Father, who is both a heir and a descendant, is still biased; the bound system has gone berserk.

Yin Zhaowen stood in front of the Tongfu Inn, feeling quite surprised.

Based on Wu Zishan's circumstances, he should not be able to afford to stay at Tongfu Inn.

After all, although Tongfu Inn is not as good as Lingyun Inn, the number one inn in the capital, it is still quite top-notch.

Yin Zhaowen couldn't help but recall his own past. When he took the imperial examination, he was so poor that he could only stay in the woodshed of a small inn.

It seems that although Wu Zishan comes from an ordinary background, his family is certainly not short of money.

That's normal. To achieve good results in the spring examination, living in a better place will help you be in better condition.

I heard that Wu Zishan has several friends from Jiulu Academy, and they are staying at Tongfu Inn together.

Even in order to maintain friendships, some expenses are necessary.

Yin Zhaowen walked in with his hands behind his back, looking quite relaxed.

The innkeeper's waiter greeted him warmly, and Yin Zhaowen said directly, "I'm looking for Wu Zishan, a young master who's staying here."

The waiter glanced at Yin Zhaowen without making a sound and recognized his identity.

Tongfu Inn is a property under the Mu Family Trading Company and also serves as an intelligence outpost.

Under the emperor's nose, they knew the characteristics of every official by heart.

They knew exactly who Wu Zishan was.

It seems that this Vice Minister of the Ministry of Personnel has taken a liking to that scholar named Wu Zishan.

The waiter smiled warmly, "Please have a seat, sir. I'll go upstairs and invite Young Master Wu down right away."

Yin Zhaowen nodded and casually found a seat in the middle to sit down.

Another waiter served him tea and snacks, taking excellent care of him.

Yin Zhaowen thanked him.

He took a sip of tea, and then Wu Zishan came downstairs.

The waiter led him directly to Yin Zhaowen.

Wu Zishan's heart was pounding. He had a premonition when the waiter told him that a customer downstairs wanted to see him.

He knew no one in the capital, so if someone wanted to see him now, it was most likely because it was something he had been thinking about.

When Wu Zishan saw that Yin Zhaowen, despite his advanced age, still possessed an elegant demeanor, and even his posture exuded nobility and official authority, he understood everything.

This gentleman has taken a liking to him.

He's so good-looking, his daughter must be a beauty too.

I just don't know what official position this person holds.

If his official position is too low, he will refuse to accept his daughter no matter how beautiful she is.

"I, Wu Zishan, have met this gentleman before. May I ask your name and why you have come to see me?"

Wu Zishan bowed with his hands clasped in greeting, his posture dignified and proper. Coupled with his handsome appearance, he truly inspired goodwill.

Yin Zhaowen looked him over. He was dressed in a clean, snow-white long robe, his hair was combed perfectly, and his nails were neatly trimmed.

With sword-like eyebrows that reach his temples, a pair of peach blossom eyes that seem affectionate, and lips that curve upwards, he exudes a natural joy and smile.

But it was precisely because of his sword-like eyebrows that he exuded a sharp and righteous aura.

While judging people by their appearance is not advisable, who can like someone who is slovenly and disorganized?

Although Wu Zishan's white robe was made of slightly finer cotton, it was clean and tidy, and one could even see the marks of repeated washing.

Old, but clean.

Simple, yet neat.

He is an organized person.

Yin Zhaowen felt a great deal of goodwill towards this person upon their first meeting.

"My surname is Yin. I have heard that you are quite talented, so I have come to meet you. Please sit down, don't stand."

As Yin Zhaowen spoke, he observed Wu Zishan's reaction.

Sure enough, seeing a hint of surprise flash across his face, but no hint of displeasure, Yin Zhaowen was even more satisfied.

The young man must have guessed his identity, yet he remained calm and composed, truly showing remarkable composure.

Not bad.

"Thank you, Mr. Yin," Wu Zishan said.

He sat down opposite Yin Zhaowen, his heart filled with increasing excitement.

Yin Zhaowen, he is Yin Zhaowen, the third-ranked scholar in the imperial examination twenty years ago, and now the Left Vice Minister of the Ministry of Personnel, a third-rank official.

The Vice Minister of the Ministry of Personnel differed from the Vice Ministers of the other five ministries. The Vice Minister of the Ministry of Personnel held more real power in the court and could influence the promotion and demotion of officials.

With such a powerful figure as his backer, he will definitely have a smooth and successful career in the capital.

Wu Zishan understood that the second-rank official looked down on him, after all, there were many outstanding people ahead of him.

For a high-ranking official like a vice minister, a third-rank official, to take notice of him meant that he was at the pinnacle of people he could ever reach.

Moreover, this person is the Left Vice Minister of the Ministry of Personnel.

He was a very young Vice Minister of the Ministry of Personnel.

A voice rang in Wu Zishan's mind: he must seize this person and not let him slip away.

Seeing that he didn't say much but was calm and composed, Yin Zhaowen became even more optimistic about him.

"You've probably already guessed my identity."

Yin Zhaowen got straight to the point.

Wu Zishan cupped his hands in greeting again, "Yes, it is my great honor to be able to sit at the same table with you and have a conversation."

Yin Zhaowen nodded. "I have read your article. It is well written. Now I will ask you a few questions, and you must answer them truthfully."

He directly referred to himself as "this official," demonstrating utmost seriousness.

Wu Zishan said, "Sir, please ask, and I will answer truthfully."

"Are you married? Do you have a wife?"

Upon hearing this, Wu Zishan almost lost control of his trembling hands.

He first lowered his head, but quickly raised it again with a frank look in his eyes. "Your Honor, my family is poor, and we have already done everything we can to support you."

The student is focused on his studies and is neither married nor has a wife.

Yin Zhaowen's eyes lit up.

He then said, "I have an only daughter, nineteen years old, who is still unmarried. Would you be willing to become my daughter's servant?"

Before Wu Zishan could answer, he recalled some words his father-in-law had said to him years ago.

He added, "You may answer from the heart. There is no need to force yourself because of my official position. I am not petty or narrow-minded. I am either willing or unwilling."

Yin Zhaowen stared intently at Wu Zishan's expression, not missing a single change in his expression.

Wu Zishan's expression turned solemn, and he stood up and bowed, saying, "This student is willing."

Yin Zhaowen said, "You agreed so readily? Haven't you met my daughter? Aren't you afraid you'll regret it later?"

Wu Zishan sat down, lowered his head in shame, and said, "To tell you the truth, it is my great honor to have caught your eye. Even if I were a fool, I would not refuse."

Furthermore... you are a man of exceptional appearance and have a daughter of considerable wealth; she must also be a woman of outstanding character.

I apologize for any offense I may have caused; please forgive me.

A glint of light flashed in Wu Zishan's eyes.

Sincerity is always the ultimate weapon.

His frankness and honesty are what make him so admirable.

Sure enough, Yin Zhaowen was taken aback at first, and then burst into laughter.

Wu Zishan was puzzled.

Yin Zhaowen said, "Do you know that I said the same things to my father-in-law back then?"