Ch. 61..65: The Princess of Northern Land Chapter 61-65

Chapter 61: Improvement (1)_1 Lou Zheng is Wu Dayou’s close relative, and currently, the closest person to him. Therefore, when Lou Zheng came to propose the marriage, the Lin family did not find it too surprising. However, with Lou Zheng and Madame Zhang acting as matchmakers, this marriage would bring honour to the Lin family when word got out.

“Dayou and Changshu have been good brothers for years, and we’ve watched Zige grow up. Though Dayou’s family is somewhat impoverished, Dayou can hunt, and Zige is a capable girl. There’s no fear of them not being able to make ends meet in the future,” Lou Zheng said, “If this match goes through, I intend for Dayou to reclaim the three acres of rented farmland so that they can cultivate it themselves and have some income.”

Lou Zheng’s considerations were far-reaching, “Our two families have had a long-standing relationship, so there’s no need for empty talk. Master, please, give us a straight answer.”

The old master sat unusually quiet for a while. Seeing him not speaking, the rest of the Lin family dared not utter a word.

Wu Dayou was secretly anxious, constantly giving Lin Changshu glances. However, Lin Changshu didn’t seem to understand what was going on and did not respond in the slightest.

Just when Wu Dayou was growing impatient, the old master finally spoke, “Zige is a good girl, her parents are no longer alive. Our Lin family isn’t looking for anything, we just hope that Dayou will treat her well.”

This was considered approval. Lou Zheng and Madame Zhang quietly breathed a sigh of relief. They were stupefied when their nephew approached them last night, begging them to propose the marriage. Even though Lin Zige had been rejected before, she was good-looking and diligent. They previously had no certainty this proposal would go through.

Luckily they complied, allowing Dayou to secure a good match.

“Grandfather, rest assured, I will surely spoil Zige at home, I definitely won’t let her suffer,” Wu Dayou emotionally pledged, “Should I do anything wrong, you can beat me with your shoe.”

Lin Ziyin had never heard such words of affection before. While Wu Dayou seemed honest, he was cunning. The words he delivered may seem like a vow to the old master, but in actuality, they were intended for Zige.

Lin Zige blushed, lowering her head.

“Remember what you said. If you ever treat Zige poorly, be prepared for my shoe,” Lin Changshu said coldly. Even though they were close friends, his cherished sister was stolen by this boy. This left a sour taste in his mouth.

“Agreed.” Wu Dayou showed a sheepish grin, glancing at Zige again.

“Since it’s settled, let’s consider this settled between our two families,” said Lou Zheng with a smile. At this moment, Madame Zhang handed a wooden box to Zige, “You all know about Dayou’s situation. He can’t offer many fine things. These are what Dayou’s mother left behind, and now, it can finally be passed on to Zige.”

Lin Ziyin was curious about what the box contained, but Lin Zige was too shy to open it. Ziyin felt such an urge to step forward and open the box himself.

“Inside are a pair of silver bracelets and a hairpin from my mother. She saved them for her daughter-in-law,” said Wu Dayou, feeling slightly embarrassed.

“These fabrics are for Zige to make her clothes.” Madame Zhang handed over some fabric, a goose-yellow cotton cloth, a fine item. Afterward, she laid out some pastries.

All were simple treats, essentials for engagement rituals in rural areas.

Just yesterday, Lin Changshu and Ziyin had only just visited Wu Dayou’s house. It was surprising that within a single night, he had already prepared the necessary offerings for the engagement. It was quite an achievement.

“Is anyone home?” Right when both families were in a lively discussion, a sudden knock on the door was heard from outside.

 

Chapter 62: Improvement (2)_1 “They might be here to pick up goods.” Lin Ziyin said with a smile.

Lou Zheng, being a smart man, stood up immediately after hearing this, “We are from the same village, we don’t have that many formalities. I’ll get going now, don’t want to hinder your business. Zige, from now on, Dayou is in your hands.”

Blushing, Lin Zige gave her consent.

“Hold on, Uncle Lou Zheng.” Lin Ziyin smiled and stopped him, “I won’t pretend, to invite you to stay for a meal, we are indeed too busy for that. But I’ve prepared some tofu and braised pork for you to take back and taste.”

“How can we accept this?” Mrs. Zhang politely declined.

“It’s nothing special, all homemade by us. Our families are now relatives, even if we take some back, no one can blame us in the village.” Lin Ziyin smiled and said, “Sister-in-law, please pack it quickly.”

“Sure.” Guo Huiniang was very swift, packing the basket Mrs. Zhang had brought full in no time.

“Why so much?” Mrs. Zhang exclaimed in surprise.

