The Princess of Northern Land

Chapter 17: Chapter 17 Tofu(1)_1 Chapter 17: Chapter 17 Tofu(1)_1 The price of salt in this era was exorbitant, the common households simply could not afford it.

Besides, the Lin Family hardly had any extra cash at the moment but Lin Ziyin just outright asked for two pounds of salt. Lin Zige almost fainted in shock.

“I need it urgently.” Lin Ziyin looked a bit helpless and desperate. She was not an ignorant person; she knew the high price of salt in ancient times. But when making tofu, it was absolutely necessary to have salt brine. Though plaster could be used as a substitute for salt brine, Lin Ziyin found that tofu made with plaster was much inferior in taste to that made with salt brine.

“Well, you could buy one pound for me instead.” Lin Ziyin reluctantly lowered her request.

“This?” Lin Zige wanted to decline, but upon seeing Lin Ziyin’s pleading eyes, she swallowed back the words of refusal she had almost uttered.

“Buy.” Little Bun, who followed Lin Ziyin closely, had no idea what she wanted to buy, but he knew how to gauge people’s moods. Probably sensing Lin Ziyin’s obvious longing, he tugged at Lin Zige’s sleeve, pleading.

“Alright then, I will go take a look.” Lin Zige sighed inwardly. Normally, Lin Ziyin, being aware of their financial situation, would never make such unreasonable demands. But now that Ziyin’s mental state was unstable and she was making a request for the first time, Lin Zige found it hard to decline.

After all, the family was running low on salt. Instead of wasting some, they might as well buy more. The remainder would still be of use.

With this mindset, Lin Zige took out a few copper coins from the house, ready to go to the village store to buy salt.

“Thank you, Yanzhi, for pleading on my behalf.” Lin Ziyin gave a peck on the skinny Lin Yanzhi, who stood close to her.

The little fellow blushed instantly, but he quite enjoyed being pampered. So, he leaned contentedly into Lin Ziyin’s embrace.

“In a few days, I’ll buy you some snacks,” Lin Ziyin said, a pang of sorrow hitting her as she looked at the thin little boy.

“No need.” To her surprise, after some hesitation, Lin Yanzhi firmly declined her offer. “No money, medicine needed.”

Although the child’s vocabulary was limited, Lin Ziyin understood his words. Tears welled up in her eyes. This child was too sensible! The saying “a poor man’s child becomes a householder early” was indeed true.

“No worries, once tomorrow passes, I’ll be able to earn some silver, then I will have money to buy you treats. The silver earned will also be thanks to Yanzhi’s help, but until the money is in hand, Yanzhi must keep it a secret for me.” Lin Ziyin silently vowed that with such a family around her, she must strive to improve their living conditions as soon as possible.

“Won’t tell.” Lin Yanzhi covered his mouth.

Lin Ziyin was amused by his display all of a sudden and burst into hearty laughter. The little boy didn’t know what she was laughing about, but thinking about Lin Ziyin’s words about their home soon having silver, he too began to giggle happily.

After a short while, Lin Zige returned with a small bag of salt.

“Here, use it sparingly.” She handed the salt to Lin Ziyin, hesitantly reminding her.

“I understand.” Lin Ziyin replied with a smile. She believed that she would soon earn back the money spent on the salt.

“Sister, could you help me light the fire?” Lin Ziyin asked Lin Zige.

“Light the fire for what?” Lin Zige was surprised, “It’s still a while until dinnertime.”

“I need to boil the salt.” Lin Ziyin answered. “Either way, I’ll be useful.”

Lin Zige wanted to persuade her to rest and heal, but upon seeing the bandage on Lin Ziyin’s head, she took back her words. Well, since the salt has been bought, they might as well use a bit of firewood.