Chapter Sixteen: A Large Family and a Prosperous Business

  The Zhang family has been established in Qiantang for several generations, with a prominent family background. The accumulation of several generations has made the Zhang family one of the most prestigious families in Qiantang.

  What made the people of Qiantang even more envious was that the young master of the Zhang family, who was in his generation, ranked first in the county examination last year and passed as a Xiucai. With his level of talent, unless something unexpected happened, he would at least be able to pass as a Juren next year. His family had vast wealth and produced many talents, and their influence was unmatched for the time being.

  Just last year, the Zhang family built a luxurious mansion in Qinghe, spending nearly two thousand taels of silver. This is only the cost of the construction materials; if we add up all the other expenses, it's likely to exceed four thousand taels of silver.

  This mansion occupies several acres of land, located in a bustling street outside the city, taking advantage of the geographical advantages. The vermilion gate, the heavy ceremonial gate and courtyard walls, as well as the staggered pavilions and buildings, all show extraordinary grandeur.

  Zhang Taigong was already over sixty years old. In this vast main hall, Zhang Taigong's face was filled with shame and anger, his thin hands involuntarily trembling.

  How outrageous! This is really too much!

  He had two sons, the elder of whom was quite promising and had gone to Jiangning to study. However, he doted on his younger son, Zhang Shusheng, who although mischievous, was born in his old age and was excessively spoiled. He would often carry him in his mouth, fearing that he would melt away, and cradle him in the palm of his hand, afraid that he would fall. Who knew that today he would return with injuries all over his body? Until now, he still hasn't woken up from his coma.

  The piece of uncarved jade he usually liked to hold in his hand had been smashed to the ground, and the hall was in disarray. Kneeling at his feet were two young servants who had accompanied Young Master Zhang on his outing. The servants' collars were already soaked with cold sweat, and they didn't dare breathe a word, only stuttering out an account of what had happened.

  "That rascal is like a madman, not only does he not speak reasonably... but also beats and kicks the young master, we..."

  Zhang Taigong stood still with his hands behind his back, his mouth twitching slightly as he gazed coldly at them and said, "Can't the two of you even control a lowly servant from committing murder, or are you not putting in enough effort?"

  One of the servants hastily called out, shouting: "How dare you, that servant is a madman! Later... later someone else came, claiming to be a person from Wang Gong's household, and indeed had some martial arts skills. I was worried about Young Master's injuries... so... so..."

  Zhang Taigong tapped this little fellow's head with his nanmu wooden staff and shouted: "Are you one of Wang Gonggong's men?"

  Standing beside him was Zhang Fu's steward, Zhang Jin. Zhang Jin bowed and said: "Master, I also heard a few days ago that Xu Jia's father and son seem to have some relationship with Wang Gonggong."

  Zhang Taigong's face looked very unsightly, and he said coldly: "Even if it were Wang Gonggong, this grudge must be avenged. Shu Sheng is still unconscious now. If I, the old man, can't deal with this Xu fellow, how can I stand in Qiantang?"

  Zhang Jin bowed and said: "What you said is right, old master, but..."

  Zhang Taigong looked coldly at Zhang Jin and said with his cane: "What's going on?"

  Zhang Jin said, "Since we have a connection with Wang Gonggong, it's better to be cautious for now. After all, the conflict occurred at Xu's house, and if we really want to reason with them, our unauthorized entry into Xu's mansion is already a fault on our part. Therefore, we must wait for an opportunity to strike."

  Zhang Taigong sat down and said fiercely: "It's just a humble role, but you have to be so cautious?"

  Zhang Tai Gong was obviously used to being the master, but when Zhang Jin mentioned Wang Gong Gong, he also had a few points of apprehension. Although he asked back like this, he also knew that what Zhang Jin said was true.

  His eyes narrowed and his tone became flat, saying: "Forget it, just do as you mean, let people stare at them tightly, to investigate their relationship with Wang Gong."

  Zhang Tai Gong picked up the tea cup, but then put it back on the table and said: "Their every move, I want to know, dare to make a move in front of the Zhang family, still a lowly servant's son, is there still law in Qiantang?"

  "Yes, yes, I'll go and do it right away." Zhang Jin hastily agreed. He knew that Old Master was usually self-proclaimed to be moderate and rarely got angry. Now that he had burst into a thunderous rage, if Zhang Jin didn't take it seriously, he wouldn't need to work here anymore.

  At this time, Zhang Jin's mind couldn't help but think: That Xu guy is really reckless, even if he has a deep relationship with Wang Gonggong, would Wang Gonggong be willing to risk his life for him? Without a friendship that can withstand death, no one can protect you. Today, you've offended Wen Sheng Young Master, and it's your bad luck.

