Ch. 606..610: The Princess of Northern Land Chapter 606-610

Chapter 606: Chapter 606: Never Give Up (1)_1

Ever since Chu Suifeng opened up to Lin Ziyin, there was a burning desire in his heart, wishing he could immediately return with his people and marry her.

But the war in Border City had just ended, and as the Prince of the Northern Land, he couldn’t just leave whenever he wanted.

Only after spies confirmed that Bayal’s army had truly left the Northern Land and marched further north did Chu Suifeng and Situ Gong review the defenses of Border City again. They also allocated a large tract of barren land south of the city to the army camp, including nearby hills to be used as grazing grounds. They prepared to raise chickens, ducks, cattle, and sheep there, and soldiers were tasked with digging channels for water and planning to breed fish and shrimp in the canals.

The soldiers of the border fort had long tasted the benefits of aquatic products and livestock. Seeing that they had won the victory and driven the arrogant Tatars out of the Northern Land, they were delighted when they received their new tasks and readily committed themselves to this labor.

Many civilians also came to help, as the base was essentially a model for them. After preparing the base, they could begin to cultivate their own lands following this model.

Border City was chaotic, with scarce resources. As members of Border City, the civilians led very difficult lives, with insecurity in their hearts. But as members of the Northern Land, they were also proud of having abundant lands.

Not just abundant, but very abundant. As long as they could grow rice and maize, there would be no fear of hunger. Especially since the prince was considerate of them all, with extremely low taxes for the first five years.

With such a benevolent ruler, what should they fear?

"The princess is indeed wise." Watching everyone work enthusiastically, Situ Gong couldn’t help but admire. Honestly speaking, when the Northern Land entered winter, the ground froze solid, but the soldiers and people were motivated to begin their work.

Perhaps the amount of reclaimed land won’t be much this year, but next year will be different. As soon as the weather warms, they can reclaim and plant beans and corn simultaneously. Once the land is ripe, they can plant rice the following year for a higher yield.

"Within three years, Border City will never lack food again." Situ Gong was visibly pleased.

Luo Heng and Xiao Yang were overjoyed, unable to stop smiling all day. Over the years, they had suffered greatly as officials in Border City due to the constant pressures from the Imperial Court. Once Border City could sustain itself, there would be no need to bow to the court anymore.

"Greenhouses need to be built first so that we can immediately grow seedlings in the spring." Situ Gong reminded once again. The first step in rice cultivation is to grow saplings, and the construction of greenhouses couldn’t be taken lightly.

"Prince, Mr. Situ, don’t worry. I, myself, will overlook the matter and ensure that there won’t be the slightest mistake with the greenhouses." Xiao Yang guaranteed.

"In the future, we can establish woolen mills, woolen clothing factories and woollen blanket workshops under the name of the officialdom. All workers entering the workshops will be paid according to the principle of more work, more pay. We will also open roast duck shops and hot pot restaurants here to attract more traders." Lin Ziyin suggested based on her observations.

"I’ll take your word for it." On the matter of doing business, Chu Suifeng completely trusted Lin Ziyin’s advice.

"Mr. Xiao, regarding the purchase price, please be sure to assign the most upright person to manage it, and it’s best to replace them every five years." Lin Ziyin advised. Whether it was the wool factory or the hot pot shop, these would be profitable businesses in the future.

She was concerned about people pocketing the profits. Shuffling positions could largely prevent such issues. "We could also encourage ordinary people to start small businesses, like selling snacks they’re good at making. I think as long as the taxes are reasonable, people will be willing to do this. For instance, we could provide the initial investment, build uniform stalls along the streets to give them a place to operate, which would address their concerns."

 

Chapter 607: Chapter 607: Relentless(2)_1

"Centralized selling?" Xiao Yang’s eyes brightened, this idea sounded pretty good.

"Yes, like a vegetable market, we can build four large sheds according to four directions, then divide the territories by categories such as vegetables, fruits, dry goods, and aquatic products. The government can appoint dedicated personnel to manage the market. This will not only eliminate market bullying, the buyers and sellers won’t have to worry about the weather on rainy days. Of course, to prevent management personnel from exploiting their position to extract fees, we can set up a suggestion box at the government offices. The key could be held by Sir Xiao." Lin Ziyin proposed a modern vegetable market management system.

She had long discovered the chaos of ancient markets. Everyone wanted to sell things and simply settled wherever they desired. Different types of goods were mixed together, making it inconvenient for shoppers to find what they needed.

