Реi Wеnхuan spоkе thus, аnd еvеryone ехchangеd glancеs. Li Rоng fаnnеd hеrsеlf as she sаt to the side, watching the соmmotiоn.
Aftеr а mоmеnt, Pеi Хuаnqing sаid slоwly, "Тhe proреrty уour father lеft behind is substantiаl. Although уоu hаvе соmе of agе, уou аrе still а child аfter аll, with nо exреrienсe managing suсh assets. It would bе bеttеr to lеave it to уоur sеcоnd аunt tо hаndlе."
"Grаndfathеr jеsts," Pеi Wenхuan reрlied with а smilе. "Wеnxuаn is nоw аn оfficial in the Сensorate and hаs established а family аnd cаrеer. Nо matter what, I am an adult, and there is no reason to trouble my elders to worry on my behalf. Moreover, my mother is still here. Even if I cannot manage the property my father left for me, it should be handled by my mother. I dare not trouble other elders."
"Then let us ask your mother," Pei Xuanqing said, unable to argue further. He turned to Madam Wen. "Madam Wen, it was you who previously asked the family to help look after the assets. The clan invited Liwen to assist. You must clarify this to Wenxuan to avoid misunderstandings."
When Madam Wen was named, Pei Wenxuan looked at her. She forced herself to stand and said respectfully, "Father-in-law is right. I have already informed Wenxuan, and he understands. However, Wenxuan has grown up and, by rights, is of an age to manage affairs. If Second Uncle continues to oversee them, I fear it may cause discord."
Before leaving the house, Li Rong had already instructed someone to coach Madam Wen on what to say. With everyone staring at her, she dared not lift her eyes. Though her words were halting, she managed to express herself clearly.
As soon as she spoke, everyone's expressions shifted.
Pei Liwen sneered, "Sister-in-law certainly hasn't stayed at the Princess's Manor for nothing these past few days, to suspect her own family so quickly. Second Brother, you should stop managing their affairs. Good intentions are wasted on the ungrateful—it's like feeding two ungrateful wolves."
"Third Uncle..." Madam Wen hurriedly tried to explain upon hearing Pei Liwen's words. "We also..."
"My mother shares my thoughts," Pei Wenxuan interrupted her before she could explain further. He looked at Pei Xuanqing and said, "Why not have me come tomorrow to take stock of the assets under my name? What does Grandfather think?"
Pei Xuanqing remained silent. An elder beside him coughed and said slowly, "Lizhi was the most accomplished child of our Pei family. We all watched him grow up from a young age, and the family supported him throughout his official career. Although what he left behind rightfully belongs to Wenxuan, the family cannot stand by and watch it go to waste. Wenxuan's actions are too impulsive lately. Look at recent events—how many noble families are dissatisfied with him? I say the child still needs more tempering."
As soon as this elder spoke, everyone chimed in agreement. Li Rong sat to the side, sipping tea, and glanced at Pei Wenxuan with a smile. Pei Wenxuan stood calmly in the hall, his expression as gentle as the spring breeze, showing no trace of malice. Then, he slowly spoke, "When my father first arrived in Huajing, he was about my age. At that time, His Majesty was still the Crown Prince, and the imperial examinations had not yet been established. My father maneuvered in Huajing and eventually became a trusted confidant of the Crown Prince, elevating the entire Pei family. But why did my father, a humble commoner, become the Crown Prince's confidant?"Pei Wenxuan smiled as he inquired, but no one responded. He brushed off his sleeves, lowered his head, and spoke slowly, "Many things are understood by all. Where the Pei family originated from, I believe the elders are well aware. What was the purpose of His Majesty establishing the Supervisory Department? The elders say Wenxuan is reckless, that his reputation among the noble families is poor, and that he was beaten to curry favor with them." Pei Wenxuan chuckled, sweeping his gaze around the room. "Why not go to the palace and let His Majesty decide?"
"So many court officials have knelt in the imperial study for so long, yet His Majesty refuses to grant an audience—all to preserve some dignity. Elders, I hope you will not disappoint His Majesty's sincere efforts."
No one spoke. They had not considered Pei Wenxuan's words before; after Li Rong's scolding last time, they had already come to a clear understanding. However, on one hand, the wealth left by Pei Lizhi was indeed substantial, and on the other, Pei Lixian now held a high position and was not someone to offend lightly. Thus, they could only side with Pei Lixian.
