Chapter 65 – Game of wits
With a smile in his eyes, Li Duan looked at Yu Tang and said gently, “I’m terribly sorry for the actions of my mother in this matter. However, I hope Lady Yu will extend her forgiveness. Mothers often do foolish things to protect their children. Fortunately, my mother did not intend to harm Lady Yu. Therefore as soon as my brother heard that Lady Yu might be in trouble, he went with his companion to rescue her immediately. Speaking of it, my brother was also a victim!”
The invited witnesses were all shrewd people, so when they heard his words, they understood his meaning immediately and couldn’t help but chuckle a little.
Pei Yan did not expect that the mastermind behind this was Li Jun’s mother, Madam Lin.
He could not help but take another look at Li Jun.
Li Jun was staring at Yu Tang unblinkingly, the corners of his mouth parted and closed, as if he had many things to say to Yu Tang, but just didn’t know how to say them. Eventually, he had a resigned look of sadness on his face.
He next turned to look at Yu Tang.
Yu Tang coolly watched Li Duan, her eyes was devoid of emotion, and not once did she attempt to look at Li Jun.
Clearly, she did not think much of Li Jun.
Pei Yan was inwardly puzzled.
Observing the events that transpired, he was sure that Li Jun liked Lady Yu and that he was still very fond of her even now. However, Lady Yu who had previously taken the initiative to flirt with Li Jun before, was now treating him with such indifference. Furthermore, from the looks of it, she didn’t seem to be interested in Li Duan either. At least when she was face to face with Li Duan, it was obvious that Lady Yu had no affection for Li Duan at all.
Perhaps he had a lapse in judgement?
Admittedly, he had never been too perceptive in such matters.
When Zhou ZiJin and that temple abbess were having a dalliance, although he had accompanied them for tea several times, he was completely unaware of it. It was only when Mrs Zhou sent some people to split the lovebirds up that he got to know of it.
Pei Yan couldn’t help but touch his nose uncomfortably.
And Wei Xiaoshan, the second son of the Wei family. It was evident that Lady Yu was sincerely seeking justice for him, even going so far as to confront Li Duan at the expense of her own reputation.
This Lady Yu was really interesting!
Despite the circumstances, she stuck to her convictions and held her ground.
For the first time in his life, there was someone who Pei Yan was unable to read.
However, the current situation was not favorable for Lady Yu. Even if Li Duan had admitted that the kidnapping was the work of the Li family, he had pinned the blame solely on his mother, Madam Lin. It was pretty common for women to be shortsighted and do foolish things on impulse, therefore it would be difficult to use this against the Li Family.
If he was in her position, since they had already brought up this matter, he would attack it from another angle. He would ask the Li Family on how they intend to settle this matter and maneuver matters in such a way that the relationship between the two families would be severed completely, and the Li family would no longer be able to use this as a way to tie the knot with the Yu Family.
Should he advise Lady Yu of this?
He dismissed the idea as soon as it crossed his mind.
At the moment, he was still unsure of Lady Yu’s intentions. Although it seemed like she was fighting for Wei Xiaoshan, there was still a possibility that she wanted to marry Li Duan.
He was not familiar with this kind of relationship matters, so it was best not to make a fool of himself.
However, if Lady Yu was serious about marrying Li Duan, he might be able to lend a hand. When the Li family withdraws their marriage with the Gu Family, Gu Chang would certainly be extremely upset.
The corners of Pei Yan’s mouth lifted slightly.
He then heard Yu Tang’s voice saying, “Although this incident happened due to Madam Li’s momentary lapse in judgement, it’s Eldest Young Master Li who is currently responsible in managing family matters. After Madam Lin’s actions, it is impossible for our family to form any marriage with the Li family both now and in the future. I think everyone here including eldest young master Li would be able to understand the Yu family’s outrage and indignation.”
Pei Yan sat up straight all of a sudden.
Unexpectedly, Lady Yu really wanted to sever ties with the Li family!
He had misread it yet again!
Pei Yan lowered his head and took a sip of tea, trying to conceal his discomfort.
The audience started to murmur again, and Master Wu, at the nudging by Yu Wen, spoke up, “Lady Yu’s words are justified. If my daughter were to encounter such a thing, even though there may be good intentions behind it, it would still leave a scar in her heart and it would be contrary to propriety. On no account would the two families still be able to tie the knot. After saying this, he chuckled and said, “Fortunately, the Yu family has already decided to keep Lady Yu in their family. With the second son of the Li family being so talented, if I were Master Li, I wouldn’t be contented to give away my son who had been so pain-stakingly raised, just for him to be an ordinary son in law. It’s better that we settle this amicably, and forget about this marriage. What do you think, Third Master Pei?”
