The Princess of Northern Land

Chapter 259 - 259 259 Visitor from Li Residence (4)_1

?Chapter 259: Chapter 259: Visitor from Li Residence (4)_1 Chapter 259: Chapter 259: Visitor from Li Residence (4)_1 Trying to swindle me? This was Lin Ziyin’s first reaction.

“Lin Ziyin, best you’re back. Our Dasheng fell from the tree picking fruits for your house. That high a tree, almost took his life. Now, his leg is broken and he can’t do anything. Our family depends on him. You ought to compensate us,” said Zhou Dasheng’s wife, Mrs. Pang, sobbing as she approached.

Right off, they were asking for money. Lin Ziyin sneered. So they thought she was a sucker. “Your man broke his leg and, in what way does that involve me? Why should I compensate you?”

Upon hearing this, Mrs. Pang was stunned, and then enraged. She knew this wretch wouldn’t readily give them money. But, if they didn’t get the money today, the entire family’s sustenance would be counting on the Lin Family.

Thinking of the Lin Family’s meals every day, Mrs. Pang felt living there wasn’t a bad idea.

“Lin Ziyin, you can’t be so heartless.” Zhou Dasheng’s mother, also called Mrs. Pang, was a notorious nag in the village. She usually took liberties but she was extremely assertive today since her son was still laid up at home. “My son Dasheng injured himself picking fruits for your house, if you won’t compensate, who will? Are you trying to kill our whole family?” So saying, she started to cry and hurl abuses.

Lin Ziyin coldly watched the charade put on by their entire family. They even pulled the children in. The oldest Zhou boy was around 14 or 15, glaring darkly at Lin Ziyin.

“I’ll file a complaint. If anyone dares make a racket at our doorstep, I’ll chuck them out. If it happens once, I’ll do it once,” Lin Ziyin spoke coolly.

Lin Ziyin didn’t specifically like to fight fire with fire, but sadly some people loved to provoke her. If she didn’t show these people some toughness they’d end up thinking they could extort the Lin Family whenever they pleased.

“Rich and heartless, the Lin Family is amassing wealth at the cost of lives.” Mrs. Pang slapped the ground, wailing loudly.

The majority of the villagers who’d come to sell fruits were from outside and showed sympathy towards the situation, pointing at Lin Ziyin. They all felt some empathy. The most valuable pine fruits came from climbing trees, which was also dangerous. What if they fall from the tree one day?

If the Lin Family was willing to compensate, they could seek help if something were to happen to them.

“Swindling us for money, you? If you had money, you wouldn’t be at our Lin family’s doorstep trying to extort us,” said Lin Ziyin disdainfully.

“Our Dasheng was injured picking fruits for your family, why won’t you compensate us with money?” Mrs. Pang latched onto her argument. “Isn’t that right, everyone? Think about it, her family bought our fruits giving us just a few pieces of silver, and sold them for much more. If that’s not rich and heartless, what is? We’re poor, yes, but we have lives too. They can’t just trample upon us,”
The surrounding people nodded frequently in agreement.

When the old man and others heard that Lin Ziyin had returned, they too came over.

Hearing Mrs. Pang’s statements, the old man looked worriedly at Lin Ziyin, but held his peace.

“Since you’re putting it that way, let’s put the facts straight to prevent any future misunderstandings if we end up in the courts. You might believe we, the Lin family, are bullying you.” At this, everyone present pricked up their ears.

“When we, the Lin family, purchase fruits, the prices are clearly marked. If you feel dissatisfied with the price, you’re under no obligation to sell the fruits to us. Secondly, you sell me the fruits, I give you the money – it’s simple business. You’re not sacrificing your lives for me, Lin Ziyin. Thirdly, before the fruit picking began, we made it clear that if anything happened during the process, you’d have to bear the consequences. So, the Zhou family took the money but also wants extra benefits. Where on earth does that happen? Make as much fuss as you want, but so much as raise your voice and I’ll have someone file a lawsuit for fraud against you at the government offices,” said Lin Ziyin sternly.