Courtyard House: A System Connecting Two Worlds, Resources for the Nation

"Madam Zhao looks quite well. I was just passing by when I heard Madam Sun's voice, so I came up to check on her."

Hearing Zhou Feng's somewhat evasive explanation, Zhao Pan'er nodded seriously. Just as she was about to say something, Du Changfeng couldn't hold back any longer and stood directly between the two of them.

"Please wait a moment, sir. Are you Lady Zhao from Qiantang? These are the most famous fruits from Xiangyanglou in Dongjing. Please, Lady Zhao, try them."

Although there's an old saying that you shouldn't hit a smiling face, especially since he was a Jinshi (a successful candidate in the highest imperial examinations), he had clearly stated that he came for Ouyang Xu's sake. If it weren't for his status, Zhao Pan'er would have kicked him out long ago.

Facing Du Changfeng, Zhao Pan'er merely raised her eyes and said, "Lord Du, please speak plainly. Why are you relaying messages for Ouyang Xu?"

"Actually, I came here not at Ouyang's request, but because I couldn't stand it anymore! That's why I took your portrait and came to each inn on my own initiative."

When they got down to business, Du Changfeng's expression became serious.

"Ouyang is deeply in love with you, but you are arrogant, rude, and narrow-minded, constantly saying you don't want to be a concubine. You are truly disgracing your reputation for being talented and virtuous."

"Ouyang is quick-witted and a Jinshi (successful candidate in the highest imperial examination) this year. You are already extremely fortunate to have won his favor. How can you resort to violence over a mere disagreement? Ouyang is not holding it against you because of your past relationship. But Madam Zhao, you must know your limits."

Sun San Niang, who was standing to the side, had already clenched her fists and was about to step forward, but was stopped by Chen Xiao, who had received a signal from Zhou Feng.

"Please, Lord Du, tell me clearly, what kind of boundaries should I, Zhao Pan'er, understand?"

Zhao Pan'er remained expressionless, never expecting that Ouyang Xu would send people to the inn to humiliate her.

Although Du Changfeng emphasized that he was not sent by Ouyang Xu, how could Ouyang Xu escape responsibility for his presence here?

"A person should know their own limitations and accept their fate! You know you were born into a lowly family, so you should reflect on your mistakes and strive to be virtuous and prudent. Yet you keep saying you're unwilling to be a concubine? A noble lady like Lady Gao is a better match for Ouyang!"

Du Changfeng got more and more excited as he spoke, even pacing around the room, and finally stood in front of Zhao Pan'er: "You think too highly of yourself, but Huo Xiaoyu is the daughter of a prince. Even after she left the palace, wasn't she still a concubine? One shouldn't be too greedy."

Zhao Pan'er ignored him, instead reaching out to pull Sun San Niang, who was about to step forward, and glancing at Zhou Feng out of the corner of her eye.

Zhou Feng naturally noticed her actions, but he just smiled and didn't react much.

Zhao Pan'er was intelligent, quick-witted, and insightful. How could she not have any suspicions when he appeared in front of her so frequently?

However, none of this matters. It would be best if we could get the role, since the actress playing this character is already forty years old. Who wouldn't want a Liu Yifei in her twenties?

Even if we don't succeed, it's still good to gain some emotional value.

Seeing that Du Changfeng was about to speak, Zhou Feng stepped forward and slapped him across the face, then kicked him in the stomach, sending him staggering to the ground.

The aida in his hand fell to the ground and was stomped on by Zhou Feng.

This truly stunned Du Changfeng. He fell to the ground, trembling as he pointed at Zhou Feng: "I...I am a Jinshi (successful candidate in the highest imperial examination) this year, how dare you be so rude and disrespectful!"

If it were Sun San Niang from the original story, he might still look down on her because she was a woman, but now that it was Zhou Feng, who was also a man, who hit him, the nature of the situation has changed!

Zhao Pan'er's expression changed. The status of the scholar-official class in this dynasty was already extremely high. Even if Zhou Feng's status was not low, it would probably cause some trouble if he injured someone!

"hehe…"

Zhou Feng smiled when he heard Du Changfeng's words. He glanced at everyone present and briefly recalled the lines that Zhou Ming had prepared for him.

Since we know what kind of storyline we'll be involved in, we naturally need to be fully prepared before we come.

Otherwise, without being prepared to confront the imperial court, arbitrarily beating a scholar would be a troublesome matter for him.

Zhou Feng slowly walked up to Du Changfeng, who had an indignant expression, squatted down, and patted his face.

The latter raised his hand as if to make a move, but Chen Xiao and Tie Jianguo each stepped on one of his wrists, causing him to cry out in pain.

"Sir, since you say Lady Zhao is ungrateful, let's have a debate today. Lady Zhao, did Ouyang Xu accept money from you?"

