Chapter 13: The Pei Family
Which mother-in-law doesn’t like to hear people praise her son-in-law?
Ji Daniang thus began to treat them more warmly and lowered her guard, talking more about the Pei family. “There are many things to take care of here, so there are three head stewards and seven general stewards in the family. The first head steward is in charge of the family’s various large and small matters, the second head steward is in charge of the household’s adminstrative affairs and human relations, and the third head steward is in charge of the family’s accounts and outside businesses and interests. Of the seven general stewards, the first general steward assists the first head steward; the second and third stewards assist the second head steward and the remaining four general stewards is under the direction of the third head steward, of which the seventh general steward also manages the internal affairs within this residence. For example, I am part of the division belonging to the seventh general steward.
“As for Supervisor Tong, all along their family have been serving the Pei family for generations. When the Pei family established itself in Lin’an, they also contributed greatly. Before the Pei family’s ancestor died, he released the Tong family so that they can live their lives freely outside of the Pei family. However, the Tong family’s ancestors loyally remembered the Pei family’s kindness towards them, so even though they were free to go, they didn’t leave. Instead, they continued to manage the pawnshop and helped make it into a respectable and examplary pawnshop that’s very different from the other pawnshops.” As she said this, her voice carried a sense of pride and honor.
As long as they are residents of Lin’an, it is inevitable that they will have dealings with the Pei family in one way or another.
Currently, the Yu family, whether it’s the rebuilding of the stores or because of the fake painting incident, they have had more encounters with the Pei family.
In her previous life, it was the third master of the Pei family who was the patriarch.
As such, unlike Yu Wen or Chen shi, Yutang didn’t speculate much about this matter.
However the funeral arrangements for Grand elder Pei revealed a lot of information.
For example, if the merchants in Lin’an City wanted anything, they would look for the First head steward. The Third head Steward, who should be managing accounts and external businesses was now in charge of arranging the funeral proceedings. This originally should be the duty of the Second Chief Steward, but what was he doing?
Furthermore, how did the Third Master of the Pei family become the patriarch?
And what happened during this period?
Were the three head stewards whole-heartedly serving the third master of the Pei family as their master at this time, or do they have other thoughts?
Who supports third master Pei? And who supports the eldest’s house?
In her previous life, even though she married into the Li family, she was kept in the inner courtyard and did not know much about the Pei family’s affairs.
However, she had not heard anyone criticize the Third Master in her previous life.
It seemed to be that as soon as he appeared in the Pei family, he was already the one in control and setting the rules. The whole family listened to him without the slightest objection.
She didn’t want the Yu family to get involved in the private affairs of the Pei family.
And also, the man in blue whom she met at the pawnshop. From his age, he should not be the two young masters of the eldest house. Then what exactly is his relationship with the Pei family?
Could he be a young master of the other two branches?
Which side is he on now?
Did he know that the one who will eventually emerge as victorious was the third master?
After taking on the role of the Pei family’s patriarch, the third master’s character was one that followed: “those who follow my will shall prosper, but those who oppose me will perish”.
Yutang wondered if the man in blue will escape unscathed from this.
Observing his temperament, he also seemed to be someone who is used to being in control…..
Yu Tang’s heart was in turmoil, she couldn’t decide what she wanted more. Was it for the Yu family to avoid disaster? Or was it to know more about the situation of the man in blue…… she couldn’t stop herself from being concerned about the Pei family.
Yu Tang remarked. “Then the third head steward must be really busy now! He has to manage external businesses and also care about the affairs inside the residence. Can’t the First and Second Head Stewards lend a hand?”
Ji daniang belately realized that she had revealed too much infomation, but Yutang seemed to not have noticed anything amiss. She answered ambiguiously, “The First and Second Head stewards have other duties to attend to.” She quickly changed the subject, saying, “I see that Madam’s body is still very weak, so if you need to rest after paying respects to the grand elder and have a vegetarian meal in our house, I will have someone bring you to one of the side rooms to rest for the afternoon. The scorching heat from the afternoon sun can be intense, so it’s better to take precaution and prevent heat stroke.”
