Ch. 801..805: The Princess of Northern Land Chapter 801-805

Chapter 801: Chapter 801 Summoning (7)

"It won’t be far away, that day will surely come," Alhatu said with an undeniable sense of provocation.

"The imperial edict has arrived." Just as the other troublemakers were hesitating, a plump eunuch came over with the imperial edict.

Alhatu, along with everyone else, immediately knelt down, and the troublemakers were no exception.

The content of the imperial edict was simple; it was to have Alhatu bring the Princess Consort of the Prince of the Lings into the Imperial Palace to meet with the Emperor.

Even those who caused trouble, being dissatisfied, did not dare to directly confront the Emperor. They hesitantly dispersed in twos and threes.

Alhatu received the imperial edict with great joy; he had finally awaited this day.

He believed that as long as Lin Ziyin was willing, she could definitely persuade the Emperor to agree to a political alliance between their two countries.

"Second prince," the General immediately came over to greet Alhatu.

"General," Alhatu responded with a smile. The individual who had come was Du Lengcang’s family’s second child and also Alhatu’s second uncle, so naturally, their relationship was not an ordinary one.

"Be careful in everything when you enter the palace," General Du Lengcang instructed Alhatu in a hushed tone.

Alhatu nodded knowingly without saying a word. This trip to the palace could bring fortune or disaster, and no one could be certain of the outcome.

"Now entering the palace?" After hearing Alhatu’s invitation, Lin Ziyin looked at him with a bit of surprise, as she had thought the old Emperor would at the very least leave her hanging for another month or half a month.

She did not expect the old Emperor to be so impatient, coming to find her so quickly.

"There are many rules in the palace, but the Emperor is straightforward by nature. You only need to pay a little attention," Alhatu carefully cautioned her.

He knew that Lin Ziyin came from a humble background and had not yet met the Emperor of Daqin. "I think the Princess Consort would not wish for the relations between our two countries to continue as they are. If you can persuade the Emperor to adopt the methods of agriculture and husbandry that bring prosperity to your people, our countries will henceforth experience calm seas and enjoy eternal friendship. The citizens will be spared the fires of war."

"It seems that the second prince is unclear," Lin Ziyin replied with detachment, "The decision does not rest with you or me."

Alhatu was left speechless after hearing her words and, after a moment of silence, earnestly implored her again, "Regardless, I still hope that the Princess Consort will make a good persuasion to the Emperor this time."

"That is certain," Lin Ziyin agreed.

Inside the carriage, the nervousness on Yi Lian’s face, who accompanied her to the palace, made Lin Ziyin seem much more composed. Yi Lian inwardly admired Lin Ziyin greatly for this.

Lin Ziyin had not seen the Imperial Palace of Daqin, so she could not compare it to the palace of the North Country. However, she quite liked the spaciousness and ruggedness of the North Country’s Imperial Palace.

It truly had the characteristics of the northern world’s grandeur and unrestrained spirit.

"Emperor, His Highness the second prince and the Princess Consort have arrived," the old eunuch entered the study first, and Lin Ziyin faintly heard a voice from inside.

"Summon them," the Emperor said with a robust tone.

"Don’t worry," Alhatu whispered to comfort her.

Lin Ziyin smiled faintly. Worry? She really had none, as various signs indicated that the old Emperor of the North Country was not so foolish as to take her, Lin Ziyin’s, life.

Perhaps using her, Lin Ziyin, as a hostage in a trade with Chu Suifeng was more worthwhile than killing her.

After following Alhatu into the study, Lin Ziyin saw a rugged-looking, brawny man. He was wearing a golden Dragon Robe and his hair was simply tied up with a Golden Headband, his eyes revealing sharpness as he looked at Lin Ziyin without any inhibition.

Those eyes were as sharp as an eagle’s; if it had been someone else, they might have been scared into submission. But Lin Ziyin’s expression did not change in the slightest.

