Chapter 81 – Putting it out
Was Pei Yan offering his advice?
It was an unexpected blessing!
After listening, she got so excited she didn’t know how to react.
Pei Yan involuntarily curved the corners of his mouth as he chuckled softly.
Without his usual sardonic gaze and disdainful expression, his laughter was as blinding as the sun in summer, and undeniably bright.
Yu Tang looked a little dazed.
This should be Pei Yan’s true self.
But what had she done to have the privilege of seeing Third Master Pei’s genuine expression?
Yu Tang was greatly perplexed and felt that after she returned home, she had to recount all the things they discussed, so that she could figure out the reason for Pei Yan’s smile so that she could leave behind a favorable impression the next time they met.
After all, she still had to rely on Pei Yan’s support to take revenge on the Li family.
“Please speak.” Yu Tang flattered Pei Yan unreservedly. Her tone of voice was as sincere as it could be, “Your knowledge is vast and your ideas would undoubtedly be indefinitely superior to ours. I will definitely follow your advice.”
The corners of Pei Yan’s mouth couldn’t help but twitch.
Did this little girl take him for a fool? She was straightforwardly praising him like a puppy wagging its tail, fancying herself to be clever but yet her intentions were clearly visible.
However, he didn’t dislike it.
Perhaps because she was cute, she would be easily forgiven.
As Pei Yan mused internally, he replied calmly, “How many copies of the Pine Lake Fishing Hidden Painting have you made?”
Yu Tang said immediately, “I didn’t copy the Pine Lake Fishing Hidden Painting. I only made a copy of the nautical map, but we couldn’t interpret it.”
Previously, as she was unaware of Wei Xiaoshan’s incident, she thought that if there were someone who desired the painting, she could just give it to them, thereby extricating their family from it. But after it was proven that Wei Xiaoshan’s death was connected with her marriage and that it was directed by the Li family, she changed her mind – even if she were to die and go to the eighteen layers of hell, she would still avenge Wei Xiaoshan.
Not only did she give the real painting to the Lu family, but she also wanted to begin her revenge with it, so that the Li family would never be able to rise up.
She was planning to hide a copy of the Pine Lake Fishing Hidden Painting and use it for later.
But this matter has nothing to do with Pei Yan, or the Pei family, so he doesn’t have to know.
Pei Yan smiled, “Then you should first show me the nautical map, and I will see if it’s valuable enough before offering any suggestions.”
It was bound to be worth it.
Otherwise, how could the Li family become rich overnight in her previous life?
But she could not tell Pei Yan this, so she could only nod in assent and go home to get the map.
However, Pei Yan stopped her and said disdainfully, “Remember to put on some decent clothes before coming over.”
Yu Tang smiled exasperatedly, but her eyes couldn’t help but examine Pei Yan.
He wore a moon-white fine cloth robe, which looked very plain, but the cloth was soft and pure white, with a jade-like sheen, it was a special cloth from Songjiang, a tribute product. He had no accessories on. He only had a string of eighteen Buddhist beads in his hand. They were neither purple-red sandalwood beads nor yellow rosewood beads. Instead, they were a tung wood colour. Although it looked plain, but it emitted a faint sweet fragrance. Those who were familiar with it would be able to tell that they were green sandalwood beads, which had to be imported from overseas and were extremely rare. When the Li family received a string of those, Madam Lin treated it as a precious treasure and did not show it to others easily. She even said that she would cherish it as a family heirloom. And as for the pair of black, thousand-layer-threaded cloth shoes on his feet, they were embroidered with the same silk threads in a continuous pattern without showing a break in thread…… This kind of elaborate and intricate way of dressing was all hidden beneath a careless casualness and cloak of subtlety.
Yu Tang lowered her eyelids and mentally gave Pei Yan a contemptuous glare.
The Pei family’s third master was too exacting in his appearance.
No wonder he dislikes her!
Yu Tang was afraid that Pei Yan would notice her displeasure, so she quickly replied, “Yes”.
Pei Yan gave a satisfied “hm” and said: “Inform Master Yu of this. Ask him to come over and discuss together.”
In case the painting was of no value, he won’t be misunderstood as bullying a young girl.
“Yes!” Yu Tang answered, and felt that it was better for her father to come along as well to discuss this matter with Pei Yan.
She immediately went home.
