Chapter 166 – Cloak
Pei Yan returned to Mauve Hall where he was staying but he was a little unhappy.
There were still many family-related affairs he needed to handle at the Pei’s Main residence, but he pushed them all to Pei Man before making his way up the mountain. Firstly, he was worried about his mother and wanted to see how she was doing; secondly, he wanted to avoid all those people who were looking for him under the pretext of offering New Year’s greetings.
The officials were all pestering the emperor to appoint the next crown prince and there was a deep undercurrent of activity both inside and outside the imperial court. Officials in Jiangnan were quietly manoeuvring matters from the shadows. In the very beginning, the reason why their Pei family chose to settle in Lin’an was due to the quiet, closed off nature of Lin’an city, so why would he permit his Pei family to be embroiled in such political affairs again?
Such matters would pop up once every few years.
Once upon a time, he had considerable influence over such issues and experienced unparalleled joy and success from navigating them.
But after his father’s death, such political affairs suddenly seemed utterly meaningless.
Pei Yan sighed softly as he looked at the servant sweeping snow in the courtyard.
Perhaps, he would really retire to live in the mountains and forests in the future.
Things were fine now, but give it another ten years, probably no one would still remember him then.
However, before he really retired, he had to help with his second brother’s return to officialdom, which meant that those relationships he cultivated in the capital couldn’t be allowed to left to fade away at this point.
He called Pei Qi over and asked, “How much silver is left at home that can be utilized?”
“The funds over at Tianjin hasn’t been touched since Grand Elder passed.” Pei Qi whispered, “There is one hundred thousand taels of silver.”
Pei Yan thought for a moment, before turning around to his study. He wrote a list and handed it over to Pei Qi, saying “Give this list to Shu Qing and follow his instructions.”
Shu Qing was a senior teacher who followed him back to Lin’an and was now considered as part of his staff.
Pei Qi respectfully obliged and retreated.
Pei Yan sat down on the rocking chair.
Ah Ming deftly took a blanket and covered his legs.
Pei Yan paid no attention to Ah Ming as he closed his eyes, but his mind was turning rapidly.
Once silver from Tianjin was transferred to the capital for gifts, there would be insufficient silver in Lin’an City for their own expenditures. This year, he had spent too much silver in agriculture, and the returns weren’t great either. He couldn’t tell how many more years it would take to recoup his investments. Therefore, it would be best to use the ‘dead’ pawn goods in the pawnshop to deal with this situation. He had to discuss this with Supervisor Tong. Supervisor Tong was his father’s servant, and he had only spoke to him once when he was first given authority to govern the Pei Family’s assets. Counting the time, it was already year end, so it would be good to find an opportunity to talk to Supervisor Tong again.
As Pei Yan thought of this, he suddenly remembered Yu Tang’s cloak.
When he was a child, he remembered that from time to time, they received really good fur cloaks in the pawnshop, perhaps he should ask Supervisor Tong to bring one to Lady Yu to keep her warm.
Thinking of this, Yu Tang’s delicate and fair complexion, as white as the first snow appeared in his mind.
Old furs…… perhaps they aren’t good enough……
It would be better to find a way to get her some new ones.
He should have some in his storeroom ……
Pei Yan was a decisive person, so he immediately had Ah Ming send someone back to the city to unlock his treasury. “See if there’s any suitable ones for Lady Yu as a cloak. It’s my oversight. I’d only thought about inviting her over to accompany Grand Madam, but forgot …….”
Ultimately, the Yu family was used to living a simple lifestyle, so even if they struck it rich, it was unlikely that they would suddenly start making various clothes and jewellery and start spending money frivolously like the rich.
However, Lady Yu did have a point.
If the remaining one hundred and fifty acres of Li Duan’s family’s land that could grow Bixi Rice were to be owned by the Yu family, they could probably live in affluence henceforth, and Lady Yu would probably be much happier.
Pei Yan added, “I’m going to write a letter. Arrange for someone to grind the ink.”
The matter in Rizhao, it was still too slow if he were to entrust it to the people of the Imperial Inspectorate. They handled far too many major cases every day. He should write a letter to the Minister in Shandong. Having such a big case land in their jurisdiction, if they report up by themselves, they could still get a reputation of being a competent official, and if they were to be censured by the imperial court, it would not look good on them.
Ah Ming hurriedly left to make the necessary arrangements.
Pei Yan had already thought of the wording, and when the ink was grinded, he would start writing the letter.
Of course Yu Tang cared about how well her poem did, but she didn’t want to ask about it when Gu Xi had the chance to critique her poem. She didn’t want a repeat of her past life, where Gu Xi lectured herself like a talentless lady. However, this also had a lot to do with the fact that in this life, she understood her priorities.