Afraid of arousing Daniang Ji’s suspicion, Yu Tang stopped her questioning.
Chen shi thanked her and spoke more about the kindness that the Pei family’s grand elder showed to her.
Yu Tang listened as she observing her surroundings.
As they made their way further down the corridor, there really wasn’t a single flower that was any other color than white.
From this, it was evident that the third master already assumed control; at least on the surface, no one dared to disobey his instructions.
Yu Tang became even more worried.
She wondered how the Pei family’s third master rose to power.
Did he instruct the servants according to the will of the Grand Elder? Or was it really as what Lu Xin and the other rumors said, that he used the authority of the grand elder to to force the people to comply with his instructions?
She was a little distracted, so only after she heard some commotion, did she realize that her mother and her had already entered a courtyard with Ji Daniang. This courtyard was filled with the crying sounds of others like them who came to pay their respects. The sounds of chanting echoed, and the reciting of Buddhist scriptures filled the place. There was a large, tall three-legged copper censer with numerous incense cones that filled the air with clouds of white smoke. If is wasn’t for the white mourning streamers hanging everywhere, she would have thought that she had entered a temple instead.
Chen was choked by the incense smoke and coughed a few times.
Ji Daniang said, “Please follow me!”
She led them through the throng of crying women and into the side chamber, where they knelt and offered incense to the portrait of Grand elder Pei in the middle hall.
When she got up, Yu Tang looked carefully at the portrait of Grand elder Pei.
He had a long beard, arched eyebrows, almond eyes, broad forehead and plump cheeks. He wore a green and gold-woven five-flower round-necked robe, and was smiling broadly, looking very kind.
Although she didn’t know who painted it, but the portait was very skillfully done. The face was lifelike – even subtle expressions could be seen. Even for Yu Tang, who wasn’t very knowledgeable about paintings, she could still feel the painter’s artistry.
I wonder who painted it?
When the Grand elder Pei sat down for this portrait, did he know that the Pei family would fight for the patriarch position after his death?
Clearly , nothing can be predicted.
Yu Tang suddenly felt some sorrow in midst of the sounds of wailings.
Her eyes were moist and her tears fell.
Beside her, Chen shi wept uncontrollably.
Afterwards, Yu Tang and Ji Daniang held Chen shi’s left and right hand as they left the hall.
After a brief consideration, Daniang Ji called for a maid named Lei Zi and instructed her, “This is Scholar Yu’s wife and eldest miss, please lead them to the back to one of the guest rooms to rest first.” She also said to Chen shi, “I have other things to do, so I won’t be able to accompany you. Once I’m done, I will come back again.”
The side room was replaced with a guest room; it was obvious that Ji Daniang was showing special consideration towards them.
Chen shi and Yu Tang hurriedly thanked her and said, “It’s fine for us to rest in the side room.”
Ji Daniang whispered, “It’s not a problem. Originally that guest room was used to accomodate the female guests of the Pei’s family members staying over. However as there is no one using it yet, you can rest there for a day.”
This was also the good intentions of Ji Daniang.
Both mother and daughter thanked her profusely for her generosity. Seeing that Ji Daniang was sincere in her words, and a servant girl already came up to ask Ji Daniang Ji for instructions, so they did not want to take up too much of her time. They gratefully accepted and went to the west corridor with the maid Lei Zi.
“Grand elder Pei was such a wonderful person. How could he suddenly go like that?” Chen shi was still immersed in grief, wiping her tears with a handkerchief while sighing sadly.
Yu Tang comforted her mother a few times and looked up to find that Lei Zi had brought them around seven or eight turns to a small secluded courtyard.
In the courtyard, there were many bamboo trees, clear ponds and stone bridges, making the place look sophisticated and elegant. The sounds of crying grew faint, which made the courtyard feel more serene and peaceful.
Lei Zi pushed open the door of the west wing of the guest room, and invited Chen shi and Yu Tang in, and said softly, “Madam Yu, please rest here for a moment, when it is time for lunch, I will come to invite you.” After saying that, she poured tea for the two of them.