Yu Wen had gone to check on the shops on Changxing Street and had not returned.
Madam Chen mentioned that her eldest uncle had brought back some goods from Jiangxi and had arrived at the harbor today. Her eldest cousin had gone to fetch the goods and thus there was no one watching over the shops, so Yu Wen had gone to lend a hand.
Yu Tang sent someone to call Yu Wen back, while she went to the study to find the copy of the map and instructed Shuang Tao to fetch some water and assist her in freshening up.
Her hair was styled in a loose chignon adorned with large pink camellia flowers. She had on lotus-rice sized south pearl earrings and a vibrant green and gold rimmed hairpin. She wore a pastel pink plain-pleated cloth robe with a similarly colored cloud-print slippers.
Yu Tang looked carefully at herself in the mirror, smiled and cheered herself on, before heading out to wait for Yu Wen.
Madam Chen exclaimed in surprise, “Why have you dressed up like this? I didn’t even see you get all dolled up when you went to Ma Xiu Niang’s house for the wedding banquet! Are you going to meet someone?”
“I’m visiting the Pei family.” Yu Tang said dejectedly, “I have something to ask of Third Master Pei.”
Madam Chen didn’t feel anything amiss.
In her mind, Pei Yan was someone with the same seniority as Yu Wen, moreover, Pei Yan was a kind-hearted person who generously aided his neighbours, so when her daughter went to visit Pei Yan, it was just like visiting her elders, thus her dressing up grandly would mean she’s showing greater respect, whereas dressing up plainly would make her seem friendlier – no matter which way she dressed it was fine.
“Why are you going to see Third Master Pei ?” Madam Chen asked curiously, “Is it about the tax remission?”
When Jinhua was flooded last year, the newly appointed governor of Jinhua asked the court to reduce taxes for two years, and the court agreed. Lin’an also experienced flooding last year, but only in four or five villages. Seeing that Jinhua had been exempted from taxation, some people were thinking of doing the same. Over the past few days, various people have urged Yu Wen to ask the governor Tang to intervene.
Yu Wen felt that the area affected was not large, and that if the people came together, they could make up for their losses, so he dismissed the idea. Then someone suggested to bring it up to Pei Yan.
“No, that’s not it.” Yu Tang smiled, “It’s regarding that painting of Uncle Lu’s. The painting ended up in the hands of the Li family, and this must be made known to Third Master Pei.”
One mountain does not allow for two tigers.
The Li family had been stirring up a lot of trouble these days, and it was about time for the Pei family to teach the Li family a lesson.
Madam Chen nodded as she helped to smoothen Yu Tang’s hair, admonishing her, “Be obedient, don’t behave as if you were at home, eating and drinking as you wish. A lady should always behave respectably.”
If her mother knew that she had already eaten pig’s trotters with her bare hands in front of Pei Yan, I wonder if she would be so angry that she would have spat out a mouthful of blood?
Yu Tang pursed her lips tightly, not uttering a sound.
Luckily, Yu Wen soon returned and father and daughter duo went to the study to talk.
Knowing what had transpired, Yu Wen grumbled, “You child, what were you thinking? What if Third Master Pei didn’t believe you?”
Yu Tang couldn’t say that it was all based on a feeling she had, could she?
She said, “You are the head of the family, and among the few scholars in Lin’an, but Master Pei’s temperament is still difficult to understand. If you were to find him, it would be fine if he agreed, but what if he refused? You can’t do anything then, could you? It’s best that I go! Even if I were to say the wrong thing, people would just think I’m still a child and won’t take it to heart.”
Yu Wen felt that his daughter had a point, so he freshened up and went with Yu Tang to the Pei residence.
Pei Yan was unaccustomed to waiting for people, so after sending Yu Tang away, he went to his study in the outer courtyard.
This study, which was usually used for dealing with general household affairs, was quite relaxing.
When Yu Tang and Yu Wen entered the study, he was lazily resting on a bamboo and rattan recliner, drinking the newly produced wuyi black tea. The autumn midday sun shone in with warmth, making him look as approachable as this autumn sunshine.
“Master Yu and Lady Yu are here!” The servant announced. Without putting on airs, he stood up and greeted the two, but his eyes fell on Yu Tang.
Not bad, dainty like a begonia flower in spring, that’s what a girl should look like.
