Chapter 83: Negotiation
Nonetheless, Pei Yan felt that this young lady of the Yu family was quick-witted and resourceful. He had just made an opening comment and she already managed to come up with several ideas.
She wanted to make copies of the map?
PeiYan stroked his chin and felt that this idea was pretty good.
Indeed, it was foolhardy to expect a complete monopolization of profits in business. People who have such a mindset often have difficulty achieving great success. Although he had explained how precious this map was, they may not understand the full extent of its value. Only those prominent families who were involved in the maritime business would know.
Pei Yan thought it over and made a mental list of the people to invite for the auction. He asked Yu Wen and Yu Tang: “So what are your plans? Do you wish to retain a copy of the map?”
Or do you want to be rid of them once and for all.
With this incident, he had a clearer picture. Although the Yu family were level-headed, they were also rather timid and not a family that takes risks.
Yu Wen and Yu Tang once again spoke up together. However, Yu Wen said “Definitely not”, but Yu Tang said “Definitely”.
For the first time, both father and daughter disagreed and glanced at each other.
Pei Yan was also quite surprised.
Yu Wen’s reply was within his expectations, but Yu Tang’s response was not.
He couldn’t help but ask her, “What do you mean?”
Of course, Yu Tang knew it was best to wash their hands clean of this, but she really suffered enough these couple of days. No, it should be said that she had suffered too long in her previous life.
The Li family merely produced a couple of scholars, yet they held the power to determine their Yu family’s fate.
She had already experienced the destruction of her family.
This time, it is both a crisis and an opportunity for them.
With this nautical chart, they could acquaint themselves with the various distinguished families of the dynasty.
If it was executed properly, they could even get a share of the pie.
However, she was also aware that their family was far too weak and insignificant.
Therefore, if she wants to avoid being devoured by those powerful families, the best way was to find an ally.
Although Yu Tang previously voiced her disagreement about her father dumping the problem on Pei Yan, she strongly agreed with his words at heart.
Their family must be bound tightly together with the Pei family in this matter, only then can they escape in one piece, and use this as an opportunity to obtain some influence, so that no one can bully their Yu family anymore.
Therefore, it was imperative for Yutang to convince Pei Yan.
Not only does she have to persuade him to help the Yu family, but she also had to convince him to take the Yu family along in his fortune-making plans.
Only by aligning themselves with the Pei family, can their family develop and grow stronger. Her nieces and nephews would be able to pursue their studies and enter the imperial court, and eventually start off a generation of officials.
I wonder how the Pei family started out?
Although there were many things in her mind, it only lasted for an instant. Just as Pei Yan looked over at her contemplating for a brief moment, she answered, “Today, there’s the Li family, tomorrow it could be the Wang family, the Chen family… I don’t want my family to remain like this forever, powerless to fight back against anything that comes our way. Third Master Pei, I know you are a reasonable person. I have a proposal and would like to hear your thoughts on it.”
She planned to seize this opportunity to change her family’s fortune?
Pei Yan always appreciated strong-willed and determined individuals. Instead of despising Yu Tang’s words, he found her to be resilient and tenacious – no matter what she encountered, she would always take hold of any chance to overturn the odds. Her only drawback would probably be that she was still too young and was confined as a lady of the inner courtyards, lacking experience and insight.
If he trains her and let her settle the Li family on her own…… that should be interesting.
“Speak!” His tone of voice was mild, and his eyes showed an indulgence of her that he didn’t even know he had.
Yu Tang breathed a sigh of relief.
She could vaguely perceive PeiYan’s emotions from observing a few of his actions and tone of voice now.
Pei Yan clearly seems to be in a good mood.
Although she didn’t know what’s there to be happy about ……
Yu Tang quickly replied: “I know that the Pei family doesn’t covet this map. Nevertheless, we are all people of Lin’an. We received a lot of help from Grand Elder Pei and now we have also received many kindnesses from you. This may sound improper, but these are my sincere feelings. I would like to share this map with the Pei family, and request for the Pei family to take us along to earn some profits, so that our family can also save up some silver for the future generations to study and seek a better future.”
