In the beginning, he was ranked alongside An Shigeng as a spoiled brat.

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They didn't use the Dragon-Slaying Saber, or even the tortoise-shell spirit weapon.

The next day, the heads of major families, the Demonic Sect, the Netherworld Sect, and other major forces all received news that Zhang Xiaoshan had defeated the Martial Emperor.

Emperor Wu is a Grandmaster-level expert, and he cultivates the Dao Heart Demon Seed Technique, so his strength should not be underestimated.

Even so, he was still defeated by Zhang Xiaoshan's ninth move of the Dragon-Slaying Saber Technique.

The existence of the ninth move of the Dragon-Slaying Saber Technique, which was even doubted by rumors, made everyone understand why the Dragon-Slaying Saber could subdue the evil dragon.

"Even that vixen was defeated?"

Zhu Yuyan, who was at the headquarters of the Yin Gui Sect of the Demonic Path, was also extremely surprised when she received the news.

It should be noted that although the Empress cultivated the "Demon Seed of the Dao Heart," she was not a disciple of their Holy Sect. After all, the Empress was a Grandmaster in the official hierarchy, while the Demonic Sect was a clandestine sect.

Even back then, the Empress hunted down members of the Demonic Sect for the sake of "The Demon Seed of the Dao Heart".

Moreover, it was precisely by seizing the Dao Heart Demon Seed Technique that she broke through to the Grandmaster realm and became the Empress of Wu Tang.

Therefore, even Zhu Yuyan had to admit that the woman's strength was absolutely that of a supreme being of the Demonic Sect!

But unexpectedly, even so, he still lost to that person.

"Master, will the Empress break ties with the Zhang family?"

This is a great loss of face for the royal family. Now that they all know, the Empress may very well send out the Sixteen Guards to besiege the Zhang family.

"Then you're underestimating this vixen. She's an emperor, not a village woman."

Moreover, the Zhang family is not so easy to besiege. Don't forget, the Zhang family still has four bronze-armored warriors. Six or seven years ago, the strength of the bronze-armored warriors was already that of a Grandmaster. Now, the strength of the bronze-armored warriors must be even more unfathomable.

Adding to the remaining Blood Droplets and the Blood Thorns yet to be used, she wouldn't risk a desperate, self-destructive fight for a little face.

Upon hearing this, Wanwan nodded in agreement.

Indeed, given the Zhang family's strength, if they were to fight to the death, even if the Wu Tang Empire destroyed the Zhang family, their vital energy would be severely damaged.

"But why did that vixen suddenly go to the Zhang family?"

To outsiders, it was just a clash between grandmasters, but the old guys saw a much deeper problem.

Why would an empress suddenly appear at the Zhang family's villa?

"Does Master mean that the Empress has reached a cooperation agreement with the Zhang family?"

"This is absolutely not normal!"

Although the Zhang family are merchants, no power dares to underestimate them. If the two families were to truly unite, it would be a powerful alliance.

The power of the imperial family, the strength of the Zhang family, and the ingenuity of their products are in no way inferior to those of the Mohist and Gongshu families of the Later Zhou Dynasty!

"Master, rest assured, your disciple will find out as soon as possible."

"No need. Go and arrange a meeting with Young Master Zhang for me. Just say that an old friend has invited him, and he will know!"

"Yes, Master!"

Wanwan naturally knew that the Zhang family had done her master a favor in the past, but the Zhang family didn't seem to have anything worth the Demonic Sect's attention.

After all, if even the Zhang family couldn't solve it, the Demonic Sect wouldn't be an exception, so Wanwan was fully aware of it.

It wasn't just the Demonic Sect; the Netherworld Sect, the Jingnian Zen Temple, and various powerful families were all speculating about the possible deal between Zhang Xiaoshan and the Empress.

···

"Zhang family!"

Lin'an Prefecture!

Not long after Fang La captured Lin'an Prefecture, the imperial army quickly organized a counterattack.

The empire's assembled generals, coupled with its well-equipped and highly trained imperial guards, were no match for a rabble.

When the Zhang family arrived at Zhuxian Town, the Zhao family of the Song Dynasty had already recaptured Lin'an Prefecture, and the emperor had returned to the throne.

