Reborn as the Crippled King's Beloved-Chapter 181 - Debt Owed to the Princess Consort Can

Chapter 181: Chapter 181: Debt Owed to the Princess Consort Can Never Be Repaid in This Lifetime

Chapter 181 -181: Debt Owed to the Princess Consort Can Never Be Repaid in This Lifetime

Lou Zixi came from a Poor Family, many of his ancestors were scholars, and his great-grandfather had once held the rank of fourth grade as the Libationer of the Imperial Academy, even lecturing the Crown Prince. However, that was a tale from the previous dynasty.

His great-grandfather was a clever man, who had chosen to retire hastily amidst the chaos in the realm, resigning his post and returning to his hometown, thus avoiding the disasters that accompanied the change of dynasties.

Though the great-grandfather brought back considerable wealth, his life was short-lived, and he passed away due to illness a few years after returning home. By the time it came to Lou Zixi’s generation, the family had become extremely poor, after all, the pursuit of scholarship has always been a drain on resources.

Despite this, their family spirit was rich, believing that the Lou Family would once again produce a high official for the Imperial Court. His parents also placed great expectations on Lou Zixi.

Lou Zixi had become a Scholar at a young age, and if not for the flood disaster, he would probably have already become a Graduate, and even gone to the Capital City to take the Imperial Examination early on, making a name for himself in the official circles.

Unfortunately, a devastating flood destroyed his home and family; when he went to the Capital City seeking refuge, someone even deliberately broke his leg.

Lou Zixi had thought that, in this life, he would have no hope of returning to the bureaucratic world, but who would have imagined that on that dark rainy day, someone holding an umbrella would appear and change his destiny once again.

And looking at the old signboard in front of him, Lou Zixi was moved to tears.

The gift from the Princess Consort was not something of great value; he and Manager Chai had handled countless Silver Taels in these past few months. The Princess Consort never treated them unfairly, and they lacked nothing, with wealth feeling like a trifle to them.

What the Princess Consort gave was an old signboard with peeling paint, bearing only the words “Lou Mansion.” Yet the characters were powerful and vigorous, with an iron-brush silver-hook style, that, despite many years, could still reveal their distinction. It wasn’t just anyone’s handwriting; it was his great-grandfather’s!

If the great-grandfather was able to hold the position of Libationer at the Imperial Academy, naturally, he had extraordinary abilities. Not only was his scholarship profound, but his calligraphy was also unmatched in the Court of that time.

If not for the last Emperor’s incompetence, the Lou Family would at least have shone for a hundred years.

Also, it was because the great-grandfather passed away early, without time to teach the younger generations of the Lou Family, leaving them with no successors.

Lou Zixi could never have imagined that the Princess Consort would find and give him the signboard from the old Lou Mansion in the Capital City.

Perhaps it wasn’t valuable, but to him, it bore extraordinary significance.

The Lou Family had been obliterated by the flood, leaving only him behind; this signboard, once a symbol of his distinguished family heritage, now connected him to the Lou Family of the past.

“This signboard has survived so many years; it should have been gone long ago. When the Lou Mansion changed owners, the new proprietor had it taken down, but a student of your great-grandfather kept it preserved. Unfortunately, many things happened later, and the signboard still became worn and old.”

The speaker was Steward Lin from the Prince Mansion, sent by Murong Jiu to deliver the signboard.

“To have it preserved until now is already a miracle. I had never even thought about seeking out the former possessions of the Lou Family. That the Princess Consort could be so thoughtful, I am immensely grateful, Lou Zixi!”

Lou Zixi spoke solemnly, feeling that at this moment, even if he had to go through fire and water for the Princess Consort, he would not hesitate.

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The Princess Consort had not only given him and Manager Chai a new life, healed his leg, but also allowed him to continue his studies and pursue official titles. Now, she had brought him an old object from the Lou Family. He would never forget such kindness.

Even if the Princess Consort hadn’t given him the signboard, he would still do anything for her. From the day she took him and Manager Chai from the refugee shelter, he had secretly vowed to repay the Princess Consort’s favor.

