Gu Xi’s disrespectful behavior and words toward her elders not only drew Pei Tong’s stern gaze but also provoked Pei Xuan’s displeasure.

If one cannot sweep a single house, how can one sweep the world?

Pei Xuan felt that Pei Tong was first influenced by the Yang family, and now by Gu Xi—too many people could sway his decisions, which precisely demonstrated Pei Tong’s weak capabilities, didn’t it?

He lightly frowned and gently interrupted Gu Xi’s words: “Gu Shi, these matters should be decided by A’Tong.”

He stopped just short of pointing at her nose and telling her to be quiet.

Gu Xi’s face flushed red as she stammered out an apology.

But Pei Xuan began to hesitate.

He understood his younger brother all too well.

Back when he stood silently between his elder brother and younger brother, many people misunderstood him as dull, honest, and lacking in opinions. He simply hadn’t wanted to create more conflict between his elder brother and younger brother, making it difficult for their parents. Over time, he instinctively began yielding to both his elder brother and younger brother.

Regarding Pei Tong’s branch separation, he had already seen Pei Yan’s attitude crystal clear.

Pei Yan wanted to seize this opportunity to separate Pei Tong’s branch from the family.

In principle, this was better—it avoided future conflicts between senior and junior generations. But emotionally, having his elder brother’s flesh and blood leave the Pei family like this still made Pei Xuan feel somewhat uncomfortable.

Yet he knew even more clearly that he had to make a choice and take a stand. Otherwise, Pei Yan wouldn’t let the matter rest and would surely stir up more trouble. And Pei Tong was too disappointing—even in such a major matter, he was still swayed by his maternal family and wife.

Pei Xuan sighed inwardly, thinking he could only find ways to compensate Pei Tong later.

He didn’t pay too much attention to Gu Xi, but instead said to Pei Tong: “Branch separation is fine. Your mother causes scenes at home every day, making your grandmother unhappy too. Once the branch is separated, you can live in the capital. Your mother can frequently visit her natal family, and you can also attend to your mother’s needs. However, you mustn’t listen to your mother regarding your studies. You must still study diligently, learn from the teacher I recommend for you, and strive to pass the imperial examinations early to bring honor to your elder brother. This won’t be in vain after establishing your own household.”

The implication was that he would still manage Pei Tong’s studies and official career path, but didn’t want to support Lady Pei on moral grounds.

This had always been the Pei family’s attitude.

Listening to this, Pei Tong suddenly felt as if he had found his anchor and was no longer confused.

That’s right—he wasn’t being expelled from the clan, but separating his branch, and it was a branch separation that the clan head had agreed to.

Rather than their branch staying in the Pei household and being resented like this, they might as well separate and treat each other courteously. His mother could also fulfill her long-cherished wish to become a mistress of the household with no one above her.

This should be better!

Pei Tong glanced at his maternal uncle.

Elder Master Yang’s brows were knitted together tightly, clearly very much in disagreement.

Pei Tong gave a self-mocking laugh in his heart.

No matter how much his maternal uncle cared for him, it couldn’t surpass the Yang family’s interests. The so-called support and suggestions were probably more for situations beneficial to the Yang family, weren’t they?

Looking at Gu Xi again, she was probably afraid of losing the Pei household’s protection, worried that their branch would end up worthless, right?

Who could understand his resentment at losing his father yet only being able to maintain silence?

Leaving would be good.

His Second Uncle had always been as generous and tolerant toward him as toward his own nephews. Moreover, his Second Uncle’s vision and insight were extraordinary. Second Uncle must have seen his predicament in the Pei family and was therefore speaking up to advise him.

“Second Uncle, Third Uncle,” Pei Tong made up his mind, and once decided, acted very decisively. “Then let’s proceed with the branch separation! I trust that Second Uncle and Third Uncle both have my best interests at heart.”

Third Uncle might not, but Second Uncle certainly was sincere.

Thinking of this, his gaze toward Pei Xuan grew warmer by several degrees as he continued: “When the time comes, I’ll probably have to trouble Second Uncle to give me more guidance in my studies.”

Pei Xuan sighed inwardly upon hearing this.

Pei Tong was indeed still too young.

But perhaps it wasn’t because of youth, but because he still harbored resentment toward Pei Yan in his heart.

Perhaps leaving would be better for Pei Tong.

Pei Xuan gently shook his head and said with melancholy: “Since that’s the case, then let’s invite Lord Gu over! Branch separation is a major matter—we need to invite him to serve as a witness.”

The main issue involved family assets.

As long as people didn’t misunderstand it as unfair, that would be fine.

Pei Yan nodded, finally feeling somewhat cheerful in his heart, and his gaze toward his second brother became much warmer.

Brothers fight tigers together, father and son soldiers go to battle. These words were truly correct. At the critical moment, his second brother still supported him.

Elder Master Yang wanted to speak but hesitated.

He should stand up and object, but Pei Tong looked as if nine oxen couldn’t pull him back. He couldn’t figure out the advantages and disadvantages between separating and not separating the branch, making it even harder to take a stance.

Fortunately, Lady Pei wouldn’t reach the capital for some time, so the branch separation matter could still be delayed.

Elder Master Yang said nothing.

Though anxious in her heart, Gu Xi couldn’t very well say anything either.

After all, among the Pei family elders, Pei Xuan was the most kind to them. Now that Pei Xuan had clearly expressed support for Pei Yan’s decision, if they continued to make unreasonable trouble and angered Pei Xuan, it would be more loss than gain.

Regarding the matter of separating and living independently, shortly after arriving in the capital, Pei Tong took her to see the house her father-in-law had left in the capital.

