Ch. 536..540: The Princess of Northern Land Chapter 536-540

Chapter 536: Chapter 536: War Begins (1)_1

"What?" Several Tatars exclaimed in surprise.

Especially, the young man in the middle who seemed rather restless. As spies for the North Country, they knew all too well how significant the news brought by Ma Zhicai was. For years, they’ve been spying in Northern Land, focusing only on the movements of King Ling’s army and some major strategies in Northern Land. They never once paid attention to the agricultural activities there.

Everyone knew how barren the land in Northern Land was. For years, even the North Country did not know how many people had hoped to succeed in farming there. But who had ever succeeded?

Now, a woman in Northern Land had not only succeeded in planting rice and wheat but also another kind of crop?

They had been too careless! The advancement of agriculture indicated that King Ling would no longer have to worry about lacking provisions.

And provisions were the backup of war. In the past, the soldiers in Northern Land had barely enough food and clothes, so it was easier for the North Country to attack. But if King Ling had a large amount of provisions, they would be in a much more difficult state.

Watching the fluctuating expressions of the Tatars, Ma Zhicai smirked even more internally. Huh, look down on him? They must be worried now.

"Lin Ziyin not only assisted Chu Suifeng in farming but also brought her a lot of silver." He continued to fan the flames, wishing the Tatars sitting in front of him would immediately roll back to the North Country and bring their army to eliminate Chu Suifeng.

Once King Ling was dead, the good days of Lin Ziyin would come to an end.

"Is she also a businessman?" The big-bearded man asked disdainfully. Even in the North Country, businessmen were also looked down upon, let alone in Northern Land. He didn’t expect King Ling, the War God of Northern Land, to be willing to marry a businesswoman as his queen.

The few Tatars could not figure out what Chu Suifeng was thinking.

"As far as I know, a lot of wool has been purchased from your North Country’s border area." Ma Zhicai continued. He noticed the expressions of the Tatars and knew that they were very interested in the topic he was talking about.

"Your wool is sold at low prices, but when it reaches Lin Ziyin’s hands and after she’s done tinkering with it, the price multiplies. Now not only does every state in Daqin need this kind of wool thread, but even the surrounding countries and traders from the farther Western Region are also willing to buy the wool thread from the Lin Family. That’s because this wool thread comes in a variety of colors, is of good quality, and most importantly, it doesn’t itch. If you want to buy blankets and sweaters made from Lin Family’s wool thread, the prices are even higher." Ma Zhicai didn’t know why he had a sense of pride when he mentioned the business of the Lin Family’s workshop.

Perhaps, it was the inherent pride of being a resident of Shili Village.

"Apart from that, soybeans, the main food of the Northern Land’s army, have now been processed into soy milk after being processed in the workshop. Furthermore, many parts of our Northern Land have started raising your cattle and sheep. Lin Ziyin even processed cow’s milk into powdered milk to sell everywhere. I heard that powdered milk is the favorite food of children. It’s very expensive." Ma Zhicai did his best to irritate the several Tatars.

"Powdered milk?" The term was fresh, "Go buy some."

The young Tatar immediately became serious. If this was the truth, the queen that King Ling chose was remarkable indeed.

The emergence of a new powerful figure in Northern Land was not a good thing for their North Country. After all, war thrives on money and food supplies.

"I’ll go now." A burly man volunteered and rushed out.

"Here’s a hundred taels of silver, continue to monitor the future queen of the village." The young Tatar instructed his subordinate to give a silver note worth a hundred taels to Ma Zhicai, "From now on, every ten days you’ll stay at the inn under the name Heaven’s Code, we’ll arrange for someone to come. You can also report any news to us immediately."

 

Chapter 537: Chapter 537: War Begins (2)_1

He looked sternly at Ma Zhicai with a heavy warning in his eyes.

"Yes, sir." With a silver note worth one hundred taels easily in hand, Ma Zhicai was somewhat excited, his attitude toward the young Tatar became far more respectful.

Ma Erlang looked enviously at Ma Zhicai, his nephew’s ability to obtain silver was far more efficient than his own. He had been scraping by in the North Country for over a year and had only managed to save a little silver. Being a scholar indeed made him resourceful.

"You may leave now." The young Tatar watched him for a while, and Ma Zhicai maintained a composed demeanor, not showing a hint of panic.

"Sir, I shall take my leave." He bowed his head and turned around to leave, appearing incredibly respectful.

"Sometimes, being presumptuous can lead to a quick death." Just as he was about to step out of the door, the young Tatar casually muttered a warning.

