Chapter 205: A Thousand Years Ago, Where Was the Pei Family?

The Qingming Festival is usually a time for rain, and today the sky had remained overcast, but the rain had held off. At this very moment, however, a drizzle suddenly began, growing steadily heavier until it became a downpour.

In front of the Pei family ancestral hall, it was completely silent; not even a single person was holding an umbrella.

The Pei family members stared blankly at Third Uncle's body on the ground. Third Uncle was someone even Pei Qingyan addressed as 'Third Uncle'; most others called him 'Great Third Uncle,' a venerable elder of the clan. This was why it was difficult for Pei Qingyan to take any drastic action.

Yet, this supposedly venerable elder was infiltrated by an outsider and publicly murdered in front of the ancestral hall.

Even Pei Qingyan's mind was buzzing at this moment; for a while, he didn't know what to say. His mind raced, analyzing and strategizing.

Through the misty rain, Pei Chuyun looked on, observing Lu Xingzhou confronting her brother. Her eyes were mistier than the rain, as if she were lost in a trance.

She had asked him to come as a pillar of support, hoping he would offer advice if any problems arose. Pei Chuyun herself never imagined that Lu Xingzhou, who usually meticulously weighed pros and cons, would take such initiative. He was now even risking direct apprehension by Pei Qingyan, not to mention future repercussions.

Unless she, Pei Chuyun, could somehow influence the Pei family's actions in the future, but that was not to be expected for at least ten years.

He was merely standing up for her.

Lu Xingzhou calmly extended his hand, pushing aside Pei Yu's limp sword. Amidst the silent downpour, he spoke loudly: "The debt for one's parents' death is irreconcilable. Prime Minister Pei should be pleased that Chuyun possesses such filial piety; it means she would defend you in the same manner."

Pei Qingyan's eyes flickered slightly, and he slowly said: "Chuyun's matter is a private affair of our Pei family; we'll set it aside for now. By what right, Young Master Lu, do you intrude upon my Pei clan's ancestral hall and slay a member of my Pei family?"

"To avenge my beloved's parents." Lu Xingzhou bowed respectfully: "Though I am unworthy, I wish to propose to Prime Minister Pei for Miss Chuyun's hand. This man's head is merely one part of the betrothal gift."

Many members of the Pei family stood with their mouths agape, unable to close them for a long time.

How audacious.

So you broke into the Pei family, killed someone, and now you're calling it a betrothal gift?

Unfortunately, no family would acknowledge such a thing, and Pei Qingyan certainly would not. "Young Master Lu, if you wish to propose marriage," he said, "then follow the proper etiquette: invite a matchmaker to our home openly, and then we can discuss it."

Lu Xingzhou smiled brightly: "Then I thank Prime Minister Pei."

"Of course," Pei Qingyan added, "even if you come, I will not agree."

Pei Qingyan said faintly: "What we must discuss now is your trespassing into the Pei family in disguise. Guards, seize this outrageous fellow, give him one hundred strokes with the rod, and throw him out."

Astute observers understood that Pei Qingyan had no intention of pursuing the matter seriously; it was merely to save face for the Pei Residence. With Lu Xingzhou's cultivation level, even ten thousand strokes from an ordinary household guard would be like a mere tickle, causing no damage whatsoever.

Suddenly, Pei Chuyun, as if awakening from a dream, leaped up, blocking Lu Xingzhou: "Don't you dare hit him! What's wrong with him helping me get revenge? I brought him in! Either beat me to death, or let outsiders see how Prime Minister Pei protects his own women and children!"

Lu Xingzhou looked at Pei Qingyan, then at Pei Yu beside him. The expressions on the father and son's faces were identical, utterly bewildered and speechless.

Lu Xingzhou gently tapped Pei Chuyun's shoulder from behind: "Hey, calm down..."

Pei Chuyun, who had been like an enraged cat, was instantly docile with that gentle touch, obediently stepping aside.

Pei Qingyan was speechless.

Lu Xingzhou cleared his throat: "I, Lu, was rude; I trespassed into the Pei Residence and disturbed the ancestral hall. I am willing to accept Prime Minister Pei's punishment, without any resistance. However, I hope you will consider the Alchemy Academy's reputation and allow me to save face: firstly, by having Brother Pei personally administer the punishment, and secondly, by carrying out the execution in an empty, private chamber..."

Pei Qingyan inwardly thought that this fellow was truly perceptive. He said faintly: "Very well. Yu'er, take him to a quiet room and personally administer the punishment. If he receives even one less stroke, you will answer for it."

Pei Yu sighed helplessly: "Brother Lu, please come this way."

Pei Chuyun took small, quick steps, intending to follow, but Pei Qingyan grabbed her. His gaze then swept coldly across the entire crowd: "Third Uncle died of a sudden illness. Remember that, all of you. If even half a word of today's events leaks out, you will all experience my methods!"

The onlookers knew full well the gravity of the situation. If mishandled, it could cause a huge stir within the Pei family, so how dared they utter nonsense? They all bowed in agreement: "Yes, we understand."

Pei Chuyun sighed. In reality, if one truly wanted to do it, it was just this simple.

