Chapter 35 – Setting Sail
Pei Yan wore a simple bamboo-green fine cloth jacket; he didn’t have even a hairpin on, let alone other ornaments. He had a clean, refined appearance but still had a cold, disinterested expression. Zhou ZiJin wore a purplish-red flower brocade robe, on his waist hung a jade pendant, golden three things, a pouch and some other things. On his head was a jasper hairpin and he replaced his previous fan with a new red lacquered golden folding fan. He seemed to be conversing with Pei Yan about something. Pei Yan nodded from time to time, not really paying much attention to him.
Both of them stood in front of a passenger boat.
It was a two-mast sailing boat, 33m(108ft) long. It was coated with a layer of bright tung oil that can even illuminate a shadow of a person. The windows were carved in a flower lattice pattern and had white drapes. Along the ship hung tung oil lacquered lanterns.
It wasn’t the boat that Zhou Zi Jin arrived on that day. Although it was smaller in size, but it was more exquisitely crafted than the other boat.
Pei Man was at the side of the boat instructing the servants to carry the crates and luggage. It seemed as though they were preparing to set sail.
Yu Tang stretched out her neck and quietly sneaked a glance.
Yu Wen, was in high spirits and smiled at Yu Tang and Yu Yuan, “I didn’t expect to meet the third master of the Pei family here! Both of you wait here, I’ll go and say hello.”
Remembering Pei Yan’s arrogance and rudeness from her previous encounter, Yu Tang did not want her father’s warmth to be wasted on a person like him, so Yu Tang pulled on Yu Wen’s sleeve and whispered in objection, “He didn’t notice us at all. Besides, he’s also talking to a friend, so do we really have to go up and greet him?”
Most importantly, her father didn’t plan on sitting for further imperial examinations, nor was he intending to became an official, so was it necessary to get so close to the Pei family?
However Yu Wen disagreed. “The third master of the Pei family is a good person. When the Pei family’s grand elder passed away, I went there to help, didn’t I? The third master of the Pei family came to greet us every day, and sent two attendants to serve us. He was courteous and sincere. Now that we’ve met, how can I pretend that I didn’t see him?”
Hmph, even if you think so highly of others, others may not necessarily think so highly of you.
Yutang thought unhappily.
Yu Tang tugged on Yu Wen’s sleeve again and said, “Father, our boat is coming soon.”
They bought tickets to take a passenger boat to Hangzhou City.
Yu Wen replied, “It’s still early. Even after the boat arrives, it still has to stop at the harbor for a quarter of an hour, so we won’t be late.” After saying that, he pulled his sleeves away and walked over.
Yu Tang was so frustrated that she stomped her feet.
Suddenly, Yu Wen stopped and turned around as if he had just remembered something.
Yu Tang’s eyes lit up, thinking that Yu Wen had changed his mind.
However, Yu Wen only beckoned Yu Yuan to come over, saying. “Come with me to greet the third master of the Pei family too. It’s just as well that Pei Man is there, so if you get acquainted with him, it will be easier for you to find him for business matters in future.”
Her father took the initiative to greet Pei Yan, and even her eldest cousin had to introduce himself to Pei Man? Yu Tang couldn’t be more upset at this turn of events.
However, Yu Yuan had already happily followed her father and walked away, so it was pointless for her to be upset over this.
Yu Tang covered her eyes, not wanting to see her father being treated coldly by Pei Yan. However, to her surprise, Pei Yan spoke politely to her father and even raised his eyes to look at her during their conversation. Because of this glance, Zhou Zijin also noticed and looked at her. She didn’t know what he said to her father, who after listening, waved his hands hurriedly, and made Zhou Zijin chuckle a few times before turning to look towards Pei Yan.
Pei Yan’s gaze chilled as he kept silent.
Zhou ZiJin also didn’t continue speaking.
After a short while, Pei Yan called Pei Man over. Pei Man quickly stopped his duties and immediately walked over with big strides.
Pei Yan pointed to Yu Yuan and Pei Man respectfully bowed towards Yu Yuan.
Yu Yuan hurriedly returned the bow, looking a little nervous.
