Chapter 18: Funeral Procession
Regardless of how Yu Tang’s mood was, time continued to pass and soon came the day of the Pei family’s grand elder’s funeral procession and burial.
The Pei family’s ancestral tomb was located in middle of East Tianmu Mountain, on the side was the mountain and it faced the river. Everyone said that it was a place with good feng shui which was why the Pei family was prosperous for so many generations.
The day before the funeral procession of Grand Elder Pei, for convenience, Yu Wen rested in the Pei Residence. Yu Tang and her mother prepared the paper money and joss sticks beforehand, and got up before dawn the next day to freshen up and change into plain mourning attire. They took along Old Auntie Chen and Shuang Tao and rushed down to Little Plum Lane together with Mrs. Ma and her daughter.
They were going to send off Grand master Pei for the last time.
The streets were filled with people on the way there.
Everyone was in groups of 3-5 people, talking among themselves about Grand Elder Pei’s funeral arrangements.
“Even if the weather is hot, they shouldn’t have done it so shabbily! Not only was the wake held for just seven days, but the coffin is to buried directly in the ancestral tomb. Whose idea was this?”
“I heard that it was the Third Master’s idea.” A person who knew the situation whispered, “The eldest young master of the eldest house even argued with the third master because of this. But he is still a child, so how can he compete with his uncle? This matter was thus settled!”
“Then didn’t the second master of the Pei family say anything? He is an uncle as well.”
“It’s the third master of the Pei family who is in charge now, what else can he say?”
“That’s true.” Someone lamented, “When the Eldest master passed away, the hearse even went around the city for a week and everyone joined in the procession. Now we can’t even burn some paper money for the Grand Elder, we can only send him up the mountain in such a humble way.”
Some people were more concerned about their own personal interests and said in hushed tones, “Everyone is saying that the Pei family is currently headed by the third master – is there any evidence?”
“Look at what happened these couple of days, has the first head steward stepped forward to take charge?” Someone gossiped, “Previously, the First Head Steward was the Eldest Master’s personal attendant – which of the Pei Family’s household affairs wasn’t controlled by him? And the Second Head Steward, did you see him around these past few days?”
“I knew about the First Head Steward, but what does this have to do with the Second Head Steward? Isn’t the Second Head Steward the one who always takes directions from the First Head Steward all year round? “
“Don’t you know? It’s called collateral damage. The Second Head Steward is on the side of the First Head Steward, so if the First Chief Steward suffers, how can he escape unscathed?”
“Hah! That Fan Zui Liu’s family must be deeply regretting it now – their family just married off their daughter to the First Head Steward’s family.”
“Not married in, but given!” Someone chimed in. Speaking about marriages, the discussion turned lively.
“Whether was it given or married in, it’s true that Fan Zi Liu always like to boast that they were in-laws with the First Head Steward’s family……”
Yu Tang listened to all these lively gossipers and tattletales and remembered the cold and distant Third Master Pei.
Why did he arrange the funeral proceedings in such a way that stired up the crowds and sullied his reputation?
Isn’t all these ceremonies just a way to show respect and glorify the dead?
The Pei family also had the funds to do so; they only have to make it as lavish as possible to satisfy all these rumormongers.
Or, was this a strategy for him to fight with the eldest house?
As Yu Tang speculated internally, the Pei family arrived.
Mrs. Ma brought them into a dried provisions store at the end of the lane and said, “This is a store I know well. Let’s rest here, and we’ll go out later when it is time for Grand Elder Pei’s funeral procession.”
But before she could finish her words, there was a commotion outside and someone shouted, “It’s starting!”
The crowd hurried towards the entrance of the Pei family’s residence.
Yu Tang heard someone say, “Why is the third master of the Pei family holding the Grand Elder’s tablet? Where is the eldest house? Even if the Eldest Master passed away, there is still the second master. It’s definitely not his turn to lead!”
“Be quiet!” Someone said, “Can’t you see? The rumors are true. In the future, the third master of the Pei family will be the patriarch of the Pei family.”
Holding the Grand Elder’s tablet and leading the procession, these things were traditionally done by the eldest son or grandson from the eldest house.