He nodded slightly, showing a satisfied look.
Yu Tong sighed with relief.
In her heart, she ruminated over the fact that Pei Yan appreciated this kind of style. It was fortunate that she had thick eyebrows and big eyes, and was beautiful enough to carry off such a look.
In the future, when she comes to see Pei Yan, she would just dress like this then.
After all, she had a request to make.
Yu Wen, on the other hand, was overwhelmed.
Pei Yan’s demeanor was too informal, treating them as if they were old friends.
Yu Wen had never seen such a Pei Yan before and hurriedly gave Pei Yan a bow, saying, “Please excuse us!”
Pei Yan shook his head. As he watched the maids come in and serve refreshments, he closed the door behind them, and said directly to Yu Tang, “Have you brought the nautical map? Let’s take a look at it first, shall we? Nowadays the maritime business is good, everyone wants a piece of the pie, each finding their own way to acquire it, forming their own fleet, having their own nautical charts ……”
He said this while taking the map from Yu Tang’s hand, and spread it flat on the desk. He turned around and went to get a concave mirror out.
Yu Wen instantly grew excited and said “Is that a concave mirror? It looks really well constructed! Is it also an imported product?”
Pei Yan looked at the concave mirror and said puzzledly, “Yes, it is a concave mirror. By coincidence, I found it when I was in Guangzhou City a few years ago, so I bought it. Do you want to have a look?” After saying this, he handed the mirror to Yu Wen.
Yu Wen held it in his hand, examining it with great curiosity and looked back and forth at it for a long time before returning it to Pei Yan and said, “I am sorry for the hold up. I am just very intrigued by these little trinkets.”
Pei Yan thought of how he had misunderstood Lady Yu and had not yet formally apologised to the Yu family, so he said unconcernedly, “If Master Yu likes it, I can give this to you. I have another one, which I’ve left at my estate in Hangzhou City.”
“Aiya, there’s no need for that!” Yu Wen blushed hotly and refused it, “I’m just taking a look.”
“Okay then.” Pei Yan said, he took back the concave mirror and examined the map.
The Yu family’s father and daughter held their breaths as they waited for Pei Yan’s findings.
Chapter 81 – Putting it out
Was Pei Yan offering his advice?
It was an unexpected blessing!
After listening, she got so excited she didn’t know how to react.
Pei Yan involuntarily curved the corners of his mouth as he chuckled softly.
Without his usual sardonic gaze and disdainful expression, his laughter was as blinding as the sun in summer, and undeniably bright.
Yu Tang looked a little dazed.
This should be Pei Yan’s true self.
But what had she done to have the privilege of seeing Third Master Pei’s genuine expression?
Yu Tang was greatly perplexed and felt that after she returned home, she had to recount all the things they discussed, so that she could figure out the reason for Pei Yan’s smile so that she could leave behind a favorable impression the next time they met.
After all, she still had to rely on Pei Yan’s support to take revenge on the Li family.
“Please speak.” Yu Tang flattered Pei Yan unreservedly. Her tone of voice was as sincere as it could be, “Your knowledge is vast and your ideas would undoubtedly be indefinitely superior to ours. I will definitely follow your advice.”
The corners of Pei Yan’s mouth couldn’t help but twitch.
Did this little girl take him for a fool? She was straightforwardly praising him like a puppy wagging its tail, fancying herself to be clever but yet her intentions were clearly visible.
However, he didn’t dislike it.
Perhaps because she was cute, she would be easily forgiven.
As Pei Yan mused internally, he replied calmly, “How many copies of the Pine Lake Fishing Hidden Painting have you made?”
Yu Tang said immediately, “I didn’t copy the Pine Lake Fishing Hidden Painting. I only made a copy of the nautical map, but we couldn’t interpret it.”
Previously, as she was unaware of Wei Xiaoshan’s incident, she thought that if there were someone who desired the painting, she could just give it to them, thereby extricating their family from it. But after it was proven that Wei Xiaoshan’s death was connected with her marriage and that it was directed by the Li family, she changed her mind – even if she were to die and go to the eighteen layers of hell, she would still avenge Wei Xiaoshan.
Not only did she give the real painting to the Lu family, but she also wanted to begin her revenge with it, so that the Li family would never be able to rise up.
She was planning to hide a copy of the Pine Lake Fishing Hidden Painting and use it for later.