Pei Yan said a few more words, and Yu Yuan bowed again to Pei Man, who returned the bow again before turning around and walking away to continue his duties.
Yu Yuan then said a few more words to Pei Yan, who nodded his head. Yu Wen spoken with Zhou Zijin again, and everyone then dispersed.
Yu Tang sighed in relief. As soon as her father came over, she hurriedly asked. “Father, what did the third master of the Pei family say to you?”
Yu Wen’s face was rosy with happiness as he replied, “The third master of the Pei family is really good, and his friend is also nice. When his friend heard that we were going to Hangzhou City, and it was in the same direction as where they were heading, he invited us to join them. Looking at third master Pei, I felt like he was handling an important matter, so I cordially refused, and third master Pei did not persuade me otherwise. Indeed, it is not without good reason that despite his young age, he was capable enough to be a minster in the sixth cabinet in the imperial court. I only spoke a few words with him before he astutely called Pei Man over to introduce him to your brother. With his keen insight, he will definitely have a successful career and soar to greater heights in future.”
Yu Tang snorted derisively in her heart.
What success in his career and soaring heights? Later on, he didn’t even become an official.
Furthermore, his earlier appointment as a minister in the sixth cabinet in the imperial court at a young age – wasn’t that because he obtained the imperial scholar qualification? It had nothing to do with his discernment and insight at all.
As for her father’s generous praises of Pei Yan, she completely disregarded them, feeling that her father had already formed a good impression of him and so could only see him in such a good light.
Otherwise, when Zhou ZiJin suggested to her father to travel to Hangzhou in the same boat, why didn’t Pei Yan follow along and politely invite them as well?
Obviously, he didn’t want to travel together with them.
He wasn’t even willing to maintain the most basic form of courtesy by offering a few perfunctory words, and only kept silent.
Yu Tang suddenly recalled the last time she met Pei Yan, and the way Pei Yan looked at her.
What a downer!
She puffed out her cheeks.
Yu Yuan also couldn’t stop praising Pei Yan, saying “He treated us amicably and with respect too. I thought people like him, young and ambitious, were all standoffish and unwilling to bother with people like us. Yet, this shows that the third master of the Pei family is worthy of being called a scholar, he is educated, cultured and dignified down to his roots.”
Yu Tang couldn’t bear to listen to this anymore and interrupted, “Brother, what do you mean by ‘people like us’, what’s wrong with our family? You should not be so presumptuous either!”
Yu Yuan coughed embarrassedly.
Yu Wen laughed and patted his nephew’s shoulder and said, “Originally, I thought that you should have followed me and study hard, but my elder brother wanted you to learn the trade. See? Educated people are more respected than those who aren’t. Although you did not have the opportunity to study, but in the future your children cannot follow what you did. Even if we need to sell our family stores, it will be a necessary expense for your children’s studies.”
Yu Yuan thought deeply and nodding his head repeatedly.
However, Yu Tang thought otherwise as she defended Yu Yuan. “If brother did not follow eldest uncle in managing the family business, not mentioning eldest uncle’s, just our side, I am afraid that food, clothing and daily necessities would be problematic. I think Eldest uncle did the right thing.”
“This child!” Yu Wen said helplessly, “Just like a firecracker, it only takes a small spark to set you off. No, not even a spark was lit and it already exploded. I didn’t mean much by my words, only that I hope your brother will look at the long term, and let his children study.”
As father and daughter continued their banter, the boat came in the harbor.
Yu Tang boarded the boat with her father and brother.
Before entering the cabin, she couldn’t help but glance towards Pei Yan’s side.
Those servants were still moving the boxes and crates.
She thought of the scene when Zhou ZiJin first came and couldn’t help but ask Yu Yuan in hushed tones. “Brother, what are they doing in Hangzhou City? Is the third master of the Pei family also going?”
Yu Yuan froze for a moment, as he looked towards the Pei Yan’s side, saying. “From what First-ranked imperial scholar Zhou said, the newly appointed Censor of Education in Zhejiang is Third Master Pei’s fellow brother under the same mentor. First-ranked imperial scholar Zhou seemed to have something to inquire of that Censor of Education, so he pulled third master Pei along to go over together. Otherwise, Third Master Pei is still observing his mourning period, how can he travel to Hangzhou City so carefreely?”
