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

However, Tong Guan could only manipulate the power and influence of the Eastern Depot.

If Cai Jing is the supporter of the An family, then Tong Guan is the supporter of the Zhang family.

However, Cai Jing and the An family were in cahoots, while the Zhang family and Tong Guan were merely backers.

After all, the annual tribute of tens of thousands of taels of gold is not given for nothing.

Moreover, the Zhang family provided Tong Guan with soaps, glassware, fine wines, and other necessities that were no less than those for tribute.

Therefore, the Zhang family, instead of settling down, secretly gained a bad reputation.

The powerful figures supported by the Zhang family were not limited to Tong Guan. Cai Jing and several other prominent figures in the imperial court were also backers of the Zhang family, differing only in the degree of their relationship.

But Tong Guan's personal visit to offer birthday wishes was a "big surprise" for the Zhang family.

If this isn't handled properly, the Zhang family tomorrow could become the next An family.

If Zhuge Zhengwo, who was on the fourth floor, hadn't known the Zhang family's true nature, he would have probably condemned them to the abyss.

"Hehe, everyone, please don't be so formal."

"I've come here to offer my congratulations on your birthday, Young Master Zhang, on your eighteenth birthday and the occasion of your coming-of-age ceremony!"

Tong Guan's words were a great honor for the Zhang family, and even the crowd couldn't help but look at them with envy.

As for the crown and hair-tying ceremony?

The saying "reaching adulthood at twenty" is just a general statement; reaching adulthood earlier is also not impossible.

"Thank you, Prime Minister! Shan'er, come and thank the Prime Minister!"

"Students pay homage to the Prime Minister!"

Zhang Yuan gave a reprimand, and Zhang Xiaoshan had no choice but to step forward and respectfully perform a student's salute.

Tong Guan had noticed Zhang Xiaoshan long ago. When he saw the handsome young man striding forward, not to mention his dashing appearance, just his height of nine feet made him stand out from the crowd. It was hard not to notice him.

For a moment, a smile involuntarily appeared on his originally gray and 'refined' face.

"What a tall and handsome young man! I wonder if Young Master Zhang is married?"

"Not yet!"

Upon hearing Zhang Yuan's answer, Tong Guan nodded and smiled.

