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

Xiao Kewei, dressed in green official uniform, led a group of officials in a neat formation. Seeing Zhang Jingwei and his party approach, he hurried forward and bowed deeply. "Since your wedding, your Excellency is even more high-spirited. I, your humble servant, lead all the officials of the Gaoyang government office to respectfully welcome your Excellency into the city!"

Zhang Jingwei dismounted and returned the greeting with a bow, "Haha, thank you, Chief Clerk Xiao. I'm new here, so I'll have to rely on you and my colleagues!"

Xiao Kewei and the twenty or so officials behind him responded in unison, "We are willing to die for you, sir!"

Zhang Jingwei nodded with satisfaction, and stepped aside to make way for Fang Yue and the others who were tied up. "Master Xiao, lock up these prisoners behind me in the cell first." He pointed to the luggage cart behind him and said, "Please help me carry the luggage!"

Xiao Kewei was obviously startled when he heard this, a hint of surprise flashed in his eyes, but he quickly returned to normal and bowed in response, "As you command."

At this moment, a thin clerk stepped forward and took the donkey's reins with a broad smile on his face. "Your Excellency, you have had a long journey. I will lead the donkey for you." He led the way attentively, turning back from time to time to flatter, "The county government office has been tidied and all the furniture has been prepared. We are just waiting for you to move in."

Zhang Jingwei walked and looked at the streets of Gaoyang City, and asked casually: "What's this young man's name?"

The clerk was flattered and bowed repeatedly: "My surname is Zhao, and I am a clerk in the government office. You can just call me Zhao Peixin."

Huangfu Ling chuckled at the side: "Officer Zhao is quite clever."

Zhao Peixin's words were even more attentive: "Madam, you are so kind! I heard that you were coming, so I specially pruned the plum trees in the backyard of the county government office. I hope you and Madam will have a comfortable stay."

Mu Tou followed behind, carrying his axe, and couldn't help but interrupt: "Master, the people in Gaoyang City are really warm and welcoming."

Zhang Jingwei smiled meaningfully: "Yes, very enthusiastic."

After turning a few streets and alleys, the towering gate of the county government came into view. The four gilded characters "Gaoyang County Government" on the vermilion lacquer gate gleamed brightly in the setting sun. Two rows of yamen runners stood in front of the gate, holding sticks. Upon seeing the new county magistrate arrive, they saluted in unison.

Zhao Peixin walked quickly to the front and said, "Sir, this is our Gaoyang County Government Office."

Zhang Jingwei stood on the steps, looking at the government office he was about to take charge of, a complex look flashing in his eyes. He turned to the crowd and said, "Thank you for all the hard work today. After we settle in, let's have a good meal!"

Everyone responded in unison. Mu Tou couldn't even walk when he smelled the mutton soup on the street, and his saliva was almost watering.

After crossing the high threshold, a massive ceremonial gate appeared before him, completely obscuring the entire view of the county government office. Zhang Jingwei looked around and discovered that the Gaoyang County government office was much smaller than the Yunzhou prefectural government office, with only a solitary government office standing in the center.

"This county government office is quite simple." Zhang Jingwei said, touching his chin.

Zhao Peixin followed him and whispered, "Behind the government office is the county magistrate's residence. Although it's a bit small, it has a main house, side rooms, and front and back yards."

As he was speaking, Liang Dahai came running from the toilet, belt in hand, with a worried look on his face: "Oh, I have to dig another toilet."

Mu Tou, carrying his axe, said with a gloating smile, "You'd better think about how to get water tonight! This well is very deep."

Liang Dahai puffed out his chest in dissatisfaction: "Well, I'm a man after all. Can fetching two buckets of water really kill me?"

Zhang Shiyi interjected, "Let's build a stable first. Otherwise, where will the young master's donkey sleep?"

"Go away," Liang Dahai said, waving his hand. "If you want a ride, go ahead. Since you like that donkey so much, just let it sleep with you."