Yu Tong was a little surprised, and in her heart she began criticizing Pei Yan.
Perhaps he said all these things to her father so that he could help him spread the news of him travelling to HangZhou, and thus no one would think poorly of him being unfilial by not staying home during the mourning period and travelling to Hangzhou city to play.
Yu Tang’s impression of Pei Yan worsen.
Today, there weren’t too many people on the boat, a few groups of twos and threes, and there were still a lot of empty seats.
They found a corner and sat down.
After the boat departed, the early autumn breeze blew across their their faces, refreshing and cool, and was very comfortable.
Yu Yuan went to buy refreshments for Yu Wen and Yu Tang, and the three of them drank tea and chatted.
Yu Wen asked Yu Tang, “Is there any place you want to go? Or is there something you want to buy?”
Yu Tang’s mind was only focused on the painting, so how could she be in the mood to play? However, since she had already departed for Hangzhou, she had to bring something back to her mother and Ma Xiuniang as souvenirs.
She held her father’s arm and said with a smile, “Can I buy some handkerchiefs and scarves to take back?”
Yu Wen was surprised and laughed, “Only these?”
Every time he went out, Yu Tang would have a long list of what she wanted and ask him to buy everything back.
Yu Tang blushed in embarrassedly and muttered, “At that time I was just being willful.”
After listening, Yu Wen immediately burst out laughing, but he was secretly comforted. He waved his hand and said, “You don’t have to worry about the silver, whatever you want to buy just buy. When the Mid-Autumn Festival is over, the proceeds from the fields will be here and the family will have silver to use again.”
Yu Tang secretly sighed.
How did she not find out in her previous life that her father followed a ‘live now, pay later’ principle.
However, she also seemed to be the same……
Yu Tang thought resignedly.
Some people peered out of the windows and exclaimed.
The people in the cabin were startled and looked out.
They saw a bright tung oil, two-mast sail boat cutting swiftly along the waters like a fish, riding the wind and waves as it sped past them.
“It’s the Pei family’s boat!” someone shouted. Another person shouted, “I’ve seen it before. When Grand Elder Pei was alive, every time he went to Hangzhou City, he took such a boat.”
“Really?” It was better if that person didn’t mention it, as once he did, more people rushed over to the windows to see.
“It’s so fast!”
“It’s beautiful!”
The crowd praised.
Then someone shouted, “Look, is that an official tablet? Anyone who can read and write, quickly see what it says?”
Yu Yuan also wanted to look.
Yu Tang pulled him back and said sullenly, “Brother, what’s so special about it. It’s just a boat. Don’t let people think that we haven’t seen a boat before.”
Yu Yuan laughed with a twinkle in his eye and said, “I’m just being envious, aren’t I? It would be wonderful if our family had such a boat one day.”
Yu Tang pouted.
Yu Yuan then stroked her head and said dotingly, “Ah-tang don’t be angry. In the future, brother will make a lot money and let your nephew study well. When Ah-tang returns to her maternal home, I will let your nephew put up an official tablet and have him steer such a big boat to pick you up.”
What kind of nonsense was he saying?
Yu Tang said exasperatedly, “I’ll be staying at home, so what is this returning to my maternal home?”
Yu Yuan laughed furtively and looked towards Yu Wen as if he was asking for help.
Yu Wen, who had not said a word earlier, hit the table and said, “Ah Tang is right. We should first build up our business first, then find a way to let our children and grandchildren study. The Pei family was just like this. When they first moved here, they didn’t immediately take the imperial examinations, but rather only those in the second generation did.” He then said to Yu Yuan. “I misunderstood your father all these years, when we return to Lin’an, I will invite my elder brother out to drink!”
Yu Yuan embarrassedly refused “I dare not.”.
Yu Tang, however, wasn’t even interested in talking anymore.
How come everywhere she went, she would meet people from the Pei family, and everything they said is about the Pei family?!
Can’t she live in a place where there is no Pei Yan, no Pei family?
So pissed off!
