006 Sorry, There’s Just Too Much Money

Old Master Yun’s expression immediately grew stern; he hadn’t expected the Gongsun family to move so swiftly.

“Let them in,” he ordered.

The dishes were cleared away, and bypassing the screen, the Yun family made their way to the main reception hall. There, the members of the Gongsun family stood in the great hall with an air of aggression, as though they intended to overturn the place.

At the forefront was a man in his forties, clad in a formal long robe and a high hat with black gauze and golden trim—unmistakably an official of Chu: Gongsun Weihe. Behind him followed men of similar age, also from official families, and a woman. The woman, veiled and slender, could only be Gongsun Ziyan.

Old Master Yun approached Gongsun Weihe with a genial smile, giving a cupped-hands salute. “I did not expect Brother Gongsun to so hastily invite the Minister of Rites, the Minister of Revenue, and—ah—even the Assistant Minister of the Secretariat to my humble abode. What brings you all here?”

Gongsun Weihe’s face was livid as he glared coolly at the old master. “I am here to seek justice for my daughter! You and I are both influential figures in Chu, colleagues by station—must we press each other so hard? As Grand Tutor of Chu, should you not keep your household in order?”

Old Master Yun seated himself at the place of honor, brushing his robe casually. “Brother Gongsun, such words… After so many years at court, do you not know who I, Yun Kuang, am? I am most strict in ruling my household, never indulgent.”

A cold laugh escaped Gongsun Ziyan. The Yun family’s reputation for shielding their own was well-known; otherwise, Gongsun Weihe would not have gone to such lengths to bring so many colleagues to apply pressure.

“Since Old Master Yun is so adamant, let me recount the matter and let the truth be judged,” said Gongsun Weihe, shooting Yun Feiyue a glare. “Today, my daughter took a liking to a sword at the Appraisal Hall, the price had been settled, and yet it was snatched by your eldest miss, Yun Feiyue. Not only that, but she also struck my daughter, leaving her face in a terrible state!”

Old Master Yun suppressed a smile, forcing himself to ask Yun Feiyue, “Oh? Is there any truth to this?”

Yun Feiyue shook her head at once. “Absolutely not! Grandfather knows me—how could I ever do such a thing? I hurried back from afar, longing for home. How could I have had time to quarrel with Miss Gongsun?” The more she spoke, the more ‘sorrowful’ she became, her face full of grievance. “Surely someone with ill intent is trying to frame me.”

“You see? My Yue’er says she didn’t do it, so it simply cannot be! You are accusing the wrong person,” Old Master Yun immediately retorted. The grandfather and granddaughter played their parts in perfect harmony.

Gongsun Ziyan stomped her foot in fury. “She did! She stole my sword! Look—it’s right there at her waist!”

All eyes turned to the sword at Yun Feiyue’s waist.

“Yun Feiyue, do you still deny it?” Gongsun Weihe stared at her coldly.

Still fixated on the sword? Yun Feiyue sneered, raised the sword, and unsheathed it. Though simple in appearance, it radiated an imposing aura—anyone with an eye for weaponry would know it was a fine blade.

“This sword is called Buddha’s Butterfly.”

Everyone present was from official families; all knew the origins of Buddha’s Butterfly. To claim it as Gongsun Ziyan’s property was preposterous.

“I trust everyone here knows its provenance, so I need say no more. If Miss Gongsun insists this sword is hers, has she even asked if I consent?” Yun Feiyue was already restraining her temper—for if not for Beichen Yi…

Yet Gongsun Ziyan, oblivious to her own foolishness, was convinced the world should bend to her will, that what she desired should be hers.

Grinding her teeth, Gongsun Ziyan said, “Let’s set aside the matter of the sword. Yun Feiyue, the fact remains that you struck me. If you deny it, let’s summon the owner and staff of the Appraisal Hall to testify. Justice is in the hearts of the people.”

She had already bribed the owner and staff of the Treasure Pavilion; when summoned, they would surely testify for her, forcing Yun Feiyue to admit guilt even if she denied it. Even Old Master Yun, before so many officials, could not shield his granddaughter this time.

“Then call them,” Yun Feiyue replied, stifling a yawn as she lounged in the nearest chair, propping her head on one hand and idly nibbling on pastries—utterly at ease, as if enjoying an afternoon tea.

Gongsun Ziyan glared coldly at her. “Summon the owner and staff of the Treasure Pavilion!”

The owner and staff, already waiting outside the Yun estate, appeared immediately upon being called.

“Quickly, recount what happened at the Treasure Pavilion earlier today,” Gongsun Ziyan pressed, eager to see Yun Feiyue condemned.

The owner and staff first knelt, greeting each official in turn before speaking. “The Treasure Pavilion was never open this morning. I do not know what Miss Gongsun wants me to say.”

Gongsun Ziyan’s eyes widened in disbelief. She had clearly paid them off—why weren’t they supporting her story?

“You—you dare lie?”

The owner shook his head vigorously, producing several banknotes, which he respectfully returned to Gongsun Ziyan. “Miss Gongsun, here are your notes. I cannot, for a little money, speak ill of Miss Yun Feiyue. She is dignified, virtuous, graceful, and noble—how could she possibly strike someone?”

Having finished, the owner glanced expectantly at Yun Feiyue, as if to say, “See how well I performed?”

Gongsun Ziyan staggered back two steps, unable to believe the owner would turn against her. But the banknotes—“The amount… the amount isn’t right.”

“Miss Gongsun, is the sum incorrect?” The owner checked the notes and, bowing repeatedly, apologized. “My apologies, there was too much money; I must have taken an extra note by mistake.” He immediately plucked one out. “Now it’s correct!”

In a rage, Gongsun Ziyan slapped the notes to the ground and reached out to strike the owner, only for a pastry to fly out of nowhere and knock her hand aside.

Before she could erupt, Gongsun Weihe stopped her. Losing her temper here would be most unwise.

Yun Feiyue watched the spectacle with amusement; the intelligence on display was hardly worth her anger.

“I recall there was a child, a martial artist at the fourth level of the fourth tier!” Yun Feiyue suddenly remembered it was a child who had struck her. Turning, she spotted Xiao Mumu. “Yes, it was this little one—he’s the culprit!”