The Princess of Northern Land
Chapter 355: Reform (2)_1

Chapter 355: Chapter 355: Reform (2)_1

"Yes, my Prince." The people in the room were inspired by Situ Gong, each of them feeling invigorated. Those who could sit in the study and consult with Chu Suifeng, whether they were military generals or advisors, were absolutely trusted by Chu Suifeng. More importantly, the vast majority of them came from humble backgrounds, and some were even from the Jianghu (Chinese Underground Society).

Families like Si, Luo and Wu had only recently joined the ranks of the aristocratic families of Feng City.

"There is a report from the Border City. The Grand Prince from the Tatars has secretly launched several sneak attacks, but all were defeated by our army." One military general said with a laugh, "The newly delivered catapults are incredibly effective. However, it seems the Tatars have no intention of laying siege. It seems more like they are testing us."

"Probing?" Si Jinhan pondered.

"Don’t worry, let the defenders keep an eye on their movements." Chu Suifeng issued his order nonchalantly. "This is a good opportunity to root out some spies in the city."

"Yes."

Shili Village took a full ten-days off work, two days before the New Year and eight after. On the ninth day, everyone resumed work. Each person received a ten-dollar bonus for the New Year, and all villagers who came to work had joyful expressions on their faces.

With silver in hand, everyone felt confident. Men and women, young and old, in the village were dressed in new clothes. The girls even wore silk flowers in their hair. This was because Lin Ziyin had made it clear that girls were as valuable as boys in the future. Any family mistreating a girl would no longer be allowed to work in the Lin’s factory. With the villagers now learning martial arts and literacy, they were more reasonable. Girls were truly highly treasured.

As the adults would go to work and children to school, after several festive days, the village returned to its peaceful state.

"My husband, after the eighth day of the New Year, the government offices have reopened. Let’s quickly go and check on Youcai." Yan voiced her concerns. Having lost several pounds, she felt as if everyone’s joyous mood was a deliberate provocation, hence she had been offending people regularly in recent days.

Ma Da was worried it would harm Ma Zhicai’s reputation, so he confined his wife at home, which improved the situation somewhat.

Hearing Yan mention their youngest son, Ma Da nodded solemnly, "We will go back immediately, bring more silver, in two months, Zhicai will be taking the Imperial Examination, we can’t let that boy spoil Zhicai’s reputation."

"Ah, alright." Yan had already given out a lot of silver for Ma Youcai before the New Year. Her hand trembled as she took out her stash of silver. Once this silver was handed out, there was no chance of getting it back. Ah, what a wasteful son!

But even as her heart ached, her son was still more important. Yan gritted her teeth and took five taels of silver with her.

The couple arrived at the government offices. Indeed, they were open now, but after spending the silver, the answer from government official was for them to keep waiting, "The Lord has just come back; he has to deal with important matters first. Your case is a minor one. It should be resolved in a few days, just wait."

"Sir." Yan was frantic. It had been half a month without seeing her son, the prison was cold, she wondered how her son was faring. "How is my son?"

"He has plenty to eat and drink in jail and doesn’t have to work, so rest assured; he’s doing just fine." The government official answered impatiently.

"Thank you for your care of our son." Ma Da quickly pulled Yan away, fearful that she would irritate the official and consequently harm Ma Youcai.

The official looked at the couple with a smile that wasn’t quite a smile, causing Ma Da to panic. He hastily pulled Yan away and left the government offices.

"Half a month has passed, and we haven’t even seen our son’s face. I wonder how Youcai is faring inside?" Yan wailed.