Chapter 15 – Identity
Although nothing happened, Chen shi and Yutang both felt as though they were on pins and needles, and did not want to stay there any longer. They discussed and decided to find Lei Zi and inform her that they will head to the place the Pei family was hosting the vegetarian banquet a little earlier.
Who knew that just when they stepped out of the door, they saw a group of manservants unloading boxes and crates.
Listening to their conversation, it seemed to be that the maternal sister in law of Eldest madam Pei, Madam Yang, who came over to offer her condolences, was staying in a guest room not far from here.
No wonder there was a commotion just now, Yutang thought.
Chen shi and Yu Tang were afraid of attracting undue attention, so they quietly found the serving maid Lei Zi and informed her of their intention to leave early.
Lei Zi thought that both of them must have felt a little lonely in that secluded guestroom and as it was almost time for the banquet, so she took a break from her duties and led them to the banquet hall where the lunch was arranged.
As it was mid afternoon in summer, the sun was blindingly hot, however the large trees along both sides of the corridor offered plenty of shade and the breeze was cool and very comfortable.
From afar, Yu Tang saw a few men walking towards them from the opposite end of the corridor.
The man walking in the middle seemed to be around twenty-three or four years old. He was tall and neatly dressed in mourning attire. His face was pale, and he had a high nose, his jaw was taut and slightly raised. Although his posture was relaxed but his furrowed brows and silent gaze revealed cold indifference and displeasure.
It was actually the man in blue that she had met at the pawnshop that day.
Yu Tang eyes widened as she stared.
He… how could he be here?
This is the inner courtyard of the Pei family!
Lei Zi quickly pulled on the corner of Yu Tang’s sleeve and said sharply, “Eldest Miss Yu, they are our family’s Third Master and his associates. Miss… please lower your gaze.”
Third Master?!
The Third Master of the Pei family?!
Impossible!!
Yu Tang looked at Lei Zi, and then looked back at the person across the corridor, suspecting that there was a problem with her eyes; clearly she must be mistaken.
Seeing that Yu Tang’s eyes were still staring straight at Third Master brazenly, Lei Zi was so anxious, she broke out in cold sweat. She couldn’t be bothered with any niceties as she immediately pulled Yutang aside and fled to a side corridor.
Chen shi saw the situation and also blocked Yu Tang from their sight.
Pei Yan didn’t even spare her a glance as he walked past them down the corridor.
Rather, it was the men who followed him, as several of them turned to look at Yu Tang.
Yu Tang did not notice their gazes as she was still overwhelmed with shock that the man in blue was actually the third master of the Pei family.
As Lei Zi led them further along the corridor, she couldn’t hold back her disbelief and had to reconfirm with Lei Zi. She asked “How can the Pei family’s third master be so young?”
Lei Zi replied, “The Third Master was born to the Grand Elder when he was relatively advanced in age.”
Of course, she knew that.
But she didn’t know that he looked so youthful!
Come to think of it, her initial guess was that the man in blue could have been one of the young masters of the other two branches.
It was also possible for him to be a close relative of the Pei family.
No wonder he didn’t have a good expression at that time.
Yu Tang’s face turned red with embarrassment, saying “How old was the third master when he won the qualification to become a minister to serve in the imperial court?”
Lei Zi replied, “Twenty-one years old.”
Well, you couldn’t fault her for her misassumption.
When her father was twenty-one, he was still a student.
Yu Tang pouted.
Chen shi stopped her and chided, “Don’t be impolite! Be mindful of where you are.”
It was indeed ill-mannered to discuss the Pei family while they were still inside the Pei family’s residence.
Yu Tang could only keep silent.
Chen shi was a little worried and continued, saying, “You promised me that you will not cause any trouble. Even if you’re curious, you have to keep it to yourself.”
Yu Tang nodded helplessly.
Hearing their conversation, Lei Zi asked nervously, “Did something happen?”
Chen shi reassured her, “It’s nothing. It’s just that this little girl of mine is just too curious for her own good.”
Lei Zi smiled slightly as she responded, “It’s common for people who have seen our family’s Third Master to be surprised. Eldest Miss Yu is not the first.” She looked around before continuing in a low voice, “It seems like The Third Master is on his way to visit Madam Yang.”
“Visiting Madam Yang?” Yu Tang said, her expression becoming a little strange.
