Song Dynasty Dreams: Marrying Zhao Pan'er at the beginning-Chapter 50 - Splash Damage
Chapter 50 Splash Damage
At the poetry gathering, Ouyang Xu was locked in an intense discussion about autumn chrysanthemums with the top scholar. The two of them debated using classical references, clashing with sharp words, completely captivating the audience.
And judging by the way things were going, Ouyang Xu seemed to have the upper hand. It looked like he was about to defeat the top scholar.
“Brother Ouyang is truly talented!”
“That last quote—wasn’t it from the ‘Refined Poetry of Later Tang’? Even such obscure texts are familiar to him!”
“No wonder the Gao family chose him!”
“Watching the top scholar and the third-place scholar compete, I now realize how far behind I am!”
The audience murmured among themselves in admiration. At this moment, Ouyang Xu appeared to be the undisputed leader of the newly appointed scholars.
______
Suddenly, a servant rushed into the hall and whispered something to his master.
“Impossible!”
The scholar stared at the servant in shock.
“The top scholar lost a poetry duel to the Gao family’s fool?”
“Is this news reliable?”
The servant nodded firmly. The surrounding scholars quickly leaned in to listen. In just a few moments, the entire room knew the story. And when they looked at Ouyang Xu again, the admiration in their eyes was gone.
“Touring West Lake, carrying a tin pot. The tin pot falls into West Lake—what a pity for the tin pot.”
“That’s such a difficult poetic couplet!”
In the middle of his debate, Ouyang Xu froze as if struck by a spell. He turned in disbelief to see the scholars smirking at him. The Gao family had already buried this scandal!
So how did they find out?
Ouyang Xu couldn’t believe what was happening.
Just then, De Shu rushed into the hall and quickly explained the whole situation.
“Gao You!”
Ouyang Xu clenched his fists, veins bulging from his forehead.
He had already returned to the capital!
And yet Gao You still wouldn’t let him go!
Just moments ago, he had outmatched the top scholar! If he had just a little more time, he could have proven himself as the most brilliant scholar of his cohort!
But the moment Gao You’s painting arrived at the imperial palace, everything crumbled.
“Young Master!”
De Shu called out, snapping Ouyang Xu from his thoughts. Ouyang Xu immediately bowed and excused himself.
“Minister Qin, my apologies!”
“I have urgent family matters—I must leave!”
Minister Qin waved his hand dismissively, allowing him to go. The moment Ouyang Xu stepped out of the hall, the entire room erupted into laughter.
“Gao You! I won’t let you off!”
Ouyang Xu furiously punched a tree. The tree was fine. But his hand started bleeding—not that he even noticed. His bloodshot eyes saw only one thing—Hatred for Gao You.
If Gao You knew about Ouyang Xu’s state of mind, he’d be thrilled!
But the truth was he hadn’t even been trying to ruin Ouyang Xu.
The “Mulan Joins the Army” painting was meant to appease the emperor by completing the assignment and subtly expose the Cao family’s second daughter.
Ouyang Xu?
He just got caught in the crossfire.
______
At Zhao’s Teahouse.
“Pan’er-jie!”
Xiao Lingdang rushed into the courtyard, panting. Gao You and Zhao Pan’er, who were sitting in the pavilion stargazing, turned in surprise.
“What happened?”
Zhao Pan’er frowned at Xiao Lingdang.
Catching her breath, Xiao Lingdang blurted out.
“I just went out and saw Sister Yinzhuang!”
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Zhao Pan’er was puzzled.
“So? Song Yinzhuang lives in Qiantang. Isn’t it normal to see her around?”
“But—”
Xiao Lingdang nodded urgently.
“I saw her walking with that scoundrel, Zhou She!”
“Zhou She?”
Zhao Pan’er’s eyes turned sharp. She had thought Song Yinzhuang was done with Zhou She after exposing him at the brothel.
But now they were together again!
“Are you sure?”
Xiao Lingdang nodded vigorously.
“And they were laughing and chatting happily!”
Zhao Pan’er immediately stood up, looking furious.
“Where are they?”
She stormed out of the pavilion, ready to confront them. But Gao You grabbed her wrist.
“My dear wife, don’t rush!”
“Gao Lang!”
Zhao Pan’er turned to him, flustered.
“Yinzhuang is still young! I’m afraid she’s being deceived!”
Gao You nodded.
“I understand.”
“But—act wisely before acting rashly.”
Zhao Pan’er frowned, standing still.
Gao You tapped his chest.
“Understanding her mindset is key.”
Song Yinzhuang’s mindset?
Wasn’t she just a naive girl falling for a scumbag’s tricks? But since Gao You was being so serious, it had to be more than that.
“I don’t get it,” Zhao Pan’er admitted.
Gao You looked at her intently.
“Rebellion.”
“Yinzhuang doesn’t want to be treated like a child.”
Zhao Pan’er had heard of teen rebellion many times before. She hadn’t experienced it herself, but she could understand that youthful urge to seize control of one’s fate.
She had forced Song Yinzhuang to break things off with Zhou She…
But now they were back together!
Why?
But this time, Song Yinzhuang had already seen Zhou She’s true colors!
How could she fall for him again?
Zhao Pan’er’s mind raced.
After a long moment—
“Let’s gather intel first.”
Her words meant that she had regained her composure. Gao You smiled in satisfaction. His wife’s reasoning skills were truly impressive. Led by Xiao Lingdang—the three of them headed towards the outskirts of Qiantang City.
