The Princess of Northern Land

Chapter 120 - 120 120 Scheming (2)_1

?Chapter 120: Chapter 120: Scheming (2)_1 Chapter 120: Chapter 120: Scheming (2)_1 Ginger gets spicier as it ages, she knew she couldn’t hide anything from the old man.

“You’re a smart child, but ‘the prominent tree in the forest meets the wind first.’ Understand this proverb?” the old man asked.

“I understand.” Lin Ziyin nodded his head with a bitter smile, “But I also know there are no take-backs when you shoot an arrow. Grandfather, rest assured, I know what I have to do. Perhaps, living in the Northern Land, it is all fate.” He sighed noncommittally.

The old man nodded, “It’s time for dinner. Clean up and bring the kids out to eat.”

Just as quietly as he appeared, he left with his hands behind his back.

Lin Ziyin stared blankly at his retreating figure. Upon hearing Changting’s call, he took the children to the front hall.

This time’s crisis seemed to have passed just like that. In the days that followed, Lin Ziyin and the old man immersed themselves in tending to the corn and chili peppers in the back yard.

Despite the villagers’ keen interest in the affairs of the Lin family, Lou Zheng’s wife kept tight-lipped. However, due to the villagers’ incessant gossiping nature, everyone knew within a few days that Lin Ziyin managed to offend a person of status due to his rash behavior, and that dignitary was actually a consort from the highly esteemed Wang Residence in Feng City.

The village stirred up a commotion. Many people couldn’t help but talk about the Lin’s courtyard, fearing that their actions might bring disaster to the village.

“They are all nothing!” Dame Bai barked angrily at home. Earlier in the day, she had heard a bunch of older women gossiping about the Lin’s, and almost rolled up her sleeves to fight.

“Let others say whatever they want, just restrain yourself and don’t cause trouble for the Lin family.” Bai Chunsheng glared at her in reproach.

“How am I causing trouble for the Lin’s? I am doing this for their interest.” Dame Bai retorted to her husband defiantly.

“Mom, a lot of people in the village are envious of the Lin family now, as well as of us. They can’t wait for the Lin family to face troubles. Granted, the Ding’an Temple is protecting them, there shouldn’t be any issues. But the villagers are still taking this opportunity to spread rumors, hoping that the Lins will face misfortune so they can take advantage of it. If mom picks a fight, it would just play into their hands. What should the Lin family do then?” Lady Bai patiently persuaded.

Dame Bai immediately understood. Right, if she stirred up trouble, it would be the Lin family who would face the wrath. “Forget it, let those big-mouthed people get away with it.”

“Dad, should we intervene?” The incident was also being discussed at Lou Zheng’s family.

“How?” Lou Zheng glared at his youngest son.

“Are we just going to stand by and let them spout rumors?” Wu Erli challenged defiantly.

“Just do your job.” Lou Zheng rolled his eyes at him, “You can’t even keep your cool, while the Lin family can. Take note of it, focusing on your work is the best support for the Lin’s.”

“Dad, I do see that. I have never been a slacker at work,” Wu Erli retorted impatiently, “I just can’t stand the hypocrisy of those people. The moment the Lin family came upon some good fortune, they grew envious. They even wish for the Lin’s downfall. What kind of people are they?”

“If you know their true character, then why do you still care? You’re not ambitious at all.” Wu Dali also scolded him.

“Time for dinner.” Lou Zheng sternly ordered, making everyone else hold their tongues.

“It would be great if the Lin family is in trouble.” Madam Yan was gleefully musing at home, “It’s just unfortunate that we didn’t manage to get the prescriptions.”

She was oscillating between joy and regret.

Ma Zhicai pondered outside, would the Lin family really fall? How great it would be if he could obtain those prescriptions, and the few courtyards?

The Lin family seemed totally oblivious to the villagers’ gossip, and continued to live their lives as usual.

Wu Dayou, Lin Changshu, and Bai Erzhuang were on duty at the oil mill, while Lin Ziyin forbade Guo Huiniang and Lin Zige from embroidering by candlelight in the evenings, citing that it would damage their eyesight. So, the Lin family extinguished the lights early and went to bed.

In the middle of the night, Lin Ziyin suddenly opened his eyes, he quietly got out of bed, dressed himself, grabbed the stick at his bedside, and went out.