Were Third Master Pei and Madam Yang on such good terms?
“She is our family’s eldest madam’s maternal sister-in-law.” Lei Zi explained, “Eldest madam’s brother is currently serving as an administrative commissioner in the General Secretary’s office – that’s a third rank position.” After saying that, Lei Zi looked around. After making sure that there was no one, she then revealed a look of contempt and continued, “Just now, Madam Yang said she felt unwell and that the courtyard arranged for her wasn’t good, requesting the first head steward to change it. The first head steward is also incompetent – he still dared to report such a small matter to our third master. Because of the Grand Elder’s passing, the third master couldn’t eat or drink well these few days; he barely even had the time to rest. The Third master must have many things to worry about and yet the first head steward still bothered him about such a trivial matter. Just wait and see, the first head steward will definitely be sternly reprimanded.”
Perhaps this was part of Madam Yang’s plan?
Yu Tang silently wondered.
Chen shi listened with a little trepidation and whispered, “It may be that the first head steward can’t handle Madam Yang?”
“Madam Yang is not that kind of person!” Lei Zi dismissed the idea. “The first head steward often relies on his seniority to get things done. However, our third master strongly dislikes that kind of behavior. In the past, he still had the grand madam to help him say a few words, but now the grand madam has fallen ill because of the grand elder’s passing – who else can help him? Can’t he observe the current situation and act accordingly?”
What is this situation? Yutang thought.
It was not appropriate for Chen shi and Yutang to comment on such matters, so Chen shi could only make a few noncommittal remarks as they followed Lei Zi to the dining hall where the banquet was to be held.
The dining hall was stuffy and densely packed with people.
Yu Tang saw several familiar faces – they should be their family’s neighbors.
Perhaps after leaving the funeral hall, their sorrow and grief have also faded. Everyone was joking around and laughing, the dining hall was noisy and lively. It didn’t seem to be like a funeral, but rather, like a joyous gathering.
Yu Tang recalled the expression of third master Pei she saw just now and thought of her previous life when she first received news of her parents’ death, of how she felt strong grief and sorrow. She couldn’t help but sigh.
Only close relatives will feel deep sorrow and heartbreak.
Lei Zi arranged for Chen shi and Yutang to sit near the back of the dining hall.
It was quieter and there was also a slight breeze, and sitting close to them were other young ladies and madams of Lin’an. Sitting among them was a round-faced young lady, who was around Yutang’s age, who greeted Yutang with a big smile and even came over to sit next to her.
Yu Tang thought for a long while before she recognized her as Ma Xiu Niang, the daughter of Scholar Ma.
In her previous life, they were good friends. When she became of age, Ma Xiuniang had already married a young man surnamed Zhang, who was studying to became a scholar. Even so, Ma Xiuniang specially instructed someone to bring a pair of silver bracelets worth as much as five taels of silver as a gift and even brought her a message, saying that should Yutang encounter any difficulties in future, she can always find her.
However, as the Li family’s methods and tricks were ruthless, she was afraid of implicating Ma Xiuniang, and thus didn’t dare to contact her. Even until her death, she wasn’t able to express her appreciation towards her.
Yu Tong’s eyes became moist and blurry, as she took hold of Ma Xiuniang’s hand and pulled her close to sit by her side.
Scholar Ma’s wife, Mrs. Ma said to Chen shi teasingly. “Look at those two girls, so close like twins. It even seems like we are now the villainesses, who separated them from meeting each other.”
Chen shi couldn’t help but laugh.
Ma Xiuniang asked Yu Tang. “Where have you been? I was just looking for you!”
Yu Tang replied ” I was already here in the Pei family’s residence. Where were you? I didn’t see you either.”
Ma Xiuniang muttered, “That’s strange.”
Yu Tang changed the subject and said, “When did you come? We haven’t met up for awhile, so what have you been up to recently?”
Ma Xiuniang started to talk about recent happenings.
Chen shi was relieved to see that Yutang was able to keep silent on important matters. She then continued her conversation with Mrs. Ma.
However Yu Tang was a little distracted.
She was still thinking about Third Master Pei.
Never in her wildest dreams would she have thought that the man in blue was the renowned Pei family’s patriarch head.