The old Emperor nodded silently to himself. No wonder this woman could become the Princess Consort of Ling. It was this level of composure in the face of honor or disgrace that could outshine many noblewomen.

"Lin Ziyin pays respects to the Emperor," Lin Ziyin bowed slightly and did not kneel to the old Emperor.

"This son pays respects to the Emperor Father," the second prince did kneel, however.

"Rise," the Emperor said nonchalantly, waving his hand.

Alhatu and Lin Ziyin both stood up straight.

"You are the Princess Consort of the Prince of the Lings?" The old Emperor looked at Lin Ziyin with an inquiring gaze.

"Yes," Lin Ziyin replied without avoiding his gaze.

"And how do you plan to persuade Us?" True to the men of the North Country, his speech was devoid of any roundabout phrasing.

Alhatu tensed up slightly; turning his head to look at Lin Ziyin, he hoped she would seize the opportunity.

Lin Ziyin’s response, however, disappointed him, "Not at all."

Alhatu had the urgent desire to shake her shoulders to make her come to her senses.

"Oh?" The old Emperor looked at her with amusement, displaying neither disappointment nor anger, "Alhatu has bet everything on you."

Hearing this, Alhatu was shocked and broke out in a cold sweat at the side, "Emperor Father..."

"Silence," the old Emperor glared at him unhappily, "Is what We said incorrect? However, today We do not wish to hear from you, but to hear what she has to say."

He pointed at Lin Ziyin.

"I believe the Emperor is fully aware; there’s no need for Lin Ziyin to say much," Lin Ziyin said calmly, "The Northern Land and the North Country have somewhat different climates, but the difference is not too great. Even more so, the North Country’s rich husbandry industry has an advantage that is even more unique compared to the Northern Land."

"Speak on," the old Emperor perked up.

"Your Majesty, I am a merchant first, and then the Princess Consort," Lin Ziyin said with a laugh, her smile pure and sincere.

Chapter 802: Chapter 802 Unusual Thoughts (1)

"Very well spoken," the Emperor laughed heartily. "I quite enjoy that perspective."

Alhatu had been somewhat worried, and had just thought about stepping forward to help Lin Ziyin make a few cover-up remarks when he saw the joy on the Emperor’s face and immediately stood aside with a smile.

"Since you are a merchant, how about I, in my role as a fellow businessman, discuss a deal with you?" asked the Emperor astutely.

"Of course," Lin Ziyin agreed readily. "Since Your Majesty wishes to conduct business with me as a merchant, shouldn’t I be allowed to sit down?"

The Emperor glanced at her and keenly caught the crafty look in her eye. "Be seated, Alhatu, you sit down as well."

"My thanks for Your Grace." Seeing things progressing in the direction he had hoped, Alhatu immediately felt more relaxed.

"What plans do you have in mind after seeing the situation in our North Country, Duchess Lin?" the Emperor continued.

"Your Majesty, creativity is also money," Lin Ziyin responded with a smile.

That clearly meant she wouldn’t help North Country for no reason.

"Very well, let me change the question. Duchess Lin, do you think North Country suits the cultivation of rice and wheat? And how would you handle livestock?" The Emperor, also a cunning man, tried his best to coax out the thoughts in Lin Ziyin’s heart.

"The climate in North Country isn’t much different from Northern Land, only that the cold current arrives earlier and departs later each year, which doesn’t affect planting. However, I have not thoroughly examined the soil quality in North Country, so I cannot give Your Majesty a definitive answer on whether crops can be grown." In her past life, although she had not met the Emperor, Lin Ziyin dealt with different clients every day and knew exactly how to handle demanding customers.

She skillfully dodged the Emperor’s loaded questions, but knowing they needed to trade, she also knew that she had to show some sincerity before the Emperor would truly trust her. "As for the livestock, using livestock breeding to boost the economy will certainly be beneficial."

"Oh?" the Emperor’s interest was indeed piqued.

