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

"Hey...whose car is this, driving so recklessly?"

"Shh! Didn't you see the markings on it? From the High Inspector's residence!"

"High observation? Hmm—, thanks for the reminder, brother!"

"Remember, loose lips sink ships! Even though it's just his steward out on errands, he's not someone we commoners can afford to mess with..."

Pedestrians made way for them while whispering amongst themselves, their faces showing a complex mix of anger and resentment.

Zhao Pan'er was naturally pulled to the side of the road by Zhou Feng.

She looked up at the carriage speeding past, and through the window she could see the figure sitting inside—a middle-aged man she didn't recognize.

The other party clearly did not slow down at all despite the large number of pedestrians on the street, leaving them with no choice but to dodge.

Watching the carriage depart, Zhao Pan'er unconsciously clenched the sugar figurine in her hand.

She had never seen the steward sitting in the carriage before, but the steward's master had been humble and referred to himself as "this humble official" in front of her just yesterday.

At the time, she was puzzled by Gao Hu's attitude and even felt a little contempt for him.

But when the carriage bearing the Gao family's mark appeared before her, and the scene of it cutting through the streets, with passersby giving way and daring not to speak out in anger, made Zhao Pan'er truly understand what the name "Gao Guancha" meant in Tokyo.

That was the power and arrogance of a prominent family with a strong military background. Even if it was just a steward traveling, the people on the street would consciously make way for him.

She subconsciously moved closer to Zhou Feng, her fingertips lightly touching the back of his hand.

"What's wrong?"

Zhou Feng grabbed Zhao Pan'er's hand directly, and the two intertwined their fingers.

"No...it's nothing, I'm just a little dazed."

Zhao Pan'er shook her head.

Zhou Feng clenched his fist slightly, as if to bolster her confidence: "From today onwards, no matter who it is, Ouyang Xu or Gao Guancha, no one can bully you. I mean what I say."

Zhao Pan'er looked up at him, the sunlight falling on Zhou Feng's profile, outlining a clear silhouette.

She didn't respond, but she tightened her grip on Zhou Feng's hand, interlocking their fingers even more tightly.

The white wolf sighed softly from behind.

Both he and Tie Jianguo are trained individuals who generally do not experience any emotional fluctuations.

But this time, the leader they were protecting was completely different from before.

He not only enjoys picking up girls, but he also enjoys picking up girls in various parts of the world.

This leader's woman even spanned three worlds, which is simply amazing.

After walking half a street, Zhou Feng suddenly paused and then turned his head to the side.

Chen Xiao's voice came through the earpiece, reporting something.

"What's wrong?"

Zhao Pan'er noticed his unusual behavior immediately, and only asked a question after Zhou Feng's expression returned to normal.

Zhou Feng raised an eyebrow, turned to look at Zhao Pan'er, and said with a serious expression, "Chen Xiao just sent me a message. The people we sent to Prime Minister Ke's side have found the Night Banquet painting and brought it back."

Zhao Pan'er was taken aback.

After Ouyang Xu left Tokyo, she had slowed down her search for the Night Banquet Map, but unexpectedly, Zhou Feng also sent people to search for it.

They even brought the items back from Ke Xiang, who had been demoted.

"I…"

She was about to say something when Zhou Feng pressed a finger to her lips.

"Given our current relationship, there's no need to worry about things like the Night Banquet Painting. Whether I find it or you find it, it makes no difference."

"Um!"

Zhao Pan'er nodded vigorously.

Zhou Feng's attitude changed drastically before and after confirming their relationship, which Zhao Pan'er interpreted as a sign of favoritism towards him.

"How about it? Want to come take a look with me?"

Zhao Pan'er's expression changed slightly.

She still remembered the serious expression on Zhou Feng's face when he told her about the Night Banquet painting.

What's so important!

If the secrets inside are exposed, the number of people who will be buried with them will not be just hundreds or thousands!

It really scared Zhao Pan'er half to death at the time.

"Will I be able to know that secret too?"

"Of course."

Zhou Feng nodded seriously. No matter who it was, let alone Liu E, even if the emperor wanted to touch Zhao Pan'er, it would be impossible without his approval.

Zhao Pan'er didn't hesitate at all; she was naturally very curious!

She had kept this painting of the Night Banquet for a long time, and she had looked at its contents many times, but she had never discovered any secrets within it.

"Let's go back to the manor and take a look."

Zhou Feng took Zhao Pan'er's hand and turned to walk towards his own courtyard.

Bai Lang and Tie Jianguo exchanged a glance and silently followed behind.

Within minutes, the carriage sent by Chen Xiao appeared before them. When they got into the carriage and returned to the main hall of their residence, Chen Xiao was already waiting there.

In front of him, on the table, was a slender rosewood box.

Upon seeing Zhou Feng and Zhao Pan'er enter together, Chen Xiao immediately bowed and greeted them: "Master, Madam Zhao."

Zhao Pan'er quickly returned the greeting, but Zhou Feng waved his hand and asked, "Is this the Night Banquet Painting?"

Chen Xiao nodded.

The group opened the wooden box and laid the painting out on the table. It was a beautifully mounted silk scroll, with some yellowing at the edges, but overall it was in very good condition.

Zhao Pan'er stepped forward and carefully inspected the items, then nodded to Zhou Feng.

This painting is exactly the same as the one he had previously collected. It depicts Xue Que, the transport commissioner of Xichuan Road, having a night banquet in the desert.

"This painting is genuine, but what secret does it hold?"

The content in the painting was exactly the same as what Zhao Pan'er recalled in her mind, and just like the result of her recollection, there was nothing wrong with it.

"Of course you won't find it, because the secret of this painting lies not in the banquet, nor in the background, but here."

As Zhou Feng spoke, he pointed to an inconspicuous spot on the screen.

It was a maid pouring wine. Her face was hidden in the shadows, with only half of her profile visible, but even that half-profile was extremely delicate.

Zhao Pan'er followed Zhou Feng's finger and carefully examined the maid's face, her eyes filled with some confusion.

"This maid's identity is quite extraordinary!"

Zhou Feng sighed and then gestured towards the direction of the palace.

Zhao Pan'er's expression froze instantly.

Her intelligence goes without saying, and Zhou Feng's actions added a layer of credibility to her guess!