The Princess of Northern Land
Chapter 118: If You Can’t Retreat, Advance(2)_1

Chapter 118: Chapter 118: If You Can’t Retreat, Advance(2)_1

"I’ll make it for you now," Guo Huiniang said, wiping her tears.

"Eat noodles, plain ones, the little monks are all present too," Lin Ziyin instructed.

Guo Huiniang agreed and rushed into the kitchen.

Changting, on the other hand, vanished in the blink of an eye.

Lin Ziyin didn’t mind it.

However, shortly after, there were panicky footsteps outside in the courtyard.

"What has happened? I heard that you were beaten?" The first one to step inside was Lin Changshu, who looked extremely flustered.

"Is the injury severe?" Wu Dayou, who was rather impulsive, ran so fast that he almost knocked Lin Changshu over.

"It was our fault," said Lou Zheng, looking a bit embarrassed.

"Dad, what’s going on?" Wu Dazhuang and the others had come to gauge the situation after hearing the news.

Lin Ziyin explained dismissively, "There were too many people, and I offended someone important. Thanks to the abbot at the temple, I only got a few slaps."

"Are you telling the truth?" The old man, who arrived late, was sitting silently in a corner, his arms around Yanzhi.

"Judging from the tone of that noble lady, it seemed like she came specifically for Ziyin," Lou Zheng spoke hesitantly. He had heard all of Consort Gao’s words and the more he pondered over them, the more things seemed amiss.

"Ziyin," Lin Changshu stared at Lin Ziyin sternly.

"Perhaps it was due to the other party’s interest in the Lin family’s formula, or perhaps because they thought too much after seeing the Prince Ling and Master Si. Hiding things from our family might be worse, it’s better to speak openly," Lin Ziyin said with a wry smile.

"What should we do then?" Wu Dayou asked with a frown, "We can’t resist being targeted by such a noblewoman. Are we really going to hand over the formula?"

He spoke with a fierce tone, feeling extremely vexed inside.

The old master and Lin Changshu remained silent. Guo Huiniang and Zige also showed a serious expression. The Lin family, or even the entire Shili Village, were merely commoners. How could they have the strength to compete with the consort at the Prince’s residence?

"I’m afraid that even if we give up the formula now, it will do the Lin family no good," Lin Ziyin smiled bitterly, "Do you really want to live that impoverished life again, Brother?"

"It’s worth it if the family can be together, even if it means living in poverty," Lin Changshu responded tearfully, "that’s better than being injured again and again."

"You oversimplify things, Brother," Lin Ziyin continued to argue, "The techniques of making tofu and pressing oil were conceived by our family. Even if we sell the formula, those who have ulterior motives for targeting the Lin family might not spare us. After all, only the dead can truly keep secrets. And even if they leave the Lin family alone, there could be others targeting us. Without money, can the Lin family finally live in peace? Are you willing to abandon us and go to the border to build walls every year?"

A series of questions stunned Lin Changshu, and he didn’t know what to say.

"You are the head of the household, Brother. Our family is full of elderly and young, women and weak. Without you holding up our home, can it still be considered a family?" Lin Ziyin sighed, "Once the Lin family took the first step toward wealth, we had to anticipate today’s situation. To tell you the truth, even if you and sister-in-law are willing to live that impoverished life, I am not."

"I can’t do anything either, I can’t protect you," Lin Changshu responded in extreme anguish.

"I’m useless too," said Wu Dayou, looking very dejected.

However, the old master lift up his head and looked at Lin Ziyin, "Ziyin, what do you suggest we should do?"

"Faced with a dilemma, it’s not always possible to retreat from it, if we can’t retreat, then we have to choose to advance. Don’t worry, I have a plan. Today’s incident may have been a test for the Lin family. But I’m sure that with the protection of Ding’an Temple, they will not dare to harm us for the time being. By autumn, once the private kitchen opens, we can breathe easy," Lin Ziyin explained seriously.

Those words left everyone looking at each other in surprise.

"Ziyin makes sense," said Lou Zheng, "Today, even the consort had to retreat in the face of Master Hui Zhen’s authority. I’m sure many people noticed this and will not dare to harm the Lin family rashly. Once our private kitchen truly opened, no one would dare to target us again."

"Amitabha, don’t worry, Benefactor Lin. The abbot takes this matter very seriously. No one will bother you again," said Liao Kong, bringing his palms together in prayer.

"That’s good to hear," Mrs. Zhang breathed a sigh of relief, and the others from the Lin family also relaxed.

Lin Ziyin also wore a smile on her face, but she had other thoughts in her mind.