That house wasn’t far from here—five rooms with four courtyards. In the capital, it was considered a rare large residence. Housing their branch of five people, even when Pei Fei married, would be more than sufficient. What mattered most was that she would only have her mother-in-law above her, which was far better than the Pei household with countless relatives of all kinds and numerous family members.

As for Pei Tong’s studies, the Second Master promised to help, and her elder brother wouldn’t stand by idly either.

Once Lady Pei learned of her natal family’s formidability, her days would surely get better and better.

And there was the most critical case of the assassination attempt on the Second Prince. They were junior generation members—when the Second Prince was attacked, they were still unknown minor figures. The investigation could never reach them. With the branch separated, responsibility would fall on the Pei family’s main branch, not on them.

Even if her father-in-law had done wrong, they could defend themselves—the blame couldn’t be traced to them.

Taking ten thousand steps back, her elder brother was also one of those presiding over the branch separation. If the situation turned unfavorable for them, her elder brother certainly wouldn’t agree.

Gu Xi consoled herself with these thoughts, but still felt somewhat uneasy in her heart.

She was pondering whether to say something when Pei Yan’s cold voice reached her ears: “When the branch is separated, the things your elder brother left you will naturally be yours. The Pei family’s communal property definitely cannot be touched. The things your grandfather left behind have never been clearly defined because your grandmother is still living. But if you’re leaving the Pei family, then it must certainly be clarified. I’ll first have someone organize what your grandfather left behind, then divide it with each getting one-third. After your grandmother passes away, it will also be divided this way. What do you think?”

After finishing, he swept his stern gaze over everyone in the room.

Elder Master Yang was immediately so excited that his hands trembled slightly.

Old Master Pei’s private assets to be divided equally among the three brothers?

He had close dealings with Pei You and didn’t know what others knew, but he was crystal clear in his heart. Old Master Pei’s private assets amounted to at least two hundred thousand taels of silver. Being able to divide nearly seventy thousand taels of silver—why would they need to wade through the Pei family’s murky waters?

Elder Master Yang stared at Pei Tong with fervent eyes, just short of saying outright, “Quickly ask how much silver it is!”

Gu Xi didn’t have much reaction, but seeing Elder Master Yang’s expression, she knew this division method certainly wouldn’t result in a loss.

But exactly how much would “not a loss” be?

She had no idea in her heart.

Pei Xuan saw his younger brother’s intentions even more clearly.

Pei Yan might as well have the words “buying peace with money” printed on his forehead.

He suddenly felt a bit sorry for Pei Tong.

When their father was alive, he had separately gifted most of his assets to the three brothers. Because the eldest brother was disobedient, Father gave him the least. Later, when he needed the youngest brother to clean up the mess and cut short the youngest brother’s official career, with Father’s temperament, he would certainly privately compensate the youngest brother with a good sum of silver. What could truly be divided openly was probably only about two hundred thousand taels of silver.

He thought for a moment, glanced at the Second Madam, and considered that he would serve as an official outside in the future and held the highest official position in the family. The communal funds would certainly subsidize him at the highest standard. He couldn’t help but cough lightly and said: “Elder brother is gone. By rights, as an uncle, I should shoulder elder brother’s responsibilities. But your mother has her own ideas, and it’s not appropriate for me to interfere from the sidelines. For matters in your household, it’s better to follow your mother’s lead. Apart from studies, there’s not much I can help you with. My share—I won’t take it. Divide it between A’Tong and his brother!”

“What?!” The Second Madam exclaimed in shock.

She had a vague idea of how much silver Old Master Pei had left behind.

Previously, Old Master Pei had indeed given them quite a bit, but who would complain about having too much silver? Moreover, she was about to marry off her daughter—wouldn’t it be good to add more to the dowry?

But Pei Xuan had already spoken the words, and she couldn’t very well oppose him in front of everyone. However, she couldn’t hide the way her expression soured.

Yu Tang was also very surprised.

She had previously thought Pei Xuan was a good person, but his actions just now were too hurtful to the Second Madam.

She sat facing the Second Madam. This wasn’t an appropriate occasion to say anything, so after thinking, she rose to refill the Second Madam’s tea, then patted her shoulder consolingly.

The Second Madam’s expression looked even worse.

Gu Xi’s mind raced rapidly.

The Second Madam was someone who had never experienced any setbacks—not only was she gentle and easygoing, but she was also generous with money and never calculated such things. For her expression to change so drastically, it must not be a small sum.

Was it twenty thousand taels or thirty thousand taels, or even more?

In prominent families, individuals weren’t allowed to have too much private property. In Gu Xi’s view, no matter how capable Old Master Pei was, it would be about this amount.

Thinking this, she shot Pei Tong a glance, signaling him to politely decline for appearance’s sake.

Who knew that Pei Tong seemed stunned, not coming to his senses for quite a while. Instead, it was Elder Master Yang who, afraid that the young and inexperienced Pei Tong and Gu Xi might refuse such a good thing, hurriedly said to Pei Xuan: “How can we accept this? However, with your magnanimity, only someone like you can truly hold the position of Vice Minister of Revenue.” At this point, he deliberately glanced at Pei Tong and Gu Xi, then put on a troubled expression and continued: “Old Master Pei left at least two hundred thousand taels in private assets, didn’t he? Your one-third share—nearly seventy thousand taels of silver—you’re giving it all up and giving it to these two…” He gave Pei Xuan a thumbs up and said, “To have an uncle like you is truly their fortune.” Finishing, he looked toward Pei Yan.

As if saying to Pei Yan: Look, your brother has given up Old Master Pei’s inheritance—as an uncle, shouldn’t you learn from Pei Xuan?