“Uncle Lou Zheng’s family is big, this amount of food is not much.” Lin Ziyin said while smiling, and she was already at the door, opening it up.

Standing outside was indeed Si Si who had come with Si Jinhan the day before, with two servant-like boys standing beside him.

“Miss Lin.” As soon as Si Si saw her, he immediately bowed his hand and greeted her, “I am here to pick up the goods.”

“Please, they are all ready.” Lin Ziyin said with a smile.

“You are busy, we’ll be going then.” Lou Zheng said cheerfully, and took a look at Si Si who had just entered. Upon seeing that even though Si Si was dressed in servant’s clothes, he was carrying fabric that common people couldn’t afford, Lou Zheng felt happy for the Lin Family.

“Lou Zheng, let me walk you out.” Lin Changshu hurriedly called out.

When Lou Zheng and Mrs. Zhang got outside and saw the horses that Si Si and his people had brought, they were even happier for Wu Dayou. If the Lin Family had such generous customers, it would be hard for anyone to believe that they won’t prosper in the future.

Good, Dayou, who had been struggling for so many years, might finally see a turn of good luck.

“Here is your fifty pounds of tofu, ten pounds of braised meat and the new product, dried tofu, of which we only have ten pounds. You can take them back and give them a try. If they are good, you can let us know later.” Lin Ziyin had a shrewd businesswoman smile on her face.

“Good, we’ll take them back. If we need to place any orders in the future, we’ll let Miss Lin know in advance.” Si Si courteously replied.

“Thank you.” Lin Ziyin was particularly happy to hear this.

The Lin Family didn’t have a carriage, and the Si Family offering to pick up their goods was the best scenario.

“Seventy-seven hundred wen, take it.” Si Si settled the payment on the spot.

“Good.” Lin Ziyin took the broken silver and sent them out.

The Lin Family had another group of high-standing guests come by, and the entrance was soon surrounded by many villagers who came to watch.

However, they felt embarrassed to go into the Lin Family’s yard, so they stood outside the door pointing and discussing the carriage.

“Safe journey.” Lin Changshu escorted Si Si and his men out, bidding them farewell politely.

“Hold on.” Si Si ordered his servant to load the goods into the carriage.

The villagers saw that the baskets were covered with gauze and couldn’t tell what the Lin Family was selling, but they could clearly see the braised meat in the basket.

Many people speculated that the Bai Family had not lied, the Lin Family really was selling pork offal.

However, city people were really strange. What was so special about pork offal that it smelled bad, yet people were willing to buy and eat it.

Many people, with doubts in their minds, tried to inquire Lin Changshu about the situation.

Lin Changshu, surrounded by everyone, felt a bit anxious.

“Amitabha, Benefactor, we came to pick up the tofu.” Two martial monks showed up at just the right moment.

Lin Changshu quickly apologized to everyone, then led the two martial monks into the door.

The crowd, unable to get a satisfactory answer, reluctantly left one by one.

In the afternoon, everyone gathered around to discuss the events at the Lin Family, eventually agreeing that the Lin Family’s business would not last long. Of course, they also discussed the matter of Wu Dayou and Lin Zige’s engagement, and most villagers held a blessing attitude towards this marriage. But there were also those who bore ill-intentions, such as the Ma Family that broke off their engagement.

Chapter 63 Fame Increased(1)_1 “How could people like that get so lucky?” Yan grumbled alone in her home, her complaining incessant. Seeing her in a foul mood, Huang had been scared off to the fields with her basket, and their eldest son, Ma Xincai, had silently followed suit.

“Lin Zige is nothing good. The moment we end our engagement, she rushes to arrange a marriage with Wu Dayou. She clearly can’t stand being alone, a complete tramp. I’m telling you, Wu Dayou is always in and out of the Lin’s home. Do they already have an illicit affair?” After thinking to herself, Yan slapped her thigh, seemingly enlightened as if she had uncovered the “truth”.

Ma Youcai, holding his book listened and frowned, “Mom, could you quiet down for a bit? Even if they did hook up beforehand, what can you do about it now? Besides, if that’s the truth, it’s a good thing we ended the engagement, I don’t want to be cuckolded.”

He advised dismissively, but inwardly, he was very angry.

“No, this won’t do. We ended the engagement and took all the blame. Why should they, that adulterous couple, get away with it and even enjoy a good reputation?” Yan gritted her teeth in determination, getting up to confront the Lin family.

“Mother!” Ma Zhicai slammed his book down on the table, “Are you purposely trying to ruin my career? When I take the Scholar’s exam, Lou Zheng is the guarantor. He’s Wu Dayou’s kin, and he’s also the matchmaker for Wu Dayou and Lin Zige. If you anger him, am I supposed to pick up the slack?”