"Miss Lin, this idea is amazing. I admire you." Situ Gong was overjoyed. Though the idea seemed simple, it could solve many problems.

"As the vegetable market is crowded, we can set up a food street near it. Also, we can allow people to do business near schools and workshops. All taxes collected should be given with a standard invoice." Lin Ziyin added.

"Invoice?" Everyone was perplexed as they listened to her. This was a new term they had never heard before.

"An invoice is a single type of printed paper. It has the official seal of the government and a special mark." Lin Ziyin explained, "Dates and amounts are also included."

"Good."

"Brilliant."

Chu Suifeng looked fondly at Lin Ziyin, his eyes full of pride.

"If the local gangsters dare to make a nuisance, I will send them to work for free in the base." Xiao Yang fiercely responded, quickly applying Lin’s idea to other areas.

Lin Ziyin nodded with a smile, she believed that this method would deter troublemakers and soon, the order in Border City would be greatly improved.

Chu Suifeng and Lin Ziyin stayed in Border City for more than ten days. Once everything had fallen into place, they began to pack up and prepare for their return journey.

The journey back wasn’t quick. Firstly, there was unthawed snow on the road complicating the journey. The road was paved with blue stones, but it was still somewhat slippery. Chu Suifeng feared that Lin Ziyin’s carriage might topple over. Also, there was no urgency in the return journey, hence, the carriage moved slowly. Secondly, they had to meet some local officials on the way to discuss potential plans for wide-scale planting of corn and soybeans the following year. Whilst travelling, Lin Ziyin also got the opportunity to taste local delicacies.

At this speed, by the time they returned to Shili Village, half a month had passed and it was already early December.

"Amitabha, we’re finally back."

"Great fortune, it’s good to be back!"

"The boss is back."

...

As soon as the villagers spotted the array of black armoured soldiers, they erupted in excitement. Lin Ziyin was their backbone. Although the absence of Lin Ziyin for the last two months had not affected the workshops, businesses, and farming in the village, without her presence, the villagers’ hearts felt strangely unsettled.

Now, with their backbone returned, they could stand tall and firm.

Lin Ziyin dismounted from the carriage as it entered the village.

She could not stand the cold, so Chu Suifeng had made several fur coats and capes for her to keep her warm. Each piece was made from the rare white fur of foxes and tigers, lined with down jackets and woolen sweaters. Thankfully, she had a slim figure, so the extra clothing didn’t make her look bulky.

Chapter 608: Chapter 608: Never Give Up (3)_1

"Here." Chu Suifeng handed her a soup bun, clearly unsatisfied with her decision to get out of the carriage before reaching her front door.

"Is everything fine at the workshop?" Lin Ziyin asked with a beaming smile. She hadn’t been home in a long time, and seeing the villagers again made her feel grounded.

"It’s doing great."

"Business has been good—as always. Even in snowy weather, we have customers."

...An offhand question elicited enthusiastic responses from many.

Everyone crowded around Lin Ziyin and Chu Suifeng as they walked towards the Lin Family’s home, the journey punctuated by frequent bursts of laughter and cheerful chatter.

Da Gouzi and Ergouzi, witnessing the festive atmosphere in the village, also peeked out to join the excitement.

"What are you looking at?" The Bao family matriarch said with a stern face, "Get back inside before you freeze."

Da Gouzi, now in his teens, immediately retreated indoors at her reprimand. But Ergouzi, being younger, stood at the doorway, watching a feudal lord lead away his black-armored soldiers. Only once they had disappeared did he reluctantly step back inside.

"All you ever do is rubberneck. Starting tomorrow, you’re in charge of feeding the chickens," the Bao family matriarch scolded Ergouzi while maintaining a stern face.

Ergouzi grumbled and reluctantly agreed. Although Ma Erlang disappeared due to the Lin family, they were relatively benevolent. They did not torment the Bao family and her two children because of Ma Erlang’s issues.

On the contrary, the Lin family purchased all the chickens, ducks, and sheep raised by the Bao family, as well as the beans harvested from their fields, at market price.

Consequently, the Bao family and her two children didn’t lead a difficult life.

The return of Lin Ziyin was a grand affair, and the Ma family naturally heard it.

The Yan Family matriarch was quietly expressing her jealousy and resentment. However, her grumblings were so soft that it was unclear who she was cursing at.

Her eldest son, Ma Xincai, and his wife, Mrs. Huang, had just returned after a long day’s work. But they felt too ashamed to join the village’s merrymaking. Therefore, as soon as they came back, the couple went straight into their house.