Yu Tang saw that the guest room was decorated with black lacquered furnishings and azure drapes with two white magnolias, one tall and one short, placed in a blue porcelain vase. The arrangement was clean, simple and elegant, neat and comfortable.
Now that the side room was replaced with a guest room, Yutang guessed that it should be the a resting place for the female visitors of the Pei family’s relatives. Ji Daniang probably saw that as her father was a scholar, her mother was sickly and she also got along well with them as well, so she pulled some strings and arranged for them to stay here.
Chen shi accepted the tea and thanked Lei Zi in a warm voice.
Yu Tang thought that if Ji Daniang allowed this maid Lei Zi to serve them, then this maid must have a good relationship with Ji Daniang. Yutang accepted the tea and thanked her for her help. “Sister Lei Zi” Yutang began “We are able to rest here because of Ji Daniang and sister Lei Zi. In a few days, when Ji Daniang and Sister Lei Zhi are both not so busy, we will visit again to show our gratitude.”
Lei Zi didn’t think that scholar Yu’s wife and daughter would be so courteous to her, so she took a few more glances at Yu Tang.
Yu Tang’s clothing was ordinary, her figure was average-sized. She had soft eyebrows, a gentle temperament, and delicate skin that resembled fresh snow.
Lei Zi was a little surprised.
This young lady from the Yu family was actually a beauty that was no less inferior to the madams and young ladies of the Pei family.
Yu Tang originally had a honest, openminded personality, and after experiencing those events in her prevous life, she was able to maintain her calm and poise.
She didnt mind Lei Zi examining her.
Instead, it was Lei Zi who became a little embarrassed and lowered her head, saying respectfully, “You are very kind, Yu young miss. I will definitely convey your words to Ji daniang”
“Both Ji daniang and Miss Lei Zi are kind hearted people.” Chen shi exchanged a few pleasantries with Lei Zi and personally sent her out. After she came back, she tiredly sat down on the side bed.
As this guest room was something that Ji daniang arranged secretly, it would be bad if people found out. So she closed the windows facing the courtyard and opened the one facing the outside. However, Yutang didn’t dare to open it wide, but left it half open and half closed. Then she went to take a handkerchief for her mother to wipe her perspiration and said, “Mother, you can rest first, Lei Zi will come to call us when it’s time for lunch.”
Chen nodded and said with regret, “If it weren’t for my health, we wouldn’t have to ask for a vegetarian meal at the Pei household. We came to offer incense to their grand elder, but yet I had a meal at their house.”
Yu Tang reassured her mother, “The Pei family is abundant in wealth, they wouldn’t mind this one or two meals.”
Chen saw that Yu Tang’s forehead was covered in perspiration and said lovingly, “Don’t force yourself either. If you feel that it’s too warm, find a place to rest and cool off. Don’t come to offer incense to Old Master Pei and fall sick after it.”
“I understand.” Yu Tang answered and brought a small wooden stool over to help Chen massage her legs.
Chen shi was astonished and delighted, saying, “Oh! I’ve not received such a blessing from my daughter before!”
Of course she hasn’t.
Previously, she wasn’t filial and didn’t know how to cherish her parents.
Only now did she realize how rare and precious having her loved ones beside her was.
Yu Tang’s eyes were moist and she shyly brushed this matter aside, as she sat by Chen’s legs and gave her a leg massage.
As Chen shi enjoyed her daughter’s care, she continued speaking. “People say blessed people are born in June, blessed people die in June …… Grand elder Pei did so much good…… Fortunately both second and third masters are at home, so when he left, his sons were by his side. However, he had to see his eldest son die before him, he must be feeling sad too……”
Yu Tang didn’t pay attention to her mother’s words, as she thought of the Pei family’s estates, land, mountains, forests, tea plantations, streets and harbor docks. She couldn’t help but think, were they so successful in their businesses because they often helped the people around them?
As Chen shi was speaking, there was a sudden clamor outside.
Chen and Yutang froze in unison.
Yu Tang thought of Ji Daniang’s words and quietly said to her mother. “Stay here first, I’ll check it out! “
Chapter 13: The Pei Family
Which mother-in-law doesn’t like to hear people praise her son-in-law?