“So, it ends just like that?” Yan looked at her son plaintively, “I can’t swallow my anger.”

“If you can’t swallow it, you have to.” Ma Dalang strode in, “Didn’t you hear your son? Our son’s future is in Lou Zheng’s hands. Listen, if you mess this up and ruin our son’s future, I won’t forgive you. If Youcai becomes a successful scholar in the future, what’s a Lou Zheng? A gentleman’s revenge can wait for ten years. You’re always rash and act on impulse, that’s why we’re in such an embarrassing position now.”

Ma Youcai, hearing the words of Ma Dalang, frowned at Yan. He couldn’t agree more with Ma Dalang’s advice. It’s true when they ended the engagement with the Lin family, they could’ve kept it low-key and no one would have thought twice. The problem was Yan boasting about having a Scholar in the family while badmouthing the Lin family, it just annoyed the Lin family and the villagers.

They wouldn’t have such troubles if they kept a low profile.

“Mother, you mustn’t be muddled.” Ma Youcai seriously warned Yan once more.

“Fine, I understand. We’ve let the Lin family off easy, but when my son makes it in the future, watch how I deal with them.” Yan swore, her face twisted in ferocity.

For the next few days, the Martial Monk from Ding’an Temple and Si Si would always come to pick up tofu from the Lin family at the same time. Villagers watched, green with envy as the high-end carriage frequented the Lin residence.

However, out of face, they didn’t dare to barge in and inquire about the Lin family’s business.

Before long, it was the fifteenth, and the Lin family climbed aboard Lou Zheng’s carriage to the market early in the morning. This time, Lou Zheng and Zhang also joined the group.

“Sweets.” Lin Yanzhi was happily nestled in Lin Ziyin’s arms on the carriage.

With living conditions at home improving, his aunt treating him well, providing him and his brother with daily treats and meat, Lin Yanzhi and Lin Changting looked up to Lin Ziyin.

“Well, you’ve finally decided to show. ” Seeing them, Pork Zhang called out loudly. “Don’t be afraid. The ruffians in the market have all been driven away by the officials. From now on, there will be peace in the market.”

“Thanks for letting us know, Zhang. We only dared to come here after we got the news.” Lin Changshu said with a laugh, thanking him. “We’ll come to pick up the offal later.”

Chapter 64 Fame Increased(2)_1 “Alright.” Pork Zhang agreed cheerfully.

“I am also ready.” Pork Wang, unwilling to be outdone, also shouted loudly from the side.

Lin Changshu exchanged some polite words with him before bringing his family to their original stall.

“We’re going to the market first.” Mrs. Zhang said to Lin Ziyin with a smile, “Your aunt will come find you guys later.”

“Okay.” Lin Ziyin agreed with a nod and smile.

“Grandpa, I’m leaving the kids with you.” Lin Ziyin said to the old man.

The old man and the two children sat next to the tofu baskets, taking turns watching the tofu and making sure nobody bumped into the kids.

Although Lin Yanzhi was young, Lin Changting had frightened him into behaving, warning that if he misbehaved, he might be stolen away by the bustle of the market and never find his way home.

So, once at the market, Lin Yanzhi was especially obedient, quietly sitting in the old man’s lap, watching their tofu and business operations with Lin Changting.

Ever since Lin Ziyin’s last visit to the market, many people who had tasted the delicious tofu had come to inquire time and again. The Lin Family hadn’t shown up, leaving many people disappointed.

Today when they saw them, they immediately gathered around them, many of them young maids from wealthy families.

“I heard, this tofu can be used for cooking?” A man who looked like a manager asked.

“Yes.” Lin Ziyin replied with a smile, “You can use it to make dumplings or for cooking.”

“Give me ten jin.” The manager demanded ten jin upon hearing this.

“Alright.” Lin Changshu agreed cheerfully, efficiently sliced the tofu and handed it over, accepting the copper coins, “Sir, I must remind you that the weather is hot, tofu can’t stay for long. Since you’ve bought it, don’t let it sit overnight. Even in a few days, you’ll have to be careful.”

“Okay.” The manager nodded, clearly remembering his reminder.

Next, even more people gathered around, and the ten or so baskets of tofu they had brought were all sold out in no time. The remaining three baskets of tofu were not meant for sale, they were intended for making tofu skewers.

“I’ll take ten skewers.” Seeing the dwindling tofu supply, many customers became anxious.

“Will we run out?” Someone shouted.

Lin Ziyin, Guo Huiniang, and Lin Zige were all sweating profusely from the rush, “If we run out, there’s always next time.”

Lin Ziyin replied, smiling.

