Miss Song the Seventh, fearing that Miss Song the Sixth would also offend the Peng family young ladies, quickly said, “My elder sister doesn’t mean it that way. She’s just too surprised.” Then she gave a bitter smile and said, “I don’t know what you two elder sisters feel, but my elder sister and I are equally shocked. Even if Miss Yu is clever and quick-witted, the Pei family treats Miss Yu far too well.”
Like the Song family, the Peng family was also a local prominent household. Countless people wanted to curry favor with them. Every year, many local gentry would rack their brains trying to send their daughters to play at their homes, hoping to gain their favor—so that before marriage they would have a good reputation of being able to visit their homes, and after marriage would be able to speak with the young madams of the Peng and Song families and establish connections with the sons-in-law of the Peng and Song families.
However, whether it was the Peng family or the Song family, they all held a certain disdain in their bones for such young ladies sent to their side. No one had ever been like Yu Tang, able to receive such courteous treatment from the Pei family.
This made the young ladies of the Peng and Song families wonder whether Yu Tang had some unknown identity, background, or ability.
The several young ladies looked at each other, and for a long while no one spoke.
It was still Miss Song the Seventh who had better judgment. She tentatively said, “How about we just observe for now? Better not to offend someone without knowing. No matter what, if we go too far, at least it won’t look good for the Pei family’s reputation.”
The two Peng family young ladies nodded repeatedly.
But Miss Song the Sixth refused to give up and said, “How about we go ask Miss Gu? I noticed Miss Gu seems quite familiar with Miss Yu.”
In the end, she still didn’t trust the results of the Peng family’s investigation.
The two Peng young ladies were very unhappy, but knowing that Miss Song the Sixth was unreliable, they casually said a few words to Miss Song the Seventh like “That’s fine too, asking more people might uncover other things,” then stood up to take their leave.
Miss Song the Seventh knew her elder sister had thoroughly offended the Peng family and was also somewhat annoyed with her. She brought her back to the room, found an excuse about needing to pay respects to Fourth Madam Song, left her with Fourth Madam Song, and ran off alone.
Miss Song the Sixth remained completely oblivious and even brought up Yu Tang’s matter with Fourth Madam Song, saying, “Could it be that the Yu family is related by marriage to some family?”
Fourth Madam Song had already received word and knew about the content of the discussions on Pei Yan’s side during the day. She was worried about the Song family needing to produce a large sum of money to take care of Wang Qibao and Wei Sanfu, and had no time to deal with these intrigues among young ladies. She impatiently dismissed Miss Song the Sixth and began discussing with her trusted old servant woman about raising silver.
That old woman also found Miss Song the Sixth rather disagreeable and suggested to Fourth Madam Song, “If it really doesn’t work out, just marry off Miss the Sixth!”
There were nouveaux riches who wanted to form marriage ties with the Song family and were willing to offer large betrothal gifts. The Song family couldn’t possibly favor such families. But Miss Song the Sixth was too troublesome. Now that the old woman brought it up, Fourth Madam Song felt somewhat tempted and said thoughtfully, “The Song family hasn’t fallen to the point of selling sons and daughters, but what you say is right. If we keep Miss the Sixth around, she’ll probably become a disaster. It’s better to marry her off early.”
The old woman had received benefits from that nouveau riche family, which was why she spoke so enthusiastically in front of Fourth Madam Song. Now having received a definite response and figured out Fourth Madam Song’s thinking, she felt even more that this matter might actually succeed by some twist of fate. She became even more energized and said, “These years the Song family has been slighted when going out, and speaking frankly, it’s not unrelated to the several young ladies at home. Look at the young ladies of the Gu and Shen families—when they go out, although they’re not as splendidly dressed as our family’s young ladies, aren’t they still respected? Madam needs to straighten things out, lest it affects the young masters’ marriage prospects.”
This time Fourth Madam Song wanted to seek a match between her son and a Pei family young lady to strengthen family ties, but was clearly rejected by Old Madam Pei. Fourth Madam Song’s heart was burning with anger—how could she bear hearing such words? Though she said nothing, she secretly resolved to marry off Miss Song the Sixth as soon as she returned home.
But in front of this old woman, she still remained noncommittal and didn’t express a position, continuing to discuss raising silver: “Who knows when those two ships will be able to go to sea? Every day large sums of silver are being invested, and watching it makes my heart panic. Even so, the Peng family still says it’s not enough and wants to build two more ships. I think the Peng family doesn’t want to do business with our family—they want to use this method to drag our family down. By the time we form the fleet and go to sea, our family will only be able to listen to their family.”
The old woman could say a few words about inner chamber matters, but when it came to outer courtyard business affairs, she was completely clueless.
She didn’t dare speak and stood to the side with a smile.
On Pei Yan’s side, they had deliberated all morning. At noon everyone went back to consult with their respective advisors for half a day and had a preliminary plan in mind. In the evening, everyone prepared to gather again to finalize the details of how to receive Wei Sanfu and how to visit Wang Qibao.
That is, how much silver each family would contribute and what requirements they had.
Because of the matter between Gu Xi and Pei Tong, Gu Chang came early to see Pei Yan. Unexpectedly, not only had Tao Qing arrived even earlier than him, but Shen Shanyan had also become an honored guest at Pei Yan’s table.
He couldn’t hide his surprise.
But Shen Shanyan just smiled bitterly and said frankly to Gu Chang, “I came for the Li family matter. Xiaguang promised to help, and I’m afraid something might change, so I’m forcing Xiaguang to write me a letter of introduction.”
