Chapter 69 – Third Condition
Yu Tang stood silently as she coldly watched Li Duan struggle to regain his composure and remedy the situation. “Younger Brother, it should be me, as the eldest son, who should step in and make amends to the Yu family on behalf of mother. Don’t concern yourself with this matter, I will handle it.”
After that, he respectfully bowed towards Pei Yan, Twelfth Uncle, Yu Wen and Master Wei, and said with a sincere and heartfelt expression, “Lady Yu makes a good point. I have acted partially, thinking only of my family’s difficulties, without putting myself in Lady Yu’s shoes. What about this? I will first perform a three-day funeral ceremony for the Wei family’s second son at Zhaoming Temple, thereafter, I will apologize to the Yu family on behalf of my mother.”
He looked at Yu Wen and the others expectantly.
As Yu Tang listened, she laughed mockingly inside.
In their earlier arguments, he felt it was an insult on his status, but after Li Jun stepped in, he changed his tune and felt it was a good opportunity to gain honour. How can things turn out so well in this world?
All the people present here knew just how difficult it was for the Yu Family to obtain this apology from the Li Family. However, the crowds who will go to see the apology would not know about that when they saw Li Duan kneeling at the front door of the Yu family begging for forgiveness. In their eyes, they would only regard Li Duan as being kind-hearted and filial, aware of his family’s mistakes and was sincerely making amends!
All these things that she did, was it just to boost Li Duan’s popularity, gain fame and repute in the end?
Even if someone were to kneel at their house, it should be Li Jun.
Li Duan was a dog that didn’t change his shit-eating habits. In her previous life, these were the things he did.
Yu Tang stepped forward to oppose, but she was pulled aside by her father.
The reason why Yu Wen allowed Yu Tang to come forward and speak was because he was unsure of YuTang’s intentions. Furthermore, he wanted to let Yu Tang relieve all her pent-up anger, so that it would
not remain on her mind and adversely affect her mental well-being in the future.
Now that everything was more or less resolved, he didn’t want his daughter to get further involved in this.
If this resulted in those present here forming a bad impression of his daughter, no matter just how difficult things got for the Li family, and how severe the Li family’s punishment was, it would not measure up to the damage done to his daughter’s reputation.
Although she was not bothered about this, and wanted absolute justice at any cost, but his heart ached for her, and was afraid that she would suffer
later on in life. He couldn’t afford to gamble on his daughter’s future.
“Ah-tang!” Yu Wen had a serious expression as he said lowly, “You cannot interfere in this anymore. If there’s anything, father will deal with the Li family. From now on, you are to stay behind Ah Yuan just like what you did when you first came in. Understood?”
It was rare to have her father speak so sternly and Yu Tang immediately understood her father’s reasons for his decision.
However, she was still dissatisfied.
“Father,” she whispered back softly, “you have to pin him down as being unfilial, you can’t let him off like this.”
“I know.” The appreciation Yu Wen had for Li Duan in the past had all turned into a big disappointment now.
While Li Yi was away, Li Duan, as the eldest son, acted as substitute head of the family. Therefore, if it was said that the things the Li family did had no relation whatsoever to Li Duan, it would be hard for anyone to believe. Even after Li Duan committed these terrible deeds, he still wanted to uphold his clean and gentlemanly reputation. Even those women in
those entertainment houses wouldn’t have dared to do so.
Li Duan was a complete hypocrite, unworthy of his noble status.
Yu Wen patted his daughter’s shoulder reassuringly, and stood in front of her. He respectfully bowed towards Pei Yan and the others, saying “Every action has its cause, there is no need examine everything down to the last detail. The main purpose of this proceeding was to obtain justice for the second son of the Wei Family.
As for apologizing to the Yu family, it is only an incidental matter. However, the guilty party should be held responsible for his own actions. Since the abduction was caused by the Li family’s eagerness in seeking
a wife for the second son, then it is only fair for the second son of the Li family to personally make amends!”
His words implied that Li Jun should be the one to go to the Yu family to apologize.
