Chapter 60 – Help
Yu Wen saw how readily Yu Tang admitted her error and felt slightly better, but his daughter’s temerity still made him tremble in fear at the thought.
He couldn’t help but rebuke his daughter a few more times and only after that did he enquire about the whereabouts of the two fugitives.
Yu Tang replied that they were held at the Qu brothers’ place.
Under the cover of the night, Yu Wen went to the Qu brothers’ residence, to verify the truthfulness of his daughter’s words before heading to the Pei Family’s estate the next day.
Pei Yan assumed that Yu Wen was only here to express his appreciation for the previous incident and thus was reluctant to meet him. However, Yu Wen stated that he wanted to ask him to be an arbitrator for an important matter. Pondering for a moment, Pei Yan surmised that Yu Wen’s request would likely be for the conflict with the Li family. Recalling the scene at Zhaoming Temple and Yu Tang’s actions towards Li Jun, he was even more reluctant to intervene.
He got annoyed and scolded Hu Xing, who was the messenger. “Why can’t they all understand and respect that I’m still observing the mourning period? I’m either being dragged around to visit various places or dealing with all these bothersome requests. Can’t you all just let me have some time to myself so that I can copy a few pages of Buddhist scriptures and recite them for my father in peace and quiet?”
Hu Xing felt that he had once again misread Pei Yan’s cues.
Sweat beaded on his forehead and he quickly admitted his error, “It’s my fault. I saw that Master Yu was in a hurry so……”
Pei Yan shot him a glare.
Hu Xing immediately shrank and said in a small voice, “I’ll chase him away.”
Pei Yan kept silent as he continued to copy the scriptures.
Hu Xing didn’t dare to stay any longer and quickly left to find Yu Wen.
After hearing Hu Xing’s words, Yu Wen became dejected and felt like Pei Yan didn’t want to meet him, but then why did Pei Yan let Imperial Physician Yang examine his wife’s illness then?
He was baffled, so he went to find Supervisor Tong.
Supervisor Tong was also at a loss, and could only appease Yu Wen by saying, “Everyone knows that third master is the grand elder’s son that he got when he was already advanced in age. When the grand elder was still alive, third master was so precious and beloved to him, and their relationship was extremely good. The day that grand elder passed away, you should have seen the way third master looked. It was as if his entire world has collapsed. The second master is also another filial son. As he was afraid of making grand madam sad, he pulled himself together to organize Grand Elder’s funeral.
However, for the third master, it was as if he had lost his soul, he was reckless and impulsive, whoever that refuted him about Grand Elder’s funeral, he would immediately lash back at them without mercy like a wounded beast. Third master is observing the mourning of grand elder with utmost sincerity and respect. As grand madam was concerned over the health of her children and grandchildren, fearing that they cannot withstand the mourning requirements and quietly instructed that although the masters, their wives and children are to have vegetarian meals, but the soup needs to be made with high quality bone broth, and their diet must consist of eggs, nuts and fruits. Only the third master, was extremely strict with himself and he wouldn’t eat anything that was cooking with animal fat or oil, and no one not, even grand madam or second master could persuade him otherwise. If you were to find him at this time, if it’s not something important, he will definitely refuse to see you.”
“Moreover, if your sole intention was to express appreciation, I would think it’s not necessary. The third master is not the kind of person who seeks compliments. He was entrusted by the grand elder to be the patriarch of the Pei family, with the goal of helping his neighbors, therefore he would do his best to help whenever he could. It’s only that his personality is a little cold, so you may be a little discomforted at first.”
Grand Elder Pei was a warm-hearted person.
In the mornings when he was out for his walk, he would chat with the vegetable and fruit sellers, asking them about the harvest, and treated everyone with kindness, and thus the people of Lin’an all respected him greatly.
Yu Wen felt that since Pei Yan had such an upright moral character, he really couldn’t hide such a matter from him.
He deliberated for a while and weighed his words carefully before telling Supervisor Tong about how the Li family’s dispatched people to kill Wei Xiaoshan. Afterwards, he said, “If the matter wasn’t so serious, I wouldn’t have persistently requested to see Third Master. I would like to seek your help for this matter, perhaps if you could reach out to any of the stewards and let me speak with Third Master.”
