A Splendid Match Episode 20

Spring outing

The contest was very entertaining. Chen made sure he hit center mass every target. He was showing off his skills. When his perfect match showed up he deliberately started missing targets. But his follow-up with a double arrow shot proved he was more than capable to keep up and was letting her win. He ticked her off enough she threw down her arrows and stomped off declaring them unsuitable.😝🤣 JinZhao volunteers for her turn and things get very interesting. They match arrow for arrow and he teases her with sweet nothings in her ear.😂🥰 She even calls him out for trying to fluster her. While they wait for the unexpected third round he explains why he did not fight his mentor’s choice but chose an alternate way to discourage it. When she asked about the horse he was very sneaky and planned far ahead. He noticed JinZhao favored osmanthus scent and had his horse trained to the scent so it would go right to her and be ready to ride. As far as marriage goes, JinZhao doesn’t see what’s in it for her yet and admitted she didn’t see any benefits for him either. He said he wanted one who was not entrenched in politics or a particular side in the court nor did he want tied to their families indefinitely. He wanted somebody neutral to be by his side. He mentioned that it was to his benefit that she was independently wealthy and that he liked her. Then he looks her in the eye and said he believed she liked him too. She was more than ready to leave for round three😂🤣 This was different because doves were inside gourds and a direct hit was much more difficult. For this I saw two doves released and am really not sure how she won. She was declared winner and Wang Zan wanted a round. Ye Xian and guards show up and arrest a noble and wife in the audience. He looked very good on horseback and the cape was an impressive sight. The hostess called him out and he responded in kind. She challenged him to a sword fight and he said they either arrested or killed people and went on his way. 😂🤣 I like these two. She is exactly what he needs and vice versa. They will challenge each other in a good way and enjoy it. I hope we get some screen time with them or maybe the equivalent of a double date. The event ended soon after because as impressive as YeXian looked he was kind of a killjoy. Fu already figured out that Chen didn’t want the match but his wife had already given him an out so Fu couldn’t push it. He accepted he was out maneuvered but didn’t care for it. He also noted Ye Xian was the arresting officer and wasn’t happy at that promotion either . And I think Chen might have been in the know about the officer and wife that were arrested. When they returned Lian was Queen gossiper and regaled the older ladies with the events of the day snidely saying Chen let her win. She was just commenting on how scary YeXian was when his sister arrived. She watched with amusement as JinZhao held her own when the matriarch tried to slam the Ji family. She now understands why her brother likes her and she would like to approve, but their family is in too hard of straits to have anything but a top tier match. I think she would be pleased with the one now interested in her brother. At the Chen home XuanQing is trying to get support from his brother to apply for an appointment working with Beiman delegates rather than staying in school. The fringe benefit of this is his marriage can be delayed for another year. He still treasures the gift JinZhao gave him for his exams but he doesn’t stand a chance against big brother where she is concerned. The next day Wang Zan shows up and wants a match. JinZhao shrewdly says next spring outing. He is not to be discouraged and becomes entirely too handsy and her maid/bodyguard took care of him. He now is seeking revenge and has mentioned to his family he is still interested in spite of her poor manners. Chen’s guard mentions that a proposal was in sight and Chen was far from pleased. Lan has rather meekly approached JinZhao to do business and is refused. JinZhao explains that she can’t do business with one unwilling to take risks and Lan needed to make money and did not have enough to lose any. What I am hoping is that the restaurant she wants to change to a women’s only business and clientele, that she would give Lan a job so she can support herself. It would be good to see them ally like in the first few episodes than stay estranged and at odds. She doesn’t deserve to be forgiven, but she does merit a means to earn a living because her family is a waste of nobility status. Chen’s mismatch requested a meeting with Ye Xian and he said he was too busy. When she asked the servant for his exact words, she got a good laugh. These two complement nicely and she sees him the way he first saw JinZhao—a much needed breath of fresh air from the boredom of every day noble life. Unfortunately the episode ends right when things get interesting for both couples. Hoping Chen takes care of Wang. JinZhao needs a bit of backup with him.

Read More