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

Chapter 333 Departure

Gao Jiong stood in the bank's accounting office, a thick ledger in hand, a satisfied smile on his face. Today, he had allocated a large sum for year-end bonuses. From the bank's top managers to the lowest-ranking workers, everyone received a generous bonus. This was the first chamber of commerce in the world to offer year-end bonuses to its people, and the news sent the entire bank into a frenzy.

"One hundred thousand strings of cash is worth it to buy people's hearts." Gao Jiong closed the account book with a hint of pride in his tone.

Zhang Jingwei stood aside, his expression calm, and said calmly: "I don't think there is anything proud about this. As a military officer, this is what we should do. The workers at the grassroots have worked hard for a year and they deserve the due reward."

Gao Jiong smiled and didn't refute. Instead, he said, "Several prefectures and counties in Hedong have recently been looking to our military bank to place orders for grain. The volume of orders is astonishing. Our grain workshops and stores are almost empty. I plan to collect some grain from several grain stores in the county, but the order is too large and will probably cost millions of strings of cash."

Zhang Jingwei nodded and said without hesitation, "I approve it. However, we need to keep a close eye on this matter. The most important thing about project outsourcing is quality. The person in charge must have good character and there must be no mistakes."

Gao Jiong was well prepared. He smiled and said, "I've already arranged this matter. I'll give it to He Hong. He was previously a military officer and is now the manager of our military bank. He's a reliable person. After the matter is completed, I will give him a commission from the profits as a reward to encourage him to do a good job."

Zhang Jingwei nodded in approval: "I'm relieved that Zhao Xuan will make the arrangements."

Gao Jiong paused, an awkward smile on his face, and rubbed his hands. "Um... my gold medal... can you give it back to me? I'm going to the capital at the end of February, and I can't do without it."

Zhang Jingwei was stunned for a moment, then slapped his forehead and said with a smile: "Oh, I forgot! I'll return it to you now." As he said that, he took out a golden token from his arms and handed it to Gao Jiong.

Gao Jiong took the gold medal, breathed a sigh of relief, and continued, "I've also arranged things for the Engineering Department. The position of Chief Manager..."

Zhang Jingwei waved his hand and said firmly, "You are the chief manager, so I will only recognize you. If Brother Zhaoxuan has no intention of staying at the military camp, I will not force you. While you are in Beijing, I will take good care of your family until you return."

Gao Jiong bowed gratefully: "Thank you, Brother Jingwei!"

Zhang Jingwei smiled and said, "After the snow stops, I will have to go to Gaoyang to take up my post. I plan to build a branch there and also set up a liaison station to facilitate the exchange of documents."

Gao Ying nodded: "I will fully cooperate then."

The two were silent for a moment, and Zhang Jingwei suddenly asked, "Excuse me, what rank is Brother Zhaoxuan in the court?"

Gao Jiong smiled, his tone tinged with self-mockery. "To be precise, I'm just a retainer of the prime minister, not a formal official. However, officials below the second rank must kneel to greet me when they see my token."

Zhang Jingwei raised his eyebrows and continued to ask, "How many people are there in the court who are of the first rank?"

Gao Jiong thought for a moment and replied, "The Prime Minister and the Minister of State are of the first rank, while the Ministers of the Six Ministries and the Governor of the Capital Province are of the second rank. They are already the pinnacle of the court. Even princes and nobles have to give them some respect."

Zhang Jingwei nodded thoughtfully, then suddenly smiled and said, "How long do you think it will take us to climb to that position?"

Gao Jiong laughed heartily and shook his head. "It's unlikely you can climb up the ladder by relying on your own abilities. However, if you use unconventional methods, there's a slight chance you could be transferred to the capital." He paused, a sly glint in his eyes. "Besides, if Brother Jingwei has a daughter who's favored by His Majesty, she'll have a bright future. With your talents, you're the undisputed Prime Minister!"

Zhang Jingwei couldn't help laughing when he heard this: "Uh... then I have to work hard!"

The two smiled at each other, and the atmosphere in the room became relaxed and pleasant.

……

A few days later, at Zhang Mansion.

It's cold before frost, chilly after snow. Despite a pale sun hanging in the sky, the chill still oppressed them. Zhang Jingwei and several servants gathered around the charcoal stove. Though the fire burned brightly, it seemed unable to withstand the chilly wind that seeped in through the crack in the door. They bundled up in their cotton coats, yet couldn't help but shiver slightly.

Zhang Jingwei rubbed his hands, cleared his throat, and said seriously, "I called everyone here suddenly today because I have something important to announce."

Hearing that the young master had something to say, everyone immediately straightened their backs and looked at him.

Zhang Jingwei looked around and said slowly, "I've already taken care of your household registration. I'm going to Gaoyang to take up my new post, so no one will live here anymore. So, let's discuss whether you should stay or go."

Zhang Liu was the first to speak, his tone firm: "Master, no need to say more, I will definitely follow you."

Zhang Jingwei nodded and said with a smile, "Sixth Uncle, I really need you when I go to Gaoyang to buy furniture. However, I need someone to take care of my farm in Yunzhou and the market in the north city." As he spoke, his eyes fell on Liu Guanjin.

Upon hearing this, Liu Guanjin quickly waved his hands, his face filled with fear: "Master, I can't do this... I can't manage such an important family property..."

Zhang Jingwei smiled, his tone gentle but unquestionable: "Guan Jin, you used to be on the farm too, so I won't discuss your ability for now. But now is the time to hire someone, and you're the most suitable."

Liu Guanjin still hesitated: "Master, this really can't..."

Zhang Jingwei interrupted him and directly made his offer: "How about listening to the terms? Master Xie of the suburban manor has a monthly salary of five strings of cash. I'll give you double that, ten strings of cash. In addition, I'll buy you a house in the north city. When the harvest season comes, I'll give you dividends. In a few years, you'll be a millionaire."

Liang Dahai, who was standing by, heard this with his eyes sparkling. He couldn't help but interrupt: "This... Master, actually, I think I can do it too..."

Zhang Jingwei glared at him and said bluntly, "Shut up! You have to go to Gaoyang with me!"

Liang Dahai shrank his neck and replied sullenly, "Okay..."

Seeing how highly Zhang Jingwei valued him, Liu Guanjin finally gave up and nodded solemnly, "Since Young Master has placed such high hopes on me, I, Liu Guanjin, will certainly give it my all! However, I would be unworthy of your generous reward if I were not to serve you."

Zhang Jingwei patted his shoulder and said with a smile, "Just work hard. Work hard in Yunzhou, find a good wife, and start a family!"

Liu Guanjin's eyes were slightly red, and he nodded heavily: "Yes!"

Zhang Jingwei looked at Mu Tou again, his tone gentle but with a hint of expectation: "Mu Tou, you are going to Wuzhou to join the army. We will go all the way north. When we reach Gaoyang, it will be easier to follow the Great Wall Pass. Then, we will set off together."

Mu Tou grinned and responded without hesitation: "Well, I'll listen to the master's arrangements!"

Finally, Zhang Jingwei's gaze fell on Zhang Shiyi: "Uncle Shiyi, I'll trouble you with the women and baggage. Please take care of the cart and the heavy load."

Zhang Shiyi stroked his beard, smiled, and nodded, "All the horses in the Zhang Mansion can be used. I'm glad I didn't eat for free. I can finally share the burden with the young master."

Zhang Jingwei nodded with satisfaction, stood up, and glanced at everyone: "Everyone, get ready. As soon as the snow stops, we'll set off."

Everyone responded in unison: "Yes, Master!"