Hearing Pei Wenxuan speak like this, everyone looked at each other. Li Rong waved her fan, sitting to one side watching the show.

After a while, Pei Xuanqing said slowly, “The assets your father left behind are of enormous value. Though you’ve come of age, you’re ultimately still a child. You’ve never had experience managing such wealth in the past. It’s better to leave it to your second aunt to handle.”

“Grandfather jests with these words,” Pei Wenxuan smiled, “Wenxuan has already taken office in the Censorate and established his own household. No matter what, he’s an adult. There’s no reason to continue troubling elders to worry on his behalf. To take a step back, Wenxuan’s mother is still living. The assets Father left to Wenxuan—even if Wenxuan cannot manage them, they should naturally be handled by Mother. We dare not trouble other elders to worry about it.”

“Then let’s ask your mother.” Hearing Pei Wenxuan’s words, Pei Xuanqing found it difficult to say more. He turned to look at Yun Shi, “Yun Shi, previously you entrusted the family to help look after the businesses. The clan asked Lixian to help. You need to explain this clearly to Wenxuan so he doesn’t misunderstand.”

When Yun Shi was called upon, Pei Wenxuan looked at her. Yun Shi forced herself to stand up, saying respectfully, “Grandfather-in-law is right. This daughter-in-law has already informed Wenxuan. Wenxuan understands in his heart. It’s just that Wenxuan has also grown up. By rights, he’s reached the age to manage affairs. If Second Uncle continues managing, I fear it will create distance.”

Before leaving, Li Rong had already had someone teach Yun Shi what to say. Everyone stared at her. She didn’t dare raise her eyes. Though she stumbled over her words, she ultimately managed to express herself clearly.

As soon as she spoke, everyone’s expressions changed somewhat.

Pei Liwen laughed coldly, “Sister-in-law’s few days at the Princess’s mansion truly weren’t wasted. So quickly she’s become suspicious of her own family. Second Brother, you shouldn’t bother anymore. Good intentions treated as ill will—just consider it feeding two ungrateful wolves.”

“Third Uncle…” Hearing Pei Liwen’s words, Yun Shi urgently began trying to explain, “We also…”

“My mother shares the same thoughts as I do.” Seeing Yun Shi about to explain, Pei Wenxuan directly interrupted her. Looking at Pei Xuanqing, he said, “Why don’t I come over tomorrow to take inventory of the assets under my name? What does Grandfather think?”

Pei Xuanqing didn’t speak. A clan elder beside him coughed. He said slowly, “Lizhi was the Pei family’s most accomplished child. When he was young, our entire clan watched him grow up. On his official career path, the family supported him all the way. What he left behind—though it certainly belongs to Wenxuan—the family cannot simply watch it disappear. Wenxuan’s actions lately have been too rash. Look at recent events—how many aristocratic families are dissatisfied with him? I think the child still needs more tempering.”

As soon as this clan elder spoke up, everyone chimed in agreement. Li Rong sat to one side drinking tea, smiling as she glanced at Pei Wenxuan. She saw Pei Wenxuan standing calmly in the center of the hall, his face bearing a smile like the spring breeze of the third month, without the slightest malice. Then she heard him speak slowly, “When my father first entered Hua Jing, he was about my age. At that time, His Majesty was still Crown Prince, and the imperial examinations hadn’t yet been established. Father maneuvered about in Hua Jing and ultimately became the Crown Prince’s confidant, bringing the Pei family up with him. But why would Father, from a humble family, become the Crown Prince’s confidant?”

Pei Wenxuan asked with a smile. No one made a sound. Pei Wenxuan brushed his sleeves, lowered his head, and said slowly, “Many things—everyone knows them well. Where the Pei family rose from, the elders here surely understand in their hearts. Why is His Majesty establishing the Supervisory Bureau? The elders say Wenxuan is rash, say Wenxuan’s reputation among aristocratic families is poor, and beat Wenxuan to curry favor with aristocratic families.” Pei Wenxuan laughed once, sweeping his gaze around, “Then why not go to the palace and have His Majesty judge who’s right?”

“So many court officials knelt before the Imperial Study for so long, yet His Majesty wouldn’t receive them—all to preserve face. Esteemed elders, please do not disappoint His Majesty’s painstaking efforts.”

No one spoke. They had considered what Pei Wenxuan said before. After Li Rong had scolded them last time, they had already come to understand clearly. But firstly, the wealth Pei Lizhi left behind was truly substantial. Secondly, Pei Lixian now held high position and great authority—they couldn’t afford to offend him. Everyone could only speak on Pei Lixian’s behalf.