Ji Daniang thus began to treat them more warmly and lowered her guard, talking more about the Pei family. “There are many things to take care of here, so there are three head stewards and seven general stewards in the family. The first head steward is in charge of the family’s various large and small matters, the second head steward is in charge of the household’s adminstrative affairs and human relations, and the third head steward is in charge of the family’s accounts and outside businesses and interests. Of the seven general stewards, the first general steward assists the first head steward; the second and third stewards assist the second head steward and the remaining four general stewards is under the direction of the third head steward, of which the seventh general steward also manages the internal affairs within this residence. For example, I am part of the division belonging to the seventh general steward.
“As for Supervisor Tong, all along their family have been serving the Pei family for generations. When the Pei family established itself in Lin’an, they also contributed greatly. Before the Pei family’s ancestor died, he released the Tong family so that they can live their lives freely outside of the Pei family. However, the Tong family’s ancestors loyally remembered the Pei family’s kindness towards them, so even though they were free to go, they didn’t leave. Instead, they continued to manage the pawnshop and helped make it into a respectable and examplary pawnshop that’s very different from the other pawnshops.” As she said this, her voice carried a sense of pride and honor.
As long as they are residents of Lin’an, it is inevitable that they will have dealings with the Pei family in one way or another.
Currently, the Yu family, whether it’s the rebuilding of the stores or because of the fake painting incident, they have had more encounters with the Pei family.
In her previous life, it was the third master of the Pei family who was the patriarch.
As such, unlike Yu Wen or Chen shi, Yutang didn’t speculate much about this matter.
However the funeral arrangements for Grand elder Pei revealed a lot of information.
For example, if the merchants in Lin’an City wanted anything, they would look for the First head steward. The Third head Steward, who should be managing accounts and external businesses was now in charge of arranging the funeral proceedings. This originally should be the duty of the Second Chief Steward, but what was he doing?
Furthermore, how did the Third Master of the Pei family become the patriarch?
And what happened during this period?
Were the three head stewards whole-heartedly serving the third master of the Pei family as their master at this time, or do they have other thoughts?
Who supports third master Pei? And who supports the eldest’s house?
In her previous life, even though she married into the Li family, she was kept in the inner courtyard and did not know much about the Pei family’s affairs.
However, she had not heard anyone criticize the Third Master in her previous life.
It seemed to be that as soon as he appeared in the Pei family, he was already the one in control and setting the rules. The whole family listened to him without the slightest objection.
She didn’t want the Yu family to get involved in the private affairs of the Pei family.
And also, the man in blue whom she met at the pawnshop. From his age, he should not be the two young masters of the eldest house. Then what exactly is his relationship with the Pei family?
Could he be a young master of the other two branches?
Which side is he on now?
Did he know that the one who will eventually emerge as victorious was the third master?
After taking on the role of the Pei family’s patriarch, the third master’s character was one that followed: “those who follow my will shall prosper, but those who oppose me will perish”.
Yutang wondered if the man in blue will escape unscathed from this.
Observing his temperament, he also seemed to be someone who is used to being in control…..
Yu Tang’s heart was in turmoil, she couldn’t decide what she wanted more. Was it for the Yu family to avoid disaster? Or was it to know more about the situation of the man in blue…… she couldn’t stop herself from being concerned about the Pei family.
Yu Tang remarked. “Then the third head steward must be really busy now! He has to manage external businesses and also care about the affairs inside the residence. Can’t the First and Second Head Stewards lend a hand?”
Ji daniang belately realized that she had revealed too much infomation, but Yutang seemed to not have noticed anything amiss. She answered ambiguiously, “The First and Second Head stewards have other duties to attend to.” She quickly changed the subject, saying, “I see that Madam’s body is still very weak, so if you need to rest after paying respects to the grand elder and have a vegetarian meal in our house, I will have someone bring you to one of the side rooms to rest for the afternoon. The scorching heat from the afternoon sun can be intense, so it’s better to take precaution and prevent heat stroke.”
