Chapter 14: Unwittingly
Even though Yutang said she was going to see what was happening, but as she too didn’t know the exact situation outside, so she only cautiously pushed open the front window a little and peered out.
There was no one in the courtyard – the commotion seemed to be happening outside.
While Yu Tang was still debating if she should step out to take a closer look, she saw five or six matrons and seven or eight maids, surrounding two madams, walking in.
The matrons and maids were all wearing fine blue clothing embroidered with large palm sized white silk flowers.
The two madams were both at the peak of their youth(TL: ie. 24-25 years old) and were tall. One wore a plain white robe and her only accessory was a pair of lotus seed-sized pearl earrings on her ears. The other madam wore a silvery-white silk jacket and a green pleated flowy skirt, with two pure gold inlaid water sapphire hairpins carefully placed in her hair and a pair of lustrous emerald bracelets on both wrists.
“All of you stand watch here.” The woman in the silvery-white silk jacket coldly instructed the matrons and maids. “Do not let anyone in!”
The matrons and maids halted their steps, gave a polite bow and respectfully complied.
The madam in the silvery-white silk jacket pulled the madam dressed in plain white towards the direction where Yu Tang was.
What do these two women intend to do?
Yu Tang was perplexed.
These two women looked like ladies belonging to distinguished families.
If they were guests of the Pei family and wanted to rest in the courtyard, the Pei family should have arranged for matrons and maids to lead the way?
Unless they were the female members of the Pei family? Perhaps because of what Ji Daniang did, they were now coming to find fault with them? But why go through all that trouble for the sake of their lowly Yu family?
Or maybe… they intend to use this secluded courtyard to have a private discussion?
While Yutang was thinking these things, the two madams had already walked up the steps of the porch in the east wing of the house, and Yu Tang got a clear view of the faces of the two women.
The one who wore a silvery-white silk jacket had a slender face, willowy eyebrows, a button nose, small cherry red lips, with refined and delicate facial features. However, her eyes were cold and she carried an arrogant disposition, which made her appear extremely unapproachable.
The one dressed in a plain white robe had an oval face and almond-shaped eyes. She seemed to be in mourning as her eyes were red and she looked haggard.
Certain things, it was better not to see and not to hear.
Yu Tang immediately regretted that she did not make a little noise beforehand, so that these two women would know that there were other people in this small courtyard as well. However, before she could remedy the situation, the woman in the silvery-white silk jacket already started to speak, blaming the woman in the plain white robe. “Why were you so muddleheaded? When you saw that the situation was not right, you should have tried to inform your brother and I as soon as possible. Look at you now, being anxious, is there any use? Third Brother Pei has used your father-in-law’s will as a decree – it’s too late for us to oppose it!”
Third brother Pei?
Father in law?
Yu Tang pondered for a moment.
The woman in white mourning clothes was the wife of the eldest master of the Pei family?
Then, the woman in the silvery-white silk jacket was her maternal sister-in-law?
Are they privately criticizing the Pei family’s third master for becoming the patriarch?
Yu Tang was confused by this sudden change and lost her composure momentarily, feeling cold sweat on her back.
Such a large family, no matter how many sordid things there were, on the surface, no matter what, they had to appear harmonious – a loving father, loyal sons, unity and respect between brothers.
The wife of the Pei family’s Eldest master clearly had something on her mind to discuss with her maternal sister-in-law.
Listening to such a confidential matter, surely her mother and her will not be killed to be silenced?
Yu Tang became very uneasy and subconsciously turned towards her mother and made a gesture to be quiet.
Chen shi was puzzled, but before she could say anything, the voice of Eldest Madam Pei travelled in. “How would I know that I had actually raised a venomous snake that bites people? When he was disobedient, I begged for mercy on his behalf in front of Grand elder and Grand Madam. When he didn’t study hard, it was me who personally begged Father-in law to give him private lessons, otherwise would he have gotten first place at the imperial examinations in the capital? Later on, it was he who wanted to marry a woman who was respectful, filial and obedient, your maternal side’s sister-in-law liked him, but he refused and tried all sorts of methods to reject. If it weren’t for my help, even if he did obtain top rank at the imperial examination and gotten the qualification to became a minister at court, would he have easily enjoyed the position of being a minister in the sixth cabinet1 ?”