But this matter has nothing to do with Pei Yan, or the Pei family, so he doesn’t have to know.
Pei Yan smiled, “Then you should first show me the nautical map, and I will see if it’s valuable enough before offering any suggestions.”
It was bound to be worth it.
Otherwise, how could the Li family become rich overnight in her previous life?
But she could not tell Pei Yan this, so she could only nod in assent and go home to get the map.
However, Pei Yan stopped her and said disdainfully, “Remember to put on some decent clothes before coming over.”
Yu Tang smiled exasperatedly, but her eyes couldn’t help but examine Pei Yan.
He wore a moon-white fine cloth robe, which looked very plain, but the cloth was soft and pure white, with a jade-like sheen, it was a special cloth from Songjiang, a tribute product. He had no accessories on. He only had a string of eighteen Buddhist beads in his hand. They were neither purple-red sandalwood beads nor yellow rosewood beads. Instead, they were a tung wood colour. Although it looked plain, but it emitted a faint sweet fragrance. Those who were familiar with it would be able to tell that they were green sandalwood beads, which had to be imported from overseas and were extremely rare. When the Li family received a string of those, Madam Lin treated it as a precious treasure and did not show it to others easily. She even said that she would cherish it as a family heirloom. And as for the pair of black, thousand-layer-threaded cloth shoes on his feet, they were embroidered with the same silk threads in a continuous pattern without showing a break in thread…… This kind of elaborate and intricate way of dressing was all hidden beneath a careless casualness and cloak of subtlety.
Yu Tang lowered her eyelids and mentally gave Pei Yan a contemptuous glare.
The Pei family’s third master was too exacting in his appearance.
No wonder he dislikes her!
Yu Tang was afraid that Pei Yan would notice her displeasure, so she quickly replied, “Yes”.
Pei Yan gave a satisfied “hm” and said: “Inform Master Yu of this. Ask him to come over and discuss together.”
In case the painting was of no value, he won’t be misunderstood as bullying a young girl.
“Yes!” Yu Tang answered, and felt that it was better for her father to come along as well to discuss this matter with Pei Yan.
She immediately went home.
Yu Wen had gone to check on the shops on Changxing Street and had not returned.
Madam Chen mentioned that her eldest uncle had brought back some goods from Jiangxi and had arrived at the harbor today. Her eldest cousin had gone to fetch the goods and thus there was no one watching over the shops, so Yu Wen had gone to lend a hand.
Yu Tang sent someone to call Yu Wen back, while she went to the study to find the copy of the map and instructed Shuang Tao to fetch some water and assist her in freshening up.
Her hair was styled in a loose chignon adorned with large pink camellia flowers. She had on lotus-rice sized south pearl earrings and a vibrant green and gold rimmed hairpin. She wore a pastel pink plain-pleated cloth robe with a similarly colored cloud-print slippers.
Yu Tang looked carefully at herself in the mirror, smiled and cheered herself on, before heading out to wait for Yu Wen.
Madam Chen exclaimed in surprise, “Why have you dressed up like this? I didn’t even see you get all dolled up when you went to Ma Xiu Niang’s house for the wedding banquet! Are you going to meet someone?”
“I’m visiting the Pei family.” Yu Tang said dejectedly, “I have something to ask of Third Master Pei.”
Madam Chen didn’t feel anything amiss.
In her mind, Pei Yan was someone with the same seniority as Yu Wen, moreover, Pei Yan was a kind-hearted person who generously aided his neighbours, so when her daughter went to visit Pei Yan, it was just like visiting her elders, thus her dressing up grandly would mean she’s showing greater respect, whereas dressing up plainly would make her seem friendlier – no matter which way she dressed it was fine.
“Why are you going to see Third Master Pei ?” Madam Chen asked curiously, “Is it about the tax remission?”
When Jinhua was flooded last year, the newly appointed governor of Jinhua asked the court to reduce taxes for two years, and the court agreed. Lin’an also experienced flooding last year, but only in four or five villages. Seeing that Jinhua had been exempted from taxation, some people were thinking of doing the same. Over the past few days, various people have urged Yu Wen to ask the governor Tang to intervene.
Yu Wen felt that the area affected was not large, and that if the people came together, they could make up for their losses, so he dismissed the idea. Then someone suggested to bring it up to Pei Yan.
