Exile with Storage Space: Family Fortunes in the Barren Lands-Chapter 555 - 516 Traveling for Missions (1)

Li Yu En glanced at Lou Chengye and told Li Xingsheng that Lou Chengye had discovered discrepancies in the public account books under Prefect Lou.

"Second Brother, isn’t Chengye impressive? Back when I was selling baked goods, I always miscalculated, but Chengye could calculate the price with just a snap of his fingers, whereas I had to think for ages. Even then, I knew he was remarkable." Li Yu En looked at Lou Chengye, her eyes sparkling.

Li Xingsheng was also surprised and patted Lou Chengye on the shoulder, "Well done, Chengye, that’s impressive."

Lou Chengye said shyly, "It’s just a small matter. There were so many words written in those account books, most of which I couldn’t understand, so I just picked the ones with numbers to look at. I didn’t expect that in such simple places, there would be someone who calculated wrongly, yet no one noticed."

Li Xingsheng said, "It wasn’t an accidental miscalculation; it was intentional miscalculation."

Lou Chengye and Li Yu En looked at Li Xingsheng in astonishment.

"Intentional miscalculation? Why would they do that?" Lou Chengye asked.

Li Xingsheng looked at them and thought to himself, ’Oh, the naivety of youth, unaware of the cunningness of officials in the bureaucracy.’ "Of course, to get away with it. If it succeeded, it would mean a large sum of money. There’s a saying, ’lining one’s own pocket,’ which refers to these people who earn money from the government, enrich themselves, and harm the interests of the government office and the common people."

Lou Chengye’s face immediately darkened, "These people are really cunning and sinister."

Li Xingsheng said, "Every government office has such people. It’s not an unusual thing. There are always some people who like to take risks and make a fortune."

Lou Chengye said, "No wonder my father and elder brother want to re-examine all the documents."

"But there are still discrepancies." Li Xingsheng looked at Lou Chengye, "Chengye, don’t underestimate these mistakes. If they aren’t discovered in time, those committing fraud will become bolder. If a bigger mistake occurs in the future, even the Lord Prefect might not be able to cover it up. That could lead to the loss of position and confiscation of the family property. You wouldn’t have the leisure to sit here with me, drinking wine and chatting," Li Xingsheng smiled.

Lou Chengye was filled with fear, "During today’s family reunion dinner, my father said the same thing."

Li Xingsheng patted Lou Chengye’s shoulder, "Chengye, have you noticed that you have a talent that others don’t?"

Lou Chengye stared at him blankly, "Second Brother, are you referring to my arithmetic ability?"

"Yes, and your ability to see numbers," Li Xingsheng said, "Every government office has a person specifically for calculating numbers. Such people need to be meticulous and capable, but they are hard to find. The Lord Prefect’s subordinates failed to find the mistake, showing that his office lacks such talent. Chengye, why don’t you help your father? Just take on the task of auditing and checking? You’re free anyway."

Li Yu En laughed, "Second Brother, I’ve also suggested this to Chengye."

Lou Chengye, after being praised continuously, felt his confidence soar, "Alright, I’ll talk to my father about it."

.

Li Yu En and Lou Chengye accompanied Li Xingsheng for drinks and only left when it was nearly midnight.

Liu Er led with a lantern, and he and Li Xingsheng escorted them back to the house before returning to the small courtyard.

As they entered the Lou Mansion, it was exactly midnight.

The head steward, Lou Da, was overseeing the setting and lighting of fireworks at the mansion’s entrance.

Li Yu En and Lou Chengye watched them light the fireworks for a while before returning to Shuanghua Courtyard.

Second Lady Liu, along with Er Niu and San Niu, were witnessing city folks celebrating the New Year for the first time. Everything seemed new and exciting to them, and they chatted and laughed until they went to bed.

Despite being disturbed by the sound of fireworks all night, no one had a good sleep, but everyone still got up early.

Because they had to pay respects to the elders for the New Year.

Li Yu En and Lou Chengye first distributed New Year money to the people of Shuanghua Garden, a hundred coins each.

Second Lady Liu led everyone, cheerfully wishing the young couple a Happy New Year.

Next, Lou Chengye took Li Yu En to pay respects to the people in the mansion, starting with the youngest and lowest in rank, from Old Lady Lou onward, ensuring they greeted everyone thoroughly.

While paying respects to Old Lady Lou, it was customary to receive New Year money.

Each of them received a pair of gold ingots.

Then they went to Lady Lou’s quarters; since it was the New Year, Prefect Lou didn’t busy himself with official duties in the study and stayed in Lady Lou’s room instead.

Both Prefect Lou and Lady Lou also gave them New Year money, also a pair of gold ingots.

"Go pay respects to your brothers. Afterward, join us for morning tea at the old lady’s," said Lady Lou, her face slightly kinder during the New Year.