But now, Pei Wenxuan's words were filled with threats. The emperor's attitude was already clear—it seemed he was dissatisfied with the Pei family. Yet, since Pei Lixian held a high position, they still had to show him some respect. If Madam Wen had remained firm, it would have been an internal family matter, something the emperor could not interfere with. But now that Madam Wen had been swayed by Pei Wenxuan, if the matter were brought before the emperor, they feared they would face dire consequences.
Seeing everyone begin to waver, Pei Wenxuan softened his tone. "Yesterday, I could have confronted Third Uncle in front of the imperial study, but I thought to myself—after all, I am a member of the Pei family. Clans should support one another. Internal disputes are one thing, but if we can resolve them among ourselves, there is no need to let outsiders mock us."
"Although I may not have achieved great success now, and I cannot compare to my late father, I do hold some authority in the Censorate. In the future, I will need the support of my clansmen in the official circles. Today, Her Highness and I have come not to stir up trouble within the family. With all the elders present, I will speak plainly: I am a member of the Pei family—I was in the past, and I will be in the future. Now that I am married to Princess Pingle, the Pei family is inevitably tied to Her Highness. If the elders continue to curry favor with the noble families, they may not even look upon us favorably. Why not instead wholeheartedly follow His Majesty and the princess? If we unite in the future, what threat do other noble families pose?"
Pei Wenxuan's words were meant to reassure, implying that he now had powerful backing, possessed ability, and had a promising future, urging everyone to follow his lead.
First came the stick, then the carrot. Everyone began to ponder. After hesitating for a moment, Pei Xuanqing finally said, "You are a good child. We have misunderstood you in the past. With such insight, your grandfather is very pleased. Lixian," Pei Xuanqing turned to Pei Lixian, testing the waters, "the child is no longer young. Why not do as he says?"
Everyone looked at Pei Lixian. Though no one spoke, their eyes were filled with hope that he would agree.
Pei Lixian sighed and said, "When I took over this matter, I told my sister-in-law that there might be discord in the future. She didn’t believe me, always saying Wenxuan wasn’t that kind of child. Now it seems..."
Pei Lixian shook his head and smiled bitterly. "Forget it."These words, pointing at the mulberry while scolding the locust tree, made Pei Wenxuan and his mother appear ungrateful. Pei Wenxuan didn’t particularly mind; 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 beside him: “How… how could you say such a thing?”
Everyone looked over in surprise and saw that it was Madam Wen who had stood up. She stared at Pei Lixian, and no one knew where this usually gentle woman had found the courage, but she struggled to reprimand him: “Back then, it was you who persuaded me, saying Wenxuan was still young and had to return to his hometown to observe mourning. You said I was in poor health and feared I might be deceived, so you urged me to transfer the property to your wife for safekeeping. You promised that once Wenxuan returned, you would teach him how to manage the money and hand it over to him. Now that he’s back, I couldn’t bring myself to ask you for the money. It took me great effort to swallow my pride and speak up, yet you still refuse to return it? How… how can you be so shameless?”
Madam Wen’s words were halting and exceptionally plain. Hearing her curse so directly, Li Rong couldn’t help but let out a sudden, audible chuckle.
Everyone turned to look at her, and Li Rong quickly said, “My apologies, I was distracted. Please don’t mind me, continue.”
Pei Wenxuan knew exactly what she was laughing at. He gave her a helpless glance, cleared his throat, and said, “Second Uncle, I know you meant well, and I don’t doubt your intentions. But right now, I truly lack the funds to handle matters. If you continue holding onto the money, it won’t be appropriate, will it?”
Pei Lixian’s face turned pale and then flushed with anger at Madam Wen’s scolding. Before he could speak, Madam Wen continued, “So, you’ve been deceiving me all along. I trusted you so much, yet you lied to me like this? Tell me, how many wrongs have you done to my son? I treated you like my own brother, how could you be so cruel?”
Madam Wen spoke with genuine emotion, tears streaming down her face like pear blossoms in the rain. Pei Lixian hurriedly said, “Sister-in-law, it’s not what you think, let me explain…”
“Give the money back!” Madam Wen’s emotions flared, and she began to make a scene like a market shrew, shouting loudly, “That’s my son’s money! I was deceived by you, and I’ve wronged Wenxuan. If you don’t return the money today, I… I… I’ll ram myself into you and die!”
Listening to Madam Wen’s words, Li Rong couldn’t tell whether she had misspoken, intending to say she would ram herself to death, or if she truly meant to use herself to kill Pei Lixian.