"Because North Country has vast grasslands, the meat quality of the livestock is top-notch. Milk can be turned into powdered milk and milk flakes for sale, and as long as transportation issues are resolved, it could also encourage other countries to use this milk in various desserts for sale. Butter and cream could be exported as well. Beef and bones are also valuable products, and various flavors of beef jerky are bound to be accepted in the market. As for wool, it’s not hard to sell, as Northern Land’s wool and cashmere production technology is already mature. If we can finalize our intentions to cooperate, the construction of factories could proceed quickly, and everything could be operational by the end of the year," Lin Ziyin said with a smile.

"Aren’t you afraid that the development of products in North Country could greatly impact Northern Land?" the Emperor asked, seemingly intrigued.

"Competition breeds development, and to be honest, I am not afraid of competition. Because for the necessary machinery, and not to make Your Majesty laugh, but those machines can only be understood by my people. Besides, even if Your Majesty could persuade some of my subordinates, without the support of continuous spare parts, you wouldn’t be able to sustain for long," Lin Ziyin said, her face brimming with proud confidence.

Machinery was her specialty; steam-based machinery production depended on her as the chief engineer. The ancients might excel in craftsmanship, but when it comes to modern machinery, she, Lin Ziyin, in this time and space, was indeed the originator.

Big talk wasn’t for bragging. She couldn’t guarantee that her subordinates could resist temptation or would not betray her, but her machinery production was all separated for use, it was impossible for the people of North Country to mess around.

 

Chapter 803: Chapter 803 Unusual Thoughts (2)

At the very least, for the next hundred years, people in the North Country would not be able to fully master steam technology.

Moreover, the main economy of the Northern Land did not rely on milk and beef for support, so even if the livestock industry in the North Country were to develop, it would not pose any threat to the Northern Land.

The Emperor looked at her shining eyes, his expression already darkening. According to what Lin Ziyin had said, if the North Country wanted to develop, they would have to rely on the Northern Land.

As the ruler of a nation, depending on his competitor was something he could not do.

Who was Lin Ziyin? She was, after all, a modern elite in the business world; how could she not know what was troubling the Emperor’s heart?

"Actually, Your Majesty needn’t worry. Dairy cows and beef are not our main products in the Northern Land. Our specialties are products from beans, nuts, and rare mountain delicacies. Conversely, even if the Northern Land were also developing its livestock industry, there would be no conflict between the products of our two nations."

"How so?" The Emperor asked, his heart swayed by her words.

Alhatu sat nearby, on pins and needles, his heart fluttering up and down with Lin Ziyin’s words.

"With the circulation of Northern Land’s goods, we have undoubtedly opened up the markets for milk powder, soy milk powder, and beef jerky, but in reality, whether it’s soy milk powder, milk powder, or beef jerky, all are everyday consumable goods. The world is so vast that as long as the trade routes are open, production from both countries will not meet the market’s demand," Lin Ziyin explained. "We are contemplating producing fluid yogurts and pure milk for shipment." Lin Ziyin was not afraid of the other side knowing her marketing strategy.

In this era, there is no such thing as plastic packaging, making it challenging to sell liquid milk. However, Lin Ziyin had already figured out a method, which was to focus on researching glass bottles, driving down the price of glass to the lowest, then using it as a container for selling milk. Milk would then be sold in large barrels, just like modern barrelled beer.

Although the approach was somewhat unique, it was not impractical. However, if she talked about this idea now to the Emperor of the North Country, he did not have the technology to preemptively implement it.

Sister, it’s the technology that sells! Lin Ziyin looked at the Emperor with a smile, completely unbothered.

Conversely, the Emperor of the North Country was plunged into distress.

If the North Country agreed to cooperate with Lin Ziyin, then the future of the North Country might be restricted by Lin Ziyin. If they did not agree, watching a fat goose fly away right before their eyes, he again felt reluctant.

"Father, you have always wanted the North Country to become powerful and prosperous under your reign, to let the people have clothing and food without worry. Now, the opportunity is right in front of us, and your son believes that we should first consider agricultural matters," Alhatu said, after careful deliberation.

