Ch. 526..530: The Princess of Northern Land Chapter 526-530

Chapter 526: Chapter 526: A Golden Phoenix Flies Out of the Grassy Nest (5)_1

"Ziyin, why didn’t you give me any hint?" Guihua looked at her with a pretended annoyance.

"I just said that they would come to propose. I had no idea they would come directly to give the betrothal gifts." Lin Ziyin had never seen such a grand gesture in this life or her previous one, especially with so many people surrounding and teasing her. She was genuinely a little bit embarrassed. "I had planned to invite my uncle and aunt over for lunch."

"You, younger siblings, should also come over, so we don’t have to invite you later." Hui Niang casually put out the invitation.

If Prince Ling was just coming with a matchmaker to propose, the Lin Family would certainly handle it quietly. They would only invite He Fuxing’s family over for a meal, just as token. But with Chu Suifeng bringing gifts for the engagement, it had become a big deal. The Lin Family would have to invite a few persons of status to keep them company.

Being the closest to the Lin Family, He Fuxing’s family would naturally have to come. Of course, on today’s occasion, they couldn’t miss out on inviting Lou Zheng and some respected elders from the village.

"They’ve set off the firecrackers."

"Such a loud sound, a good omen."

While they were speaking, the sound of firecrackers started ringing around the village. Then, a lot of villagers gathered around the Lin Family’s doorway to join in the fun.

According to village customs, the new son-in-law’s betrothal gifts must be displayed. Doing so was not for the purpose of show-off by any household.

A few years ago, Shili Village was still so poor that it was crying out, and the surrounding villages were not much better. A poor family’s dowry couldn’t have much for the betrothal gifts. Displaying the betrothal gifts was just for the celebration and also to let the villagers see the sincerity of each son-in-law.

"One box of black pearls from the Southern Sea, one box of white pearls, twenty pairs of Jade Ruyi..." The gift list was read by Situ Gong. It was Prince Wang’s big happy event, so they didn’t plan to be low-key. Instead, they displayed the betrothal gifts as ostentatiously as possible.

As Situ Gong read the list in a rhythmic and emphatic voice, there would occasionally be gasps of astonishment from the crowd. My God, they had never seen pearls as big as a fist, it was an eye-opener.

Now, not all of those who came to work at the Lin Family workshop were villagers. Many of them were from nearby villages. For a while, these outsiders wished they could return to their village and show off what they had witnessed today.

Witnessing such a wealth of rare treasures in one’s life was worth it.

"Lowly person." Mrs. Yan cursed alone in her courtyard. She had just heard the villagers’ discussions and was immediately filled with regret and anger. If her family hadn’t broken off their relationship with the Lin Family, her son Ma Zhicai could have become Prince Ling’s in-law. His official career would certainly be smooth, and her family might have become an aristocratic family in Feng City.

The more Mrs. Yan thought about it, the more upset she felt, but there was nothing she could do to change the course of events. With no other option, she could only vent her sadness by cursing aloud.

Ma Dalang, felt even more regretful. In his life, he cared most about whether his family could produce an official. When Ma Zhicai was a child, he was the most clever among the three sons. So, he had spent a lot of money to send Ma Zhicai to private schools with the hope that one day he would get him a government position. But it turned out to be a total failure in the end.

He always thought of himself as a smart person, one who had never been misled and wouldn’t be harmed by others. But he had not expected that he would be disgraced in his son’s marriage and left with a big joke for the villagers to laugh at.

"Why do all the good things fall on the Lin Family?" Unlike Mrs. Yan, no matter how miserable Ma Dalang felt or how dissatisfied with the Lin Family, he wouldn’t curse out loud. Instead, he chose to calculate quietly.

But he couldn’t think of any good solutions. Whether it was the Lin Family or the Wu Family, with their current scale of development, they were not something his small family could calculate.