Thus it was only on the way back, when she saw that Gu Xi was constantly hovering around Grand Madam and didn’t have the energy or time to pay attention to her, that she quietly asked Fifth Miss, “Who was the third and fourth winners?”
Fifth Miss pursed her lips and smiled, saying, “Sister Yu and I are tied for third.” She also told her, “Fifth is Second Sister, and Fourth Sister was last.”
Yu Tang was a bit surprised.
She thought that Second Miss would be ranked before her. Fifth Miss laughed, “Miss Gu’s poem was the best, she wrote it fast and with meaning. Everyone voted for her to come in first. Third sister lost because the meaning was not as profound as Lady Gu’s. Sister Yu’s poem was also well done, but she wasn’t as good with the word flow and rhyme as Lady Gu and Third Sister, so it was ranked third with me. Second sister’s poem, my mother felt was too stiff and had no spirit, and fourth sister was last because she wrote it last.”
Yu Tang blushed lightly.
Gu Xi started learning at the age of three and attended school together with her brothers since they were little. Even with her two lifetimes, she couldn’t possibly catch up with her. Third miss did better than her in poetry, fifth miss was the youngest but tied with her for third, so it was evident that the two younger girls were both brilliant learners.
She sincerely commended her, “Both you and Third Miss are amazing!”
Fifth Miss blushed and said humbly, “No, no. It just so happened that the topic was something I was familiar with.”
Yu Tang did not argue with Fifth Miss on this point, but just smiled and petted her head.
Fifth Miss lowered her head in embarrassment.
Thus both of them did not notice the reddened ears of third young miss who was walking in front of them.
After the evening meal at Grand Madam’s place, Yu Tang assumed that Grand Madam would have them stay for a chat. Who knew that as soon as the serving aunties cleared the table, Grand Madam served tea to send the guests away. Yu Tang and others could not mask their surprise.
Grand Madam openly explained, “Later on, your third uncle will be coming over to pay his respects, so I won’t be able to keep all of you here.”
Several juniors dutifully got up to say their goodbyes, and Yu Tang and the others were not in a position to stay longer either, so everyone went back to their respective residences.
Early the next morning, Grand Madam asked them to come later in the day.
Yu Tang asked for the reason.
Liu Shu, who came to inform them, smiled and replied, “Third Master will be greeting Grand Madam early in the morning.”
Yu Tang instantly understood.
After breakfast, Ah Ming came over with a bag.
Yu Tang was very surprised and repeatedly asked him if he had something important to report.
Ah Ming laughed mischievously before stuffing the bag in his hand to Shuang Tao, saying, “This is what Third Master asked me to send over and he’s still waiting for me to report back to him!” After saying that, and without waiting for Yu Tang to respond, he ran off in a hurry.
“What is this?” Shuang Tao muttered under her breath, as she carried the bundle into the house.
Opening the bag, it was actually white mink cloak embroidered woven in an intricate pattern of lake-green leaves and clusters of phoenix-tailed flowers.
“This ……” Yu Tang held the cloak up in wonder.
The unique woven pattern shimmered magnificently even with the little light in the room.
“It’s so beautiful!” Shuang Tao couldn’t help but marvel.
Yu Tang was unsettled.
Why did Pei Yan give her such a cloak?
She instructed Shuang Tao, “Go see what Ah Ming is doing. Why did Third Master send me a cloak?”
And it was a lady’s cloak.
Thus, it couldn’t be a cloak that was made on short notice.
Shuang Tao also felt that something wasn’t right.
If third master intended it as a gift, he could have asked Grand Madam to deliver it to young miss. Instead, it was now sent in such a private manner……
She dashed off to find Ah Ming.
Yu Tang stopped packing and dressing up and was resting on the bedrest reading a book when Shuang Tao came back despite the cold wind and snow.
“Miss!” She didn’t even bother to return to her room to change before entering the inner room bringing with her a gust of cold air, saying “Ah Ming was with Third Master at Grand Madam’s place, and I found a chance to speak with him. He explained that third master saw that Young Miss cloak was thin, so he specially sent someone overnight to the main Pei Residence to get it. He also said that if you don’t like it, you can use it first for a few days, and he’ll find someone to make another one, and also asked me to inquire on what colour you prefer.”
Was this done in a hurry?
Yu Tang was lost in thought.
Was it because he saw that her cloak wasn’t warm enough?
Then should she accept this cloak or not?
If she didn’t, she would be rejecting Third Master’s kindness. But if she accepted it, it was too expensive of a gift and she would feel burdened.
