Pei Tong’s gaze was very sincere, with a trace of light sorrow showing between his brows. Combined with what he had said, most people seeing such a scene would probably feel sympathy and become more lenient.
Unfortunately, he didn’t encounter most people, but the Gu siblings.
Neither Gu Chang nor Gu Xi immediately comforted him emotionally. Gu Chang even pressed him somewhat aggressively: “If that’s the case, why did you agree to go study at the Gu family? Did something happen at the Pei family clan school these past few years?”
The Pei family’s clan school was completely opposite to other families’. Other families’ clan schools would accept some in-law relatives’ children to study, and even for the sake of connections would actively or passively accept some poor students, sometimes even sponsoring them to participate in the imperial examinations. The Pei family’s clan school, however, only accepted Pei family descendants. This also made others unfamiliar with Pei family members—some people didn’t even know the Pei family had a clan school.
Gu Chang had always been very curious about the Pei family’s clan school and wanted to find an opportunity to visit. He asked this question half because he doubted Pei Tong’s words, and half because he wanted to find an opportunity to inquire about the Pei family clan school and see if he could find a chance to visit it.
Who knew Pei Tong would shake his head with a bitter smile, saying somewhat helplessly, “Going to study at the Gu family was to comfort my mother. You should have also heard that after my mother married in, she always lived with Father in the capital. She didn’t spend much time with my grandmother. After Father passed, she was alone in Lin’an—completely unfamiliar with the place, very lonely, and her days weren’t going too smoothly. Moreover, she wasn’t accustomed to Lin’an’s climate and lifestyle. During the first winter in Lin’an, her hands got frostbitten. In addition, the Pei family clan school is now presided over by Yi Gong, and back then my father had a conflict with Yi Gong over examination matters… My mother, putting herself in others’ shoes, always felt I wasn’t having a smooth time either. She had a compassionate mother’s heart, thinking that the Gu family in the future… would also be my wife’s family. If I could interact more with my wife’s family, like Father did, becoming good friends with my wife’s family’s uncles and brothers, life would certainly be happier than in Lin’an. That’s why she took it upon herself to decide this matter. I couldn’t bear to make Mother sad and upset, so I casually agreed. I never thought it would cause such a misunderstanding!”
Gu Xi breathed a sigh of relief and glanced at her elder brother.
But Gu Chang still asked, “How did your father have a conflict with Yi Gong?”
If it was for family resources, the Pei family was large and prosperous. Not to mention supporting a presented scholar—even after Pei You became an official, the Pei family still subsidized his expenses as before. How could there be a conflict?
This was also an important reason why Gu Chang felt the Pei family was a good marriage alliance.
Everyone knew that officials’ salaries were very low, simply not enough to support a family. Those officials without family subsidies could easily go down the wrong path.
Pei Tong thought for a moment and said in a low voice, “Originally this matter shouldn’t be spoken of by a junior like me, but since you’ve asked, I’m not afraid of you laughing at me. Our family has a clan rule—the heir apparent cannot enter official service. So like my great-grandfather and grandfather, their scholarly pursuits stopped at the provincial examination level. It’s not that they lacked the ability to continue, but because of this family rule. My late father, when young, was very learned, and being young and spirited, was dissatisfied with this clan rule. To prove himself, he insisted on taking the imperial examinations. Later, after becoming a Hanlin scholar, he insisted on becoming an official. This greatly displeased Yi Gong, who personally went to the capital to question my father. At that time the two had a very unpleasant confrontation, and my mother happened to be present… This is also why, when my grandfather passed the position of clan head to my third uncle, both Mother and I agreed.”
Gu Chang had heard of this Pei family rule before. Now getting confirmation from Pei Tong’s mouth, he couldn’t help but sigh with emotion: “Other families struggle to produce even one scholar, yet your father was willing to give up the position of clan head for his scholarly pursuits. Truly pure and noble—a model for our generation.”
Pei Tong smiled and said in a low voice “You’re too kind,” but from his demeanor one could still see he was very proud of his father.
Because facts proved Pei You wasn’t wrong.
He had achieved the rank of a third-grade official.
He was the most outstanding descendant of the Pei family in three generations.
Gu Chang said, “Regarding your father’s dying words, no matter what, you should clarify this matter.”
Otherwise he didn’t know what to say.
“As for going to study at the Gu family, you should also reconsider.” Gu Chang had now forgiven Pei Tong and naturally thought of him as his brother-in-law to look after. His words and behavior became more protective: “For established families like ours, with several generations and branches living together, there are some conflicts not worth mentioning to outsiders. I only have one younger sister, and she only has me as her elder brother. As for the others, whether we interact or get along, the feelings probably aren’t as good as your schoolmates you’ve studied with since childhood. You should explain this to your esteemed mother and let her not have too high expectations either.”
Rather than counting on the Gu family, it would be better to count on the Yang family.
The Yang family had a simple household without so many messy complications.
Hearing this, Pei Tong showed a shocked expression, but he quickly composed himself, respectfully bowed to Gu Chang, thanked him, and promised, “I will explain this matter clearly to Mother. As for Third Uncle’s side, you needn’t worry—I will personally explain to him. Regarding my studies, I also plan to have a heart-to-heart talk with Yi Gong. I believe with Yi Gong’s magnanimity, even if I was wrong, he won’t make things difficult for me.” Saying this, he looked up at Gu Xi and said apologetically, “It’s just that Miss Gu might have to suffer, having to stay at the Pei residence for a few more years after marriage and not being able to return to her natal home often.”
