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

In the deep and quiet hall, Empress Wu Zetian, dressed in a brocade robe with red and gold dragon patterns, was reviewing memorials.

Her long, flowing black hair, though disheveled, was adorned with a black and gold dragon crown. Her profile revealed noble and exquisite features, her skin showing no signs of sagging or aging. Her long, narrow, and alluring phoenix eyes held a bewitching charm, and every smile and frown exuded a captivating allure.

"Yes, Your Majesty. The Zhang family has now set off from Zhuxian Town and is continuing westward."

The Zhang family abandoned Zhuxian Town, so their only destination was the Divine Capital.

"The Zhang family!!"

As for the Zhang family, they were just ordinary merchants who had no idea that the Wu Tang were moved.

But the Zhang family is different. They are not only incredibly wealthy, but also extremely powerful, to the point of being unfathomable.

The Zhang family's Blood Droplets and Twelve Assassins alone were a chilling force in the martial arts world, not to mention the strength the Zhang family had displayed.

"Wan'er, what do you suggest we do to settle the Zhang family?"

"I don't know!"

Even Shangguan Wan'er, who is usually very talkative, remained silent on the matter of the Zhang family.

Because she knew that the arrival of the Zhang family could very well break the current pattern of aristocratic families blocking business.

In business, the Zhang family's talent pool is absolutely capable of breaking the blockade imposed by the ten great families;

In the martial arts world, the Zhang family's Ghost Street will be moved here directly, or a new Ghost Street will be built, thus creating another powerful force in the martial arts world.

In the imperial court, the Zhang family may remain silent, but given their past practices, they would undoubtedly bribe officials and dignitaries from all sides to open up trade routes.

Why don't you know?

"The arrival of the Zhang family will inevitably lead to changes in the imperial landscape, and I am worried that it will affect the court!"

"You think highly of the Zhang family?"

"Isn't His Majesty the same?"

Upon hearing this, Emperor Wu smiled charmingly.

(Li's) most understanding person was undoubtedly his female attendant.

"Rumor has it that this young master Zhang has reached the Grandmaster realm, and the Zhang family is also full of experts. Wan'er, what do you think we should do to bring the Zhang family under our control?"

"It's probably extremely difficult!"

Upon hearing this, Emperor Wu frowned slightly.

"Why?"

"The Zhang family does not interfere in court affairs or conflicts in the martial arts world; they only focus on developing their business model."

Merchants are primarily driven by profit, and the Zhang family clearly doesn't want to become a weapon in anyone's hands, not even an emperor.

"What use is that!"

The domineering Emperor Wu, Shangguan Wan'er bowed deeply and said:

“Your Majesty, the Zhang family cannot be used by the court, but the Zhang family’s commercial taxes are at least 100,000 taels of gold per year, or even a million taels of gold. This cannot be refused.”

Even knowing that Emperor Wu was just saying things in anger, there was no way he would push the Zhang family away.

But Shangguan Wan'er still hurriedly offered her advice, for serving the emperor was like walking on thin ice!

"Moreover, once the Zhang family settles in the capital, it means that the Zhang family's other businesses will also take root in the empire."

Products like glass art, soap, Ghost Street... and the Zhang family's secret technologies—the Empire can have the advantage of proximity to obtain them first!

"That's true. The Song Dynasty royal family has benefited so much over the years."

In the end, it was still a case of "when the cunning rabbit dies, the hunting dog is cooked"—the decline of the great royal family was already destined!

Chapter 378 Princess Taiping's First Arrival in the Capital and Her Attraction

The Divine Capital!

With the arrival of the Zhang family, the major furniture companies that received the news were shaken, their thoughts were inexplicable, and they each had their own plans.

With the Zhang family entering the scene, they're like dragons crossing the river; they're bound to take a large share of the profits.

However, the Zhang family's previous actions did not involve interference in the martial arts world or the imperial court; at most, they only engaged in commercial monopoly and expansion, which was extremely proper.

Or rather, the Zhang family has always dealt directly with those who break the rules.

For example, Cai Jing, the Grand Secretary of the Song Dynasty, had the entire Zhang family wiped out.