To think that she was even worried that he may have suffered by supporting the wrong side in the struggle for the patriarch position – who knew that instead, he would be the one that would accept nothing less than complete victory.
In her previous life, not only did third master Pei securely occupy the position of patriarch head, but he also managed to skillfully direct the Pei family’s younger brothers and sons who were serving outside as ministers and court officials.
Later on, the Pei family produced two more scholars who qualified to serve as ministers in the imperial court – one was the eldest young master of the eldest house, and the other one was Young Master Chan of a side branch of the family.
The eldest young master of the eldest house was suppressed by him – perhaps Chan Young Master of a side branch was the one supported by him? Yutang speculated.
Speaking of which, he did not find fault with her using the Pei family’s name and reputation previously, and she still owes him a favor.
Originally, she thought that he was just a young master of one of the branches belong to the Pei family, so if she offered an antique painting or something of that nature, it would be sufficient as repayment of gratitude. However, now that he was the Pei family’s third master, even if she were to obtain a famous antique, it wouldn’t be enough even to capture his attention.
What if she just pretended that nothing happened? And acted as if she didn’t know his identity?
Every time Yu Tang thought of the man in blue as being the person from her memory, the one hidden deep in the Pei family, like a shadow that surrounds Lin’an city, the Pei Family’s Third Master. It was as if she was facing an unfathomable abyss, she couldn’t help but tremble in fear, that some unknown danger will come at any time.
The Pei family’s third master has so many things to do; hopefully he has forgotten her and what she had done.
However, his face looked much gloomier than the last time she saw him. Previously, he gave her the impression of being cold and distant, but now, she felt that he seemed to be desperately reigning in his violent and turbulent emotions. On the surface, he seemed to be calm and composed, but in actuality, he was extremely unhappy – Like a taut string, it seemed like the slightest pressure could cause him to snap and lose control of his rationality.
Was it due to the death of his father, Grand elder Pei?
When her parents died, she too felt sad, but it wasn’t like this.
The death of Grand Elder Pei seemed to have taken away something from him, something that helped to keep him calm and level-headed.
After her parents’ death, the strongest emotion she felt was pain and heartache.
The third master and the grand elder of the Pei family must have had a very good relationship.
Yu Tang was reflection on these thoughts internally when she suddenly found Ma Xiuniang shaking her hand and saying, “I was talking to you just now, didn’t you hear me? What were you thinking about?”
She immediately came back to her senses and said, “Sorry, my mind drifted away. What were you saying? I’m listening now.”
Ma Xiuniang did not pursue the matter. She said “There will be a temple fair at Zhaoming Temple in ten days, do you want to go with me?”
If Ma Xiuniang didn’t bring it up, she would have forgotten about it.
In her previous life, it was at this temple fair in Zhaoming Temple that the second son of the Li family, Li Jun, was said to have seen her and fallen for her, adamantly declaring that he would marry her and only her – apart from her there will be no one else. The Li family, considering that as he was only the second son and not the inheritor of the family business, so they reluctantly agreed to the marriage, and invited a matchmaker to arrange the engagement and marriage with Yutang’s family.
In this life, she doesn’t want to have anything to do with the Li family ever again.
“I won’t go.” Yu Tang said firmly, “My mother’s health is not good as you know, so I want to stay at home with mother.”
Ma Xiuniang nodded her head to show she understood, but Chen shi, who just heard a little of what was said, disagreed. “It’s rare that Xiuniang asks you out to play, so you should just go! There’s old aunty chen who will be with me at home.”
In her previous life, her mother had also advised her to go out and play.
Yu Tang’s eyes were slightly moist and she replied, “I don’t want to go. The weather is too hot, so it’s better if I stayed at home and avoid getting heatstroke.”
Hearing this, Mrs Ma chided Ma Xiuniang and said, “Look at Ah tang. It’s better for you to stay at home too, and don’t go out.”
“Mother!” Ma Xiuniang was devastated and begged for a long time, but Mrs. Ma did not agree.
Yu Tang felt guilty and said, “Why don’t you come over to my house? What’s so interesting about the temple fair anyway? It’s so hot that the shaved ice will melt in your hands before you even eat it. If you come to my house, I’ll ask my father to buy us some shaved ice and melons.”