To say that PeiYan wasn’t tempted by the opportunities presented by this map was a lie. However, he felt that although the maritime business was a high risk, high return venture, the key point was that it was too troublesome, requiring numerous connections and trifling things to manage, of which he had absolutely no intention of wasting his precious time on.
He answered immediately: “Our family does not have the sufficient manpower to undertake this venture. If you are interested, I can introduce a partner to you.”
This was clearly a tactful refusal.
Yu Tang was very much astonished, she intuitively felt that Pei Yan wasn’t such a person, but when she checked his expression, he was sincere and clearly had no intention of doing it.
Was it because he didn’t know just how lucrative it was?
She couldn’t help but remark, “Third Master, our family only trusts you. Do you want to make a decision after enquiring about the maritime business first?”
Pei Yan chuckled as he replied, “I have a senior brother from Guangzhou, and their family works in this business. Otherwise, how else would I be able to tell with just a glance that this is a nautical chart of the sea and coastal areas in Guangzhou? “
Yu Tang’s face flushed red with embarrassment. She wanted to persuade Pei Yan again, but then she heard Pei Yan continue saying, “Your family should also be aware that there are some things we can do and some things we can’t. We are bound by our family’s code of principles and values which were passed down throughout the generations. There’s no need for you to say anything more, Lady Yu. If you agree to be introduced to a partner by me, I will invite the person over when the auction is held, and you can meet first before the auction.”
The Pei family had suffered greatly in the past for being too conspicuous.
Their family’s ancestral philosophy was to grow their fortune quietly and discreetly.
He will definitely not enter such murky waters!
Yu Tang refused to give up trying, but Yu Wen felt that Pei Yan had already done the best he could, and they should not bother the Pei family any further. He waved his hand in front of Yu Tang, signalling that she should stop talking. He turned to Pei Yan and said, “We can split the silver from the auction 7:3. 70% for you and 30% for my family.”
Pei Yan burst out laughing and replied, “Do you have any idea just how much silver the final bid would be?”
This was the first time Yu Tang saw Pei Yan laughing aloud.
Unlike the smile where only the corners of his lips curled up, when he laughs, his expression is relaxed and comfortable, without appearing superficial. Rather, it makes people feel that he is mature, trustworthy and reliable, which was entirely different from his bright and piercing smile when he curled up his lips.
How can this be?
Yu Tang blinked.
Is this yet another side of him that no one knows?
Meanwhile, Yu Wen earnestly replied, saying “Third Master Pei, although I don’t know much about managing general affairs, I do know that without you, those noble families wouldn’t attend the auction and abide by the rules. The incident involving the stolen map is a small matter. What’s important is that my family members survived – we could care less about the silver. We owe our thanks to you for this. If you are not in agreement, we will not auction it. We will leave the map behind with you for you to do as you please. Our family will just take it as though we never possessed this map.”
Pei Yan was displeased.
Yu Tang immediately placated him, saying: “Third Master, my father is clumsy with words, so please don’t take offense. We know that you did all these things for the sake of my family. My father only said these things to return the favor. Just by having Imperial Physician Yang come every month to examine my mother is such a blessing that our family dearly wishes to have a longevity tablet set up in your honor.”
Longevity tablet? What is this nonsense?
Pei Yan interrupted her, saying, “It’s simple for me to handle such matters, so there’s no need for that.”
Yu Tang could feel the sincerity of his words. She didn’t know whether to label him as an idiot or that he’s just too unconcerned over his reputation. She adjusted her words, saying “Since that’s the case, we’ll just follow your arrangements.”
Pei Yan’s expression improved slightly as he prepared to send off the guests, saying, “I will instruct Pei Man to inform you as soon as I have the information.”
Yu Tang immediately pulled Yu Wen up and said their farewells.
Yu Wen couldn’t help but chastise her, “How could you speak with Third Master like that? Even if he said that he didn’t want a share of the sales, will we really just let it be? Who will want to help our family in the future?”
Yu Tang explained, “You see, Third Master really does not want to reap any benefits from our family. Besides, Third Master’s original intention was to help us, so if he accepted benefits from us, wouldn’t that change things? You value reputation, doesn’t Third Master value it too? I think that instead of making a fuss and upsetting Third Master like you did, we should think about how we can repay Third Master in the future.”