Chapter 527: Chapter 527: A Golden Phoenix Flies Out of the Grassy Nest (6)_1

On the contrary, what Ma Dalang needed most right now was to find ways to please the Lin Family, so he could also be like the villagers and find work in the workshop.

After the last contest, Ma Dalang gave up any hope of obtaining the positions of shopkeeper or manager, knowing he was no match for the ones in the workshop. Therefore, he could only hope that the Lin Family would forget past grudges and allow him to work in the workshop.

The workers of the Lin Family earned more than two taels of silver a month, plus bonuses. Even the least compensated worker could earn at least twenty-five taels a year, which was slightly better than his previous salary as a shopkeeper in Feng City.

Moreover, once he entered the Lin Family’s workshop, there were many additional benefits. The vast farmlands of the Lin Family were enough to make his eyes red with envy. He didn’t understand why heaven favored Lin Ziyin so much, allowing her to cultivate rice and corn.

Every time Ma Dalang went out and saw the endless rice and corn fields of the Lin Family, he couldn’t help feel both envious and jealous.

Especially after Lin Ziyin became the princess, the Lin Family became even more extraordinary. No matter how you look at it, the Lin Family would undoubtedly rise to further prominence in the future. Sucking up to them would only bring benefits to the Ma Family and no drawbacks.

Ma Zhicai listened to the deafening sound of firecrackers outside, a scornful smile on his lips. Let them be complacent for now. Before long, Border City would become a battlefield, and Feng City would inevitably be affected. Perhaps, even Feng City’s fall was possible.

Envy made Ma Zhicai completely forget that he was a northerner. The only thing in his mind was how to tread on the Lin Family.

Ever since he returned from Feng City, he hadn’t seen his second uncle for a long time, nor had he contacted the Tatars, which made him a bit anxious.

But on second thought, it seemed that he had nothing to report to the lords in the north. How could he report trivial village matters to them?

"Boom!" A burst of deafening firecrackers interrupted his thoughts.

He looked out the window to see that the neighbors were setting off firecrackers.

It wasn’t their son-in-law’s homecoming, what were they elating about? Ma Zhicai sneered, a bunch of idiots. Did they think setting off firecrackers would turn the prince into their son-in-law?

Son-in-law? Ma Zhicai suddenly twitched. Had he forgotten something?

After sitting quietly in the room for a while, he suddenly stood up. He had it! He, Ma Zhicai, might be a petty figure with limited abilities, but sometimes even such a person could accomplish great things. Hmph, even a golden phoenix that hatched from a hen would reveal its true colors eventually and wouldn’t it still be a chicken!

"What are you up to?" As Ma Zhicai stepped out, Mrs. Yan spotted him.

Looking at Ma Zhicai with nervousness, despite being just a country woman, Mrs. Yan always held her head high. Otherwise, she wouldn’t have repeatedly made trouble for the Lin Family. Now that the Lin Family was in its heyday, she was afraid that Ma Zhicai would embarrass himself.

"I’m heading into town. You needn’t bother." Ma Zhicai answered impatiently.

"Why are you going to town again?" Mrs. Yan looked displeased. Ever since her husband lost his job as the secondary shopkeeper, their income had decreased significantly, and their life wasn’t as good as before. There wasn’t much money left for their son to fritter away. "We don’t have much silver left at home. It’s supposed to be for your schooling."

Regardless, Mrs. Yan had not given up. She still hoped that Ma Zhicai could return to the private school and earn her the title of a lady. The Lin Family’s prominence today had greatly stimulated her, and her dream had become even stronger.

Chapter 528: Chapter 528: A Golden Phoenix Flies Out of the Grassy Nest (7)_1

Upon hearing Yan Family’s words in the room, Ma Xincai and his wife furrowed their brows. If their second son continues his studies, they couldn’t hope for any of their hard-earned Silver to enter their hands.

"I will no longer study, I will find work," Ma Zhicai replied with a stern face. His once grand dream had now become a laughing stock.