Ma Xiu Niang immediately cheered up, enthusiastically chatting to her the things they can do together on the day
Chapter 15 – Identity
Although nothing happened, Chen shi and Yutang both felt as though they were on pins and needles, and did not want to stay there any longer. They discussed and decided to find Lei Zi and inform her that they will head to the place the Pei family was hosting the vegetarian banquet a little earlier.
Who knew that just when they stepped out of the door, they saw a group of manservants unloading boxes and crates.
Listening to their conversation, it seemed to be that the maternal sister in law of Eldest madam Pei, Madam Yang, who came over to offer her condolences, was staying in a guest room not far from here.
No wonder there was a commotion just now, Yutang thought.
Chen shi and Yu Tang were afraid of attracting undue attention, so they quietly found the serving maid Lei Zi and informed her of their intention to leave early.
Lei Zi thought that both of them must have felt a little lonely in that secluded guestroom and as it was almost time for the banquet, so she took a break from her duties and led them to the banquet hall where the lunch was arranged.
As it was mid afternoon in summer, the sun was blindingly hot, however the large trees along both sides of the corridor offered plenty of shade and the breeze was cool and very comfortable.
From afar, Yu Tang saw a few men walking towards them from the opposite end of the corridor.
The man walking in the middle seemed to be around twenty-three or four years old. He was tall and neatly dressed in mourning attire. His face was pale, and he had a high nose, his jaw was taut and slightly raised. Although his posture was relaxed but his furrowed brows and silent gaze revealed cold indifference and displeasure.
It was actually the man in blue that she had met at the pawnshop that day.
Yu Tang eyes widened as she stared.
He… how could he be here?
This is the inner courtyard of the Pei family!
Lei Zi quickly pulled on the corner of Yu Tang’s sleeve and said sharply, “Eldest Miss Yu, they are our family’s Third Master and his associates. Miss… please lower your gaze.”
Third Master?!
The Third Master of the Pei family?!
Impossible!!
Yu Tang looked at Lei Zi, and then looked back at the person across the corridor, suspecting that there was a problem with her eyes; clearly she must be mistaken.
Seeing that Yu Tang’s eyes were still staring straight at Third Master brazenly, Lei Zi was so anxious, she broke out in cold sweat. She couldn’t be bothered with any niceties as she immediately pulled Yutang aside and fled to a side corridor.
Chen shi saw the situation and also blocked Yu Tang from their sight.
Pei Yan didn’t even spare her a glance as he walked past them down the corridor.
Rather, it was the men who followed him, as several of them turned to look at Yu Tang.
Yu Tang did not notice their gazes as she was still overwhelmed with shock that the man in blue was actually the third master of the Pei family.
As Lei Zi led them further along the corridor, she couldn’t hold back her disbelief and had to reconfirm with Lei Zi. She asked “How can the Pei family’s third master be so young?”
Lei Zi replied, “The Third Master was born to the Grand Elder when he was relatively advanced in age.”
Of course, she knew that.
But she didn’t know that he looked so youthful!
Come to think of it, her initial guess was that the man in blue could have been one of the young masters of the other two branches.
It was also possible for him to be a close relative of the Pei family.
No wonder he didn’t have a good expression at that time.
Yu Tang’s face turned red with embarrassment, saying “How old was the third master when he won the qualification to become a minister to serve in the imperial court?”
Lei Zi replied, “Twenty-one years old.”
Well, you couldn’t fault her for her misassumption.
When her father was twenty-one, he was still a student.
Yu Tang pouted.
Chen shi stopped her and chided, “Don’t be impolite! Be mindful of where you are.”
It was indeed ill-mannered to discuss the Pei family while they were still inside the Pei family’s residence.
Yu Tang could only keep silent.
Chen shi was a little worried and continued, saying, “You promised me that you will not cause any trouble. Even if you’re curious, you have to keep it to yourself.”
Yu Tang nodded helplessly.
Hearing their conversation, Lei Zi asked nervously, “Did something happen?”
Chen shi reassured her, “It’s nothing. It’s just that this little girl of mine is just too curious for her own good.”
Lei Zi smiled slightly as she responded, “It’s common for people who have seen our family’s Third Master to be surprised. Eldest Miss Yu is not the first.” She looked around before continuing in a low voice, “It seems like The Third Master is on his way to visit Madam Yang.”
“Visiting Madam Yang?” Yu Tang said, her expression becoming a little strange.
