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

One string of money was worth 1600 copper coins, enough for a day's food for refugees, enough to rent a stall for a month, enough to buy kilograms of pork, meat buns, or bowls of noodles.

Zhang Jingwei stared intently at the banknote in his hand. It was worth a full 100,000 strings of cash! He felt the weight of it, as if a thousand pounds were pressing down on his palm.

Ma Tianmao, who was standing nearby, smiled and said, "This is just a deposit. Once the matter is completed, the remaining remuneration will be paid in full."

Zhang Jingwei couldn't help but sigh, "Great, that's great. But this one ticket is worth a hundred thousand strings of cash. How am I supposed to spend it?"

Ma Tianmao quickly explained, "You can take this banknote to a bank and exchange it for smaller bills. Of course, if you want to exchange it for silver, you'll have to wait patiently for several months. After all, in today's market, currency is still more useful. Things like silver and fine silver fluctuate greatly in price and are not worth preserving!"

Zhang Jingwei turned to Qian Ming beside him and said, "Qian Ming, take the banknotes and find something to store them for me."

However, Qian Ming seemed a little hesitant and stammered in response: "Master...Master...Master, I...I really don't dare to touch this thing."

Zhang Jingwei frowned upon seeing this and asked unhappily, "Why? Can it bite you?"

Qian Ming quickly shook his head and waved his hands, answering with a look of panic: "No, Master. It's really that this banknote is too valuable. I'm afraid if I accidentally damage it, I won't be able to bear the consequences!"

Zhang Jingwei rolled his eyes at him helplessly and scolded him with a smile, "You're the only one who knows how to talk nonsense! Go to my room and get a lock box."

Qian Ming responded as if he had been pardoned, "Oh, I'll go right away." After that, he ran to Zhang Jingwei's room.

After Qian Ming left, Ma Tianmao frowned, his face full of disgust, and muttered, "Brother Jingwei, look at your servant. He's so stupid, it's really annoying. How about I help you find two smarter ones? I guarantee they'll be much better than the one you have now."

Zhang Jingwei smiled slightly, waved his hand and said, "No need, Brother Tian Miao. Although this kid looks a little dull, look at his physique, he's so strong."

Ma Tianmao curled his lips and responded with disdain: "What's the use of having a strong body? With such a good appearance...tsk tsk tsk tsk."

Zhang Jingwei smiled disapprovingly and retorted, "Hey, Brother Tian Miao, he's a human being, not a donkey. Why should we be so particular about his appearance?"

Ma Tianmao rolled his eyes and continued to persuade, "Even if you don't consider looks, you should at least find someone with a sharp mind. Look at how old he is. I guess he should be old enough to be a father."

Hearing this, Zhang Jingwei put down the teacup in his hand, looked up at Ma Tianmao, and asked, "Oh? From what you said, you have quite good taste. But why have I never seen you bring your servant out to play together?"

Ma Tianmao crossed his arms and replied matter-of-factly, "I don't like traveling around with my servant. It feels too restrictive and not free at all. I'm more comfortable being alone and free like this."

Zhang Jingwei picked up the teacup and took a sip, nodding in agreement: "Yes, Brother Tian Miao is absolutely right."

Ma Tianmao raised his eyebrows and said to Zhang Jingwei jokingly, "Brother, why haven't you been to that brothel lately? If you don't go, even the courtesan won't come!" Zhang Jingwei pouted and responded unhappily, "Don't mention Ningxiang to me. She's not just an ordinary famous girl."

Ma Tianmao's eyes widened, and he shouted in surprise: "Oh my, she is a famous courtesan here! She is the most beautiful among all the flowers! Tell me, how on earth did she fall in love with you?" Zhang Jingwei was immediately a little angry and pointed at Ma Tianmao and shouted: "Hey! You...what nonsense are you talking about!"

Ma Tianmao didn't take it seriously and continued teasing, "Back when you were richer than me, she might have been attracted to you because of your family's wealth. But now that your family has fallen on hard times, why is she still obsessed with you?"

Zhang Jingwei snorted and replied with forced composure, "Maybe... maybe I was born with a good appearance."

Seeing Zhang Jingwei like this, Ma Tianmao couldn't help laughing, waved his hand and said, "Come on, let's not talk nonsense anymore. Anyway, when can you give me the things?"

Zhang Jingwei quickly responded, "Don't worry, I'll get it done as soon as possible!"

Ma Tianmao frowned and asked in confusion, "I really don't understand why someone with such profound knowledge like you would need someone else to do it for you?"

Zhang Jingwei chuckled and explained in a low voice, "I have a translator, it would be a waste if I didn't use him."

Ma Tianmao was completely confused and asked blankly, "What the hell? What is 'Tongtiandai'?"

Zhang Jingwei waved his hand impatiently and said, "He's just a professional expert who specializes in doing things for others. It's useless to tell you, you won't understand!"

Ma Tianmao's eyes widened, he waved his arms excitedly and shouted, "Where on earth can I find such a top master? If my family had two masters like that, I wouldn't have to study."

Zhang Jingwei, who was standing nearby, frowned and asked in confusion, "I really don't understand. Your Ma family is already so wealthy, why are you still trying so hard to gain fame? Isn't this a waste of time?"

After hearing this, Ma Tianmao sneered and asked, "Then, if your family is already wealthy, why do you insist on taking the imperial examinations?"

Zhang Jingwei held his head high and replied righteously, "Humph! As the saying goes, 'All officials are inferior, only scholars are superior.' Studying is the path for us to pursue noble virtues and wisdom. How could you possibly understand that?"

Ma Tianmao curled his lips in disapproval and sneered, "Come on, stop pretending to be so noble! After all, isn't the purpose of studying to become an official? And becoming an official is nothing more than making more money."

Hearing this, Zhang Jingwei feigned anger, took out his fan, and pressed it against his nose, saying, "Oh my! It's really impossible to chat with you peddlers! All you talk about is money, money, money. You stink of money!"

However, Ma Tianmao was not angry. Instead, he smiled and said, "Hehe, you talk as if your Zhang family has never been involved in business. Forget it, forget it, I won't argue with you about this. Let me tell you, I have made an appointment with a few good friends to taste the fine tea shipped from the south. How about it, do you want to come along?"

Zhang Jingwei quickly waved his hand and refused, "Forget it. I have some important things to take care of here, and I don't have time to drink tea and chat with you."

Seeing this, Ma Tianmao bowed and said, "In that case, I'll take my leave now! We'll talk again another day."

After saying that, he turned around and strode away, leaving Zhang Jingwei standing there alone, looking at his receding back and shaking his head helplessly.

We've been talking for so long, so is Qian Ming lost with the Kung Fu box?

Zhang Jingwei stood up and walked towards the east courtyard.