Supervisor Tong was struck with shock at his words.
He was the matchmaker for the marriage!
His face turned pale with fright and he quickly asked, “Do you have any evidence that the Li Family was the mastermind behind the murder? How did your family find out? Does the Wei family know about this? This is a serious accusation, so we need to be certain of all the facts in case this turns out to be a huge misunderstanding.”
As Yu Wen did not want to involve Yu Tang in this, he said it as though he was the one who found out about it and investigated the matter.
Supervisor Tong was silent for a long while.
His good intentions had brought about Wei Xiaoshan’s demise.
He felt extremely guilt that cut him to the bones.
Yu Wen thought that shopkeeper Tong was worried about creating trouble for Pei Yan and thus added “The Pei family has treated me with such great kindness, so how can I besmirch third master Pei’s reputation? Not only do I have the evidence, but I also caught the people. However, I was afraid to had them over to the officials, lest it adversely affects my daughter’s marriage in future. This was the reason why I wanted to have the Pei family’s third master be the arbitrator as I trust he would be impartial and uphold justice.”
The Tong family’s relationship with the Wei family was also very good.
With all the facts laid out, it was clear what the truth was.
Tears flowed from supervisor Tong’s eyes and he said resolutely, “I’ll go and beg Third Master, if he doesn’t agree to see me, I’ll kneel down until he does!”
As a senior who served for decades in the Pei family, he knew very well the character that Pei Yan had. If he did this, he would definitely be able to get Pei Yan’s help, but at what cost? He would be forcing Pei Yan’s hand and thus it would definitely affect his position in Pei Yan’s mind, perhaps leading to negative repercussions for the entire Tong family. However, he had no choice.
Otherwise, how would he face the Wei family?
Yu Wen was a carefree person, so he didn’t think too much about it. He only felt that he had found the right person and thus thanked Supervisor Tong profusely.
Supervisor Tong’s heart was in turmoil, and he had no mood to indulge in niceties with Yu Wen. He waved his hand and said “Just wait for my news”. With that he turned and left for the Pei family’s estate.
PeiYan still held supervisor Tong in high regard, so once he heard that he was here to see him, he immediately sent for him to be brought to his study.
After supervisor Tong explained his reason for coming, Pei Yan’s expression grow cold.
Shopkeeper Tong thought that Pei Yan was dissatisfied with him interfering in this matter, and pleaded with Pei Yan. “I was the matchmaker for this marriage, and I feel really miserable about this. If third master is agreeable, please inquire about this. I express my thanks to you in advance!” After saying this, he was about to kneel down and give Pei Yan a big bow.
Pei Yan was surprised as he didn’t expect Yu Tang’s marriage would involve supervisor Tong.
He stopped Supervisor Tong from kneeling and asked curiously, “Does Lady Yu know about this?”
Supervisor Tong was uncertain as to whether Yu Tang knew about it, so he hesitated before replying “I think she should know? This matter is big, and the Yu family’s intention is to obtain justice for the Wei family, so it is impossible for Lady Yu not to know …… However, then again it may be possible. Master Yu has only one daughter, so after knowing that her future husband was killed because of her, anyone who knows of it, will definitely feel upset, not mentioning that Lady Yu is still young, and yet to be married. If it leaves any scars on her heart, it would not be good……”
Pei Yan stroked his chin and asked. “When did that boy from the Wei family meet with Lady Yu?”
Supervisor Tong replied, “It was in summer, not long after the Grand elder’s funeral. I am uncertain of the specific date.”
Pei Yan thought for a while. Wouldn’t it be before he saved Lady Yu?
Recalling that incident again, Lady Yu and the second son of the Li family, Li Jun were polite and cordial with one another, and did not seem to be bitter enemies.
He instructed shopkeeper Tong. “Go and ask her family if she knows about this. We will discuss further after that.”
Supervisor Tong froze, bewildered.