“Enough!” Her sister-in-law said harshly, “What is the point of mentioning the past? After all, isn’t it because he thinks that my maternal family is low in status and he will be marrying down? Water travels downward but people travel upward2. This is also understandable. If you want to blame someone, you can only blame the brothers in my maternal family for not being capable enough to enter the imperial court and become ministers.”
This was shocking news.
Yu Tang and Chen shi looked at each other uneasily, and didn’t dare to make a sound.
“How can I blame sister-in-law for this!” Eldest madam Pei became angry at the mention of it and said, “It is also third brother Pei who did not know the value…. “
Although her maternal sister-in-law said it was understandable, but clearly in her heart she still bore a grudge. She smiled coldly and interrupted her. “You’re the only one who thinks he’s ignorant! He pushed aside our family and then turned to look for the Li family.”
“The Li (黎) family3?” The eldest master’s wife exclaimed, “Minister of Rites, Wen Yuan Ge university scholar Li Xun’s family?”
“Besides that Li family, which other Li family do you think is able to enter the eyes of your Third brother Pei?” She said scornfully, “It looks like you didn’t know about this matter either. I told you before that you were foolish and asked you to guard against him. You didn’t listen. Now you know the severity. Your family’s grand elder is biased! Speaking of the Li family, their third young lady is the same age as our TongGuan. If it’s for the prosperity of the Pei family, you can try to push for marriage for your son TongGuan and her instead.”
“Sister-in-law, have you made a mistake?” Eldest Madam Pei said in disbelief, “There was no mention of this before.”
Eldest madam Pei’s maternal sister-in-law snorted coldly and said, “I may have misheard other things, but this matter I would not have misheard. Madam Li heard that our two families are in-laws and so she quietly approached me to inquire about the affairs of Third Master Pei.
Eldest madam Pei sucked in a cold breath.
Eldest madam Pei’s maternal sister-in-law continued, saying, “Your family’s grand elder died suddenly, and your family’s second master and third master will keep to the mourning period of three years to show filial piety. Who knows what will happen after three years? What is of utmost importance now is third master Pei’s position as the patriarch. You are also well aware of third master Pei’s personality – he is not concerned with the opinions of others; no matter how good his eldest brother treated him in the past, if he wants to suppress the Eldest house, he will not show the slightest bit of mercy. If he becomes the patriarch, it will be the end of the eldest house.”
Eldest madam Pei hesitantly replied, “However powerful he is, he still can’t prevent our family’s Tongguan from taking the imperial examination right? Father-in-law also mentioned before, our family’s Tongguan is a studious person. As long as our family’s Tongguan can be successful in the examination, what can Third Master Pei do? The Pei family still has to rely on my beloved son Tong Guan to bring glory to the family!”
Eldest madam Pei can be said to be quite discerning.
Yu Tang listened and quietly thought in her heart.
In her previous life, in the fifth year after the death of Grand elder Pei, the Eldest young master of the Pei family indeed became successful in the imperial examinations and obtained the qualification to serve as a minister.
However, as she was focused on trying to escape from the Li (李) family, she didn’t know much about the Pei family’s affairs, and so she couldn’t recall what happened after that.
However, she overheard Li Jun’s mother, that is, her mother-in-law in her previous life, as she was privately discussing with Li Duan, who mentioned that Eldest madam Pei had a father with strong connections, and a brother who is a third-rank official. Even if the young Eldest master Pei did not rely on the Pei family, his future will still be successful.
However, Eldest madam Pei’s maternal sister in law didn’t feel the same, saying. “You are really like what mother-in-law said, your thinking has still not matured. Tongguan has to mourn for his father in Lin’an for three years, Third master Pei is now the patriarch, and is also Tongguan’s uncle, so even if my father-in-law (ie. Eldest Madam Pei’s father) and your brother had the intention to let him stay at our house to study, he still needs to ask for Third master Pei’s approval. If Third Master Pei hardens his heart and kept Tongguan to study in Lin’an and does not guide him properly, not to say three years, even thirty years, Tongguan will not be able to make a name for himself.”
This maternal sister-in-law of Eldest Madam Pei…. was she here to pick a fight rather than to solve the problem?
The more Yu Tong listened, the more she felt that this maternal sister-in-law of Eldest Madam Pei seemed to be enjoying watching the show, rather than sincerely helping Eldest Madam Pei to plan for the future.
