Chapter 59 – Torn
After listening to the 2 fugitives, not mentioning Yu Tang and Wei Xiaochuan, even the two Qu brothers were stunned.
The Qu brothers knew about the Li family’s private request to capture 2 unruly fugitives, but due to customer confidentiality issues, they wouldn’t divulge this information. Unexpectedly, these 2 fugitives had no qualms about sharing such confidential information, just like a bamboo tube pouring beans out, they didn’t even make any attempts at subtlety, and even had the audacity to directly threaten the Wei family.
From this, it could be seen that these two people were really at their wit’s end; even if they faced eminent death they still wanted to drag the Li Family down with them.
Wei Xiaochuan was so infuriated that steam was almost emitting from his head.
He had never met such shameless people.
Just to obtain a little personal benefit, they dragged Yutang into this.
As per his earlier discussion with Yu Tang, if these two people really killed Wei Xiaoshan as they expected, they would send them to the magistrate and let the officials settle the dispute with the Li Family.
However, they couldn’t proceed with that plan now.
His second brother had already passed away because of this so he definitely couldn’t let Yutang who was still alive, to suffer further harm.
However as he was still a young child and not calm enough to handle such situations, he couldn’t think of any suitable plan to deal with their situation.
He kicked the two fugitives angrily, and said in a loud voice. “We’ll hand you over to the Li family then. The two brothers of the Qu family can also accept the Li family ‘s silver for this. I like to see what would happen to you if you fell into the Li family’s clutches.” After saying this, he asked the Qu brothers, “Big brothers, you should still be able to earn the Li family’s silver for this, right?”
The reason why the Li family didn’t give a deposit upfront was mainly because the Li family was much more optimistic about their other helpers and didn’t trust the Qu brothers very much. However, if the Qu brothers could find the two fugitives before the others could, their reputation would certainly go up a notch, and they might even get onto the Li family’s good books and thus do more of the Li family’s business as a result.
However, both the Qu brothers felt that keeping to their word was more important, so even after hearing these words, they didn’t reply but only looked towards Yu Tang, who was hiding behind the screen.
It was Lady Yu who made this request of them in the first place.
As Yu Tang listened to Wei Xiaochuan’s words, her heart was touched.
In her previous life, in order to escape from the Li Family, she carefully investigated the Li family and made use of the complex web of relationships in the Li family’s clan and branches and finally succeeded in leaving.
Although Li Duan’s family belonged to the main branch in the Li family, but they did not hold the patriarch position. Their family only started to gain prominence starting from Li Duan’s grandfather. Perhaps due to the Pei family’s suppression, Li Duan’s grand elder was determined to follow the example of the Pei family’s grand elder – not only becoming one of the top prestigious families in Lin’an City, but also to take over as the patriarch house of the Li family.
In her previous life, owing to the success of Li Duan in Fujian’s maritime trade, Li Duan’s branch family became the most powerful and wealthiest branch in the Li family. After the death of the twelfth uncle of the Li family’s patriarch house, Li Duan’s father Li Yi suppressed the twelfth uncle’s son, Li He, and successfully took over as the patriarch head of the Li family.
It was during that time that Yu Tang took advantage of Li He’s dissatisfaction with Li Yi to leave the Li family.
This time, could she too make use of these people and their conflicts?
Yu Tang got Wei Xiaochuan and the Qu brothers to come over and said, “The Tang governor is not a person who will handle such matters fairly, so even if we were to send them to the magistrate, the Li family only has to speak a few words to the Tang governor, and all of the blame will be pushed unto these two people, and the Li family would escape scot-free. I think Xiaochuan’s idea is good, we will hand them over to the Li family. However, we are not giving them to Li Yi’s family, but rather to Li He’s family. Unfortunately, I’m afraid big brothers Qu will have to suffer some losses as you wouldn’t be able to get the bounty from Li Duan. However, I will do my best to compensate the two of you for your losses.”
Wei Xiaochuan didn’t have a clue about the Li family’s matters, but the Qu brothers understood.