Weren’t they supposed to find out whether or not the Li family really did as what the Yu family claimed? Why was Third Master’s main concern whether or not Lady Yu knows about it?
What was the Third Master thinking?
Won’t that be missing the point entirely?
Supervisor Tong was confused. However, as he was a pawnshop owner his entire life, in addition to being able to apprise valuable items, he was well-versed in reading a person’s body language and cues.
He had been a careful and meticulous observer all of his life.
The third master’s reaction was definitely strange!
His mind was spinning fast, but on the surface he respectfully acquiesced, “I didn’t do a proper check. I will see if Lady Yu knows about this now.”
Pei Yan nodded his head.
Supervisor Tong rushed over to the Yu family.
Pei Yan continued to copy his Buddhist scriptures, but he was unable to meditate and concentrate fully, as his mind involuntarily recalled the graceful appearance of Yu Tang as she walked towards Li Jun in Zhao Ming Temple.
He certainly did not think of Lady Yu as person gentle like water, quiet and elegant. Otherwise she would not have gone to the pawnshop to pawn a fake and deceive their Pei family.
Most likely, Lady Yu at Zhaoming Temple should have already set her sights on marrying Li Jun, and thus beguiled Li Jun.
Li Jun being a young, simple minded and naïve chap, was easily led around by the nose by Lady Yu. Not only did he fall for Lady Yu’s trap, but he was even willing to give up his name and future to be recruited by the Yu family to be their son-in-law.
Looking at it from this perspective, Lady Yu was indeed impressive, to be so courageous and resourceful.
There were so many young and talented men under the Wudao Pine. However instead of choosing the most outstanding of the bunch, Shen Fang, she chose the indecisive and weak Li Jun. She would be likely be the only one among all the ladies to have such a ‘unique’ palate.
As Pei Yan thought of this, he remembered the scene when he saw Yu Tang in the local school.
Li Duan looked at Lady Yu passionately with eyes burning like fire, so intense that it couldn’t be hidden.
Lady Yu should also be aware of it too, and she seemed to be avoiding Li Duan.
What’s Lady Yu’s ultimate goal? Was it just to recruit a son-in-law home? Or did she have the intention to marry into the Li family?
As Li Duan was the eldest son, the Li family would require him to take a wife, and thus would pay more attention to the bride’s family and status. Lady Yu would definitely not meet the requirements. However, honestly speaking, Li Duan was much more capable than Li Jun, so it’s hard to say that if after seeing Li Duan, Lady Yu would dislike Li Jun for being useless and switch her attention to Li Duan instead.
Who knows what’s the true story behind this?
It is possible that the death of the Wei family’s son was planned by Lady Yu.
If that’s the case, then there will be a good show to see.
Pei Yan suddenly felt a mix of emotions, and lost interest in copying the Buddhist scriptures.
He called Pei Man in and asked. “Is Li Duan engaged? Which family’s lady is it?”
The significance of the Li family to the Pei family is unknown to the public, but Pei Man, being the chief steward, was extremely clear.
Therefore, although he could not say that he knew the Li family like the back of his hand, but he knew everything in general.
Pei Man immediately responded. “Yes, he is engaged. His fiancée is the eldest Di daughter of the second branch of the Gu family in Hangzhou, the sister of Master Gu Chang.”
He knew of Gu Chang.
Gu Chang took the exams one year ahead of him and obtained the ‘shijishi’ title and the imperial scholar rank. He was now serving as an official in the Ministry of Rites , and is the Gu family’s most promising son.
That’s the way it should be.
Lady Yu, no matter what idea she has, I’m afraid it wouldn’t be so easy to get what she wants.
Over at Supervisor Tong’s end, he asked Yu Wen if Yu Tang knew that the Li family instructed someone to harm Wei Xiaoshan. Yu Wen wanted to deny it, but supervisor Tong solemnly said. “You have to tell the truth. When I went to see third master, he did not ask me anything, but only asked if Lady Yu knows of this. Therefore, this should be a very important deciding factor for third master. Don’t you dare to hide anything, lest when the time comes to confront the Li family, what you say is different from what the third master knows, and end up doing more harm than good.”