“That’s not acceptable, we’ve been waiting for ages.” Someone complained.

“Miss, is there any tofu left?” Several servants came over to inquire, so Lin Changshu and Wu Dayou hurriedly declined.

“Isn’t there some left over? Give some to us,” requested a man who seemed to be a butler.

“That’s not fair, we have been waiting.” Those in line disagreed.

“These are meant for making tofu skewers only.” Lin Ziyin explained with a smile, “If you really need some, you can come to the Lin Family in Shili Village tomorrow. However, we will require a deposit.”

“Deal.” The visitor did not hesitate and immediately handed over the money to Lin Changshu.

“This?” Lin Changshu seemed a little tentative.

It wasn’t that he despised the growing tofu business, but their mill at home was small. If they accepted too many orders, they feared they wouldn’t be able to keep up.

“Brother, you handle it. At most, we’re just making an extra twenty jin per day.” Lin Ziyin suggested.

Lin Changshu nodded, and after accepting orders from a few more families, he refused to take any more.

Those who didn’t manage to buy some regretfully left.

“Are they crazy?” After sowing the seeds, many people from Shili Village had also come to the market. The booming business of the Lin Family was impossible to overlook.

Madame Yan and several other women stood in the crowd, watching the bustling Lin Family in shock. The business was too hot to handle, they even had to turn away customers who came to their doorstep.

Instantly, Madame Yan felt as if a large stone was weighing heavily on her chest.

Chapter 65: A Huge Heart(1)_1 “That tiny thing sold for three coins? I heard it’s made of soybeans.” A woman eyeing the Lin Family’s stall with envy said to her companion.

“I think the people buying this stuff must be crazy. It’s only soybeans, not some rare delicacy.” The companion replied with a sour tone. “The Lin Family has quite the greedy heart.”

“Enough, let’s go get some food.” In no time, all the tofu brought by the Lin Family sold out, leaving the people who didn’t manage to line up to regretfully leave.

“Bring more next time, we also want to buy tofu to cook with.” Someone advised Lin Changshu.

“We are limited by our circumstances at home and can only make so much, my apologies.” Lin Changshu responded with an apologetic smile.

“Well, you could make a larger quantity of this braised meat, right?” Somebody else yelled.

The offal prepared by the Lin Family were too delicious. When the Lin Family didn’t come to the market some days ago, many people tried to buy and cook it themselves, but their offal still had a strange flavor, so they quickly gave up.

“We’ll try our best,” Lin Ziyin said with a smile, “As long as we can get an adequate amount of offal, we’ll definitely make more.”

Only then did the crowd disperse, satisfied with the answer.

“Brother, Dayou, we’ll leave the rest to you,” Lin Ziyin said with a smile.

“Alright, you guys go have fun, see you at the oxcart later,” Lin Changshu responded.

“Business is good.” Lou Zheng came over. He and his wife Zhang had returned a while ago, but seeing the Lin Family busy, they didn’t want to disturb and just stood watching from afar.

“Decent.” The old man answered, without any hint of pride.

Upon witnessing the capabilities of the Lin Family, Lou Zheng’s heart couldn’t upheave his admiration. “You guys are doing well.” There wasn’t a hint of jealousy.

Zhang felt fortunate to be on good terms with the Lin Family. Seeing their drive, she knew they surely weren’t far from prosperity.

“I’ll join you ladies for a while,” she naturally joined the women’s group with a smile.

“Sure, auntie,” Lin Ziyin agreed with a beaming smile.

Thus, the group comprised of women and children joined the bustling crowd at the market.

After selling tofu and braised meat for a few days, they had earned them a bit of silver. But Lin Ziyin had insisted on the old man holding on to it, saying she had plans. Therefore, the old man guarded the silver closely.

“Here.” This time at the market, Lin Ziyin only bought a few pastries for the children, plus an extra one for Lou Zheng’s grandson.

Zhang tried to refuse, but seeing Lin Ziyin’s insistence, she eventually accepted. Observing Lin Ziyin’s astute approach, she began to adore her even more.

By midday, they had their snacks and rode the oxcart back home.

Once they arrived at the village, the Lin family could immediately tell that the villagers were looking at them differently.

The stares were unnerving.

The Lin family understood why, but since no one asked and they played dumb, they greeted everyone with smiles before returning home.

“What cheek!” The Bao family’s matriarch spat after they had left.

Everyone wanted to ask the Lin family what they were selling that was so popular. But seeing them returning on Lou Zheng’s oxcart, everyone held their tongues.

After all, Lou Zheng held quite a status in the village, and no one dared to offend him lightly.

“Brother, I want to head into the city tomorrow,” Lin Ziyin said during lunch.