin was immediately surrounded by the village’s young wives and maidens, all of whom looked at her enviously.

"This is wonderful news," exclaimed Lou Zheng, smacking his thigh. "We need to set off more firecrackers."

"Right, we’ll go and set them off."

"I have some at my house as well."

...

Everyone began to express their joy in their own ways. Despite the fact that it was Prince Chu proposing to the Lin family, Ziyin’s future as a princess was a cause for celebration in ShiLi Village as well.

If you had told them three years ago, nobody might have believed that a golden phoenix like Ziyin could soar from a poor and humble place like ShiLi Village.

However, their shock was fleeting, and surprisingly, they accepted the reality of Ziyin becoming a princess quite calmly. Perhaps it was because, over the past year, Ziyin had brought about so many changes in the village that people had gotten used to the miracles surrounding her.

"Why set off so many firecrackers just for a betrothal?" Ziyin asked sheepishly, looking at everyone.

"Of course, we should. This is a big joyous event in our ShiLi Village," Lou Zheng insisted.

"I’ll go tell everyone the good news." A well-meaning villager could hardly wait to dash out of the house, completely forgetting that Prince Chu was still present.

"Let them be happy." Seeing the villagers genuinely happy for him, Chu Suifeng was extremely satisfied and ordered Congyi and the others, "Have the estate send over some poultry and fish immediately for lunch."

"Yes, Prince." Congyi respectfully agreed, then turned to instruct a servant to return to the estate.

There weren’t many occasions for joy in the Wang Residence, and the Prince spent the whole year busy with affairs of the Northern Land. It was rare to see him genuinely happy. Seeing the smile on Chu Suifeng’s face that came from the heart, everyone felt uplifted and was touched by his happiness.