"No way," Yan Family immediately responded with anger. Over the years, countless amounts of Silver had been spent on his education. She would not accept no returns on their investments. "Let me tell you this, if you dare to not continue your studies, I swear your father will break your legs."

"It’s not that I don’t want to study, Mother could consider discussing with the Prince to let your son study without obstacles. I will listen to you then," Ma Zhicai retorted coldly, "Mother, are we not guilty in the eyes of the Lin Family? Does continuing my studies even matter anymore?"

Yan Family was taken aback, the water ladle in her hand suddenly clattered to the ground.

Ma Zhicai ignored her, picked up a small bundle, and walked out of the yard.

Having offended the Lin Family, there was little hope for their child to successfully pursue his studies. The dream of many years was suddenly shattered, Yan Family instantly became despondent and lost.

After hearing this, Ma Xincai and his wife eased their hold on held breaths. Good, it would be best if he stops schooling. The couple has been the only ones toiling from dawn to dusk, whilst all their hard-earned Silver went towards their second son’s studies.

The Silver required to fund education had always been limitless; now, with their second son stopping his studies, they would finally catch a break. They could finally raise their own children in peace.

Ma Zhicai accelerated his pace away from the village entrance, ignoring the festive atmosphere around him.

"Zhicai." Just as he approached the village exit, a hesitant voice called out after him.

Ma Zhicai halted his footsteps and looked over, only to see Bao Family, dressed in old clothes.

"Second Auntie, do you need something?" He asked indifferently.

"Are you heading to the city?" Bao Family asked enthusiastically, albeit with a hushed whisper, "Could you allow me to see your Second Uncle?"

"No." Ma Zhicai decisively refused, "If you want your Second Uncle to live, do not inquire or go around seeking people arbitrarily. Even if you bump into him in the city, pretend not to recognize him."

This was undeniably a warning. Not because Ma Zhicai wanted to aid Bao Family, but because he wanted to avoid further complications. Working for the Tatars was unquestionably a taboo in the Northern Lands, so it was in his best interest to avoid such matters.

"I won’t ask." Bao Family stealthily glanced around, not seeing a soul in sight, she mustered up her courage, "I’ve made some new clothes for him. I don’t care what he’s up to outside, as long as he keeps us in his heart."

Ma Zhicai stared at her grim face and his heart softened. Regardless of how harsh Bao Family might be, she was a good mother and deeply loved her children. Unlike his own mother, who appeared to care for him, but only for her selfish motives.

"It’s best to stay low profile in the village to avoid suspicion," he extended his hand to receive the bundle from Bao Family, words of caution escaping his lips.

"I understand. You’re a scholar, Zhicai, destined for greater things. If it’s convenient for you, please guide your Second Uncle," Bao Family expressed her worries. Although she was a simple peasant wife, she was not naive. After being repeatedly warned by Ma Zhicai to be cautious, she sensed that matters were not simple.

Furthermore, she understood her husband’s character. It wasn’t that she disliked her husband, but he simply was not the type to work on monumental tasks. But this time, he had sent so much Silver through Ma Zhicai. Unless he was doing something wrong, where could he have possibly obtained so much Silver?

"He is, after all, my Second Uncle." Ma Zhicai didn’t say anything else, Bao Family recognized his intention and looked at him gratefully.

With two bundles on his back, Ma Zhicai entered the city, while Bao Family stood on the village exit like a statue, not leaving for a long time.

"Congratulations to the Prince." The Lin Family’s occasion was a thing of celebration for the entire village. The treasures they gazed at fueled their growth of knowledge. The addition of dishes to the canteen after viewing the treasures brought even more joy.

"Congratulations to the Prince." The elders and Lou Zheng, who were invited to join the banquet, though honored, also felt restrained.

Everyone took turns toasting Chu Suifeng, who was happy to accept.

The Lin Family’s patriarch and Lin Changshu feared he would get drunk, so they immediately helped him drain a few cups.