Even if the eldest master wasn’t around anymore, but he still had his two sons.
Although the third master still remained as the patriarch of the Pei family, however, some things have changed a little from her her previous life. For example, previously, the Pei family only bought the land and storefronts, but they did not lend money to help the neighbors rebuild the stores.
The more Yu Tang listened, the more she became worried for Third Master Pei.
How was this letting him succeed as the Pei family’s patriarch; this was clearly letting the people mock and scold him for being impetuous and taking what was not his!
What kind of will did Grand Elder Pei leave behind?
Even if the Grand Elder wanted Third Master Pei to become the patriarch, can’t that be arranged after the funeral was done, where the brothers can sit down and discuss amicably and come to a mutual consensus? Why must it be done in such a way that blatantly humiliated the eldest house especially with these funeral arrangements? It seemed like it was a calculated move to force the eldest house to became just like a side branch. Who could bear this treatment?
Yu Tang stood on her tiptoes and peered inside.
Third Master Pei was already assisted out.
His head was lowered.
The early rays of the summer morning light fell on his mourning hat, forming a shadow that covered his face.
“Filial Bow of Sons.” The ceremonial chief chanted. The Pei family’s sons and grandsons all knelt on the ground and bowed, touching their heads to the ground three times.
The people who came to pay their respects to Grand Elder Pei began to set off firecrackers and light the joss sticks.
The ceremonial chief shouted “Rise spirit!”.
The coffin was then lifted up and carried for three steps.
He then shouted “Filial Bow of Sons!”, the coffin stopped, and the sons and grandsons repeated the bow for three times.
Mrs. Ma pulled Ma Xiuniang close to her and said to Madam Chen, “Let’s go over quickly and burn the paper money first, otherwise when everyone starts to light the firecrackers, we may get hit by the explosions from the firecrackers.”
It was Madam Chen’s first time bringing her daughter to a funeral road procession.
She nodded nervously and followed closely behind Mrs. Ma.
The firecrackers sounded and the air was filled with choking fumes of dark smoke.
Yu Tang and her mother had only stood for a moment before they saw a tall and thin man rushing toward the front of the Pei family’s funeral procession. He knelt down in front of the Grand Elder’s coffin and cried, “Grand Elder! You must open your eyes and take a good look! You have chosen an ungrateful and despicable heir! He is trying suppress the young masters of the Eldest house and lead them to their deaths!……”
The crowd exploded in shock.
“It’s the first head steward!”
“It’s actually the first head steward!”
“What’s going on here?”
“Could it be that there’s a darker reason for Third Master Pei to be the patriarch?”
Master Pei San lifted his head and gave the First Head Steward a look.
It was a look full of hatred, cold and deadly.
Yu Tang was startled.
Someone stepped forward and dragged the First Head Steward away.
He struggled while yelling something, but as the sound of firecrackers was too loud, Yutang couldn’t hear what he said.
Someone sobbed loudly, “Grand Elder, may you find peace.” the crowd was caught off-guard, then as they recalled the kindness of Grand Elder Pei, they all started crying as well.
The funeral procession resumed its previous manner and soon moved along.
The sound of firecrackers seemed to get louder.
Yu Tang felt that the sound was intentional.
She searched for people crying in the funeral crowd, but found no one.
Yu Tang stood on tiptoes again as she tried to spot her father in the crowds.
The crowds were so densely packed that it seemed that all you could see was a sea of people.
Perhaps Father was busy elsewhere?
Yu Tong sighed.
After parting with Mrs. Ma and her daughter, they returned home. By that time, it was already late afternoon.
Yutang was sweaty and sticky all over, and her inner garments stuck uncomfortably to her body.
She took a good bath, changed into a thin summer clothing, had a late lunch, and slept until the sunset.
When she woke up, Yu Wen had already arrived home and was in the dining hall having his evening meal with Madam Chen and was rambling on about the Pei family. “The first head steward is a really loyal servant, for the Eldest Master, he sacrificed his life and also his family. Alas, what a pity.”
Yu Tang’s heart jumped rapidly as she listened and walked in quickly, saying, “Father, what were you saying?”
