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

Jia Changchao coughed twice, breaking the tense atmosphere in the hall.

The advisor also received his signal and, understanding the unspoken message, moved closer to Ouyang Xu and whispered a few words to him.

After speaking, Ouyang Xu took a deep breath and barely suppressed his anger, but his gaze toward Zhou Feng was still extremely hostile.

Jia Changchao stroked his beard, carefully considering his words: "I have understood all three charges brought by the Celestial Master. That old servant did indeed insult a court official in the street, which was truly inappropriate. However…"

"He was already seriously injured, and now he's lost an arm, so he's been punished as a result. As for whether Ouyang Tanhua instigated it... there's no conclusive evidence, so it's too early to draw conclusions. What do you think, Celestial Master?"

Zhou Feng raised an eyebrow at Jia Changchao but didn't reply. Instead, he turned to look at Zhao Pan'er.

Jia Changchao instantly understood and, forcing a smile, looked at Ouyang Xu: "In my opinion, it would be better if both of you compromised. Ouyang, the third-ranking scholar, failed to properly manage his servants and should apologize to the Celestial Master and his wife. As for the Celestial Master... I can decide not to pursue the matter of the dispute with the yamen runners."

He couldn't make decisions regarding Ouyang Xu, but he could still make decisions regarding his subordinates.

What did you mean by injuring a yamen runner?

It was clearly a dispute between the two parties, a minor conflict, nothing to brag about.

"No, why should I?"

Ouyang Xu blurted out, which immediately made Jia Changchao's face darken.

As the powerful prefect of Kaifeng, he was entrusted with full authority by the Eighth Prince, which meant he was caught in a power struggle between the two factions.

Now he had finally come up with a way to smooth things over, giving both sides a way out, but Ouyang Xu just took it all away!

This also reflects the limitations of ordinary students who rise through the ranks from humble backgrounds: they may excel academically, but they lack political acumen.

To put it bluntly, he's just a bookworm who only knows how to read.

Such political awareness is more comprehensively cultivated through the teachings passed down through generations of aristocratic families.

However, Jia Changchao would not be sympathetic to Ouyang Xu in this matter; instead, he took his anger out on him.

Since you won't take the opportunity given to you, then stand on it and enjoy the breeze!

"So, the third-ranking scholar means he doesn't want reconciliation and wants me to handle things impartially, right?"

Seeing Jia Changchao's forced smile, Ouyang Xu instantly sobered up a bit. Looking at Zhou Feng's ambiguous smile, he could only grit his teeth and cup his hands in a respectful bow: "Master, today's events were due to my failure to properly discipline my servants. I am deeply sorry for any offense caused!"

The last four words were even squeezed out one by one from between his teeth.

Unfortunately, Zhou Feng didn't understand his meaning. Instead, he smiled slightly and said, "The servant of the third-ranked scholar has offended more than just me."

As he spoke, Zhou Feng took a step to the side, revealing Zhao Pan'er who was still standing behind him.

The latter immediately understood Zhou Feng's meaning and stood face to face with Ouyang Xu.

"Pan'er..."

"Please, Scholar, have some self-respect."

Zhao Pan'er interrupted Ouyang Xu directly.

Jia Changchao, who was just about to take a sip of water, almost spat out his tea.

He could tell that this top scholar in the imperial examination must have some connection with Zhou Feng and Zhao Pan'er.

But the Taoist master said that this is her betrothed wife, so it's quite impolite of you to address her like that.

"I have failed to discipline you properly, which has led to my rudeness. Please forgive me, Madam."

Bowing down to apologize to Zhao Pan'er in front of so many people was something Ouyang Xu found hard to accept, and his eyes welled up with tears.

His fists clenched so tightly they cracked, but he managed to suppress his emotions and said nothing more.

Zhou Feng knew when to stop, letting Zhao Pan'er stand back down, but pulled Sun San Niang out. Looking at the slap mark on her face, a cold glint flashed in his eyes.

"My lord, I have another matter to report. Someone has beaten my men to this state. I beg you to investigate!"

Jia Changchao glanced at it, his eyelids twitching, and he cursed inwardly.

What kind of mess is this? We just solved one problem and another one pops up!

"Rest assured, Your Excellency, anyone who abuses their power to oppress the villagers will be severely punished without exception. At the very least, they will be given forty strokes of the cane and dismissed from their post for investigation!"

Zhou Feng smiled with satisfaction, and walked outside, drawing admiring glances from the three women.

Before they could even leave the gate, Sun San Niang turned around and saw the clerk who had beaten her earlier being stripped of his outer garment and pinned down on a bench in the courtyard.

After all that trouble at the Kaifeng government office, by the time they emerged, the sun was already setting.

Zhao Pan'er and the other two girls followed Zhou Feng out of the tall, vermilion gate and finally let out a long sigh of relief.

"Master Zhou..."

Zhao Pan'er opened her mouth, but didn't know what to say.

They had expressed their gratitude countless times, but if they hadn't said thank you, the three of them would have definitely suffered a great loss today if Zhou Feng hadn't been there.

Zhou Feng turned to look at her and smiled, "What's wrong? Still not vented your anger?"