However, the Zhang family's soaps, glassware, desserts... these are all highly sought-after items in Jiangnan.

With the arrival of the Zhang family, they undoubtedly became a specialty of their Wu Tang dynasty.

"We've arrived, young master!"

Luoyi Wharf.

The Zhang family's fleet had just arrived at the dock, and under the watchful eyes of a huge crowd, it was as if an emperor were on a tour.

The arrival of the Zhang family from Lin'an Prefecture in the capital was definitely big news for the onlookers.

As for the Zhang family's desertion at the last minute?

The most prevalent rumor in Kyushu now is that Cai Jing coveted the Zhang family's wealth, so he secretly trained assassins to massacre the entire family, embezzle their money, frame the Zhang family, and ultimately force them to leave Lin'an Prefecture.

Moreover, major aristocratic families and royal spies have basically confirmed this news.

Although the Six Doors were a tightly organized group, most of them were resentful about the Cai family's affairs. In the end, the Zhang family was just a scapegoat.

However, the Zhang family also tricked the Zhao family of the Song Dynasty, and the million gold coins they ultimately donated were obtained from the extermination of the Cai family.

Rumors even circulated that the Zhang family's wealth far exceeded one million gold coins, with most of the remainder being transported to Ghost Street.

Moreover, on Ghost Street, many treasures were later offered to Cai Jing!

Fortunately, the Zhang family left Lin'an Prefecture. Considering that the 167 Imperial Guards of Lin'an Prefecture were no match for a bunch of rabble, they believed that the entire Song Dynasty was undoubtedly corrupt and decadent.

The Zhang family saw this and that's why they fled far away.

"Princess, the Zhang family has arrived."

Their ship is huge, even bigger than His Majesty's dragon boat!

"Those are large Fujian ships, the kind that frequently travel along the coast. The Zhang family's four super Fujian ships have undergone special modifications and are extremely rare!"

From a restaurant at the dock, one can see the Zhang family's large ship slowly approaching on the Luo River.

As the most powerful princess in the empire, Princess Taiping's actions this time were also aimed at winning over the Zhang family.

After all, the Zhang family's strength was comparable to that of the Netherworld Sect, the Demonic Sect, and the Jingnian Zen Temple...

These powerful martial arts forces in the Wu Tang Empire all deeply feared the Zhang family.

Zhang Xiaoshan's Pure Yang Finger is even more mysterious and unparalleled. It should be noted that the Underworld Emperor's dwarfism was cured by Zhang Xiaoshan. In addition, there is the Dragon Slaying Saber Technique. With just these two unique skills, Young Master Zhang can stand at the top of the Nine Provinces. He is worth winning over.

As for the Zhang family lacking a strong foundation? The Zhang family's reputation is its best foundation!

As the fleet slowly approached the shore, everyone witnessed the immense size of the Fujian ships.

Compared to Aunt Yu's boat, which was not just a matter of ten or twenty feet, the enormous ship, resembling a fortified city, left everyone speechless.

After all, they were inland and had never seen such a large ship before. Even dragon boats were not as big as the Fuzhou ship.

Moreover, the super-sized Fujian ship was enormous, with a height of five or six zhang (approximately 10-12 meters), which is equivalent to the height of five or six stories, even with a very large draft.

Standing on it gives you a completely disdainful feeling, as if you're looking down on kittens and puppies.

"Father, we've arrived!"

Zhang Yuan was surprised to see the huge crowd below; he hadn't expected their arrival to attract so many people.

Even the yamen runners came out to protect them; otherwise, the entire dock might not have been able to function normally.

"Now that we're here, have you made any arrangements beforehand?"

"Father, rest assured. I have already had someone buy a wealthy merchant's house here for me to stay temporarily. This time, I plan to build a Zhang Mansion in the suburbs."

"Build a Zhang Mansion in the suburbs? Isn't that a waste?"

Hearing that Zhang Xiaoshan was going to build a Zhang Mansion in the suburbs, even Zhang Yuan felt a bit arrogant.

