Chapter 82 – Scheming
As Pei Yan had seen countless nautical charts in his lifetime, he first started looking at the nautical chart rather nonchalantly, but his attitude soon changed. The further he examined the map, the more serious his expression became.
Was there something amiss with the nautical chart?
Although Yu Tang was confident of her deductions, but she was dealing with Pei Yan, who obtained the imperial scholar title at a very young age and previously served in the sixth cabinet of the imperial court. Pei Yan’s extensive knowledge and insight made her doubt herself.
Meanwhile, Pei Yan silently drew in a cold breath.
He carefully re-examined the nautical chart again.
Yu Tang could not hold back her curiosity and asked warily, “Third Master, this nautical chart……”
Pei Yan placed the concave mirror down on the map. His brows furrowed and his face turned grave as he walked over to the small round table next to the bookshelf. He pointed towards the circular chairs at the round table and said, “Let’s sit down and discuss.”
Yu Wen and Yu Tang couldn’t help but exchange furtive glances as they cautiously sat down.
Pei Yan personally refilled a cup of tea for both of them before saying sombrely, “Can you share with me once again the details of how you came across this nautical map?”
Yu Wen looked at Pei Yan’s solemn expression and knew that this matter was of grave importance. He feared that he might not express the facts well enough which would impede Pei Yan’s judgment, so he turned to Yu Tang and said, “As you were the one who discovered this, please tell Third Master about it.”
Yu Tang organized her thoughts and related everything in detail.
Pei Yan listened attentively to her narration.
The contents of both their accounts were pretty much the same, so it was clear that the Yu family had discovered this purely by accident.
This means that the Li family was well aware of the problem with the painting.
This also involved the Fu An Peng family.
After Yu Tang had finished speaking, Pei Yan pondered for a moment before replying, “Originally, I thought that this was just an ordinary nautical chart. As your family does not want to be embroiled in this conflict, I planned for the Pei Family to be the auctioneer and sell it to the highest bidder. Not only will your family obtain some silver, but you will also be rightfully free from this matter. This could be regarded as a reward for Master Yu’s good deeds.”
Yu Tang’s eyes lit up upon hearing this.
Third Master Pei’s idea was excellent!
Instead of hiding it and making people suspect that their family was aware of the contents in the map, why not openly auction it off and let those who were powerful and capable of protecting themselves have it and leave the Yu family alone.
Their Yu family was an ordinary merchant family.
However, judging from his tone of voice, it seems that they can no longer do so?
Yu Tang got anxious and couldn’t help but interrupt Pei Yan, saying urgently, “Then why isn’t it possible now? Third Master, you are truly amazing – to have thought of such a good idea in a blink of an eye.”
She enthusiastically flattered him to the high heavens.
If the Pei family was willing to act as an intermediary and auction this map, they would be completely free from this! Furthermore, the one who has the ability to successfully obtain this map wouldn’t be from just any random family, even if they weren’t as powerful as the Fuan Peng family, they wouldn’t be easy opponents to handle either.
It would also be a bitter pill to swallow for the Li family.
The map that they desperately fought so hard to obtain was not sole copy, so what else can they use as leverage against the Peng family?
She eagerly awaited Pei Yan’s reply.
Yu Wen was also watching Pei Yan excitedly. “Is there something wrong with this map? Although this map is only a copy, but the person who copied it is very skilled and even added his personal seal.”
In case there was something wrong with it, would it help to find Master Qian?
Only then did Pei Yan realize that he had inadvertently given them the wrong impression. He chuckled, saying “It’s not that there’s anything wrong with this nautical chart per se, it’s only that this map is far too valuable. You can decide if you want to auction it off or to use this map to invest in the various merchant houses instead.”
His smile was a little too dazzling to behold.
In that moment, it was as if winter was over, the ice had melted and spring has returned. His whole face seems to be aglow and his handsome-ness was too overwhelming to even gaze upon. (TL: Sorry, I spat out my tea at this LOLOL what’s with this description?! XD 英俊地让人不能直视)
Yu Tang got lost in her thoughts as she stared at him, and only returned to her senses after a while.
This time it should also be a genuine smile.
How lucky was she to have seen Pei Yan’s genuine smile twice in a day?
