The Princess of Northern Land

Chapter 206 - 206 206 The Showdown(7)_1

?Chapter 206: Chapter 206: The Showdown(7)_1 Chapter 206: Chapter 206: The Showdown(7)_1 “On what grounds…?” Having been brutally beaten down for nothing, Yan Family’s matriarch was truly indignant.

“Quiet!” However, Elder Ma reprimanded her, “Lou Zheng, rest assured. Since this is all a misunderstanding, we won’t spread rumors. But what about the others in the village?”

Lou Zheng found his words reasonable and could not help furrowing his brow. With so many villagers present, all with loose lips, what would happen if word got out?

“If anyone gossips, don’t blame me for being heartless.” Hei Yi sneered as he stepped forward, “The border is currently in need of human shields. The Prince does fancy those who volunteer for such positions.”

The blatant threat made everyone lower their heads. It was clear to them all that the manager from the Wang Residence was completely siding with the Lin Family. If they offended the Lin Family and were truly sent to the border, they’d never return, and who would want such an outcome?

“What happened today is over. Those who dare to gossip will be struck by lightning.”

“Yes, yes, everyone go home and watch your wives’ mouths.”

…The crowd expressed their agreement.

“Among those present, how many agree with what I just said?” Lin Ziyin asked lightly, “I am referring to the belief that we should continue to love and support our wives, daughters, and sisters even after they’ve been unfairly framed?”

The villagers didn’t expect her to still be concerned about the earlier shocking statement. They were all unsure of how to react.

“Those who agree that life is more important than reputation, stand to the right.” Lin Ziyin continued to speak.

The villagers looked at each other but no one spoke.

People like Lin Changshu and Guo Huiniang were also unclear about Lin Ziyin’s intentions, watching her worriedly.

“I’m in favor. If I came across such an unfortunate incident, I’d rather my family lived comfortably. Reputation isn’t that important compared to one’s life,” an honest man stood up.

“I think the same way.” Another older man also stood up, followed by a couple of his sons.

Gradually, about half the villagers joined in, while the rest watched apprehensively, studying the faces of those who had stepped forward.

“Is that all?” Lin Ziyin shouted at the crowd.

No one else moved.

“Elder Brother, Brother Dayou, please pick some diligent, capable individuals with discreet mouths from this group.” Lin Ziyin pointed to those on the right.

The crowd lept at her words, suspecting that the Lin Family was seeking to hire workers.

Now that this could affect their family businesses, Lin Changshu and Wu Dayou immediately became cautious.

“Elder Brother, as long as you’re sure about the selection, make a note of it for us to discuss later. Think over your decisions at home as well. I have new work that requires hiring people for long-term positions. The wages will depend on the intensity of your labor, minimum wage is twenty-two copper coins a day and doesn’t include lunch. Overtime is extra, and there will be corresponding bonuses on holidays. Of course, there are conditions to work in my house—the one I just mentioned being one of them, the equality of men and women. Working for us means you must practice martial arts with the Lin Family servants, and your children will be taught literacy and martial arts in the Lin Family private school. In training, there is no distinction between men and women.” Lin Ziyin stated the basic requirements.

“Miss Ziyin, I want to ask. We’re all of such age, what’s the point in practicing martial arts?” A man stuttered out his question.

“Because I don’t want you unable to spend your hard-earned money due to an untimely death.” Lin Ziyin replied nonchalantly.

What? No one understood.

Lin Ziyin didn’t care if they understood or not and simply went into her courtyard with Hei Yi and her family.

As soon as the grand door of the Lin Family was closed, all the villagers broke out in heated discussion.

“Lou Zheng, what did she mean by all that?”

“We can’t ruin the way things have been done, how can men and women train together?”

…

At this moment, everyone was only concerned about their own affairs; the beaten Ma Family members were already long forgotten.

Looking at the closed doors of the Lin Family residence, Ma Zhicai’s eyes sparked with fury. If he could, he would set the Lin Family residence ablaze.

“Let’s go.” Noticing the resentment in his mother’s eyes, his anger flared up towards his mother instead, “Haven’t you caused enough trouble?”

Being scolded by her son for no reason, The matriarch of the Yan Family felt extremely wronged, “Mother only did it for your own good.”

“Enough with embarrassing ourselves, go home immediately.” Elder Ma was also furious, but his main concern was whether today’s incident would impact Zhicai’s examination. Clearly, the manager of the Prince’s village was advocating for the Lin Family.

He was filled with worry and didn’t want to remain at the entrance of the Lin Family residence any longer.