Madam Chen was sitting beside her husband, helping to fan him and cool off. She heard her and said sternly, “Children, when adults talk and you should just listen. Don’t meddle in things you shouldn’t. How is your progress with the handkerchiefs you were told to embroider? Didn’t you say that Xiu Niang was coming to visit us in a couple of days? You promised her ice and melons; have you made all the necessary arrangements yet?”
Yu Tang smiled sweetly as she went over to squeeze Yu Wen’s shoulders and said, “Mother, isn’t that why I’m here – to request my dear Father? I only have two taels of silver, so if I buy ice and melons, I won’t have any pocket money left!”
“That’s your fault for being so spendthrift. ” Madam Chen scolded, but still instructed Old Aunty Chen, “Go to my storage and take a few taels of silver for Ah Tang.”
“Mother is the best!” Yutang rushed up to give Madam Chen’s shoulders a squeeze.
Madam Chen laughed and pulled her daughter’s hand away, saying, “Don’t be so naughty. Go massage your father’s shoulders. Your father has worked hard these days helping out at the Pei family.”
“Okay!” Yu Tang went to massage Yu Wen’s shoulders again and said, “Father, I am a good daughter, right?”
Yu Wen looked at his wife and daughter in front of him, and smiled so widely his eyes formed into little curves, and said, “Good, good, good! Our family’s Ah tang is the best!”
“Yes!” Yu Tang then stretched her hand out towards Yu Wen, “Then you can also support me with some silver! So that I don’t lose face in front of my friends.”
“Yutang!” Madam Chen started to get angry.
Yu Wen was busy calming his wife down. “Don’t get angry. The imperial physician Yang and the imperial physician Wang have both said that you can’t get upset.” Then he admonished Yu Tang, “If you dare to be so naughty again, I will have to make you stay at home and punish you to write a thousand words.”
Yu Tang originally wanted to tease her parents, but it ended disastrously, so she was filled with remorse and went to coax her mother.
Yu Wen called Madam Chen’s maiden name. “Xiuyan, look, Ah tang’s face is so pale and white from fear. Don’t be angry! Besides, we only have one child, Ah-tang, and our family business will all be hers in the future, so there is no difference if we give it to her now or later. Don’t you think so?”
Chen sighed helplessly and instructed Old Aunty Chen, “Take a small ingot of quality silver and give it to her.” After saying that, she gave her husband a look and said, “Are you satisfied now?”
“Satisfied, satisfied!” Yu Wen said with a smile, winking at Yu Tang, “Look at your mother, how good she treats you. A few days ago I saw a set of brushes that cost two taels of silver, but your mother didn’t even bother to buy them for me.”
“Thank you, Mother!” Yu Tang thanked her mother with a big smile.
Madam Chen shook her head helplessly.
Yu Tang again asked her father about the Pei family: “Father, just now you said something about the Pei family’s first head steward? How is he doing?”
Yu Wen was afraid that Madam Chen was still thinking of the taels of silver, so he changed the subject quickly and said, “Yes, I was just talking about him. After he went back, he hanged himself!” His expression darkened as he continued, “When I came back, I heard that because of this, the third master locked the members of the eldest house inside Ting Lan water Pavilion, and no one is allowed to visit them. As the Eldest Madam’s maternal sister-in-law and nephew were also present, this caused a huge uproar between them.”
This was also the first time Madam Chen heard of this and she gasped, “Aiya”, she said: “Third Master Pei this is too, too ……”
She could not find a suitable word to describe what Third Master Pei had done.
Yu Wen also shook his head and said, “Everyone is also feeling the same way. It seemed like the situation may turn ugly, so on the pretext of being concerned over your illness, I came back early. When I left, Scholar Tang and a few others were still in the Pei Family’s residence.”
Yu Tang thought of the conversation between Eldest Madam Pei and Madam Yang earlier, and frowned.
She thought that what her parents said wasn’t right. She said, “How can you blame the third master of the Pei family for this? Being the first head steward, he should have placed the Pei Family first. Today is the day of the Grand Elder’s funeral procession and burial, such an important day and he actually hanged himself? If I were the third master, I would not have even arranged funeral proceedings for him; I would have just send him out.”