Zhang Jingwei clapped his hands, interrupting their bickering. "Let's arrange the rooms first." He pointed to several rooms and assigned them one by one. "The one closest to me, Dahai, you and your godfather will live in it. The big one, Mu Tou, you, Uncle Shiyi, and Ergou will squeeze in. The maids will live in the west wing, and Xiaocai will be in charge of the assignments. No one will live in the backyard for the time being!"

Huangfu Ling asked in confusion, "Why do you want to keep the backyard? Why do you want to make them live in so many rooms?"

Zhang Jingwei smiled mysteriously: "I'm going to turn the backyard into a martial arts training room for you, so you don't have to take your anger out on me all day."

"Hmph!" Huangfu Ling turned his face away, but the corners of his mouth rose slightly.

Liang Dahai suddenly remembered something and asked, "Master, didn't Ergou arrive early? Where is he?"

Zhang Jingwei's expression calmed down and he lowered his voice and said, "He's out on some business. He'll meet you in a few days."

Everyone looked thoughtful upon hearing this. Mu Tou scratched his head and muttered quietly, "So mysterious..."

Not long after, Qian Ming settled his family and came to the county government office to gather. Seeing that everyone had gathered, Zhang Jingwei raised his arms and cheered.

"Let's go, dinner!"

……

Gaoyang Street was bustling with activity, rivaling the bustling scene of Yunzhou City. Zhang Jingwei stopped in front of a brightly lit restaurant, looking up at the gilded sign, his curiosity piqued.

The three gilded characters "Yuehualou" gleamed brightly in the lantern light. Zhang Jingwei looked at the diners coming in and out and exclaimed in surprise, "There's still such business before the curfew..."

Zhang Liu stroked his beard, thinking, "It's still there..."

"Sixth Uncle, have you been here before?" Zhang Jingwei turned around and asked.

A trace of nostalgia flashed in Zhang Liu's eyes. "I've been to Yuehualou a long time ago. The owner is from Yunzhou. Their mutton soup rice is delicious and affordable, and many laborers and farmers can afford it!"

Zhang Jingwei laughed when he heard this and said, "No wonder there are so many people. Let's have dinner here tonight!"

When Mu Tou heard this, he immediately patted his stomach and shouted, "Okay, okay, I've been starving for a long time."

"A starving ghost reincarnated?" Zhang Jingwei glared at him. "You ate all the pancakes my master's wife baked, and you still have the nerve to tell me you're hungry!"

Mu Tou scratched his head in grievance: "I'm wasting my energy. Besides, I ran two ten-mile trips today and had to keep going without even having lunch."

"Then why don't you put down your broken axe?" Zhang Jingwei said helplessly.

Mu Tou immediately held the axe handle tightly: "What if it gets lost..."

"Okay, then you carry it." Zhang Jingwei shook his head.

At this time, a clever waiter came forward and said, "Dear guests, would you like a private room?"

"Arrange a private room for me and put up all your signs!" Zhang Jingwei said generously.

Zhang Liu quickly dissuaded him: "Master, don't waste it."

Zhang Jingwei pointed at the wood and said, "Look at that starving ghost. He can't afford to waste even a little bit."

The waiter smiled and said, "Okay, I'll arrange it for you right away."

The group followed the waiter through the bustling lobby, where every seat was packed, and diners were toasting each other, creating a lively atmosphere. The waiter introduced the dishes as they walked, "Our signature dishes at Yuehua Tower include braised lamb, braised carp, stir-fried chicken, and our special lamb broth steamed buns. I guarantee you'll be satisfied!"

Mu Tou drooled at the thought, his stomach growling even louder. Zhang Jingwei couldn't help but laugh, "Looks like I'll have to let you eat your fill tonight, or you'll be hungry again in the middle of the night."

Huangfu Ling looked at the restaurant's furnishings and said softly, "Although Yuehualou is not luxurious, it exudes warmth everywhere. No wonder the business is so good."

The waiter led them to an elegant room on the second floor, the window of which faced Gaoyang City's bustling streets. Zhang Jingwei stood at the window, looking at the bustling crowds on the street, and sighed, "It seems that Gaoyang County is even more lively than I imagined!"