However, she did say something right.
In her previous life, this young master Pei stayed in Lin’an. Even after the mourning period was over, he also did not immediately participate in the imperial examinations. It was only when Eldest Madam Pei’s father became critically ill and implored him to visit him one last time as his dying wish. Only then did Eldest young master Pei leave Lin’an, and eventually went to the capital to sit for the imperial examination.
Was the truth really just as what Eldest Madam Pei’s maternal sister-in-law said?
Yu Tang once again felt that the Pei family’s affairs were too deep, and that it was better for them, ordinary people, to avoid venturing in.
“Sister-in-law, then what do you suggest?” Eldest Madam Pei said urgently, “Now that everything is settled, can we still oppose the grand elder’s last words? Wouldn’t people say that I am competing with my brother-in-law for the inheritance? Wouldn’t that ruin Tongguan’s reputation?”
“Why are you still so foolish!” Eldest Madam pei’s maternal sister-in-law said resentfully, “Isn’t there still Second Master Pei? Even if it’s not the eldest house that is to be the patriarch, you can’t just give it to the third master!”
“That is impossible!” Eldest Madam Pei argued, “Second uncle has always been honest and loyal, he can’t possibly compete for this. Besides, it won’t do him any good to fight.”
Eldest Madam Pei’s maternal sister-in-law retorted, “He wouldn’t stand out to fight for this, but at least he could help to say a few words in our favor! Aren’t there two other distant branches of the Pei family? Master Yi and Master Wang, don’t they have anything to say? The Pei Family’s inheritance is immense – don’t you think that Master Yi and Master Wang will covet it even a little? Those two branch families are not like yours, which has produced scholars for generations. If it was me, what I can’t have, I’ll make sure that no one else can have it so easily!”
Eldest Madam Pei didn’t speak for a long time.
Eldest Madam Pei’s maternal sister-in-law didn’t rush her either. Yutang was uncertain of what they were doing as the surroundings became quiet and no voices were heard.
Yu Tang and her mother held their breath, afraid of being discovered.
After some time, Eldest Madam Pei said in a firm voice. “Sister-in-law, I’ll listen to you on this matter!”
Yu Tang then heard Eldest Madam pei’s maternal sister-in-law speak in delight and satisfaction, “You should have done this long ago! In the past, you had eldest brother-in-law to protect you, so you naturally didn’t have to care about anything, but now that eldest brother-in-law has passed away, for the sake of your two sons, you have to become strong!”
Eldest Madam Pei agreed.
Her maternal sister-in-law then said, “Come closer and I’ll tell you what to do!”
Yu Tang saw both of them bend their heads closer, whispering to each other .
What they said could not be heard clearly.
Is she now a witness to seeing how Eldest Madam Pei turn the tides against the third master?
Yu Tang shook her head.
Although Yutang didn’t know exactly what kind of conflicts there were between the eldest house and Third Master Pei that made it necessary to divide the wins and losses so clearly, but unfortunately, the eldest house ultimately failed.
Both madams left, and Yu Tang and Chen shi both breathed in a long sigh of relief, Chen shi repeatedly admonished her daughter: “What you heard earlier, you must not speak a word of it to anyone else. Family matters can often be twisted to suit people’s intentions. We are not the parties involved, so we can’t meddle in other people’s family affairs.”
Yu Tang nodded repeatedly.
Chen shi was still worried and so made Yu Tang solemnly swear that she wouldn’t speak a word to anyone before her heart settled.
Translator notes:
Last chapter for this week~ Happy weekend!
We are still early into the story, so there’s still a lot of worldbuilding, things and people to be introduced. So the early chapters may seem a little lacking.
(1) 六部九卿 – Being a minister in the sixth cabinet was an extremely honorable position in the imperial court. This meant that they were the main ministers (of which there were only 6) under the direct supervision of the emperor and assisted in governing the affairs of the country.
(2) 水往低处流，人往高处走 – Water travels downward but people travel upward
This is a saying that describes how people will naturally want to climb higher to enjoy greater success in life. Water traveling downward is a natural process, also meaning that if people don’t work hard, or fight for it, they will be like water that travels down and only achieve mediocre results and not be as successful as they could have been.
(3) This Li (黎 lí ) family is not the same as the Li (李 lǐ ) family Yutang married into in her previous life. Just in case you were confused.
