The Princess of Northern Land

Chapter 192 - 192 192 Ambition (7)_1

?Chapter 192: Chapter 192 Ambition (7)_1 Chapter 192: Chapter 192 Ambition (7)_1 “Practicing martial arts is not only tough, but also involves mingling with men. Aren’t you afraid of affecting your reputation?” Lin Ziyin inquired.

Upon hearing this, the enthusiasm of Bai’s sisters-in-law and the others cooled. Indeed, if they became as rough as men all the time, would their families agree? What would people outside think?

“I don’t mind it as long as Zige isn’t scared, I won’t be either,” Wu Dayou declared.

“Who’s scared?” Zige glared at him and then glanced at Ziyin with some unease.

“Zige, you don’t have to look at me. I’ve said before, I don’t have a clear concept of gender roles. In my opinion, having a skill to protect oneself is more important than a hollow reputation. I’d rather practice martial arts. Moreover, even if you don’t agree, what if something were to happen and there’s no one from the family by your side to help?” Lin Ziyin stated seriously, “Grandfather, what’s your opinion?”

“You’re the decision-maker of this family, and I’ll follow your lead,” the old man stated outright, “Zige has not yet married, so let’s hear your decision. If Dayou disagrees, we’ll just call off the engagement.”

“Grandfather!” As soon as old man mentioned calling off the engagement so decisively, Wu Dayou was caught off guard, “I’ve said nothing, Ziyin’s right, survival comes first. We’re in Feng City, if the Tatars attack, knowing martial arts could save our lives. She’s considering our safety, could I possibly not agree?”

“Ziyin is the family head, I have no objections,” Guo Huiniang chimed in, sneaking a glance at Lin Changshu. Seeing him show no sign of disapproval, she promptly followed suit.

With the Lin family all on board, the rest had no reason to hesitate.

“Ziyin, name a time that won’t interfere with work or martial arts practice. If you don’t think this old man is too old, I’ll also join your training. If the Tatars cause trouble, we’ll have a means of self-defense, right?”

Lin Ziyin replied with a light smile, “Uncle, there’s no rush. Starting the day after tomorrow, adjust your work schedule and lengthen it by two and a half hours to accommodate martial arts training, also, remember to bring Meibao to both read and practice martial arts.”

“Alright, we are agreed on this,” Lou Zheng promptly complied.

Hearing Lou Zheng’s agreement, how could the Bai family object?

And so, the decision to study and practice martial arts was settled.

The Mid-Autumn Festival was particularly enjoyable for the Lin family. Despite all the indentured servants being low-class, they worked hard and were compensated fairly by Lin Ziyin. Even the children who watched over the cattle were given appropriate amounts of money. Everyone received mooncakes, pastries, and meat as benefits.

“Our master is good to us, you should put more heart into your work,” Yu Sha’ou advised everyone in a low tone. He was once a master too, but he had never been as generous as Lin Ziyin.

“Of course,” agreed Kong Yier and the others, “We just wonder where they will send the younger ones?”

Speaking of the youngsters, the previously lively crowd fell silent.

The authorities that be were suspicious and incompetent. A plot hatched in the courier station by an influential statesman had implicated everyone. If not for some well-connected friends stepping in to help, they might have been beheaded on the spot in the Capital City. Thankfully, they were lucky enough to be exiled to the border and found a benevolent master. However, not everyone from the courier station was exiled to the same place. Apart from Kong Yier and his crew, they had no idea where or when the rest would be exiled.

Thinking about their old companions, everyone’s tears well up, turning the earlier gaiety into melancholy and worry.

“You all must behave well. My sister-in-law has provided you with an opportunity, you must seize it firmly. If you don’t take advantage of it, and your parents sell you off, I won’t be able to help,” Yan’s wife nervously admonished Yan Yun and Yan Liu.

“Auntie, only you truly care for us. We recognize your kindness. Do not worry, my sister and I aren’t fools, we know what needs to be done,” Yan Yun, the eldest sister, smiled to appease her after hearing her words.

Yan Liu was also quick-witted. She laughed and hugged Yan’s arm amicably, “Auntie, we both resemble you, and you have heard how many people in the village compliment us on our appearances. I refuse to believe that we, with our looks, won’t steal the hearts of those country boys.”

Hearing this, Yan’s wife felt a tad reassured. In her youth, she was considered one of the most beautiful girls in several districts. Her nieces, resembling her, brought back her youthful memories. Otherwise, she wouldn’t have considered them for this plan in the first place.

“Quickly go out and wait for them. It’s rare to have the opportunity to meet Lin Changshu and Wu Dayou alone,” Yan’s wife urged.

“We’re heading out now,” Yan Liu replied, already anxious. After witnessing the thriving prosperity at the entrance of the Lin family’s residence, she was determined to join the Lin family as a concubine. As for Wu Dayou, well, she’d have to sacrifice her sister Yan Yun.

The two sisters stood at the head of the village, glancing around from time to time. Before long, the Lin family’s ox cart appeared in their sight.

“Stop!” As soon as they saw their targets, Yan Yun and Yan Liu simultaneously jumped into the middle of the road, stretching out their hands to stop the cart.

“Shh.” Kong Yier, who was driving with concentration, was taken aback by the sudden appearance of two fearless women and exerted his strength to halt the ox. Wu Dayou and Lin Changshu, on the cart, were also unprepared for this and broke out in cold sweat due to the ox narrowly avoiding running the women over.