Were Third Master Pei and Madam Yang on such good terms?
“She is our family’s eldest madam’s maternal sister-in-law.” Lei Zi explained, “Eldest madam’s brother is currently serving as an administrative commissioner in the General Secretary’s office – that’s a third rank position.” After saying that, Lei Zi looked around. After making sure that there was no one, she then revealed a look of contempt and continued, “Just now, Madam Yang said she felt unwell and that the courtyard arranged for her wasn’t good, requesting the first head steward to change it. The first head steward is also incompetent – he still dared to report such a small matter to our third master. Because of the Grand Elder’s passing, the third master couldn’t eat or drink well these few days; he barely even had the time to rest. The Third master must have many things to worry about and yet the first head steward still bothered him about such a trivial matter. Just wait and see, the first head steward will definitely be sternly reprimanded.”
Perhaps this was part of Madam Yang’s plan?
Yu Tang silently wondered.
Chen shi listened with a little trepidation and whispered, “It may be that the first head steward can’t handle Madam Yang?”
“Madam Yang is not that kind of person!” Lei Zi dismissed the idea. “The first head steward often relies on his seniority to get things done. However, our third master strongly dislikes that kind of behavior. In the past, he still had the grand madam to help him say a few words, but now the grand madam has fallen ill because of the grand elder’s passing – who else can help him? Can’t he observe the current situation and act accordingly?”
What is this situation? Yutang thought.
It was not appropriate for Chen shi and Yutang to comment on such matters, so Chen shi could only make a few noncommittal remarks as they followed Lei Zi to the dining hall where the banquet was to be held.
The dining hall was stuffy and densely packed with people.
Yu Tang saw several familiar faces – they should be their family’s neighbors.
Perhaps after leaving the funeral hall, their sorrow and grief have also faded. Everyone was joking around and laughing, the dining hall was noisy and lively. It didn’t seem to be like a funeral, but rather, like a joyous gathering.
Yu Tang recalled the expression of third master Pei she saw just now and thought of her previous life when she first received news of her parents’ death, of how she felt strong grief and sorrow. She couldn’t help but sigh.
Only close relatives will feel deep sorrow and heartbreak.
Lei Zi arranged for Chen shi and Yutang to sit near the back of the dining hall.
It was quieter and there was also a slight breeze, and sitting close to them were other young ladies and madams of Lin’an. Sitting among them was a round-faced young lady, who was around Yutang’s age, who greeted Yutang with a big smile and even came over to sit next to her.
Yu Tang thought for a long while before she recognized her as Ma Xiu Niang, the daughter of Scholar Ma.
In her previous life, they were good friends. When she became of age, Ma Xiuniang had already married a young man surnamed Zhang, who was studying to became a scholar. Even so, Ma Xiuniang specially instructed someone to bring a pair of silver bracelets worth as much as five taels of silver as a gift and even brought her a message, saying that should Yutang encounter any difficulties in future, she can always find her.
However, as the Li family’s methods and tricks were ruthless, she was afraid of implicating Ma Xiuniang, and thus didn’t dare to contact her. Even until her death, she wasn’t able to express her appreciation towards her.
Yu Tong’s eyes became moist and blurry, as she took hold of Ma Xiuniang’s hand and pulled her close to sit by her side.
Scholar Ma’s wife, Mrs. Ma said to Chen shi teasingly. “Look at those two girls, so close like twins. It even seems like we are now the villainesses, who separated them from meeting each other.”
Chen shi couldn’t help but laugh.
Ma Xiuniang asked Yu Tang. “Where have you been? I was just looking for you!”
Yu Tang replied ” I was already here in the Pei family’s residence. Where were you? I didn’t see you either.”
Ma Xiuniang muttered, “That’s strange.”
Yu Tang changed the subject and said, “When did you come? We haven’t met up for awhile, so what have you been up to recently?”
Ma Xiuniang started to talk about recent happenings.
Chen shi was relieved to see that Yutang was able to keep silent on important matters. She then continued her conversation with Mrs. Ma.
However Yu Tang was a little distracted.
She was still thinking about Third Master Pei.
Never in her wildest dreams would she have thought that the man in blue was the renowned Pei family’s patriarch head.