Even if Pei Yan promised to help, he couldn’t possibly make the trip himself. The matter of taking care of things for the Li family could only rely on Shen Shanyan himself.
Because of Gu Xi, Gu Chang couldn’t ask much about this matter, but Tao Qing had no such reservations and curiously asked Shen Shanyan, “What are your plans?”
The implication was asking to what extent Pei Yan would help them to achieve their goal.
Shen Shanyan knew the Tao family had their own connections and means in the court and hopefully wished the Tao family might also lend a hand for Pei Yan’s sake. Therefore he spoke very directly: “For Li Yi to do such a thing is intolerable by heaven’s law—I won’t concern myself with him. I only want to preserve Li Duan’s scholarly credentials so he can continue participating in the imperial examinations in the future.”
This was somewhat difficult.
Preserving his credentials was one thing, but if Li Duan continued with the imperial examinations, he would certainly pursue an official career. For scholars pursuing official careers, they needed a good reputation, and to have a good reputation, within three generations there couldn’t be anyone who committed crimes. That meant Li Yi couldn’t be dismissed from office on grounds of embezzlement.
Gu Chang couldn’t help but look toward Pei Yan, who was writing the letter.
Pei Yan’s expression was calm, his posture focused, his jade-like face showing not a ripple of emotion. He had obviously known Shen Shanyan’s plan all along.
Inexplicably, he felt Shen Shanyan’s request was somewhat excessive.
Gu Chang couldn’t help but say, “Xiaguang, I’m afraid even the Court of Judicial Review can’t handle this matter, can they?”
Pei Yan nodded slightly, feeling extremely regretful inside.
Had he known it would be like this, he shouldn’t have agreed to Shen Shanyan in a moment of anger just to spite Yu Tang.
He wasn’t usually so easily provoked.
If anyone was to blame, it had to be Miss Yu.
Making him do something so contrary to his true nature.
However, Shen Shanyan also seemed to have his eyes covered with sleep dust, actually still wanting Li Duan to continue pursuing an official career.
Everyone said he had terrible luck marrying Madam Shen, but looking at it now, he and Madam Shen were clearly a perfect match.
However, he had plenty of ways to let Li Duan see but not obtain.
As this thought flashed through his mind, he suddenly paused his brush.
If Miss Yu knew Li Duan would end up with such a fate, she would surely be very happy, wouldn’t she?
Why should he do good deeds without leaving his name?
He should tell Miss Yu about this matter.
Pei Yan thought about it and happily decided to do just that.
He answered Gu Chang, “That’s why I’m preparing to write a letter to my mentor, asking the old gentleman to intervene and see if we can preserve the Li family’s reputation.”
Zhang Ying was just a retired Minister of Personnel, but when he served as Minister of Personnel, he had promoted many people. To ask such a person to act was not merely a matter of silver.
As for whether it would succeed, that would depend on Shen Shanyan’s capabilities.
Shen Shanyan was extremely grateful and said, “So that’s why you’ve been writing this letter for so long—there’s also a letter for the old gentleman. Xiaguang, I’ve noted your kindness. When Li Duan and the others return from the capital, I’ll personally bring him to thank you.”
“There’s no need for thanks.” Pei Yan said with a troubled expression, “This goes against my principles. If you really want to thank me, just don’t tell anyone about this. I’m afraid that if people know I helped the Li family, they’ll point at our Pei family’s nose and curse us, making our Pei family have no peace.”
Shen Shanyan’s face flushed red. He took Pei Yan’s calling card and letter and hurriedly left Zhaoming Temple.
Tao Qing watched with his head lowered, laughing quietly.
Gu Chang didn’t understand.
Tao Qing didn’t explain but instead said, “For Chaoyang to come find Xiaguang so early, there must be something you want to discuss with him. I’ve already been sitting here for half a day—it’s just the right time for me to get up and walk around outside, stretch my muscles and bones. You two talk, don’t mind me.” Having said this, he stood up and left the hall.
Pei Yan, whether from fatigue or because he was in his own home, habitually revealed an arrogant attitude.
He sat there with his legs spread wide, pointing to the grand master’s chair below and said, “Whatever it is, sit down and talk about it!”
That air of having everything under control with calm composure made Gu Chang feel quite uncomfortable for a moment, feeling that coming to Pei Yan repeatedly about Pei Tong’s matter not only seemed petty but also appeared somewhat narrow-minded.
He hesitated about whether to bring up Pei Tong’s matter again with Pei Yan. Pei Yan grew somewhat impatient—starting from after lunch, this person and that person all wanted to speak privately with him. He, a man of few words, had talked until his mouth was dry. He really had no interest in playing guessing games with Gu Chaoyang anymore.
“You came because of Pei Tong’s matter, didn’t you?” Pei Yan said directly. “Do you know how old Pei Tong is right now?”
Gu Chaoyang was stunned.
Pei Yan didn’t wait for him to speak and continued, “He’s only eighteen years old this year. I don’t know how your Gu family does things. But look at our Pei family—setting aside scholarly pursuits for now, among those who go out to serve as officials, which one isn’t a capable administrator and good minister? That’s because our Pei family not only requires our descendants to study, but also requires those who can study, especially those who can pursue official careers, to travel extensively. Pei Tong’s matter isn’t something I decide alone—my eldest brother left a dying wish asking him to wait ten years before participating in the imperial examinations. His clamoring to go out and study is influenced by my sister-in-law, and my sister-in-law only listens to what the Yang family says. If you think this doesn’t matter, I won’t stop you either. Have him write me a petition, and I’ll let him go out to study. But from now on, he will have no relationship with the Pei family.
Our Pei family cannot break the rules because of him alone!”