Yu Wen’s words were clear and thorough with no room for doubt. All those in the hall understood.
This suited PeiYan’s intention as well.
The Li family even under their Pei family’s watch still dared to take in so many fugitives, not mentioning about their incompetence to resolve
matters, but even had the audacity to take them as fools. It was indeed necessary to teach the Li family a lesson.
How should they punish the Li family? Why not start with the Li family’s eldest son whom they were so proud of!
Pei Yan sipped his tea and remarked, “Elder Yu’s words are logical. Young people often at times make mistakes. However, it’s more important for them to take responsibility for their mistakes and change their ways. For the second son of the Li family to have such courage and sense of ownership, we as the elders, not only have to protect them but also to support them. This matter is thus settled.”
Naturally, Li Duan was not satisfied with this outcome and wanted to refute, but unfortunately, he had a foolish brother.
Li Jun’s eyes welled up in gratitude as he respectfully went forward and bowed deeply to Pei Yan, his gaze was full of determination as he looked at Pei Yan. “Third Master Pei, Twelfth Uncle, and uncles, I, I will definitely reflect on myself and behave properly in the future, and will not do anything to cause trouble for the elders again.”
The twelfth uncle of the Li family’s patriarch house was a shrewd man, otherwise he would not have pretended to be mute, as he silently watched Li Jun set Li Duan in an awkward position. The more he looked at Li Jun, the more his attitude towards Li Jun grew favourable, and he said in an affectionate tone, “You don’t have to berate yourself so harshly. Third Master Pei is right, who doesn’t make mistakes when they were young? As long as you know to rectify them, it would be fine.”
He then addressed Yu Wen and Master Wei as he pleaded for leniency for Li Jun, saying, “What do the both of you think?”
This was the Yu family’s concern, so if Yu Wen has already decided as such, what more can Master Wei say?
After nodding, he took this opportunity to encourage Yu Wen. “Since Master Yu also has the same thought, we will follow Third Master Pei’s words accordingly. This matter is thus settled.”
As Master Wu watched on from the side lines, he shook his head internally.
The second son of the Li family was really an upright and honest young man, perhaps it can be considered as a good bamboo shoot that grew from a bad one.
“Yes, that should be the way.” The observers discussed amongst themselves. Some want to please Pei Yan, and thus urged Li Jun, “This matter you have to thank third master Pei properly. Third master was willing to defend you in this way as he appreciates and cherishes talent, thus you should behave well in the future and not trample on third master’s kindness.”
Li Jun repeatedly agreed.
However, Li Duan’s forehead bulged over with veins. He really wanted throw his brother out!
As a child, he already knew that Li Jun was dumb, but he didn’t think that Li Jun could be this dim-witted.
No, when he returns home, he has to speak with his father to take Li Jun away and not cause more trouble for him at home.
Li Duan made up his mind and felt better in his heart until he heard Yu Wen continue speaking, “The matter with the apology is settled, but murder case of the second son of the Wei family is yet to be resolved. Shouldn’t we discuss about how to punish the murderer?”
The crowd stared blankly as they turned to look around at each other.
Wasn’t this matter already over?
Isn’t the Li family’s chief steward already taking the blame for the Li family?
What else did the Yu family want?
Master Wu, who was a close friend of Yu Wen, did not know what Yu Wen had in mind, but that did not prevent him from helping the Yu family.
He said: “Huili, please speak freely in front of Third Master Pei. Everything is open for discussion. Just like the earlier apology, in the end, didn’t you also think it was acceptable to let the second son of the Li family apologise on behalf of Mrs Li?”
Li Duan couldn’t help but grit his teeth at his words.
Was this a result of ‘discussion’?
These people are really shameless in their efforts to flatter Pei Yan.
They can already be PeiYan’s father in terms of age, but in front of PeiYan, they are still calling him “Third Master”, eagerly hoping to be close enough to call him “brother”.
Thinking about this, Li Duan felt even worse.