Before Zhao Pan'er could even speak after hearing Zhou Feng's question, Sun San Niang loudly replied, "Master Zhou, Ouyang Xu spent three years in Qiantang, and Pan'er sponsored his food, lodging, and studies. Even his travel expenses to the capital for the imperial examinations were paid from Pan'er's personal funds!"

"So, being unmarried means one is innocent? Heaven's justice is clear. Her Zhao family treated Ouyang Xu like a son-in-law, showering him with gifts and sending matchmakers, yet she turned around and climbed the social ladder. Is this the integrity of a top scholar in the imperial court?"

As Zhou Feng finished speaking, he noticed that some people had gathered outside to watch the commotion, so he simply opened the door to draw more attention to the area.

Chen Xiao and Tie Jianguo also took the opportunity to loosen their grip, and even helped Du Changfeng brush the dust off his sleeves.

It's one thing for them to do it in their own rooms, but it's quite another to do it to a scholar in public.

Hearing the crowd outside growing larger, Zhou Feng slowly walked to the door and raised his voice: "That Ouyang Xu, the third-ranked scholar in this imperial examination, was engaged to Lady Zhao in Qiantang, a fact known to all the neighbors. Now he has broken his promise. Is he betraying only her? He is betraying the integrity of the entire world! Remember, a scholar cannot stand without integrity. This Ouyang Xu, this third-ranked scholar, is nothing but a hypocrite who breaks his promise!"

"Shut up!"

Du Changfeng's expression became somewhat ferocious.

Although his tassel was trampled, he could still hear the sounds of a crowd gathering outside.

For scholars, reputation is more important than life!

If this guy continues to spout nonsense and ruins Ouyang Xu's reputation, it won't be a simple matter of marriage; it could even affect his future official position!

"Who are you? How dare you slander the top scholar in public!"

"I slandered him?"

Zhou Feng smiled. Before he could even utter his truly ruthless words, the other side had already lost their composure.

"This year's third-place scholar, Ouyang Xu, has betrayed his promise and broken his vows. If his father were alive, he would surely go to the ancestral hall to inform his ancestors that this son has broken his promise and should be removed from the clan register. Without even seeing a written agreement, he has already severed himself from the bonds of heaven and earth! If he can break his promise to a woman, how can he ever shoulder the responsibilities of a ruler and father!"

Zhou Feng's voice was quite loud; at least when he stood at the entrance, everyone on the second floor of the inn and in the lobby on the first floor could hear him clearly.

Du Changfeng was completely dumbfounded.

Sometimes, breaking the law is not the greatest punishment for intellectuals.

If Zhou Feng's words were to reach the ears of the officials, even if they did not affect Ouyang Xu's position as the third-ranked scholar, they would certainly be a stain on his future career.

It might even affect Gao Guanchajia's perception and attitude towards Ouyang Xu!

"You...you dare to defy officials as commoners?"

Du Changfeng stared intently at Zhou Feng, who merely curled his lip in disdain.

"What? Trying to intimidate me? You can shut me up, but can you shut up all the gossip in the world? If you know what's good for you, get lost, or I'll print out all your dirty laundry—your broken engagement with Ouyang Xu, your humiliation of women—and spread it from Jiangnan to the northern deserts, throughout the entire Song Dynasty!"

Although Zhou Feng was smiling, he looked like a devil in Du Changfeng's eyes, causing him to involuntarily take two steps back.

He has never met a person like this before.

Even if he had arguments or conflicts with others before, who would flip the table like Zhou Feng?

If this were to happen, Ouyang Xu would certainly be ruined, but Zhou Feng would also cross the line of the literati, not only cutting himself off from the purists, but even cutting himself off from the entire officialdom.

They clearly only wanted to play a game, so how did it turn into an exchange of pieces? Is that right?

"Young man, let's leave it at that for today! May I ask your name?"

Seeing the grief and indignation on Du Changfeng's face, Zhou Feng could roughly guess what the other party was thinking, and shrugged indifferently: "No need to rush, we'll meet sooner or later once you enter officialdom."

"Very well, the green hills remain unchanged, and the clear waters flow on forever. I look forward to seeing you again, my love."

With that, Du Changfeng walked outside in a somewhat disheveled manner.

The tadpoles were all crushed, so he could only grope his way forward like a blind man.

Fortunately, the people who had gathered outside the door knew that he was a Jinshi (a successful candidate in the highest imperial examinations) and made way for him.

"Madam Zhao, now that Du Changfeng has managed to find this inn, others will likely follow. Why don't we find somewhere else to stay?"

After seeing Du Changfeng off, Zhou Feng turned to look at Zhao Pan'er. The latter was taken aback, exchanged a glance with Sun Sanniang, and didn't understand what he meant.

"Master Zhou...you're making arrangements for us..."