Afraid of arousing Daniang Ji’s suspicion, Yu Tang stopped her questioning.
Chen shi thanked her and spoke more about the kindness that the Pei family’s grand elder showed to her.
Yu Tang listened as she observing her surroundings.
As they made their way further down the corridor, there really wasn’t a single flower that was any other color than white.
From this, it was evident that the third master already assumed control; at least on the surface, no one dared to disobey his instructions.
Yu Tang became even more worried.
She wondered how the Pei family’s third master rose to power.
Did he instruct the servants according to the will of the Grand Elder? Or was it really as what Lu Xin and the other rumors said, that he used the authority of the grand elder to to force the people to comply with his instructions?
She was a little distracted, so only after she heard some commotion, did she realize that her mother and her had already entered a courtyard with Ji Daniang. This courtyard was filled with the crying sounds of others like them who came to pay their respects. The sounds of chanting echoed, and the reciting of Buddhist scriptures filled the place. There was a large, tall three-legged copper censer with numerous incense cones that filled the air with clouds of white smoke. If is wasn’t for the white mourning streamers hanging everywhere, she would have thought that she had entered a temple instead.
Chen was choked by the incense smoke and coughed a few times.
Ji Daniang said, “Please follow me!”
She led them through the throng of crying women and into the side chamber, where they knelt and offered incense to the portrait of Grand elder Pei in the middle hall.
When she got up, Yu Tang looked carefully at the portrait of Grand elder Pei.
He had a long beard, arched eyebrows, almond eyes, broad forehead and plump cheeks. He wore a green and gold-woven five-flower round-necked robe, and was smiling broadly, looking very kind.
Although she didn’t know who painted it, but the portait was very skillfully done. The face was lifelike – even subtle expressions could be seen. Even for Yu Tang, who wasn’t very knowledgeable about paintings, she could still feel the painter’s artistry.
I wonder who painted it?
When the Grand elder Pei sat down for this portrait, did he know that the Pei family would fight for the patriarch position after his death?
Clearly , nothing can be predicted.
Yu Tang suddenly felt some sorrow in midst of the sounds of wailings.
Her eyes were moist and her tears fell.
Beside her, Chen shi wept uncontrollably.
Afterwards, Yu Tang and Ji Daniang held Chen shi’s left and right hand as they left the hall.
After a brief consideration, Daniang Ji called for a maid named Lei Zi and instructed her, “This is Scholar Yu’s wife and eldest miss, please lead them to the back to one of the guest rooms to rest first.” She also said to Chen shi, “I have other things to do, so I won’t be able to accompany you. Once I’m done, I will come back again.”
The side room was replaced with a guest room; it was obvious that Ji Daniang was showing special consideration towards them.
Chen shi and Yu Tang hurriedly thanked her and said, “It’s fine for us to rest in the side room.”
Ji Daniang whispered, “It’s not a problem. Originally that guest room was used to accomodate the female guests of the Pei’s family members staying over. However as there is no one using it yet, you can rest there for a day.”
This was also the good intentions of Ji Daniang.
Both mother and daughter thanked her profusely for her generosity. Seeing that Ji Daniang was sincere in her words, and a servant girl already came up to ask Ji Daniang Ji for instructions, so they did not want to take up too much of her time. They gratefully accepted and went to the west corridor with the maid Lei Zi.
“Grand elder Pei was such a wonderful person. How could he suddenly go like that?” Chen shi was still immersed in grief, wiping her tears with a handkerchief while sighing sadly.
Yu Tang comforted her mother a few times and looked up to find that Lei Zi had brought them around seven or eight turns to a small secluded courtyard.
In the courtyard, there were many bamboo trees, clear ponds and stone bridges, making the place look sophisticated and elegant. The sounds of crying grew faint, which made the courtyard feel more serene and peaceful.
Lei Zi pushed open the door of the west wing of the guest room, and invited Chen shi and Yu Tang in, and said softly, “Madam Yu, please rest here for a moment, when it is time for lunch, I will come to invite you.” After saying that, she poured tea for the two of them.
