Chapter 92 – Apology
Why is Pei Yan here?
Shouldn’t he be surrounded by those people as the esteemed guest of honor and be drinking tea in the back hall?
His face was so grim, it couldn’t be because of what he just heard her say, right?
But she didn’t say anything much either!
As Yu Tang was carefully recollecting what she said, Hu Xing who was beside her, was very dramatic. He stood up with a start and stuttered in fear. “Third, Third Master, why are you here? Do you need to take something or do you have further instructions?”
Yu Tang also returned to her senses.
Yes, maybe Pei Yan had some things for them to do?
She hurriedly plastered a smile on her face, saying “Third Master, what are your instructions?”
It was of vital importance to make Pei Yan feel at home.
As per Hu Xing’s earlier words, it was Hu Xing’s mistake that made it necessary for him to come over here to preserve the reputation of the Yu family’s name. Anyone who was implicated like that would have been extremely irritated, much less someone so prideful like Pei Yan. It’s no wonder that he was upset.
Yu Tang thought about it further and felt terrible for Pei Yan, and her attitude towards him became kinder.
“Third Master, please feel free to instruct me on anything that you would like me to do.” She said in a mild and gentle tone.
Pei Yan did not even want to say a single word in reply.
This idiot Hu Xing took it upon himself to arrange his itinerary. He himself also wanted to dignify the Yu family and thus forced himself to come over as quickly as possible, but yet this Lady Yu not only did not appreciate it, but even said things like “Just sending any steward over would be fine”.
Had he known it would turn out like this, he would not have even sent a single steward! Just having someone deliver a congratulatory gift would be sufficient.
Why even bother worrying about the reputation of the Yu family, and to personally rush over ……
He ignored Yu Tang, and walked through the door of the tea room without sparing a glance at her.
Following behind was the apologetic-looking Pei Man.
He apologized to Yu Tang quietly. “Third master hardly slept at all last night. Early this morning, when he finally fell asleep, he was rudely awakened by Head Steward Hu. His mood is extremely unpleasant, so please bear with it, Lady Yu.”
He didn’t sleep a wink at all last night?
Was it because of the nautical chart?
Yu Tang was taken aback and felt grateful. She quickly replied with a smile, saying, “Thank you, Senior Head Steward Pei, for telling me this. Head Steward Hu had also told me a few things earlier as well. Speaking of which, our family is still lacking in experience. Since we were aware that Third Master was coming over, we should have sent someone over to seek advice from Senior Head Steward on what kind of tea Third Master prefers to drink and his favourite snacks before he comes, so that we could prepare in advance. Now we are caught offguard, so it is no wonder that Third Master is unhappy.”
The words that came out of her were polite and unassuming, and Pei Man immediately viewed Yu Tang in a different light.
No wonder Master Yu liked to take his daughter along with him everywhere he goes.
Pei Man decided to show Yu Tang a way out.
“Lady Yu is too kind.” He laughed, “Third Master has always been a man of his word. This time, Third Master came a little late, so please help to explain the situation to Eldest Master Yu. According to customary practices, Third Master did not need to come here in person, but he felt that although your family did not send someone over beforehand to re-confirm, it was also because the person who agreed was Head Steward Hu, and thus the fault lies with Head Steward Hu and ultimately with us. Third master also debated if he should send a steward over to send a congratulatory gift and let things be, but he was afraid that your family was greatly anticipating his arrival, and he didn’t want to disappoint your family and making others laugh at your expense, so he eventually resolved to make a trip down himself. However, we still came a little late.”
This meant that Pei Yan exerted a great deal of effort to come over in person solely to preserve the dignity of the Yu family.
Yu Tang pondered over what she said previously.
Their family was indeed insensitive of the situation.
Anyone who did something meritorious would want to be recognised for it, let alone someone like Pei Yan who has a clear love/hate relationship with everything he does.
Yu Tang felt ashamed and said “Senior Head Steward, it’s all my fault. I did not understand Third Master’s good intentions. I’ll go and apologize to Third Master!”
Pei Man saw that she had understood, so he became relieved and felt that his hard work was not in vain. He smiled and pointed to the accounting room next door and said quietly, “Third Master is still in mourning, so he wouldn’t be participating in the ribbon-cutting ceremony. I will accompany third master to your family’s accounting room and sit for a while. After the ribbon-cutting, I will meet constable Zhang who is in charge of Changxing Street before returning home.”
Yu Tang pondered for a while, wondering if she should go over to Pei Yan right now to offer her greetings.