When will he get to be like Pei Yan, that wherever he goes, he is always treated an elder, a venerable and respected individual?
Yu Wen was just waiting to hear these words, and thus spoke frankly. “The two fugitives and the Li Family’s chief steward should be handed over to the magistrate to be punished according to the law, which is the law that we, as the common people, should abide by. However, as this matter arose due to the incompetent management by the Li Family, who allowed their family’s chief steward to become insolent to such a degree. Thus, if heavy punishment was not meted out, perhaps there will be another similar case in future. Therefore, I propose that not only should the chief steward be suitably punished, but his family members alongside his relatives should also be expelled from the Li Family as an example to others.”
The corners of Li Duan’s lips twisted in anger.
Everyone knows that the Li family’s chief steward was just shouldering the blame for his master. Thus, if the master failed to protect his life, and that of his family members, who would dare to work for their Li family in the future!
What is the bloody difference between this and asking his mother to kowtow to the Yu family and apologize?!
The Yu family was really too much.
Did they really think that the Li family is afraid of them?
Even before he could say no, Pei Yan’s cold voice rang out. “Indeed. If one person commits a crime, the whole family shares the consequences. This is also the law of the country. It’s a good warning to those who break the law. No one is exempt from the law; neither the noble nor the commoner. No one can avoid punishment for their crimes.”
“Third Master Pei!” Li Duan’s face suddenly turn as black as the bottom of a pot, arguing “This matter is subject to debate… “
However, without waiting for him to finish speaking, Li He, who stood behind his father like a shadow, suddenly stood up and scolded Li Duan, “Silence! If Third Master Pei listened to you, that is magnanimity on his part as you are still a junior. Don’t be ignorant of the importance of hierarchy and class and behave so disrespectfully. As the Li Family’s patriarch house, we agree to this on behalf of your family. Step aside and stop this nonsense.”
“Uncle He.” Li Duan wasn’t bothered by Li He’s words, he said loudly, “Those people have been servants in our family for generations, how can you drive them all out of the house without even finding out the facts?”
This was a long-awaited opportunity for Li He to take on Li Duan, so how could he let Li Duan slip away so easily?
He retorted strongly, “Li Duan, do you want to go beyond the authority of the patriarch house and make your own decision?”
Li Duan wanted to say “Yes”.
But he could not.
The authority of the Patriarch house was absolute. If he were to mess this up, the consequences would be disastrous.
Although he didn’t care about the decisions of the patriarch house , he could not say it aloud.
Li Duan bit his tongue and remained silent. He calculated in his mind that the Pei family wouldn’t be able to obtain a registry of their family servants, their respective lineage, and accurately find each one of them for punishment. Once he leaves this hall, he can find a way to absolve the chief steward and his family of this crime. Thus, he didn’t need to make such a fuss now.
His heart became slightly at ease.
PeiYan lifted the cup in his hand and spoke clearly and calmly. “With the approval of everyone here and the two families of Yu and Wei, I accepted the invitation to be the intermediary. I have conveyed my views as such; whether the Li family complies or not- I am not the magistrate, nor am I an imperial envoy, therefore everything will still depend on the Li family. As I am still observing the mourning period, it is inconvenient to invite all of you for a meal. Therefore, I will not hold you gentlemen back today. When the mourning is completed, I will invite you to drink a few cups then, so please forgive my lack of hospitality now and come then.”
It was clear that he was sending off the guests.
“Third Master Pei is too humble!”
“We would definitely come then!”
“Please rest first, we’ll take our leave!”
The people got up one after another. Pei Yan also did not exchange polite niceties with them. He just stood up to show his send off.
In the past, Grand Elder Pei always sent people to the door personally.
Although they were unused to this kind of cold treatment, but thinking of his youth and his status as double titled imperial scholar, they felt it was reasonable.
