Song Dynasty Dreams: Marrying Zhao Pan’er at the beginning

Chapter 26 Song Yinzhan’s Costly Request

Gao You frowned.

“Investigating my wife?”

“Young Master!”

Butler Fu explained, “You were suddenly forced to marry by Gao Hui.”

“We were powerless to stop it, but we still had to investigate Madam’s background—”

“To make sure she wouldn’t harm you!”

Zhao Pan’er harming him? Impossible.

Gao You didn’t believe it.

But he appreciated Butler Fu’s concern.

As for Jia Ping—if Butler Fu trusted him so much, it meant he was truly loyal.

Otherwise, Gao You’s father had been dead for years. Jia Ping, a high-ranking officer in the Imperial City’s Secret Police, had no reason to keep calling him Young Master and running around for his sake.@@novelbin@@

According to the original storyline, Old Jia would soon meet a tragic end. But Gao You wasn’t too worried. Jia Ping’s fatal ambush at Yang Zhiyuan’s residence was an accident.

Zheng Qingtian wasn’t intentionally targeting the Imperial City Secret Police. With a little intervention on the day of the event—even something as simple as giving Old Jia a stomachache—he could be saved.

“Master Gao!”

A voice called from outside the courtyard.

Gao You glanced at Butler Fu and waved.

“Send them away.”

“Yes!”

Butler Fu nodded and went to handle the visiting scholar. Meanwhile, Gao You turned to Old Jia, inquiring about his current assignments. The Secret Police were currently focusing on smuggling operations—A major illegal salt trade was happening near Qiantang.

Clearly, the Night Banquet Scroll incident hadn’t started yet. Gao You subtly steered Old Jia’s attention towards the rising prices of goods from the South Seas. With his abilities, he’d soon uncover Zheng Qingtian’s secret maritime trade routes. That was a massive scandal. Handled correctly, it could be a major achievement.

______

Song Yinzhan burst into the teahouse, dragging Yinping along.

“Sister! I heard His Majesty gifted you a Fengguan Xiapei for a fifth-rank official’s wife!”

Sun Sanniang laughed.

“You’re a bit late with the news!”

“I thought you’d be here this afternoon.”

Song Yinzhan sighed.

“The literary elites in Qiantang have been hosting tea gatherings non-stop.”

“Even though I’m no longer registered as a courtesan, I still received invitations—”

“It would’ve been rude to refuse, so I got delayed.”

“Sister, where’s the Fengguan Xiapei? Let me see it!”

Sun Sanniang shook her head.

“Too late for that!”

“Why?”

Song Yinzhan frowned.

Xiao Lingdang chimed in, “Sister Pan’er locked it away in a secret place!”

“No one can see it!”

Song Yinzhan turned to Zhao Pan’er.

Zhao Pan’er smiled.

“The Fengguan Xiapei is an imperial gift. It must be carefully preserved.”

“But you rushed here, carrying tea. What’s on your mind?”

Song Yinzhan placed the tea on the table.

“This is West Lake Tribute Tea.”

“No matter how resourceful you are, Sister, even you wouldn’t easily get your hands on this!”

The tea was indeed precious. But Zhao Pan’er furrowed her brows.

She asked worriedly, “What could be so serious that you’d go to such lengths?”

“It’s nothing too major!”

Song Yinzhan awkwardly scratched her head.

“This afternoon, Madam Liu from Prince Qian’s residence came to see me.”

“Her husband was ordered by the Prince’s household to deliver an invitation to Brother-in-Law.”

“They want him to attend the birthday banquet of Princess Dowager Qian the day after tomorrow—”

“And to paint for the occasion.”

“But her husband visited Brother-in-Law three times this afternoon.”

“And couldn’t even get past the gate!”

“With no other choice, Madam Liu sought me out, begging for my help.”

“This tea was her gift.”

“Sister, please talk to Brother-in-Law—ask him to accept the request!”

Prince Qian’s household had sent a formal invitation. That was a huge gesture.

Zhao Pan’er felt that refusing would be inappropriate—But she couldn’t make the decision for Gao You.

“So, you already agreed to Madam Liu’s request?”

Song Yinzhan quickly shook her head.

“Not without Brother-in-Law’s approval!”

“If I promised without his consent and he ignored me, I’d be in deep trouble.”

“Offending Prince Qian’s household—”

“That’s not something I can afford!”

“Brother-in-Law has His Majesty’s favor, but I don’t!”

Zhao Pan’er nodded.

“At least you’re smart.”

“He’ll be coming to the teahouse for dinner later. I’ll find a chance to ask him.”

“But all of you must behave well—”

“Don’t do anything to upset him!”

“Otherwise, there’s no chance at all.”

Song Yinzhan asked seriously, “What should I do?”

“Prepare the seat by the window with cushions.”

“Light some sandalwood incense and slice fresh fruit.”

“Brother-in-Law likes to nap there. If he sees everything ready, he’ll be in a good mood.”

Sun Sanniang frowned.

“But there are still so many people outside.”

“When Gao You comes to eat, won’t he be surrounded?”

Zhao Pan’er, busy in the kitchen, shook her head.

“No.”

“These are scholars. They follow etiquette.”

“When the sun sets and we close for the night—”

“They’ll leave on their own and won’t linger.”

As soon as the Closed sign was put up—The scholars really did leave in small groups.

Sun Sanniang was astonished.

“They actually follow the rules!”

“He’s here!”

Song Yinzhan pointed excitedly to the distance.

She immediately took charge.

“Yinping, get some ice!”

“Brother-in-Law has been walking. He must be hot. He should have a cold drink as soon as he sits down!”

“Xiao Lingdang, light the lamps—”

“Make sure he doesn’t trip in the dark!”

Sun Sanniang instinctively glanced at the sky.

The sun hadn’t even fully set yet. Wasn’t it a little too early to be lighting lamps?