The Li family’s patriarchal house had been discontented with Li Yi’s branch house for a long time, but as the patriarchal house had only produced one talent over so many years, they still had to rely on Li Yi’s branch house and thus could only suppress their dissatisfaction.
After the Qu family brothers heard what Yu Tang said, their impression of Yu Tang changed.
In their line of business, they lived by reading between the lines and making accurate judgements of a person’s character and situation. This young lady of the Yu family not only dared to ask for their help in capturing the fugitives, but even had the temerity to provoke the Li family. Just observing her courage and resolve, they knew she wouldn’t be an ordinary person in the future.
This kind of people were the ones they wanted to work for. People who were fearless, willing to rise above the crowds and go against the flow. Only such ones will need people like them to help in matters that can’t be done in broad daylight.
Although this Lady Yu was still young, but word has it that the Yu family planned to recruit a son-in-law, so she would most likely be the head of the family in future. Therefore it was important to start their friendship well now and maintain it until then.
The brothers exchanged looks and immediately agreed to do Yu Tang a favor.
“One servant does not serve two masters, just like how one woman does not marry two husbands.” The older of the Qu brothers spoke up, “Since we accepted Lady Yu’s business, we will not change our mind. Compensation is not necessary. We will follow as per Lady Yu’s instructions!”
Yu Tang didn’t expect the Qu brothers to be easier to talk to than in in her previous life.
Was it because they have yet to build their reputation and thus didn’t have much business now?
She didn’t think too much into it. She didn’t pretend she was generous and had money to spare. Instead, she bowed and thanked the Qu brothers, saying, “Please allow me to repay your great kindness in future.”
The Qu family brothers turned aside and avoided Yu Tang’s bow.
The Qu family’s second brother looked at the young lady in from of him and then at the child who was still just a young boy in school, his heart strangely softened for a moment and he cautioned Yu Tang, “Lady Yu still has to be careful, Li He may not be willing to offend Li Duan just to earn some small benefits now.”
Without adequate advantages, the Li family would not give up on Li Duan, who still had a bright and limitless future ahead and may soon be a prominent court official.
Yu Tang once again thanked the Qu brothers and said politely, “I will ask my family head to come forward.”
The Yu family is definitely not as powerful as the Li family, so what if the adults step in to settle the matter?
As the more intelligent one of the two brothers, the Qu family’s second brother thought that Yu Tang was still a bit naïve. However, just like how plum blossoms only bloom in the bitter cold of winter, without a little setback, this Lady Yu would not know how difficult the road in this world is without trying it out for herself. It’s good to let her experience it firsthand.
Qu brothers no longer said anything. They followed Yu Tang’s instructions and took the 2 fugitives away. They were to hide them for two days before handing them over to Li He.
Wei Xiaochuan didn’t understand the reason for doing so, but he trusted in YuTang.
If it weren’t for Yu Tang, he wouldn’t have felt that his second brother’s death was suspicious, nor would he have caught the murderer.
So he waited until the Qu brothers were gone before asking Yu Tang, “Elder Sister, do we really have to ask Uncle Yu to come forward?”
He was a student in the local school, and thus knew better than anyone the class divide between learned men.
A scholar had to give up his seat when he sees a provincial scholar, no matter the age or seniority.
Likewise, the provincial scholar had to bow his head when he sees an imperial scholar.
Yu Wen was just a scholar.
The Li family had both imperial and provincial scholars.
Yu Tang smiled, her eyes curved into little crescents, and she looked incredibly gentle and beautiful, but the words she spoke did not match with her gentle appearance. “Of course, things have developed to such a point that it no longer remains a matter between our two families. Various officials will seek to protect their selfish interests, and the magistrate will definitely be only perfunctory in their approach. Therefore, it is imperative that we find someone who has both the power and backing to represent our family and fight this case.”
Wei Xiaochuan became more confused.
He scratched his head.
Yu Tang’s smile became even more gentle. She continued, “The reason why our Lin’an City can enjoy such peace and quiet today, is not due to the efforts of a governor who only started 3 years ago, but because of the Pei family in Little Plum Lane.”
