Chapter Eight: Losing More Than You Gain

The reason the Pei family made such a demand was because Pei’s mother had originally been a songstress in the Pei household, her status marked as lowly in the records. By specifying only Pei Min himself to perform the ancestral rites, they clearly showed their disdain for his mother’s background; even after so many years, they refused to acknowledge her as a member of the family.

Pei Jingyuan inherited not only Pei Min’s memories but also his affections, considering Pei’s mother his own. Unable to endure the humiliation his mother suffered, he stormed out of the headmaster’s office, resolved to sever all ties with the Pei family.

Returning to his quarters in the rear courtyard, Pei Min found himself unexpectedly calm. Since he had decided to cut ties with the Pei family, why let them provoke his anger? Fortunately, he had not scattered his belongings, saving himself much trouble. He simply slung his basket of books over his shoulder and left the room without a backward glance.

It was just as classes let out, and students from the academy gathered in small groups heading toward the rear courtyard. Seeing Pei Min, they assumed he had just returned to school and greeted him warmly. Perhaps it was because Pei Min had earned fame for breaking the Xizhu tribe’s forces single-handedly with his sword; whether they had been close or distant before, everyone came up to exchange a few words and strengthen their ties.

Having spent several years as classmates, Pei Min could not simply brush them off, and so returned their greetings one by one. Yet this scene stirred displeasure in one.

He was Pei Yu, a direct descendant of the Stable Pei branch among the five Peis, grandson to Pei Yu, the Pei family’s steward in Youzhou. The Pei clan had stood for a thousand years, branching out like a great tree. To preserve the family’s legitimacy and purity, direct descendants held far higher status than collateral ones, and only direct heirs could serve as family stewards.

Because of his status, Pei Yu had always been surrounded by the clan’s younger generation, especially those from collateral lines who sought his favor. Pei Yu took pride in his pure lineage. Determined not to shame the Pei family name, he had studied diligently from childhood and consistently ranked among the top students.

Throughout Yan Yun Academy, Pei Yu feared only one person, and scorned that same person—the very one who stood before him, Pei Min.

Pei Min, too, was a direct heir, and moreover from the most powerful Eastern Pei branch among the five, his status and lineage surpassing Pei Yu’s, his academic achievements matching his own, which made Pei Yu feel deeply threatened. Though the Pei family was vast, its resources were not limitless. Especially now, as aristocratic families faced suppression from Empress Wu Zetian, their resources had dwindled and could no longer satisfy all the Pei scions.

Distribution of resources had become a matter of utmost importance—a little more meant a bigger post, closer proximity to the emperor, a greater chance to enter the court and cabinet, possibly even to become a prime minister, second only to the sovereign. This was the ambition of the noble families. For ordinary people, the goal was promotion and wealth, but for the Pei clan, which had produced hundreds of prime ministers, the aim was always the highest office.

From the moment Pei Min appeared at Yan Yun Academy, Pei Yu knew his greatest rival had arrived.

Everything had unfolded as he had feared; the opportunity to study at Jishan Academy had gone not to him, but to Pei Min. To block someone's path to fortune was like killing their parents—let alone destroying their future.

Pei Yu’s apprehension turned to resentment, especially today, seeing so many classmates gathered warmly around Pei Min while he himself stood isolated. The contrast was intolerable, and he could not help but remark, “Congratulations, Pei, truly congratulations. I hear that as long as you sever ties with your esteemed mother, you will gain the chance to study at Jishan Academy. Success is within your grasp—don’t forget your classmates when you’re soaring high.”

As soon as Pei Yu finished speaking, silence fell around them.

Those gathered near Pei Min involuntarily stepped back. Pei Yu’s intent was unmistakably malicious; for the ancients, loyalty and filial piety were paramount. Lacking either would earn universal scorn. He deliberately exaggerated matters to force Pei Min to relinquish his opportunity for the sake of his reputation.

Pei Min’s mind was clear as a mirror. He looked calmly at Pei Yu and suddenly smiled, “You’re jealous because I took your spot at Jishan Academy, aren’t you?”

Pei Yu’s wound was laid bare. Anger flared in his heart, but he concealed it, maintaining a smile. “You misunderstand, Pei. There’s no need for anger. But our family is a noble house, and your mother truly was a lowly songstress. No matter what, she could never enter our family’s gates.”

Pei Min pushed aside the classmates standing between them and strode toward Pei Yu, his steps swift and resolute.

Pei Yu, startled, retreated a step, but determined not to lose face before everyone, mustered his courage and stepped forward, “What are you intending—”

He had barely spoken when Pei Min slapped him hard across the face, knocking him to the ground. “Let me teach you a lesson on behalf of your mother, you ill-mannered brat.”

Pei Yu, struck before everyone, was furious and lost all reason. He charged at Pei Min, shouting, “I’ll fight you to the death!”

But he was merely a scholar, no match for Pei Min.

Pei Min formed his fingers into a sword and unleashed the technique “Spare the Life Under the Sword,” striking Pei Yu’s shoulder wells, crook marsh, great spring, and raising shoulder points with precision. The blows to these vital points damaged the sinews, rendering his arms useless for months.

Then, he kicked Pei Yu, sending him sprawling to the ground.

Advancing, Pei Min pinned Pei Yu beneath his foot and looked down at him, saying, “You can eat recklessly, but you can’t speak recklessly. If you dare repeat yourself, I won’t spare you. And keep your scheming to yourself. I had already decided to sever ties with the Pei family before meeting you. Your malicious plot was pointless, only humiliating yourself. As for that laughable spot—if you truly have the ability, fight for it yourself. Remember today: I, Pei Min, have you beneath my feet. Even if you gain the Pei family’s full support in the future, you’ll still be beneath me. To borrow a saying from my hometown, today your Pei family looks down on me; tomorrow, you won’t even be able to reach me.”

Stepping over Pei Yu, Pei Min left with unwavering determination.

The commotion in the rear courtyard drew the academy’s guards, but Pei Min’s feat of slaying a thousand Xizhu warriors was widely known—ordinary guards dared not block his way, and so they parted for him.

The students nearby didn’t know all the details, but anyone who could enter Yan Yun Academy, whether a Pei clan member or not, wasn’t foolish. Especially after Pei Min exposed Pei Yu’s malicious intentions, they understood the situation clearly, though they refrained from speaking out of politeness, their hearts were full of disdain. Pei Min’s decision to break with the Pei family for his mother’s sake only made Pei Yu’s petty character stand out more.

No better example of failing to gain the chicken and losing the rice.