However, this cloak was really beautiful and she liked it a lot.
Yu Tang couldn’t decide.
It would be nice if her mother was here.
She could then ask her mother about it.
Yu Tang rubbed her fingertips over the patterns on woven material and furrowed her brows in distress.
Gu Xi was done with her preparations and was sitting idly in front of her desk, reading. However, when Hexiang came in with further information, her fingers pinched the pages of the book with a death-like grip, which almost torn the book.
“That personal maid of Lady Yu’s, Shuang Tao, ran off to find Third Master’s personal attendant?” Her face was as dark as the cloudy skies before a storm, and it looked somewhat twisted in the flickering light.
“That’s right!” He Xiang answered in trepidation, “The two hid behind the bush and spoke for a while before that maid left. Then Ah Ming ran off to find Third Master.”
Gu Xi asked, “Where was Third Master at the time?”
“Still in Grand Madam’s residence.” Hexiang replied.
Gu Xi’s brows furrowed as her tone got cold, “And then? “
Hexiang stuttered, “Then a short time after Ah Ming went in, Ah Ming came out of Grand Madam’s place with Third Master and went back to the hall where he was staying.”
Gu Xi froze in puzzlement and asked, “After going back to the Mauve Hall did he not visit Lady Yu?”
Hexiang paused before replying, “I stood there for a while before returning so I don’t know …… if anyone else would have gone out after that.” Moreover, the weather was so cold, she didn’t want to go on any more stakeouts again, if one was careless, one might get a bad case of frostbite.
The good thing was that Gu Xi did not give her any further instructions as she waved her hand and let her retreat.
That night, Gu Xi didn’t sleep well and kept thinking about why Shuang Tao went to find Ah Ming.
But the next morning, when she went to greet Grand Madam, she found the answer.
At that time, there was only Yu Tang alone in the room, and the attendants were all gone. As Gu Xi was familiar with the people serving Grand Madam over this period of time, so when she went in, the attendants at the door didn’t stop her, and she entered the hall directly. As she was wondering why no one else was in the room, and whether she should make her presence known, she heard Grand Madam saying: “…… He only started to learn how to manage the household affairs after his father’s passing, and never cared about such things before, so it’s inevitable that there would be some cases where his actions might be a little out of line, so please don’t take it to heart.”
Chapter 166 – Cloak
Pei Yan returned to Mauve Hall where he was staying but he was a little unhappy.
There were still many family-related affairs he needed to handle at the Pei’s Main residence, but he pushed them all to Pei Man before making his way up the mountain. Firstly, he was worried about his mother and wanted to see how she was doing; secondly, he wanted to avoid all those people who were looking for him under the pretext of offering New Year’s greetings.
The officials were all pestering the emperor to appoint the next crown prince and there was a deep undercurrent of activity both inside and outside the imperial court. Officials in Jiangnan were quietly manoeuvring matters from the shadows. In the very beginning, the reason why their Pei family chose to settle in Lin’an was due to the quiet, closed off nature of Lin’an city, so why would he permit his Pei family to be embroiled in such political affairs again?
Such matters would pop up once every few years.
Once upon a time, he had considerable influence over such issues and experienced unparalleled joy and success from navigating them.
But after his father’s death, such political affairs suddenly seemed utterly meaningless.
Pei Yan sighed softly as he looked at the servant sweeping snow in the courtyard.
Perhaps, he would really retire to live in the mountains and forests in the future.
Things were fine now, but give it another ten years, probably no one would still remember him then.
However, before he really retired, he had to help with his second brother’s return to officialdom, which meant that those relationships he cultivated in the capital couldn’t be allowed to left to fade away at this point.
He called Pei Qi over and asked, “How much silver is left at home that can be utilized?”
“The funds over at Tianjin hasn’t been touched since Grand Elder passed.” Pei Qi whispered, “There is one hundred thousand taels of silver.”
Pei Yan thought for a moment, before turning around to his study. He wrote a list and handed it over to Pei Qi, saying “Give this list to Shu Qing and follow his instructions.”
Shu Qing was a senior teacher who followed him back to Lin’an and was now considered as part of his staff.
Pei Qi respectfully obliged and retreated.
Pei Yan sat down on the rocking chair.
Ah Ming deftly took a blanket and covered his legs.
Pei Yan paid no attention to Ah Ming as he closed his eyes, but his mind was turning rapidly.