“But he lacks nothing.” Yu Wen said helplessly, “Didn’t we fail to find any opportunity for repayment previously?”
Yu Tang smiled, “Isn’t it better this way? In the future, we will have an excuse to send him gifts every New Year’s Eve. He can’t refuse this gesture of goodwill. Besides, even if he doesn’t accept it, will the future Third Madam refuse? If she doesn’t accept it, will his children and grandchildren also reject it? We might even be able to establish a relationship with the Pei family because of this, turning our misfortune into a blessing!”
If you are begging someone, you have to learn to be thick-skinned.
“Let’s leave it at that.” Yu Wen sighed.
The two of them returned home and Yu Yuan was waiting for them in the courtyard.
“Uncle, sister.” He greeted them and supported Yu Wen into the house, saying, “I came over straight after packing up the things at the store. Why did you and sister go to the Pei family out of the blue? Did something happen?”
They went to the study to have a chat.
After Yu Yuan learned what had happened, he was so shocked that his jaw dropped. He looked at Yu Tang with mixed emotions and said, “What made you so bold? What if Third Master Pei did not agree to help? What if he also coveted that map?”
With his extreme haughtiness, why would he do something like that?
But she didn’t intend to say that much to her eldest cousin. She just smiled and said, “Doesn’t that show I’m lucky? Third Master Pei not only helped us, but he is also noble and upright, chivalrous and brave, a person who you can trust with your life.”
Yu Wen and Yu Yuan nodded their heads repeatedly in agreement.
Yu Yuan even exclaimed, “Sister is indeed blessed.”
When Yu Wen thought about it further, it was true. He agreed, “Your sister’s luck is certainly good.”
Yu Tang only smiled bitterly.
Her luck was only obtained by exchanging her past life for her present one, and by her refusal to leave things to fate.
Perhaps by being reborn, her luck had indeed changed for the better.
Then she should not waste her good fortune. Not only must she change her own fate, but also the fate of her family.
Chapter 83: Negotiation
Nonetheless, Pei Yan felt that this young lady of the Yu family was quick-witted and resourceful. He had just made an opening comment and she already managed to come up with several ideas.
She wanted to make copies of the map?
PeiYan stroked his chin and felt that this idea was pretty good.
Indeed, it was foolhardy to expect a complete monopolization of profits in business. People who have such a mindset often have difficulty achieving great success. Although he had explained how precious this map was, they may not understand the full extent of its value. Only those prominent families who were involved in the maritime business would know.
Pei Yan thought it over and made a mental list of the people to invite for the auction. He asked Yu Wen and Yu Tang: “So what are your plans? Do you wish to retain a copy of the map?”
Or do you want to be rid of them once and for all.
With this incident, he had a clearer picture. Although the Yu family were level-headed, they were also rather timid and not a family that takes risks.
Yu Wen and Yu Tang once again spoke up together. However, Yu Wen said “Definitely not”, but Yu Tang said “Definitely”.
For the first time, both father and daughter disagreed and glanced at each other.
Pei Yan was also quite surprised.
Yu Wen’s reply was within his expectations, but Yu Tang’s response was not.
He couldn’t help but ask her, “What do you mean?”
Of course, Yu Tang knew it was best to wash their hands clean of this, but she really suffered enough these couple of days. No, it should be said that she had suffered too long in her previous life.
The Li family merely produced a couple of scholars, yet they held the power to determine their Yu family’s fate.
She had already experienced the destruction of her family.
This time, it is both a crisis and an opportunity for them.
With this nautical chart, they could acquaint themselves with the various distinguished families of the dynasty.
If it was executed properly, they could even get a share of the pie.
However, she was also aware that their family was far too weak and insignificant.
Therefore, if she wants to avoid being devoured by those powerful families, the best way was to find an ally.
Although Yu Tang previously voiced her disagreement about her father dumping the problem on Pei Yan, she strongly agreed with his words at heart.
Their family must be bound tightly together with the Pei family in this matter, only then can they escape in one piece, and use this as an opportunity to obtain some influence, so that no one can bully their Yu family anymore.