What Gu Xi valued was precisely this thoughtfulness of Pei Tong’s.
Hearing him say this, she suddenly felt somewhat fortunate that the First Madam liked to subsidize her natal family.
After she married in, if she also subsidized her natal family, whether the First Madam was happy or not was another matter—Pei Tong would certainly be accustomed to it and wouldn’t have any objections. They definitely wouldn’t argue over such matters.
Gu Xi smiled and said “Young Master worries too much,” then turned her gaze to Gu Chang, vaguely carrying some meaning of pleading for Pei Tong.
Gu Chang also didn’t want to make things difficult for Pei Tong. If Gu Xi truly married in, she could only count on Pei Tong to protect her. He didn’t want to offend anyone.
“Then I’ll be going first.” He stood up to take his leave. “Xiaguang is still waiting for me to discuss matters over there!”
Although they were engaged, they hadn’t married yet, so Pei Tong couldn’t keep him long. He said “See you tomorrow” to Gu Xi, then followed Gu Chang out of Gu Xi’s courtyard. He courteously but not obsequiously offered to see Gu Chang to the conference hall, saying, “I didn’t expect you to come over. Had I known, I would have prepared wine for you to drink a few cups. I don’t know when you’re leaving Lin’an? Since I can’t welcome you, let me at least see you off! Otherwise my heart won’t be at peace.”
His tone of speech carried the innocence characteristic of youth.
Gu Chang suddenly understood somewhat why Gu Xi chose Pei Tong as her husband.
She would rather cultivate someone who suited her temperament than live trembling under Pei Yan’s watchful eye.
This was also his own persistence and stubbornness.
The siblings were quite alike!
Gu Chang laughed, his voice becoming even warmer. He said to Pei Tong, “After the scripture lecture, I’ll stay in Lin’an for a few more days. At that time I’ll definitely drink a few cups with you—just don’t get drunk.”
Pei Tong smiled bashfully.
His youthful air became even stronger.
Gu Chang then asked about his studies.
Pei Tong answered each question seriously, arousing Gu Chang’s curiosity. By the time Pei Tong had seen him to outside the conference hall, he still couldn’t bear to part with Pei Tong and continued testing his learning.
It wasn’t until Tao Qing came out from the conference hall and saw him still standing with Pei Tong under the ginkgo tree outside the conference hall talking. He laughed and said, “You two brothers-in-law can save whatever you have to say for tomorrow—a whole room of us are waiting for you!” Only then was Gu Chang’s enthusiasm interrupted. He apologetically said “Sorry” to Pei Tong, saw him off, and entered the conference hall with Tao Qing.
Pei Tong stood under the courtyard gate with its dripping eaves and double roof. The bright moonlight shone down, making half his figure in moonlight and half in shadow.
After a long while, he slowly left the conference hall courtyard.
In the conference hall, Tao Qing was talking to Pei Yan about Pei Tong: “That child is growing more and more handsome, and more and more like your family’s people. Has his wedding date been set? When he gets married, you must tell me in advance—I want to attend his wedding.”
Pei Yan smiled and agreed, looking like a good uncle.
Gu Chang couldn’t help but glance at Pei Yan.
Pei Yan smiled brilliantly, completely different from his usual coolness and arrogance. If he hadn’t studied Pei Yan well, he would almost think the Pei Yan before him was fake.
A trace of surprise arose in his heart.
Pei Tong was getting married, not him—did he need to be so jubilant?
Gu Chang looked at Pei Yan again.
Not only were the corners of Pei Yan’s eyes and brows full of smiles, but his expression was comfortable and easygoing. He leaned against the large welcome pillow sitting there, not looking like someone haggling over profits with the heads of various households, unwilling to yield even a bit. Instead he looked like he was playing with these household heads, quite happy.
Gu Chang really couldn’t think what was so happy about this matter.
He frowned but ultimately didn’t discover anything from Pei Yan’s expression.
Pei Yan was in an excellent mood. Even though Gu Chang rudely examined him repeatedly, he didn’t lose his temper.
He felt Yu Tang was still a bit foolish.
She believed whatever he said.
That Li family matter—he really needed to calculate it carefully.
First, he couldn’t let their family keep the newly purchased house in Hangzhou City. Second, it would be best to have the Li family’s main branch deal with them—that way others would have nothing to say. Then there was Shen Shanyan’s side—he needed to make him stop helping Li Duan, preferably turn against each other. Otherwise with Shen Shanyan’s nagging personality, if he persuaded someone else to help the Li family, he would have to spend energy blocking it…
His mind was wandering freely when First Master Wu asked him if something was acceptable. He didn’t even register what First Master Wu had said and could only vaguely say “I need to carefully consider this matter,” drawing a sharp glare from Tao Qing. After First Master Wu went to ask others, Tao Qing leaned over and asked him “Where did you lose your soul? First Master Wu said their family is willing to share the two hundred thousand taels of silver. Such a good thing and you didn’t immediately agree—are you possessed by something?” Only then did he realize what he had missed.
But he consoled himself in his heart that everyone present were old foxes—things agreed to weren’t necessarily done. Even if he missed this, it wasn’t important. What mattered was whether they could actually produce the silver. Even if he was distracted now, it wouldn’t delay anything important.