“Right!” Wei Xiaochuan exclaimed and almost jumped up in excitement, “Why didn’t I think of that! The Tang governor is partial to the Li family, so we should ask the Pei family to be the arbitrator. The Pei family is kind and helpful, and acts impartially in all matters. Even if the governor closes an eye, the Pei family will definitely not just sit on the sidelines and watch. They will certainly not passively let the Li family kill innocent people just like this.”
Yu Tang nodded and said, “Do you know why I wanted the Qu brothers to hide those two fugitives for two days? Only after the elders in our family have discussed about this, then we will bring out the evidence. This will prevent the 2 fugitives from being killed and silenced by Li Duan before then.”
Wei Xiaochuan nodded repeatedly, but his expression soon turned sad and he seemed to wilt like an overwatered plant.
Yu Tang thought he was sad about Wei Xiaoshan, and couldn’t help but sigh quietly.
In any case, Wei Xiaoshan’s death was implicated by her.
How could she feel happy?
Yu Tang gently stroked Wei Xiaochuan’s hair and said in a soft voice. “Aren’t you off from school today? Come to my house for a cup of tea! Our two families are now relatives, so you can also go to my brother’s place to play, he is a very nice person, after your cousin marries over, my brother will definitely treat her well.”
Wei Xiaochuan shook his head and said in a low voice, “I don’t want to play, I want to go back and study.”
Yu Tang didn’t persuade him further and replied, “Then just go to my house and sit for awhile, I will let Ah Cam hire a sedan chair for you and send you back.”
Wei Xiaochuan murmured in assent and went with Yu Tang to see Yu Wen and Madam Chen, making up the excuse that Wei Xiaochuan was only passing by and she invited him in to sit down.
Madam Chen had always liked the fair and clean Wei Xiaochuan, and now that the two families were going to be in-laws, she liked Wei Xiaochuan even more, so she asked Old aunty Chen to buy some snacks and fruits for Wei Xiaochuan to bring back to the Wei family. “Give them to your mother, your sister-in-law and cousin to have a taste.” She also instructed him, “If you have clothes for washing, let someone send a message, and I’ll ask Old aunty Chen to wash them for you, and when the weather is bad, you can come over to stay. If there’s any schoolwork you don’t understand, you can come by and ask your uncle Yu.” After saying that, she felt that the child was too young and shy, so even if she said more, the child would only treat it as just courtesy words, so she said, “Oh, look at me, why am I saying these things to you? I’ll ask your brother Ah Yuan to send you back later and bring a message to your mother.”
Wei Xiaochuan got up and thanked her respectfully.
Madam Chen asked Ah Cam to call Yu Yuan, who was busy managing the stores in Changxing Street, to come back and have him personally send Wei Xiaochuan back to the Wei family when the hired sedan chair came.
Yu Tang then took her father to the study and told Yu Wen everything regarding the investigation of the Li family that she did with Wei Xiaochuan.
Yu Wen was so frightened that his face turned pale. Several times, he wanted to interrupt Yu Tang while she was speaking, but he was afraid that he would say something that would hurt his daughter in the heat of the moment and held back. When Yu Tang finally explained everything, he immediately jumped up in anger and said, “Do you still view me as your father and Yu Yuan as your brother? Such a serious matter and you didn’t even speak a word of it to anyone, and you took Xiaochuan, such a young child who’s still schooling, to join you in such a dangerous meeting! It seems that I have spoiled you too much. From today onwards, you have to stay at home obediently and you’re not allowed to go anywhere until you finish writing 50,000 words as punishment.”
Yu Tong knew that she was wrong and obediently listened to the lecture.
Her family didn’t know that she was reborn, nor did they know that she had struggled alone in the Li family for 7 to 8 years, and had suffered more than an average person. If it was something that would harm her family, she would not have dared to do it.
It is only natural that once her father hears about this, he would inevitably be worried.
She lowered her head and admitted her fault. “Father, I will never do this again. I will write those words properly at home.”
