Master Wu jumped in frustration upon hearing this, pointing at Yu Wen’s nose and said, “I think your heart has been clogged with paste! Why do you keep your daughter at home? Isn’t it because you cherish her and fear that if she marries into another family without blood brothers to support her, she’ll be bullied? Now she can marry into such a good family, what more could you be dissatisfied with?”

Yu Wen felt dissatisfied with everything.

Too old in age, too handsome in appearance, too high in status, too many clan members.

Master Wu had no choice but to play his trump card, saying, “The Second Master of the Pei family said that you only have this one daughter. After she marries into the Pei family, Third Master Pei will be your son-in-law by half. In the future, your family’s affairs will be his affairs. If A’Yuan carries both burdens on one shoulder, the child who will continue your family’s incense line in the future, Third Master Pei will definitely help care for and educate, not disgracing your Yu family’s pure reputation.”

Yu Wen closed his eyes, refusing to speak with Master Wu.

What use was that?

He believed in the Three Pure Dao Ancestors, believing only in this life without cultivating for the next world.

He only cared about this lifetime, only cared about watching A’Tiao’s child grow up. Once he closed his eyes, he would know nothing—why manage so much else?

Master Wu sincerely felt this marriage alliance was excellent, like a pie falling from heaven. When the Second Master of the Pei family came to discuss this matter with him, he thought at first he had heard wrong. When he learned it was true, he got so excited he knocked over his teacup and patted his chest, assuring the Second Master of the Pei family to just go pick some auspicious dates—the Yu family’s side would await his good news.

On his way back, he had even thought about what gifts to add to Yu Tang’s trousseau when she married out.

Who knew that Yu Wen’s brain seemed to have taken in water, suddenly becoming impossible to reason with no matter what was said.

Master Wu spent a long time earnestly persuading him there. He had drunk two cups of tea already, yet Yu Wen still wouldn’t relent. He finally said, “Exactly where are you dissatisfied? Say it so everyone can discuss and negotiate. Even if your family’s young lady looks for a son-in-law in the future, we’ll know what kind you’re looking for! You can’t just refuse to speak like this!”

Yu Wen opened one eye, glanced at Master Wu, and said coldly, “I’m dissatisfied with everything. Besides, our family’s young lady is still young in years. I’m planning to keep her two more years. This marriage alliance is off. We cannot reach so high.”

His words made Master Wu angry. He said irritably, “Aren’t you being unreasonable? When did you become this kind of person—because you feel you’re reaching above your station with the Pei family, you simply disregard everything and even reject a son-in-law like Third Master Pei…”

Yu Wen, hearing this, flew into a rage and said, “Others may treasure the Pei family, but I don’t. Could it be that in the future if my daughter suffers grievances, I won’t even be able to stand up and speak reason for her? I don’t want such a son-in-law.”

Master Wu, also losing his composure in anger, shouted, “This is just a poor man’s pride! When all is said and done, you still feel inferior to the Pei family and feel you cannot speak up in front of Third Master Pei…”

Chen Shi, who had personally brought over a plate of fruit upon hearing Master Wu had arrived, suddenly heard this statement outside the door. Frightened, she quickly walked in, smiling as she smoothed things over: “What’s happening here? Though the weather is getting hotter and people’s tempers are getting more irritable, you two masters are rare intimate friends. What matter can’t be discussed properly, what words can’t be said nicely? Come, eat some fruit. I just had A’Tiao go to the market to buy these—they’re fresh. Look, even the stems are still green.”

Yu Wen turned away in anger.

Master Wu’s expression was also very unpleasant.

Chen Shi couldn’t help but smile carefully and say, “If I didn’t hear wrong just now, the two masters were discussing Third Master of the Pei residence, right? Though he appears cold as ice, he treats people with great magnanimity and kindness, and he has some friendship with our family too. Did something happen? Should we go speak with Third Master Pei?”

Yu Wen felt that his previous heart had been eaten by dogs. Hearing this, his chest heaved up and down in anger, unable to speak.

Instead, Master Wu had a sudden inspiration. He raised his head and sighed deeply, calling out “Sister-in-law” with a bitter smile, and stated his purpose in coming.

Yu Wen couldn’t even stop him.

Chen Shi listened with her hand covering her chest, unable to react for a long while. But once she came to her senses, she immediately rushed before Master Wu, tears in both eyes, and said, “Is what you’re saying true? The Pei family truly asked you to be the matchmaker to arrange a marriage for Third Master Pei?”

“How could anyone joke about such a matter?” Master Wu dared not mention that the Pei family had already gone to select auspicious dates, saying instead, “Everyone in the Pei household, high and low, is still waiting for your family’s response!”

“Good, good, good!” Chen Shi wiped her eyes, choking up as she said to Master Wu, “I agree! Our family’s young lady’s marriage, I entrust to you. Later I’ll have our young lady personally make two pairs of shoes and socks for your madam.”

Yu Wen, hearing this, glared furiously and said to Chen Shi, “I don’t agree to this matter…”

Chen Shi, usually gentle and weak and treating Yu Wen as heaven itself, suddenly seemed to transform into a different person. She reached out and pushed Yu Wen aside, didn’t even glance at him, and smiled at Master Wu like a blooming flower: “Though children’s marriage matters are decided by parents’ orders, daughters’ affairs are ultimately better understood by mothers. Our master has been single-mindedly preparing to take in a son-in-law for our young lady—it’s natural he can’t turn the corner immediately. Don’t listen to him. This matter is settled.” She then called loudly for Chen Pozi to come in. “Quickly go to the street and have the restaurant send over a banquet. Then go invite the Elder Master and Young Master, saying there’s a joyous occasion at home and asking them to come drink a few cups with Master Wu.”

