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

Gaoyang City has been experiencing considerable unrest lately. Gangs of outsiders, posing as "Gyeonggi Province Inspectors" or "Undercover Censors," have been scamming restaurants and diners, causing untold suffering for businesses. The cause is the imperial court's newly enacted salt control policy, which has shaken the nation. The Censorate has dispatched numerous inspectors to inspect the region. Somehow, word of this has spread, and while the counties in Gyeonggi Province were well-prepared for such scams, they were surprised to see the unhealthy trend spread so quickly to Hedong Province, even affecting small counties like Gaoyang.

That morning, not long after Zhang Jingwei started court, a waiter from Yuehualou came running to the restaurant with a sad face and beat the drum to complain, saying that an old man with a few followers had come to the restaurant, with an extraordinary temperament. He had eaten three of the best meals in the restaurant, but had been dragging his feet on paying the bill.

Zhang Jingwei first sent a few yamen runners to mediate, but he didn't expect that after a while, the yamen runners ran back with bruised faces and noses - they were beaten by the old man's guards!

This stirred up a hornet's nest. Zhang Jingwei was already upset by the issue of medicinal herbs and refugees, and upon hearing of such an arrogant and domineering individual, he flew into a rage and slammed the gavel: "Outrageous! On my territory, you're eating for free and yet you dare to assault the official! I must personally meet this 'great god'!"

He immediately ordered two teams of yamen runners to rush towards Yuehua Tower in a menacing manner.

The owner of Yuehua Tower had been waiting eagerly at the door. When he saw Zhang Jingwei's sedan chair, he crawled over to greet him as if he had seen a savior. "Sir! Honourable Judge! You're finally here! That person...those people haven't left yet. They're in the private room on the second floor! They look calm and composed, as if they're still waiting for tea!"

Zhang Jingwei snorted coldly, straightened his official robe, and stepped into the restaurant. The shopkeeper trembled as he led him up to the second floor and pointed to the private room at the back called "Tingyuxuan".

Zhang Jingwei signaled the yamen runners to guard outside the door, took a deep breath, and pushed the door open.

The scene inside the door made him stunned for a moment, and the words of blame in his heart were stuck in his throat.

Inside the private room, instead of the ferocious charlatans I'd imagined, I saw seven or eight elderly men seated together. Most wore simple, cleanly starched cloth, their faces kind and their eyes clear. Some even wore bleached scholar robes, resembling revered teachers from rural private schools. The one at the head of the table was the most striking, dressed in a dark purple brocade garb and sporting a fine jade headband with a shiny black sandalwood hairpin tucked in. Despite his age, his every move exuded an indescribable grace and elegance.

The table was littered with cups and plates, obviously having just finished a sumptuous breakfast. The air was still filled with the aroma of tea, snacks, wine and food.

Zhang Jingwei quickly suppressed his anger and adopted a calm, businesslike tone. He bowed and said, "Excuse me, gentlemen. I heard that you were all here yesterday and have shared three tables over the past two days. Although Yuehua Tower is a nice place, it is ultimately a small business and we do not accept credit. Could you please settle the accounts?"

As soon as he finished speaking, the group of old men were not alarmed. Instead, they all looked at him with a smile.

An old man in plain clothes, looking vigorous and energetic, stroked his beard and smiled, "Haha, this young official is quite polite. Are you the magistrate of Gaoyang County, Zhang Jingwei?"

An old man in Confucian robes next to him said, "Well, he is indeed a man of good looks, with a clear temperament, unlike those mediocre people."

Another old man asked with great interest, "Did you really write the poem 'Have You Not Seen' that caused such a sensation in the capital, 'Given my talent, it will surely be useful, even if I spend all my wealth, I will still get it back'? When I first read it, I thought it was written by some Taoist master who had seen through the mundane world. Such an open-minded state of mind is unlike the mind of a young man!"

Someone else nodded in agreement, "To be able to write such a sharp policy essay as 'Chen Shi Shu' and to contribute to such a strategic plan for governing the country as 'Salt Control Policy', you are truly a man of great talent! What a pity, I heard you were only considered a filial and honest official, and never took the imperial examination? If you had continued with the imperial examination, with your talent, earning a Jinshi would have been a piece of cake."

One kind-looking old man even asked enthusiastically, "County Magistrate Zhang is so young and promising. I wonder if he's married yet? I have a granddaughter at home who just turned sixteen this year. She has a gentle temperament and is somewhat knowledgeable in poetry and prose..."

This flurry of praise and greetings, like a spring breeze, hit a sweet spot for Zhang Jingwei. He tried hard to maintain the dignity of a patriarchal official, but the uncontrollable smile and slightly raised brows betrayed his inner joy and delight. What scholar could refuse such praise from a contemporary scholar (he subconsciously assumed these elders were no ordinary people)?

Qian Ming, standing by, was visibly anxious. He was a pragmatic man, and wouldn't be fooled by a few sweet words. He stepped forward and interrupted gruffly, "Hey! My young master is here to get you to pay! What are you old bastards talking about? Don't even think about trying to fool me!"

Zhang Jingwei was listening attentively, and was immediately displeased by Qian Ming's interruption. He scolded, "Qian Ming! Don't be rude! How can you be so rude to these old gentlemen!"

Qian Ming was anxious and didn't care about anything else. He pulled Zhang Jingwei's sleeve and whispered, "Master! My dear master! Wake up! Don't forget your business just because they praised you a few times! There are so many freeloaders in the city lately, and the atmosphere is corrupted by these people! If every freeloader can get a free meal just by praising you a few times, this phenomenon will only become more rampant! Our county government is almost becoming a joke!"

Zhang Jingwei impatiently shook off his hand, his eyes sweeping over the group of calm, composed elders who looked nothing like charlatans. The brocade elder's deep, calm gaze, in particular, made him feel that Qian Ming was judging others with a mean mind. With a touch of arrogance and self-righteous judgment, he addressed Qian Ming, "Rough man! What do you know? Open your eyes and take a good look! These old gentlemen are so handsome and dignified, how could they possibly be short of money for a few meals? They must have been delayed for some reason! Don't judge them by appearances, you've just offended a gentleman!"

Qian Ming was almost choked by his words. He pointed at the group of old men, his lips trembling: "Young Master! You...how could you..."

Zhang Jingwei ignored him and turned to the elders, his face once again plastered with a warm smile, even with a hint of generosity: "Gentlemen, I apologize for my rude behavior. Today's account is on my shoulders, and I will settle it for you! Although Gaoyang is a small county on the border, it is also a place where scholars and scholars gather. You are welcome to stay here for a few days and enjoy the scenery. If you need anything, please come to the county government office to find me."

He said this beautifully, feeling that he had saved the old man's face and demonstrated his own magnanimity and appreciation for talent as a parent official.

Qian Ming watched on in amazement, beating his chest and stamping his feet, but he could do nothing but mutter, "It's over... Young Master, you're prone to flattery again... The bill for Yuehua Tower will have to be deducted from your regular salary..."