The man who spoke earlier felt foolish the moment the words left his mouth. After being chastised by Cao Dejiang, his face flushed even more. "Why would the Lu family do this?" he wondered aloud.
"Yes, it can't be that Lu Chongyuan suddenly became charitable," the others murmured.
Cao Dejiang had a vague suspicion and glanced at Qian Baokun. "Minister Qian, could this matter with the Lu family be related to the things Miss Song requested from them a few days ago?"
Qian Baokun chuckled, "You're astute, Lord Cao. I heard that Supervisor Xiao was attacked and gravely injured on the outskirts of the capital recently. Just yesterday, Miss Song submitted a petition to the Capital Prefecture and the palace, accusing the Lu family of using their engagement to deceive her out of her late maternal grandfather's heirlooms, demanding their return. Lu Chongyuan went to Ji Yun Alley last night and ended up being carried back after coughing up blood. The half of the Lu family's book collection likely serves as compensation."
Those nearby were shocked. "How much did the Lu family embezzle from the County Princess of Yiyang? They couldn't afford to return it even with their considerable resources?"
"Who knows," Qian Baokun shrugged.
After his cryptic explanation, Qian left, leaving everyone else to their imaginations. He strolled off leisurely, thinking this should suffice to fulfill the request of that clingy daughter of his, who had asked him to support that young girl from the Song family. Saying much more might invite trouble from the Lu family later.
That wretched girl had already taken some of his private stash and caught him drinking with colleagues. If his wife found out he'd been looking at other women, she'd pull his ears right off.
Even though Qian Baokun had departed, his words were like a ladle of hot water poured into sizzling oil, causing the remaining officials to boil over. What they had initially thought was an act of generosity from the Lu family now appeared to be a desperate attempt to settle a debt they couldn't afford to repay.
"Hah!" someone sneered. "And to think they call themselves an elite family, yet they embezzle the dowry of a girl who hasn't even married in."
"They really have the nerve, pretending to 'gift' those books. Pathetic!" It was nothing short of disgraceful.
Regardless of their background, none of them could imagine stooping to pilfer the dowry of their own daughters. One person couldn't help but mutter, "No wonder the County Princess of Yiyang wanted to break off the engagement and made such a fuss about it."
"I used to think she was being overly bold, but now it’s clear the Lu family pushed her to it. Good thing she saw their true colors early on. Otherwise, if she had married into that family, they'd have devoured her whole, leaving nothing but bones."
A group of them continued to gossip, their words dripping with disdain and contempt for the Lu family.
Cao Dejiang had heard his wife mention the matter between the Lu family and Song Tangning before. He also frowned with disdain now, even if he didn't join in their talk.
The officials along the corridor were all discussing the Lu family's recent scandal, and the earlier sensation caused by the "book donation" was quickly overshadowed. When they reached the secondary gate, they hadn't yet dispersed. Just then, a figure rushed toward them, stopping in front of Cao Dejiang and Marquis Wenxin.
"Lord Cao, please wait."
"And you are?"
"I'm Shun'an, sent by the Supervisor to deliver a message to Lord Cao and the Marquis," the eunuch said.
Cao Dejiang and Marquis Wenxin both looked surprised. They had never had dealings with Xiao Yan and certainly weren't on friendly terms. What could Xiao Yan want with them?
The young eunuch, Shun'an, lowered his head and said, "My master, the Supervisor, has instructed me. You must have heard during the morning assembly about the situation with the County Princess of Yiyang and the Lu family. The County Princess doesn’t wish to be entangled with the Lu family over material wealth and feels deeply for the struggles of students seeking education. Therefore, she agreed to let the Lu family use half of their book collection as restitution for what they previously took. Those books, along with some rare volumes left by Tutor Rong, will be sent to the academy for students to access in the future."
"My master is not on good terms with the Lu family, nor is he as learned as you two. The County Princess is young and inexperienced, and my master worries that the Lu family might try to deceive her or provide subpar books to make up the amount. Therefore, he wishes to request that Lord Cao and the Marquis accompany the County Princess to the Lu estate to help select the books. Additionally, on the day the academy opens, the Wen De tablet will be inscribed, and my master would like Lord Cao to write the inscription."
After Shun'an finished, he glanced at the officials behind Cao Dejiang and the Marquis.
"Of course, other esteemed gentlemen here are all learned scholars. The Lu family's collection is vast, and it won't be easy for just a few people to pick out suitable volumes for the academy. My master has said that if any of you are willing to join, you may accompany the County Princess. When the academy is completed, your contributions will be acknowledged on the Wen De tablet, ensuring that students who borrow the books in the future will remember your efforts with gratitude."
As Shun'an's words fell, the officials fell into a sudden hush.
Cao Dejiang's eyes flickered, and Marquis Wenxin also looked moved. Though the others were silent, their gazes focused intently on Cao Dejiang and the Marquis, their clenched jaws and faintly excited expressions betraying their inner turmoil.
The Lu family's book collection was highly coveted, rarely accessible to outsiders, and non-family members were almost never allowed near their archive. Yet now, there was a chance to see it.
Furthermore, the selected volumes would be sent to the future academy. With the Lu and Rong family collections, the academy would draw students from all over, becoming a prestigious learning center in the capital. Having one's contribution inscribed on the Wen De tablet*, decreed by the emperor, would be a legacy to last generations.
Who wouldn't want that?
Even those normally indifferent to such things, like Cao Dejiang, felt a surge of excitement.
Cao Dejiang said, "If the Supervisor requests it and it is for the benefit of scholars nationwide, how could I refuse?"
Marquis Wenxin quickly added, "Although my knowledge is not as deep as Lord Cao's, I can at least help carry and sort books. Just send word when the County Princess is heading to the Lu estate, and I'll be there."
Seeing the two agree, the other officials eagerly chimed in.
"I can assist as well."
"I'd be happy to join."
"Please inform the Supervisor that we would gladly accompany the County Princess to the Lu estate."
"Yes, the Supervisor needn't worry. With our assistance, the Lu family won't dare try any tricks, and we won't let the County Princess be slighted."
Shun'an listened to these normally dignified officials, who now seemed almost desperate to rush over to the Lu estate, and he bowed with a smile.
"Then I thank you on behalf of my master and the County Princess. The Lu family has yet to prepare the books, but when they invite the County Princess, we will promptly notify all of you."
The officials hesitated at this. Cao Dejiang's expression darkened slightly.
Aristocratic families always had easy pathways to power, and the books weren't as crucial for them. But for scholars from humble backgrounds, these books were a rare opportunity—something they could only dream of.
The County Princess of Yiyang was generous, willing to sacrifice her own interests to benefit such students. Even if Xiao Yan had ulterior motives against the aristocrats, it was the students who would gain real advantages.
But could the Lu family truly part with so many books? If they tried to delay or wriggle out of it…
Cao Dejiang's face grew stern.
Those books would be surrendered by the Lu family, one way or another! If they tried to stall, they'd be forced until they had no choice but to comply.
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T/N: Wen De Tablet - This is referring to the monument
You can read ahead to chapterr 234 here
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