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

Not to mention the damp and dark environment of the rainforest, and the fact that they could set fires and clear paths simultaneously without the fire spreading beyond a few meters, their fire control ability is truly remarkable.

If the opponent is an enemy, the ability to traverse the rainforest alone would be a fatal blow to the镖国 (Biao Kingdom).

Because it could directly lead Dali's army through the rainforest and invade their heartland.

Moreover, this is merely a derived ability.

Three Arhat-level warriors—such masters would be an absolutely fatal blow to any faction.

For a time, in the eyes of the镖国 (Biao Guo, a powerful military force):

The Zhang family was originally just a merchant family from the Central Plains, and could be replaced at any time.

At this moment, the King of Biao Kingdom understood that even if he were to go to war with Dali, he could not directly offend the Zhang family.

Otherwise, not to mention the unparalleled combat power of the three bronze-armored warriors, just the fact that the Zhang family helped the Dali Duan family would plunge their Biao Kingdom into utter ruin.

This was Zhang Xiaoshan's purpose in establishing his authority.

By establishing their authority in Dali and in the镖国 (Biaoguo, a region known for its镖局, meaning镖局, or镖局, respectively), the Zhang family was transformed from insignificant figures into an undeniable third party.

Chapter 269 The Zhang Family's Gift Returns to the Central Plains

A royal banquet was held, with toasts and laughter filling the air!

Although Zhang Xiaoshan had outmaneuvered the镖国 this time, no one paid any attention.

For them, if their ability surpasses that of ten elephants, let alone ten elephants, even a fiefdom would not be out of the question.

And ultimately, the duel was initiated by them.

However, their number one warrior was too useless; when he tried to fight, he ended up getting injured himself.

In the end, it was thanks to someone else's magic pill that I had the chance to drink and relieve my boredom at night; otherwise, it might have taken me ten days or half a month to recover.

Therefore, the grand ceremony held for Zhang Xiaoshan reached its zenith.

Powerful, mysterious, and the Zhang Family Chamber of Commerce is even more extraordinary. Like the enlightened monk, there are five members in the Zhang family, and this is not even the most powerful one, but he is no less than the number one warrior of their镖国 (Biao Kingdom).

"Your Majesty, I had prepared a gift this morning, but I forgot because things got a bit chaotic during the day."

Gift?

With a simple gesture, Zhang Xiaoshan raised his hand, and the bronze-armored warrior subtly placed a sandalwood box in his hand.

As soon as it was opened, a refreshing fragrance wafted out, startling the entire hall.

The fragrance has floral, ambergris, and sandalwood notes...

"During my trip to Nanyue, I discovered many unique herbs and plants that are the essence of the South. Combining them with the Zhang family's techniques, I specially made some Zhang family specialties."

Like this soap!

Looking at the bar of soap that Zhang Xiaoshan took out, the rich, fragrant scent emanated from it.

The soap was small, about a foot long, with a three-inch square cross-section, and was divided into ten small pieces.

These are all unique to South Vietnam, made from plant oils, fibers, and herbal essences...

"Everyone is familiar with soap. If it were just ordinary soap, Mr. Zhang would not have given it as a gift."

This is a silk soap made by Zhang on the road. It uses datura essential oil, fruit and plant oils, and ambergris as fragrances. Most importantly, it contains silk, which can have excellent waterproof, skin care, and anti-aging effects.

If you use it after washing up in the morning, as long as you don't expose your skin to the scorching sun for a long time, it can keep your skin moisturized all day.

Moreover, silk softens the skin and can gradually repair facial wrinkles, resulting in a youthful appearance, whitening, and nourishing effect.

Hiss...

Is this soap? It's clearly a beauty filter!

As for the specific effects, they were still interested in Zhang Xiaoshan's mystique at this point.

"The second gift is an unconventional rouge that the Zhang family is about to launch."

The main ingredient is coconut oil from the southern Yue region, meaning that Zhang plans to purchase some coconut oil to test the waters!

Looking at the rouge Zhang Xiaoshan took out, it wasn't a small lacquer box, but a multi-faceted long prism made of sandalwood.

Moreover, the sandalwood used is the precious small-leaf sandalwood.

Everyone watched as Zhang Xiaoshan slowly turned the base below, and then a lipstick was revealed.

"Rong'er!"

Huang Rong had seen the production process; since this product didn't use ambergris, she didn't refuse it.

As Huang Rong slowly demonstrated the method, the eyes of the women present lit up as they stared at the glossy lipstick. The Empress and the others had already started using one.

"The last item is a specialty product recently launched by the Zhang family, which you should all be quite familiar with!"

A black brick-like object landed in Zhang Xiaoshan's hand.

Zhang Xiaoshan casually took the short blade from Liu Sheng Piaoxu's waist, carefully removed the rotten parts of the surrounding black bricks, then sucked and cut them... repeating this process twelve times before finally nodding.

By this time, many tea-loving ministers already knew what it was.

These are Pu'er tea bricks that were brought from Dali!

Moreover, those rotten and moldy marks on the ground have been there for who knows how many years.

For a moment, they had no idea what Zhang Xiaoshan was up to.

"Alright, drifting catkins!"

"Yes, son!"