Chapter 18: Funeral Procession
Regardless of how Yu Tang’s mood was, time continued to pass and soon came the day of the Pei family’s grand elder’s funeral procession and burial.
The Pei family’s ancestral tomb was located in middle of East Tianmu Mountain, on the side was the mountain and it faced the river. Everyone said that it was a place with good feng shui which was why the Pei family was prosperous for so many generations.
The day before the funeral procession of Grand Elder Pei, for convenience, Yu Wen rested in the Pei Residence. Yu Tang and her mother prepared the paper money and joss sticks beforehand, and got up before dawn the next day to freshen up and change into plain mourning attire. They took along Old Auntie Chen and Shuang Tao and rushed down to Little Plum Lane together with Mrs. Ma and her daughter.
They were going to send off Grand master Pei for the last time.
The streets were filled with people on the way there.
Everyone was in groups of 3-5 people, talking among themselves about Grand Elder Pei’s funeral arrangements.
“Even if the weather is hot, they shouldn’t have done it so shabbily! Not only was the wake held for just seven days, but the coffin is to buried directly in the ancestral tomb. Whose idea was this?”
“I heard that it was the Third Master’s idea.” A person who knew the situation whispered, “The eldest young master of the eldest house even argued with the third master because of this. But he is still a child, so how can he compete with his uncle? This matter was thus settled!”
“Then didn’t the second master of the Pei family say anything? He is an uncle as well.”
“It’s the third master of the Pei family who is in charge now, what else can he say?”
“That’s true.” Someone lamented, “When the Eldest master passed away, the hearse even went around the city for a week and everyone joined in the procession. Now we can’t even burn some paper money for the Grand Elder, we can only send him up the mountain in such a humble way.”
Some people were more concerned about their own personal interests and said in hushed tones, “Everyone is saying that the Pei family is currently headed by the third master – is there any evidence?”
“Look at what happened these couple of days, has the first head steward stepped forward to take charge?” Someone gossiped, “Previously, the First Head Steward was the Eldest Master’s personal attendant – which of the Pei Family’s household affairs wasn’t controlled by him? And the Second Head Steward, did you see him around these past few days?”
“I knew about the First Head Steward, but what does this have to do with the Second Head Steward? Isn’t the Second Head Steward the one who always takes directions from the First Head Steward all year round? “
“Don’t you know? It’s called collateral damage. The Second Head Steward is on the side of the First Head Steward, so if the First Chief Steward suffers, how can he escape unscathed?”
“Hah! That Fan Zui Liu’s family must be deeply regretting it now – their family just married off their daughter to the First Head Steward’s family.”
“Not married in, but given!” Someone chimed in. Speaking about marriages, the discussion turned lively.
“Whether was it given or married in, it’s true that Fan Zi Liu always like to boast that they were in-laws with the First Head Steward’s family……”
Yu Tang listened to all these lively gossipers and tattletales and remembered the cold and distant Third Master Pei.
Why did he arrange the funeral proceedings in such a way that stired up the crowds and sullied his reputation?
Isn’t all these ceremonies just a way to show respect and glorify the dead?
The Pei family also had the funds to do so; they only have to make it as lavish as possible to satisfy all these rumormongers.
Or, was this a strategy for him to fight with the eldest house?
As Yu Tang speculated internally, the Pei family arrived.
Mrs. Ma brought them into a dried provisions store at the end of the lane and said, “This is a store I know well. Let’s rest here, and we’ll go out later when it is time for Grand Elder Pei’s funeral procession.”
But before she could finish her words, there was a commotion outside and someone shouted, “It’s starting!”
The crowd hurried towards the entrance of the Pei family’s residence.
Yu Tang heard someone say, “Why is the third master of the Pei family holding the Grand Elder’s tablet? Where is the eldest house? Even if the Eldest Master passed away, there is still the second master. It’s definitely not his turn to lead!”
“Be quiet!” Someone said, “Can’t you see? The rumors are true. In the future, the third master of the Pei family will be the patriarch of the Pei family.”
Holding the Grand Elder’s tablet and leading the procession, these things were traditionally done by the eldest son or grandson from the eldest house.
