The Princess of Northern Land
Chapter 480: The Tomb King’s Wife(1)_1

Chapter 480: Chapter 480: The Tomb King’s Wife(1)_1

As Chu Suifeng’s counsellor, Situ Gong was undoubtedly a very busy man. Yet, the idea that he would come to a field to chat with an old farmer was simply unbelievable.

The old man gave him a penetrating gaze.

In the face of his meaningful look, Situ Gong responded with a constant smile.

"Mr. Situ, you’re a busy man. It’s a privilege for an old man like me that you would take the time to idle chat with me," the old man finally said, nodding slightly.

"I wouldn’t dare to think so," Situ Gong politely replied. "The production of food is the foundation of survival in the Northern Land. Regarding being busy, you sir, are not idling either."

At his flattery, old man Lin merely smiled faintly, not indulging in further courtesies.

Not far from the vegetable field, there were houses for the workers to rest. The old man also kept one here as a place to rest.

The house was small, sparsely furnished. A small bed, neatly covered in clean blankets, a small table, on which sat a set of tea utensils.

The old man approached the table and poured a cup of tea for Situ Gong and himself. "It’s nearly autumn, but the weather is still hot. This is chilled tea I brewed, please help yourself."

"Thank you." Situ Gong picked up the cup and took a sip. It wasn’t merely chilled boiled water but actual herbal tea, with a hint of sweetness. As a northerner, he wasn’t partial to the taste. "It’s somewhat sweet."

"I forgot you are a northerner." The old man gave him an apologetic glance.

"Although I don’t like it very much, it’s still good to have a bit in such hot weather." Situ Gong said with a smile.

"If you have something to say, sir, feel free to speak freely. There are only the two of us in the house." The old man got straight to the point, not wanting to waste Situ Gong’s time.

"The old master is indeed no ordinary man." Situ Gong started with a smile, "I came here today to discuss the matter of the Prince and Miss Lin."

He became serious.

"Ziyin can make decisions for herself." The old man firmly shut down the topic. He didn’t want to continue this topic.

"I know coming here today is a bit abrupt," Situ Gong gave a wry smile. "Normally, the master’s marriage is not something for people like us to discuss. However, as this issue is related to the survival of the people in the Northern Land, I can not delay or neglect it."

"Sir, you are exaggerating. She’s just a little girl. How can she bear such a great responsibility as the survival of the people?" The old man was displeased, his tone becoming colder.

Situ Gong felt somewhat awkward but wasn’t deterred. "Miss Lin is not an ordinary young lady. Has the old master ever considered that soon the Imperial Court might hear of Miss Lin’s fame and what she’s done? Just her contribution to rice, corn, and wheat plantation alone is enough to make her the focus of the court."

The old man remained silent.

"Others might not understand what I’m saying, but I believe with your wisdom, you should be able to understand my message." Situ Gong attempted to persuade, being Chu Suifeng’s counsellor, he knew how to persuade others. "The amount of responsibility a person can take equals their abilities. With Miss Lin’s current capabilities, becoming the lady of the Wang Residence is, undoubtedly, the best choice. The court is decaying, the current ruler is unscrupulous in his methods. Even the few princes who have territory are scheming their own plans...."

"Why should you, sir, talk about state affairs with me, an old farmer?" The old man interrupted him directly.

"Because Miss Lin is extraordinary, and you, sir, are no ordinary man. Even if you wish to remain detached, some issues can’t be avoided just because you wish to avoid them. If the court orders Miss Lin to enter the palace, or the main family of Lin clan comes to propose a marriage, how would you respond then? Or, what if the princes with territories come knocking at your door asking for Miss Lin’s hand, you might be able to reject them, but have you considered how long the Lin family can hold off against such disturbances? Also, the Tatars in the North Country have always had informants in Feng City. If they come to know about Miss Lin’s abilities to improve their livelihood, they won’t sit idle." The words of Situ Gong grew sharper, nearly leaving the old man defenseless.