Ch. 81..85: The Princess of Northern Land Chapter 81-85

Chapter 81: Humiliation (1)_1 Yan’s family absolutely had not expected the Lin Family’s popularity in the village to so swiftly return to its original state.

“Yan, keep your third son in check. If something like this happens again, don’t blame me for not showing favor.” Lou Zheng admonished her sternly, his willingness to defend the Lin Family was, of course, partially due to their good relationship, but more so because of his own upright nature and unwillingness to offend the Si family.

Lin Ziyin looked at Mrs. Yan with an expression that was both smiling and not, her eyes exceptionally frosty.

Without any prompting, the villagers’ skin broke out in goosebumps, from this point onwards, nobody dared to provoke the Lin Family openly again.

“If the one who started the fight is her, and the one who was beaten up is our Youcai, why isn’t Lou Zheng reprimanding her?” Mrs. Yan remained stubborn.

“Or should I have Changting come to your house every day and shout, telling about what you are doing in town…” Lin Ziyin looked at her, her eyes flashing coldly.

“Don’t you dare slander me, what do I do in town?” Mrs. Yan was extremely worried. In this era, reputation was paramount. If her reputation was ruined, how could she live? And how could Zhicai pass his examination to become a scholar?

Lin Ziyin was truly despicable enough to even think of ruining her reputation.

She completely forgot how her son, Ma Youcai, had just slandered Lin Ziyin.

“I haven’t said anything.” Lin Ziyin spread her hands. “You don’t allow others to mention your own visits to town, yet your son is slandering me. You can’t just let the governor set fire while forbidding the common people from lighting a lamp, right? Considering what he just said, any punishment I give him would not be too much. If it doesn’t work, I will simply go to the city and beat the government offices’ drum to accuse your entire family of defamation.”

The villagers were all staring at Lin Ziyin as if they didn’t recognize her. This young lady had really changed her temperament, even throwing out cruel words about taking the matter to court. Did she not consider that getting into the government offices was not easy?

Upon hearing that Lin Ziyin intended to lodge a complaint at the government offices, Mrs. Yan was also flabbergasted and particularly fearful. Even though she was tough, she was just a country woman, and she felt fear in her bones for the government. “You troublemaker, can’t stand a day without wreaking havoc. Stay at home.”

Scared, she became submissive, seeking an excuse to pull the trembling Ma Zhicai towards their home.

Mrs. Bao’s face turned white, and without saying a word, she led her own son Gougou away.

“Tomorrow, uncle will bring the masters to our house for a meal.” After the hated people left, Lin Ziyin smiled faintly and spoke to Master Yin. While they didn’t provide meals, it was customary in the countryside when building a house to invite the Masters for a meal, regardless of the family’s circumstances, at the time of laying the brick foundation and raising the beams.

It was upon discussing this matter with her grandfather and Lin Changshu that Lin Ziyin learned about these customs.

“Alright, good.” Master Yin agreed while smiling, looking at Lin Ziyin with newfound respect. This young lady was not simple, even more formidable than the men of the Lin family.

“Auntie, madam, we will need to borrow some bowls and chopsticks from your houses.” Lin Ziyin mentioned sheepishly to Mrs. Bai and Mrs. Zhang.

“Alright, you can come and get them later. Also, we have plenty of greens in our yard. Your home’s vegetables look young, so you could start by picking some from our yard.” Mrs. Zhang generously suggested.

“We have some in our yard as well, you can take a look, and pull out anything useful.” Mrs. Bai also kindly offered.

“Thank you, aunty and madam, I won’t stand on ceremony then.” Lin Ziyin did not hesitate.

The Bai family and Wu family were both good people, she would find an opportunity to reciprocate in the future.

The nearby villagers who saw Mrs. Zhang and Mrs. Bai willingly get along well with Lin Ziyin felt a mix of envy and jealousy. However, their relations with the Lin family were merely average, and to ingratiate themselves at this point would only breed resentment.

