The Princess of Northern Land
Chapter 330 Good Things (5)_1

Chapter 330: Chapter 330 Good Things (5)_1

"Yes, Changting is indeed remarkable. Both Mr. Qian and Mr. Xu speak so highly of him." Someone chimed in.

Upon hearing these words, Ma Dalang and Ma Zhicai couldn’t help but sneer inwardly. These folks were all about ingratiating themselves with the Lin family. As for Lin Changting, how old was he? He was only seven, what could such a young kid possibly know. As for this Mr. Qian and the one named Xu, they were both servants bought by the Lin family, so naturally, they would speak favorably of the Lin Family.

Nevertheless, no matter how the villagers praised Lin Changting to the skies, the father and son Ma Zhicai remained unconvinced that Lin Changting truly possessed a talent for learning. Ma Zhicai himself had only managed to become a Tongsheng at the age of sixteen, the sole person to achieve such a feat in Shili Village for many years now. It was ludicrous for Lin Changting to imagine that he could eclipse Ma Zhicai.

However, Ma Zhicai wasn’t just sitting here today for the food. His true purpose was to establish a connection with Prince Chu Suifeng. Unfortunately, the prince had been led to the West Yard, eliminating any chance for Ma Zhicai to meet him.

Ma Zhicai was confident in himself. He was certain that as long as he could meet Prince Chu Suifeng face to face, the prince would indeed appreciate his scholarship. But how could he manage to meet the prince?

"The banquet is about to begin, where are you going?" Ma Dalang asked loudly as he saw his son getting up.

"I apologize for the inconvenience, I suddenly seem to be experiencing a stomach upset and need to use the restroom. I will return shortly, please excuse me." Ma Zhicai smilingly apologized to everyone present and offered an explanation.

His tone was mild, and his words, literary. The villagers thus held no grudge against his departure.

Ma Zhicai left the main gate of the East Yard, but then turned into the West Yard.

There was a constant flow of people at the Lin family’s celebration, including many outsiders, so Ma Zhicai’s arrival didn’t attract too much attention.

Ma Zhicai first walked into a large hall and found several individuals seated there, who were unlike the villagers—in splendid silks and satins. Hardly anyone gave him a second glance. In joining the silent listeners, Ma Zhicai learned they were discussing business.

Ma Zhicai gave these wealthy individuals a disdainful look—merely, he thought, money-grubbing businessmen. He continued down the hallway and was once again outdoors.

The Lin family’s rooms were quite warm, so stepping outside from the heated rooms, Ma Zhicai could feel a chill spreading throughout his body.

While Ma Zhicai had just left to dessert himself, Lin Ziyin came looking for people elsewhere.

"Uncle Lou Zheng, you and Uncle Bai must go to the West Yard to keep Prince Chu and the Third Young Prince company," Lin Ziyin said hurriedly once he found them. "My grandfather and my uncle are having difficulty coping."

"Ziyin, find someone else. I’m afraid I might not be able to handle it either," Lou Zheng replied, his legs turning to jelly at the thought of sitting at the same table as the prince.

If Lou Zheng was reacting this way, it went without saying how Bai Chunsheng must be feeling.

"We have guests arriving, and you know the royal princes. Not to mention, my grandfather, uncle and Master Hui Zhen are also there. With my brother in charge on this side, who else if not you could help out over there?" Lin Ziyin pleaded.

"Furthermore, the more personas of stature you meet, the more accustomed you’ll become on future occasions, when conducting business with such personages, won’t you agree?" Lin Ziyin gave them a firm look as she brought out her ace argument.

Considering what Lin Ziyin had pointed out, Lou Zheng saw the reasoning. Thanks to the flourishing business of the Lin family, the villagers had benefited significantly. As the village head, Lou Zheng had indeed dealt extensively with merchants.

"Alright then, let’s go," Lou Zheng agreed reluctantly, as though heading toward the executioner’s block.

Seeing that Lou Zheng had agreed, and considering Lin Ziyin’s esteem for him, Bai Chunsheng gritted his teeth and stood up to follow them toward the West Yard.

Ma Dalang was inwardly enraged at Lin Ziyin, for his lack of discernment. He was the only villager who had held the position of second shopkeeper outside the village and far more knowledgeable than these bumpkins. Yet, just now, Lin Ziyin treated him as if he were invisible. His concern for his son, Ma Zhicai, also rose.