However, at this time, the Song Dynasty had two emperors: a retired emperor and a new emperor!

With each new emperor comes a new court, and treacherous officials like Cai Jing, Tong Guan, and Liang Shicheng naturally became thorns in the side of the new emperor.

But with the old emperor still alive, these treacherous officials are not easy to kill.

Emperor Qinzong, who had been focused on restoring order to the court, was extremely displeased to receive news from the Zhang family.

After the Zhang family left, the lives of the entire Song Dynasty nobility were at least a level lower.

The Zhang family not only mastered the core technologies of glassmaking, soap making, and dessert making, but also brought various spices, fragrant rice, and even unique southern fruits and vegetables from Southeast Asia... It can be said that with the departure of the Zhang family, they were all gone forever.

Moreover, many high-ranking officials and nobles were filled with nostalgia as they looked at the Red Mansion that had been burned down by the rebel army.

Moreover, there's the annual offering from the Zhang family.

Therefore, even Emperor Huizong was struggling financially at this time, having forced the Zhang family to leave.

In the past, the Zhang family's tributes included everything imaginable: soap, glassware, desserts, and more...

Now that the Zhang family has left, they must purchase from the Wu Tang Empire, which will cost at least twice as much, and they must actually buy from the imperial treasury instead of relying on the Zhang family's donations.

Even the items themselves might not be the absolute best.

"Your Majesty, the Zhang family's case is truly a miscarriage of justice."

Cai Xiang secretly trained assassins who not only wiped out entire families and amassed wealth, but also framed the Zhang family. The fact that the Zhang family didn't harm Cai Xiang was already a sign of consideration for the empire's reputation.

At this moment, several nobles looked at Zhang Xiaoshan's 'arrogance' in the face of someone who could even injure the Martial Emperor.

In comparison, it is perfectly normal to simply treat Cai Jing with the same methods he used against him.

They have the right to be arrogant; they even dared to directly injure Emperor Wu, and he was completely unharmed.

Moreover, the Zhang family's hidden hand in Ghost Street is a divine being who can even tame a wicked dragon for his own use; he is someone they cannot afford to provoke.

"But the Emperor Emeritus's word has been spoken; how can it be changed?"

"Your Majesty, there is no need for the Emperor Emeritus to change his tune; simply execute Prime Minister Cai."

First, Cai Xiang's crimes are heinous and numerous, too many to list, and the Zhang family's case is no exception.

Second, Cai Xiang was unpopular among the people, and could be described as a treacherous minister who harmed the country.

If Your Majesty were to kill Chancellor Cai, you would surely win the hearts of the people; this would be a win-win situation.

After all, with the Zhang family gone, the entire nobility's lifestyle fell a level. If His Majesty recalls the Zhang family, the entire nobility will side with His Majesty!

You only realize the value of something when you lose it.

In the past, the Zhang family was nothing more than a corrupt merchant family in their eyes.

But in those short two or three months, many of their households ran out of soap and had to resort to using soap pods again.

Not to mention the custom-made pastries, the bustling and luxurious Red Mansion, and the essential spices and salt in the home...

From frugality to extravagance is easy, from extravagance to frugality is difficult!

Undoubtedly, they only realized at this moment that their luxurious lifestyle was inseparable from the Zhang family's supply.

The power of the new emperor and the old emperor is nothing more than the favor shown to these nobles.

At this moment, Emperor Qinzong, who had only been on the throne for a few months, was also impressed.

Killing Cai Jing would bring so many benefits, and each one struck a nerve with him.

It should be noted that he is also a beneficiary of a luxurious lifestyle, but because the palace is rich in resources, he is not lacking now, and there are also royal chefs in the palace who can make pastries.

"In that case, Zhuge Shenhou and Hengdao Tongling, I'll leave this matter to you."

"Yes, Your Majesty!"

Zhuge Zhengwo and Hengdao were also greatly encouraged.

They've finally taken action against Cai Jing. His reputation as a treacherous minister is known to everyone, from the streets to the alleys.

Chapter 384 Recruiting the Zhang Family Back? The Turmoil of the Wedding Dress Divine Skill

"Interesting. Shall we go back?"