But now Pei Wenxuan’s words were full of threats. The Emperor’s attitude was already very clear. He was probably already dissatisfied with the Pei clan, but since Pei Lixian held high office, he still needed to give him some face. If Yun Shi held firm it would be fine—at least it would be internal Pei family matters, which the Emperor couldn’t interfere with. But now Yun Shi had already been won over by Pei Wenxuan. If this really reached the Emperor, they would likely not get good outcomes.

Seeing everyone beginning to waver, Pei Wenxuan’s tone softened, “Yesterday, Wenxuan could have confronted Third Uncle before the Imperial Study. But Wenxuan thought that ultimately he’s still a Pei family member. One clan should help each other. Internal minor matters can be argued about, but as long as they can be negotiated internally, we shouldn’t let outsiders see our jokes.”

“Though Wenxuan now can’t claim great accomplishments and doesn’t compare to my late father, I do have a small position of authority in the Censorate. In the future on the official path, I’ll still need all the clan members’ support. Today, Her Highness and I came not truly intending to create conflicts with the family. With all the elders present, I’ll speak plainly. I am a Pei family member—I was in the past and will be in the future. Now that I’ve married Princess Pingle, no matter what, the Pei family cannot escape connection with Her Highness. If the elders now curry favor with aristocratic families, those families may not think highly of us anyway. Better to wholeheartedly follow His Majesty and the Princess. In the future, if everyone works together with one heart, what need is there to fear threats from other aristocratic families?”

Pei Wenxuan’s words inside and out were all reassurance, meaning nothing more than that he now had backing and ability, a very promising future, rallying everyone to follow him.

First the stick, then the carrot. Everyone began to deliberate. After Pei Xuanqing hesitated for a while, he finally said, “You’re a good child. In the past, we misunderstood you too much. That you have such insight makes Grandfather very gratified. Lixian,” Pei Xuanqing looked toward Pei Lixian, probing, “The child isn’t young anymore. Why not do as he says?”

Everyone looked at Pei Lixian. Though no one spoke, their eyes held some hope that Pei Lixian would agree.

Pei Lixian sighed, only saying, “When I first took on this matter, I told Sister-in-law that in the future I’d probably still be blamed. Sister-in-law didn’t believe me. She kept telling me Wenxuan wasn’t that kind of child. Now it seems…”

Pei Lixian shook his head, smiling bitterly, “Forget it.”

These words were veiled accusations, making it seem as if Pei Wenxuan and his mother were ungrateful. Pei Wenxuan didn’t much care—none of his uncles were easy to deal with, and he was used to it. But before he could speak, he heard a trembling voice from beside him, “You… how can you say such things?”

Everyone looked over in surprise, only to see Yun Shi had stood up. She looked at Pei Lixian. Not knowing where this habitually docile woman found the courage, she struggled to rebuke him, “At the time it was you who persuaded me, saying Wenxuan was still young and had to return to his hometown for mourning. You said my health was poor and I might be deceived, so you had me transfer the assets to your wife to manage. You said in the future when Wenxuan returned, you would teach him to manage the money and give it to him. He’s returned now. I was too embarrassed to ask you for the money. Now I’ve finally lost all face and opened my mouth about this, yet you still won’t return the money? You… how can you be so shameless?”

Yun Shi’s words came out stammering, exceptionally plain and direct. Hearing Yun Shi curse so directly, Li Rong couldn’t help but laugh out loud with a “pfft.”

Others all looked over. Li Rong quickly said, “Sorry, my mind wandered. Don’t mind me. Continue.”

How could Pei Wenxuan not know what she was laughing at? He glanced at her helplessly, coughed lightly and said, “Second Uncle, I know you meant well. I have no doubts. It’s just that right now I truly lack money to handle affairs. If you keep holding onto it like this, it’s not good either, is it?”

Pei Lixian had been scolded by Yun Shi until his face turned green then white in turns. Before he could speak, he heard Yun Shi say, “So you’ve been deceiving me all along! I trusted you so much, yet you deceived me like this? Tell me, how many unconscionable things have you done to my son? I treated you like a real younger brother. How can you be so vicious?”

Yun Shi spoke with genuine feeling, pear blossoms bathed in rain. Pei Lixian hurriedly said, “Sister-in-law, it’s not as you think. Let me explain…”

“Return the money.” Yun Shi’s emotions rose. Like a marketplace shrew, she made a scene, shouting loudly, “That’s my son’s money! I was deceived by you. I’ve wronged Wenxuan. If you don’t return the money today, I… I… I’ll bash my head and kill you!”