Chapter 35 – Setting Sail
Pei Yan wore a simple bamboo-green fine cloth jacket; he didn’t have even a hairpin on, let alone other ornaments. He had a clean, refined appearance but still had a cold, disinterested expression. Zhou ZiJin wore a purplish-red flower brocade robe, on his waist hung a jade pendant, golden three things, a pouch and some other things. On his head was a jasper hairpin and he replaced his previous fan with a new red lacquered golden folding fan. He seemed to be conversing with Pei Yan about something. Pei Yan nodded from time to time, not really paying much attention to him.
Both of them stood in front of a passenger boat.
It was a two-mast sailing boat, 33m(108ft) long. It was coated with a layer of bright tung oil that can even illuminate a shadow of a person. The windows were carved in a flower lattice pattern and had white drapes. Along the ship hung tung oil lacquered lanterns.
It wasn’t the boat that Zhou Zi Jin arrived on that day. Although it was smaller in size, but it was more exquisitely crafted than the other boat.
Pei Man was at the side of the boat instructing the servants to carry the crates and luggage. It seemed as though they were preparing to set sail.
Yu Tang stretched out her neck and quietly sneaked a glance.
Yu Wen, was in high spirits and smiled at Yu Tang and Yu Yuan, “I didn’t expect to meet the third master of the Pei family here! Both of you wait here, I’ll go and say hello.”
Remembering Pei Yan’s arrogance and rudeness from her previous encounter, Yu Tang did not want her father’s warmth to be wasted on a person like him, so Yu Tang pulled on Yu Wen’s sleeve and whispered in objection, “He didn’t notice us at all. Besides, he’s also talking to a friend, so do we really have to go up and greet him?”
Most importantly, her father didn’t plan on sitting for further imperial examinations, nor was he intending to became an official, so was it necessary to get so close to the Pei family?
However Yu Wen disagreed. “The third master of the Pei family is a good person. When the Pei family’s grand elder passed away, I went there to help, didn’t I? The third master of the Pei family came to greet us every day, and sent two attendants to serve us. He was courteous and sincere. Now that we’ve met, how can I pretend that I didn’t see him?”
Hmph, even if you think so highly of others, others may not necessarily think so highly of you.
Yutang thought unhappily.
Yu Tang tugged on Yu Wen’s sleeve again and said, “Father, our boat is coming soon.”
They bought tickets to take a passenger boat to Hangzhou City.
Yu Wen replied, “It’s still early. Even after the boat arrives, it still has to stop at the harbor for a quarter of an hour, so we won’t be late.” After saying that, he pulled his sleeves away and walked over.
Yu Tang was so frustrated that she stomped her feet.
Suddenly, Yu Wen stopped and turned around as if he had just remembered something.
Yu Tang’s eyes lit up, thinking that Yu Wen had changed his mind.
However, Yu Wen only beckoned Yu Yuan to come over, saying. “Come with me to greet the third master of the Pei family too. It’s just as well that Pei Man is there, so if you get acquainted with him, it will be easier for you to find him for business matters in future.”
Her father took the initiative to greet Pei Yan, and even her eldest cousin had to introduce himself to Pei Man? Yu Tang couldn’t be more upset at this turn of events.
However, Yu Yuan had already happily followed her father and walked away, so it was pointless for her to be upset over this.
Yu Tang covered her eyes, not wanting to see her father being treated coldly by Pei Yan. However, to her surprise, Pei Yan spoke politely to her father and even raised his eyes to look at her during their conversation. Because of this glance, Zhou Zijin also noticed and looked at her. She didn’t know what he said to her father, who after listening, waved his hands hurriedly, and made Zhou Zijin chuckle a few times before turning to look towards Pei Yan.
Pei Yan’s gaze chilled as he kept silent.
Zhou ZiJin also didn’t continue speaking.
After a short while, Pei Yan called Pei Man over. Pei Man quickly stopped his duties and immediately walked over with big strides.
Pei Yan pointed to Yu Yuan and Pei Man respectfully bowed towards Yu Yuan.
Yu Yuan hurriedly returned the bow, looking a little nervous.