Pei Qingyan seemed hesitant to look at his daughter. He whispered: "You should honestly follow the ancestral rites. As for Lu Xingzhou... Yu'er knows what he's doing."

Pei Chuyun naturally understood by now that not only would Lu Xingzhou and Pei Yu not be punished in the quiet room, but they might even be feasting.

In the quiet room, Pei Yu poured wine for Lu Xingzhou, sighing helplessly: "Brother Lu, I must say, you were too impulsive today. In reality, even if you hadn't acted, with Chuyun's abilities, assassinating him on the road a few days later would have been effortless. Why did you have to make such a grand display today?"

Lu Xingzhou said: "I endured ten years of revenge against the Huo family, and I know very well what it's like to see your enemy right before you, yet be forced to hold back... If one has the ability to avenge, they wouldn't want to wait for even a moment, let alone be stopped by their own father. Can you understand Chuyun's emotions at that moment, Brother Pei?"

Pei Yu remained silent.

"Furthermore, at that moment, who could guarantee that your Third Uncle wouldn't be sent back to Hedong under the Prime Minister's strict protection, leaving no further opportunity?" Lu Xingzhou sighed: "Brother Pei, when it comes to weighing pros and cons, I, Lu, am not necessarily less capable than you. But when can one factor in the feelings of one's own daughter or sister?"

Pei Yu was silent for a long moment. Finally, he raised his cup in respect: "Although that was not my mother... I can still somewhat understand those feelings. On behalf of my sister, I thank you, Brother Lu."

After they drank, Pei Yu continued: "Reflecting on it now, and given your appropriate subsequent remarks, Brother Lu, it would be rash to say you've alienated yourself from the Pei family; my father might even secretly admire you. However, if I may be frank, at least in the short term, my father will certainly have to distance himself from you. Otherwise, in the eyes of the clan members who know of today's events, it would be tantamount to condoning an illicit affair and sheltering a lover, which would be far too unsightly. Killing Great Third Uncle might still be justifiable in people's minds, but this... this really isn't."

"So why blame it on my relationship with Princess Chaohuang?" Lu Xingzhou laughed wryly: "If you don't want to, you don't want to."

Pei Yu froze for a moment, then chuckled wryly: "You're right."

"I fully understand the Pei family's perspective. That's why when Chuyun and I spoke of me pursuing her, we both knew it was just a jest and a shield; we had no intention of it becoming real." Lu Xingzhou paused here, then continued: "But Brother Pei..."

"What is it?"

"Family status is something one creates for oneself. A thousand years ago, where was the Pei family?" Lu Xingzhou said faintly: "Sooner or later, I, Lu Xingzhou, will also attain the first rank, sitting as an equal with your esteemed father. I hope that before that day, the Pei family does not hastily marry off their daughters, otherwise, it will be awkward for everyone."

Pei Yu's expression subtly changed.

This statement wasn't just about Lu Xingzhou's personal strength; it hinted at something more... For instance, if he truly wasn't in *that* kind of relationship with Princess Chaohuang, but merely her close confidant, then if Princess Chaohuang were to ascend to that position one day, wouldn't Lu Xingzhou become today's Prime Minister Pei?

As Pei Yu's thoughts churned, Lu Xingzhou had already stood up, smiling slightly: "Thank you, Brother Pei, for your leniency with the hundred strokes. I won't delay your ancestral rites any longer. I bid you farewell."

The Pei family's ancestral rites dragged on for the entire morning.

In the afternoon, Pei Chuyun stood by the window of her attic, silently watching the continuous rain outside. Her beautiful eyes were somewhat forlorn, her mind drifting to who knew where.

Earlier, she had been restless, wanting to go out and find Lu Xingzhou, but she still had someone else to wait for.

She knew her master would come.

Indeed, before long, her master's voice transmission reached her ear: "What did you witness today? Pei Qingyan is heartless and selfish; he cares only for his family. He might offer temporary amends out of guilt, but he will never be the father you desire."

Pei Chuyun did not answer.

Her master's voice continued: "Pei Jingshan was merely a fourth-rank official, just a minion among those who killed your mother back then. There are still highly influential and powerful individuals in the clan who were involved. Do you think Pei Qingyan would turn against them for the sake of you and your mother?"

Pei Chuyun finally said, "He would not."

"If you want revenge, you cannot rely on him. In fact, you should even consider him an object of caution. The only ones you can truly rely on are your sect, because your sect also seeks revenge for the former Saintess."

Pei Chuyun was silent for a moment: "I know."

Her master's voice was very pleased: "As for your next steps, I will find another opportunity to inform you."

"Yes."

"As for Lu Xingzhou... he seems to be completely captivated by you. You can exert more effort to gain true control over him. This man has great potential; he is worth it."

Pei Chuyun still responded calmly: "Alright."

The voice had disappeared at some unknown point. It seemed her master was quite wary of Pei Qingyan's presence and dared not linger.

Pei Chuyun, who had been like a wooden puppet, only capable of saying "yes" and "alright," finally let a faint smile touch her lips.

My hopes extend beyond just my sect, don't they?

You want me to control him, right? Alright.