Chapter 60 – Help
Yu Wen saw how readily Yu Tang admitted her error and felt slightly better, but his daughter’s temerity still made him tremble in fear at the thought.
He couldn’t help but rebuke his daughter a few more times and only after that did he enquire about the whereabouts of the two fugitives.
Yu Tang replied that they were held at the Qu brothers’ place.
Under the cover of the night, Yu Wen went to the Qu brothers’ residence, to verify the truthfulness of his daughter’s words before heading to the Pei Family’s estate the next day.
Pei Yan assumed that Yu Wen was only here to express his appreciation for the previous incident and thus was reluctant to meet him. However, Yu Wen stated that he wanted to ask him to be an arbitrator for an important matter. Pondering for a moment, Pei Yan surmised that Yu Wen’s request would likely be for the conflict with the Li family. Recalling the scene at Zhaoming Temple and Yu Tang’s actions towards Li Jun, he was even more reluctant to intervene.
He got annoyed and scolded Hu Xing, who was the messenger. “Why can’t they all understand and respect that I’m still observing the mourning period? I’m either being dragged around to visit various places or dealing with all these bothersome requests. Can’t you all just let me have some time to myself so that I can copy a few pages of Buddhist scriptures and recite them for my father in peace and quiet?”
Hu Xing felt that he had once again misread Pei Yan’s cues.
Sweat beaded on his forehead and he quickly admitted his error, “It’s my fault. I saw that Master Yu was in a hurry so……”
Pei Yan shot him a glare.
Hu Xing immediately shrank and said in a small voice, “I’ll chase him away.”
Pei Yan kept silent as he continued to copy the scriptures.
Hu Xing didn’t dare to stay any longer and quickly left to find Yu Wen.
After hearing Hu Xing’s words, Yu Wen became dejected and felt like Pei Yan didn’t want to meet him, but then why did Pei Yan let Imperial Physician Yang examine his wife’s illness then?
He was baffled, so he went to find Supervisor Tong.
Supervisor Tong was also at a loss, and could only appease Yu Wen by saying, “Everyone knows that third master is the grand elder’s son that he got when he was already advanced in age. When the grand elder was still alive, third master was so precious and beloved to him, and their relationship was extremely good. The day that grand elder passed away, you should have seen the way third master looked. It was as if his entire world has collapsed. The second master is also another filial son. As he was afraid of making grand madam sad, he pulled himself together to organize Grand Elder’s funeral.
However, for the third master, it was as if he had lost his soul, he was reckless and impulsive, whoever that refuted him about Grand Elder’s funeral, he would immediately lash back at them without mercy like a wounded beast. Third master is observing the mourning of grand elder with utmost sincerity and respect. As grand madam was concerned over the health of her children and grandchildren, fearing that they cannot withstand the mourning requirements and quietly instructed that although the masters, their wives and children are to have vegetarian meals, but the soup needs to be made with high quality bone broth, and their diet must consist of eggs, nuts and fruits. Only the third master, was extremely strict with himself and he wouldn’t eat anything that was cooking with animal fat or oil, and no one not, even grand madam or second master could persuade him otherwise. If you were to find him at this time, if it’s not something important, he will definitely refuse to see you.”
“Moreover, if your sole intention was to express appreciation, I would think it’s not necessary. The third master is not the kind of person who seeks compliments. He was entrusted by the grand elder to be the patriarch of the Pei family, with the goal of helping his neighbors, therefore he would do his best to help whenever he could. It’s only that his personality is a little cold, so you may be a little discomforted at first.”
Grand Elder Pei was a warm-hearted person.
In the mornings when he was out for his walk, he would chat with the vegetable and fruit sellers, asking them about the harvest, and treated everyone with kindness, and thus the people of Lin’an all respected him greatly.
Yu Wen felt that since Pei Yan had such an upright moral character, he really couldn’t hide such a matter from him.
He deliberated for a while and weighed his words carefully before telling Supervisor Tong about how the Li family’s dispatched people to kill Wei Xiaoshan. Afterwards, he said, “If the matter wasn’t so serious, I wouldn’t have persistently requested to see Third Master. I would like to seek your help for this matter, perhaps if you could reach out to any of the stewards and let me speak with Third Master.”