Yu Wen angrily shouted, “I dare anyone to act rashly,” but Chen Shi, taking three steps as two, came forward and grasped Yu Wen’s arm. While dragging him outside, she apologetically said to Master Wu, “There’s no one who can truly manage household affairs. Please sit for a while. Our Elder Master and Young Master will arrive shortly. I’ll first help our master change clothes, then come back to drink wine with Master Wu.”

Master Wu had achieved his objective. His heart felt more refreshing than drinking iced mung bean water on a June day. Naturally he supported Chen Shi taking charge, turning a blind eye to Yu Wen’s behavior.

He smiled broadly at Chen Shi, saying, “Sister-in-law, go about your business. I’m fine. This isn’t some other place—I won’t stand on ceremony with sister-in-law.”

Chen Shi smiled, desperately pulling Yu Wen out of the study.

Because Chen Shi was frail, Yu Wen dared not forcefully shake her off and could only let her have her way. Not until they left the study and reached the grape arbor in the courtyard did he break free from Chen Shi, saying bitterly, “Don’t think I’ll agree. Let me tell you, I will never consent to marrying A’Tiao into the Pei family!”

Chen Shi said coldly, “As you please. In any case, I agree. When Elder Uncle arrives shortly, he’ll certainly agree too.”

The implication being: what use is your solitary opposition?

Yu Wen was so angry his mouth corners trembled. After a long while, he said indignantly, “You’re just being snobbish, blinded by wealth and nobility.”

Chen Shi, having been his wife for many years, knew his little thoughts all too well. Hearing this, she felt both angry and amused, saying, “Am I being snobbish or are you being obstinate?”

Yu Wen’s mouth twitched as he was about to retort, but saw Chen Shi purse her lips in a smile and say, “I’ve been husband and wife with you for half a lifetime. Who knows you better than I do? I know what you’re worried about. But Third Master Pei, whether in appearance or learning, is a rare golden son-in-law. You’re unwilling, but I’m willing. For my sake, won’t you please not oppose me?”

“No!” Yu Wen said disapprovingly, “Even if you agree to this matter, I won’t agree.”

Chen Shi felt she should temporarily let her husband calm down. She left Yu Wen and went to the kitchen to personally arrange tea and wine.

Yu Bo and Yu Yuan, receiving word, came rushing over breathlessly. Learning of Yu Tang’s marriage, both were overjoyed. After learning Yu Wen disagreed, Yu Bo didn’t even glance at Yu Wen. He directly pulled Master Wu aside, saying, “He’s confused. Don’t mind him. I’m the head of the Yu family. Whatever matters you have, speak directly with me.”

This infuriated Yu Wen, who sat alone by the hall entrance, ignoring everyone.

Yu Bo asked Chen Shi, “Did you send someone to tell your elder sister-in-law? Have her bring the children over so we can all eat together. This is a joyous occasion!”

The Third Master of the Pei family—a person like the bright moon in the sky, usually beyond reach—was about to become their family’s son-in-law. This truly was something beyond dreams!

He smiled, saying, “How are A’Tiao’s dowry preparations? You must discuss this matter thoroughly with your elder sister-in-law. Buy what should be bought—don’t be stingy. The Pei family certainly won’t compete with us over these things, but we must still give the child proper face. If there’s not enough silver, just come find me.”

Chen Shi gratefully performed a curtsy to Yu Bo.

Yu Wen suddenly gave a cold laugh, saying eerily, “The person hasn’t even married yet, but the family fortune is about to be emptied. Is such vanity necessary?”

Yu Bo was so angry his neck turned red. He said in a muffled voice, “You needn’t worry. A’Tiao’s dowry—I’ll handle it!”

Master Wu felt he should also step forward at this moment. Laughing in extreme anger, he said, “I’ve only heard of other families buying fields and land, finding ways to help their children rise in the world. I’ve never heard of children trying to rise in the world while someone begrudges the money and refuses to make the effort. Isn’t it just a trousseau? If he won’t provide it, I will. I’ll just consider I’ve raised an extra daughter.”

Yu Wen looked at Master Wu with sarcastic undertones, saying, “I just fear that you consider you’ve raised an extra daughter, but the other family doesn’t want an extra father-in-law!”

Master Wu was choked speechless, not knowing what to say.

Yu Bo glared at Yu Wen, then turned and smilingly invited Master Wu to take the seat of honor, saying, “He’s lost his mind. Don’t mind him. What does the Pei family mean? Are they having you come ask if our family agrees or disagrees? Or are they discussing when to exchange the betrothal documents?”

Master Wu, seeing they’d reached the main topic, also reined in his temper, saying, “The Pei family naturally came to ask if your family agrees or disagrees. But I thought, how could anyone not agree to such a good thing? So I patted my chest before the Pei family members.”

Yu Bo quickly said, “Thank you for your help, otherwise who knows what complications this marriage alliance might have faced!”

“This is my duty,” Master Wu said politely. “I’ve watched your family’s young lady grow up. Her marrying into a good family makes us happy too.”

The two men praised each other mutually. Yu Wen couldn’t bear to listen for even a moment. He felt he should go see his daughter.

His daughter still didn’t know she was about to be married into the Pei family.

His daughter was not that kind of shallow person.

No matter how handsome Pei Yan was, marriage still depended on character. With Pei Yan’s cold demeanor, who could live well with him?

His daughter definitely wouldn’t be willing to marry into the Pei family.

As long as he convinced his daughter, this marriage alliance would be useless no matter who agreed to it.