After both Master Yu and Master Wei had expressed their appreciation for Peiyan’s help, they turned to leave together with the other observers who came. However, Peiyan called out, saying “Master Yu, please stay for a moment. I wish to have a short discussion with you on a few minor issues. “
Chapter 69 – Third Condition
Yu Tang stood silently as she coldly watched Li Duan struggle to regain his composure and remedy the situation. “Younger Brother, it should be me, as the eldest son, who should step in and make amends to the Yu family on behalf of mother. Don’t concern yourself with this matter, I will handle it.”
After that, he respectfully bowed towards Pei Yan, Twelfth Uncle, Yu Wen and Master Wei, and said with a sincere and heartfelt expression, “Lady Yu makes a good point. I have acted partially, thinking only of my family’s difficulties, without putting myself in Lady Yu’s shoes. What about this? I will first perform a three-day funeral ceremony for the Wei family’s second son at Zhaoming Temple, thereafter, I will apologize to the Yu family on behalf of my mother.”
He looked at Yu Wen and the others expectantly.
As Yu Tang listened, she laughed mockingly inside.
In their earlier arguments, he felt it was an insult on his status, but after Li Jun stepped in, he changed his tune and felt it was a good opportunity to gain honour. How can things turn out so well in this world?
All the people present here knew just how difficult it was for the Yu Family to obtain this apology from the Li Family. However, the crowds who will go to see the apology would not know about that when they saw Li Duan kneeling at the front door of the Yu family begging for forgiveness. In their eyes, they would only regard Li Duan as being kind-hearted and filial, aware of his family’s mistakes and was sincerely making amends!
All these things that she did, was it just to boost Li Duan’s popularity, gain fame and repute in the end?
Even if someone were to kneel at their house, it should be Li Jun.
Li Duan was a dog that didn’t change his shit-eating habits. In her previous life, these were the things he did.
Yu Tang stepped forward to oppose, but she was pulled aside by her father.
The reason why Yu Wen allowed Yu Tang to come forward and speak was because he was unsure of YuTang’s intentions. Furthermore, he wanted to let Yu Tang relieve all her pent-up anger, so that it would
not remain on her mind and adversely affect her mental well-being in the future.
Now that everything was more or less resolved, he didn’t want his daughter to get further involved in this.
If this resulted in those present here forming a bad impression of his daughter, no matter just how difficult things got for the Li family, and how severe the Li family’s punishment was, it would not measure up to the damage done to his daughter’s reputation.
Although she was not bothered about this, and wanted absolute justice at any cost, but his heart ached for her, and was afraid that she would suffer
later on in life. He couldn’t afford to gamble on his daughter’s future.
“Ah-tang!” Yu Wen had a serious expression as he said lowly, “You cannot interfere in this anymore. If there’s anything, father will deal with the Li family. From now on, you are to stay behind Ah Yuan just like what you did when you first came in. Understood?”
It was rare to have her father speak so sternly and Yu Tang immediately understood her father’s reasons for his decision.
However, she was still dissatisfied.
“Father,” she whispered back softly, “you have to pin him down as being unfilial, you can’t let him off like this.”
“I know.” The appreciation Yu Wen had for Li Duan in the past had all turned into a big disappointment now.
While Li Yi was away, Li Duan, as the eldest son, acted as substitute head of the family. Therefore, if it was said that the things the Li family did had no relation whatsoever to Li Duan, it would be hard for anyone to believe. Even after Li Duan committed these terrible deeds, he still wanted to uphold his clean and gentlemanly reputation. Even those women in
those entertainment houses wouldn’t have dared to do so.
Li Duan was a complete hypocrite, unworthy of his noble status.
Yu Wen patted his daughter’s shoulder reassuringly, and stood in front of her. He respectfully bowed towards Pei Yan and the others, saying “Every action has its cause, there is no need examine everything down to the last detail. The main purpose of this proceeding was to obtain justice for the second son of the Wei Family.
As for apologizing to the Yu family, it is only an incidental matter. However, the guilty party should be held responsible for his own actions. Since the abduction was caused by the Li family’s eagerness in seeking
a wife for the second son, then it is only fair for the second son of the Li family to personally make amends!”
His words implied that Li Jun should be the one to go to the Yu family to apologize.