Ma Zhicai paused in his tracks, satisfying the young Tatar who squinted his eyes in approval.

Ma Zhicai then continued to exit. Ma Erlang, positioned among the Tatars, dared not move a bit.

"Your nephew is quite good. Go now, you have been away from home long enough. Take this silver along," the young Tatar said, tossing out a fifty-tael silver note.

"Thank you so much, sir." Ma Erlang quickly knelt to express his gratitude. Only after the Tatar nodded, did he pick up the silver note and hasten to leave.

"Sir?" Once Ma Erlang had gone far enough, all the men inside the room anxiously looked to the young man.

"There’s no rush, wait till Huda brings back the goods," he stated, feeling that he should alter the direction of his inquiries. Thinking of the situation in the Northern Land, his expression became serious. "We’ve erred. We only relayed the Emperor of Daqin’s threats to the Northern Land, but overlooked a surprising development."

"Bloody hell, who’d have thought someone could grow rice in a ghostly place like the Northern Land?" swore one Tatar.

"Tell that pretty-faced boy to keep an eye on the rice and corn yields."

"Yes, sir."

War requires knowing both oneself and one’s opponent; besides, food undeniably plays a significant role in determining the outcome of a war. Victory for the North Country hinges on their ample preparation.

"You were too reckless just now. Tatars are barbaric by nature; it would be a great injustice to die by their hands," Ma Erlang whispered reproachfully to Ma Zhicai inside his room.

Ma Zhicai remained silent. His recklessness had indeed been a bit excessive, but he had also succeeded in capturing the Tatar’s attention.

"Don’t brush it off. Spend more time around them and you’ll understand. When dealing with the Tatars, you essentially carry your life on your belt. This was the reason I initially tried to stop you," Ma Erlang said, a touch of sadness creeping into his tone. "You’re my nephew, and although I may be a bit of a scoundrel, I would never intend to harm you. Trust me, if you ever see a Tatar, you should steer clear."

"Then why doesn’t Uncle leave?" Ma Zhicai asked, chuckling softly.

"If I could speak freely, I would have left a long time ago." Ma Erlang’s face turned pale. He didn’t tell Ma Zhicai that, in order to earn the Tatar’s trust, he had committed murder in Border City. If his past actions were ever to be exposed, death would become his only option. Moreover, he couldn’t return to Shili Village and had no place to go – he simply had to continue surviving under the Tatar’s dominance.

Ma Zhicai didn’t say a word after hearing him out. As pleasing as Ma Erlang’s words may have been, Ma Zhicai had already taken the Tatar’s silver. The idea of withdrawing and distancing himself from the Tatars was simply a pipe dream. Besides, why would he want to withdraw? Prince Ling and Lin Ziyin had cut off his retreat. So, was he really to spend his entire life in ignorance within the Northern Land, forever a minor figure?

Chapter 538: Chapter 538: War Begins (3)_1

Why? He needed a dramatic change in his situation, and now, only the Tatars can fulfill his innermost desire. As for pledging loyalty to Prince Ling, it’s a pipe dream.

"These are the clothes your second aunt sent." Ma Zhicai didn’t want to say too much to Ma Erlang and changed the subject.

"Clothes for me? What else did she say?" Ma Erlang asked excitedly, his eyes gleaming with tears.

"She told you to be careful out there." Ma Zhicai tossed a package to him.

Ma Erlang hastily unwrapped the package and found several pieces of clothing, including cotton jackets and long gowns. Touching the thick cotton coat, the tears in his eyes flowed even more fiercely. He didn’t know if he would ever see his wife and children again in this life.

Although Shili Village was close to Feng City, he dared not go back. In the city, not many people would notice him, and he had grown a beard and put on makeup. Even if he ran into acquaintances, they would hardly recognize him.

But it was different in Shili Village, where he had his roots. He feared that anyone he ran into could recognize him.

Ma Erlang didn’t dare to take the risk.

"Please take these silver notes back to them, let my wife and child live a good life. Once I earn enough silver, I’ll get them to move out of Shili Village, buy some land and a house elsewhere and settle down." Ma Erlang pulled out the silver notes he had just received.

Ma Zhicai nodded, took the silver, and tucked it safely into his pocket.

He had his own silver now, so he wouldn’t covet Ma Erlang’s notes.

"Go back earlier, don’t stay outside too long to avoid arousing suspicions." Having been through a lot, Ma Erlang seemed like a changed man, speaking attentively, even showing concern for others.

Although Ma Zhicai was a bit irritated, seeing that Ma Erlang was genuinely concerned about him, he nodded in acknowledgment.