“No, that’s not it.” Yu Tang smiled, “It’s regarding that painting of Uncle Lu’s. The painting ended up in the hands of the Li family, and this must be made known to Third Master Pei.”
One mountain does not allow for two tigers.
The Li family had been stirring up a lot of trouble these days, and it was about time for the Pei family to teach the Li family a lesson.
Madam Chen nodded as she helped to smoothen Yu Tang’s hair, admonishing her, “Be obedient, don’t behave as if you were at home, eating and drinking as you wish. A lady should always behave respectably.”
If her mother knew that she had already eaten pig’s trotters with her bare hands in front of Pei Yan, I wonder if she would be so angry that she would have spat out a mouthful of blood?
Yu Tang pursed her lips tightly, not uttering a sound.
Luckily, Yu Wen soon returned and father and daughter duo went to the study to talk.
Knowing what had transpired, Yu Wen grumbled, “You child, what were you thinking? What if Third Master Pei didn’t believe you?”
Yu Tang couldn’t say that it was all based on a feeling she had, could she?
She said, “You are the head of the family, and among the few scholars in Lin’an, but Master Pei’s temperament is still difficult to understand. If you were to find him, it would be fine if he agreed, but what if he refused? You can’t do anything then, could you? It’s best that I go! Even if I were to say the wrong thing, people would just think I’m still a child and won’t take it to heart.”
Yu Wen felt that his daughter had a point, so he freshened up and went with Yu Tang to the Pei residence.
Pei Yan was unaccustomed to waiting for people, so after sending Yu Tang away, he went to his study in the outer courtyard.
This study, which was usually used for dealing with general household affairs, was quite relaxing.
When Yu Tang and Yu Wen entered the study, he was lazily resting on a bamboo and rattan recliner, drinking the newly produced wuyi black tea. The autumn midday sun shone in with warmth, making him look as approachable as this autumn sunshine.
“Master Yu and Lady Yu are here!” The servant announced. Without putting on airs, he stood up and greeted the two, but his eyes fell on Yu Tang.
Not bad, dainty like a begonia flower in spring, that’s what a girl should look like.
He nodded slightly, showing a satisfied look.
Yu Tong sighed with relief.
In her heart, she ruminated over the fact that Pei Yan appreciated this kind of style. It was fortunate that she had thick eyebrows and big eyes, and was beautiful enough to carry off such a look.
In the future, when she comes to see Pei Yan, she would just dress like this then.
After all, she had a request to make.
Yu Wen, on the other hand, was overwhelmed.
Pei Yan’s demeanor was too informal, treating them as if they were old friends.
Yu Wen had never seen such a Pei Yan before and hurriedly gave Pei Yan a bow, saying, “Please excuse us!”
Pei Yan shook his head. As he watched the maids come in and serve refreshments, he closed the door behind them, and said directly to Yu Tang, “Have you brought the nautical map? Let’s take a look at it first, shall we? Nowadays the maritime business is good, everyone wants a piece of the pie, each finding their own way to acquire it, forming their own fleet, having their own nautical charts ……”
He said this while taking the map from Yu Tang’s hand, and spread it flat on the desk. He turned around and went to get a concave mirror out.
Yu Wen instantly grew excited and said “Is that a concave mirror? It looks really well constructed! Is it also an imported product?”
Pei Yan looked at the concave mirror and said puzzledly, “Yes, it is a concave mirror. By coincidence, I found it when I was in Guangzhou City a few years ago, so I bought it. Do you want to have a look?” After saying this, he handed the mirror to Yu Wen.
Yu Wen held it in his hand, examining it with great curiosity and looked back and forth at it for a long time before returning it to Pei Yan and said, “I am sorry for the hold up. I am just very intrigued by these little trinkets.”
Pei Yan thought of how he had misunderstood Lady Yu and had not yet formally apologised to the Yu family, so he said unconcernedly, “If Master Yu likes it, I can give this to you. I have another one, which I’ve left at my estate in Hangzhou City.”
“Aiya, there’s no need for that!” Yu Wen blushed hotly and refused it, “I’m just taking a look.”
“Okay then.” Pei Yan said, he took back the concave mirror and examined the map.
The Yu family’s father and daughter held their breaths as they waited for Pei Yan’s findings.