Chapter 82: Humilation (2)_1 The following day, even the laborers from the village had a meal at the Lin Family’s home, which greatly boosted their reputation.

There was a simple reason for that, the Lin Family’s food was absolutely the best among those building houses nearby.

In fact, the Lin Family wasn’t overly prepared, they just used the pork, fish, and chicken supplied by the Si Family. In addition to that, the Lin Family also had braised pork and tofu, along with several dishes of vegetables, eggs and so forth. They had ample ingredients and sufficient condiments. As a result, everyone in the village knew that the Lin Family made delicious food with beans.

After a busy day, the Lin Family’s business went on as usual.

“Brother, I need to go to the market tomorrow.” Lin Ziyin said, “We are running out of condiments.”

“Alright, I’ll accompany you there tomorrow.” Lin Changshu agreed. He hadn’t cared when they previously ran out of condiments. But now, after seeing the wonderful effects of these condiments, he was invested too.

The next day, after leaving the business to Zige and Wu Dayou, Lin Changshu accompanied Lin Ziyin to the market.

Although it wasn’t the first or fifteenth of the month, there were still quite a few people at the market, especially those burning incense in the temple.

Lin Ziyin couldn’t help but marvel at Ding’an Temple. Its fame was well-deserved, the temple was flourishing with pilgrims.

“Excuse me, are you Miss Lin?” As Lin Ziyin and Lin Changshu were preparing to leave after buying their condiments, an unfamiliar person stopped them.

“Who are you?” Lin Changshu looked at the person warily, while Lin Ziyin’s expression remained unchanged.

“Our Master invites both of you to sit in the teahouse. He has a business proposal for you.” The stranger looked at the siblings with a nonchalant smile before responding.

Hearing this, Lin Changshu frowned. Business? Was it about the tofu business?

“Please.” The stranger didn’t wait for their response, but motioned for them to follow him.

Lin Ziyin silently followed him and Lin Changshu had no choice but to tag along.

“The Master is inside, please go in yourselves.” The guide stopped at the door of a private room.

Lin Ziyin pushed the door and walked in, with Lin Changshu immediately following after her.

“Our mistress and young lady have been waiting for you for a long time.” An extravagantly dressed maid saw her and immediately said with displeasure.

“May I ask what kind of business this lady and miss would like to discuss with us?” Lin Ziyin saw that a beautiful young woman was sitting in the upper seat. She was dressed in a wide-sleeved jacket and a skirt of the same bright red color, with her wrists and hair bun adorned with glittering gold and jade ornaments, radiating an air of wealth.

The young girl beside her was wearing a soft yellow shirt, with a light green skirt underneath. Her jewelry mainly consisted of jade pieces. Both women were scrutinizing Lin Ziyin and her brother intently.

Seeing the wealthy lady and the young girl, Lin Changshu instinctively wanted to retreat.

But when Lin Ziyin gave him a light glance, he straightened up again.

The two women didn’t offer them a seat. The lady smiled and began, “Miss Lin is forthright, so I’ll be straightforward. I want to buy the recipes for your tofu and thin bean curd. Name your price.”

Upon hearing this, Lin Changshu was somewhat panicked. The method of making tofu and thin-bean curd was the source of their family’s livelihood. What would they do if they sold it?

“I’m sorry, if you want to buy the recipes, we can only regretfully apologize.” Lin Ziyin declined calmly, “No matter the amount of silver, we don’t intend to sell the recipes yet.”

“Don’t overestimate yourself.” The young girl snorted coldly, “We’ll pay one thousand taels for it. If you’re trying to swindle us, you won’t even get a copper coin in the end.”

Upon hearing her threat, Lin Changshu’s heart pounded, judging by their attitude, it seemed they were determined to get it.

“Don’t think we can’t do anything to you just because the Si Family favors you. Even any random maid from the Si Family is far more superior to you. You. Even if you were to serve Night Fragrance for the Si Family, no one would appreciate it.” The girl was attractive, but her words were venomous.