Pei Yan said a few more words, and Yu Yuan bowed again to Pei Man, who returned the bow again before turning around and walking away to continue his duties.
Yu Yuan then said a few more words to Pei Yan, who nodded his head. Yu Wen spoken with Zhou Zijin again, and everyone then dispersed.
Yu Tang sighed in relief. As soon as her father came over, she hurriedly asked. “Father, what did the third master of the Pei family say to you?”
Yu Wen’s face was rosy with happiness as he replied, “The third master of the Pei family is really good, and his friend is also nice. When his friend heard that we were going to Hangzhou City, and it was in the same direction as where they were heading, he invited us to join them. Looking at third master Pei, I felt like he was handling an important matter, so I cordially refused, and third master Pei did not persuade me otherwise. Indeed, it is not without good reason that despite his young age, he was capable enough to be a minster in the sixth cabinet in the imperial court. I only spoke a few words with him before he astutely called Pei Man over to introduce him to your brother. With his keen insight, he will definitely have a successful career and soar to greater heights in future.”
Yu Tang snorted derisively in her heart.
What success in his career and soaring heights? Later on, he didn’t even become an official.
Furthermore, his earlier appointment as a minister in the sixth cabinet in the imperial court at a young age – wasn’t that because he obtained the imperial scholar qualification? It had nothing to do with his discernment and insight at all.
As for her father’s generous praises of Pei Yan, she completely disregarded them, feeling that her father had already formed a good impression of him and so could only see him in such a good light.
Otherwise, when Zhou ZiJin suggested to her father to travel to Hangzhou in the same boat, why didn’t Pei Yan follow along and politely invite them as well?
Obviously, he didn’t want to travel together with them.
He wasn’t even willing to maintain the most basic form of courtesy by offering a few perfunctory words, and only kept silent.
Yu Tang suddenly recalled the last time she met Pei Yan, and the way Pei Yan looked at her.
What a downer!
She puffed out her cheeks.
Yu Yuan also couldn’t stop praising Pei Yan, saying “He treated us amicably and with respect too. I thought people like him, young and ambitious, were all standoffish and unwilling to bother with people like us. Yet, this shows that the third master of the Pei family is worthy of being called a scholar, he is educated, cultured and dignified down to his roots.”
Yu Tang couldn’t bear to listen to this anymore and interrupted, “Brother, what do you mean by ‘people like us’, what’s wrong with our family? You should not be so presumptuous either!”
Yu Yuan coughed embarrassedly.
Yu Wen laughed and patted his nephew’s shoulder and said, “Originally, I thought that you should have followed me and study hard, but my elder brother wanted you to learn the trade. See? Educated people are more respected than those who aren’t. Although you did not have the opportunity to study, but in the future your children cannot follow what you did. Even if we need to sell our family stores, it will be a necessary expense for your children’s studies.”
Yu Yuan thought deeply and nodding his head repeatedly.
However, Yu Tang thought otherwise as she defended Yu Yuan. “If brother did not follow eldest uncle in managing the family business, not mentioning eldest uncle’s, just our side, I am afraid that food, clothing and daily necessities would be problematic. I think Eldest uncle did the right thing.”
“This child!” Yu Wen said helplessly, “Just like a firecracker, it only takes a small spark to set you off. No, not even a spark was lit and it already exploded. I didn’t mean much by my words, only that I hope your brother will look at the long term, and let his children study.”
As father and daughter continued their banter, the boat came in the harbor.
Yu Tang boarded the boat with her father and brother.
Before entering the cabin, she couldn’t help but glance towards Pei Yan’s side.
Those servants were still moving the boxes and crates.
She thought of the scene when Zhou ZiJin first came and couldn’t help but ask Yu Yuan in hushed tones. “Brother, what are they doing in Hangzhou City? Is the third master of the Pei family also going?”
Yu Yuan froze for a moment, as he looked towards the Pei Yan’s side, saying. “From what First-ranked imperial scholar Zhou said, the newly appointed Censor of Education in Zhejiang is Third Master Pei’s fellow brother under the same mentor. First-ranked imperial scholar Zhou seemed to have something to inquire of that Censor of Education, so he pulled third master Pei along to go over together. Otherwise, Third Master Pei is still observing his mourning period, how can he travel to Hangzhou City so carefreely?”