Chapter 14: Unwittingly
Even though Yutang said she was going to see what was happening, but as she too didn’t know the exact situation outside, so she only cautiously pushed open the front window a little and peered out.
There was no one in the courtyard – the commotion seemed to be happening outside.
While Yu Tang was still debating if she should step out to take a closer look, she saw five or six matrons and seven or eight maids, surrounding two madams, walking in.
The matrons and maids were all wearing fine blue clothing embroidered with large palm sized white silk flowers.
The two madams were both at the peak of their youth(TL: ie. 24-25 years old) and were tall. One wore a plain white robe and her only accessory was a pair of lotus seed-sized pearl earrings on her ears. The other madam wore a silvery-white silk jacket and a green pleated flowy skirt, with two pure gold inlaid water sapphire hairpins carefully placed in her hair and a pair of lustrous emerald bracelets on both wrists.
“All of you stand watch here.” The woman in the silvery-white silk jacket coldly instructed the matrons and maids. “Do not let anyone in!”
The matrons and maids halted their steps, gave a polite bow and respectfully complied.
The madam in the silvery-white silk jacket pulled the madam dressed in plain white towards the direction where Yu Tang was.
What do these two women intend to do?
Yu Tang was perplexed.
These two women looked like ladies belonging to distinguished families.
If they were guests of the Pei family and wanted to rest in the courtyard, the Pei family should have arranged for matrons and maids to lead the way?
Unless they were the female members of the Pei family? Perhaps because of what Ji Daniang did, they were now coming to find fault with them? But why go through all that trouble for the sake of their lowly Yu family?
Or maybe… they intend to use this secluded courtyard to have a private discussion?
While Yutang was thinking these things, the two madams had already walked up the steps of the porch in the east wing of the house, and Yu Tang got a clear view of the faces of the two women.
The one who wore a silvery-white silk jacket had a slender face, willowy eyebrows, a button nose, small cherry red lips, with refined and delicate facial features. However, her eyes were cold and she carried an arrogant disposition, which made her appear extremely unapproachable.
The one dressed in a plain white robe had an oval face and almond-shaped eyes. She seemed to be in mourning as her eyes were red and she looked haggard.
Certain things, it was better not to see and not to hear.
Yu Tang immediately regretted that she did not make a little noise beforehand, so that these two women would know that there were other people in this small courtyard as well. However, before she could remedy the situation, the woman in the silvery-white silk jacket already started to speak, blaming the woman in the plain white robe. “Why were you so muddleheaded? When you saw that the situation was not right, you should have tried to inform your brother and I as soon as possible. Look at you now, being anxious, is there any use? Third Brother Pei has used your father-in-law’s will as a decree – it’s too late for us to oppose it!”
Third brother Pei?
Father in law?
Yu Tang pondered for a moment.
The woman in white mourning clothes was the wife of the eldest master of the Pei family?
Then, the woman in the silvery-white silk jacket was her maternal sister-in-law?
Are they privately criticizing the Pei family’s third master for becoming the patriarch?
Yu Tang was confused by this sudden change and lost her composure momentarily, feeling cold sweat on her back.
Such a large family, no matter how many sordid things there were, on the surface, no matter what, they had to appear harmonious – a loving father, loyal sons, unity and respect between brothers.
The wife of the Pei family’s Eldest master clearly had something on her mind to discuss with her maternal sister-in-law.
Listening to such a confidential matter, surely her mother and her will not be killed to be silenced?
Yu Tang became very uneasy and subconsciously turned towards her mother and made a gesture to be quiet.
Chen shi was puzzled, but before she could say anything, the voice of Eldest Madam Pei travelled in. “How would I know that I had actually raised a venomous snake that bites people? When he was disobedient, I begged for mercy on his behalf in front of Grand elder and Grand Madam. When he didn’t study hard, it was me who personally begged Father-in law to give him private lessons, otherwise would he have gotten first place at the imperial examinations in the capital? Later on, it was he who wanted to marry a woman who was respectful, filial and obedient, your maternal side’s sister-in-law liked him, but he refused and tried all sorts of methods to reject. If it weren’t for my help, even if he did obtain top rank at the imperial examination and gotten the qualification to became a minister at court, would he have easily enjoyed the position of being a minister in the sixth cabinet1 ?”
