Ch. 781..785: The Princess of Northern Land Chapter 781-785

Chapter 781: Chapter 781: Meeting (1)_1

"Do you have any dignity left? Are you still a man of Ma Family?" Ma Zhicai’s tone became harsh. He had always looked down on his eldest brother, Ma Xincai, because he was a scholar. Usually, when Ma Xincai saw him, he would always treat him respectfully. Unexpectedly, he was scolded by Ma Xincai, a weakling, and his anger flared up immediately.

"Such a shrew, only a man like you would treat her as a treasure." He sneered sarcastically.

Ma Xincai’s face turned red. He too was a man, how could he take this kind of mockery. He looked at Ms. Huang, wanting to scold her a few words, but when he looked down and saw their two children in tears, and the look of utter despair on Ms. Huang’s face, he suddenly found himself unable to say anything.

"Ma Xincai, if you’re a man, come with me, let’s cut ties with them, so they won’t keep draining our blood like leeches." Ms. Huang said, crying, as she once again aired her years of grievances in front of everyone.

Because the argument was getting out of hand, many villagers had gathered to watch the spectacle. For a moment, everyone was looking at the injured children and the crying Ms. Huang, shaking their heads and discussing the matter. Public opinion immediately swayed in favor of Ms. Huang.

"You arrogant harlot, after a few days of working for the Lin family, you think you’re something, don’t you? You think with the Lins backing you up, I’d be afraid of you." The Yan Family woman couldn’t stomach this humiliation, "You’ve earned a bit of money, but where’s it gone? All your earnings are lining your own pockets. Look at all of these things, they were all earned by Zhicai, what have you brought in? You harlot! You can’t even tell the difference between home and outside, you get flattered a few times and you start treating strangers as your own. But now that they’re gone, who are you going to suck up to?"

"Who’s gone?" Wu Erli was enraged, wishing he could slap her right then.

"Yes, make it clear." The villagers were already angry about Lin Ziyin’s disappearance. The sarcasm from the Yan family woman instantly ignited everyone’s anger.

"Our family affairs are our own business, what right do you all have to interfere?" Ma Zhicai glared coldly at the villagers. "My mother’s never pointed a finger at any of you, has she? If you’re disgruntled, don’t try to vent your anger on us."

"Yeah, son, they’re just trying to bully us by outnumbering us." The Yan family woman fearlessly chimed in.

"Just look at her. Ma Xincai, I’m telling you, either we separate and cut ties today, or we divorce. I’ll take the children and leave." Seeing the way the Yan woman and Ma Zhicai were behaving, Ms. Huang felt utterly disheartened.

Everyone lived in the same village. Aside from the fact that Lin Ziyin was now a lofty princess, the benefits the Lin family brought to the villagers made the Yan woman’s behavior a provocation to the entire village.

If this continued for long, there would certainly be trouble.

Being a young woman with two young children, the Ma family did not want to risk death or imprisonment with the Yan woman.

No, they must cut ties.

"Huh, the eldest son came out of my belly, you say cut ties and we cut ties? If you want to leave, go by yourself." The Yan woman, having Ma Zhicai on her side, brimmed with confidence, immediately.

Ms. Huang didn’t say anything, just quietly looked at Ma Xincai.

Ma Xincai looked somewhat embarrassed. He wanted to divide the family, but he didn’t want to cut ties. He feared being backstabbed. "Let’s divide the family but not sever ties."

"Then go by yourself." Ms. Huang sneered and walked into the house to start packing.

"Mother of my children." Once Ma Xincai saw that, he immediately became anxious.

"Get out, but don’t take a needle or a thread from our Ma Family." The Yan woman screamed at the top of her lungs.

Chapter 782: Chapter 782: Meeting (2)_1

"Fine, I don’t fancy your belongings. I just want my own." Mrs. Huang was strong willed. She quickly packed her things, slung the bundle across her back, took one of her children by the hand and prepared to leave.

"Stop. Open your bundle for me." Yan Family’s matron commanded, blocking Mrs. Huang’s way with righteous indignation.

"Step aside. There’s silver inside. It’s what I earned working. You won’t steal it because the Lin Family has its roots. Listen, if you dare to rob me, I’ll report you to the authorities." Mrs. Huang fearlessly announced.

Lady Yan was almost driven mad with rage, but she knew that given her current reputation, if she reported this case to the government officials, she would be the one to suffer in the end. Because since the Prince of Ling became acquainted with that Lin Ziyin, the ordinances of Northern Land began to gradually change.