Hu Xing, who was sitting silently all the while, like a corpse, upon hearing Pei Man say “the fault lies with Head steward Hu” seriously felt that his life was about to end, so why would he just sit and wait for death?
He hurriedly piped up at this crucial moment, walking over to the both of them and bowed deeply, saying “Please guide me! Show me a clear path to live and spare the lives of my entire household.”
Pei Man always felt that Hu Xing was overly dramatic, but Pei Yan had already dismissed Grand Elder Pei’s previous two head stewards when he took over as patriarch. Particularly, the former senior head steward had left in a particularly dishonorable way (TL: suicide – see the earlier chapters). If Pei Yan were to dismiss Hu Xing as well, it would inevitably lead to panic in the Pei household, which was the reason why he was allowed to keep his position.
This time, however, with such a huge blunder, he felt that even if Pei Yan did not dispose of him, he would not let him stay in the residence and handle important matters anymore.
In the presence of Yu Tang, he did not want to expose their family’s conflict in front of outsiders, so he prevaricated, saying “Whatever is the matter, we’ll settle it when we return!”
Once he returned, there will be no way to save the situation at all.
Hu Xing was about to burst into tears.
He did not bother about propriety anymore, anxiously pleading with Yu Tang. “Lady Yu, I really did not do it on purpose. My family’s Third Master only appears cold but actually has a very warm heart. Ever since Third Master took over, only Master Yu had the honour to see Third Master so often in the entire Lin’an City, so I just misunderstood ……”
Before he finished speaking, Pei Man was already frowning in displeasure.
This Hu Xing, how could he say that?
Although he felt that the way Pei Yan treated Yu Wen was different, but Hu Xing dared to say it in front of Lady Yu, will not it make the Yu family feel that the Pei family did not value them at all? Then what was the point of Third Master hurrying over like this?
Pei Man interrupted Hu Xing’s words in dissatisfaction. “Didn’t I say we’ll talk further when we return? Why don’t you go back first, there’s still many things to do.”
These few days, PeiYan made a list of the families to invite to attend the auction of the nautical map, and was only waiting for the Tao family to test the actual route, before discreetly releasing information, thereafter the Pei family will officially send out the invitations. Before that, they had to prepare the place for the auction, arrange the accommodation for the guests in such a way that would reduce conflict between feuding families, etc. There are still many things to do, so he had no spare time to talk nonsense with Hu Xing here.
He stared sternly at Hu Xing and made him shut up.
Yu Tang, however, had already understood the various cause and effects of this. She smiled awkwardly at Pei Man, and said gingerly, “Senior Head Steward, do you think I ought to go by myself and apologize to Third Master? Our family is also responsible for things becoming like this.”
Although she felt in her heart that the Pei family shared greater blame, but the Pei Family had higher authority and status, so she could only lower herself, admit her faults and take the blame.
Pei Man knew Pei Yan’s character very well. The reason he came here and said so much was also in hopes that Yu Tang could express some form of gratitude and put Pei Yan in a better mood, so that the next time, cooperation between both families would be smoother and more pleasant.
“Of course” He said as if he was hinting at something, “Third Master likes peace and quiet, so Eldest Master Yu did not arrange for anyone to accompany him.”
In other words, he was saying that Pei Yan was alone right now!
Yu Tang accepted Pei Man’s kindness, thanked him again before going to the accounting room.
Pei Yan sat on tai shi chair drinking his tea, with only a servant standing at one side serving him.
Yu Tang went forward and gave Pei Yan a formal bow and smiled, “Third Master, I didn’t expect you to come personally to the opening ceremony of our lowly store. The preparations were not up to par, so please bear with us. Just a while ago, I asked senior head steward and third head steward about your food and drink preferences , but your senior head steward told me that you will be leaving shortly and will not stay for dinner. I have instructed someone to prepare a vegetarian banquet for you and to send it to the Pei residence, and it would be a great honour if you accepted it.”
Pei Yan tilted his head and glanced at Yu Tang and said coolly “Lady Yu need not bother. I will just have a cup of tea before I leave. There’s no need to go to such lengths and arrange a vegetarian banquet.” After saying that, he glanced at Pei Man.
Pei Man immediately shook his head gently, indicating that he did not say anything.
Pei Yan felt the irritation in his heart dissipate a little.