“Enough!” Her sister-in-law said harshly, “What is the point of mentioning the past? After all, isn’t it because he thinks that my maternal family is low in status and he will be marrying down? Water travels downward but people travel upward2. This is also understandable. If you want to blame someone, you can only blame the brothers in my maternal family for not being capable enough to enter the imperial court and become ministers.”
This was shocking news.
Yu Tang and Chen shi looked at each other uneasily, and didn’t dare to make a sound.
“How can I blame sister-in-law for this!” Eldest madam Pei became angry at the mention of it and said, “It is also third brother Pei who did not know the value…. “
Although her maternal sister-in-law said it was understandable, but clearly in her heart she still bore a grudge. She smiled coldly and interrupted her. “You’re the only one who thinks he’s ignorant! He pushed aside our family and then turned to look for the Li family.”
“The Li (黎) family3?” The eldest master’s wife exclaimed, “Minister of Rites, Wen Yuan Ge university scholar Li Xun’s family?”
“Besides that Li family, which other Li family do you think is able to enter the eyes of your Third brother Pei?” She said scornfully, “It looks like you didn’t know about this matter either. I told you before that you were foolish and asked you to guard against him. You didn’t listen. Now you know the severity. Your family’s grand elder is biased! Speaking of the Li family, their third young lady is the same age as our TongGuan. If it’s for the prosperity of the Pei family, you can try to push for marriage for your son TongGuan and her instead.”
“Sister-in-law, have you made a mistake?” Eldest Madam Pei said in disbelief, “There was no mention of this before.”
Eldest madam Pei’s maternal sister-in-law snorted coldly and said, “I may have misheard other things, but this matter I would not have misheard. Madam Li heard that our two families are in-laws and so she quietly approached me to inquire about the affairs of Third Master Pei.
Eldest madam Pei sucked in a cold breath.
Eldest madam Pei’s maternal sister-in-law continued, saying, “Your family’s grand elder died suddenly, and your family’s second master and third master will keep to the mourning period of three years to show filial piety. Who knows what will happen after three years? What is of utmost importance now is third master Pei’s position as the patriarch. You are also well aware of third master Pei’s personality – he is not concerned with the opinions of others; no matter how good his eldest brother treated him in the past, if he wants to suppress the Eldest house, he will not show the slightest bit of mercy. If he becomes the patriarch, it will be the end of the eldest house.”
Eldest madam Pei hesitantly replied, “However powerful he is, he still can’t prevent our family’s Tongguan from taking the imperial examination right? Father-in-law also mentioned before, our family’s Tongguan is a studious person. As long as our family’s Tongguan can be successful in the examination, what can Third Master Pei do? The Pei family still has to rely on my beloved son Tong Guan to bring glory to the family!”
Eldest madam Pei can be said to be quite discerning.
Yu Tang listened and quietly thought in her heart.
In her previous life, in the fifth year after the death of Grand elder Pei, the Eldest young master of the Pei family indeed became successful in the imperial examinations and obtained the qualification to serve as a minister.
However, as she was focused on trying to escape from the Li (李) family, she didn’t know much about the Pei family’s affairs, and so she couldn’t recall what happened after that.
However, she overheard Li Jun’s mother, that is, her mother-in-law in her previous life, as she was privately discussing with Li Duan, who mentioned that Eldest madam Pei had a father with strong connections, and a brother who is a third-rank official. Even if the young Eldest master Pei did not rely on the Pei family, his future will still be successful.
However, Eldest madam Pei’s maternal sister in law didn’t feel the same, saying. “You are really like what mother-in-law said, your thinking has still not matured. Tongguan has to mourn for his father in Lin’an for three years, Third master Pei is now the patriarch, and is also Tongguan’s uncle, so even if my father-in-law (ie. Eldest Madam Pei’s father) and your brother had the intention to let him stay at our house to study, he still needs to ask for Third master Pei’s approval. If Third Master Pei hardens his heart and kept Tongguan to study in Lin’an and does not guide him properly, not to say three years, even thirty years, Tongguan will not be able to make a name for himself.”
This maternal sister-in-law of Eldest Madam Pei…. was she here to pick a fight rather than to solve the problem?
The more Yu Tong listened, the more she felt that this maternal sister-in-law of Eldest Madam Pei seemed to be enjoying watching the show, rather than sincerely helping Eldest Madam Pei to plan for the future.
