The Princess of Northern Land
Chapter 528: A Golden Phoenix Flies Out of the Grassy Nest (7)_1

Chapter 528: Chapter 528: A Golden Phoenix Flies Out of the Grassy Nest (7)_1

Upon hearing Yan Family’s words in the room, Ma Xincai and his wife furrowed their brows. If their second son continues his studies, they couldn’t hope for any of their hard-earned Silver to enter their hands.

"I will no longer study, I will find work," Ma Zhicai replied with a stern face. His once grand dream had now become a laughing stock.

"No way," Yan Family immediately responded with anger. Over the years, countless amounts of Silver had been spent on his education. She would not accept no returns on their investments. "Let me tell you this, if you dare to not continue your studies, I swear your father will break your legs."

"It’s not that I don’t want to study, Mother could consider discussing with the Prince to let your son study without obstacles. I will listen to you then," Ma Zhicai retorted coldly, "Mother, are we not guilty in the eyes of the Lin Family? Does continuing my studies even matter anymore?"

Yan Family was taken aback, the water ladle in her hand suddenly clattered to the ground.

Ma Zhicai ignored her, picked up a small bundle, and walked out of the yard.

Having offended the Lin Family, there was little hope for their child to successfully pursue his studies. The dream of many years was suddenly shattered, Yan Family instantly became despondent and lost.

After hearing this, Ma Xincai and his wife eased their hold on held breaths. Good, it would be best if he stops schooling. The couple has been the only ones toiling from dawn to dusk, whilst all their hard-earned Silver went towards their second son’s studies.

The Silver required to fund education had always been limitless; now, with their second son stopping his studies, they would finally catch a break. They could finally raise their own children in peace.

Ma Zhicai accelerated his pace away from the village entrance, ignoring the festive atmosphere around him.

"Zhicai." Just as he approached the village exit, a hesitant voice called out after him.

Ma Zhicai halted his footsteps and looked over, only to see Bao Family, dressed in old clothes.

"Second Auntie, do you need something?" He asked indifferently.

"Are you heading to the city?" Bao Family asked enthusiastically, albeit with a hushed whisper, "Could you allow me to see your Second Uncle?"

"No." Ma Zhicai decisively refused, "If you want your Second Uncle to live, do not inquire or go around seeking people arbitrarily. Even if you bump into him in the city, pretend not to recognize him."

This was undeniably a warning. Not because Ma Zhicai wanted to aid Bao Family, but because he wanted to avoid further complications. Working for the Tatars was unquestionably a taboo in the Northern Lands, so it was in his best interest to avoid such matters.

"I won’t ask." Bao Family stealthily glanced around, not seeing a soul in sight, she mustered up her courage, "I’ve made some new clothes for him. I don’t care what he’s up to outside, as long as he keeps us in his heart."

Ma Zhicai stared at her grim face and his heart softened. Regardless of how harsh Bao Family might be, she was a good mother and deeply loved her children. Unlike his own mother, who appeared to care for him, but only for her selfish motives.

"It’s best to stay low profile in the village to avoid suspicion," he extended his hand to receive the bundle from Bao Family, words of caution escaping his lips.

"I understand. You’re a scholar, Zhicai, destined for greater things. If it’s convenient for you, please guide your Second Uncle," Bao Family expressed her worries. Although she was a simple peasant wife, she was not naive. After being repeatedly warned by Ma Zhicai to be cautious, she sensed that matters were not simple.

Furthermore, she understood her husband’s character. It wasn’t that she disliked her husband, but he simply was not the type to work on monumental tasks. But this time, he had sent so much Silver through Ma Zhicai. Unless he was doing something wrong, where could he have possibly obtained so much Silver?

"He is, after all, my Second Uncle." Ma Zhicai didn’t say anything else, Bao Family recognized his intention and looked at him gratefully.

With two bundles on his back, Ma Zhicai entered the city, while Bao Family stood on the village exit like a statue, not leaving for a long time.

"Congratulations to the Prince." The Lin Family’s occasion was a thing of celebration for the entire village. The treasures they gazed at fueled their growth of knowledge. The addition of dishes to the canteen after viewing the treasures brought even more joy.

"Congratulations to the Prince." The elders and Lou Zheng, who were invited to join the banquet, though honored, also felt restrained.

Everyone took turns toasting Chu Suifeng, who was happy to accept.

The Lin Family’s patriarch and Lin Changshu feared he would get drunk, so they immediately helped him drain a few cups.

"I am jubilant today, this little bit of liquor won’t harm me," Chu Suifeng candidly stated as he opened another bottle.

Understanding they couldn’t stop him, Lin Changshu and the patriarch allowed him to continue. However, the company was rather sensible, toasting only once and refraining from a second round.

Despite this, Chu Suifeng drank a considerable amount; by the end of the meal, he appeared visibly drunk.

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