"Master Zhang is so lucky! I wonder which noble family or daughter will be lucky enough to marry into the Zhang family in the future!"

~~~!

Zhang Xiaoshan's lips twitched; he couldn't understand the eunuch's inner thoughts.

But the way he said it made it sound like he was getting married, especially since Tong Guan was praising him too much.

Although Zhang Xiaoshan looked down on those noble ladies, those noble ladies also looked down on him; this was the solidification of the feudal class system.

"The Zhang family father and son, receive the imperial decree!"

"Long live my emperor! Long live!"

It was said that the Zhang family father and son received the imperial decree, but the crowd that had originally been watching the spectacle suddenly knelt down, pressing their legs together.

"His Majesty's decree: The Zhang family father and son have a compassionate heart and perform many good deeds, bringing them abundant blessings. On the occasion of Young Master Zhang's eighteenth birthday, he is bestowed the name 'Ziyu' to commemorate his virtue!"

"Long live the Emperor! His imperial grace is boundless!"

Zhang Yuan was so excited that he trembled, and even the people around him were deeply shaken.

The emperor bestowing a title upon someone is not an exclusive privilege, but it carries a different significance, signifying that they are hailed as "unparalleled in the nation."

Ziyu, whose virtues are as noble as fine jade.

A prestigious reputation, a guarantee of honor!

Not to mention Zhang Yuan's excitement, even Zhuge Zhengwo above him was full of admiration.

Zhang Xiaoshan smiled slightly. This was the benefit of getting in touch with the higher-ups. If it weren't for the generous gifts Zhang Xiaoshan had prepared in advance, how would the emperor have known who the Zhang family father and son were?

At most, I remember that he was just a servant who gave them tributes.

Compared to his previous investments, this prestigious reputation elevated him directly from the ranks of businessmen.

Even the most learned scholars dared not put on airs in front of him.

No wonder Tong Guan, despite his cunning and shrewdness, spoke those words without regard for the situation, saying that even a noblewoman might not be worthy of someone like 'Ziyu'.

Even though the Zhang family are merchants, their men are unparalleled national heroes, and they are not suitable matches for ordinary women.

An Shigeng was also envious.

Unexpectedly, a disaster brought good fortune to the Zhang family.

It should be noted that later, when they settled down, they also invested tens of thousands of bushels of grain, but the emperor did not take it seriously at all.

"If you are not in a hurry, please do me the honor of coming upstairs for a chat. Shan'er has brought some special things today."

"Is that so? Then I'll have to take a look."

Tong Guan stepped into the Red Mansion and was immediately struck by its magnificent splendor.

As an inner minister, Tong Guan was not unsophisticated; he had seen almost 99% of the rare and precious treasures in the world.

But they were still surprised by the extravagance of the Hong Mansion. They never expected that the Zhang family would invest so much in a restaurant.

Clearly, what the Zhang family gave them was just a drop in the ocean.

"Lord Zhuge!"

"Master Tong!"

After a brief greeting on the fourth floor, Tong Guan basically ignored Zhuge Zhengwo.

Different road non-phase plan!

Cai Jing and Tong Guan wielded immense power and colluded with each other, while Zhuge Zhengwo was undoubtedly a breath of fresh air.

With the arrival of Tong Guan and the bestowal of a title by the emperor, even the previously arrogant dignitaries rushed to the scene, daring not to show the slightest disrespect.

Many even proposed marriage alliances on the spot.

With his unparalleled talent and exceptional demeanor, no one would want to miss out on this golden opportunity to marry him.

Zhang Xiaoshan almost exploded on the spot.

He had no desire to marry any noblewoman he didn't know, or who might even be ugly!

But in the end, the cunning Zhang Yuan defeated them on the spot, thus preventing Zhang Xiaoshan from falling into the abyss.

······

"Lord Tong, this is a birthday cake from a Western noble family. The first cut should be made by the esteemed guest!"

Zhang Yuan, with a fawning expression, handed Tong Guan a three-foot bread knife.

Tong Guan, also a master of innate martial arts, smiled as he held his knife and looked at the birthday cake decorated with flying figures. This was the biggest surprise of the day.

He asked the Zhang family to make a nine-dragon cake for the emperor's birthday that day, knowing the emperor would definitely like it.

Now Tong Guan is just waiting to see how the cake tastes.

With a single cut, there was no hesitation whatsoever, and not a single drop of butter touched the blade.

The knife is a renowned blade forged through countless trials and tribulations, and the person wielding it is a master of innate skill.

After the cake was cut, everyone looked at the cake and fork in their hands. One bite and they immediately felt the sweet and fragrant cream melt in their mouths. This was a taste and texture they had never experienced before.

At least for them, the novelty of their first taste was far superior to any other flavor.

Even though Tong Guan had tasted delicacies from all over the world, he couldn't help but feel a sense of surprise, as the exquisite presentation truly lived up to its reputation.

“Master Zhang, your cake is quite different from the cakes that were previously presented as tribute from the Western Regions. It tastes much better. I wonder if it could be sent to the palace?”

"this··"

Zhang Yuan glanced at Zhang Xiaoshan, who chuckled lightly and said:

"It is my great honor that the Grand Chancellor shares His Majesty's burdens."

However, the cake is too sweet and shouldn't be eaten often. If the inner court trusts the Zhang family, the Hong residence can send a batch of desserts every three days. Moreover, the Hong residence always has desserts for sale; any noble person who needs them can come to the Hong residence at any time!

"I naturally trust the Zhang family. Over the years, the Zhang family has worked hard for the palace, and the Emperor has seen it all."

"Will the clerk come to collect the first batch of tribute three days later?"

"The Zhang family will certainly live up to your expectations, Father-in-law!"

Tong Guan smiled and nodded; he was reassured about the safety of the Zhang family's tribute.

Moreover, the money from the inner treasury used to buy desserts naturally ended up in his hands again, which was another considerable income.

Chapter Fourteen: On the fifteenth of July, a thick fog descended, and the gates of hell opened!

"Young Master, we have suffered a loss of four thousand one hundred and ninety-six taels today!"

The alluring shopkeeper, dressed in a red dress, had put away her charming and seductive demeanor, and her pretty face became serious.

On the first day of business, the store suffered a loss of four thousand taels of silver. At this time, Manager Feng was not heartbroken at all, but was extremely shocked.

After all, with today's discounts and free gifts, the amount given away is far more than ten thousand taels of silver.

This is all pure silver, and it's Zhang Xiaoshan's birthday, so the goal is to create a festive atmosphere; Verne didn't care about the cost.

"Four thousand taels? Doesn't that mean you made a profit of more than seven thousand taels in just one day?"

Zhang Xiaoshan never imagined how much profit he could make today. Hongfu is now a luxurious restaurant.

Not to mention that its fame has not yet spread among literary figures, in terms of profit, just from desserts alone, it can make a fortune in the future.

Moreover, there's also the food delivery service, and these are just the beginning.

However, he underestimated the Red Mansion's ability to amass wealth.

What Fu Song?

The Song Dynasty had the most merchants, and most of the wealthy people gathered here, so there was no shortage of spending power.

As long as the dishes are delicious, high-class, and impressive, the Hong Mansion will surely host many more upscale banquets in the future, especially those dishes that require reservations.

Once word of mouth is established, not only will there be repeat customers, but customers eager to try it will also flock to the store.

These costs and benefits amount to more than three times the profit.

"Young master, second floor, third floor..."

"Sister Feng wants to press her advantage? But I have my own plans for the second and third floors, which probably won't be open for at least a year!"

Looking at Zhang Xiaoshan's youthful face, Manager Feng knew that this young master's plans were far more ambitious than just a restaurant, so she did not insist.

This is the first time she has compromised since she adopted her strong-willed style!

Because she knew that this young master was no naivety when it came to business planning; he was a genius.

"By the way, Sister Feng, drink less baijiu and more red wine instead, it's good for your complexion and stomach."

Zhang Xiaoshan looked at the charming female manager in front of him, who was one of the most outstanding managers in the Zhang family in recent years.

Manager Feng's original name was Yan Feng, and she came from a scholarly family in Suzhou.

However, her family fell into poverty before she was married. By chance, she entered the Zhang family's shop to make a living, rising from a lowly employee to become the head manager of the Suzhou Mansion.

Until the preparation of the Red Mansion, he was recommended by Zhang Yuan to be the head manager of the Red Mansion.

"Thank you for your concern, young master!"

The breathtaking allure of his smile made Zhang Xiaoshan quickly mutter "Amitabha Buddha."

At the same time, Zhang Xiaoshan prepared to get up and leave. He had drunk a bit too much today. His internal energy could suppress it for a while, but its aftereffects were endless.

"The two Hu women that An Shigeng sent are also arranged here."

There hasn't been time to make specific arrangements for them these past two days, so we'll have them perform some Hu dances here to liven things up. Sister Feng will also learn some Hu dances; compared to the Rainbow Feather Dance, the Hu dances have many merits, being even more alluring and captivating.

"Don't worry, young master, I won't let your two beauties suffer!"

Manager Feng'er felt a little jealous, but she also knew that the two Hu women were pitiful people, and why should women make things difficult for each other?

As for learning Hu dance?