Pei Yan spoke in a decisive tone, and his arrangements were extremely reasonable and appropriate—no one could find fault with them.

Everyone split up according to his instructions.

Only Gu Xi, following behind Pei Tong, walked a distance before suddenly remembering that her elder brother was also currently at the Pei residence. Shouldn’t she go greet him?

But this thought flashed through her mind and passed.

What could she say if she went to greet her brother at this moment? It would be better to keep an eye on Pei Tong so he wouldn’t be led astray by Yang Grand Master again.

She quickened her pace and caught up with Pei Tong and Yang Grand Master.

Yang Grand Master was there expressing his feelings: “Who would have known that your father was by Old Master Pei… I’d heard people say before that your grandfather was no simple man—if not for being constrained by ancestral rules, he couldn’t possibly have remained in Lin’an, becoming an ordinary country gentleman. But this was precisely where your father felt dissatisfied. He clearly could have left his name in history, but just because he was the eldest son, he had to stay home and guard the family business. I don’t know if you understand this kind of feeling, but your father didn’t want to harm the Pei family, didn’t want to defy your grandfather. He just thought that since your grandfather was still young and still managing affairs, he could venture out for a few years. He had no intention of violating the Pei ancestors or going against your grandfather’s wishes.”

Pei Tong didn’t make a sound, seeming as if he had been persuaded by Yang Grand Master.

However, Gu Xi snorted coldly in her heart, becoming extremely disgusted with Pei Tong’s maternal uncle at this moment.

She could only remind Pei Tong: “Since ancient times there’s been the saying ‘while parents live, one should not travel far.’ We can all understand Father-in-law’s feelings. Take the Third Imperial Prince, for example—he was only born a few years later than the Second Imperial Prince, yet no matter how talented he is, most of the court’s important ministers still stand on the Second Imperial Prince’s side. This is certainly somewhat unfair to the Third Imperial Prince. But who can say this isn’t a good thing? Otherwise, starting from the imperial family, if legitimate and illegitimate children weren’t distinguished, if age order was disregarded, and favoritism was shown, wouldn’t the world fall into chaos? Wouldn’t inner chambers and back courtyards all become bloody? Maternal Uncle is also the legitimate eldest grandson and someone who has read the classics of sages—surely he sees further than I, a mere woman.”

Her voice was gentle and her expression docile, yet every word she spoke carried barbs. She not only criticized what Pei You had done but also criticized Yang Grand Master’s stance, making Yang Grand Master’s face turn red. To argue would undermine his dignity as an elder, but not to argue made it seem as if Gu Xi had hit the mark and he was tacitly admitting his mistake.

Yang Grand Master could only snort in displeasure, hoping Pei Tong would step forward and scold this nephew’s wife a few words. He couldn’t help but look toward Pei Tong.

Pei Tong had heard their conversation, yet his expression was quite dazed.

His father—was it because his situation was similar to the Third Imperial Prince’s that he sympathized and wanted to help the Third Imperial Prince?

In his impression, his father wasn’t the kind of person who would abandon morality and righteousness for power, disregarding clan members.

He didn’t believe his father had allied with the Third Imperial Prince for glory and wealth.

Seeing Pei Tong like this, Yang Grand Master was greatly displeased. He couldn’t help raising his voice several notches: “A’Tong, regardless of anything, things have reached this point. Saying anything more is useless. You need to make a decision—exactly what should be done?”

Pei Tong stopped walking and looked at Yang Grand Master without speaking. Yet his expression told Yang Grand Master, “Isn’t this your matter?”

Yang Grand Master was infuriated, doubting for the first time whether seeking help from his nephew had been correct.

At this moment, Gu Xi was thinking along the same lines as Pei Tong.

Since the Yang family had stirred up this matter, naturally they should be the ones to clean up the mess.

As long as Pei Tong didn’t listen to his maternal uncle, this matter would be manageable.

She believed Pei Xuan and Pei Yan weren’t truly sincere about driving Pei Tong out.

Because regardless of what outsiders said, dividing the clan was a fact, Pei Yan becoming the Pei family patriarch was a fact—gossip wouldn’t spare Pei Tong, and it likewise wouldn’t spare Pei Yan.

This would also affect the Pei family’s reputation.

She believed the Pei family members wouldn’t want to see such a thing happen.

Gu Xi hurriedly changed the subject: “Maternal Uncle, let’s discuss whatever it is later! We should eat first. This happened so suddenly and is such a major matter—we had no mental preparation at all, yet we’re supposed to make an immediate decision. That’s too difficult for us. We still need to listen more to what Maternal Uncle has to say.”

Yang Grand Master didn’t have any perfect solution either.

Although he held a letter Pei You had given him, this letter couldn’t be exposed. Otherwise, not only would Pei You’s collusion with the Third Imperial Prince during his lifetime be exposed, but their family’s intention to seek a position as Vice Minister of one of the Six Ministries through the Third Imperial Prince would also be exposed. Originally, which official didn’t want to advance—their family wanting to produce a Vice Minister of the Six Ministries was normal, but if it involved colluding with the Third Imperial Prince, the nature changed completely.

Not only would the Third Imperial Prince be accused of colluding with ministers, but the Yang family might also be labeled with the crime of “forming cliques for personal gain.”

Both of these were matters the current Emperor most feared.

If suspected by the Emperor, even if they didn’t die, they would shed a layer of skin.

What made him even more unexpected was that Pei Yan completely didn’t play by the rules. Not only was he unafraid, but he also acted as if he would expose this matter so everyone would lose face together.

The problem was, even if this matter were exposed, with the Pei family’s capabilities—even a rotten boat has three pounds of nails—they wouldn’t necessarily face family destruction and clan extermination, but the Yang family certainly couldn’t withstand such a violent storm.