"We have taken the first batch of grains, but the situation in the city is tense, and it’s even more so on the frontier. So we can only take the grains in batches. For the remaining grains, you should hide them well." Inside the room, Lord He laughed coldly at the anxious Mrs You, "Haste makes waste."

How could she not be anxious? Mrs You was almost dead with anxiety.

She hadn’t expected her relatives to be even more greedy than her. You Residence had almost gambled all their wealth on the grains. If they couldn’t sell the grains, her family would be ruined. Plus, because the quantity of the grains was so large, she couldn’t conceal it even if she wanted to.

Thinking of Chu Suifeng, the war god, Mrs You trembled all over, "Lord He, could you speed things up? You know the situation is tight. If not for the huge expectations that you gave us, how could we keep stocking up?"

"So now, are you blaming us, Mrs Li?" Lord He glared at Mrs You menacingly.

Mrs You was startled, but she managed to hold her ground, "Lord He, it’s out of respect for you that I agreed to partner up for this business."

Her face also turned serious. Mrs You was taking a gamble; she bet that Lord He would not dare to lay a hand on her in Feng City. Regardless of the relationship between the Marquis Residence and Chu Suifeng, as long as she used the title of Young Mistress of the Marquis Residence, Lord He wouldn’t dare to harm her.

Because of the old lady, Chu Suifeng could not neglect the situations happening in the Marquis Residence. Conversely, if someone dared to harm an aristocratic family’s young mistress in Feng City, as the War God of the Northern Land, Chu Suifeng would certainly not let it slide.

Lord He absolutely wouldn’t dare to provoke Chu Suifeng recklessly.

Lord He’s eyes grew colder, but Mrs You continued speaking calmly, "If there’s money to be made, we all share it. But if something goes wrong, no one can escape. A few days ago, the Prince even sent some lovely gifts to the old lady in the residence."

 

Chapter 539: Chapter 539: War Begins (4)_1

Speaking with clever individuals seldom requires too much clarity.

"Lady Yu does indeed have audacity. Very well. I commend you for it. I shall send someone to transport the second batch of grain in seven days." Lord Hei suddenly burst into laughter, his tone implying increased admiration for Madam Yu.

"I do have some courage, but it’s also that my partner was courageous enough that I had the nerve to carry out this business." Madam Yu certainly knew how to flatter.

Lord Hei indeed laughed louder.

All things considered, Madam Yu fulfilled her wishes with this visit.

After Madam Yu left with her people, Lord Hei’s face turned even darker.

"My Lord, shall we act?" The man standing behind him made a gesture as if he were about to strike.

"Bear yourself with caution." Lord Hei briefly glanced at him, and the man immediately lowered his head, not daring to utter another word.

Quite interesting – a woman daring to challenge him. Did she really think that Lord Hei was frightened of the Marquis Residence? True, he did not wish to provoke Chu Suifeng for the time being, but he could take some light actions against lesser characters. Such as the Yu Residence, Madam Yu’s family home.

Li Yanran’s feigned distress was successful; the Dowager Lady after all could not harden her heart to punish her. She decided to invite the Prince to the residence. Unfortunately, the news brought back by Nanny Qilan was not satisfactory.

The Prince remained at the estate to oversee the autumn harvest.

Though the Dowager Lady doesn’t leave home, she was aware of the important affairs in Feng City. To the Northern Land, food was an essential matter. The Dowager Lady had always been delighted since she knew that the Northern Land had successfully planted rice, pleased for Chu Suifeng’s sake.

"The harvest is important business. Since the Prince is personally watching over it, your concerns would have to wait." The Dowager Lady did not possess the same tenderness she once had when she looked at Li Yanran, who once was her most beloved granddaughter.

"Grandmother." Li Yanran was a little worried, fearing that anything unpredictable might happen.

"What’s this? You can’t even bear this short period of time?" The Dowager Lady’s eyes turned stern.

"Grandmother, I’m not being impatient. I heard cousin has already brought matchmakers to Lin family to propose marriage. Even the betrothal gifts have been delivered." Li Yanran could hardly breathe when she thought of the scene.

Chu Suifeng belonged to her, Li Yanran. Lin Ziyin dared to snatch him, she was seeking her own death!

"You shouldn’t even think of being the main wife. Lin Ziyin is the Princess selected by the Prince himself, which means she will be the Princess. When the late Emperor gave his decree, the Prince can choose his own wife, even the current Emperor cannot interfere."