Yu Tong was a little surprised, and in her heart she began criticizing Pei Yan.
Perhaps he said all these things to her father so that he could help him spread the news of him travelling to HangZhou, and thus no one would think poorly of him being unfilial by not staying home during the mourning period and travelling to Hangzhou city to play.
Yu Tang’s impression of Pei Yan worsen.
Today, there weren’t too many people on the boat, a few groups of twos and threes, and there were still a lot of empty seats.
They found a corner and sat down.
After the boat departed, the early autumn breeze blew across their their faces, refreshing and cool, and was very comfortable.
Yu Yuan went to buy refreshments for Yu Wen and Yu Tang, and the three of them drank tea and chatted.
Yu Wen asked Yu Tang, “Is there any place you want to go? Or is there something you want to buy?”
Yu Tang’s mind was only focused on the painting, so how could she be in the mood to play? However, since she had already departed for Hangzhou, she had to bring something back to her mother and Ma Xiuniang as souvenirs.
She held her father’s arm and said with a smile, “Can I buy some handkerchiefs and scarves to take back?”
Yu Wen was surprised and laughed, “Only these?”
Every time he went out, Yu Tang would have a long list of what she wanted and ask him to buy everything back.
Yu Tang blushed in embarrassedly and muttered, “At that time I was just being willful.”
After listening, Yu Wen immediately burst out laughing, but he was secretly comforted. He waved his hand and said, “You don’t have to worry about the silver, whatever you want to buy just buy. When the Mid-Autumn Festival is over, the proceeds from the fields will be here and the family will have silver to use again.”
Yu Tang secretly sighed.
How did she not find out in her previous life that her father followed a ‘live now, pay later’ principle.
However, she also seemed to be the same……
Yu Tang thought resignedly.
Some people peered out of the windows and exclaimed.
The people in the cabin were startled and looked out.
They saw a bright tung oil, two-mast sail boat cutting swiftly along the waters like a fish, riding the wind and waves as it sped past them.
“It’s the Pei family’s boat!” someone shouted. Another person shouted, “I’ve seen it before. When Grand Elder Pei was alive, every time he went to Hangzhou City, he took such a boat.”
“Really?” It was better if that person didn’t mention it, as once he did, more people rushed over to the windows to see.
“It’s so fast!”
“It’s beautiful!”
The crowd praised.
Then someone shouted, “Look, is that an official tablet? Anyone who can read and write, quickly see what it says?”
Yu Yuan also wanted to look.
Yu Tang pulled him back and said sullenly, “Brother, what’s so special about it. It’s just a boat. Don’t let people think that we haven’t seen a boat before.”
Yu Yuan laughed with a twinkle in his eye and said, “I’m just being envious, aren’t I? It would be wonderful if our family had such a boat one day.”
Yu Tang pouted.
Yu Yuan then stroked her head and said dotingly, “Ah-tang don’t be angry. In the future, brother will make a lot money and let your nephew study well. When Ah-tang returns to her maternal home, I will let your nephew put up an official tablet and have him steer such a big boat to pick you up.”
What kind of nonsense was he saying?
Yu Tang said exasperatedly, “I’ll be staying at home, so what is this returning to my maternal home?”
Yu Yuan laughed furtively and looked towards Yu Wen as if he was asking for help.
Yu Wen, who had not said a word earlier, hit the table and said, “Ah Tang is right. We should first build up our business first, then find a way to let our children and grandchildren study. The Pei family was just like this. When they first moved here, they didn’t immediately take the imperial examinations, but rather only those in the second generation did.” He then said to Yu Yuan. “I misunderstood your father all these years, when we return to Lin’an, I will invite my elder brother out to drink!”
Yu Yuan embarrassedly refused “I dare not.”.
Yu Tang, however, wasn’t even interested in talking anymore.
How come everywhere she went, she would meet people from the Pei family, and everything they said is about the Pei family?!
Can’t she live in a place where there is no Pei Yan, no Pei family?
So pissed off!