Yu Tang saw that the guest room was decorated with black lacquered furnishings and azure drapes with two white magnolias, one tall and one short, placed in a blue porcelain vase. The arrangement was clean, simple and elegant, neat and comfortable.
Now that the side room was replaced with a guest room, Yutang guessed that it should be the a resting place for the female visitors of the Pei family’s relatives. Ji Daniang probably saw that as her father was a scholar, her mother was sickly and she also got along well with them as well, so she pulled some strings and arranged for them to stay here.
Chen shi accepted the tea and thanked Lei Zi in a warm voice.
Yu Tang thought that if Ji Daniang allowed this maid Lei Zi to serve them, then this maid must have a good relationship with Ji Daniang. Yutang accepted the tea and thanked her for her help. “Sister Lei Zi” Yutang began “We are able to rest here because of Ji Daniang and sister Lei Zi. In a few days, when Ji Daniang and Sister Lei Zhi are both not so busy, we will visit again to show our gratitude.”
Lei Zi didn’t think that scholar Yu’s wife and daughter would be so courteous to her, so she took a few more glances at Yu Tang.
Yu Tang’s clothing was ordinary, her figure was average-sized. She had soft eyebrows, a gentle temperament, and delicate skin that resembled fresh snow.
Lei Zi was a little surprised.
This young lady from the Yu family was actually a beauty that was no less inferior to the madams and young ladies of the Pei family.
Yu Tang originally had a honest, openminded personality, and after experiencing those events in her prevous life, she was able to maintain her calm and poise.
She didnt mind Lei Zi examining her.
Instead, it was Lei Zi who became a little embarrassed and lowered her head, saying respectfully, “You are very kind, Yu young miss. I will definitely convey your words to Ji daniang”
“Both Ji daniang and Miss Lei Zi are kind hearted people.” Chen shi exchanged a few pleasantries with Lei Zi and personally sent her out. After she came back, she tiredly sat down on the side bed.
As this guest room was something that Ji daniang arranged secretly, it would be bad if people found out. So she closed the windows facing the courtyard and opened the one facing the outside. However, Yutang didn’t dare to open it wide, but left it half open and half closed. Then she went to take a handkerchief for her mother to wipe her perspiration and said, “Mother, you can rest first, Lei Zi will come to call us when it’s time for lunch.”
Chen nodded and said with regret, “If it weren’t for my health, we wouldn’t have to ask for a vegetarian meal at the Pei household. We came to offer incense to their grand elder, but yet I had a meal at their house.”
Yu Tang reassured her mother, “The Pei family is abundant in wealth, they wouldn’t mind this one or two meals.”
Chen saw that Yu Tang’s forehead was covered in perspiration and said lovingly, “Don’t force yourself either. If you feel that it’s too warm, find a place to rest and cool off. Don’t come to offer incense to Old Master Pei and fall sick after it.”
“I understand.” Yu Tang answered and brought a small wooden stool over to help Chen massage her legs.
Chen shi was astonished and delighted, saying, “Oh! I’ve not received such a blessing from my daughter before!”
Of course she hasn’t.
Previously, she wasn’t filial and didn’t know how to cherish her parents.
Only now did she realize how rare and precious having her loved ones beside her was.
Yu Tang’s eyes were moist and she shyly brushed this matter aside, as she sat by Chen’s legs and gave her a leg massage.
As Chen shi enjoyed her daughter’s care, she continued speaking. “People say blessed people are born in June, blessed people die in June …… Grand elder Pei did so much good…… Fortunately both second and third masters are at home, so when he left, his sons were by his side. However, he had to see his eldest son die before him, he must be feeling sad too……”
Yu Tang didn’t pay attention to her mother’s words, as she thought of the Pei family’s estates, land, mountains, forests, tea plantations, streets and harbor docks. She couldn’t help but think, were they so successful in their businesses because they often helped the people around them?
As Chen shi was speaking, there was a sudden clamor outside.
Chen and Yutang froze in unison.
Yu Tang thought of Ji Daniang’s words and quietly said to her mother. “Stay here first, I’ll check it out! “
