The Princess of Northern Land
Chapter 302 Ask for help(5)_1

Chapter 302: Chapter 302 Ask for help(5)_1

His explanation was full of reason, and Chu Suifeng stared into his eyes for a long while, finding nothing unusual, and finally calmed down.

"You have elder martial brothers and sisters?" Si Jinhan asked in surprise.

"Yes, my senior martial brother is an expert in martial arts and military strategy, from whom I’ve learned almost everything. As for my two senior martial sisters, one is skilled in medical arts, the other in hand-to-hand combat," Lin Ziyin replied casually. She then ignored Si Jinhan. "Though I am but a common woman who has married up, I still consider the Prince a friend in my heart. As a friend, I want to ask you, are you satisfied with staying where you are, or do you want to make something of yourself?"

"Are you encouraging the Prince to rebel?" Si Jinhan’s gaze turned icy.

"The third master is overthinking. I just want the Prince to have more freedom, and more resources at your disposal for self-protection," Lin Ziyin replied.

"Go on," Chu Suifeng was always cut to the chase.

"The Northern Land is the Prince’s bestowed territory. Although it’s vast and sparsely populated, which could be seen as a disadvantage, it can also be a unique advantage," Lin Ziyin explained.

Si Jinhan and Chu Suifeng exchanged glances, then immediately ordered the guard next to them to secure the entrance.

"Every year, criminals are sent to the Northern Land. Sending these criminals to fight the frontier wars is a death sentence. The Prince could select a portion of them, those not guilty of heinous crimes, to let them cultivate the waste land freely. Of course, each person is only allowed to cultivate a limited amount of land. They will own that land as long as they abide the law and labor honestly. No taxes for the first three years. If their family commits no crimes for five generations, they will be allowed to become free citizens," Lin Ziyin pointed out.

The Northern Land here is not like the North Wilderness of the Tian Dynasty, where a hundred thousand workers and farmers plough the fields. The only people available to use here are these exiled convicts.

Shock registered on the faces of Chu Suifeng and Si Jinhan.

"Lin Ziyin, do you know what you’re talking about?" Si Jinhan asked coldly.

"Wounded soldiers can be encouraged to stay, and they can even bring their family members. The officialdom could allow their children to receive free education. If they commit any crime in the future, these benefits would be removed. For these people, the quantity of wasteland that they are allowed to cultivate can be a bit more, but not too much. After being tax-free for three years, they will only need to pay half of the tax in the fourth and fifth years," Lin Ziyin continued confidently, "only when the people are rich, can the country be strong..."

"Miss, the old master is calling you to the main room urgently. Something has happened," Duo’er’s voice suddenly called from outside.

"I am sorry, I have something to take care of. I shall leave first," Lin Ziyin quickly followed her own people out.

Chu Suifeng and Si Jinhan stood in the workshop staring at each other.

"My lord, do you believe what she said?" Si Jinhan asked excitedly, "My lord, you have suffered so many humiliations over the years. If we had some money, surely we could make a stand."

As he got to his last sentence, his voice dropped lower and lower.

Chu Suifeng glanced at him, "Some things are better left unsaid."

"Let’s see what happens come spring," Si Jinhan was truly stirred up. With all the internal suppression from the Imperial Court, the discrimination from the various princes, and the external harassment from the Tatars, only they, the loyal followers, knew how hard Prince Ling had it.

"Let’s go to the main room and see what’s going on," Chu Suifeng changed the subject.

"Okay." If he didn’t bring it up, neither would Si Jinhan.

Upon returning to the main room, Lin Ziyin found Lin Changshu and Lin Zige, along with several strangers.

"Uncle, aunt?" Lin Ziyin recognized at a glance the relatives she had only met once before.