Zhao Pan'er quickly shook her head, her eyes welling up with tears: "Thanks to you today, the three of us sisters..."

"Alright, alright, why are you being so formal with me? Don't forget, we made a promise!"

Upon hearing Zhao Pan'er's words, Zhou Feng waved his hand and walked towards the carriage first, leaving her face flushed red.

If their conversation at the restaurant was a test between the two parties, then today, in the Kaifeng government office, they have settled the matter.

In front of so many officials from Kaifeng Prefecture, Zhou Feng announced their engagement, and she did not deny it, which made it all the more formal.

"Master Zhou, Pan'er naturally needs no further explanation, but I..."

Sun San Niang quickly followed, reaching out to wipe the corner of her eye.

"What do you mean, 'what do you mean?' Get in the car, we'll talk about it when we get back!"

Zhou Feng boarded the carriage first, and the three women followed silently.

The carriage slowly drove through the streets in the sunlight. Zhao Pan'er leaned against the carriage wall, secretly watching Zhou Feng's profile.

Given the length of time the two had been in contact, not to mention her, any woman would find it hard to resist.

The afterglow of the sunlight shone through the car window, casting a warm golden hue on Zhou Feng's face, making Zhao Pan'er's heart skip a beat for no apparent reason.

Meanwhile, Ouyang Xu was standing at the entrance of the Kaifeng government office, watching Zhou Feng and his entourage's carriage gradually disappear into the distance, his expression a mixture of emotions.

Just as Jia Changchao had considered.

Although he was said to have Ke Zheng and Gao Guancha as his backers, Ke Zheng had been demoted from Tokyo, and Gao Guancha's daughter had not officially married him. So, his backers were extremely unstable.

He has already offended Zhou Feng, a rising star in the court, before he has even been granted an official position. The road ahead will be extremely difficult.

"Master...Master, you must...please do justice for this old servant!"

Uncle De, who was carried out by two constables, groaned weakly and gently tugged at Ouyang Xu's trouser leg.

He had been tormented by Chen Xiao to the point of almost fainting and had only just woken up, so he did not participate in the response in front of the Kaifeng Prefecture.

Ouyang Xu felt the force with which he was pulling at his pants, and couldn't help but look down at him, his eyes filled with disgust.

That old guy is utterly useless, more likely to cause trouble than to accomplish anything.

All those previous incidents had already given him a huge headache. Today, he was asked to find the officials and drive Zhao Pan'er and the others away. Who told that old dog to have such a foul mouth and speak recklessly?

It's one thing to insult Zhao Pan'er and the others, but to also insult the National Protector Celestial Master is another matter entirely. What gives him the right to be so arrogant?

And why should I stand up and bear the consequences after he acted arrogantly?

At this moment, Ouyang Xu looked at Uncle De and wished he could just reach out and strangle him to death, so that at least he wouldn't cause him any more trouble in the future!

Looking back on their courtroom confrontation today, he was as pathetic as a stray dog, and was even forced to apologize to Zhao Pan'er.

What kind of crimes are these: instigating others to do something, insulting officials' families, or being arrogant and deceiving one's master?

"Master, Uncle De, this..."

Finally, his two servants arrived.

"Carry him back and find a doctor to take a look."

After pondering for the time it takes to drink a cup of tea, Ouyang Xu waved his hand and decided to save Uncle De.

After all, he was an old servant who had served him for so many years, so he was given one last chance to live.

From now on, he will stay at home to take care of her and cannot be allowed to do anything!

As for him, he still had to go find his close friend, Du Changfeng.

Although the other party's ranking in the imperial examination was not as high as his, many of his elders held official positions in the court, and he was well-informed.

Ouyang Xu remembered the humiliation he suffered at the hands of that National Protector Celestial Master, and knew that he could not contend with him in the short term.

But fortunes change every thirty years.

Even if he is not his opponent now, he still needs to find out who the other party is and what kind of person they are.

Sooner or later, I'll make them taste this kind of bitterness.

The carriage stopped in front of the mansion that Zhou Feng had arranged for Zhao Pan'er and the other two. He first lifted the curtain and jumped down.

Zhao Pan'er followed closely behind, and just as she was about to get out of the car, Zhou Feng quickly reached out to help her: "Be careful..."

She could feel the warmth and dryness of the other person's palm, which completely enveloped her delicate hand, but she felt no resistance at all; on the contrary, she felt very at ease.

Sun San Niang followed behind, watching and covering her mouth to stifle a laugh.

She didn't need Zhou Feng to reach out and catch her; she jumped down from the carriage door.

When Song Yinzhang came out, Zhou Feng had already led Zhao Pan'er into the mansion through the main gate, so she could only climb down by herself with some regret.

As I said before, Zhou Feng wouldn't provoke those he didn't respect.

At most, out of respect for Zhao Pan'er, they would give Song Yinzhang a good future.

"Comrade Lin Yin, keep a close eye on Ouyang Xu these next few days and see what tricks he's up to."

Is this really a real world? No one can predict what Ouyang Xu will do.

However, it's best to follow the original storyline.

