Song Dynasty Dreams: Marrying Zhao Pan'er at the beginning-Chapter 42 - Gao Yous Unreasonable Tactics

Chapter 42 Gao You’s Unreasonable Tactics

Everyone was civilized enough to form a quiet circle around Gao You without disturbing him. They watched as Gao You swiftly lifted his brush and painted a group of imposing imperial guards standing proudly by the river.

Why paint imperial guards?

The spectators were filled with questions.

Until Gao You finally set down his brush. Only then did they see the full painting, and they were instantly captivated by his extraordinary skill.

No wonder the emperor and the Qian royal residence held him in such high esteem. His artistry was truly worthy of admiration!

“Mulan Joins the Army!”

Gao You wrote four large characters in the blank space of the painting. This was the first time he had ever inscribed a title onto one of his works. With everything done, Gao You took out his personal seal and stamped it onto the bottom right corner of the painting.

“Did anyone notice that the leader of these imperial guards looks exactly like that girl who was just dressed as a man?”

Someone in the crowd suddenly pointed out the essence of Gao You’s painting. That was right.

Gao You had painted none other than that troublemaking chubby noble lady!

“Send it to the Emperor!”

Gao You handed the painting to Zhao Pan’er right in front of everyone.

_____

The disappointed noble lady from the Qian royal residence had just returned home. As soon as she stepped into the mansion, she received news that Gao You had gifted his ‘Mulan Joins the Army’ painting to the Emperor.

“You’re sure about this?”

The noble lady looked at her maidservant in shock. The maid nodded frantically.

“I was in the crowd the whole time! I’m absolutely certain that ‘Mulan’ in the painting is you, Miss!”

“If that painting really reaches the Emperor, I’m doomed!”

The noble lady clutched her head in despair.

“Gao You, you’re so unreasonable!”

“You already won, and yet you still went and tattled!”

“No way! I need to return to the capital!”

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“Pack my things right now—I have to leave overnight and find my grandfather for protection!”

“If my father sees that painting, I’m finished!”

That night, the noble lady of the Qian royal residence fled Qiantang in haste.

______

After dinner, Zhao Pan’er nervously paced back and forth in front of her bedroom door.

“Young Mistress?”

Steward Fu looked at Zhao Pan’er in confusion. “What’s wrong?”

“Nothing!”

Zhao Pan’er quickly shook her head. She was just too nervous to enter the room.

“If something is troubling you, Young Mistress, please don’t hesitate to tell me.”

Steward Fu spoke with utmost respect.

Zhao Pan’er nodded and reassured him, “I just ate too much. I’ll walk around a little before going inside.”

Steward Fu could tell she was hiding something, but since she refused to say more, he didn’t press the issue and left her alone.

“Wife?”

Gao You had been waiting in the room for a long time but still hadn’t seen Zhao Pan’er come in. He poked his head out.

“What are you doing out there?”

“I overate, so I’m walking it off!”

Zhao Pan’er twirled around in place like a restless little deer. Gao You immediately noticed her unusual behavior and realized—this girl must have started developing feelings for him.

Therefore, she was so nervous around him.

“Shall I walk with you?”

Just as Gao You was about to step outside, Zhao Pan’er hurried into the room.

“Not walking anymore?”

Gao You looked at her, amused. Zhao Pan’er had only been walking around to avoid him. If he accompanied her, what was the point of walking at all?

“It’s late, let’s rest?”

Gao You smiled at her. Zhao Pan’er took a deep breath, rushed to the bed, lay down, and shut her eyes tightly. Her attempt at pretending to be asleep was way too obvious. Her eyelashes kept fluttering—anyone could tell she was awake!

Not to mention, she hadn’t even taken off her outer robe. Gao You walked over and gently reminded her, “Wife, take off your clothes.”

“Oh!”

Zhao Pan’er’s eyes snapped open. Then, she glared at Gao You.

“Turn around! No peeking!”

Gao You frowned.

What’s going on?

Back when she didn’t like him, he could still watch her change. But now that she was starting to like him, the treatment was getting worse!

“Be good.”

Zhao Pan’er gave him a charming smile, using her natural allure. Gao You felt his bones almost melting from her gaze.

Fine!

I’ll turn around, alright?

Gao You turned his back.

Zhao Pan’er quickly took off her outer robe and tidied her undergarments, making sure she was fully covered before saying, “You can turn around now.”

Gao You turned back, only to see Zhao Pan’er lying down again—pretending to sleep.

Was she really that afraid of him?

He blew out the candle, walked over, and lay down beside her.

“Hoo…”

His warm breath brushed against Zhao Pan’er’s head. She tensed up, shrinking away. But as she did, her back pressed directly against Gao You’s firm abs.

Instantly, the memory of wiping his muscles last time surfaced in her mind. Her throat went dry.

What was she even thinking about?

She quickly straightened her posture, making sure not to touch him again. Watching Zhao Pan’er act like a startled fawn, Gao You scooted back slightly, giving her space. Clearly, his little wife wasn’t ready for anything to happen yet.

With enough distance between them, Zhao Pan’er finally felt a little more at ease—but still struggled to fall asleep. After a long while, she quietly sat up, carefully trying to pull out a blanket to sleep on the floor.

If she stayed next to Gao You, her thoughts would run wild, and she would never get any rest. Half-asleep, Gao You sensed her movement and groggily asked, “Wife, where are you going?”