Yu Wen’s words were clear and thorough with no room for doubt. All those in the hall understood.
This suited PeiYan’s intention as well.
The Li family even under their Pei family’s watch still dared to take in so many fugitives, not mentioning about their incompetence to resolve
matters, but even had the audacity to take them as fools. It was indeed necessary to teach the Li family a lesson.
How should they punish the Li family? Why not start with the Li family’s eldest son whom they were so proud of!
Pei Yan sipped his tea and remarked, “Elder Yu’s words are logical. Young people often at times make mistakes. However, it’s more important for them to take responsibility for their mistakes and change their ways. For the second son of the Li family to have such courage and sense of ownership, we as the elders, not only have to protect them but also to support them. This matter is thus settled.”
Naturally, Li Duan was not satisfied with this outcome and wanted to refute, but unfortunately, he had a foolish brother.
Li Jun’s eyes welled up in gratitude as he respectfully went forward and bowed deeply to Pei Yan, his gaze was full of determination as he looked at Pei Yan. “Third Master Pei, Twelfth Uncle, and uncles, I, I will definitely reflect on myself and behave properly in the future, and will not do anything to cause trouble for the elders again.”
The twelfth uncle of the Li family’s patriarch house was a shrewd man, otherwise he would not have pretended to be mute, as he silently watched Li Jun set Li Duan in an awkward position. The more he looked at Li Jun, the more his attitude towards Li Jun grew favourable, and he said in an affectionate tone, “You don’t have to berate yourself so harshly. Third Master Pei is right, who doesn’t make mistakes when they were young? As long as you know to rectify them, it would be fine.”
He then addressed Yu Wen and Master Wei as he pleaded for leniency for Li Jun, saying, “What do the both of you think?”
This was the Yu family’s concern, so if Yu Wen has already decided as such, what more can Master Wei say?
After nodding, he took this opportunity to encourage Yu Wen. “Since Master Yu also has the same thought, we will follow Third Master Pei’s words accordingly. This matter is thus settled.”
As Master Wu watched on from the side lines, he shook his head internally.
The second son of the Li family was really an upright and honest young man, perhaps it can be considered as a good bamboo shoot that grew from a bad one.
“Yes, that should be the way.” The observers discussed amongst themselves. Some want to please Pei Yan, and thus urged Li Jun, “This matter you have to thank third master Pei properly. Third master was willing to defend you in this way as he appreciates and cherishes talent, thus you should behave well in the future and not trample on third master’s kindness.”
Li Jun repeatedly agreed.
However, Li Duan’s forehead bulged over with veins. He really wanted throw his brother out!
As a child, he already knew that Li Jun was dumb, but he didn’t think that Li Jun could be this dim-witted.
No, when he returns home, he has to speak with his father to take Li Jun away and not cause more trouble for him at home.
Li Duan made up his mind and felt better in his heart until he heard Yu Wen continue speaking, “The matter with the apology is settled, but murder case of the second son of the Wei family is yet to be resolved. Shouldn’t we discuss about how to punish the murderer?”
The crowd stared blankly as they turned to look around at each other.
Wasn’t this matter already over?
Isn’t the Li family’s chief steward already taking the blame for the Li family?
What else did the Yu family want?
Master Wu, who was a close friend of Yu Wen, did not know what Yu Wen had in mind, but that did not prevent him from helping the Yu family.
He said: “Huili, please speak freely in front of Third Master Pei. Everything is open for discussion. Just like the earlier apology, in the end, didn’t you also think it was acceptable to let the second son of the Li family apologise on behalf of Mrs Li?”
Li Duan couldn’t help but grit his teeth at his words.
Was this a result of ‘discussion’?
These people are really shameless in their efforts to flatter Pei Yan.
They can already be PeiYan’s father in terms of age, but in front of PeiYan, they are still calling him “Third Master”, eagerly hoping to be close enough to call him “brother”.
Thinking about this, Li Duan felt even worse.