Yu Tang secretly admired her good fortune and quickly looked towards her father, banishing all other thoughts from her head.
She saw her father looking flabbergasted, as if he was hit on the head by this news.
She hurriedly called out to him.
Yu Wen jolted out of his reverie and came back to his senses.
Their Yu family is weak, and this map was far too precious. It was akin to a three-year-old child playing with a large knife. They couldn’t lift it with their hands and it would only hurt themselves and others by wielding it. Examining the present situation, the chances of them being injured by this was far greater than the chances of it hurting others.
Yu Wen immediately made a decision. He said: “Third Master, what kind of nautical map is this? How could it be so valuable as you mentioned? If we were to follow as per your initial plans and request for the Pei family to be the intermediary, can we still auction it off?”
Pei Yan was rather surprised at his question, but his attention was only on Yu Tang.
He knew that this eldest young lady of the Yu family was very opinionated, and Yu Wen might not be able to control her.
Yu Tang was in favor of her father’s decision.
One should only eat as much rice as his bowl could hold.
Those people who eat from their bowls and yet still look towards the pot for more, would usually suffer terrible consequences.
Although she was also curious about why this map was so precious, but it was far more important for their family to be free from this storm-like event and stay safe.
Yu Tang hurriedly nodded towards Pei Yan, expressing her agreement.
Pei Yan smiled internally.
He knew why he was so willing to help the Yu family.
It wasn’t that Lady Yu was pretty, or that Yu Wen was open-minded, but rather, the Yu family members saw things clearly.
Even if a family was rich and powerful, they needed to be aware of their limitations.
He has seen far too many people who lost their sense of direction amidst the fog of power and influence.
Including himself when he was younger.
This was an outstanding quality of the Yu family.
Especially Lady Yu. Owing to Yu Wen’s age and personality, and just from the fact that he was aware of his abilities and stopped pursuing further studies, it was unsurprising that he would make such a decision. But for the young Lady Yu to also possess the same broad-mindedness was highly remarkable.
He casted Yu Tang a deep, contemplative look and decided to support the Yu family once more in this matter.
“Although it also has to do with the maritime business, but there are various types.” Pei Yan said solemnly, “There are three types of shipping businesses in our current dynasty. One is in Ningbo, second in Quanzhou, and third in Guangzhou. And the route of the ships out at sea will either head for Sulu, Siam or Ceylon, but this map of yours is for the Arab Empire.”
As Yu Wen and Yu Tang listened, their brains became fuzzy and they looked at each other, perplexed.
Where is Sulu? And where is Ceylon? Was the Arab Empire important?
Yu Tang did not want her father to feel embarrassed because of his lack of knowledge. She immediately spoke up before her father could, saying “Third Master, what does that mean? Are there fewer ships sailing to the Arab Empire? Is that why this nautical chart is so valuable?”
“No.” Seeing that both of them did not understand these matters, Pei Yan patiently explained, “Presently, all the ships in this dynasty, regardless of whether they are headed to Sulu or Siam, all of them hope to sell their goods to the Arab Empire. This is because the Arab Empire is a very wealthy kingdom. Previously, nobody knew how to travel directly to the Arab Empire, so we had to sell our goods to places like Sulu and Siam, after which, their merchants would then re-sell them to the Arab Empire. This map of yours shows a completely new route, a route that we had always wanted but never had. Furthermore, this route begins from Guangzhou, which makes it all the more valuable.”
However, the father and daughter duo remained confused.
Pei Yan further elaborated: “Due to the frequent attacks by the Japanese pirates, the imperial court wanted to close off the sea borders several times. In particular, the Ningbo and Quanzhou’s municipal shipping divisions have already been closed once before. Recently, some court officials have proposed to abolish these two shipping ports. If the court passes the resolution, these two municipal divisions may be removed. All ships would have to depart from Guangzhou instead. Now, would you say that this nautical chart of yours is invaluable?”
Yu Wen and Yu Tang’s eyes grew wide with shock.
Their family was in great danger.
Both of them said immediately in unison, “Auction! Third Master Pei, we will auction this off.”
Yu Wen felt that just auctioning it off wasn’t safe enough. He asked, “Third Master Pei, are you interested in the maritime business? How about I just give you this map? We don’t need the silver. Consider it as our appreciation for helping us find a physician.”