Fang sheathed his short blade. At this moment, Hongxiao also came in from outside, her slender hands carrying an incense table weighing at least several hundred kilograms, on which were placed exquisite tea sets.

Not only has Yagyu Hyōshū reached the pinnacle of Bushido, but he has also attained a transcendent level in the art of tea ceremony.

Just watching Liu Sheng Piaoxu brew tea is a delightful and refreshing experience for many.

Moreover, he was such a beautiful and refined warrior.

For a moment, many people looked at Zhang Xiaoshan with envy; the beautiful woman, the beautiful scenery, and the fragrant tea were a perfect match.

As the Pu'er tea gradually steeped, an extremely rich aroma filled the entire hall.

Even as the king of a nation, he had never inquired about such a rich aroma of agarwood.

This is not just about the rich aroma of the tea, but about a sense of tranquility and serenity that lets him know that this is an absolutely rare and precious treasure.

"This is···"

"Exquisite Pu'er tea that is over a hundred years old!"

Generally, loose Pu-erh tea tastes best after two to three years.

For tea bricks, storage for ten to fifteen years is ideal, and this particular brick is a century-old tea brick that Mr. Zhang found in Pu'er City.

After being squeezed and tightened for a long time, the surface hardens completely and may even rot.

But because there's no air circulation inside, it actually gets better with age, truly a century-old gem!

"Is it?"

Tea that has been stored for a hundred years?

As the waiter brought over a cup, not only was the aroma incredibly rich, unlike anything he had ever smelled before, but the tea itself was also captivating, like a ruby.

"Your Majesty, Zen Master, everyone, please!"

"please!"

There are only a few cups at a time, and very few people get to drink them.

But without exception, they were all filled with anticipation.

With each sip, the aroma of tea filled his mouth, as if a surge of spiritual energy had rushed to his head, causing Zhang Xiaoshan to feel a rush of energy to his brain.

"As expected, it did not disappoint the young man; it is truly a masterpiece!"

"Haha, young master is right, it is truly a masterpiece of the world."

"What a pity, there was only one!"

"Now that the tea bricks have been opened, it is naturally not advisable for them to be tossed about at sea. This is a gift for His Majesty."

In addition, Mr. Zhang has some tea bricks that are forty or fifty years old, and he can also offer some to His Majesty. Basically, all the old tea in Pu'er City that is over thirty years old, I'll take it all in one go."

Hiss...

Upon hearing about Zhang Xiaoshan's methods, everyone was immediately shocked.

This young man from the Zhang family was truly ruthless, leaving them nothing at all.

"Thank you, sir!"

···

"I never expected to earn so much!"

On the ship returning to the Central Plains, Huang Rong and Hong Xiao counted their spoils.

Interpersonal interactions are inevitable.

In the end, the gifts that were delivered, as well as the deposits, exceeded Zhang Xiaoshan's expectations.

The items they ordered included top-grade tea from the Central Plains, brocade silk, and official kiln porcelain—all luxury goods in the Central Plains, not the usual high-quality items.

· ········Requesting flowers· ········

After all, merchant ships import goods in large quantities; truly top-quality items simply cannot be transported in large quantities.

Even if it were transported here, it wouldn't reach their hands.

There weren't enough people in the palace, and there were even more princes and nobles.

Instead, it would be better to order directly from Zhang Xiaoshan, which made Zhang Xiaoshan see a business opportunity.

Therefore, the deposit alone included two or three large boxes of rubies, as well as countless other rare and precious items.

However, another reason for such a high price was to establish connections with the Zhang family.

Their attempts to curry favor with Zhang Xiaoshan stemmed from their recognition of the Zhang family's unshakeable position in Southern Vietnam.

The three mines merely provided the Zhang family with a foundation.

So the power the Zhang family displayed this time means that at least one nuclear weapon is hanging over their heads.

As long as the Zhang family doesn't cross the bottom line of either country, they will essentially be the dominant third party.

Besides, the Zhang family is just a business.

......... ......... ...

"It's a pity you didn't take two elephants back with you."

"Why would you take it back? Are you going to keep it as a pet?"

You're just curious for a while. You've played with them for a few days, that's about it. If you really take them back, no one will take care of them. Why make them leave their homeland?

"come back next time!"

Huang Rong knew she had missed a lot because of the rush in her trip.

Next time, we should start from here, head north along the Ancient Tea Horse Road, passing through the Western Regions, beyond the Great Wall, and into Guanzhong... only then will the trip be worthwhile.

In addition, Zhang Xiaoshan also brought a lot of raw stone quarries, one-third of which had been windowed, and two-thirds of which were uncut and full material.

After I return this time, Yangzhou Ghost Street will open.

Unlike Lin'an Prefecture, Yangzhou was a truly 'high-end' place, known for its morning tea, "skinny horses" (a euphemism for prostitutes), and salt transport...

These raw stones are the materials for the new game that the Zhang family plans to open at the Tianji Tower.

Gambling has its skills, but these jade gambling stones are different; most of them rely entirely on luck.

With jade being highly prized, it became even more popular among merchants.

Therefore, Zhang Xiaoshan had already made plans.

With Pu'er tea being such a top-tier brand, this is a perfect opportunity for promotion.

As for other things, such as coconut oil, some plant oils similar to palm and olive oil, as well as herbs that also exist in southern Vietnam, and some secret recipes.