Sun San Niang's tone was somewhat hesitant.

Although they arrived in Beijing on the same ship as Zhou Feng, they each occupied a separate cabin and did not have much interaction.

However, living under the same roof in the capital would be extremely improper.

"What are you thinking? I'm saying it's not safe for you to stay here. Since you're in Tokyo, find a house to settle down in. If you don't have enough money, I can lend you some. I have my own house in Tokyo! If you don't want to stay here, you should go back to Qiantang as soon as possible."

Zhou Feng glared at her, annoyed.

Although Sun San Niang had a good figure, she was already over 30 years old and had such a big son.

So many young, unmarried women are waiting for him; he's not going to become a father by accident.

"Does Master Zhou mean that it will be dangerous for us to stay in this inn?"

Zhao Pan'er asked hesitantly, and Zhou Feng nodded silently.

"According to my investigation, Su Xingyuan's sister, who ranked third in the imperial examinations, gave Ouyang Xu a plum blossom, and on the third day, she went blind in one eye. At the Deer Cry Banquet, the scholar Gong wanted to introduce a marriage proposal to Ouyang Xu, and his youngest daughter fell into the water in front of everyone, her clothes soaked, and her reputation ruined. Madam Zhao, these two women only have some connection with Ouyang Xu, yet they have suffered such retaliation from Gao Hui. What do you intend to do?"

As Zhou Feng continued his narration, Zhao Pan'er was able to maintain her expressionless face, but Sun San Niang's pretty face had turned deathly pale.

To put it bluntly, they were just two daughters of merchants. Even the sister of a scholar who had passed the imperial examination and the daughter of a scribe had ended up like that. How could they possibly compare to Gao Hui?

"Pan...Pan'er, let's go back to Qiantang!"

Although Sun San Niang was incredibly fierce, she only dealt with ordinary people or honest folks. Compared to this shrewish girl from a prominent family, she was far inferior and not even in the same league!

"No need. We have a clear conscience, so why should we be afraid of her?"

Although Zhao Pan'er's lips moved slightly, she gritted her teeth and persevered.

She was a proud and arrogant person to begin with, so how could she accept leaving in such a dejected manner after meeting Ouyang Xu?

"But, Pan'er..."

Sun San Niang wanted to say something more, but after noticing Zhao Pan'er's expression, she silently shut her mouth.

Having known her for so many years, she naturally knew what kind of personality her best friend had.

"It's fine if Madam Zhao doesn't leave, but you should know that even a wise man doesn't stand under a dangerous wall, let alone a woman. I will prepare the mansion for you, and you can move in directly. I will also arrange a female guard to ensure your safety."

Zhou Feng waved his hand. Although he wasn't exactly assertive before, after experiencing so much, he had developed a habit of being decisive and uncompromising.

"No need, we..."

"Zhao Niangzi!"

Zhao Pan'er wanted to say something, but Zhou Feng interrupted her sharply.

"I know you're stubborn and resourceful, but do you understand the difference between nobles and commoners? You can disregard your own safety, but what about Lady Sun and Lady Song? Aren't you afraid that one day you'll wake up to find their faces slashed, their clothes stripped, and them thrown outside? Won't you regret saying it today then?"

Reprimanded by Zhou Feng, Zhao Pan'er pursed her lips, biting them hard, but she couldn't utter a word in rebuttal.

How could she not know the insurmountable gap between the nobility and the common people?

But I just couldn't accept it!

Why should Ouyang Xu break off their engagement just because she has taken a liking to him?

Why should she have to hide with San Niang and Yin Zhang before they've even made their stance clear?

"Madam Zhao, avoiding her is only temporary. I'll be away in Tokyo for a few days, and I'm afraid I won't be able to take care of you. When I return, Gao Hui won't be able to do anything to you!"

After reprimanding Zhao Pan'er, Zhou Feng's tone softened, and he offered an explanation.

Zhao Pan'er's expression softened, and Sun San Niang kept gently tugging at her sleeve to express her thoughts.

She was willing to face Gao Hui together with Zhao Pan'er, but she was also afraid!

Even the daughter of an official was bullied like that, so what about her, a commoner...?

The thought of being soaked in public and surrounded by onlookers sent chills down her spine.

"Then... thank you very much, Master Zhou!"

"Pack your luggage, I'll send someone to pick you up."

Seeing Zhao Pan'er bow, Zhou Feng nodded without ceremony and then left the inn with Chen Xiao.

"Arrange for Comrade Su Xiaoya to be well-equipped and protect them. Comrade Tie Jianguo and Comrade Bai Lang will come with me to the Siheyuan World. The people sent by the organization will act according to the prescribed plan. I'll leave this place to you. Remember to involve our people in the subsequent plot developments."

"yes!"

Chen Xiao responded seriously.