“Don’t mention it, the Princess Consort has another item to give you.”

Steward Lin said with a smile, handing over an exquisitely crafted little wooden box to Lou Zixi.

Lou Zixi did not accept it, so Steward Lin opened the small wooden box, revealing a yellowed piece of paper inside.

“Is this the deed to a house?”

Manager Chai asked.

Lou Zixi quickly shook his head, “Initially, Princess Consort wanted to give Manager Chai and me a mansion, but we didn’t accept it. Living in the courtyard behind the shop is enough for us; we don’t need servants or such a large space.”

Manager Chai nodded, “Living here is actually more convenient. Steward Lin, please tell Princess Consort not to go to the expense.”

Steward Lin’s smile was genial, “Princess Consort knew that you two would certainly not accept. Princess Consort said that now Scholar Lou has passed the examination and has become a Graduate, a Graduate lord cannot continue to live in the shop. Next year there will be the Imperial Examination, and you’ll need a quiet place to study properly. Moreover, the mansion Princess Consort chose for you two is very close to here, walking to this street, at most, it will only take the Time it Takes to Burn an Incense.”

Lou Zixi and Manager Chai still shook their heads; they already owed the Princess Consort too much and could not accept the mansion.

Manager Chai now wished he could split one Shichen Chinese hour into two to use; the Princess Consort had once guided him, and he felt that Great Yan was full of business opportunities everywhere.

A couple of days ago, aides from underneath the Prince took him to a secret place that actually produced sugar, even sweeter than cane sugar. Importantly, it was made from sugar beets, which have a higher yield than sugar cane, and they could start large-scale planting and production next year. It was said to be a method conceived by the Princess Consort; he had already figured out how to use Sweet Sugar to expand the Princess Consort’s business empire.

Now was certainly not the time to indulge in luxury.

Steward Lin said with a laugh, “Princess Consort really is prescient. However, Princess Consort is determined to give you the deed to the house, so you must accept it. Besides, that is the ancestral home of the Lou Family.”

At these words, Lou Zixi looked up in surprise, “The ancestral home of the Lou Family?”

Was it the mansion his great-grandfather had sold?

“Indeed, it is the Lou Family’s former mansion, which your great-grandfather sold after he resigned his official post. It has changed hands several times since then, with the previous owner surnamed Chen. Perhaps you two might have some recollection.”

Having said this, Lou Zixi and Manager Chai immediately thought of something, and both revealed a look of shock.

Manager Chai asked, “Is it Lord Chen, the Co-Legislation Officer from the Ministry of Rites, of the Chen Family?”

Steward Lin nodded with a smile, “Exactly.”

Lou Zixi and Manager Chai exchanged a profound look, then both bowed to Steward Lin together, “Thank you, Steward Lin. We accept, and please convey our sincere thanks to the Princess Consort on our behalf.”

“You two need not be polite. The Princess Consort has high hopes for both of you, but also truly admires your abilities. Naturally, she hopes you both continue to prosper.”

After placing the deed on the table, Steward Lin took his leave.

Manager Chai, with a complex expression, picked up the deed, only to discover that inside there were also many indenture contracts. The Princess Consort had been so thoughtful, even buying the servants for managing the mansion for them.

“The Princess Consort has really strived with all her heart. Zixi, blessed with such a lord, what more could one desire?”

This Co-Legislation Officer Lord Chen from the Ministry of Rites was none other than the distant relative Manager Chai and Lou Zixi went to the Capital to seek refuge with when they first arrived.

Not long after entering the Chen Mansion, Lou Zixi’s leg was broken by Young Master Chen.

Moreover, the last of their belongings was robbed by hooligans, and they had long suspected that Young Master Chen was behind it, yet they had no proof.

It was because of this that they didn’t even have the money for setting the broken bone, and ended up going to the refugee camp, hoping just to get a meal and barely survive.

Princess Consort, oh Princess Consort, the debt they owed her was one they couldn’t possibly repay in this lifetime.