"Dad, Mom," in a little while, the two children, elatedly holding snacks, entered from outside, "The Lin family gave us some desserts."

The little girl, being young, was so excited about her desserts that she immediately ran back to show her parents.

"All you know is eat, you unlucky child, you’re nothing but a jinx," the Yan family matriarch raged. Seeing the little girl beaming with joy was the breaking point for her simmering anger. She backhanded the young girl across her left cheek, causing the dessert in her hand to drop onto the ground.

"Wah!" Seeing her dessert fall, the little girl immediately began to cry.

"Grandma, why did you hit my sister?" Her big brother stepped in, his pitch-black eyes gleaming with hostility towards the Yan family matriarch.

Normally, the Yan family matriarch was quite kind to her grandson. However, on seeing his defiance, her temper flared up and she raised her hand to smack him as well.

Upon hearing the commotion, Ma Xincai and Mrs. Huang rushed out from the house. Upon seeing the matriarch about to hit their son, Mrs. Huang immediately intervened. After her time working in the Lin Family’s fields, she’d learned a lot from the village women, and was now more assertive than ever.

The two kids were her life, and she wouldn’t stand by while the Yan family matriarch hit them. She quickly moved to shove the elder woman away and shielded the children in her arms. "Mother, what did the children do wrong that you should hit them?" she asked.

"She hit her sister," the elder son tattled.

Meanwhile, the smacked little girl was wailing uncontrollably in the courtyard.

Chapter 609: Chapter 609: Never Give Up (4)_1

At this point, Mrs. Huang finally looked at her daughter. The sight made her want to kill Mrs. Yan. The left side of her daughter’s face was red and swollen, the mark of a large slap clearly visible. The skin became thin in the winter and Mrs. Yan had used quite a force, causing the girl’s left cheek to swell terribly.

"Mother." Seeing his daughter wounded, the normally congenial Ma Xincai became angry.

"Well, if the child is disobedient, I can’t hit her?" Mrs. Yan rolled her eyes.

"If you don’t explain clearly today, I ..." Mrs. Huang was anxious.

"What can you do?" Mrs. Yan rolled her eyes again, "If you’re obedient, I’ll carry on as usual. If you feel wronged, you can leave the Ma family."

"You?" Mrs. Huang shivered with rage.

"Is it done yet?" Ma Zhicai pushed open the room’s door and coldly asked, "Just a slap, what’s the fuss?"

The words were obviously biased towards Mrs. Yan.

"Useless thing." Backed by her second son, Mrs. Yan arrogantly raised her eyebrows at Mrs. Huang and harshly chastised Ma Xincai at her side, "This woman’s temper is getting worse, Eldest, you, a spineless thing, should give her a serious beating."

"Mother." Ma Xincai was torn between his mother and wife, but he would never hit Mrs. Huang. Which man in the village would still hit their wives nowadays?

"Mother, stop it. Let’s go into the house. Aren’t you cold?" A glance at his niece’s swollen face caused Ma Zhicai to hesitate for a moment before he impatiently urged Mrs. Yan indoors.

"Huh, the second son is the only one filial." Mrs. Yan ambled into the house with a sway of her hips.

"Little sister, don’t cry. Here are these sweets for you."

The little girl sobbed uncontrollably, her eyes staring blankly.

Touched, Mrs. Huang carried her daughter indoors, without a glance at Ma Xincai.

Ma Xincai’s expression became embarrassed and he followed them inside with a lowered head.

Ma Youcai darted out from a side room and quickly picked up the scattered sweets from the floor and shoved them into his mouth without hesitation. Ever since Ma Dalang lost his job in town, he hadn’t had sweets for a long time.

"Good, good." Zige burst into tears upon seeing Ziyin, hugging her tight. Ever since Ziyin left to follow the prince to Border City without saying anything, Zige hadn’t had a good night’s sleep.

Seeing her clutching Ziyin and crying, Chu Suifeng became immediately unhappy. If Zige wasn’t Ziyin’s real sister, he would have lost his patience and shoved her aside long ago.

Lin Changshu and his father were dying to have a proper look at Ziyin, but seeing Chu Suifeng’s displeased face, they sighed and instead went up to greet this aristocrat, Chu Suifeng.

"Your Highness has worked hard." Even though he had said no need for formalities, Lin Changshu and his father didn’t dare show any disrespect towards Chu Suifeng.