Pei Yan looked towards Yu Tang.
Yu Tang was also watching him.
Her bright, sparkling eyes revealed her anxiety, as she stared at him unblinkingly, as though if she were to blink, even for a split second, she would miss out on any change in his expression that might spell disastrous consequences for her.
She leaned forward ever so slightly, with a touch of pleading and hope, as if his decision was of such importance to her, that it would mean her life or death.
Tsk, tsk, tsk, this Lady Yu really wore a thousand masks. In times of need, she can even soften his heart when he looks at her, much less speaking of that boy Li Jun.
Pei Yan awkwardly took another sip of tea and glanced at Li Duan.
In the end, he was young and not yet able to fully conceal emotions. Li Duan’s face showed his discontent, and he was obviously displeased with Master Wu’s words.
So it turns out that it wasn’t Lady Yu who was pestering the Li family, instead it was the Li family who was still trying to obtain Lady Yu even at this point in time!
Interesting.
When Pei Yan thought of Gu Chang’s expression, his mood became much better.
He commented, “Many famed literary tales of old do not follow societal laws of propriety. If the couple is in love, perhaps we would let it be. However, since that’s not the case, it would be better for us to set a good example and adhere to proper decorum.”
This indicated that he was against the Li family having further entanglements with the Yu family regarding marriage.
Yu Tang let out a long sigh of relief.
She had long planned to convince Third Master Pei to side with her. Unexpectedly, Third Master Pei had helped her without her even needing to say a word, citing that it was “not in accordance with decorum”.
Third Master Pei seemed to be exactly the kind of person she had been told he was before. Although he seldom intervened in the affairs of others, but when it came to critical moments, he was willing to lend a helping hand.
Yu Tang looked towards Pei Yan with gratitude.
In the brightly lit hall, her eyes which held a slight watery glow, shone like sunlight reflecting over the waters, glittering and brimming with color and life.
Pei Yan was momentarily stunned.
Yu Tang had already bent her knees and bowed gracefully, saying “Thank you, Third Master Pei” with a voice full of gratitude.
Her voice was as clear and pleasant as jade striking against a stone.
Pei Yan instantly remembered how Lady Yu had also thanked Li Jun in the same way at Wudao Pine in Zhaoming Temple.
His face darkened.
He felt as though he had been reduced to the same level as Li Jun.
Yu Tang inwardly muttered to herself.
This Third Master Pei was really temperamental!
No sooner had he been pleasant and helpful to her, then his face changed for the worse in the blink of an eye.
She didn’t want things to turn ugly because of Pei Yan’s erratic mood swings.
Since things have proceeded to this point, even if it’s risky, she had to ensure that this matter is settled.
“Second young master of the Li family,” she smiled as she turned to look at Li Jun and said warmly, “I suppose you too agree with Third Master Pei’s opinion?”
This was the first time that Yu Tang had laid eyes on him and spoken to him since that fateful day at Qingzhu Lane.
Li Jun felt bitter in his heart, but more than that, he felt ashamed.
He knew that Yu Tang was trying to draw a clear line between them, but how could disagree?
In the first place, it was him who had wronged her, so how could he be so despicable and cling onto her?
This was something he had realized when he left Qingzhu Lane, but this time he was forced to say it aloud.
Li Duan got so anxious that he didn’t wait for Li Jun to speak, but immediately went forward and pulled on Li Jun’s sleeve.
This child, why is he so stupid?
When chasing a lady, if you remain a respectful gentleman, you definitely would lose her.
This decision to marry Lady Yu was not a personal matter; it was decided by his father.
The future of the Li family was at stake.
They didn’t anticipate that Li Jun would really fall for Lady Yu.
“Third Master Pei ……” Li Duan started, but before he could finish his sentence, Li Jun shook off his hand, knocking away Li Duan’s grip on his clothes, and interrupted, saying “Lady Yu, you have a point. This is indeed inappropriate and we have disregarded societal laws of decorum. I have been remiss in my actions.” After saying this, he offered Yu Tang an apologetic bow.
“Younger Brother!” Li Duan frowned.
However, Yu Tang felt a lightness in her heart.