Therefore, it was imperative for Yutang to convince Pei Yan.
Not only does she have to persuade him to help the Yu family, but she also had to convince him to take the Yu family along in his fortune-making plans.
Only by aligning themselves with the Pei family, can their family develop and grow stronger. Her nieces and nephews would be able to pursue their studies and enter the imperial court, and eventually start off a generation of officials.
I wonder how the Pei family started out?
Although there were many things in her mind, it only lasted for an instant. Just as Pei Yan looked over at her contemplating for a brief moment, she answered, “Today, there’s the Li family, tomorrow it could be the Wang family, the Chen family… I don’t want my family to remain like this forever, powerless to fight back against anything that comes our way. Third Master Pei, I know you are a reasonable person. I have a proposal and would like to hear your thoughts on it.”
She planned to seize this opportunity to change her family’s fortune?
Pei Yan always appreciated strong-willed and determined individuals. Instead of despising Yu Tang’s words, he found her to be resilient and tenacious – no matter what she encountered, she would always take hold of any chance to overturn the odds. Her only drawback would probably be that she was still too young and was confined as a lady of the inner courtyards, lacking experience and insight.
If he trains her and let her settle the Li family on her own…… that should be interesting.
“Speak!” His tone of voice was mild, and his eyes showed an indulgence of her that he didn’t even know he had.
Yu Tang breathed a sigh of relief.
She could vaguely perceive PeiYan’s emotions from observing a few of his actions and tone of voice now.
Pei Yan clearly seems to be in a good mood.
Although she didn’t know what’s there to be happy about ……
Yu Tang quickly replied: “I know that the Pei family doesn’t covet this map. Nevertheless, we are all people of Lin’an. We received a lot of help from Grand Elder Pei and now we have also received many kindnesses from you. This may sound improper, but these are my sincere feelings. I would like to share this map with the Pei family, and request for the Pei family to take us along to earn some profits, so that our family can also save up some silver for the future generations to study and seek a better future.”
To say that PeiYan wasn’t tempted by the opportunities presented by this map was a lie. However, he felt that although the maritime business was a high risk, high return venture, the key point was that it was too troublesome, requiring numerous connections and trifling things to manage, of which he had absolutely no intention of wasting his precious time on.
He answered immediately: “Our family does not have the sufficient manpower to undertake this venture. If you are interested, I can introduce a partner to you.”
This was clearly a tactful refusal.
Yu Tang was very much astonished, she intuitively felt that Pei Yan wasn’t such a person, but when she checked his expression, he was sincere and clearly had no intention of doing it.
Was it because he didn’t know just how lucrative it was?
She couldn’t help but remark, “Third Master, our family only trusts you. Do you want to make a decision after enquiring about the maritime business first?”
Pei Yan chuckled as he replied, “I have a senior brother from Guangzhou, and their family works in this business. Otherwise, how else would I be able to tell with just a glance that this is a nautical chart of the sea and coastal areas in Guangzhou? “
Yu Tang’s face flushed red with embarrassment. She wanted to persuade Pei Yan again, but then she heard Pei Yan continue saying, “Your family should also be aware that there are some things we can do and some things we can’t. We are bound by our family’s code of principles and values which were passed down throughout the generations. There’s no need for you to say anything more, Lady Yu. If you agree to be introduced to a partner by me, I will invite the person over when the auction is held, and you can meet first before the auction.”
The Pei family had suffered greatly in the past for being too conspicuous.
Their family’s ancestral philosophy was to grow their fortune quietly and discreetly.
He will definitely not enter such murky waters!
Yu Tang refused to give up trying, but Yu Wen felt that Pei Yan had already done the best he could, and they should not bother the Pei family any further. He waved his hand in front of Yu Tang, signalling that she should stop talking. He turned to Pei Yan and said, “We can split the silver from the auction 7:3. 70% for you and 30% for my family.”
Pei Yan burst out laughing and replied, “Do you have any idea just how much silver the final bid would be?”
This was the first time Yu Tang saw Pei Yan laughing aloud.