He also guessed the Emperor’s concerns, so he simply started from the most practical concern.

As long as they mastered agricultural techniques, there was no need to worry about technological concerns afterward.

The Emperor sighed softly in his heart, bitterly smiling to himself. Maybe what Lin Ziyin initially said was just an excuse. How could there be a difference in the climate and soil quality?

Unfortunately, Alhatu was smart, and Lin Ziyin was not foolish.

"Your Majesty might think that my initial words were an excuse. In truth, what I said was completely true. Oranges from the south differ greatly in taste due to the different soil and water conditions of Jiangnan and Jiangbei. In Jiangnan, oranges are incredibly sweet, while those from Jiangbei are exceedingly sour. If Your Majesty does not believe me, there’s nothing I can do," she said, her face showing helplessness.

"May I report to Your Majesty, the National Master is outside waiting for an audience," reported the eunuch, bowing his head and interrupting the discussion before the Emperor could make a decision.

The Emperor’s face showed a displeased expression as their good discussion was interrupted.

Chapter 804: Chapter 804 Unusual Thoughts (3)

It was not the hour for court meetings when the National Master entered the Imperial Palace, and the emperor immediately guessed his purpose. Remembering the National Master’s firm opposition to the peace talks, his eyebrows furrowed at once.

Alhatu’s expression also changed slightly.

"Lady Lin rarely visits our North Country; Alhatu, why don’t you show her around our Imperial Palace? Oh, and take her to your mother’s palace. Perhaps she might make a friend of Qiqige." The emperor’s hesitation was momentary before he resumed his hearty demeanor.

"As Your Majesty commands." Alhatu, having achieved his wish, could not stop smiling.

The emperor’s suggestion held no interest for Lin Ziyin. As a science student, she had little interest in ancient architecture. However, given her current status as a captive, it was not her place to voice any opinions.

"Thank you." Lin Ziyin thanked him perfunctorily before she and Alhatu walked out.

Just outside the study, they ran into the somber-faced National Master.

"National Master." Alhatu greeted first with a smile.

Though the two belonged to different factions and Alhatu was the second prince of North Country, the National Master held an especially high stature in North Country. Even someone like Alhatu could not afford to act dismissive in the National Master’s presence.

Alhatu was clever; as long as he had not openly broken with Brukan, he would not offend the National Master publicly.

"Second Prince, is this the Princess Consort Lin?" The National Master stared at Lin Ziyin, his gaze anything but friendly.

Had anyone else been scrutinized like this, they would have lost their composure. But Lin Ziyin was unfazed and stood calmly aside. Even when the National Master mentioned her name, she did not pay much attention.

Alhatu had thought the National Master would not openly expose Lin Ziyin’s identity, but the National Master was direct, catching him off guard. He responded with a smile, "Indeed, National Master, you are well-informed; she is the Princess Consort from the Northern Land."

Lin Ziyin inwardly chuckled at Alhatu’s cunning and gave a mental thumbs up.

"Well-informed," a nice compliment implying the National Master was clever. A harsher interpretation would be mocking the National Master’s ulterior motives and his excessive concern with palace affairs.

After hearing Alhatu’s words, the National Master’s face visibly darkened. However, he did not lose his temper but coldly replied, "The renowned Princess Consort Lin gracing our North Country with a visit. Even if I wanted to remain ignorant, it would be difficult."

Now addressed directly, with ongoing sarcasm targeted at her, Lin Ziyin felt it improper to remain silent any longer, so she said smilingly, "I didn’t realize I had such a reputation in North Country. Being the daily concern of the National Master is truly an honor."

She emphasized the word "honor" particularly strongly.

The true art of irritation is to laugh while your adversary rages. Facing the cheerful demeanor of Alhatu and Lin Ziyin, the National Master almost lost his composure but managed to stay calm, experienced as he was, "I look forward to seeing the illustrious performance of Princess Consort Lin."