Li Jun still had his bottom line and was not incorrigibly bad like his family.
She would find a way to save his life.
Yu Tang looked over at Li Duan and a trace of coldness flashed across her eyes.
Even if the kidnapping was Madam Lin’s idea, if there was no Li Duan, would Madam Lin have succeeded?
Whether in her previous life or now, there was never a time when Li Duan stood up and admitted his faults cleanly.
She continued, “Eldest Young Master Li, clearly everyone knows that after your family committed such an act, it is impossible for our two families to be related by marriage. Even second young master Li, also feels that this matter is not proper. In other words, when our family first refused the marriage, you were already out of options.”
Li Duan agreed with this statement in his heart, but he didn’t speak a word.
Previously, he had answered too hastily, which allowed Lady Yu the opportunity to exploit the loophole in his words and completely severed the possibility of their two families tying the knot. It was apparent that he had underestimated Lady Yu. He should have known that if the Yu family dared to allow Lady Yu to confront him, Lady Yu should possess some skill.
In the future, he had to think hard before answering anything that Lady Yu asked.
What took him by surprise was also Pei Yan’s attitude.
He knew that the Yu family and the Pei family had a good relationship. Before he came, he had considered if he should pay a visit to Pei Yan in advance, but he was worried that his early visit would make Pei Yan misunderstand that their family was guilty, which would adversely affect Pei Yan’s impression of him. Pei Yan’s mentor and senior brothers were too powerful, and each of them occupied important positions in court. He feared that there might be a day where he had to seek Pei Yan’s help.
However, it seemed that he had made a mistake.
If the Yu family could request Pei Yan to act as an intermediary, most likely they had already convinced Pei Yan to support them.
To break this impasse, he had to tread carefully.
“Lady Yu, one must not be hasty.” Li Duan smiled amicably, without revealing any trace of the panic he felt, and remarked, “With sincerity, there would be blessings. Our family had always wanted to be related to the Yu family, and we would not do something like that to sabotage ourselves.”
Yu Tang returned a warm smile as she retorted, “However the truth remains, my family was determined to keep me, and your family was determined to have me marry into the Li family. Neither family was willing to back down, which forced Madam Lin to do something foolish. Am I mistaken?”
Chapter 65 – Game of wits
With a smile in his eyes, Li Duan looked at Yu Tang and said gently, “I’m terribly sorry for the actions of my mother in this matter. However, I hope Lady Yu will extend her forgiveness. Mothers often do foolish things to protect their children. Fortunately, my mother did not intend to harm Lady Yu. Therefore as soon as my brother heard that Lady Yu might be in trouble, he went with his companion to rescue her immediately. Speaking of it, my brother was also a victim!”
The invited witnesses were all shrewd people, so when they heard his words, they understood his meaning immediately and couldn’t help but chuckle a little.
Pei Yan did not expect that the mastermind behind this was Li Jun’s mother, Madam Lin.
He could not help but take another look at Li Jun.
Li Jun was staring at Yu Tang unblinkingly, the corners of his mouth parted and closed, as if he had many things to say to Yu Tang, but just didn’t know how to say them. Eventually, he had a resigned look of sadness on his face.
He next turned to look at Yu Tang.
Yu Tang coolly watched Li Duan, her eyes was devoid of emotion, and not once did she attempt to look at Li Jun.
Clearly, she did not think much of Li Jun.
Pei Yan was inwardly puzzled.
Observing the events that transpired, he was sure that Li Jun liked Lady Yu and that he was still very fond of her even now. However, Lady Yu who had previously taken the initiative to flirt with Li Jun before, was now treating him with such indifference. Furthermore, from the looks of it, she didn’t seem to be interested in Li Duan either. At least when she was face to face with Li Duan, it was obvious that Lady Yu had no affection for Li Duan at all.
Perhaps he had a lapse in judgement?
Admittedly, he had never been too perceptive in such matters.
When Zhou ZiJin and that temple abbess were having a dalliance, although he had accompanied them for tea several times, he was completely unaware of it. It was only when Mrs Zhou sent some people to split the lovebirds up that he got to know of it.
Pei Yan couldn’t help but touch his nose uncomfortably.
And Wei Xiaoshan, the second son of the Wei family. It was evident that Lady Yu was sincerely seeking justice for him, even going so far as to confront Li Duan at the expense of her own reputation.
This Lady Yu was really interesting!
Despite the circumstances, she stuck to her convictions and held her ground.