Even if the eldest master wasn’t around anymore, but he still had his two sons.
Although the third master still remained as the patriarch of the Pei family, however, some things have changed a little from her her previous life. For example, previously, the Pei family only bought the land and storefronts, but they did not lend money to help the neighbors rebuild the stores.
The more Yu Tang listened, the more she became worried for Third Master Pei.
How was this letting him succeed as the Pei family’s patriarch; this was clearly letting the people mock and scold him for being impetuous and taking what was not his!
What kind of will did Grand Elder Pei leave behind?
Even if the Grand Elder wanted Third Master Pei to become the patriarch, can’t that be arranged after the funeral was done, where the brothers can sit down and discuss amicably and come to a mutual consensus? Why must it be done in such a way that blatantly humiliated the eldest house especially with these funeral arrangements? It seemed like it was a calculated move to force the eldest house to became just like a side branch. Who could bear this treatment?
Yu Tang stood on her tiptoes and peered inside.
Third Master Pei was already assisted out.
His head was lowered.
The early rays of the summer morning light fell on his mourning hat, forming a shadow that covered his face.
“Filial Bow of Sons.” The ceremonial chief chanted. The Pei family’s sons and grandsons all knelt on the ground and bowed, touching their heads to the ground three times.
The people who came to pay their respects to Grand Elder Pei began to set off firecrackers and light the joss sticks.
The ceremonial chief shouted “Rise spirit!”.
The coffin was then lifted up and carried for three steps.
He then shouted “Filial Bow of Sons!”, the coffin stopped, and the sons and grandsons repeated the bow for three times.
Mrs. Ma pulled Ma Xiuniang close to her and said to Madam Chen, “Let’s go over quickly and burn the paper money first, otherwise when everyone starts to light the firecrackers, we may get hit by the explosions from the firecrackers.”
It was Madam Chen’s first time bringing her daughter to a funeral road procession.
She nodded nervously and followed closely behind Mrs. Ma.
The firecrackers sounded and the air was filled with choking fumes of dark smoke.
Yu Tang and her mother had only stood for a moment before they saw a tall and thin man rushing toward the front of the Pei family’s funeral procession. He knelt down in front of the Grand Elder’s coffin and cried, “Grand Elder! You must open your eyes and take a good look! You have chosen an ungrateful and despicable heir! He is trying suppress the young masters of the Eldest house and lead them to their deaths!……”
The crowd exploded in shock.
“It’s the first head steward!”
“It’s actually the first head steward!”
“What’s going on here?”
“Could it be that there’s a darker reason for Third Master Pei to be the patriarch?”
Master Pei San lifted his head and gave the First Head Steward a look.
It was a look full of hatred, cold and deadly.
Yu Tang was startled.
Someone stepped forward and dragged the First Head Steward away.
He struggled while yelling something, but as the sound of firecrackers was too loud, Yutang couldn’t hear what he said.
Someone sobbed loudly, “Grand Elder, may you find peace.” the crowd was caught off-guard, then as they recalled the kindness of Grand Elder Pei, they all started crying as well.
The funeral procession resumed its previous manner and soon moved along.
The sound of firecrackers seemed to get louder.
Yu Tang felt that the sound was intentional.
She searched for people crying in the funeral crowd, but found no one.
Yu Tang stood on tiptoes again as she tried to spot her father in the crowds.
The crowds were so densely packed that it seemed that all you could see was a sea of people.
Perhaps Father was busy elsewhere?
Yu Tong sighed.
After parting with Mrs. Ma and her daughter, they returned home. By that time, it was already late afternoon.
Yutang was sweaty and sticky all over, and her inner garments stuck uncomfortably to her body.
She took a good bath, changed into a thin summer clothing, had a late lunch, and slept until the sunset.
When she woke up, Yu Wen had already arrived home and was in the dining hall having his evening meal with Madam Chen and was rambling on about the Pei family. “The first head steward is a really loyal servant, for the Eldest Master, he sacrificed his life and also his family. Alas, what a pity.”
Yu Tang’s heart jumped rapidly as she listened and walked in quickly, saying, “Father, what were you saying?”
