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

Two days passed after he offered his advice to Huangfu Changshui, but there was still no news. So Zhang Jingwei went to the government office to help Mu Tou escape slavery and become a civilian. Mu Tou's background was a bit strange. He had no ID, no birthplace, and even no parents' names. The head clerk of the household office was also troubled. Fortunately, Zhang Jingwei was willing to spend money. Zhang Jingwei was now rich and anything that could be done with money was not a problem.

In this way, Mu Tou's civil registration was settled with the help of the household registration office of the government office, but Zhang Jingwei didn't want to tell him for the time being.

The next morning, after a morning run, Zhang Jingwei returned to the yard. Seeing Mu Tou's dazed look, he asked in confusion, "Mu Tou, why haven't you been looking for Jiu'er lately?"

When Mu Tou heard this, he was stunned for a moment, then scratched his head and said, "Ah? I'm afraid that going to her all the time will disturb her."

Upon hearing this, Zhang Jingwei's eyes widened and he raised his voice, "What nonsense are you talking about! You should hang out with other people more often. Otherwise, if some dashing and charming man shows up one day and steals our Jiu'er's heart away, you won't even have time to cry then!"

After hearing this, Mu Tou quickly waved his hands and answered firmly: "She would never do that!" His face was full of determination and trust.

Seeing Mu Tou's expression, Zhang Jingwei couldn't help but smile mischievously, teasing, "Oh, look how nervous you are! Could it be that you two have secretly decided to get married without telling us?"

Mu Tou's face flushed crimson upon hearing this, and he quickly retorted, "Master! Please don't say anything nonsense. If this gets out, it will tarnish Miss Jiu'er's innocent reputation!"

Mu Tou, who had always been gentle and honest, had never lost his temper with Zhang Jingwei. When he suddenly yelled at him, even he was a little surprised and didn't know what to do for a moment.

After a moment, Mu Tou came to his senses and realized his misconduct. He quickly bowed his head and admitted his mistake, "Master... Master, please forgive me! I was impulsive and offended you."

Zhang Jingwei didn't take it seriously. He smiled and waved his hand, saying, "It's okay, I understand. After all, men in love are always more or less impulsive."

Mu Tou blushed and muttered, "Young Master is saying something incomprehensible again."

At this moment, Zhang Jingwei seemed to have remembered something important. He patted Mu Tou's shoulder and said seriously, "Mu Tou, how about you join the army after I become an official? The two of us brothers, one a scholar and one a warrior, can carve out a world for ourselves together!"

Mu Tou nodded without hesitation and said excitedly, "Of course! Young Master being promoted to an official is a great event that will bring honor to our family. Mu Tou must congratulate Young Master properly!"

However, after saying this, a barely perceptible reluctance flashed in Zhang Jingwei's eyes, but he just smiled slightly and said nothing more.

……

After lunch, Huangfu Ling went to the temple. On the fifteenth of every month, Huangfu Ling would go to the temple to pray for his deceased mother. Zhang Jingwei originally wanted to go, but Huangfu Changshui kept him.

Huangfu Changshui frowned and said, "Over the past two days, I've met with several wealthy families in the city, but the results have been disappointing. They've all expressed their unwillingness to invest in our project. This is truly unbelievable, and I need you to carefully consider the reasons behind this."

After hearing this, Zhang Jingwei thought for a moment, then asked, "Is there no other business in such a huge city like Yunzhou?"

Huangfu Changshui sighed and replied, "Of course there was, and your father... Hey! Back then, your father was the undisputed leader of Yunzhou's business community! He single-handedly founded the Chamber of Commerce and saved Yunzhou's economy from the chaos of war. Unfortunately, many things happened later, and now the Ma family is the only dominant family in Yunzhou. Although the Chamber of Commerce is no longer officially known, in reality, all merchants in Yunzhou have to look after the Ma family if they want to do business."

Zhang Jingwei nodded, expressing his understanding, and then suggested, "In that case, why not wait until Ma Tianmao returns from his exams and then discuss this matter with him."

Huangfu Changshui shook his head with a worried look on his face and said, "You just cheated someone out of a million taels of silver a while ago. Judging from the current situation, this matter may not be so easy to handle."

However, Zhang Jingwei didn't seem to care. He responded confidently, "As a businessman, all we do is pursue profit. As long as we can show them a sufficiently attractive prospect, I believe Ma Tianmao will understand this."

Upon hearing this, Huangfu Changshui couldn't help but ask, "That being said, the question is how can we make these businessmen realize that it is indeed profitable for them to participate?"

Zhang Jingwei said with a firm gaze: "We must open up the right to purchase and sell salt, tea, rice and grain in the settlement!" His voice was loud and decisive, as if he had thought it over for a long time.

Upon hearing this, Huangfu Changshui frowned and said with difficulty: "This...what's the difference between this and smuggling?" He was obviously very confused and worried about this proposal.

Zhang Jingwei smiled slightly and explained, "All transactions will be conducted under strict government supervision. As long as taxes are paid in full, it cannot be considered smuggling."

Huangfu Changshui still shook his head and questioned: "But how could there be an official willing to take the lead in doing such a thing?"

Zhang Jingwei's eyes flashed with shrewdness, and he confidently replied, "Since no government officials are willing to take the lead, why don't we set up our own organization called 'Junzhi Trading Company' and take charge of this matter ourselves?"

Huangfu Changshui looked confused after hearing this and quickly asked, "I still don't quite understand. Can you explain it in more detail?"

For the entire afternoon, Zhang Jingwei explained to Huangfu Changshui the necessity of this trading company from many aspects, including project investment, shareholding system, and operational planning.

Huangfu Changshui praised with a smile on his face: "Excellent! I didn't expect you to be so smart. It seems you've learned a lot about business from your father!"

Zhang Jingwei responded modestly, "Father-in-law, you are too kind. As your son-in-law, it is my duty to help you solve your problems."

Huangfu Changshui waved his hand and said generously, "Haha, I, Huangfu Changshui, am a rough man by nature. I really don't understand these business matters. I will leave this matter entirely to you. All the Yunzhou garrisons are at your disposal!"

Zhang Jingwei nodded slightly, indicating his acceptance, but then added with hesitation, "My Lord Father-in-law, I'm afraid this matter will take some time to execute. We can only begin after the Ma family's young master returns from his exams at the end of the month."

Huangfu Changshui nodded indifferently and said with a smile: "It's okay, it's only been half a month. By the way, my dear son-in-law, I still have something to ask you."

Zhang Jingwei quickly responded, "Father-in-law, please feel free to speak up. I will tell you everything I know."

Huangfu Changshui frowned slightly and asked doubtfully, "You and Ling'er have been married for some time now, why are you still unwilling to sleep with her?"