"But, granddaughter... "

"Upon your entrance into the palace, you can only be a Consort at most. Pretty Qin’s position is vacant. Now, you make the choice – either go to the Wang Residence to be a Consort, or become the Mistress of an Aristocratic Family. You decide." The Dowager Lady interrupted her, looking rather tired.

"I must enter the Wang Residence." Li Yanran gritted her teeth and made up her mind. So what if she’s a Consort? Even if she’s less significant than Lin Ziyin, with her cunning, once she enters the Wang Residence, she will certainly beat others to bear the Princely Heir. Lin Ziyin will then have to seek favor from her. Moreover, she has the Marquis Residence as her backup. What could an ordinary woman like Lin Ziyin rely on? She’d have no choice but to succumb to her.

"Go back. I am tired." The Dowager Lady really didn’t want to see this granddaughter anymore. The Marquis Residence was reputed, and Li Yanran, as the legitimate daughter of the Marquis Residence, could marry any aristocratic heir in the Northern Land if she wished. But she chose to be lesser wife instead of being a Mistress; well, everyone had their own fate.

Chapter 540: Chapter 540: War Begins (5)_1

The old lady felt she was getting old and could no longer manage her descendants’ affairs.

Li Yanran walked out of the courtyard with her teeth clenched and a gloomy expression. She was resentful of the old lady as Li Yanran is the old lady’s own granddaughter. Yet she was disappointed that the old lady would rather watch Prince Ling marry a peasant girl than help her become the prince’s wife. Why wouldn’t she harbor resentment?

Chu Suifeng and Lin Ziyin stood shoulder to shoulder, watching the adults and children bustling about in the field.

The Lin Family factory was on holiday. The men and women, young and old in the village could come to the field to harvest. Even Ma Xincai and the Huang family shamelessly came to do odd jobs. Lin Changshu and the others saw it but said nothing.

There were even more people from other villages who came to work. Many of them looked upon the heavy corn with admiration and desire. They couldn’t believe such crops could grow in this northern land. As this new crop had high yields, they thought they might buy some seeds to plant back home. If they grew these crops next year, everyone would no longer fear hunger.

"Spread the word, only peel the corn husk, do not strip the corn kernels." Lin Ziyin decreed.

"Yes, Miss." Yu Shaohui agreed and hurriedly passed the message.

The women of Shili Village were also very tough. They all wrapped their faces tightly with headscarves, revealing only their noses and eyes, and then sat in the open field, stripping the corn husks. The men chopped down the corn stalks to facilitate the mechanical cultivation of the land. For a moment, everyone from the cows, horses, and people went into battle, even the children were given leave to help, making Shili Village a bustling scene.

"Miss." During the break, a few people from other villages shyly squeezed over, "Do you need workers for harvesting rice and beans?"

"Yes." Lin Ziyin nodded.

Everyone cheered. Although they couldn’t enter the Lin Family’s factory, the Lin Family and the prince’s farms were vast. In addition to corn, there were also beans, rice, peanuts, sweet potatoes, and potatoes. By the time they calculated, they would be busy for quite a while. After this busy period and receiving their wages, they wouldn’t have to worry about the whole winter. And as soon as spring arrives, Shili village and the prince’s farm would have work again. Although people from other villages envied the life in Shili Village, they dared not be jealous. After all, Shili Village is now the maternal home of the princess, so who would have the courage to compete with them?

Nevertheless, being close to Shili Village also has its advantages at least they can find work here. Days are getting better every day, and next year, as long as they perform well, Miss Lin would be willing to lead them in growing rice.

So, filled with anticipation for future life and gratitude, everyone who came to work from their homes worked like their lives depended on it, with not a single one daring to slack off.

Ma Xincai and the Huang Family didn’t dare to slack off even more. They were hoping to earn some spending money by doing these odd jobs. After these busy days, they could go up the mountain to pick pine nuts. Although it might be hard, at least they could have some extra money in their hands.

Ma Dalong and Madame Yan didn’t come. Firstly, the Lin Family wouldn’t use them, and secondly, Ma Dalong hadn’t done any manual labor for many years and wouldn’t be able to handle the work in the field.

Seeing the bustling crowds inside and outside the village, Madame Yan sat at the gate of her courtyard, feeling especially choked.

"High yield, truly high yield." Mei Hanqing held the large corn in his hand, with a constant smile on his face.

"Impressive." Wa Jie and his men were also busy. The strong men were so strong that the poles they carried bore the mark of their strength.

"Chug chug chug." A small tractor carrying a load of corn drove away.

"This thing is quite useful after all." Mei Hanqing craned his neck to look, "I can’t help but admire the princess."