Pei Yan’s face darkened.
He was kind enough to help them out, but instead it was perceived as exploitation!
Yu Tang felt that her father’s words were too blunt, as though he was dumping out the trash. She turned to look at Pei Yan and saw how unpleasant his expression was. Her mind spun rapidly like never before, and she spoke up swiftly: “Father, you’re wrong. If Third Master Pei wanted this map, he would have just bought it from us directly, why would he even offer to be the guarantor and auction this map off for us?”
“Yes, yes!” Only then did Yu Wen realize that he had spoken erroneously and smiled apologetically at Pei Yan.
Yu Tang, on the other hand, was afraid that Pei Yan would just cast them aside in his anger.
Only a family like the Pei’s could invite various families with power comparable to the Peng family’s and participate in the auction and also ensure their family’s safety.
She couldn’t stop praising him, saying “Third Master is not that kind of person! I met the Third Master when I went to the Pei family’s pawnshop ……” she quickly told Yu Wen about several of their encounters.
Yu Wen sweated profusely and apologized to Pei Yan: “It’s all because I spoke without thinking ……”
Pei Yan looked at Yu Tang’s rosy red lips that were constantly opening and closing, and felt as though there were hundreds of little sparrows chattering around him, and his brain started to hurt a little.
He interrupted Yu Tang, saying: “Okay, okay, let’s not talk about the past.”
Yu Tang immediately stopped referring to past events but continued to heap praises on Pei Yan: “I think that your words make a lot of sense. It would be best to auction it off. However, since this map is extremely precious, do you think we should ask someone to make a few more copies and auction them all away? Since young, I’ve heard my eldest cousin saying that the greatest danger lies in taking the entire profit for yourself. By occupying a monopoly, everyone will be jealous and will work together to conspire against you. If several families collaborate, then the chances of them getting jealous is greatly reduced.”
Pei Yan was at a loss for words.
This young lady dared to play mind games with him?
If you’re worried that Yu family would be caught in the crossfires, then just say so! Why speak in such a roundabout way, don’t you just want the Pei family and him, Pei Yan to take care of it?
Chapter 82 – Scheming
As Pei Yan had seen countless nautical charts in his lifetime, he first started looking at the nautical chart rather nonchalantly, but his attitude soon changed. The further he examined the map, the more serious his expression became.
Was there something amiss with the nautical chart?
Although Yu Tang was confident of her deductions, but she was dealing with Pei Yan, who obtained the imperial scholar title at a very young age and previously served in the sixth cabinet of the imperial court. Pei Yan’s extensive knowledge and insight made her doubt herself.
Meanwhile, Pei Yan silently drew in a cold breath.
He carefully re-examined the nautical chart again.
Yu Tang could not hold back her curiosity and asked warily, “Third Master, this nautical chart……”
Pei Yan placed the concave mirror down on the map. His brows furrowed and his face turned grave as he walked over to the small round table next to the bookshelf. He pointed towards the circular chairs at the round table and said, “Let’s sit down and discuss.”
Yu Wen and Yu Tang couldn’t help but exchange furtive glances as they cautiously sat down.
Pei Yan personally refilled a cup of tea for both of them before saying sombrely, “Can you share with me once again the details of how you came across this nautical map?”
Yu Wen looked at Pei Yan’s solemn expression and knew that this matter was of grave importance. He feared that he might not express the facts well enough which would impede Pei Yan’s judgment, so he turned to Yu Tang and said, “As you were the one who discovered this, please tell Third Master about it.”
Yu Tang organized her thoughts and related everything in detail.
Pei Yan listened attentively to her narration.
The contents of both their accounts were pretty much the same, so it was clear that the Yu family had discovered this purely by accident.
This means that the Li family was well aware of the problem with the painting.
This also involved the Fu An Peng family.
After Yu Tang had finished speaking, Pei Yan pondered for a moment before replying, “Originally, I thought that this was just an ordinary nautical chart. As your family does not want to be embroiled in this conflict, I planned for the Pei Family to be the auctioneer and sell it to the highest bidder. Not only will your family obtain some silver, but you will also be rightfully free from this matter. This could be regarded as a reward for Master Yu’s good deeds.”
Yu Tang’s eyes lit up upon hearing this.
