Song Dynasty Dreams: Marrying Zhao Pan'er at the beginning-Chapter 29 - Prince Qian’s Grand Birthday Banquet
Chapter 29 Prince Qian’s Grand Birthday Banquet
“You didn’t notice?”
Zhao Pan’er’s voice was sharp but controlled.
“When he lifted his teacup, he used his middle and thumb fingers—that’s how gamblers hold dice.”
“He smelled of Gengyi incense, the kind only the most expensive brothels use.”
“In short, he’s nothing more than a pleasure-seeking gambler.”
“Yinzhan, I won’t stop you from finding a good match.”
“But Zhou She? Stay away from him.”
Song Yinzhan had always been treated like a child. She longed to prove herself.
Now, Zhou She was the first man she had ever had close contact with—Of course, she wouldn’t be easily persuaded. Gao You could see her rebellious mindset.
The more they criticized Zhou She, the more she would try to prove she had made the right choice. Even if she secretly doubted him, she would still cling to the hope that he would change for her.
Since Zhao Pan’er considered Song Yinzhan a sister—That made her his sister, too. Gao You wouldn’t stand by idly. Quietly, he formulated a plan.
_______
Because of Zhou She, the women of Zhao’s teahouse spent the entire day discussing love and marriage. Meanwhile, Gao You relaxed in his private seating area, sipping tea and reading The Legend of the White Snake.
“It’s getting hotter and hotter!”
Xiao Lingdang grumbled as she wiped sweat from her forehead. She was the most active one among them—so naturally, she was the one sweating the most. Gao You noticed that even Zhao Pan’er’s forehead was glistening with sweat.
“Dear, paper and ink.”
Hearing him call for her, Zhao Pan’er quickly brought out the fine Xuan paper she had specially ordered.
“Are you going to paint?”
She looked at him with hopeful anticipation.
If Gao You could complete a masterpiece now, she could present it to the Emperor sooner.
“No.”
Gao You shook his head and, instead, picked up a brush, carefully observing the teahouse.
Xiao Lingdang whispered in confusion, “What is he doing?”
“No idea.”
Zhao Pan’er was also puzzled. Just then, some customers arrived, and she had to step away to serve them.
By the time she returned—Gao You was already outside in the courtyard, sketching something on his paper. Zhao Pan’er didn’t interfere.
As long as he wasn’t tearing down the teahouse, he could do as he pleased. By nightfall—He had amassed a stack of blueprints. That evening, he took them to Butler Fu, giving instructions before going to bed.
______
“Master Gao! Madam Zhao!”
At dawn, a loud voice rang outside the courtyard.
Gao You groaned in frustration and sat up, eyes full of annoyance.
“Dear, don’t be upset.”
“I’ll go check.”
Zhao Pan’er soothed him before dressing and stepping outside.
Moments later, she returned.
“Who is it?”
Gao You, sitting cross-legged on the bed, looked at her.
Zhao Pan’er smiled.
“It’s a servant from Prince Qian’s household.”
“They’ve sent a carriage to escort us to the banquet.”
Are they afraid I’ll run away?
Gao You sighed.
Did they think sending a carriage would guarantee his attendance?
“Dear, go back to sleep.”
He flopped back onto the bed and pulled the blanket over his head.
He was a certified fool—no way was he going to make things easy for them. Zhao Pan’er had expected this. She didn’t waste time convincing him and instead sat at her vanity to begin her makeup.
This was a royal banquet at Prince Qian’s mansion—She had to dress her best so she wouldn’t bring shame to Gao You.
______
By the time Zhao Pan’er finished preparing, it was well past sunrise.
“Dear, wake up.”
Her gentle voice reached him. Gao You lifted his head and froze.
Zhao Pan’er, in full formal attire, was breathtaking. She looked ethereal, an absolute vision.
“So beautiful…”
Gao You murmured in admiration.
Seeing his dazed expression, Zhao Pan’er blushed slightly.
“Dear, hurry up!”
“The servants have come to check several times already.”
Gao You scoffed.
Why should I care?
But since Zhao Pan’er asked, he wouldn’t refuse.
He finally got up—And after some fine grooming, he transformed into a dashing young noble.
_____
By nine o’clock, with the sun already high, Gao You finally stepped outside.
“Gorgeous…”
Updat𝓮d fr𝙤m ƒгeeweɓn૦vel.com.
Gasps filled the air. Zhao Pan’er’s beauty stunned everyone. She was already known as the most elegant tea mistress of Qiantang, but today she looked otherworldly. Even the servants stared at her, eyes filled with admiration.
“Dear.”
Gao You held Zhao Pan’er’s hand and led her into the carriage. The driver snapped the reins, and they headed straight for Prince Qian’s mansion.
________
It wasn’t long before they arrived. Outside the estate, carriages lined the streets—Qiantang’s wealthiest nobles and officials had all come to pay their respects.
Many of the wives and daughters of officials were renowned beauties—Yet when Zhao Pan’er stepped out of the carriage, everyone turned their heads.
“She’s stunning… Who is this lady?”
“Who is the young gentleman beside her? He looks as handsome as Pan An!”
Gao You, completely uninterested in socializing, simply helped Zhao Pan’er down. He was puzzled.
Why were all these people arriving so early just for a birthday banquet? Unbeknownst to him—These guests weren’t just here for the celebration.
They were here to expand their social circles. Gao You, who had zero interest in networking, couldn’t understand this at all.
______
Just as they were about to enter—A sharp, mocking voice rang out.
“Isn’t that the fool from the Gao family?”
Gao You turned his head and spotted the speaker—A chubby girl, arrogantly pointing at him.
Her smug smirk was exaggerated, resembling a panda meme in human form.