Which was harder, which easier, was clear at a glance.

Yang Grand Master was so angry his head ached.

On Pei Yan and Pei Xuan’s side, Gu Chang couldn’t help asking curiously, “What’s happened? You urgently called me over. Could it be that my brother-in-law or my sister has caused some trouble?”

Pei Xuan didn’t know what to say.

However, Pei Yan didn’t have so many reservations. Yet he also wasn’t prepared to speak frankly. Instead, he personally poured Gu Chang a cup of wine and said, “If there were no trouble, how could we have called you? But this matter isn’t big if you say it’s big, and not small if you say it’s small—Pei Tong wants to divide the clan…”

“What?!” Before he could finish speaking, Gu Chang jumped up, his eyes wide as he said, “This isn’t a major matter?! Why divide the clan? I don’t agree to dividing the clan!”

Regardless of what conflicts existed, family members could resolve things internally. To make such a fuss about dividing the clan—was there no sense of the bigger picture?

At this moment, Gu Chang was particularly dissatisfied with Pei Tong.

Pei Yan smiled and said, “The matter isn’t completely settled yet. I asked you to come also to serve as a witness. For dividing the clan, naturally without your agreement as maternal uncle, others would think we were bullying him. For not dividing the clan, we also need you as a witness—once things are spoken openly, we can live properly in the future and stop constantly making the household restless. Brothers not being united isn’t a good thing either. Our Pei family also can’t withstand such turmoil.” He also urged him, “Drink, drink. I told Pei Tong to give me his answer after dinner. I just have to trouble you to wait a bit longer. If we don’t strike while the iron is hot to resolve this matter, there will be more troubles in the future. Our family can’t withstand such turmoil—better to resolve it all at once.”

How could Gu Chang sit still? Yet he was pressed down by Pei Yan, who said, “I know you’re anxious, I’m anxious too. But with some matters, we can’t make decisions for Pei Tong. Even if we persuade him this time, what is he thinking in his heart? Do you have time to watch him every day, or do I have time to watch him every day? This time, let’s just let them decide. But you don’t need to worry—since your sister has entered our family’s door, as long as she’s willing, I’m still willing to treat her as a junior.”

But if Pei Tong truly fell out with the Pei family, how could the Pei family sincerely treat Gu Xi as a Pei family daughter-in-law?

But he couldn’t ask in detail.

For Pei Tong to turn against Pei Yan and Pei Xuan at this moment, it was most likely related to the Yang family threatening the Pei family.

Regardless of what cards the Yang family held, in Gu Chang’s view, Pei Tong absolutely shouldn’t divide from the Pei family.

This Yang Grand Master was truly harmful!

Thinking this, Gu Chang began silently cataloging in his mind the people he knew—was there anyone in Lingnan who could cover the sky with one hand? If you killed the chicken, the monkey would inevitably be affected.

Since the Yang family couldn’t judge people clearly, he would teach the Yang family how to be human.

He would also let Pei Tong see clearly exactly how much power the Yang family had. Pei Tong was such a clever person—he would surely know which side to choose to stand on.

Having made up his mind, Gu Chang’s tension relaxed.

He smiled and said, “Alright! Today I’ll completely follow your lead. Whatever you tell me to do, I’ll do.”

In his heart, though, he was contemplating how he could find a way to see Gu Xi in advance and persuade Pei Tong not to be influenced by the Yang family.

The three men cheerfully drank their wine.

On the way back, Second Madam sent all the maids and servants far away from them and whispered to Yu Tang: “Do you think what happened with Old Master and Grand Master is true? I feel uneasy in my heart. I feel like Old Master wasn’t that kind of person, but Third Uncle wouldn’t lie about such a thing!”

Yu Tang, thinking about it now, also found it incredible.

Could there be such a ruthless father?

Personally poisoning his son to death.

Even more incredible was that he was even harsher on himself.

Even paying life for life by taking his own life.

When Old Master poisoned Pei You to death, only Pei Yan was nearby—he must have been the first to know. As an outsider hearing this, beyond shock, she felt panic. How much more so for Pei Yan—one was his father, one was his blood brother.

And there was also Old Madam Pei.

Did the old lady know about this matter?

And with what kind of feelings had she sent off her son and then her harmonious husband?

Yu Tang felt that if it were her, just thinking about it would break her heart. She would rather die before Old Master Pei than see a scene of father and son killing each other.

She didn’t answer Second Madam’s question, only thinking about Old Madam Pei.

Could they keep it from the old lady for a lifetime?

Sometimes, not knowing was truly a blessing!

Yu Tang sighed.

Second Madam thought she didn’t know how to evaluate the situation and whispered again: “What do you think—how will the eldest young master ultimately choose? Yang Grand Master won’t speak about today’s events outside, will he? If he really does speak out, our family’s reputation will be ruined. It won’t affect our A’Dan’s marriage prospects, will it?”

The more she spoke, the more she felt it was possible. The more she thought, the more panicked she became. She gripped Yu Tang’s hand tightly and said, “No, we can’t let this matter spread. I need to find Second Master—I need him to think of a solution, to suppress this matter no matter what.”

Yes!

If this matter spread, not only would Pei Dan’s marriage prospects be affected, but Pei Bo and Pei Chan’s official careers would also be affected.

Seeing her becoming somewhat frantic, Yu Tang feared she would do something wrong in her urgency. She grabbed hold of her and lowered her voice: “Don’t panic yet! You should have more confidence in Third Master and Second Master. They won’t allow the Yang family to act so recklessly, and they won’t allow the eldest young master to act recklessly either.”