Once silver from Tianjin was transferred to the capital for gifts, there would be insufficient silver in Lin’an City for their own expenditures. This year, he had spent too much silver in agriculture, and the returns weren’t great either. He couldn’t tell how many more years it would take to recoup his investments. Therefore, it would be best to use the ‘dead’ pawn goods in the pawnshop to deal with this situation. He had to discuss this with Supervisor Tong. Supervisor Tong was his father’s servant, and he had only spoke to him once when he was first given authority to govern the Pei Family’s assets. Counting the time, it was already year end, so it would be good to find an opportunity to talk to Supervisor Tong again.
As Pei Yan thought of this, he suddenly remembered Yu Tang’s cloak.
When he was a child, he remembered that from time to time, they received really good fur cloaks in the pawnshop, perhaps he should ask Supervisor Tong to bring one to Lady Yu to keep her warm.
Thinking of this, Yu Tang’s delicate and fair complexion, as white as the first snow appeared in his mind.
Old furs…… perhaps they aren’t good enough……
It would be better to find a way to get her some new ones.
He should have some in his storeroom ……
Pei Yan was a decisive person, so he immediately had Ah Ming send someone back to the city to unlock his treasury. “See if there’s any suitable ones for Lady Yu as a cloak. It’s my oversight. I’d only thought about inviting her over to accompany Grand Madam, but forgot …….”
Ultimately, the Yu family was used to living a simple lifestyle, so even if they struck it rich, it was unlikely that they would suddenly start making various clothes and jewellery and start spending money frivolously like the rich.
However, Lady Yu did have a point.
If the remaining one hundred and fifty acres of Li Duan’s family’s land that could grow Bixi Rice were to be owned by the Yu family, they could probably live in affluence henceforth, and Lady Yu would probably be much happier.
Pei Yan added, “I’m going to write a letter. Arrange for someone to grind the ink.”
The matter in Rizhao, it was still too slow if he were to entrust it to the people of the Imperial Inspectorate. They handled far too many major cases every day. He should write a letter to the Minister in Shandong. Having such a big case land in their jurisdiction, if they report up by themselves, they could still get a reputation of being a competent official, and if they were to be censured by the imperial court, it would not look good on them.
Ah Ming hurriedly left to make the necessary arrangements.
Pei Yan had already thought of the wording, and when the ink was grinded, he would start writing the letter.
Of course Yu Tang cared about how well her poem did, but she didn’t want to ask about it when Gu Xi had the chance to critique her poem. She didn’t want a repeat of her past life, where Gu Xi lectured herself like a talentless lady. However, this also had a lot to do with the fact that in this life, she understood her priorities.
Thus it was only on the way back, when she saw that Gu Xi was constantly hovering around Grand Madam and didn’t have the energy or time to pay attention to her, that she quietly asked Fifth Miss, “Who was the third and fourth winners?”
Fifth Miss pursed her lips and smiled, saying, “Sister Yu and I are tied for third.” She also told her, “Fifth is Second Sister, and Fourth Sister was last.”
Yu Tang was a bit surprised.
She thought that Second Miss would be ranked before her. Fifth Miss laughed, “Miss Gu’s poem was the best, she wrote it fast and with meaning. Everyone voted for her to come in first. Third sister lost because the meaning was not as profound as Lady Gu’s. Sister Yu’s poem was also well done, but she wasn’t as good with the word flow and rhyme as Lady Gu and Third Sister, so it was ranked third with me. Second sister’s poem, my mother felt was too stiff and had no spirit, and fourth sister was last because she wrote it last.”
Yu Tang blushed lightly.
Gu Xi started learning at the age of three and attended school together with her brothers since they were little. Even with her two lifetimes, she couldn’t possibly catch up with her. Third miss did better than her in poetry, fifth miss was the youngest but tied with her for third, so it was evident that the two younger girls were both brilliant learners.
She sincerely commended her, “Both you and Third Miss are amazing!”
Fifth Miss blushed and said humbly, “No, no. It just so happened that the topic was something I was familiar with.”
Yu Tang did not argue with Fifth Miss on this point, but just smiled and petted her head.
Fifth Miss lowered her head in embarrassment.
Thus both of them did not notice the reddened ears of third young miss who was walking in front of them.
After the evening meal at Grand Madam’s place, Yu Tang assumed that Grand Madam would have them stay for a chat. Who knew that as soon as the serving aunties cleared the table, Grand Madam served tea to send the guests away. Yu Tang and others could not mask their surprise.
Grand Madam openly explained, “Later on, your third uncle will be coming over to pay his respects, so I won’t be able to keep all of you here.”
Several juniors dutifully got up to say their goodbyes, and Yu Tang and the others were not in a position to stay longer either, so everyone went back to their respective residences.
Early the next morning, Grand Madam asked them to come later in the day.