Madam Chen was sitting beside her husband, helping to fan him and cool off. She heard her and said sternly, “Children, when adults talk and you should just listen. Don’t meddle in things you shouldn’t. How is your progress with the handkerchiefs you were told to embroider? Didn’t you say that Xiu Niang was coming to visit us in a couple of days? You promised her ice and melons; have you made all the necessary arrangements yet?”
Yu Tang smiled sweetly as she went over to squeeze Yu Wen’s shoulders and said, “Mother, isn’t that why I’m here – to request my dear Father? I only have two taels of silver, so if I buy ice and melons, I won’t have any pocket money left!”
“That’s your fault for being so spendthrift. ” Madam Chen scolded, but still instructed Old Aunty Chen, “Go to my storage and take a few taels of silver for Ah Tang.”
“Mother is the best!” Yutang rushed up to give Madam Chen’s shoulders a squeeze.
Madam Chen laughed and pulled her daughter’s hand away, saying, “Don’t be so naughty. Go massage your father’s shoulders. Your father has worked hard these days helping out at the Pei family.”
“Okay!” Yu Tang went to massage Yu Wen’s shoulders again and said, “Father, I am a good daughter, right?”
Yu Wen looked at his wife and daughter in front of him, and smiled so widely his eyes formed into little curves, and said, “Good, good, good! Our family’s Ah tang is the best!”
“Yes!” Yu Tang then stretched her hand out towards Yu Wen, “Then you can also support me with some silver! So that I don’t lose face in front of my friends.”
“Yutang!” Madam Chen started to get angry.
Yu Wen was busy calming his wife down. “Don’t get angry. The imperial physician Yang and the imperial physician Wang have both said that you can’t get upset.” Then he admonished Yu Tang, “If you dare to be so naughty again, I will have to make you stay at home and punish you to write a thousand words.”
Yu Tang originally wanted to tease her parents, but it ended disastrously, so she was filled with remorse and went to coax her mother.
Yu Wen called Madam Chen’s maiden name. “Xiuyan, look, Ah tang’s face is so pale and white from fear. Don’t be angry! Besides, we only have one child, Ah-tang, and our family business will all be hers in the future, so there is no difference if we give it to her now or later. Don’t you think so?”
Chen sighed helplessly and instructed Old Aunty Chen, “Take a small ingot of quality silver and give it to her.” After saying that, she gave her husband a look and said, “Are you satisfied now?”
“Satisfied, satisfied!” Yu Wen said with a smile, winking at Yu Tang, “Look at your mother, how good she treats you. A few days ago I saw a set of brushes that cost two taels of silver, but your mother didn’t even bother to buy them for me.”
“Thank you, Mother!” Yu Tang thanked her mother with a big smile.
Madam Chen shook her head helplessly.
Yu Tang again asked her father about the Pei family: “Father, just now you said something about the Pei family’s first head steward? How is he doing?”
Yu Wen was afraid that Madam Chen was still thinking of the taels of silver, so he changed the subject quickly and said, “Yes, I was just talking about him. After he went back, he hanged himself!” His expression darkened as he continued, “When I came back, I heard that because of this, the third master locked the members of the eldest house inside Ting Lan water Pavilion, and no one is allowed to visit them. As the Eldest Madam’s maternal sister-in-law and nephew were also present, this caused a huge uproar between them.”
This was also the first time Madam Chen heard of this and she gasped, “Aiya”, she said: “Third Master Pei this is too, too ……”
She could not find a suitable word to describe what Third Master Pei had done.
Yu Wen also shook his head and said, “Everyone is also feeling the same way. It seemed like the situation may turn ugly, so on the pretext of being concerned over your illness, I came back early. When I left, Scholar Tang and a few others were still in the Pei Family’s residence.”
Yu Tang thought of the conversation between Eldest Madam Pei and Madam Yang earlier, and frowned.
She thought that what her parents said wasn’t right. She said, “How can you blame the third master of the Pei family for this? Being the first head steward, he should have placed the Pei Family first. Today is the day of the Grand Elder’s funeral procession and burial, such an important day and he actually hanged himself? If I were the third master, I would not have even arranged funeral proceedings for him; I would have just send him out.”