To think that she was even worried that he may have suffered by supporting the wrong side in the struggle for the patriarch position – who knew that instead, he would be the one that would accept nothing less than complete victory.
In her previous life, not only did third master Pei securely occupy the position of patriarch head, but he also managed to skillfully direct the Pei family’s younger brothers and sons who were serving outside as ministers and court officials.
Later on, the Pei family produced two more scholars who qualified to serve as ministers in the imperial court – one was the eldest young master of the eldest house, and the other one was Young Master Chan of a side branch of the family.
The eldest young master of the eldest house was suppressed by him – perhaps Chan Young Master of a side branch was the one supported by him? Yutang speculated.
Speaking of which, he did not find fault with her using the Pei family’s name and reputation previously, and she still owes him a favor.
Originally, she thought that he was just a young master of one of the branches belong to the Pei family, so if she offered an antique painting or something of that nature, it would be sufficient as repayment of gratitude. However, now that he was the Pei family’s third master, even if she were to obtain a famous antique, it wouldn’t be enough even to capture his attention.
What if she just pretended that nothing happened? And acted as if she didn’t know his identity?
Every time Yu Tang thought of the man in blue as being the person from her memory, the one hidden deep in the Pei family, like a shadow that surrounds Lin’an city, the Pei Family’s Third Master. It was as if she was facing an unfathomable abyss, she couldn’t help but tremble in fear, that some unknown danger will come at any time.
The Pei family’s third master has so many things to do; hopefully he has forgotten her and what she had done.
However, his face looked much gloomier than the last time she saw him. Previously, he gave her the impression of being cold and distant, but now, she felt that he seemed to be desperately reigning in his violent and turbulent emotions. On the surface, he seemed to be calm and composed, but in actuality, he was extremely unhappy – Like a taut string, it seemed like the slightest pressure could cause him to snap and lose control of his rationality.
Was it due to the death of his father, Grand elder Pei?
When her parents died, she too felt sad, but it wasn’t like this.
The death of Grand Elder Pei seemed to have taken away something from him, something that helped to keep him calm and level-headed.
After her parents’ death, the strongest emotion she felt was pain and heartache.
The third master and the grand elder of the Pei family must have had a very good relationship.
Yu Tang was reflection on these thoughts internally when she suddenly found Ma Xiuniang shaking her hand and saying, “I was talking to you just now, didn’t you hear me? What were you thinking about?”
She immediately came back to her senses and said, “Sorry, my mind drifted away. What were you saying? I’m listening now.”
Ma Xiuniang did not pursue the matter. She said “There will be a temple fair at Zhaoming Temple in ten days, do you want to go with me?”
If Ma Xiuniang didn’t bring it up, she would have forgotten about it.
In her previous life, it was at this temple fair in Zhaoming Temple that the second son of the Li family, Li Jun, was said to have seen her and fallen for her, adamantly declaring that he would marry her and only her – apart from her there will be no one else. The Li family, considering that as he was only the second son and not the inheritor of the family business, so they reluctantly agreed to the marriage, and invited a matchmaker to arrange the engagement and marriage with Yutang’s family.
In this life, she doesn’t want to have anything to do with the Li family ever again.
“I won’t go.” Yu Tang said firmly, “My mother’s health is not good as you know, so I want to stay at home with mother.”
Ma Xiuniang nodded her head to show she understood, but Chen shi, who just heard a little of what was said, disagreed. “It’s rare that Xiuniang asks you out to play, so you should just go! There’s old aunty chen who will be with me at home.”
In her previous life, her mother had also advised her to go out and play.
Yu Tang’s eyes were slightly moist and she replied, “I don’t want to go. The weather is too hot, so it’s better if I stayed at home and avoid getting heatstroke.”
Hearing this, Mrs Ma chided Ma Xiuniang and said, “Look at Ah tang. It’s better for you to stay at home too, and don’t go out.”
“Mother!” Ma Xiuniang was devastated and begged for a long time, but Mrs. Ma did not agree.
Yu Tang felt guilty and said, “Why don’t you come over to my house? What’s so interesting about the temple fair anyway? It’s so hot that the shaved ice will melt in your hands before you even eat it. If you come to my house, I’ll ask my father to buy us some shaved ice and melons.”
Ma Xiu Niang immediately cheered up, enthusiastically chatting to her the things they can do together on the day