Chapter 59 – Torn
After listening to the 2 fugitives, not mentioning Yu Tang and Wei Xiaochuan, even the two Qu brothers were stunned.
The Qu brothers knew about the Li family’s private request to capture 2 unruly fugitives, but due to customer confidentiality issues, they wouldn’t divulge this information. Unexpectedly, these 2 fugitives had no qualms about sharing such confidential information, just like a bamboo tube pouring beans out, they didn’t even make any attempts at subtlety, and even had the audacity to directly threaten the Wei family.
From this, it could be seen that these two people were really at their wit’s end; even if they faced eminent death they still wanted to drag the Li Family down with them.
Wei Xiaochuan was so infuriated that steam was almost emitting from his head.
He had never met such shameless people.
Just to obtain a little personal benefit, they dragged Yutang into this.
As per his earlier discussion with Yu Tang, if these two people really killed Wei Xiaoshan as they expected, they would send them to the magistrate and let the officials settle the dispute with the Li Family.
However, they couldn’t proceed with that plan now.
His second brother had already passed away because of this so he definitely couldn’t let Yutang who was still alive, to suffer further harm.
However as he was still a young child and not calm enough to handle such situations, he couldn’t think of any suitable plan to deal with their situation.
He kicked the two fugitives angrily, and said in a loud voice. “We’ll hand you over to the Li family then. The two brothers of the Qu family can also accept the Li family ‘s silver for this. I like to see what would happen to you if you fell into the Li family’s clutches.” After saying this, he asked the Qu brothers, “Big brothers, you should still be able to earn the Li family’s silver for this, right?”
The reason why the Li family didn’t give a deposit upfront was mainly because the Li family was much more optimistic about their other helpers and didn’t trust the Qu brothers very much. However, if the Qu brothers could find the two fugitives before the others could, their reputation would certainly go up a notch, and they might even get onto the Li family’s good books and thus do more of the Li family’s business as a result.
However, both the Qu brothers felt that keeping to their word was more important, so even after hearing these words, they didn’t reply but only looked towards Yu Tang, who was hiding behind the screen.
It was Lady Yu who made this request of them in the first place.
As Yu Tang listened to Wei Xiaochuan’s words, her heart was touched.
In her previous life, in order to escape from the Li Family, she carefully investigated the Li family and made use of the complex web of relationships in the Li family’s clan and branches and finally succeeded in leaving.
Although Li Duan’s family belonged to the main branch in the Li family, but they did not hold the patriarch position. Their family only started to gain prominence starting from Li Duan’s grandfather. Perhaps due to the Pei family’s suppression, Li Duan’s grand elder was determined to follow the example of the Pei family’s grand elder – not only becoming one of the top prestigious families in Lin’an City, but also to take over as the patriarch house of the Li family.
In her previous life, owing to the success of Li Duan in Fujian’s maritime trade, Li Duan’s branch family became the most powerful and wealthiest branch in the Li family. After the death of the twelfth uncle of the Li family’s patriarch house, Li Duan’s father Li Yi suppressed the twelfth uncle’s son, Li He, and successfully took over as the patriarch head of the Li family.
It was during that time that Yu Tang took advantage of Li He’s dissatisfaction with Li Yi to leave the Li family.
This time, could she too make use of these people and their conflicts?
Yu Tang got Wei Xiaochuan and the Qu brothers to come over and said, “The Tang governor is not a person who will handle such matters fairly, so even if we were to send them to the magistrate, the Li family only has to speak a few words to the Tang governor, and all of the blame will be pushed unto these two people, and the Li family would escape scot-free. I think Xiaochuan’s idea is good, we will hand them over to the Li family. However, we are not giving them to Li Yi’s family, but rather to Li He’s family. Unfortunately, I’m afraid big brothers Qu will have to suffer some losses as you wouldn’t be able to get the bounty from Li Duan. However, I will do my best to compensate the two of you for your losses.”
Wei Xiaochuan didn’t have a clue about the Li family’s matters, but the Qu brothers understood.