“What nonsense are you talking about.” Of all things, Lin Changshu couldn’t tolerate his relatives being bullied. His temper flared and he was ready to argue with the young girl.

Chapter 83: Quick Wit (1)_1 “Big brother, we should go back. Grandfather and sister-in-law must be worried about us at home since we haven’t returned for so long.” Lin Ziyin spoke in a light tone. Lin Changshu, who was impetuous, felt his ardor subside upon hearing this.

Indeed, they could not afford to get in trouble, there were still family members waiting at home.

Clearly, the two people sitting in the higher positions were not easy to deal with. They were not characters that ordinary folks like them could afford to provoke.

Yet, to give out the tofu recipe for free; he could not help but feel a bit unwilling.

“Miss, you are overthinking. I am not acquainted with the Si family’s third young master, nor do I intend to be. The connection between the Lin family and the Si family is only business – selling and buying, so the appearance of the girl from their family who sells Night Fragrance has nothing to do with me. Moreover, I am well aware of my limits. As a woman of low income, I am certainly no match for your beauty, so you don’t need to remind me about it.” Lin Ziyin’s voice was cold, but also polite.

“It’s best to know your place.” The young girl coldly laughed as she looked at her.

“However, about the recipe for tofu, my words remain the same. It’s not for sale. Sorry for the inconvenience, we will take our leave now.” Lin Ziyin held onto Lin Changshu’s hand, intending to leave.

“Such a shameless creature.” The young girl exclaimed petulantly, “Stop them.”

As her order went out, several muscular women quickly surrounded them.

Lin Changshu’s muscles tensed up and his mind heightened. How audacious these people were, trying to rob them publicly within this tea house, with the streets outside teeming with pedestrians!

“In the presence of the Buddha of Ding’an Temple, are you two planning to rob us?” Lin Ziyin’s voice was still cold; her face still showed calm, but there was no sign of fear. “I heard that the laws of Prince Ling are very strict…”

Before she finished her words, Lin Ziyin just faintly smiled at them.

“And who do you think you are?” The young girl abruptly stood up.

“I am Lin Ziyin, an ordinary citizen in Prince Ling’s territory. I am very clear about my own identity. May I know who you two are?” Lin Ziyin replied in a none too unconcerned nor too concerned manner.

“My lady is…”

“Sister.” The young girl was cut off by a demure voiced woman before she could reveal their family name.

“Sly creature.” The young girl exploded in anger, realizing that she almost exposed their identities due to Lin Ziyin’s scheme.

Lin Changshu shielded Lin Ziyin behind him, breaking out in a cold sweat.

“May we leave now?” Lin Ziyin broke the silent tension that had gripped the room.

“Miss Lin, you should think twice. There are some things that not everyone can protect.” The demure woman spoke leisurely, showing no hint of embarrassment. “You are a clever woman, you should know how to choose. In three days, I will send someone here to wait for your reply.”

Lin Ziyin gave her a deep, long look, then left the room with Lin Changshu.

This time, no one stopped them.

“An ungrateful wretch.” In the room, the young girl angrily spat out, her eyes cold and ruthless.

“You were apparently taken in by that girl. If she had been born in a rich family, we might not even be her match.” The demure woman laughed as she blamed the young girl.

“Sister, how did she fool me?” The young girl asked in defiance.

“Think about it. Who said that the Si family’s girls selling Night Fragrance were all beauties? And how did Lin Ziyin compliment you by belittling herself?” The demure woman laughed as she drank her tea.

“Did she insult me as a servant of the Si family?” The young girl suddenly understood, which was promptly followed by anger. “Fetch that insolent girl and have her beaten.”

Chapter 84: Quick Wit (2)_1 The old woman was itching to react.

“What’s the rush? Wait till we have the recipe, you can deal with that country girl however you like.” The young woman held her back.

The maiden sat alone brooding, “Fine, let’s grant her a few more days, for my sister-in-law’s sake.”