Unlike the smile where only the corners of his lips curled up, when he laughs, his expression is relaxed and comfortable, without appearing superficial. Rather, it makes people feel that he is mature, trustworthy and reliable, which was entirely different from his bright and piercing smile when he curled up his lips.
How can this be?
Yu Tang blinked.
Is this yet another side of him that no one knows?
Meanwhile, Yu Wen earnestly replied, saying “Third Master Pei, although I don’t know much about managing general affairs, I do know that without you, those noble families wouldn’t attend the auction and abide by the rules. The incident involving the stolen map is a small matter. What’s important is that my family members survived – we could care less about the silver. We owe our thanks to you for this. If you are not in agreement, we will not auction it. We will leave the map behind with you for you to do as you please. Our family will just take it as though we never possessed this map.”
Pei Yan was displeased.
Yu Tang immediately placated him, saying: “Third Master, my father is clumsy with words, so please don’t take offense. We know that you did all these things for the sake of my family. My father only said these things to return the favor. Just by having Imperial Physician Yang come every month to examine my mother is such a blessing that our family dearly wishes to have a longevity tablet set up in your honor.”
Longevity tablet? What is this nonsense?
Pei Yan interrupted her, saying, “It’s simple for me to handle such matters, so there’s no need for that.”
Yu Tang could feel the sincerity of his words. She didn’t know whether to label him as an idiot or that he’s just too unconcerned over his reputation. She adjusted her words, saying “Since that’s the case, we’ll just follow your arrangements.”
Pei Yan’s expression improved slightly as he prepared to send off the guests, saying, “I will instruct Pei Man to inform you as soon as I have the information.”
Yu Tang immediately pulled Yu Wen up and said their farewells.
Yu Wen couldn’t help but chastise her, “How could you speak with Third Master like that? Even if he said that he didn’t want a share of the sales, will we really just let it be? Who will want to help our family in the future?”
Yu Tang explained, “You see, Third Master really does not want to reap any benefits from our family. Besides, Third Master’s original intention was to help us, so if he accepted benefits from us, wouldn’t that change things? You value reputation, doesn’t Third Master value it too? I think that instead of making a fuss and upsetting Third Master like you did, we should think about how we can repay Third Master in the future.”
“But he lacks nothing.” Yu Wen said helplessly, “Didn’t we fail to find any opportunity for repayment previously?”
Yu Tang smiled, “Isn’t it better this way? In the future, we will have an excuse to send him gifts every New Year’s Eve. He can’t refuse this gesture of goodwill. Besides, even if he doesn’t accept it, will the future Third Madam refuse? If she doesn’t accept it, will his children and grandchildren also reject it? We might even be able to establish a relationship with the Pei family because of this, turning our misfortune into a blessing!”
If you are begging someone, you have to learn to be thick-skinned.
“Let’s leave it at that.” Yu Wen sighed.
The two of them returned home and Yu Yuan was waiting for them in the courtyard.
“Uncle, sister.” He greeted them and supported Yu Wen into the house, saying, “I came over straight after packing up the things at the store. Why did you and sister go to the Pei family out of the blue? Did something happen?”
They went to the study to have a chat.
After Yu Yuan learned what had happened, he was so shocked that his jaw dropped. He looked at Yu Tang with mixed emotions and said, “What made you so bold? What if Third Master Pei did not agree to help? What if he also coveted that map?”
With his extreme haughtiness, why would he do something like that?
But she didn’t intend to say that much to her eldest cousin. She just smiled and said, “Doesn’t that show I’m lucky? Third Master Pei not only helped us, but he is also noble and upright, chivalrous and brave, a person who you can trust with your life.”
Yu Wen and Yu Yuan nodded their heads repeatedly in agreement.
Yu Yuan even exclaimed, “Sister is indeed blessed.”
When Yu Wen thought about it further, it was true. He agreed, “Your sister’s luck is certainly good.”
Yu Tang only smiled bitterly.
Her luck was only obtained by exchanging her past life for her present one, and by her refusal to leave things to fate.
Perhaps by being reborn, her luck had indeed changed for the better.
Then she should not waste her good fortune. Not only must she change her own fate, but also the fate of her family.