For example, in the past if an elder reported a junior for being unruly and unvirtuous, the elder was sure to win in nine out of ten cases. But now, things were different. It was said that the government officials would go to the village to collect testimony and both parties could engage in a debate right then and there.

With this new rule, she’d surely lose. Lady Yan was very aware that Mrs. Huang, who worked for the Lin Family, had won over her fellow villagers. Even the villagers from nearby hamlets who came to work, if they were to go to the government offices, their support would undoubtedly go to Mrs. Huang.

After weighing her options, Lady Yan decided not to mention going to the government offices. She simply pointed at Mrs. Huang and cursed her incessantly.

As for Mrs. Huang, she remained calm and coolly laughed in response to her ridicule, "Done with your yelling? Let everyone see if you’re indeed a loving mother. When the officials come to obtain evidence, I’ll have witnesses ready."

"Mrs. Huang, we’ll all stand as your witnesses. Who has ever seen a mother-in-law who verbally abuses her daughter-in-law so cruelly?" someone loudly voiced their support.

"What is this ridiculous spectacle? Didn’t you hear? Even the younger uncle is interfering with the affairs of his niece’s husband’s household now." Someone loudly jeered. The crowd’s gaze then fell onto Ma Zhicai, and they burst into laughter.

Flushed with embarrassment, Ma Zhicai remained undeterred. To him, anyone who sided with the Lin Family was his enemy.

"I’ve never seen anyone take such pleasure in someone else’s misfortune or kick others when they’re down. Who would tolerate their daughter-in-law so openly disrespecting an elder? Shouldn’t Mrs. Huang be disowned for this alone? Or perhaps, it’s a case of ’birds of a feather flock together’, and you all enjoy this sort of insolence?" As a scholar, Ma Zhicai’s words were a pointed attack.

Unfortunately for him, everyone in the village knew about the Ma family’s disputes, so not a single soul cared to entertain Ma Zhicai’s defamatory words.

"What’s everyone doing here?" Ma Dalang, who returned home late, saw the crowd right outside his yard before he had even entered.

Ma Dalang valued his reputation greatly. He despised it when others were around his property, so he elbowed his way into the yard, making a grand entrance.

"My husband is finally home. If you didn’t come back, this insolent woman would have beaten me to death today." After saying this, Lady Yan revealed her injuries from Mrs. Huang’s assault.

While she called them injuries, they were nothing more than superficial wounds left by a broom. Yet, in Lady Yan’s eyes, these were severe injuries and proof of Mrs. Huang’s defiance and unfilial behavior.

"How could you hit your mother-in-law?" Without hearing Mrs. Huang’s side of the story, Ma Dalang immediately put on a stern face and started to berate his daughter-in-law.

With a mocking laugh, Mrs. Huang retorted, "Dear father-in-law, are you going to blame me for this without hearing my side of the story? I can’t carry the burden of such a serious crime as insubordination and unfilial conduct."

Seeing her disregard, Ma Dalang knit his brows in displeasure. He felt that Mrs. Huang was openly disobeying him, showing no respect for him as her elder.

"Mother of my child, say no more," Ma Zhixin tried to stop her by tugging at the hem of her gown.

Chapter 783: Chapter 783: Meeting (3)_1

"Why should I limit my words, everyone is watching. Does the Yan Family feel it’s okay to disregard us mother and child, and we’re not allowed to fight back? The authorities also said, unjust matters should be brought out into the open. Anyway, everyone is here. Tell me, should I strike back or not?" Huang was smart, instantly involving the spectators.

"You should fight."

"What nonsense, attacking her own grandchildren, even willing to inflict fatal blows."

"Indeed, which mother doesn’t feel for her own children."

...

"Father, did you hear clearly?" Huang sneered at Ma Dalang, "You may not care about the two children, but I, as a mother, do. I’ve made up my mind today. Either we sever ties and separate from you, or I, Huang, and Ma Xincai will get a divorce."

"My dear wife." Ma Xincai looked at her pitifully. He knew who was genuinely good to him. Although he didn’t want to part with his parents, if Huang insisted on getting a divorce, he would definitely refuse to agree, and he would choose to separate.

Hearing this, the two children started crying again, clinging onto Huang’s legs.

Only then did Ma Dalang notice the bruises on the children’s faces. He didn’t need to ask to know that it was certainly inflicted by Yan’s hand. Thinking about Yan’s continuous scheming, his anger sparked, "What in the world happened?"

Seeing his anger, Yan immediately hid behind Ma Zicai, losing her conceited attitude.

"Father, no matter what mother has done, she is an elder. Is it wrong for her to discipline the children?" Ma Zicai looked at Ma Dalang discontentedly.

