Exile with Storage Space: Family Fortunes in the Barren Lands-Chapter 546 - 0508 Don’t Regret It Then (1)

Prefect Lou looked at Lady Lou and shook his head, "Madam, the Li Family’s siblings claim to be villagers, but in what way do they resemble common folks with such demeanor?"

Lady Lou asked in confusion, "Why is Lord suddenly asking about this?"

"First, answer my question. In what way do they resemble village peasants?"

Being asked repeatedly, Lady Lou had no choice but to recall.

Indeed, the Li Family’s siblings are quite different from other villagers.

"They do have some differences; they are a bit wilder than other villagers." Lady Lou chuckled, "When Li entered the house, she cut down my red plum tree. Her brother was even more outrageous, pretending to be me to buy charcoal for Li. I think they aren’t villagers, but mountain bandits!"

Though Prefect Lou rarely inquired about the household affairs, as soon as Li Yu En entered the house, he immediately sent someone to observe the lifestyle of Li Yu En and her brother.

He learned from the servants about Li Yu En chopping down the red plum tree by the lotus pond for firewood and Li Xingsheng taking Lou Chengye to buy charcoal.

Knowing Lady Lou did not question these matters, Prefect Lou said nothing.

Unexpectedly, today erupted the matter of a search.

How could Prefect Lou not know the truth behind this? Stating that it was a search was merely to intimidate the Li Family’s siblings.

Prefect Lou said solemnly, "Isn’t it because of your negligence, forcing the Li Family’s siblings to find ways to get their heating charcoal themselves? I ask you, why wasn’t charcoal allocated to Li’s room? In these freezing days, you didn’t provide charcoal, are you intending to freeze them to death?"

Lady Lou snorted, "You don’t handle the household affairs, how could you know the scale of expenses? Isn’t there always a shortage of charcoal before the festivities? What does it matter if there is a little shortage in December? We can endure it. If there is a shortage during New Year, then it’s laughable. I don’t intend to deprive them; I plan to distribute it on New Year’s Eve."

Every winter, especially on snowy days, charcoal is in high demand. Some families, unable to buy charcoal in the city, send people outside the city to buy it from the mountains.

Some even reserve it directly from families that make charcoal, and there have been instances of fights over charcoal.

Lady Lou’s reasoning did have some merit.

Prefect Lou asked again, "And what about today’s search? How could you proceed without evidence?"

Lady Lou sneered, "Everyone in the house was searched, and they are the exception? The three attendants brought by Li live outside the household; I have to be cautious."

Prefect Lou found himself again at a loss for words.

He knew that Madam’s behavior stemmed from prejudice against the Li Family’s siblings.

"Madam, I understand your thoughts about Li’s background, but there’s an old saying: ’Thirty years east, thirty years west.’ This year Li might be a villager; who knows if one day they might rise." Prefect Lou reminded, "As long as the Li Family’s siblings haven’t done anything inappropriate, you are not to target them."

Lady Lou laughed, "My Lord, if their status could change, the sun would rise from the west."

"You..." Prefect Lou flicked his sleeve, walked to the window to glance outside, seeing the maids and women far away, then returned, took a pen and paper, and wrote three words, "Prince Luling."

Lady Lou raised an eyebrow in perplexity, "My Lord, what does this mean?"

Prefect Lou crumpled the paper and threw it into the brazier to burn.

"The Li Family’s siblings are related to him." Prefect Lou pointed to the burnt paper.

Lady Lou’s eyes widened in astonishment, "How could it be possible?"

"Madam, think carefully about this person’s appearance; doesn’t Li closely resemble him?" 𝐟𝗿𝐞𝚎𝚠𝐞𝚋𝕟𝐨𝚟𝐞𝕝.𝕔𝕠𝚖

Lady Lou had once followed Prefect Lou to the Capital and had seen Prince Luling from afar.

She vaguely remembered Prince Luling being of medium height, with a stout build.

Reflecting on Li’s appearance, indeed, there was some resemblance.

But she still couldn’t believe that Li could be the daughter of Prince Luling.

"All stout people look alike. My Lord, you’re overthinking." Lady Lou dismissed it, "Unless there’s evidence to prove it."

Prefect Lou sat back in his chair and said to her, "Our eldest son spoke with County Magistrate Li. County Magistrate Li told him that Li’s father is this person."

Lady Lou was even more skeptical, "County Magistrate Li is just a seventh-rank official; how could he have met this person? My Lord, don’t believe his nonsense."

Prefect Lou said, "County Magistrate Li knows Li’s third brother, Li Sanlang, who had visited the Magistrate’s residence, and that’s how he knew."

Lady Lou remained dismissive, "My Lord, even if Li is this person’s daughter, so what? County Magistrate Li fears this person because of his low rank, but you are a grand magistrate, a regional official, why care for the daughter of someone disgraced?"