Having left the tea house, Lin Changshu’s back was soaked with cold sweat, he looked at Lin Ziyin with a worried expression, “Ziyin, what should we do? Those two figures are not to be underestimated, I’m afraid they won’t give up easily.”

Lin Ziyin was also in deep thought, feeling somewhat sad. Being born in ancient times, there was absolutely no mention of human rights. The better one’s background was, the more respected they were.

She had long expected that others would be jealous of her family’s business, but never thought it would come this fast. First it was the bullies at the market, and now even the high-class families were directly trying to snatch their business.

Last time someone had stepped in to help, but this time the Lin family had no one to rely on.

Lin Ziyin stood on the street, somewhat at a loss.

“Ziyin.” Seeing her eyes were lifeless as if she had been dealt a serious blow, Lin Changshu felt a mixture of worry and heartache. He was afraid she might fall ill due to the stress, “If it comes to that, just sell them the recipe. Don’t push yourself.”

“Let’s go to Ding’an Temple and find the Abbot.” Lin Ziyin suddenly said.

“What?” Lin Changshu was startled, then he tried to dissuade her with a bit of helplessness, “Although the Abbot is compassionate, he won’t involve himself in secular matters. Your visit there might be in vain.”

“If we don’t try, how will we know the result?” In the blink of an eye, there was no trace of frustration on Lin Ziyin’s brow.

Without any better plan, Lin Changshu, hoping for a miracle, followed her to the hillside monastery.

“Amitābha.” It wasn’t noon yet, so the pilgrims were still gathered in great numbers in Ding’an Temple, and every monk in the temple was busy.

Because the Lin Family had recently provided tofu to the temple, many of the monks in the temple recognized Lin Changshu and his companions.

Upon hearing that Lin Ziyin and Lin Changshu specifically wanted to meet the Host and the Guest Monk, the monk who was informed didn’t cause any difficulties and went straight in to report.

In a short while, the plump Guest Monk, Master Hui Lian, came out to meet them.

“Amitābha, what brings you here, Benefactor Lin?” Master Hui Lian asked with a frown.

With a faint smile, Lin Ziyin replied, “I want to propose a joint venture.”

“As monks, we practice detachment from all material possessions. Benefactor, you’re making a joke.” Master Hui Lian refused directly, his hands clasped together, not even willing to listen to the nature of the business.

Lin Changshu stood to the side, a little embarrassed. Everyone knows that monks don’t involve themselves in the affairs of the lay world. It was outlandish that Ziyin approached the monk for business talks, so it wasn’t surprising that she was met with an unfriendly reception.

The proposal I want to discuss with Master is special and closely related to the health of the monks and the temple’s expenses.” But Lin Ziyin, unfazed, patiently explained along her thought process.

“Amitābha, Benefactor, if you wish to do business, it would be better to discuss it with others. I have other duties, so I will take my leave first.” The Guest Monk had no interest in her proposal.

“Although tofu can increase the nutrition of the monks, without good oil, it can’t fundamentally improve their physical constitution. I have a recipe for making vegetarian oil. I was hoping to provide convenience for the Masters, but since the Master isn’t interested, we’ll take our leave. We didn’t mean to disturb you.” In one breath, Lin Ziyin finished her thoughts without giving away any sense of impatience, “Big brother, the Master isn’t interested, let’s go.”

“Wait.” After hearing what Lin Ziyin had said, the Guest Monk’s eyes lit up, and he immediately stopped her.

“Hm? Is there anything else, Master?” Lin Ziyin asked, pretending to be nonchalant.

“Amitābha, Benefactor, do you truly possess a recipe for vegetarian oil?” The Guest Monk asked, his eyes gleaming with anticipation.

“We haven’t started pressing oil yet, but I can assure you that once our oil mill is ready, we will definitely produce vegetarian oil.” Lin Ziyin replied confidently, “Not only can vegetarian oil be used to cook, but even for making pastries, it’s better.”