For the first time in his life, there was someone who Pei Yan was unable to read.
However, the current situation was not favorable for Lady Yu. Even if Li Duan had admitted that the kidnapping was the work of the Li family, he had pinned the blame solely on his mother, Madam Lin. It was pretty common for women to be shortsighted and do foolish things on impulse, therefore it would be difficult to use this against the Li Family.
If he was in her position, since they had already brought up this matter, he would attack it from another angle. He would ask the Li Family on how they intend to settle this matter and maneuver matters in such a way that the relationship between the two families would be severed completely, and the Li family would no longer be able to use this as a way to tie the knot with the Yu Family.
Should he advise Lady Yu of this?
He dismissed the idea as soon as it crossed his mind.
At the moment, he was still unsure of Lady Yu’s intentions. Although it seemed like she was fighting for Wei Xiaoshan, there was still a possibility that she wanted to marry Li Duan.
He was not familiar with this kind of relationship matters, so it was best not to make a fool of himself.
However, if Lady Yu was serious about marrying Li Duan, he might be able to lend a hand. When the Li family withdraws their marriage with the Gu Family, Gu Chang would certainly be extremely upset.
The corners of Pei Yan’s mouth lifted slightly.
He then heard Yu Tang’s voice saying, “Although this incident happened due to Madam Li’s momentary lapse in judgement, it’s Eldest Young Master Li who is currently responsible in managing family matters. After Madam Lin’s actions, it is impossible for our family to form any marriage with the Li family both now and in the future. I think everyone here including eldest young master Li would be able to understand the Yu family’s outrage and indignation.”
Pei Yan sat up straight all of a sudden.
Unexpectedly, Lady Yu really wanted to sever ties with the Li family!
He had misread it yet again!
Pei Yan lowered his head and took a sip of tea, trying to conceal his discomfort.
The audience started to murmur again, and Master Wu, at the nudging by Yu Wen, spoke up, “Lady Yu’s words are justified. If my daughter were to encounter such a thing, even though there may be good intentions behind it, it would still leave a scar in her heart and it would be contrary to propriety. On no account would the two families still be able to tie the knot. After saying this, he chuckled and said, “Fortunately, the Yu family has already decided to keep Lady Yu in their family. With the second son of the Li family being so talented, if I were Master Li, I wouldn’t be contented to give away my son who had been so pain-stakingly raised, just for him to be an ordinary son in law. It’s better that we settle this amicably, and forget about this marriage. What do you think, Third Master Pei?”
Pei Yan looked towards Yu Tang.
Yu Tang was also watching him.
Her bright, sparkling eyes revealed her anxiety, as she stared at him unblinkingly, as though if she were to blink, even for a split second, she would miss out on any change in his expression that might spell disastrous consequences for her.
She leaned forward ever so slightly, with a touch of pleading and hope, as if his decision was of such importance to her, that it would mean her life or death.
Tsk, tsk, tsk, this Lady Yu really wore a thousand masks. In times of need, she can even soften his heart when he looks at her, much less speaking of that boy Li Jun.
Pei Yan awkwardly took another sip of tea and glanced at Li Duan.
In the end, he was young and not yet able to fully conceal emotions. Li Duan’s face showed his discontent, and he was obviously displeased with Master Wu’s words.
So it turns out that it wasn’t Lady Yu who was pestering the Li family, instead it was the Li family who was still trying to obtain Lady Yu even at this point in time!
Interesting.
When Pei Yan thought of Gu Chang’s expression, his mood became much better.
He commented, “Many famed literary tales of old do not follow societal laws of propriety. If the couple is in love, perhaps we would let it be. However, since that’s not the case, it would be better for us to set a good example and adhere to proper decorum.”
This indicated that he was against the Li family having further entanglements with the Yu family regarding marriage.
Yu Tang let out a long sigh of relief.
She had long planned to convince Third Master Pei to side with her. Unexpectedly, Third Master Pei had helped her without her even needing to say a word, citing that it was “not in accordance with decorum”.
Third Master Pei seemed to be exactly the kind of person she had been told he was before. Although he seldom intervened in the affairs of others, but when it came to critical moments, he was willing to lend a helping hand.
Yu Tang looked towards Pei Yan with gratitude.
In the brightly lit hall, her eyes which held a slight watery glow, shone like sunlight reflecting over the waters, glittering and brimming with color and life.
Pei Yan was momentarily stunned.