Third Master Pei’s idea was excellent!
Instead of hiding it and making people suspect that their family was aware of the contents in the map, why not openly auction it off and let those who were powerful and capable of protecting themselves have it and leave the Yu family alone.
Their Yu family was an ordinary merchant family.
However, judging from his tone of voice, it seems that they can no longer do so?
Yu Tang got anxious and couldn’t help but interrupt Pei Yan, saying urgently, “Then why isn’t it possible now? Third Master, you are truly amazing – to have thought of such a good idea in a blink of an eye.”
She enthusiastically flattered him to the high heavens.
If the Pei family was willing to act as an intermediary and auction this map, they would be completely free from this! Furthermore, the one who has the ability to successfully obtain this map wouldn’t be from just any random family, even if they weren’t as powerful as the Fuan Peng family, they wouldn’t be easy opponents to handle either.
It would also be a bitter pill to swallow for the Li family.
The map that they desperately fought so hard to obtain was not sole copy, so what else can they use as leverage against the Peng family?
She eagerly awaited Pei Yan’s reply.
Yu Wen was also watching Pei Yan excitedly. “Is there something wrong with this map? Although this map is only a copy, but the person who copied it is very skilled and even added his personal seal.”
In case there was something wrong with it, would it help to find Master Qian?
Only then did Pei Yan realize that he had inadvertently given them the wrong impression. He chuckled, saying “It’s not that there’s anything wrong with this nautical chart per se, it’s only that this map is far too valuable. You can decide if you want to auction it off or to use this map to invest in the various merchant houses instead.”
His smile was a little too dazzling to behold.
In that moment, it was as if winter was over, the ice had melted and spring has returned. His whole face seems to be aglow and his handsome-ness was too overwhelming to even gaze upon. (TL: Sorry, I spat out my tea at this LOLOL what’s with this description?! XD 英俊地让人不能直视)
Yu Tang got lost in her thoughts as she stared at him, and only returned to her senses after a while.
This time it should also be a genuine smile.
How lucky was she to have seen Pei Yan’s genuine smile twice in a day?
Yu Tang secretly admired her good fortune and quickly looked towards her father, banishing all other thoughts from her head.
She saw her father looking flabbergasted, as if he was hit on the head by this news.
She hurriedly called out to him.
Yu Wen jolted out of his reverie and came back to his senses.
Their Yu family is weak, and this map was far too precious. It was akin to a three-year-old child playing with a large knife. They couldn’t lift it with their hands and it would only hurt themselves and others by wielding it. Examining the present situation, the chances of them being injured by this was far greater than the chances of it hurting others.
Yu Wen immediately made a decision. He said: “Third Master, what kind of nautical map is this? How could it be so valuable as you mentioned? If we were to follow as per your initial plans and request for the Pei family to be the intermediary, can we still auction it off?”
Pei Yan was rather surprised at his question, but his attention was only on Yu Tang.
He knew that this eldest young lady of the Yu family was very opinionated, and Yu Wen might not be able to control her.
Yu Tang was in favor of her father’s decision.
One should only eat as much rice as his bowl could hold.
Those people who eat from their bowls and yet still look towards the pot for more, would usually suffer terrible consequences.
Although she was also curious about why this map was so precious, but it was far more important for their family to be free from this storm-like event and stay safe.
Yu Tang hurriedly nodded towards Pei Yan, expressing her agreement.
Pei Yan smiled internally.
He knew why he was so willing to help the Yu family.
It wasn’t that Lady Yu was pretty, or that Yu Wen was open-minded, but rather, the Yu family members saw things clearly.
Even if a family was rich and powerful, they needed to be aware of their limitations.
He has seen far too many people who lost their sense of direction amidst the fog of power and influence.
Including himself when he was younger.
This was an outstanding quality of the Yu family.
Especially Lady Yu. Owing to Yu Wen’s age and personality, and just from the fact that he was aware of his abilities and stopped pursuing further studies, it was unsurprising that he would make such a decision. But for the young Lady Yu to also possess the same broad-mindedness was highly remarkable.
He casted Yu Tang a deep, contemplative look and decided to support the Yu family once more in this matter.
