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

At this moment, Song Yinzhang's mind was filled with the words Zhang Haohao had spoken to her when she came to the mansion.

Although Zhang Haohao's singing voice is unmatched, her pipa skills are also exceptional.

It makes no sense that Zhang Haohao could perform for the government and be admired by countless literati, while she could only huddle in this small teahouse, serving tea and water to the customers.

She had discussed with Zhao Pan'er whether she could perform in this teahouse, but why should her skills be performed for these commoners?

It would be better to take all these pipa skills to the Imperial Music Academy, so that at least those who understand music can appreciate them!

This is the limitation brought about by Song Yinzhang's insufficient status and narrow vision.

If you want to perform for the Emperor, isn't that easy?

As long as Zhou Feng agrees, it wouldn't be difficult to bring her into the palace.

Having made up his mind, Song Yinzhang went straight to Zhang Haohao's side. At this time, Zhang Haohao was serving Chi Yanei, and her maid was waiting outside. When she saw Song Yinzhang, she hurriedly went in to inform him.

"Song Yinzhang, the one who plays the pipa? Let her in."

Before Zhang Haohao could speak, Chi Yanei, who was resting his head on her lap, became interested.

With Zhou Feng backing him up, he's definitely not going to be able to get back to the factory after his previous setback with Zhao Pan'er and the others.

However, Song Yinzhang may not necessarily have any connection with Zhou Feng.

Since that's the case, it wouldn't hurt to meet her.

"Does the young master have an idea?"

Zhang Haohao, with a hint of teasing on her face, looked down at Chi Pan, who immediately stood up: "What thoughts? This young master just wants to see what Zhao Pan'er's sisters want with you?"

Facing the still somewhat childish Chi Pan, Zhang Haohao chuckled, took his hand, and pulled him to sit down beside her.

Although Chi Pan is arrogant and willful outside, he will restrain his personality a bit when facing Zhang Haohao.

"Good Sister..."

Song Yinzhang, who had just walked in, was stunned for a moment. Her eyes were fixed on Chi Pan's hand, which was clasped together with Zhang Haohao's.

Didn't we agree not to use our looks to amuse people?

Why would Zhang Haohao, who doesn't show any respect to so many high-ranking officials and nobles, be so close to this young master?

Noticing her gaze, Chi Yanei glared at her and said irritably, "Aren't you Zhao Pan'er's sister? What are you doing here looking for Hao Hao?"

Startled by his expression, Song Yinzhang took a step back, but forced himself to calm down and turned his gaze to Zhang Haohao without even looking at him.

"What Madam Zhang said the other day, Yin Zhang deeply agrees with. However, Yin Zhang's musical license is still in Qiantang. Please help Madam Zhang to obtain a temporary transfer document. Yin Zhang will definitely repay you handsomely in the future."

"whispering sound--"

Chi Yanei curled his lip in disdain, but before he could say anything sarcastic, Zhang Haohao tugged at his sleeve.

"Sister Yinzhang, it's not that I don't want to help you, but it's a serious crime for a musician to leave the prefecture without permission. Given my shallow relationship with the head of the Music Bureau, I'm afraid I'm powerless to help."

According to the laws of the Song Dynasty, let alone a musician leaving on her own, even taking her away would be considered abduction of an official's musician, a serious crime punishable by exile.

Although Zhang Haohao had a slight reputation in the capital city of Tokyo, it was limited to matters of romance and pleasure. She didn't have the guts to violate the laws of the Song Dynasty.

Song Yinzhang pursed his lips and nodded, turning to walk outside. But then he heard Chi Yanei's voice behind him: "Getting a transfer order is quite simple, but why should I help you? Zhao Pan'er didn't give me any face before!"

At this moment, Chi Pan raised his chin, looking arrogant.

Although he didn't know why Song Yinzhang hadn't contacted that Mr. Zhou, it didn't stop him from gaining some verbal advantage.

After all, if that person were to speak up, let alone a transfer order, it wouldn't be a problem to remove Song Yinzhang from the official register.

"You...you should just give up!"

Song Yinzhang clearly didn't want to interact too much with a young master like Chi Pan, so she turned and walked outside. However, Chi Pan quickly ran a few steps and blocked her way.

"Why are you in such a hurry to leave? Let me tell you, that shop Zhao Pan'er runs won't last three days before it's deserted and nobody wants to buy anything!"

Chi Pan, who said this, stiffened his neck and looked smug.

Song Yinzhang crossed his arms, his face filled with terror: "What do you want to do!"

???

Chi Yanei stared wide-eyed at Song Yinzhang's actions; clearly, this Lady Song had misunderstood.

"No, what are you dreaming of? You're perfectly fine right here. Do you think I, this young master, would even notice you?"

These words were almost an insult, and Song Yinzhang's eyes immediately reddened. But biting her lip, she still chose to ask about Zhao Pan'er: "What do you want to do to Sister Pan'er's shop?"

"What am I going to do? I... no, not what am I going to do! Don't talk nonsense!"

Chi Pan originally only wanted to gain some verbal advantage and mock Zhao Pan'er, but who would have thought that Song Yinzhang would open his mouth and shove a huge black pot on his head.

He can't take this blame. If that guy surnamed Zhou finds out, he really won't be able to handle it!

"Then tell me..."

"What did I say? I said! Do you know why her shop is about to run out of customers? The streets of Tokyo are divided by trade. You buy herbs in the medicine alley, clothes in the east end of the Panlou alley, and tea in the teahouse alley. Your sister opened a teahouse on the horse-riding street; it would be strange if anyone went there!"

When it came to doing business, Chi Pan's face was full of confidence as he glanced sideways at Song Yinzhang.

"You're talking nonsense! The teahouse has been bustling with customers these past few days!"

Song Yinzhang stared intently at Chi Pan, who sneered, "These past few days, the Guanyin Temple has been celebrating Buddha's birthday, with many worshippers. You've taken advantage of the situation for a few days. Do you really think three young ladies can open a shop in this capital city? Dream on!"

When Chi Pan mentioned this, his face was full of disdain.

As the head of one of the twelve guilds in Tokyo, he was quite knowledgeable about business matters, even though he was usually playful and carefree.

"Just you wait and see! Sister Pan'er is the smartest and most clever; this little thing won't stump her at all!"

With that, Song Yinzhang circled around the table on the right, dodging Chi Pan, and quickly left the courtyard.

Why are you getting angry with this Lady Song?

Zhang Haohao playfully slapped Chi Yanei in mock anger, but the latter sat back down expressionlessly.

His words, though seemingly sarcastic, were actually a reminder.

If Zhao Niangzi listened to him, she would owe him a favor.

If Zhao Niangzi doesn't listen, and the teahouse loses money and closes down, it's not his fault; consider it an apology for his previous offense against Zhou Feng.