However, she did say something right.
In her previous life, this young master Pei stayed in Lin’an. Even after the mourning period was over, he also did not immediately participate in the imperial examinations. It was only when Eldest Madam Pei’s father became critically ill and implored him to visit him one last time as his dying wish. Only then did Eldest young master Pei leave Lin’an, and eventually went to the capital to sit for the imperial examination.
Was the truth really just as what Eldest Madam Pei’s maternal sister-in-law said?
Yu Tang once again felt that the Pei family’s affairs were too deep, and that it was better for them, ordinary people, to avoid venturing in.
“Sister-in-law, then what do you suggest?” Eldest Madam Pei said urgently, “Now that everything is settled, can we still oppose the grand elder’s last words? Wouldn’t people say that I am competing with my brother-in-law for the inheritance? Wouldn’t that ruin Tongguan’s reputation?”
“Why are you still so foolish!” Eldest Madam pei’s maternal sister-in-law said resentfully, “Isn’t there still Second Master Pei? Even if it’s not the eldest house that is to be the patriarch, you can’t just give it to the third master!”
“That is impossible!” Eldest Madam Pei argued, “Second uncle has always been honest and loyal, he can’t possibly compete for this. Besides, it won’t do him any good to fight.”
Eldest Madam Pei’s maternal sister-in-law retorted, “He wouldn’t stand out to fight for this, but at least he could help to say a few words in our favor! Aren’t there two other distant branches of the Pei family? Master Yi and Master Wang, don’t they have anything to say? The Pei Family’s inheritance is immense – don’t you think that Master Yi and Master Wang will covet it even a little? Those two branch families are not like yours, which has produced scholars for generations. If it was me, what I can’t have, I’ll make sure that no one else can have it so easily!”
Eldest Madam Pei didn’t speak for a long time.
Eldest Madam Pei’s maternal sister-in-law didn’t rush her either. Yutang was uncertain of what they were doing as the surroundings became quiet and no voices were heard.
Yu Tang and her mother held their breath, afraid of being discovered.
After some time, Eldest Madam Pei said in a firm voice. “Sister-in-law, I’ll listen to you on this matter!”
Yu Tang then heard Eldest Madam pei’s maternal sister-in-law speak in delight and satisfaction, “You should have done this long ago! In the past, you had eldest brother-in-law to protect you, so you naturally didn’t have to care about anything, but now that eldest brother-in-law has passed away, for the sake of your two sons, you have to become strong!”
Eldest Madam Pei agreed.
Her maternal sister-in-law then said, “Come closer and I’ll tell you what to do!”
Yu Tang saw both of them bend their heads closer, whispering to each other .
What they said could not be heard clearly.
Is she now a witness to seeing how Eldest Madam Pei turn the tides against the third master?
Yu Tang shook her head.
Although Yutang didn’t know exactly what kind of conflicts there were between the eldest house and Third Master Pei that made it necessary to divide the wins and losses so clearly, but unfortunately, the eldest house ultimately failed.
Both madams left, and Yu Tang and Chen shi both breathed in a long sigh of relief, Chen shi repeatedly admonished her daughter: “What you heard earlier, you must not speak a word of it to anyone else. Family matters can often be twisted to suit people’s intentions. We are not the parties involved, so we can’t meddle in other people’s family affairs.”
Yu Tang nodded repeatedly.
Chen shi was still worried and so made Yu Tang solemnly swear that she wouldn’t speak a word to anyone before her heart settled.
Translator notes:
Last chapter for this week~ Happy weekend!
We are still early into the story, so there’s still a lot of worldbuilding, things and people to be introduced. So the early chapters may seem a little lacking.
(1) 六部九卿 – Being a minister in the sixth cabinet was an extremely honorable position in the imperial court. This meant that they were the main ministers (of which there were only 6) under the direct supervision of the emperor and assisted in governing the affairs of the country.
(2) 水往低处流，人往高处走 – Water travels downward but people travel upward
This is a saying that describes how people will naturally want to climb higher to enjoy greater success in life. Water traveling downward is a natural process, also meaning that if people don’t work hard, or fight for it, they will be like water that travels down and only achieve mediocre results and not be as successful as they could have been.
(3) This Li (黎 lí ) family is not the same as the Li (李 lǐ ) family Yutang married into in her previous life. Just in case you were confused.