The Guest Monk’s eyes shone even brighter.

“If you only wish to sell the vegetarian oil, you could discuss the matter with our librarian.” He told Lin Ziyin.

Chapter 85: Chapter 85 Vegetarian Feast (1)_1 “Vegetable oil is secondary. Ding’an Temple is a nationally renowned temple, teeming with traders from all directions daily. If the temple offered exclusive vegetarian feasts, I believe all the temple’s yearly expenses would be covered,” Lin Ziyin tried her best to convince him.

She was confident that Master Hui Lian would be swayed by such an enticing proposal.

She had heard from her grandfather that this Guest Monk was a noble individual, always taking great care of temple matters, and was highly respected by the monks in the temple.

Such an enthusiastic person would surely be stirred by matters beneficial to the temple, right? Don’t think that monks can really be immune to worldly concerns. Born into the mortal world, not many can truly detach themselves from worldly affairs. A monk is first a human, and then a monk.

“What are your plans?” As expected, Master Hui Lian’s tone softened.

“Master, are you certain that you want to discuss it here?” Lin Ziyin asked with a faint smile.

“Benefactor, please come inside,” Master Hui Lian stepped aside to offer the way in.

Lin Ziyin politely thanked him and then followed behind him.

Her humble attitude made Master Hui Lian view her more favorably, and he couldn’t help but feel a little closer to her.

“Benefactor, could you explain what you mean by ‘vegetarian feast’?” As soon as they took their seats, Master Hui Lian eagerly began to inquire about the vegetarian feast from both Lin Changshu and Lin Ziyin.

“I want to partner with Master to open a private vegetarian feast restaurant. We’ll split the profits 40-40, with the remaining 20% going to a third party,” Lin Ziyin proposed. “As for ingredients, our Lin Family will provide a portion of them.”

“You only provide ingredients and you want 40%?” Master Hui Lian frowned and asked. As the guest keeper monk, he was in charge of the temple’s daily hospitality. Being familiar with worldly affairs was part of his job.

“No, I’m also providing the recipes. Master, do you really think that the dishes from the temple kitchen alone can garner profits?” Lin Ziyin countered.

Master Hui Lian’s face reddened.

“Even if you can provide a few recipes, taking 40% of the profits still seems too much,” he protested.

“Not ‘a few recipes’, but rather ‘thousands of recipes’,” Lin Ziyin said with a faint smile. “The private vegetarian feast is targeting the rich. I don’t want to sugarcoat it in front of Master. To be frank, if it weren’t for past favors and connections, I wouldn’t have even thought to partner with the temple.”

Master Hui Lian was left speechless by her.

What Lin Ziyin said was true; with thousands of menu items, plus fresh ingredients and vegetable oil, profits were guaranteed in any case.

“There are people who want to snatch my tofu and soy sheet recipes. I need a reliable partner to protect them. Besides, the temple and Master Hui Zhen have shown much kindness to my grandfather, the Lin Family. I’m actually unwilling to give away 60% of the profit,” Lin Ziyin did not hide her feelings.

“On the other hand, if Master refuses, it’s not a big deal. I could just sell my tofu and soy sheet recipes and start something else. The Lin Family certainly won’t starve. However, I won’t provide vegetable oil and other ingredients for the vegetarian feast anymore,” Lin Ziyin said, looking at Master Hui Lian with a faint smile.

“Benefactor, who do you plan to give the remaining two shares to?” Master Hui Lian asked with his palms together.

“The Prince of the Tomb,” Lin Ziyin answered.

“Why? Do you know the Tomb Prince?” Master Hui Lian was taken aback.

“I don’t, and moreover, I have no intention to get to know him better,” Lin Ziyin answered without any hesitation. “I heard that the Tomb Prince was raised in a temple and learned martial arts from a senior monk. As the ruler of Feng City, I don’t want our private feast to stir up envy and cause trouble for the Lin Family or the temple. As for the specifics, we’ll just have him as a figurehead.”