She had always found Madam Wen weak and annoying, but today, she actually saw a hint of charm in her.
Seeing that Madam Wen’s unreasonable behavior was unexpectedly effective, Pei Wenxuan simply remained silent and watched as Madam Wen and Pei Lixian quarreled.
Madam Wen was someone who couldn’t be reasoned with, and now, with her crying and making a scene, Pei Lixian found himself at a loss. Madam Wen recounted all the promises and assurances Pei Lixian had given her in the past, speaking of how Pei Lizhi had once helped and cared for Pei Lixian. Overwhelmed by emotion, she couldn’t help but lunge forward.
The scene quickly descended into chaos. Everyone rushed forward, some pulling them apart, others trying to mediate, creating a lively and uproarious spectacle.After finally managing to separate Madam Wen and Pei Lixian, Pei Lixian’s hair crown had been torn off by Madam Wen, and his face was scratched. Restrained by others, he glared at Madam Wen, who was being supported by Pei Wenxuan and crying as if her heart would break. Furious, he shouted, “Everything should be done step by step. Sister-in-law, you’re being completely unreasonable. It’s not that I won’t give the money, but Wenxuan is busy with court affairs right now. If I give it to him abruptly, can he manage it? Even if I give it to you, you wouldn’t be able to handle it either! I’ll have my wife continue managing it, while Wenxuan oversees the accounts and affairs. Once Wenxuan is less busy in the future, he can gradually take over. How can you be so ungrateful?!”
“I don’t care!” Madam Wen wailed. “You’re just bullying us, a widow and her orphaned son, trying to harm Wenxuan. I don’t care, give back the money, give it back!”
Madam Wen kept shouting about money, making everyone feel both awkward and disdainful. Pei Wenxuan supported his mother, trying to calm her down. Hearing this, Li Rong set down her teacup and said gently, “Isn’t it just about managing money?”
As soon as Li Rong spoke, everyone fell silent. She stood up and said with a smile, “I’ll manage it then.”
“Your Highness is of noble status,” Pei Lixian quickly interjected upon hearing Li Rong speak. “How could we trouble you with such trivial matters?”
“No matter how noble my status, I am still Wenxuan’s wife,” Li Rong said as she walked to Pei Wenxuan’s side, linking her arm with his and smiling at Pei Lixian. “Managing accounts is something a wife should do. Since Wenxuan is busy with court affairs, of course I should help him.”
“Your Highness is currently establishing the Supervisory Department and must have many responsibilities. I’m afraid…”
“It’s fine,” Li Rong immediately cut off Pei Lixian, her expression earnest. “For Wenxuan, any hardship is worth it. Besides, the Supervisory Department doesn’t have much to do—it’s just a nominal position. Don’t worry, Second Uncle. As for the money,” she continued, seemingly holding back a laugh, “I already have my own fiefdom, so this amount isn’t too significant. Managing it together won’t be a big deal. Second Uncle,” Li Rong lowered her voice as if reminding him, “better rein in your ambitions, hmm?”
Pei Lixian’s face turned extremely unpleasant, while Pei Wenxuan lowered his head and chuckled softly.
He no longer cared what Pei Lixian’s response would be, but he couldn’t help adding, “My wife is right, Second Uncle. Don’t worry, she’s quite capable.”
Author’s Note: 【Mini Theater】
Li Rong: “I’m Wenxuan’s wife, I manage everything, including his family. Be sensible and hand over the money. Anyway, I don’t even care about your little sum.”
Pei Lixian: “If you don’t care, then don’t ask for it!!”
Li Rong: “Even a fly’s leg is still meat. Pay up.”
Pei Lixian: “…”
Madam Wen: “Wah wah wah, how can there be people as shameless as you? You tricked me, so innocent and naive and kind. Wah wah wah, so shameless. Give back the money, give back my son’s money, or I’ll crash into you and die.”
Pei Lixian: “Why would you crash into me and die?”
Madam Wen: “Wah wah wah, I originally wanted to crash into a pillar and die myself, but I thought that would be letting you off too easy. Since I already said it, I’ll just crash into you and die instead.”
Pei Lixian: “…”
Pei Wenxuan: “Second Uncle, the money…”
Pei Lixian: “Take the money, take your wife and your mother away too. Shut up, no need to see me out, I don’t want to argue anymore, I’m tired.”
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