Inside the hall, Zhang Xiaoshan looked at the exoneration notice sent by the Song Dynasty with a mocking expression.

Although he was not in the Song Dynasty, he had complete control over every aspect of the Song Dynasty, so there was nothing strange about it.

Besides being framed by Cai Jing, another reason he left was that he was worried about becoming the new emperor Qinzong's money bag!

Even with the strength the Zhang family has displayed now, not to mention the Song Dynasty, even the Wu Tang Dynasty wouldn't dare to touch them.

But how can a broken heart possibly recover from its previous feelings?

Ultimately, if the Zhang family hadn't revealed their strength beforehand, the new emperor would have definitely targeted them upon ascending the throne, draining the national treasury.

They even went so far as to elevate the Zhang family's businesses to the status of imperial merchants!

"Young master, the Song Dynasty is, after all, the foundation of the Zhang family."

Even now, the Zhang family could immediately recover their vital energy upon returning, not to mention their geographical advantage—being situated along the river and bordering the sea!

The women were used to the climate of Jiangnan and didn't feel much about Luoyi.

But Zhang Xiaoshan shook his head, because ever since he moved here, he had never thought about going back.

Zhang Xiaoshan understood that the women wanted to go back.

However, he didn't go to Jiangnan, but to Peach Blossom Island.

"I have my own plans for things in Jiangnan. With such a large-scale relocation to Jiangnan, how could I possibly go back directly?"

Upon hearing this, the women said nothing more.

Zhang Xiaoshan is the head of the family, and it would be too humiliating for the Song Dynasty to simply send him back.

"Moreover, we have just established a foothold in the Wu Tang Empire. If we leave now, all our previous investments will have been for nothing."

"Young Master, are you planning to develop in two directions?"

"Not bad!"

The women were all intelligent and immediately understood Zhang Xiaoshan's strategy. Moreover, in this way, the Song Dynasty's imperial family would no longer need to carry out a 'purge'.

The Empress is a Grandmaster-level expert, and she knows the strength of the Zhang family, so she doesn't dare to act rashly.

The Song Dynasty was different.

"Once the Empire State Building opens, it won't be too late to settle down in Lin'an Prefecture."

As for going back? The Zhang family isn't a dog, summoned and dismissed at will. They should pay some price!

In the past, in order to avoid being influenced by the imperial court, the Zhang family mainly relied on gifts and tributes to the royal family and high-ranking officials.

After all, these costs are not much and can ensure the smooth operation of the business, so the Zhang family doesn't care.

Besides, they'll also be spending money at the Zhang family's restaurant, on food, pastries, beauty treatments...

Even with the lowest discount of 50%, the Zhang family still made a huge profit!

But things are different now. The Zhang family no longer needs to develop in the Southern Song Dynasty, so they will have to pay for everything themselves from now on.

Moreover, according to the standards the Zhang family had previously given them, their annual expenses would be at least 10,000 taels of silver.

This is an extravagance that could absolutely bankrupt them.

Even for basic necessities like firewood, rice, oil, and salt, most noble households would spend at least a thousand taels of silver a year.

Especially in winter, there are top-quality fox furs, fruits, charcoal...

The Zhang family possesses advanced technology. Even something as seemingly insignificant as fruitwood charcoal is produced in a dedicated charcoal manufacturing base in the south. The price is extremely high, with one pound of fruitwood charcoal costing as much as three qian of silver, and one hundred pounds costing thirty liang of silver, ten times the price of their competitors.

However, you get what you pay for. Fruitwood charcoal not only has the smokeless burning effect of top-grade charcoal, but also has a faint fruity aroma, making it extremely popular among the nobility.

Moreover, fruits and vegetables are available during the winter.

The news of the Song Dynasty envoy could not be kept from the Bad People and Plum Blossom Guards of the Wu Tang Empire.

Moreover, they were well aware of the Song Dynasty envoy's purpose, to which Emperor Wu and the heads of the various powerful families all responded with disdain.

During this period, although the Zhang family did not open their shops for business, they sent lavish gifts to virtually every well-known and prominent family—at least a cartload of soap, glassware, and spices…

The Zhang family could not possibly give up on the foundation they had built with nearly a million dollars.

As expected, the Zhang family remained unmoved for some time afterward.