It wasn't that the Zhang family's circumstances didn't allow it, but rather that he was extremely clear about Zhang Xiaoshan's style.

"Father, don't worry. It'll be similar to the previous new mansion and villa, and it should be completed in two or three months at most."

"That's good!"

Zhang Yuan was worried that Zhang Xiaoshan was too flamboyant, and upon hearing that it was similar to the Xinfu Villa, with an area of ​​only three or four acres.

After all, it's better to keep a low profile when you're on someone else's turf.

"A distinguished guest has arrived!"

Has a distinguished guest arrived?

Upon hearing this, Zhang Yuan immediately looked down at the approaching phoenix carriage and hurriedly led Zhang Xiaoshan down the mountain.

Looking at the distinguished guest who had arrived, dressed in a bright red palace gown, as dazzling and radiant as the clouds, she was stunningly beautiful; a phoenix hairpin adorned her slender hair, and she sat upright on the phoenix carriage, exuding nobility and grace, with unparalleled beauty.

Her charming and delicate face also possessed a rare touch of heroism, adding to her allure.

Zhang Xiaoshan knew that this was Princess Taiping, Emperor Wu's most beloved concubine, and also an ambitious woman!

The moment Zhang Xiaoshan was sizing up Princess Taiping, Princess Taiping was also sizing up Zhang Xiaoshan with her beautiful eyes.

Standing at nine feet tall, he would definitely stand out from the crowd.

Moreover, the handsome scholar from the Southern Dynasties looked like he was weak and powerless, but who would have thought that he was a grandmaster-level expert?

The Pure Yang Finger Technique is renowned throughout the Nine Provinces!

"Greetings, Your Majesty the Great Peace!"

Zhang Yuan and his son bowed respectfully, which made Princess Taiping's eyebrows arch and her lips sway with a slight smile:

"Oh, how did Young Master Zhang know it was me, the princess?"

"Rumor has it that the Palace Mistress inherited Her Majesty the Empress's unparalleled beauty, making her the most beautiful woman in Luoyi."

"Just now, upon seeing the princess, I felt as if she were a goddess descending to earth, and seeing her riding in a phoenix carriage, only the princess in Luoyang could fulfill these requirements!"

Hearing Zhang Xiaoshan's flattery, if Princess Taiping hadn't known about Zhang Xiaoshan's deeds, she would have really thought that Zhang Xiaoshan was a sycophant.

Her beauty is undeniable, but it's also known that Zhang Xiaoshan is surrounded by beautiful women.

"In that case, Young Master Zhang, you must give me face and come to the Royal Villa for a gathering!"

"How could I refuse the princess's invitation!"

Princess Taiping completely ignored Zhang Yuan, which shows that Zhang Yuan was of no value in her eyes.

Zhang Yuan looked like a fat, stocky man who clearly didn't know martial arts. Moreover, the real backbone of the Zhang family was Zhang Xiaoshan; Zhang Yuan was just managing an ordinary shop.

"In that case, young master, please ride with me!"

“I dare not. I am but a commoner, while the princess is of noble birth. How could I possibly ride with her?”

"Little bear, come out!"

Zhang Xiaoshan suddenly turned around and shouted.

To everyone's astonishment, a colossal black and white creature charged down.

If it weren't for its enormous size, it would definitely be an adorable animal.

But standing at 13 or 14 feet tall, this was a real bear, causing the crowd of people to retreat in disarray.

After all, bears are even more terrifying than tigers and worms.

"Father, prepare three gifts and a portion of dragonfish meat, and have Piaoxu deliver them later."

"Well, let's go!"

Zhang Yuan also knew that if Zhang Xiaoshan got involved with Princess Taiping, both his family and Zhang family would have a good future.

Zhang Xiaoshan then leaped directly onto the back of the Iron-Eating Beast, its plump body feeling no less impressive than that of the Phoenix Chariot.

"Is this a metal-eating beast? Ordinary metal-eating beasts don't have this size."

Princess Taiping naturally knew about the Iron-Eating Beast, but even an adult Iron-Eating Beast was not as big as one of its bear legs.