The Li family’s patriarchal house had been discontented with Li Yi’s branch house for a long time, but as the patriarchal house had only produced one talent over so many years, they still had to rely on Li Yi’s branch house and thus could only suppress their dissatisfaction.
After the Qu family brothers heard what Yu Tang said, their impression of Yu Tang changed.
In their line of business, they lived by reading between the lines and making accurate judgements of a person’s character and situation. This young lady of the Yu family not only dared to ask for their help in capturing the fugitives, but even had the temerity to provoke the Li family. Just observing her courage and resolve, they knew she wouldn’t be an ordinary person in the future.
This kind of people were the ones they wanted to work for. People who were fearless, willing to rise above the crowds and go against the flow. Only such ones will need people like them to help in matters that can’t be done in broad daylight.
Although this Lady Yu was still young, but word has it that the Yu family planned to recruit a son-in-law, so she would most likely be the head of the family in future. Therefore it was important to start their friendship well now and maintain it until then.
The brothers exchanged looks and immediately agreed to do Yu Tang a favor.
“One servant does not serve two masters, just like how one woman does not marry two husbands.” The older of the Qu brothers spoke up, “Since we accepted Lady Yu’s business, we will not change our mind. Compensation is not necessary. We will follow as per Lady Yu’s instructions!”
Yu Tang didn’t expect the Qu brothers to be easier to talk to than in in her previous life.
Was it because they have yet to build their reputation and thus didn’t have much business now?
She didn’t think too much into it. She didn’t pretend she was generous and had money to spare. Instead, she bowed and thanked the Qu brothers, saying, “Please allow me to repay your great kindness in future.”
The Qu family brothers turned aside and avoided Yu Tang’s bow.
The Qu family’s second brother looked at the young lady in from of him and then at the child who was still just a young boy in school, his heart strangely softened for a moment and he cautioned Yu Tang, “Lady Yu still has to be careful, Li He may not be willing to offend Li Duan just to earn some small benefits now.”
Without adequate advantages, the Li family would not give up on Li Duan, who still had a bright and limitless future ahead and may soon be a prominent court official.
Yu Tang once again thanked the Qu brothers and said politely, “I will ask my family head to come forward.”
The Yu family is definitely not as powerful as the Li family, so what if the adults step in to settle the matter?
As the more intelligent one of the two brothers, the Qu family’s second brother thought that Yu Tang was still a bit naïve. However, just like how plum blossoms only bloom in the bitter cold of winter, without a little setback, this Lady Yu would not know how difficult the road in this world is without trying it out for herself. It’s good to let her experience it firsthand.
Qu brothers no longer said anything. They followed Yu Tang’s instructions and took the 2 fugitives away. They were to hide them for two days before handing them over to Li He.
Wei Xiaochuan didn’t understand the reason for doing so, but he trusted in YuTang.
If it weren’t for Yu Tang, he wouldn’t have felt that his second brother’s death was suspicious, nor would he have caught the murderer.
So he waited until the Qu brothers were gone before asking Yu Tang, “Elder Sister, do we really have to ask Uncle Yu to come forward?”
He was a student in the local school, and thus knew better than anyone the class divide between learned men.
A scholar had to give up his seat when he sees a provincial scholar, no matter the age or seniority.
Likewise, the provincial scholar had to bow his head when he sees an imperial scholar.
Yu Wen was just a scholar.
The Li family had both imperial and provincial scholars.
Yu Tang smiled, her eyes curved into little crescents, and she looked incredibly gentle and beautiful, but the words she spoke did not match with her gentle appearance. “Of course, things have developed to such a point that it no longer remains a matter between our two families. Various officials will seek to protect their selfish interests, and the magistrate will definitely be only perfunctory in their approach. Therefore, it is imperative that we find someone who has both the power and backing to represent our family and fight this case.”
Wei Xiaochuan became more confused.
He scratched his head.
Yu Tang’s smile became even more gentle. She continued, “The reason why our Lin’an City can enjoy such peace and quiet today, is not due to the efforts of a governor who only started 3 years ago, but because of the Pei family in Little Plum Lane.”