Supervisor Tong was struck with shock at his words.
He was the matchmaker for the marriage!
His face turned pale with fright and he quickly asked, “Do you have any evidence that the Li Family was the mastermind behind the murder? How did your family find out? Does the Wei family know about this? This is a serious accusation, so we need to be certain of all the facts in case this turns out to be a huge misunderstanding.”
As Yu Wen did not want to involve Yu Tang in this, he said it as though he was the one who found out about it and investigated the matter.
Supervisor Tong was silent for a long while.
His good intentions had brought about Wei Xiaoshan’s demise.
He felt extremely guilt that cut him to the bones.
Yu Wen thought that shopkeeper Tong was worried about creating trouble for Pei Yan and thus added “The Pei family has treated me with such great kindness, so how can I besmirch third master Pei’s reputation? Not only do I have the evidence, but I also caught the people. However, I was afraid to had them over to the officials, lest it adversely affects my daughter’s marriage in future. This was the reason why I wanted to have the Pei family’s third master be the arbitrator as I trust he would be impartial and uphold justice.”
The Tong family’s relationship with the Wei family was also very good.
With all the facts laid out, it was clear what the truth was.
Tears flowed from supervisor Tong’s eyes and he said resolutely, “I’ll go and beg Third Master, if he doesn’t agree to see me, I’ll kneel down until he does!”
As a senior who served for decades in the Pei family, he knew very well the character that Pei Yan had. If he did this, he would definitely be able to get Pei Yan’s help, but at what cost? He would be forcing Pei Yan’s hand and thus it would definitely affect his position in Pei Yan’s mind, perhaps leading to negative repercussions for the entire Tong family. However, he had no choice.
Otherwise, how would he face the Wei family?
Yu Wen was a carefree person, so he didn’t think too much about it. He only felt that he had found the right person and thus thanked Supervisor Tong profusely.
Supervisor Tong’s heart was in turmoil, and he had no mood to indulge in niceties with Yu Wen. He waved his hand and said “Just wait for my news”. With that he turned and left for the Pei family’s estate.
PeiYan still held supervisor Tong in high regard, so once he heard that he was here to see him, he immediately sent for him to be brought to his study.
After supervisor Tong explained his reason for coming, Pei Yan’s expression grow cold.
Shopkeeper Tong thought that Pei Yan was dissatisfied with him interfering in this matter, and pleaded with Pei Yan. “I was the matchmaker for this marriage, and I feel really miserable about this. If third master is agreeable, please inquire about this. I express my thanks to you in advance!” After saying this, he was about to kneel down and give Pei Yan a big bow.
Pei Yan was surprised as he didn’t expect Yu Tang’s marriage would involve supervisor Tong.
He stopped Supervisor Tong from kneeling and asked curiously, “Does Lady Yu know about this?”
Supervisor Tong was uncertain as to whether Yu Tang knew about it, so he hesitated before replying “I think she should know? This matter is big, and the Yu family’s intention is to obtain justice for the Wei family, so it is impossible for Lady Yu not to know …… However, then again it may be possible. Master Yu has only one daughter, so after knowing that her future husband was killed because of her, anyone who knows of it, will definitely feel upset, not mentioning that Lady Yu is still young, and yet to be married. If it leaves any scars on her heart, it would not be good……”
Pei Yan stroked his chin and asked. “When did that boy from the Wei family meet with Lady Yu?”
Supervisor Tong replied, “It was in summer, not long after the Grand elder’s funeral. I am uncertain of the specific date.”
Pei Yan thought for a while. Wouldn’t it be before he saved Lady Yu?
Recalling that incident again, Lady Yu and the second son of the Li family, Li Jun were polite and cordial with one another, and did not seem to be bitter enemies.
He instructed shopkeeper Tong. “Go and ask her family if she knows about this. We will discuss further after that.”
Supervisor Tong froze, bewildered.