"I am jubilant today, this little bit of liquor won’t harm me," Chu Suifeng candidly stated as he opened another bottle.

Understanding they couldn’t stop him, Lin Changshu and the patriarch allowed him to continue. However, the company was rather sensible, toasting only once and refraining from a second round.

Despite this, Chu Suifeng drank a considerable amount; by the end of the meal, he appeared visibly drunk.

Chapter 529: Chapter 529: The Terrifying Aspect of the Underdog (1)_1

Situ Gong, Congyi, and the rest of the group drank quite a lot. As individuals who were close to the Tomb King, they were regarded as people of great status in the eyes of the villagers. Therefore, many villagers toasted to their health at the banquet in the cafeteria.

There were numerous villagers, and a glass for each person almost overwhelmed Situ Gong and his associates, who struggled to resist their enthusiasm.

Chu Suifeng was truly delighted. He not only delivered chicken, duck, fish, and meat to the cafeteria, but he also sent a chef and brought along wine. The intention was to share his joy with the villagers.

The intoxicated Tomb King naturally could not depart from the Lin Family’s residence right away.

Fortunately, Situ Gong and others were accustomed to this, and the Lin Family had a room reserved for Suifeng. After the meal, Chu Suifeng went directly back to his room to rest, while Situ Gong politely excused himself to leave.

Despite looking at the yard full of betrothal gifts, Lin Ziyin could not help but keep busy. She instructed Yu Shao’en and his subordinates to move the betrothal gifts into a secret chamber within the Lin Family’s estate. The volume of gifts was so overwhelming that it kept Yu Shao’en and others occupied until late at night.

"Corn can be harvested tomorrow, followed by rice and sugar beets. The soybeans also need to be collected," Lin Ziyin said, somewhat irritated at the sight of Suifeng comfortably sprawled over her bed. Ever since the engagement in the morning, this brash man had the audacity to enter her room in the presence of her grandparents that same evening.

Would her grandparents and sister-in-law overthink it? Just the thought made Lin Ziyin’s face feel hot, as if it was in flames.

Being conservative was the norm for the people of the past. Wasn’t Suifeng afraid it would harm his reputation?

Furthermore, she was extremely embarrassed.

Clearly, Suifeng was content, showing no signs of embarrassment whatsoever.

"You can rest easy. I will arrange for some guards to come over to assist. They will also search for the soybeans within the uncultivated fields," Chu Suifeng comforted her.

Upon hearing this, Lin Ziyin’s face lightened up with a smile. Even though her family and Chu Suifeng’s estate had never stopped reclaiming their respective wastelands for cultivation, with the help of machinery, there still wasn’t enough time to plant soybeans. Back in the spring, Lin Ziyin had sent people to sow some beans directly into the as-yet undeveloped wilderness.

The effort was experimental at best, as she didn’t want the vast tract of unused land to remain barren. Soybeans were not overly demanding in their soil requirements, and as long as the seedlings could grow, they could outcompete shorter weeds. Even if taller wild weeds overpowered the soybeans, it wasn’t a problem, as the beans could still grow and yield, albeit in smaller quantities.

In reality, the soybeans flourished in the wilderness just as Lin Ziyin had initially anticipated, resulting in a dense growth of beans amidst even denser wild weeds. But even so, the harvest should be fairly satisfactory. At the minimum, it should yield significantly more than the quantity of sown beans.

With the autumn harvest approaching, Lin Ziyin was confident she wouldn’t have time to attend to the soybeans growing in the wilderness, but with machinery at their disposal, the Lin Family should be able to wrap up the harvest swiftly. Although soybeans burst open when ripe—which worried Lin Ziyin—she was reassured by Chu Suifeng’s promise to have others harvest the beans.