  For several days, the Zhang family had been inquiring about the Xu family's father and son. Zhang Shu-sheng's injuries were slightly better, and he was able to get out of bed. His wounds were mainly on his face, which had been punched by Xu Qian more than a dozen times, even his nose bridge was crooked. Zhang Shu-sheng thought himself elegant and refined, how could he bear the shame of being disfigured? Early in the morning, he went to find his father, using his own eloquence, wailing loudly: "If you don't avenge me, I'll die by hitting the wall, rather than live in this world and lose face. That Xu family's scoundrel, are we Zhangs afraid of them? Father..."

  Zhang Tai Gong showed Zhang Shu Sheng all kinds of love and care, advising him from left to right, but unfortunately Zhang Shu Sheng was determined to get Xu Qian killed and couldn't delay for a moment.

  Zhang Taigong had no choice but to hastily summon Zhang Jin to respond.

  Zhang Jin entered the hall, took a look at his young master and shook his head helplessly in his heart. He had become like this, still so forgetful.

  Zhang Jin was a cautious person and hastily paid his respects to Zhang Tai Gong. Zhang Tai Gong merely nodded casually and said, "What about that Xu fellow? How's the investigation going? He and Wang Gong..."

  This is what Zhang Taigong is most concerned about. What he fears is not a lowly official, but rather the Duke of Wang.

  Zhang Jin said, "Yesterday, that young Xu went to Wang Gonggong's mansion and didn't come out until half a time later. He seemed to be holding something in his hand, and judging from the look on his face, it seems..."

  Zhang Taigong's eyes narrowed slightly, and he let out a cold snort, saying: "Is that all?"

  Zhang Jin continued: "Early this morning, Xu's father went to the yamen. Someone saw him go to the signing room on purpose to find Huang Shiyeh, saying that he was about to be released from his duties and asked Huang Shiyeh to come home for a visit."

  Zhang Tai Gong was bewildered, just a moment ago it was Wang Gong Gong, how did it become Huang Shi Ye now? Could it be that he wanted to rely on Huang Shi Ye to deal with the Zhang family?

  Zhang Taigong snorted, it's true that the teacher is usually the county magistrate's confidant, and it's also true that he himself is a citizen under the jurisdiction of the county magistrate. However, the Zhang family is not to be trifled with. Let alone Huang Shiyeye, even if the county magistrate wants to give face to the Zhang family, they have to weigh their options carefully.

  Neither the county magistrate nor the instructor were native to this place, but the Zhang family was a local snake, unless the county magistrate did not care about his future and came to tear his face with the Zhang family, otherwise he would not easily offend a gentry family like the Zhangs.

  No matter whether it's river management, running a school, collecting taxes or doing some political achievement projects, the county magistrate needs the support of local gentry, otherwise nothing can be done. Zhang Taigong doesn't believe that a lowly yamen runner could get such maintenance from the county magistrate and the teacher.

  Zhang Shu Sheng, who was standing beside him, could no longer hold back his anger and bellowed: "What's the use of investigating further? I almost got beaten to death. If this Xu fellow doesn't die, how can I avenge my hatred? Father, why not just call someone over to tie up that Xu fellow..."

  But Zhang Taigong hesitated and couldn't make up his mind for a while.

  Zhang Jin couldn't help but say: "Master, there's one more thing. There's a guard from the Wang Gong Gong Fu who has been at the Xu residence all this time. If we want to capture someone, I'm afraid..."

  Zhang Taigong narrowed his eyes and lay back in his chair, saying slowly: "Isn't this person sent by Wang Gonggong?"

  "Father......" Zhang Shu shouted: "This guard also laid hands on his son, all these people should die..."

  "Shut up!" Zhang Taigong rarely scolded, and immediately said: "What do you know? A mere gatekeeper doesn't count for much, but who can guarantee that this person isn't being protected by Wang Gonggong's orders to protect the Xu family? If it's really Wang Gonggong's orders, then this matter won't be easy to handle. It's better to investigate this matter clearly... Zhang Jin, call a few more people to ask around, as long as the Xu family and Wang Gonggong don't have any deep connections, everything will be fine. As for that Xu kid, just remember his head is in our hands, killing him would be as easy as crushing an ant, but we can't afford to lose a thousand men to kill one worthless servant, nor can we let the Zhang family suffer losses because of this. The Zhang family's many businesses involve waterway checkpoints, if we really offend Wang Gonggong, I fear there will be many inconveniences in the future."

  "Father..." Zhang Shu Sheng was anxious, his pig-headed face reddening even more, and he pleaded with Zhang Tai Gong: "When will my son's revenge be avenged?"

  Zhang Taigong sneered, "It's all the same whether you speak quickly or slowly. In any case, we'll have to get rid of him. It's just a matter of knowing ourselves and our enemies beforehand. If our relationship with Wang Gonggong isn't too deep, we can simply send someone to tie him up and throw him into the river. That way, there won't be much trouble. But if our relationship with Wang Gonggong is too close, then we'll have to take action through official channels."

  ………………

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