Yu Tang enthusiastically tried to make casual conversation. “The finest tea we have is this Xinyang Mao Jian. I don’t know if it is something you are used to drinking. Luckily, the biggest and the best tea store in Lin’an City is not too far from here, so if you don’t like Xinyang Mao Jian, I’ll have someone go buy something else.”
After hearing this, Pei Yan felt anger in his heart starting to build up again.
He couldn’t help but remark coldly, “So you want to buy me my favorite tea from my family’s store?”
Yu Tang stilled and smiled awkwardly.
She had forgotten that the biggest and best tea store in Lin’an City belonged to the Pei family’s.
But if she didn’t go there, where else could she go?
Yu Tang replied to Pei Yan offhandedly, “Then why not wait a few more days. When my eldest cousin goes to Hangzhou, I’ll ask him to bring some back. “
The Yu family and the Xiang family have fixed the wedding date on March 16th. Before then, Madam Wang intends to go to Hangzhou to prepare some things in advance for Yu Yuan’s wedding. Madam Chen hasn’t been sick since last winter, and her health is much better than before, so she plans to take Yu Tang along with Madam Wang to Hangzhou City to do some shopping and buy some things.
Pei Yan felt that Lady Yu was simply being stubborn, so he smiled coldly and didn’t pay further attention to her.
Yu Tang was perplexed.
What’s wrong again?
Could it be that she can’t even make such a statement?
Third Master Pei was really temperamental!
Yu Tang couldn’t be bothered about his reaction anymore. She already flattered him so much, but he didn’t appreciate it, so why bother? She’ll just do what she has to do.
From this incident where Pei Yan personally came to attend their family’s store opening, she felt that Pei Yan is not only a man of integrity, but also a person who keeps his promises. As long as he agreed to do something, whether directly or indirectly through someone else, even if he is reluctant, he would still honor his word.
So the matter of the nautical chart, regardless of Pei Yan’s opinion towards the Yu family, he will definitely handle it with due care and attention.
Yu Tang’s confidence grew.
She didn’t care anymore about Pei Yan’s mood. She quickly ordered Shuang Tao “Go and tell Xia Ping Gui to personally visit the tea store next door and buy some of the best tea leaves, and then go to a restaurant and book a table with a vegetarian banquet and send to the Pei residence.”
Whether Pei Yan accepts is or not is his business, however, for proprietary sake, they were obligated to send it.
Chapter 92 – Apology
Why is Pei Yan here?
Shouldn’t he be surrounded by those people as the esteemed guest of honor and be drinking tea in the back hall?
His face was so grim, it couldn’t be because of what he just heard her say, right?
But she didn’t say anything much either!
As Yu Tang was carefully recollecting what she said, Hu Xing who was beside her, was very dramatic. He stood up with a start and stuttered in fear. “Third, Third Master, why are you here? Do you need to take something or do you have further instructions?”
Yu Tang also returned to her senses.
Yes, maybe Pei Yan had some things for them to do?
She hurriedly plastered a smile on her face, saying “Third Master, what are your instructions?”
It was of vital importance to make Pei Yan feel at home.
As per Hu Xing’s earlier words, it was Hu Xing’s mistake that made it necessary for him to come over here to preserve the reputation of the Yu family’s name. Anyone who was implicated like that would have been extremely irritated, much less someone so prideful like Pei Yan. It’s no wonder that he was upset.
Yu Tang thought about it further and felt terrible for Pei Yan, and her attitude towards him became kinder.
“Third Master, please feel free to instruct me on anything that you would like me to do.” She said in a mild and gentle tone.
Pei Yan did not even want to say a single word in reply.
This idiot Hu Xing took it upon himself to arrange his itinerary. He himself also wanted to dignify the Yu family and thus forced himself to come over as quickly as possible, but yet this Lady Yu not only did not appreciate it, but even said things like “Just sending any steward over would be fine”.
Had he known it would turn out like this, he would not have even sent a single steward! Just having someone deliver a congratulatory gift would be sufficient.
Why even bother worrying about the reputation of the Yu family, and to personally rush over ……
He ignored Yu Tang, and walked through the door of the tea room without sparing a glance at her.
Following behind was the apologetic-looking Pei Man.
He apologized to Yu Tang quietly. “Third master hardly slept at all last night. Early this morning, when he finally fell asleep, he was rudely awakened by Head Steward Hu. His mood is extremely unpleasant, so please bear with it, Lady Yu.”
He didn’t sleep a wink at all last night?
Was it because of the nautical chart?