Upon hearing this, Huang sneered at Ma Zicai, "You all continue chatting. I am not going to serve you anymore. I am going to take the two children back to my parents’ home for the New Year now." Saying this, she led the children out of the house.

"Auntie, take our ox cart back home." Huang’s parent’s house is just in the neighbouring village, not far from here. Many villagers worked in Shili village. Seeing Huang’s resolute decision, they immediately showed their solidarity and supported Huang.

"Wait a moment, what is there to go back home for during the New Year? We’re all a family, isn’t there anything we can’t talk through?" Ma Dalang felt he couldn’t lose face; which family’s daughter-in-law would run away from home on New Year’s Eve after being beaten by her husband’s family? If word got out, would he have any face left? Could he continue doing business?

No doubt, although Ma Dalang was unable to work in the Lin Family, he was resourceful and quickly found business opportunities.

Merchants who came to the village and carried goods out always needed a porter. He acted as a middleman. Of course, he did not handle negotiations with the Lin Family but arranged accommodations and transportation for the merchants. Essentially, he had established a comprehensive business.

In summary, Ma Dalang made quite a lot this winter. Strictly speaking, these benefits were brought by the Lin Family. However, due to Yan’s hatred for the Lin Family, she refused to acknowledge their gratitude, believing that their improved life was due to Ma Dalang’s abilities.

"Father, if you really care about us, you should respect our wishes. No matter how much you earn in the future, we won’t be envious." Huang was determined to leave.

"If you’re leaving, take me with you." Ma Xincai said awkwardly, "What does it mean to leave me behind when the whole family is going?"

"Ma Dalang, you really aren’t just going to throw them out?" A nosy onlooker asked.

"Humph, do you think our village girls are easy targets?" People from the neighbouring village started to threaten.

Seeing that things were escalating, Ma Dalang had to compromise. Anyway, he didn’t like his eldest son, and now that they were better off, he thought it would be good if the eldest son’s family wanted to separate. "Alright, if you really want to separate, let’s do it. I’ll go find Lou Zheng."

Chapter 784: Chapter 784: Meeting (4)_1

"No need to search anymore, I’m right here." Lou Zheng slowly stepped forward.

Madalang was secretly irritated, he intended to play a nonchalant role, but now he was in a bind.

In the small town inn of North Country, Alhatu had reserved all the rooms in the inn.

"This is our North Country’s specialty, hand-grabbed mutton and roasted lamb..." Alhatu finally fulfilled his promise. He hired the finest cooks in town to prepare a full table of local North Country dishes for Lin Ziyin.

Lin Ziyin, seeing that the table was full of meat, quickly lost her appetite.

"Don’t like it?" Alhatu asked with a smile.

"There’s too much meat, it doesn’t suit my taste," Lin Ziyin made no attempt to hide her feelings.

"During winter, there are fewer vegetables. Especially in a small town like this, it’s hard to find fresh vegetables," Alhati explained soothingly, "I heard that in the princess’ manor, they manage to grow fresh vegetables even in winter?"

"Correct." Lin Ziyin replied with a faint smile, "As long as the temperature is enough, any kind of vegetable can be grown."

"Once we get to Capital City, you can have fresh vegetables. I have an estate in the mountains, there are hot springs there, they grow some greens near the hot springs." Alhatu unexpectedly began talking about his everyday matters to Lin Ziyin.

Lin Ziyin did not intend on responding. How Alhatu produced his vegetables was of no concern to her. She also had no interest in prying.

Alhatu observed her expression and when he found her uninterested, he sighed silently.

Everyone said that the Ming princess was only married because she knew how to farm and do business. The king needed silver and food, so he married her. Alhatu initially thought so too, for Chu Suifeng, food and silver were extremely important.

But after spending a few days with Lin Ziyin, and especially after hearing reports from Bayan and Tana, Alhatu no longer believed in these rumors.

How could a woman who is fearless in the face of danger and is bold yet meticulous, be an ordinary woman?

"Sir, this is our shop’s signature tea, it’s prepared with honey." At this point, a waiter brought a pot of good tea, interrupting Alhatu’s attempt to continue the conversation.

"Signature tea?" Alhatu curiously looked at the fine tea set on the table.

"To answer your question sir, do not underestimate this honey tea. The honey in the tea was bought through the shopkeeper’s contacts from the merchants of the Western Region. Any visitor to our shop likes to order a pot. Since you are a distinguished guest, the shopkeeper instructed this servant to serve you a pot free of charge." The waiter had a smooth talk.

"Since it’s a special tea, then set it down." Alhatu ordered with a smile.