Yu Tang asked for the reason.
Liu Shu, who came to inform them, smiled and replied, “Third Master will be greeting Grand Madam early in the morning.”
Yu Tang instantly understood.
After breakfast, Ah Ming came over with a bag.
Yu Tang was very surprised and repeatedly asked him if he had something important to report.
Ah Ming laughed mischievously before stuffing the bag in his hand to Shuang Tao, saying, “This is what Third Master asked me to send over and he’s still waiting for me to report back to him!” After saying that, and without waiting for Yu Tang to respond, he ran off in a hurry.
“What is this?” Shuang Tao muttered under her breath, as she carried the bundle into the house.
Opening the bag, it was actually white mink cloak embroidered woven in an intricate pattern of lake-green leaves and clusters of phoenix-tailed flowers.
“This ……” Yu Tang held the cloak up in wonder.
The unique woven pattern shimmered magnificently even with the little light in the room.
“It’s so beautiful!” Shuang Tao couldn’t help but marvel.
Yu Tang was unsettled.
Why did Pei Yan give her such a cloak?
She instructed Shuang Tao, “Go see what Ah Ming is doing. Why did Third Master send me a cloak?”
And it was a lady’s cloak.
Thus, it couldn’t be a cloak that was made on short notice.
Shuang Tao also felt that something wasn’t right.
If third master intended it as a gift, he could have asked Grand Madam to deliver it to young miss. Instead, it was now sent in such a private manner……
She dashed off to find Ah Ming.
Yu Tang stopped packing and dressing up and was resting on the bedrest reading a book when Shuang Tao came back despite the cold wind and snow.
“Miss!” She didn’t even bother to return to her room to change before entering the inner room bringing with her a gust of cold air, saying “Ah Ming was with Third Master at Grand Madam’s place, and I found a chance to speak with him. He explained that third master saw that Young Miss cloak was thin, so he specially sent someone overnight to the main Pei Residence to get it. He also said that if you don’t like it, you can use it first for a few days, and he’ll find someone to make another one, and also asked me to inquire on what colour you prefer.”
Was this done in a hurry?
Yu Tang was lost in thought.
Was it because he saw that her cloak wasn’t warm enough?
Then should she accept this cloak or not?
If she didn’t, she would be rejecting Third Master’s kindness. But if she accepted it, it was too expensive of a gift and she would feel burdened.
However, this cloak was really beautiful and she liked it a lot.
Yu Tang couldn’t decide.
It would be nice if her mother was here.
She could then ask her mother about it.
Yu Tang rubbed her fingertips over the patterns on woven material and furrowed her brows in distress.
Gu Xi was done with her preparations and was sitting idly in front of her desk, reading. However, when Hexiang came in with further information, her fingers pinched the pages of the book with a death-like grip, which almost torn the book.
“That personal maid of Lady Yu’s, Shuang Tao, ran off to find Third Master’s personal attendant?” Her face was as dark as the cloudy skies before a storm, and it looked somewhat twisted in the flickering light.
“That’s right!” He Xiang answered in trepidation, “The two hid behind the bush and spoke for a while before that maid left. Then Ah Ming ran off to find Third Master.”
Gu Xi asked, “Where was Third Master at the time?”
“Still in Grand Madam’s residence.” Hexiang replied.
Gu Xi’s brows furrowed as her tone got cold, “And then? “
Hexiang stuttered, “Then a short time after Ah Ming went in, Ah Ming came out of Grand Madam’s place with Third Master and went back to the hall where he was staying.”
Gu Xi froze in puzzlement and asked, “After going back to the Mauve Hall did he not visit Lady Yu?”
Hexiang paused before replying, “I stood there for a while before returning so I don’t know …… if anyone else would have gone out after that.” Moreover, the weather was so cold, she didn’t want to go on any more stakeouts again, if one was careless, one might get a bad case of frostbite.
The good thing was that Gu Xi did not give her any further instructions as she waved her hand and let her retreat.
That night, Gu Xi didn’t sleep well and kept thinking about why Shuang Tao went to find Ah Ming.
But the next morning, when she went to greet Grand Madam, she found the answer.
At that time, there was only Yu Tang alone in the room, and the attendants were all gone. As Gu Xi was familiar with the people serving Grand Madam over this period of time, so when she went in, the attendants at the door didn’t stop her, and she entered the hall directly. As she was wondering why no one else was in the room, and whether she should make her presence known, she heard Grand Madam saying: “…… He only started to learn how to manage the household affairs after his father’s passing, and never cared about such things before, so it’s inevitable that there would be some cases where his actions might be a little out of line, so please don’t take it to heart.”