“Although it also has to do with the maritime business, but there are various types.” Pei Yan said solemnly, “There are three types of shipping businesses in our current dynasty. One is in Ningbo, second in Quanzhou, and third in Guangzhou. And the route of the ships out at sea will either head for Sulu, Siam or Ceylon, but this map of yours is for the Arab Empire.”
As Yu Wen and Yu Tang listened, their brains became fuzzy and they looked at each other, perplexed.
Where is Sulu? And where is Ceylon? Was the Arab Empire important?
Yu Tang did not want her father to feel embarrassed because of his lack of knowledge. She immediately spoke up before her father could, saying “Third Master, what does that mean? Are there fewer ships sailing to the Arab Empire? Is that why this nautical chart is so valuable?”
“No.” Seeing that both of them did not understand these matters, Pei Yan patiently explained, “Presently, all the ships in this dynasty, regardless of whether they are headed to Sulu or Siam, all of them hope to sell their goods to the Arab Empire. This is because the Arab Empire is a very wealthy kingdom. Previously, nobody knew how to travel directly to the Arab Empire, so we had to sell our goods to places like Sulu and Siam, after which, their merchants would then re-sell them to the Arab Empire. This map of yours shows a completely new route, a route that we had always wanted but never had. Furthermore, this route begins from Guangzhou, which makes it all the more valuable.”
However, the father and daughter duo remained confused.
Pei Yan further elaborated: “Due to the frequent attacks by the Japanese pirates, the imperial court wanted to close off the sea borders several times. In particular, the Ningbo and Quanzhou’s municipal shipping divisions have already been closed once before. Recently, some court officials have proposed to abolish these two shipping ports. If the court passes the resolution, these two municipal divisions may be removed. All ships would have to depart from Guangzhou instead. Now, would you say that this nautical chart of yours is invaluable?”
Yu Wen and Yu Tang’s eyes grew wide with shock.
Their family was in great danger.
Both of them said immediately in unison, “Auction! Third Master Pei, we will auction this off.”
Yu Wen felt that just auctioning it off wasn’t safe enough. He asked, “Third Master Pei, are you interested in the maritime business? How about I just give you this map? We don’t need the silver. Consider it as our appreciation for helping us find a physician.”
Pei Yan’s face darkened.
He was kind enough to help them out, but instead it was perceived as exploitation!
Yu Tang felt that her father’s words were too blunt, as though he was dumping out the trash. She turned to look at Pei Yan and saw how unpleasant his expression was. Her mind spun rapidly like never before, and she spoke up swiftly: “Father, you’re wrong. If Third Master Pei wanted this map, he would have just bought it from us directly, why would he even offer to be the guarantor and auction this map off for us?”
“Yes, yes!” Only then did Yu Wen realize that he had spoken erroneously and smiled apologetically at Pei Yan.
Yu Tang, on the other hand, was afraid that Pei Yan would just cast them aside in his anger.
Only a family like the Pei’s could invite various families with power comparable to the Peng family’s and participate in the auction and also ensure their family’s safety.
She couldn’t stop praising him, saying “Third Master is not that kind of person! I met the Third Master when I went to the Pei family’s pawnshop ……” she quickly told Yu Wen about several of their encounters.
Yu Wen sweated profusely and apologized to Pei Yan: “It’s all because I spoke without thinking ……”
Pei Yan looked at Yu Tang’s rosy red lips that were constantly opening and closing, and felt as though there were hundreds of little sparrows chattering around him, and his brain started to hurt a little.
He interrupted Yu Tang, saying: “Okay, okay, let’s not talk about the past.”
Yu Tang immediately stopped referring to past events but continued to heap praises on Pei Yan: “I think that your words make a lot of sense. It would be best to auction it off. However, since this map is extremely precious, do you think we should ask someone to make a few more copies and auction them all away? Since young, I’ve heard my eldest cousin saying that the greatest danger lies in taking the entire profit for yourself. By occupying a monopoly, everyone will be jealous and will work together to conspire against you. If several families collaborate, then the chances of them getting jealous is greatly reduced.”
Pei Yan was at a loss for words.
This young lady dared to play mind games with him?
If you’re worried that Yu family would be caught in the crossfires, then just say so! Why speak in such a roundabout way, don’t you just want the Pei family and him, Pei Yan to take care of it?