After all, Ouyang Xu was originally going to become a palace official, while Zhou Feng, according to the official's reward, was also in charge of the Jinxiao Yuqing Prefecture.

Jinxiao Yuqing Palace is the most prestigious national-level palace in the world, and the officials of this palace must be at least prime ministers or princes.

Now that the emperor has appointed Zhou Feng to lead this prefecture, it means that his position in the religious field is equivalent to that of a prime minister or a prince in the imperial court.

In this situation, if Ouyang Xu chooses to curry favor with the emperor and become a palace official, he will fall right into Zhou Feng's hands.

Whether to shape it into a ball or flatten it is entirely up to him.

As for Ke Zheng, Gao Guancha, and that Consort Xian who has never shown her face, once the plan is complete, we can lock them all up like Zhou She and provide them with emotional support.

After giving Lin Yin instructions via earphone, Zhou Feng followed the three women into the inner courtyard.

At this moment, Zhao Pan'er and Song Yinzhang were looking at Sun San Niang's cheeks with some heartache.

"Third Sister, does it still hurt?"

Song Yinzhang asked cautiously.

"A little."

Sun Sanniang moved her face and grinned, "But it's much better than when I got that slap."

"Do you think... Ouyang Xu might retaliate against us? After all, he was the third-ranked scholar in the imperial examination."

"What do you think?" Sun Sanniang sneered. "Does he have the guts? Didn't you see how Master Zhou scared him like a quail in court today?"

Song Yinzhang thought for a moment, then couldn't help but smile: "That's true."

Zhao Pan'er, who was sitting to the side, did not speak, but a trace of worry flashed in her eyes.

Ouyang Xu is not a threat, but the people behind him are indeed very powerful.

Whether it's Ke Zheng, Gao Guancha, or that virtuous concubine in the palace...

"What are you thinking about?"

Zhou Feng's voice suddenly appeared behind Zhao Pan'er, and a large hand placed on the top of her head and rubbed it.

Zhao Pan'er was startled and, feeling somewhat uncomfortable, moved to the side.

"How come you walk without making a sound!"

Zhao Pan'er playfully patted Zhou Feng's arm, but her tone was full of coquettishness.

Sun San Niang and Song Yin Zhang exchanged a glance and simultaneously revealed a maternal smile.

"Don't worry, whether it's Ouyang Xu or the people behind him, I won't stand idly by if they want to harm you. Don't underestimate me!"

Zhou Feng patted his chest confidently. Although the gesture was somewhat childish, it gave the three women immense peace of mind.

"Thank you very much, Master Zhou!"

Anyone with eyes could see that Zhou Feng did all this for Zhao Pan'er. Sun San Niang and Song Yin Zhang bowed at the same time.

"No need to say more, you're being too polite."

Zhou Feng waved his hand, then patted Sun San Niang's shoulder and leaned close to examine the spot where she had been hit: "Hmm... it's still a bit red and swollen, but it's alright, it should go down in a day or two."

Sun San Niang was stunned for a moment, her face turned red, and she didn't dare to move her body. She froze there, not even daring to breathe.

This is the dignified Celestial Master who protects the nation, a figure whom even high-ranking officials in Kaifeng Prefecture must show deference to, yet he is so close to her!

If this gets out, Sun San Niang's parents' graves will be smoking!

Zhao Pan'er sat on the edge of the bed, her eyes looking at Zhou Feng as if they were about to overflow with tears.

She knew perfectly well that Zhou Feng's concern for San Niang and Yin Zhang was entirely because of her.

Therefore, even though Zhou Feng and Sun San Niang were quite close at this moment, she did not feel any resistance at all.

Besides... this Mr. Zhou publicly admitted that he and she were already engaged!

Although Zhao Pan'er was very proud, she was also well aware of how embarrassing her former lowly status was to these high-ranking officials and nobles.

That's why she was so excited when Zhou Feng promised to marry her.

If there weren't still unresolved issues, she would have loved to return to Qiantang and convert all her accumulated wealth into a dowry to bring to Zhou Feng.

Actually, Zhou Feng didn't think that much about it. If he liked someone, he would confess and accept their confession. What's the big deal?

As for the so-called rumors among high-ranking officials and nobles, those are simply a joke.

Putting aside his status as the Protector of the Nation and his position in the eyes of the Qingliu and Xungui, his marriage to Zhao Pan'er was entirely beneficial.

Do you know who the current emperor's empress is?

What experiences has she had?

And why must we retrieve the painting of her dancing at the banquet?

How did the Emperor and Empress view Zhou Feng's marriage to Zhao Pan'er, a woman who had once been of low social status?

The emperor, who has always been suppressed by the righteous faction, might wonder: if even a figure like the Immortal Envoy of Penglai can accept Zhao Pan'er, who was once of lowly status, what's wrong with his empress?

Whether he was seen as an opportunist or a sycophant, Zhou Feng didn't care.

With his current status, besides those few gentlemen, who else would dare to disrespect him?

Especially now that Xiao Qinyan has been brought under their control, the entire plan can be implemented at an extremely fast pace.

Perhaps the Song Dynasty would have already changed hands before the TV series even ended.