The Princess of Northern Land

Chapter 125 - 125 125 Opportunity(2)_1

?Chapter 125: Chapter 125 Opportunity(2)_1 Chapter 125: Chapter 125 Opportunity(2)_1 “Let me wash my hands first.” the old man agreed.

After the old man had washed his hands, Ziyin, holding a child’s hand, followed him out the door, while Zige and Guo Huiniang continued to pick beans at home.

The village was bustling. As the sun was setting in the west, a group of soldiers escorting a large number of convicts stopped. These convicts, both men and women, were quietly sobbing, but no one dared to make a fuss. Irrespective of gender, all their hands were shackled by iron chains, it seemed like there was no chance of escape.

Children over seven or eight years old were lined up, sitting on the ground in terror, motionless.

“Hands off.” The escorting soldiers shouted angrily at the weeping women.

“Don’t behave, I’ll whip you to death.” A man who appeared to be the leader approached and lashed out at the crowd.

Suddenly, the prisoners burst into chaos, pushing and cursing each other, especially the previously weeping ones, who became the targets of everyone’s venting anger.

“Still making a fuss?” Another whip crackled.

The villagers all drew a breath of cold air. They could clearly see the barbs on the whip and couldn’t imagine the pain if it hit someone. The clothing of those hit by the whip was torn and bleeding ensued.

“Stop it.” Seeing that the prisoners being whipped were all weak women, several men became particularly agitated, and the children were also clenching their fists in hatred towards the leader.

“What, you want to fight the military master?” The man became even more ferocious, lashing out with his whip again towards the restless men.

“Stop hitting, stop hitting.” The weeping of the women became more intense.

“Tough cookies, aren’t you? If you don’t behave, let’s let you experience it properly.” Seeing the villagers watching, the leader became more ruthless and even seemed excited.

What followed was a scene of havoc. Although there were some convicts who resisted, the iron chains handicapped them, and they ended up at a disadvantage.

“Go ahead, make a fuss. I guess you will not live long. If you have the ability, someone will buy you. Did you ever think that the dignified head of the Brave Escort Agency would also end up in such a fate?” The leader laughed aloud as he looked at the people sprawled on the ground.

Only then did Lin Ziyin realize that among this group of men, there were several who were more severely injured.

“Injustice.” A few young men mumbled with their eyes closed, and there were a few who remained silent. They might have been so numb from the many injuries sustained along the way.

“Grandfather, can these people be bought and sold?” Lin Ziyin asked after hearing the guard’s words, her mind stirring.

The old man nodded, “They are serious offenders who were originally sent to the border for hard labour. Most of them will not survive. Our Feng City is a part of the Northern Land, where population movement is strictly controlled. Wealthy households needing servants or worn-out horses can select from amongst these people.”

Lin Ziyin’s eyes brightened.

“People who have been bought and sold will have marks tattooed on their faces, signifying that they are servants for life, but for them, this might just be a chance to survive.” The old man sighed a little.

“Grandfather, I want to buy some people from this group.” Lin Ziyin looked at her grandfather and spoke.

“Hmm?” The old man glanced at her, thought for a moment, and said, “That’s fine. It could be seen as giving them a chance to live. But among these people are some who have committed grave crimes. If you choose poorly, it might bring trouble to our household.”

He wanted Lin Ziyin to think carefully.

Lin Ziyin nodded, “I understand. That’s why I need grandfather to help me look.”

“Alright.” The old man hesitated for a moment and then agreed. By doing so, they would be saving several lives, and it could be considered a good deed.