"Your Highness, please come into the house for a while, it’s quite cold outside." The old man spoke. "Zige, bring Ziyin into the house."

Zige, aware that everyone was laughing at her, blushed deeply and hurriedly let go of Ziyin, "You naughty girl, without a word, you were gone for two months. How could you be so carefree?"

"Didn’t I write a letter back?" Ziyin explained with a smile.

"Only a few lines. Border City... what kind of place is that? You’re a woman. How could I not worry?" The two sisters talked while walking into the house. Naturally, Ziyin did not forget to greet Guo Huiniang.

Guo Huiniang was equally excited. However, as the hostess, she had to entertain the villagers and take care of the kitchen. She was running around so busily that she didn’t have a moment to spare.

Changting had grown much taller, appearing more settled. He and Yanzhi kept looking at Ziyin, their eyes welling up with tears, but they didn’t cling to her as usual.

Chapter 610: Chapter 610: Never Give Up (5)_1

Despite their excitement, the villagers maintained their manners. Especially since they often dealt with important customers from the village, they knew their place. Lin Changshu and Guo Huiniang kept inviting everyone into the house, but all politely declined.

"Prince and the rest have journeyed hard; we won’t intrude any longer."

"Indeed, it’s good enough that they’ve returned, we don’t need to rush in immediately."

...

In the end, nearly everyone left, and only Lou Zheng and the good folks from the Bai and He Families stayed behind.

"These are the two babies?" Upon seeing the two adorable children being held by the nannies, Lin Ziyin’s face instantly softened.

"This is Ping Zhi," Zige introduced with a smile, "and the other one is our chubby little girl."

"Chubby? How?" Wu Dayou instantly disagreed upon hearing.

"How is she not chubby? She might not have been at birth, but now she’s growing fatter by the day to the point that her eyes are becoming smaller." Zige verbally complained, but his eyes were filled with gentle affection when he looked at the baby girl.

The two children were just over two months old and were now awake and not crying or making a fuss. They were bundled up tightly and looked very adorable.

Lin Ziyin wished she could hold both of them, but the children were already in the hands of Zige and Huiniang. She had no choice but to sit on the side and watch with joy.

"The Tatars have been driven away, that’s fantastic." Lin Changshu was somewhat thrilled, initially he thought that Ziyin’s trip to the Border City wouldn’t end until the New Year, but they came back sooner than expected. It was clear, from the fact that they were all safe and sound, that they’d won the war.

"Were there many losses?" The old man asked with concern.

"Not as many as one might think. Casualties are unavoidable in war. But our side only lost a little over three thousand men, while the enemy lost more than fifty thousand." Chu Suifeng was extremely respectful while addressing the old man.

Seeing everyone’s interest, Lin Ziyin smiled and recounted the events of the Tatars’ attack on the city.

"Bravo, excellent." The old man was so happy he couldn’t contain himself.

"Now that the Tatars have suffered a defeat, let’s see if they dare to come back again." Lou Zheng was almost bouncing with excitement.

The last time when Yu Sha’ou and the others returned from Border City, they not only brought back a large quantity of beef but also a vivid recounting of the battle. The villagers cheered for days.

They never expected the subsequent war to be so thrilling. Even though they didn’t witness the war in person, they felt as if they were part of it just by hearing about it.

After a while, the servants from the kitchen came out to ask about serving the meal.

Due to her hurry to return, Lin Ziyin was quite famished. Guo Huiniang immediately ordered the meal to be served and even Lou Zheng and the others were made to stay for dinner.

"Grandmother." Back at the Li Family residence, Li Yanran, who had always been keen on the news from the Northern Land, immediately learned about Chu Suifeng’s return.

Then, she went straight to see the old lady.

The old lady, who was once very fond of Li Yanran, had cooled her attitude enormously ever since Li Yanran threatened her. Her love and favor toward her granddaughter were now gone.

Yet Li Yanran was thick-skinned and seemed to ignore the old lady’s impatience. She visited punctually every day and sometimes even brought delicious food from the market.

Mrs. Mu, on the other hand, rarely came as she felt her mother-in-law’s discontent.

"Cousin is back." Li Yanran lowered her head and began speaking, not paying attention to the expression on the old lady’s face, "Mister Situ and Si Jinhan returned to Feng City a few days ago, and cousin only returned today."

The old lady glanced at her and didn’t respond.

Li Yanran felt somewhat anxious inside, but dared not show it, "I’ve heard they are busily preparing for the wedding at the Wang Residence."