"Understood, Mother." The young couple then went to pay respects to their elder brothers and their wives.

No matter their feelings, the other siblings and in-laws all gave New Year money.

After going around, the inner pockets of the couple’s sleeves were stuffed with money and gifts.

.

In the morning, the entire Lou family gathered in Old Lady Lou’s courtyard for morning tea.

Mid-morning, Li Xingsheng came to pay his New Year visit.

Following closely were family members of other ladies of the Lou Mansion and some of Prefect Lou’s subordinates.

Prefect Lou assigned Mr. Lou to entertain Li Xingsheng.

A relatively large number of people came, divided into male and female guests for the banquet.

Lady Lou, accompanied by Lady Lou Da, entertained the female guests.

She particularly kept an eye on Li Yu En, because ever since Li Yu En visited Third Aunt Lou’s house and won a drinking game, she’s been quite curious. She wanted to find out if Li Yu En was truly remarkable.

Li Yu En has been at Lou Mansion for a few days and has become completely familiar with life here.

When she is having tea and chatting leisurely with ladies from other manors, she is not the least bit reserved.

Some people tried to trap her by asking embarrassing countryside matters, but Li Yu En would casually change the subject. More often, she wouldn’t fall for it and instead silenced them and shamed them.

Lady Lou then realized that this seemingly foolish daughter-in-law was not a simpleton.

Thinking also of the things Li Yu En did in the mansion, Lady Lou couldn’t help but see Li Yu En in a different light.

As for the male guests, Li Xingsheng, seated among them, was truly in his element.

He was once the top young master in the Capital; in both appearance and conversation, he never lost to anyone.

After enduring hardships in the countryside for a year, his noble air remained unscathed.

Except for Prefect Lou and Mr. Lou Da, everyone else was captivated by him.

With such a brother, others began to change their perception of Li Yu En. 𝚏𝕣𝕖𝚎𝚠𝚎𝚋𝚗𝐨𝐯𝕖𝕝.𝕔𝐨𝕞

.

The three days before New Year’s at Lou Mansion passed in a bustling and lively manner.

Lou Chengye, after receiving guests with his father and brother for days, had a smile frozen on his face. Finally, on the fourth day, he could rest.

Because on the fourth day, people from the Prefecture Government Office started officially resuming their duties.

The people from the government office only have three days off.

Lou Chengye was summoned by Prefect Lou to the office.

In the room where Prefect Lou handled affairs, many people were already standing.

There were the young men of the Lou Family and several Assistant Chiefs.

"Regarding the Feng’an County’s Chixia River stone bridge and the river channel maintenance, you must investigate thoroughly!" Prefect Lou glanced at Second Young Master Lou, "Old Second, you take Old Third, Old Fourth, and Old Fifth with Liu Tongzhi and Chen Zhubo to investigate secretly."

The Feng’an County Magistrate wrote a letter detailing the stone bridge issue, implying Prefect Lou was wronging him. Since open investigations led nowhere, secret ones must commence.

Several people agreed, "We promise not to disappoint the lord."

Lou Chengye glanced at his brothers and, steeling himself, lowered his head.

After hearing the assignment, Lou Chengye returned to the inner courtyard and told Li Yu En that he would be traveling with his brothers for official duties.

Li Yu En was delighted, "Does this mean, my dear, that you have an official role now? That’s great, I congratulate you and wish you triumph and success, and definitely uncover the problem! Then, secure a formal position."

Although Lou Chengye was a son of the Prefect’s house, his identity remained commoner. Without achieving results, working at the government office couldn’t garner respect.

Even though noble children don’t need to pursue official posts through examinations, occupying a position without merit can lead to troubles if opponents find out, resulting in impeachment or reporting.

Prefect Lou wanted his son to step into the government office, so he must make his son establish accomplishments to earn respect.

Lou Chengye understood this, and after the encouragement from everyone these few days, he had set a personal ambition.

Not wanting his wife to be disappointed, he nodded to Li Yu En, "Rest assured, my dear, I will do my best."

"I believe my dear is capable," Li Yu En praised him.

Needing to depart that afternoon, Li Yu En helped Lou Chengye pack his luggage, putting many snacks and fruits into a wicker box and stuffing a bag of broken silver and copper coins for backup.

Seeing his wife’s careful care, Lou Chengye silently vowed to accomplish something great.

.

That afternoon of the fourth day, Second Young Master Lou led Lou Chengye and the others, disguised in plain clothes, out of the city.

Including the guards, the group of ten, either riding horses, donkeys, or sitting in mule carts, headed to Feng’an County.

On the afternoon of the eighth day, following Lou Chengye’s instructions, they arrived at the stone bridge newly built last year.

Lou Chengye jumped off his horse and quickly ran to the bridge to count the stone slabs.

The others also walked over.

Just then, several villagers approached from nearby, loudly demanding, "What are you doing here?"