Yu Tang was taken aback and felt grateful. She quickly replied with a smile, saying, “Thank you, Senior Head Steward Pei, for telling me this. Head Steward Hu had also told me a few things earlier as well. Speaking of which, our family is still lacking in experience. Since we were aware that Third Master was coming over, we should have sent someone over to seek advice from Senior Head Steward on what kind of tea Third Master prefers to drink and his favourite snacks before he comes, so that we could prepare in advance. Now we are caught offguard, so it is no wonder that Third Master is unhappy.”
The words that came out of her were polite and unassuming, and Pei Man immediately viewed Yu Tang in a different light.
No wonder Master Yu liked to take his daughter along with him everywhere he goes.
Pei Man decided to show Yu Tang a way out.
“Lady Yu is too kind.” He laughed, “Third Master has always been a man of his word. This time, Third Master came a little late, so please help to explain the situation to Eldest Master Yu. According to customary practices, Third Master did not need to come here in person, but he felt that although your family did not send someone over beforehand to re-confirm, it was also because the person who agreed was Head Steward Hu, and thus the fault lies with Head Steward Hu and ultimately with us. Third master also debated if he should send a steward over to send a congratulatory gift and let things be, but he was afraid that your family was greatly anticipating his arrival, and he didn’t want to disappoint your family and making others laugh at your expense, so he eventually resolved to make a trip down himself. However, we still came a little late.”
This meant that Pei Yan exerted a great deal of effort to come over in person solely to preserve the dignity of the Yu family.
Yu Tang pondered over what she said previously.
Their family was indeed insensitive of the situation.
Anyone who did something meritorious would want to be recognised for it, let alone someone like Pei Yan who has a clear love/hate relationship with everything he does.
Yu Tang felt ashamed and said “Senior Head Steward, it’s all my fault. I did not understand Third Master’s good intentions. I’ll go and apologize to Third Master!”
Pei Man saw that she had understood, so he became relieved and felt that his hard work was not in vain. He smiled and pointed to the accounting room next door and said quietly, “Third Master is still in mourning, so he wouldn’t be participating in the ribbon-cutting ceremony. I will accompany third master to your family’s accounting room and sit for a while. After the ribbon-cutting, I will meet constable Zhang who is in charge of Changxing Street before returning home.”
Yu Tang pondered for a while, wondering if she should go over to Pei Yan right now to offer her greetings.
Hu Xing, who was sitting silently all the while, like a corpse, upon hearing Pei Man say “the fault lies with Head steward Hu” seriously felt that his life was about to end, so why would he just sit and wait for death?
He hurriedly piped up at this crucial moment, walking over to the both of them and bowed deeply, saying “Please guide me! Show me a clear path to live and spare the lives of my entire household.”
Pei Man always felt that Hu Xing was overly dramatic, but Pei Yan had already dismissed Grand Elder Pei’s previous two head stewards when he took over as patriarch. Particularly, the former senior head steward had left in a particularly dishonorable way (TL: suicide – see the earlier chapters). If Pei Yan were to dismiss Hu Xing as well, it would inevitably lead to panic in the Pei household, which was the reason why he was allowed to keep his position.
This time, however, with such a huge blunder, he felt that even if Pei Yan did not dispose of him, he would not let him stay in the residence and handle important matters anymore.
In the presence of Yu Tang, he did not want to expose their family’s conflict in front of outsiders, so he prevaricated, saying “Whatever is the matter, we’ll settle it when we return!”
Once he returned, there will be no way to save the situation at all.
Hu Xing was about to burst into tears.
He did not bother about propriety anymore, anxiously pleading with Yu Tang. “Lady Yu, I really did not do it on purpose. My family’s Third Master only appears cold but actually has a very warm heart. Ever since Third Master took over, only Master Yu had the honour to see Third Master so often in the entire Lin’an City, so I just misunderstood ……”
Before he finished speaking, Pei Man was already frowning in displeasure.
This Hu Xing, how could he say that?
Although he felt that the way Pei Yan treated Yu Wen was different, but Hu Xing dared to say it in front of Lady Yu, will not it make the Yu family feel that the Pei family did not value them at all? Then what was the point of Third Master hurrying over like this?
Pei Man interrupted Hu Xing’s words in dissatisfaction. “Didn’t I say we’ll talk further when we return? Why don’t you go back first, there’s still many things to do.”
These few days, PeiYan made a list of the families to invite to attend the auction of the nautical map, and was only waiting for the Tao family to test the actual route, before discreetly releasing information, thereafter the Pei family will officially send out the invitations. Before that, they had to prepare the place for the auction, arrange the accommodation for the guests in such a way that would reduce conflict between feuding families, etc. There are still many things to do, so he had no spare time to talk nonsense with Hu Xing here.