Considering her a mere jester? Lin Ziyin retorted, "Speaking of performances, I believe no one can surpass the National Master. Since arriving in North Country, what has struck me most is the people’s admiration for you. When in Rome, as they say. Now, I too keep a daily eye on the National Master’s conduct."

Alhatu, witnessing their verbal spar, felt a secret satisfaction, having not seen the National Master suffer a setback in a long time. Today, the National Master indeed stumbled in front of Lin Ziyin.

Chapter 805: Chapter 805 Unusual Thoughts (4)

The National Master was enraged to the extreme. Ever since he had assumed the role of the National Master, whoever he met in the North Country would either show utmost respect or give him due consideration, even the current Emperor had to give him substantial face in his presence. Lin Ziyin’s sarcastic comments were unbearably humiliating for him.

"Father is still waiting in the Imperial Study Room for the National Master," Alhatu timely interjected, coming forward to relieve Lin Ziyin just as the National Master could barely contain himself.

Lin Ziyin nodded politely to the National Master, "National Master, please rest assured that in the future, this princess will continue to pay attention to your performance."

Having said that, she and Alhatu continued on their way out, calm and unruffled.

The National Master had never been pressed so hard before, his face darkened to the point where it seemed water could drip from it. Watching the two figures disappear around the corner, he swung his sleeves and entered the Imperial Study Room.

The Emperor in the Imperial Study Room had heard everything that had happened at the doorway, loud and clear.

Regarding Lin Ziyin pressing the National Master, he did not seem displeased at all; on the contrary, the smile that appeared on his face indicated that he was in a good mood.

"I pay my respects to Your Majesty," the National Master saluted with his hands and did not kneel.

The Emperor nodded with a smile, "National Master, please take a seat."

The National Master’s expression slightly improved as he found a seat and sat down.

"National Master, do you have something to discuss today?" the Emperor asked with a light smile, appearing somewhat knowingly.

The National Master knew the Emperor was well aware of his purpose for coming. But seeing the Emperor pretend ignorance, it was clear that he did not want to discuss Lin Ziyin.

Yet his main purpose today was to force the Emperor to take a stand; how could he let Lin Ziyin go according to the Emperor’s wishes?

"Your Majesty, I came today concerning the matter of Princess Ling."

The Emperor internally frowned, but since the National Master did not offer him any face, he could not well continue along the lines of the National Master’s words. "What is the National Master’s view on Princess Ling’s matter?"

"Chu Suifeng is truly detestable. In the battle at Border City, his actions resulted in over a hundred thousand brave warriors from our North Country losing their lives. This enmity must be avenged."

"Does the National Master wish to kill Princess Ling?" The Emperor’s expression darkened. If it had been three years ago, he might have considered the National Master’s suggestion, but not now.

It had to be acknowledged that under the leadership of Chu Suifeng, the Northern Land had begun to grow stronger. Even though it was just starting, with a steady supply of provisions and Chu Suifeng’s incredible weapons, which seemed divinely aided in their formations, he was truly formidable.

Did the National Master really think that he, the Monarch, was unaware of the battle at Border City?

He could see through various signs that within a few years, the Northern Land would truly develop, and Chu Suifeng would become the most formidable person in the Daqin Empire.

Considering how much Chu Suifeng valued Princess Ling, if any harm came to her in the North Country, the two countries would definitely engage in relentless warfare.

Although North Country annually harassed the Northern Land at the border, the only large-scale battle had been last year’s battle at Border City. And that battle had indeed weakened North Country somewhat. Prodding Chu Suifeng to allow the mad Princess Ling to lead troops in a vengeful attack against North Country could very well plunge the North Country into disaster.

"We cannot kill Lin Ziyin. Chu Suifeng is a madman. The battle at Border City has already damaged some of our vitality and with insufficient winter reserves, by next year, Chu Suifeng will definitely resolve the issues of provisions and military pay. If we were to instigate a conflict over this matter, it would definitely not bode well for our North Country," the National Master replied angrily.