“Right!” Wei Xiaochuan exclaimed and almost jumped up in excitement, “Why didn’t I think of that! The Tang governor is partial to the Li family, so we should ask the Pei family to be the arbitrator. The Pei family is kind and helpful, and acts impartially in all matters. Even if the governor closes an eye, the Pei family will definitely not just sit on the sidelines and watch. They will certainly not passively let the Li family kill innocent people just like this.”
Yu Tang nodded and said, “Do you know why I wanted the Qu brothers to hide those two fugitives for two days? Only after the elders in our family have discussed about this, then we will bring out the evidence. This will prevent the 2 fugitives from being killed and silenced by Li Duan before then.”
Wei Xiaochuan nodded repeatedly, but his expression soon turned sad and he seemed to wilt like an overwatered plant.
Yu Tang thought he was sad about Wei Xiaoshan, and couldn’t help but sigh quietly.
In any case, Wei Xiaoshan’s death was implicated by her.
How could she feel happy?
Yu Tang gently stroked Wei Xiaochuan’s hair and said in a soft voice. “Aren’t you off from school today? Come to my house for a cup of tea! Our two families are now relatives, so you can also go to my brother’s place to play, he is a very nice person, after your cousin marries over, my brother will definitely treat her well.”
Wei Xiaochuan shook his head and said in a low voice, “I don’t want to play, I want to go back and study.”
Yu Tang didn’t persuade him further and replied, “Then just go to my house and sit for awhile, I will let Ah Cam hire a sedan chair for you and send you back.”
Wei Xiaochuan murmured in assent and went with Yu Tang to see Yu Wen and Madam Chen, making up the excuse that Wei Xiaochuan was only passing by and she invited him in to sit down.
Madam Chen had always liked the fair and clean Wei Xiaochuan, and now that the two families were going to be in-laws, she liked Wei Xiaochuan even more, so she asked Old aunty Chen to buy some snacks and fruits for Wei Xiaochuan to bring back to the Wei family. “Give them to your mother, your sister-in-law and cousin to have a taste.” She also instructed him, “If you have clothes for washing, let someone send a message, and I’ll ask Old aunty Chen to wash them for you, and when the weather is bad, you can come over to stay. If there’s any schoolwork you don’t understand, you can come by and ask your uncle Yu.” After saying that, she felt that the child was too young and shy, so even if she said more, the child would only treat it as just courtesy words, so she said, “Oh, look at me, why am I saying these things to you? I’ll ask your brother Ah Yuan to send you back later and bring a message to your mother.”
Wei Xiaochuan got up and thanked her respectfully.
Madam Chen asked Ah Cam to call Yu Yuan, who was busy managing the stores in Changxing Street, to come back and have him personally send Wei Xiaochuan back to the Wei family when the hired sedan chair came.
Yu Tang then took her father to the study and told Yu Wen everything regarding the investigation of the Li family that she did with Wei Xiaochuan.
Yu Wen was so frightened that his face turned pale. Several times, he wanted to interrupt Yu Tang while she was speaking, but he was afraid that he would say something that would hurt his daughter in the heat of the moment and held back. When Yu Tang finally explained everything, he immediately jumped up in anger and said, “Do you still view me as your father and Yu Yuan as your brother? Such a serious matter and you didn’t even speak a word of it to anyone, and you took Xiaochuan, such a young child who’s still schooling, to join you in such a dangerous meeting! It seems that I have spoiled you too much. From today onwards, you have to stay at home obediently and you’re not allowed to go anywhere until you finish writing 50,000 words as punishment.”
Yu Tong knew that she was wrong and obediently listened to the lecture.
Her family didn’t know that she was reborn, nor did they know that she had struggled alone in the Li family for 7 to 8 years, and had suffered more than an average person. If it was something that would harm her family, she would not have dared to do it.
It is only natural that once her father hears about this, he would inevitably be worried.
She lowered her head and admitted her fault. “Father, I will never do this again. I will write those words properly at home.”