He stared sternly at Hu Xing and made him shut up.
Yu Tang, however, had already understood the various cause and effects of this. She smiled awkwardly at Pei Man, and said gingerly, “Senior Head Steward, do you think I ought to go by myself and apologize to Third Master? Our family is also responsible for things becoming like this.”
Although she felt in her heart that the Pei family shared greater blame, but the Pei Family had higher authority and status, so she could only lower herself, admit her faults and take the blame.
Pei Man knew Pei Yan’s character very well. The reason he came here and said so much was also in hopes that Yu Tang could express some form of gratitude and put Pei Yan in a better mood, so that the next time, cooperation between both families would be smoother and more pleasant.
“Of course” He said as if he was hinting at something, “Third Master likes peace and quiet, so Eldest Master Yu did not arrange for anyone to accompany him.”
In other words, he was saying that Pei Yan was alone right now!
Yu Tang accepted Pei Man’s kindness, thanked him again before going to the accounting room.
Pei Yan sat on tai shi chair drinking his tea, with only a servant standing at one side serving him.
Yu Tang went forward and gave Pei Yan a formal bow and smiled, “Third Master, I didn’t expect you to come personally to the opening ceremony of our lowly store. The preparations were not up to par, so please bear with us. Just a while ago, I asked senior head steward and third head steward about your food and drink preferences , but your senior head steward told me that you will be leaving shortly and will not stay for dinner. I have instructed someone to prepare a vegetarian banquet for you and to send it to the Pei residence, and it would be a great honour if you accepted it.”
Pei Yan tilted his head and glanced at Yu Tang and said coolly “Lady Yu need not bother. I will just have a cup of tea before I leave. There’s no need to go to such lengths and arrange a vegetarian banquet.” After saying that, he glanced at Pei Man.
Pei Man immediately shook his head gently, indicating that he did not say anything.
Pei Yan felt the irritation in his heart dissipate a little.
Yu Tang enthusiastically tried to make casual conversation. “The finest tea we have is this Xinyang Mao Jian. I don’t know if it is something you are used to drinking. Luckily, the biggest and the best tea store in Lin’an City is not too far from here, so if you don’t like Xinyang Mao Jian, I’ll have someone go buy something else.”
After hearing this, Pei Yan felt anger in his heart starting to build up again.
He couldn’t help but remark coldly, “So you want to buy me my favorite tea from my family’s store?”
Yu Tang stilled and smiled awkwardly.
She had forgotten that the biggest and best tea store in Lin’an City belonged to the Pei family’s.
But if she didn’t go there, where else could she go?
Yu Tang replied to Pei Yan offhandedly, “Then why not wait a few more days. When my eldest cousin goes to Hangzhou, I’ll ask him to bring some back. “
The Yu family and the Xiang family have fixed the wedding date on March 16th. Before then, Madam Wang intends to go to Hangzhou to prepare some things in advance for Yu Yuan’s wedding. Madam Chen hasn’t been sick since last winter, and her health is much better than before, so she plans to take Yu Tang along with Madam Wang to Hangzhou City to do some shopping and buy some things.
Pei Yan felt that Lady Yu was simply being stubborn, so he smiled coldly and didn’t pay further attention to her.
Yu Tang was perplexed.
What’s wrong again?
Could it be that she can’t even make such a statement?
Third Master Pei was really temperamental!
Yu Tang couldn’t be bothered about his reaction anymore. She already flattered him so much, but he didn’t appreciate it, so why bother? She’ll just do what she has to do.
From this incident where Pei Yan personally came to attend their family’s store opening, she felt that Pei Yan is not only a man of integrity, but also a person who keeps his promises. As long as he agreed to do something, whether directly or indirectly through someone else, even if he is reluctant, he would still honor his word.
So the matter of the nautical chart, regardless of Pei Yan’s opinion towards the Yu family, he will definitely handle it with due care and attention.
Yu Tang’s confidence grew.
She didn’t care anymore about Pei Yan’s mood. She quickly ordered Shuang Tao “Go and tell Xia Ping Gui to personally visit the tea store next door and buy some of the best tea leaves, and then go to a restaurant and book a table with a vegetarian banquet and send to the Pei residence.”
Whether Pei Yan accepts is or not is his business, however, for proprietary sake, they were obligated to send it.