Hearing Yun Shi’s words, Li Rong couldn’t quite tell whether Yun Shi misspoke meaning to say she’d bash her head to death, or truly wanted to use herself to bash Pei Lixian to death.

She had always found Yun Shi weak and annoying. Watching today, she unexpectedly saw some cuteness in her.

Seeing Yun Shi’s unreasonable tantrum actually having miraculous effect, Pei Wenxuan simply stopped talking and just watched Yun Shi and Pei Lixian fight.

Yun Shi was someone who couldn’t reason clearly. Now crying and making scenes, even Pei Lixian found himself at a loss with her. Yun Shi recounted all the various guarantees and promises Pei Lixian had given her in the past, spoke of how Pei Lizhi had supported and cared for Pei Lixian back then. When emotions ran high, she couldn’t help but lunge forward.

The scene became chaotic for a time. Everyone hurried forward—some pulling, some persuading. It was extremely lively.

After finally separating Yun Shi and Pei Lixian, Pei Lixian’s ceremonial cap had been grabbed off by Yun Shi, and his face had been scratched. Held back by people, he looked at Yun Shi crying her heart out as Pei Wenxuan supported her, and said angrily, “Everything should be done step by step. Sister-in-law, you’re being too unreasonable! It’s not that I won’t give the money. It’s just that Wenxuan is busy with court affairs now. If I rashly give it to him, can he manage it? Even giving it to you, you can’t manage it either! I’ll have my wife continue handling it, with Wenxuan checking accounts and managing affairs. Later when Wenxuan isn’t busy, he can gradually take over. Why can’t you understand good intentions?!”

“I don’t care!” Yun Shi wailed, “You’re just bullying us orphans and widow, trying to harm Wenxuan to death. I don’t care. Return the money, return the money!”

Yun Shi’s every word was about money. Everyone felt both embarrassed and contemptuous. Pei Wenxuan supported Yun Shi, trying to console his mother. Li Rong, hearing this, set down her tea and said slowly, “Isn’t it just about managing money?”

As soon as Li Rong spoke, everyone fell silent. Li Rong stood up, saying with a beaming smile, “I’ll manage it.”

“The Princess’s status is noble.”

Hearing Li Rong speak, Pei Lixian quickly said, “How could we trouble the Princess with such trivial matters?”

“No matter how noble my status, I’m still Wenxuan’s wife.”

Li Rong spoke, walking to Pei Wenxuan’s side. She reached out to take Pei Wenxuan’s arm, smiling as she looked at Pei Lixian, “Managing accounts—this kind of thing should be done by the wife anyway. Wenxuan is busy with court affairs. Of course I must help him.”

“Your Highness is currently establishing the Supervisory Bureau. You also have quite a bit to do. I’m afraid…”

“It’s fine,” Li Rong immediately interrupted Pei Lixian, her face completely serious, “For Wenxuan’s sake, the hard work is worth it. Besides, the Supervisory Bureau doesn’t have much going on—it’s just a title. Second Uncle can rest assured. As for the money,” Li Rong spoke as if suppressing laughter, only saying, “This Princess already has fiefdom income. This money doesn’t amount to that large a sum. Managing it all together isn’t much trouble. Second Uncle,” Li Rong lowered her voice as if reminding him, “Rein in your schemes, hmm?”

Pei Lixian’s expression was extremely ugly. Pei Wenxuan lowered his head and chuckled softly.

He no longer cared what Pei Lixian’s answer would be. He just couldn’t help emphasizing once more, “My wife is right, Second Uncle. You can rest assured—she’s quite formidable.”

Author’s Note:

[Mini Theater]

Li Rong: “I’m Wenxuan’s wife. I manage everything, including his family. Those who know what’s good for them will hand over the money. I don’t think much of your little bit of money anyway.”

Pei Lixian: “If you don’t think much of it, don’t take it!!”

Li Rong: “Even mosquito legs are meat. Give me the money.”

Pei Lixian: “…”

Yun Shi: “Waaah how can there be people as shameless as you, deceiving me when I’m simple, innocent and kind, waaah so shameless, return the money, return my son’s money, or I’ll bash you to death.”

Pei Lixian: “Why do you want to bash me to death?”

Yun Shi: “Waaah, I originally wanted to bash myself to death against a pillar, but felt that would be too easy on you. The words came out before I could change them, so I’ll just bash you to death instead.”

Pei Lixian: “…”

Pei Wenxuan: “Second Uncle, the money…”

Pei Lixian: “Take the money, take your wife and your mother too, shut up, no seeing off, don’t want to argue, I’m tired.”