A Dream of Splendor Episode 6 Recap
> A Dream of Splendor Recap
Zhao Pan'er had already anticipated Zhou She's move, so she took advantage of his unpreparedness and pulled a trick of 'Stealing the Dragon and Switching the Phoenix'. Faced with irrefutable evidence, the county magistrate intentionally shielded Zhou She and deliberately gave a light sentence, causing dissatisfaction among those present. Zhao Pan'er argued with the county magistrate, listing the laws of the Great Song Dynasty.
Unexpectedly, the magistrate refuted Zhao Pan'er for presumptuously discussing court affairs and ordered her to be given twenty strokes with a cane. Just as the county magistrate was preparing to carry out the punishment, a long sword pierced through the token. Zhao Pan'er vaguely saw Gu Qianfan's figure, but to her disappointment, the person who came was actually Chen Lian, which left her feeling very confused.
Also accompanying him was the Prefect of Xiuzhou, Xu Yong, who signaled to the county magistrate that the sentence should be changed. Ultimately, the magistrate announced in court that Zhou She would receive thirty strokes with a cane on his back and be exiled three thousand li. As for Zhao Pan'er and Song Yinzhang, they could return home on their own, and their marriages would not be affected.
The houses under Zhou She's name would rightfully belong to Song Yinzhang according to the divorce papers. After the judgment took effect, the surrounding people applauded one after another. Zhao Pan'er looked around, and following Chen Lian's subtle hint with his eyes, she walked through the dense crowd towards the door, finally seeing the person she was thinking of. Just as the two were talking, Sun Sanniang came out with Song Yinzhang.
Unexpectedly, Song Yinzhang stared intently at Gu Qianfan, and suddenly developed feelings of admiration for him. Not only did Zhou She not repent, but he instead wanted to seize the opportunity for revenge. With a ferocious expression, he rushed over. Fortunately, Gu Qianfan was quick-witted and agile, protecting Zhao Pan'er in time, and also saving Song Yinzhang immediately, which made her even more grateful.
Not until the yamen runners forcibly escorted Zhou She away did this incident finally come to an end. Xu Yong followed Gu Qianfan's instructions and personally arranged a carriage for Zhao Pan'er, ensuring she would arrive in Tokyo before Guyu (Grain Rain). Sun Sanniang and Song Yinzhang both did not wish to return to Qiantang and decided to travel together with Zhao Pan'er.
When Xu Yong learned that Song Yinzhang's musician registration was still in Hangzhou, he promised to write a letter for her, which would ensure their smooth passage. After the others left one after another, Gu Qianfan saw Zhao Pan'er's hesitation and couldn't help but say a few more words, hoping she would retreat after realizing the difficulty. As the saying goes, it is not easy to live in Tokyo.
Zhao Pan'er was already struggling in Huating County, not to mention that in Tokyo she would have to face the current Top Scholar and even imperial relatives. If she encountered danger, she might find it hard to protect herself. But Zhao Pan'er had already made up her mind, and Gu Qianfan could not persuade her. He could only hope she would take care of herself, returning the handkerchief before turning around and leaving.
At nightfall, Xiao Qinyan personally visited the Zheng residence and ordered people to present three 'great gifts': white silk, a dagger, and poisoned wine. Zheng Qing Tian was instantly panic-stricken and hurriedly knelt down begging for mercy, truly not knowing how he had caused offense. Not until he saw the steward unroll Gu Qianfan's portrait did he realize that Gu Qianfan was actually Xiao Qinyan's biological son.
In ordinary times, Xiao Qinyan indulged Zheng Qing Tian in committing evil deeds and did not question him about eradicating the Yang family and privately lifting the maritime prohibition. Yet, it was Zheng Qing Tian's collusion with Lei Jing to murder Gu Qianfan that was truly a heinous crime. Since Zheng Qing Tian had committed a grave taboo, Xiao Qinyan naturally could not let him live.
He ordered him to end his own life as soon as possible, or for every extra hour, the entire Zheng clan would be exterminated. Zheng Qing Tian was completely disheartened. He could only write a confession before his death, and Gu Qianfan was thus cleared of suspicion. Xiao Qinyan naturally cherished Gu Qianfan immensely, but Gu Qianfan's emotional knot was difficult to untie, and he always maintained a sense of distance and indifference.
Back then, Gu Shuniang did not listen to her parents' advice and insisted on marrying the impoverished scholar Xiao Qinyan, and gave birth to Gu Qianfan. Originally, the Gu family looked down upon Xiao Qinyan's background, and because of the unclear relationship between Xiao Qinyan and a courtesan, Gu Shuniang died of depression. From then on, Gu Qianfan grew more and more distant from his father.
Despite so many years having passed, Xiao Qinyan still insisted that he was innocent and had never done anything to wrong Gu Shuniang. Because in Xiao Qinyan's view, officials must have social engagements when entering the civil service, otherwise how would Gu Qianfan have met Zhao Pan'er? Even if Zhao Pan'er were to be freed from her status and become a respectable woman, she would absolutely not be a good match for Gu Qianfan.
Furthermore, with his youthful accomplishments, only young ladies from esteemed families who have served for generations would be a suitable match. When Gu Qianfan heard these words, anger surged in his heart. He warned Xiao Qinyan not to dream of interfering with his marriage, and then turned around and strode away. Instead of getting angry, Xiao Qinyan actually beamed with joy.
In the past, his son had always been extremely cold towards him, but being able to lose his temper today was sufficient proof that their father-son relationship had improved. After a long journey, Zhao Pan'er and the other two arrived in Tokyo late at night. If it were any other place, a curfew might have already been in effect, but only within this city were the night scenes prosperous and extraordinarily lively.
The fatigue from the past few days had made it impossible for Zhao Pan'er to keep going. Sun Sanniang and Song Yinzhang immediately chose good rooms to rest. By the time Zhao Pan'er woke up, it was already noon the next day. In order to meet Ouyang Xu as soon as possible, Zhao Pan'er dressed up meticulously and came to the Gao residence.
Just as she was about to knock on the door, she unexpectedly heard a familiar voice from behind her. The current Ouyang Xu was dressed in luxurious clothes. He took Zhao Pan'er to a nearby teahouse, implying that he hoped they could marry at the end of the year, at least half a year after he married the daughter of the Gao family, before marrying Zhao Pan'er into his home.