When will he get to be like Pei Yan, that wherever he goes, he is always treated an elder, a venerable and respected individual?
Yu Wen was just waiting to hear these words, and thus spoke frankly. “The two fugitives and the Li Family’s chief steward should be handed over to the magistrate to be punished according to the law, which is the law that we, as the common people, should abide by. However, as this matter arose due to the incompetent management by the Li Family, who allowed their family’s chief steward to become insolent to such a degree. Thus, if heavy punishment was not meted out, perhaps there will be another similar case in future. Therefore, I propose that not only should the chief steward be suitably punished, but his family members alongside his relatives should also be expelled from the Li Family as an example to others.”
The corners of Li Duan’s lips twisted in anger.
Everyone knows that the Li family’s chief steward was just shouldering the blame for his master. Thus, if the master failed to protect his life, and that of his family members, who would dare to work for their Li family in the future!
What is the bloody difference between this and asking his mother to kowtow to the Yu family and apologize?!
The Yu family was really too much.
Did they really think that the Li family is afraid of them?
Even before he could say no, Pei Yan’s cold voice rang out. “Indeed. If one person commits a crime, the whole family shares the consequences. This is also the law of the country. It’s a good warning to those who break the law. No one is exempt from the law; neither the noble nor the commoner. No one can avoid punishment for their crimes.”
“Third Master Pei!” Li Duan’s face suddenly turn as black as the bottom of a pot, arguing “This matter is subject to debate… “
However, without waiting for him to finish speaking, Li He, who stood behind his father like a shadow, suddenly stood up and scolded Li Duan, “Silence! If Third Master Pei listened to you, that is magnanimity on his part as you are still a junior. Don’t be ignorant of the importance of hierarchy and class and behave so disrespectfully. As the Li Family’s patriarch house, we agree to this on behalf of your family. Step aside and stop this nonsense.”
“Uncle He.” Li Duan wasn’t bothered by Li He’s words, he said loudly, “Those people have been servants in our family for generations, how can you drive them all out of the house without even finding out the facts?”
This was a long-awaited opportunity for Li He to take on Li Duan, so how could he let Li Duan slip away so easily?
He retorted strongly, “Li Duan, do you want to go beyond the authority of the patriarch house and make your own decision?”
Li Duan wanted to say “Yes”.
But he could not.
The authority of the Patriarch house was absolute. If he were to mess this up, the consequences would be disastrous.
Although he didn’t care about the decisions of the patriarch house , he could not say it aloud.
Li Duan bit his tongue and remained silent. He calculated in his mind that the Pei family wouldn’t be able to obtain a registry of their family servants, their respective lineage, and accurately find each one of them for punishment. Once he leaves this hall, he can find a way to absolve the chief steward and his family of this crime. Thus, he didn’t need to make such a fuss now.
His heart became slightly at ease.
PeiYan lifted the cup in his hand and spoke clearly and calmly. “With the approval of everyone here and the two families of Yu and Wei, I accepted the invitation to be the intermediary. I have conveyed my views as such; whether the Li family complies or not- I am not the magistrate, nor am I an imperial envoy, therefore everything will still depend on the Li family. As I am still observing the mourning period, it is inconvenient to invite all of you for a meal. Therefore, I will not hold you gentlemen back today. When the mourning is completed, I will invite you to drink a few cups then, so please forgive my lack of hospitality now and come then.”
It was clear that he was sending off the guests.
“Third Master Pei is too humble!”
“We would definitely come then!”
“Please rest first, we’ll take our leave!”
The people got up one after another. Pei Yan also did not exchange polite niceties with them. He just stood up to show his send off.
In the past, Grand Elder Pei always sent people to the door personally.
Although they were unused to this kind of cold treatment, but thinking of his youth and his status as double titled imperial scholar, they felt it was reasonable.
After both Master Yu and Master Wei had expressed their appreciation for Peiyan’s help, they turned to leave together with the other observers who came. However, Peiyan called out, saying “Master Yu, please stay for a moment. I wish to have a short discussion with you on a few minor issues. “