The waiter left cheerily seeing that the guest was pleased.

Lin Ziyin watched the waiter’s receding figure, somewhat lost in thought.

"What’s wrong, is there something amiss?" Alhatu lightly inquired with a smile.

"I’m afraid the price of this pot of tea is a bit too high." Lin Ziyin answered calmly.

"They wouldn’t have the guts." Alhatu looked at her with a twinkling smile, surprised by Lin Ziyin’s keen sense of observation.

He knew that Lin Ziyin did not possess inner strength, and did not know martial arts. But Lin Ziyin was the first to notice something amiss with the shopkeeper and the waiter.

He was genuinely curious about Lin Ziyin, "Miss Lin, how did you realize something was wrong with them?"

"A shopkeeper, other than doing accounts and standing behind the counter, why would he be doing any heavy labour?" Lin Ziyin did not hold back, satisfying his curiosity. "But the shopkeeper’s thumb and the tiger’s mouth is covered with thick callouses, which is not normal. I may not know martial arts, but I know only those who hold weapons for a long time would have such characteristics."

Chapter 785: Chapter 785: Meeting (5)_1

"Miss Lin judged the entire inn to be out of line based solely on the shopkeeper’s single characteristic; it seems a bit abrupt." Alhatu tried to contradict on purpose, "The palms of those serving guys are all calluses, fitting the characteristics of those doing rough work."

"Prince Alhatu speaks reason. However, the calluses on the palms of those servers are exactly what’s wrong. I presume Prince Alhatu has already noticed; the skin on the back of their hands is all incredibly delicate. They need to wipe tables and wash dishes every day, so how could they not have a single trace of frostbite?" Lin Ziyin responded calmly and steadily.

"Miss Lin is indeed a very attentive person." Alhatu looked at her with approbative eyes.

"Prince Alhatu does not only possess attentiveness, but exceptional courage and discernment too." Receiving the other’s friendly gesture, Lin Ziyin promptly reciprocated with her own. She was not the type of person who took no hints and fail to appreciate kindness. Being on North Country’s territory, one more friend was always another way out.

"In the night, you might have slept all restlessly; please forgive me, Princess." Alhatu reminded her.

"No problem." Lin Ziyin nodded.

After saying so, both of them shared a laugh.

After putting down her bowl, Lin Ziyin indeed went back to her room to rest early, as expected.

The maid who had helped her out of the horse carriage was patiently waiting for her in the room, "Miss Lin, I shall attend to all your needs today. Please feel free to instruct me if you need anything."

"I want to change my clothes." Lin Ziyin stated, having only had time to escape the whole way, she did not have time to change clothes, the dress she currently wore was still that set from Feng City.

"Please wait a moment, Miss." The tall maid replied respectfully.

Lin Ziyin thought she was going to go out to fetch the clothes. Surprisingly, she merely beckoned from the door, and another maid came forward.

The tall one said a few words to the latter, then the latter went off. Not too long after, she indeed brought Lin Ziyin a change of clothes.

"Miss, I’m sorry, but all we have in this town are North Country’s apparel, please bear with us." The tall maid took the clothes and placed them on the bed.

"It’s fine." Lin Ziyin was not a particularly fussy person.

Swiftly, she changed out of her close-fitting clothes. The fabric of these clothes was quite precious, but she felt somewhat uncomfortable in them. However, she did not voice any complaints, "Wash these clothes as soon as possible, I’ll need to wear them again."

"Yes, Miss." The tall maid placed the clothes in a basin and handed it to the maid waiting outside.

After dressing in the cleaned clothes, Lin Ziyin decisively crawled into bed, then closed her eyes. It wasn’t that she was complacent; she knew that even if the enemy were to make a move, they would at least have to wait until midnight, as the average saying goes, the night is darkest and breeziest before a murder. Therefore, she couldn’t simply wait for the enemy to strike.

Moreover, having perceived the enemy’s intentions, Alhatu would certainly not put her in danger.

To be precise, she, Lin Ziyin, had become the bait tonight.

As bait, Lin Ziyin slept soundly, seemingly undisturbed by the upcoming events.

The tall maid blew out the candle in the room all of a sudden, and the room instantly became dim.

After the third watch (midnight), the assassination didn’t happen as Lin Ziyin had thought it would. In fact, nothing happened all night.

As dawn broke, Lin Ziyin opened her eyes, puzzled. Had the enemy discovered something? Or had they changed their plan?

"Miss, it is time to rise." The maid woke her up in a soft voice.

Lin Ziyin responded lethargically from under the covers, then she got up and started to dress and put on makeup.