Being an emperor is not something he can do, so he can only rely on his connections.

Yang He had also received an invitation to the banquet, so after a brief preparation, he went with his two lieutenant generals, Zhou Peng and Luo Hong. When they arrived at the Marquis's residence, they were surprised by the sight before them. The entrance was packed with people, and the queue for entry formed a long, long line.

Luo Hong noticed a piece of paper next to the gate of the Marquis' Mansion. There seemed to be something written on it. He quickly said to Yang He, "Commander-in-Chief, look, there's something written on it!"

Zhou Peng leaned forward and took a closer look, then read out, "The seats are sold out. Standing tickets and last seats are the same price. What does this mean?" He looked at Yang He with a confused look on his face.

Yang He frowned, thought for a moment and said, "I'm not sure either, but it doesn't matter. Let's just go up and ask Zhang Jingwei. Isn't he at the door?" As he said that, Yang He led the two of them towards the door.

At this time, Zhang Jingwei was busy recording the visitor's information with his head down. When he heard someone approaching, he asked without even looking up, "Name!"

Yang He gave his name: "Yang He!"

However, Zhang Jingwei obviously didn't know the name of the Hedong governor, so he continued to write down his thoughts. Then he asked, "How much is the gift?"

This really annoyed Yang He. He raised his voice and shouted, "Zhang Jingwei, what are you doing?"

Zhang Jingwei was startled by the sudden roar and looked up suddenly. When he saw that it was Yang He, a smile immediately spread across his face. He apologized hastily, "Oh, it's the commander-in-chief! How rude! Please come in, please!" Then he turned around and shouted behind him, "Guan Jin! Hurry and take the commander-in-chief to his seat!"

Yang He didn't appreciate it and pressed on, "Don't rush to greet me, you haven't answered my question yet! What's going on?"

Zhang Jingwei said helplessly, "Commander-in-Chief, you don't know that all those people in Yunzhou who are looking for connections and connections are coming to tonight's banquet under the guise of relatives and friends. Look, there aren't even enough seats. We have no choice but to resort to this desperate measure."

Yang He frowned and asked doubtfully, "Is this a standing ticket?"

Zhang Jingwei quickly explained: "Just let them eat while standing!"

Upon hearing this, Yang He immediately shouted angrily, "This is simply nonsense! Even if there are no seats, at least give them a small stool to sit on! They have already paid for it!"

Zhang Jingwei pretended to wake up from a dream and nodded repeatedly, saying, "The commander-in-chief is right. I was not thoughtful enough. I will arrange it immediately!"

Seeing this, Luo Hong on the side could not help but say indignantly: "Zhang Jingwei's behavior is too shameful, and you, the commander-in-chief, don't even do anything about it!"

Yang He smiled slightly and replied slowly, "Actually, the people who come here to attend the banquet can be roughly divided into two categories. One is the businessmen who want to take advantage of this opportunity to climb the business road; the other is some military officers who want to show off in front of Gao Fei and hope to get a good job. In the end, it's nothing more than social etiquette, and everyone knows it well. If Zhang Jingwei wants to do this business, then let him do it!"

After hearing this, Luo Hong nodded thoughtfully and exclaimed, "I see. The commander-in-chief is truly wise!"

Stepping through the wide gates of the mansion, one was greeted by a bustling, harmonious scene. Numerous merchants sat in a circle, their wine glasses clinking with each other, creating a melodious sound. They were busy exchanging business cards and explaining their businesses. Meanwhile, a group of military officers were uninhibited, shouting and playing finger-guessing games, their laughter echoing throughout the mansion.

Lu Hui and Liu Yanzhi arrived at the Marquis' Mansion early and were now sitting at the main table, chatting enthusiastically with Huangfu Changshui. The three of them laughed out loud and whispered to each other from time to time, and the atmosphere was particularly harmonious.

At this moment, Huangfu Changshui caught a glimpse of Yang He's slowly approaching figure. He quickly stood up, his face instantly filled with an enthusiastic smile. He quickly stepped forward and respectfully saluted, "General, you are so honored to be here! I'm sorry for not coming in person to greet you!"

Seeing this, Lu Hui and Liu Yanzhi on the side did not dare to be negligent. They quickly stood up and saluted, saying in unison: "Your subordinates pay their respects to the commander-in-chief!"

Yang He smiled as he scanned the bustling scene around him. Then, looking at Huangfu Changshui, he jokingly said, "Changshui, you're really putting on a grand show!"

Upon hearing this, Huangfu Changshui waved his hands repeatedly and responded modestly: "It was just my son-in-law's idea. I hope the commander-in-chief will not laugh at me!"

Yang He nodded slightly in approval, his admiration evident in his words: "This guy and Gao Fei are incredibly close! I specifically promoted Gao Fei, and the fact that he's planning such a dignified banquet is a real honor for me!"

Huangfu Changshui nodded hurriedly and said, "You are absolutely right. We are all able to gather here today because of your care! I will definitely let Gao Fei toast you with a glass of wine later!"

Not long after, Gao Fei came slowly. He was wearing a white jade robe specially customized by Ma Tianmao today. The headband on his head was replaced with a golden hair hoop. He exuded a sense of nobility from the inside out.

Zhang Jingwei shouted at the top of his lungs, "Mr. Gao is here!" His voice echoed throughout the mansion, and the lively scene instantly quieted down.

The Marquis's residence was bustling with activity, the clamor of gongs and drums resounding. The deafening drumbeats and melodious gongs blended together, creating a joyous and stirring melody. Outside, the crackling blast of firecrackers was even more deafening, sending flames flying and thick smoke billowing into the air.

Zhang Jingwei, who was standing by, couldn't help but secretly complain in his heart: "Damn it, how come these ancient firecrackers produce such a lot of smoke? It's so strong that it makes my tears flow."

In fact, he was not the only one who was moved to tears by the thick smoke. Even Gao Fei and his daughter, who had just stepped into the Marquis' Mansion, were the same.

Gao Fei narrowed his eyes slightly and struggled to push Xiaolan inside. The pungent smoke made Xiaolan cough uncontrollably, her face flushing red. Yet, even so, with every step they took, a crowd quickly gathered around them, smiling and congratulating them.

"Congratulations, Mr. Gao! You're a regular customer of our store, often coming here to buy clothes. When you arrive in Jinzhou, if you can't find a style you like, feel free to let me know. I'll have a custom-made set made for you at home and personally deliver it to you!"

"Haha, my family owns a winery, Mr. Gao. If the wine here doesn't suit your taste, just tell me and I'll immediately send you some of our homemade wine. I guarantee you'll be satisfied!"

"Master Gao, my family runs a pharmacy. If you ever have a headache or a fever, just send someone over to get medicine. We will definitely help you!"

"Oh, Mr. Gao, I run a furniture store. If you need new furniture, remember to come to me. There are all kinds of styles for you to choose from!"

Xiaolan hated the noise, so she urged her father to take a seat quickly.

Xiaolan was seated at the young people's table. Sitting there were Huangfu Ling, the princess, Jiu'er, Ma Tianmao, a lady of high socialite status, and of course Zhang Jingwei, who had been busy and hadn't yet taken a seat.

Before Zhang Jingwei even sat down, he raised his glass and shouted, "Since Mr. Gao is here, let's raise our glasses and toast to Mr. Gao. Congratulations on your promotion!"

Everyone stood up and congratulated: "Congratulations, Mr. Gao, on your promotion!"