Yu Tang had already bent her knees and bowed gracefully, saying “Thank you, Third Master Pei” with a voice full of gratitude.
Her voice was as clear and pleasant as jade striking against a stone.
Pei Yan instantly remembered how Lady Yu had also thanked Li Jun in the same way at Wudao Pine in Zhaoming Temple.
His face darkened.
He felt as though he had been reduced to the same level as Li Jun.
Yu Tang inwardly muttered to herself.
This Third Master Pei was really temperamental!
No sooner had he been pleasant and helpful to her, then his face changed for the worse in the blink of an eye.
She didn’t want things to turn ugly because of Pei Yan’s erratic mood swings.
Since things have proceeded to this point, even if it’s risky, she had to ensure that this matter is settled.
“Second young master of the Li family,” she smiled as she turned to look at Li Jun and said warmly, “I suppose you too agree with Third Master Pei’s opinion?”
This was the first time that Yu Tang had laid eyes on him and spoken to him since that fateful day at Qingzhu Lane.
Li Jun felt bitter in his heart, but more than that, he felt ashamed.
He knew that Yu Tang was trying to draw a clear line between them, but how could disagree?
In the first place, it was him who had wronged her, so how could he be so despicable and cling onto her?
This was something he had realized when he left Qingzhu Lane, but this time he was forced to say it aloud.
Li Duan got so anxious that he didn’t wait for Li Jun to speak, but immediately went forward and pulled on Li Jun’s sleeve.
This child, why is he so stupid?
When chasing a lady, if you remain a respectful gentleman, you definitely would lose her.
This decision to marry Lady Yu was not a personal matter; it was decided by his father.
The future of the Li family was at stake.
They didn’t anticipate that Li Jun would really fall for Lady Yu.
“Third Master Pei ……” Li Duan started, but before he could finish his sentence, Li Jun shook off his hand, knocking away Li Duan’s grip on his clothes, and interrupted, saying “Lady Yu, you have a point. This is indeed inappropriate and we have disregarded societal laws of decorum. I have been remiss in my actions.” After saying this, he offered Yu Tang an apologetic bow.
“Younger Brother!” Li Duan frowned.
However, Yu Tang felt a lightness in her heart.
Li Jun still had his bottom line and was not incorrigibly bad like his family.
She would find a way to save his life.
Yu Tang looked over at Li Duan and a trace of coldness flashed across her eyes.
Even if the kidnapping was Madam Lin’s idea, if there was no Li Duan, would Madam Lin have succeeded?
Whether in her previous life or now, there was never a time when Li Duan stood up and admitted his faults cleanly.
She continued, “Eldest Young Master Li, clearly everyone knows that after your family committed such an act, it is impossible for our two families to be related by marriage. Even second young master Li, also feels that this matter is not proper. In other words, when our family first refused the marriage, you were already out of options.”
Li Duan agreed with this statement in his heart, but he didn’t speak a word.
Previously, he had answered too hastily, which allowed Lady Yu the opportunity to exploit the loophole in his words and completely severed the possibility of their two families tying the knot. It was apparent that he had underestimated Lady Yu. He should have known that if the Yu family dared to allow Lady Yu to confront him, Lady Yu should possess some skill.
In the future, he had to think hard before answering anything that Lady Yu asked.
What took him by surprise was also Pei Yan’s attitude.
He knew that the Yu family and the Pei family had a good relationship. Before he came, he had considered if he should pay a visit to Pei Yan in advance, but he was worried that his early visit would make Pei Yan misunderstand that their family was guilty, which would adversely affect Pei Yan’s impression of him. Pei Yan’s mentor and senior brothers were too powerful, and each of them occupied important positions in court. He feared that there might be a day where he had to seek Pei Yan’s help.
However, it seemed that he had made a mistake.
If the Yu family could request Pei Yan to act as an intermediary, most likely they had already convinced Pei Yan to support them.
To break this impasse, he had to tread carefully.
“Lady Yu, one must not be hasty.” Li Duan smiled amicably, without revealing any trace of the panic he felt, and remarked, “With sincerity, there would be blessings. Our family had always wanted to be related to the Yu family, and we would not do something like that to sabotage ourselves.”
Yu Tang returned a warm smile as she retorted, “However the truth remains, my family was determined to keep me, and your family was determined to have me marry into the Li family. Neither family was willing to back down, which forced Madam Lin to do something foolish. Am I mistaken?”