"I’ll be keeping the soybean stalks and corn stalks to feed the cattle. Rice straw will be preserved to a certain extent to feed the sheep and cattle as well. The surplus beans and such will be utilized as fodder for the horses," Lin Ziyin shared her arrangements. "The beans from the wilderness, bound to contain weed seeds, can be used as horse fodder as well, and so can the dried alfalfa. We have prepared everything that we can harvest."

"You’ve thought of everything," Chu Suifeng chuckled, gazing at her.

Lin Ziyin nodded. Regardless of whether she was soon to become the future queen of the Tomb King’s palace, as long as she and her family stayed in the Northern Land, she was obliged to consider its wellbeing. To protect the Northern Land was to protect her and her family, and whenever possible, she was never stingy in doing so.

Chapter 530: Chapter 530 The Terrible Aspect of Small Characters (2)_1

Chu Suifeng was thrilled that Lin Ziyin always considered his needs.

Straw could indeed feed horses after it has been processed, although horses might not like it much.

Thinking of the vast swathes of straw and corn stalks in the fields, Chu Suifeng felt emboldened. From now on, the Northern Land no longer needed to rely on the Imperial Court, allowing him to fight unimpeded.

"I will buy the grain harvested in the manor at market price, decide how much you need to keep," Chu Suifeng said with a smile.

"We need a batch for seeds. After a year, our wasteland reclamation has been quite successful, and the reclaimed land has scaled up. Next year, with more people following suit, we’ll need more high-quality seeds. We also need to stock up on food in our manor," Lin Ziyin responded.

With the Imperial Court cutting off grain supplies to the Northern Land, if war breaks out on the border, the hardest time might be from winter to autumn next year. There are now numerous people in the manor, including over a thousand slaves and villagers. Their annual food consumption is substantial.

"You decide," replied Chu Suifeng nonchalantly.

The military’s grain supply was already sorted. Lin Ziyin’s approach was particularly effective. The traders who brought goods into Northern Land had already prepared a large batch of grain. Along with the reserves in the market’s grain shop, and the locals of Northern Land growing their sorghum and soybeans, they had enough to last a year.

As long as no civil unrest occurs in the Northern Land, Chu Suifeng won’t worry even if war breaks out. The preparations made over the past year have given him ample confidence.

He looked at Lin Ziyin gently, his confidence was entirely due to her.

From his adulthood, he was never content being controlled by the Great Qin Dynasty, but despite some efforts, even Situ Gong and others could not make the leap. Even though the Northern Land could briefly stockpile food, it could not last long.

But now it’s different; the successful cultivation of rice, spring wheat, corn, coupled with a series of soybean-derived goods, have boosted Chu Suifeng’s morale. There’s no fear of running out of resources!

With that thought, he swung out of bed, walked over to Lin Ziyin, held her in his arms, and gave her forehead a soft kiss, "Ziyin, thank you."

His hug was so tight that Lin Ziyin felt her waist was almost strangled.

Does he know how to hug? Lin Ziyin thought dismally.

"If a war really breaks out, I’d like to go to Border City to have a look," Lin Ziyin said.

"No," Chu Suifeng rejected sharply.

Lin Ziyin was important to him, and if war broke out in Border City, it would inevitably be dangerous. He wouldn’t allow the woman he loves to be in danger.

"I’m just wanting to have a look, not to fight on the battlefield," said Lin Ziyin. She was worried about something that might not happen. Even though she had told Chu Suifeng how to decipher the Fire Bull Formation, she was unsure. Her knowledge of strategy and tactics was at best superficial, gathered from conversations with friends in the modern era or from watching military drills.

The modern warfare methods are, after all, too different from ancient ones.

Lin Ziyin was afraid that her strategy would fail and harm the soldiers of the Northern Land. She couldn’t rest easy without seeing the operation to break the formation in person.

"I will be safe with Hong Ying, Lun Luo, and Jue Ming around," Lin Ziyin tried to persuade him again.

"No." Chu Suifeng held her tighter and continued refusing. He knew very well that Lin Ziyin was worried for him, but as a man, he had his own pride.