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

Zhang Jingwei's main purpose in coming to see Ma Tianmao was not actually for the imperial examination, but for the purpose of raising funds for the expansion of the camp. However, when Zhang Jingwei spoke to him seriously, Ma Tianmao started talking to him about all sorts of things, such as the brothels in the prefecture and the young masters in Jinzhou, which almost made Zhang Jingwei lose his temper on the spot!

Zhang Jingwei looked at Ma Tianmao helplessly, his tone somewhat anxious: "Oh, I've told you so many times, this is not just a simple donation, this is a business! Why are you always so resistant? Can you please listen to me carefully?"

Ma Tianmao frowned, crossed his arms, and shook his head, saying, "Of course I understand the logic. You came up with this idea for your father-in-law. But in today's world, who would willingly open their own store inside a military camp? Having supplies forcibly confiscated every now and then, who can stand it?"

Zhang Jingwei quickly patted his chest and assured, "Don't worry, that kind of situation will never happen. I can guarantee you that."

Ma Tianmao's eyes widened, and he asked suspiciously, "What guarantees do you have? This military camp expansion will require millions of dollars, and it will take more than half a year. This means that in the next six months, I will have thrown away millions of dollars without seeing any returns. I really don't dare to take such a risk lightly, so forget it. I can't do this business with you."

Zhang Jingwei was about to continue persuading him when Qian Ming hurried over and interrupted their conversation: "Master, someone is coming from home, and they say they are here to deliver good news."

After hearing this, Zhang Jingwei had to put aside the argument with Ma Tianmao for the time being and responded, "Okay, I got it!" Then he turned around and said to Ma Tianmao with a little apology, "Brother Tianmao, let's talk about this for today. We can discuss this matter another day. I have something else to do, so I'll leave you first. Goodbye!" After that, he turned around and hurriedly followed Qian Ming away.

Ma Tianmao stood there, looking at Zhang Jingwei's departing back, and muttered unhappily: "Humph, I won't see you off!"

……

In the guest hall of the Marquis's residence, a postman from Taiyuan Prefecture sat quietly on a chair, carrying a heavy bag on his back, which seemed to be filled with important items. He kept looking towards the door, appearing anxious and expectant.

Finally, a series of light footsteps were heard, and Zhang Jingwei slowly stepped into the guest hall. Seeing this, the postman hurriedly stood up, his face full of flattering smiles, and bowed to Zhang Jingwei repeatedly, saying, "Congratulations, Zhang Xiaolian! I didn't expect that the Juren of Yunzhou is so young!"

Zhang Jingwei smiled slightly, waved his hand modestly and said, "Thank you for your compliment, sir." Then he turned to Mu Tou beside him and ordered, "Mu Tou, quickly go to the accounting office and withdraw two strings of cash."

Not long after, Mu Tou came back jogging, holding a tray carefully in his hands. On the tray were more than 3,000 yellow copper coins neatly placed, and the coins were tied together tightly with a thin rope.

At this moment, the postman's eyes widened, and the corners of his mouth couldn't help but curl up slightly. He hurriedly stepped forward, pulled out a scroll wrapped in red silk from his bosom, handed it to Zhang Jingwei, and said flatteringly, "Zhang Xiaolian, this is a certificate issued to you by the Ministry of Education. It is extremely important. You must keep it carefully. If you accidentally lose it, you will have to go to the central capital to replace it in person, which is really troublesome!"

Zhang Jingwei nodded solemnly, took the certificate, and handed the two strings of silver coins he had prepared to the postman, saying politely, "Thank you for making such a special trip. This small amount of money is just a token of my appreciation. I hope you won't despise it."

The postman took the money with a look of joy and quickly stuffed it into the bag on his back, as if he was afraid someone would snatch it away if he was slow. He then bowed deeply to Zhang Jingwei and said, "Zhang Xiaolian is so polite. I will not bother you any more and will take my leave now!"

Zhang Jingwei smiled and nodded, then winked at Mu Tou, who was standing beside him, to show him the guest. Mu Tou understood and quickly stepped forward, making a gesture of invitation to the postman and saying, "Sir, please follow me!"

After the postman left, Zhang Jingwei opened the red silk and found a hardcover document with the Chinese characters "Ministry of Rites" printed in large letters. In addition to the document, there was also a piece of paper with the following words:

"In the eighth month of the Dingsi year, Zhang Jingwei, a student from Yunzhou, was awarded the title of Filial and Honest Integrity for his outstanding character and academic performance, and for his service to the people and the country!"

It is stamped with the seal of the Ministry of Rites.

Huangfu Changshui said with a smile: "Haha, I have to erect a monument for you!"

Zhang Jingwei bowed respectfully to Huangfu Changshui and said, "Father-in-law!"

Huangfu Changshui looked at his son-in-law, a successful candidate in the imperial examination, and nodded with satisfaction. He then said proudly, "My Huangfu family has been a family of military soldiers for generations, and now we can even produce a successful candidate like you. This is truly a great honor for our family!"

Hearing his father-in-law's praise, Zhang Jingwei quickly responded humbly, "Father-in-law, you are too kind. I can achieve what I have today thanks to your careful teaching and cultivation. Everything is thanks to you, father-in-law!"

Huangfu Changshui waved his hand gently, signaling Zhang Jingwei not to be so modest. Then he changed the subject and asked, "By the way, I heard that you just went to discuss the expansion with Ma Tianmao, and it didn't go well?"

Zhang Jingwei frowned slightly and answered truthfully, "It's indeed as you expected. This negotiation with Ma Tianmao has been quite complicated. I'm afraid it will take some time to make any breakthrough."

Huangfu Changshui thought for a moment and said soothingly, "It's alright. There's no need to rush this matter. Today is your big day, having made the list. I must celebrate for you properly. How about a grand banquet at home? We can invite all our relatives and friends to come and share in the joy."

However, Zhang Jingwei shook his head and declined, "Thank you for your kindness, father-in-law, but the most urgent task right now is to come up with a feasible plan as soon as possible so that Ma Tianmao can take the lead in raising funds. This matter is of great importance, and I dare not slack off in the slightest."

Huangfu Changshui saw Zhang Jingwei's resolute attitude and secretly praised him. He patted him on the shoulder and said, "Well, since you have made up your mind, let's put this matter first for now. But you must also remember to balance work and rest, and don't overwork yourself. After all, this is my responsibility, and there is no need for you to go to such lengths."

Zhang Jingwei straightened up upon hearing this and said with a firm face, "Father-in-law, you are wrong. Now that I have become a member of the Huangfu family, it is my duty to help you solve your problems and share your burdens. This is the filial duty that children should fulfill, and it is also my unshirkable responsibility!"