Weren’t they supposed to find out whether or not the Li family really did as what the Yu family claimed? Why was Third Master’s main concern whether or not Lady Yu knows about it?
What was the Third Master thinking?
Won’t that be missing the point entirely?
Supervisor Tong was confused. However, as he was a pawnshop owner his entire life, in addition to being able to apprise valuable items, he was well-versed in reading a person’s body language and cues.
He had been a careful and meticulous observer all of his life.
The third master’s reaction was definitely strange!
His mind was spinning fast, but on the surface he respectfully acquiesced, “I didn’t do a proper check. I will see if Lady Yu knows about this now.”
Pei Yan nodded his head.
Supervisor Tong rushed over to the Yu family.
Pei Yan continued to copy his Buddhist scriptures, but he was unable to meditate and concentrate fully, as his mind involuntarily recalled the graceful appearance of Yu Tang as she walked towards Li Jun in Zhao Ming Temple.
He certainly did not think of Lady Yu as person gentle like water, quiet and elegant. Otherwise she would not have gone to the pawnshop to pawn a fake and deceive their Pei family.
Most likely, Lady Yu at Zhaoming Temple should have already set her sights on marrying Li Jun, and thus beguiled Li Jun.
Li Jun being a young, simple minded and naïve chap, was easily led around by the nose by Lady Yu. Not only did he fall for Lady Yu’s trap, but he was even willing to give up his name and future to be recruited by the Yu family to be their son-in-law.
Looking at it from this perspective, Lady Yu was indeed impressive, to be so courageous and resourceful.
There were so many young and talented men under the Wudao Pine. However instead of choosing the most outstanding of the bunch, Shen Fang, she chose the indecisive and weak Li Jun. She would be likely be the only one among all the ladies to have such a ‘unique’ palate.
As Pei Yan thought of this, he remembered the scene when he saw Yu Tang in the local school.
Li Duan looked at Lady Yu passionately with eyes burning like fire, so intense that it couldn’t be hidden.
Lady Yu should also be aware of it too, and she seemed to be avoiding Li Duan.
What’s Lady Yu’s ultimate goal? Was it just to recruit a son-in-law home? Or did she have the intention to marry into the Li family?
As Li Duan was the eldest son, the Li family would require him to take a wife, and thus would pay more attention to the bride’s family and status. Lady Yu would definitely not meet the requirements. However, honestly speaking, Li Duan was much more capable than Li Jun, so it’s hard to say that if after seeing Li Duan, Lady Yu would dislike Li Jun for being useless and switch her attention to Li Duan instead.
Who knows what’s the true story behind this?
It is possible that the death of the Wei family’s son was planned by Lady Yu.
If that’s the case, then there will be a good show to see.
Pei Yan suddenly felt a mix of emotions, and lost interest in copying the Buddhist scriptures.
He called Pei Man in and asked. “Is Li Duan engaged? Which family’s lady is it?”
The significance of the Li family to the Pei family is unknown to the public, but Pei Man, being the chief steward, was extremely clear.
Therefore, although he could not say that he knew the Li family like the back of his hand, but he knew everything in general.
Pei Man immediately responded. “Yes, he is engaged. His fiancée is the eldest Di daughter of the second branch of the Gu family in Hangzhou, the sister of Master Gu Chang.”
He knew of Gu Chang.
Gu Chang took the exams one year ahead of him and obtained the ‘shijishi’ title and the imperial scholar rank. He was now serving as an official in the Ministry of Rites , and is the Gu family’s most promising son.
That’s the way it should be.
Lady Yu, no matter what idea she has, I’m afraid it wouldn’t be so easy to get what she wants.
Over at Supervisor Tong’s end, he asked Yu Wen if Yu Tang knew that the Li family instructed someone to harm Wei Xiaoshan. Yu Wen wanted to deny it, but supervisor Tong solemnly said. “You have to tell the truth. When I went to see third master, he did not ask me anything, but only asked if Lady Yu knows of this. Therefore, this should be a very important deciding factor for third master. Don’t you dare to hide anything, lest when the time comes to confront the Li family, what you say is different from what the third master knows, and end up doing more harm than good.”
