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

Page 99

Not only is making a mistake unlucky, but the people who come are all wealthy and powerful, and Zhang Xiaoshan doesn't want to cause trouble for himself.

Even though he's not afraid of trouble!

"Young Master, Miss Huang is truly blessed!"

"Happiness? I have too many debts to repay with love. In the end, I am the one who has wronged her. I will give her what I can."

Zhang Xiaoshan knew which young mistress's temper was best; if things weren't handled properly, she might not come at all.

Moreover, when it comes to major life events, if you don't have the means, you should save money wherever possible; but at the Zhang family's level, they are not afraid of spending money at all, they just care about face.

If you can give the other person the best, there's no need to be frugal.

As he spoke, Zhang Xiaoshan glanced at Bai Feifei, who looked both curious and surprised, and chuckled:

"You should also be careful. If you keep too close an eye on a man, you might just fall for him."

"Pooh!"

Bai Feifei was angered by Zhang Xiaoshan's teasing and glared at him angrily.

However, even she herself cannot discover this, yet some things are so mysterious.

As the wedding approached, Zhang Jian made preparations at a leisurely pace, while Uncle Yang, who was in charge of all procurement and coordination, looked tense and worried.

Because Huang Rong hasn't appeared yet.

The wedding invitations have already been sent out, and if Huang Rong doesn't show up, it's no laughing matter.

"Young master, young..."

Fang rushed into the study, only to be met with an unbelievable sight by the butler, Uncle Yang.

With the concerted efforts of Zhang Xiaoshan, Hongxiao, and Jiangxue, a massive oil painting, ten feet high and eight feet wide, was nearing completion.

This is a sketching skill that Zhang Xiaoshan taught Hongxiao and Jiangxue while they were cultivating in the valley, to help them pass the time.

Coloring is even simpler.

"Young Master, this is..."

"The wedding photo will be hung in the center of the main hall of the Hong Mansion on that day."

There are also these smaller ones; one is placed in front of the door, and the others are hung in prominent places.

The lifelike, almost lifelike sketches impressed Uncle Yang, who couldn't help but marvel at the skill involved. He was certain that if this project succeeded, it would be enough to shake the entire nation.

"Young Master, there are still seven days left, and the Young Madam has not yet appeared. If..."

"Don't worry, Uncle Yang, I know what's appropriate!"

"You can rest assured and prepare for this matter. I'm not unruly. Also, please send some guards from the merchant guild; I'm worried something might happen tonight."

"Hey!"

The butler, Uncle Yang, sighed and left the study; neither the father nor the son was in a hurry.

Zhang Xiaoshan was at least making preparations, while Zhang Yuan was checking accounts near both banks of the two rivers, taking his time.

“Young Master, I think we should take precautions against Uncle Yang’s concerns. If Miss Huang doesn’t come soon, something bad might really happen.”

"I know this isn't something you should be worrying about!"

Snapped!

He couldn't scold the elders in his family, but he was ruthless towards the young girl next to him.

An hour later, Zhang Xiaoshan used pure Yang Qi to dry the surface, then framed the giant wedding photo with a glass frame and wrapped it in silk.

This is the finishing touch to the wedding, so there can be no mistakes.

As for the fact that the master has not arrived?

This is a painting, not a photograph, so there's no need for the person in person to come.

"Young master, Mr. Ghost has arrived!"

At this moment, Ghost Yama also entered the study, carrying a treasure box, which he respectfully placed on the desk.

Made of sandalwood, the surface is engraved with Buddhist Vajra Sutra texts, showing a cautious and meticulous approach, clearly indicating that the contents inside are not simple.

"Young master, the item you requested has been completed. Do you wish to see if any changes are needed?"

"Thank you for your hard work, Uncle Gui!"

Zhang Xiaoshan stepped forward and opened the treasure box. Inside was an exquisitely crafted golden mask. It wasn't a typical full-face mask, but rather a very fashionable and intricate openwork design that only covered half of the face.

The entire mask has a glittering golden surface, with some platinum filigree and inlaid with ten rubies representing the ideal of loyalty and integrity.

On one side, there is also a pair of gold bells and a pair of bracelets inlaid with rubies, jade, cat's-eye stones...

However elaborate the decorations, the material itself is the most important part.

Despite its appearance as gold, it is actually made of extraterrestrial elite material, forged from the gold mask brought by Lei Laowu.

After rust removal, the gold mask, made of a special material, appears to be pure gold but is actually incredibly hard.

Even if Zhang Xiaoshan used his internal energy, it would be extremely difficult to leave a mark on it; it could only be forged under a high temperature of one thousand degrees Celsius.

Originally it was somewhat unlucky, but the forging and quenching process removed the evil energy from it.

Clang! Clang! Clang...

The sound was so crisp and clear, a kind of bell-like tone that seemed to cleanse the soul, that even Zhang Xiaoshan was extremely satisfied with it.

This bell is extraordinary; not only does it sound beautiful, but because of its special material, its sound can travel thousands of feet.

"Thank you for your trouble, Uncle Gui!"

"As long as you are satisfied, sir."

Ghost Yama looked at the contents of the box; Zhang Xiaoshan had really gone all out this time.

This is just one example of the things ordered on the black market.

···

"Does he even want to live his life anymore?"

The Beggars' Sect is one of the most well-informed gangs, and Huang Rong couldn't help but exclaim in shock when she saw the Zhang family's preparations.

With the Hong Mansion closed for three days and goods bearing the character "囍" (double happiness) transported from all over the country, she didn't know how much the Zhang family had prepared, but such a grand scale was enough to shake the entire nation.

This was a wedding of the century.

"These are just the small part; the Beggars' Sect disciples only recently discovered them."

The Zhang family's original residence was an old mansion with a history of over a century; although the wedding was held at the old mansion, the Zhang family had built a luxurious villa on the outskirts of Lin'an Prefecture.

"A separate courtyard?"

Although the villa was not the emperor's palace, the emperor's style was certainly more luxurious than that of the palace.

After all, even the Northern Beggar mentioned that the wedding preparations were a minor matter, clearly indicating that the main attraction—the villa—was far from ordinary.

"Girl, the Zhang family is well prepared this time, you should go back now."

If we miss the deadline, the Zhang family will lose face. Besides, you are getting married now, the future young mistress of the Zhang family; you can't afford to lose face in front of the servants.

"All right!"

1.9 Going back would be like being a caged bird, and Huang Rong really didn't want to go back.

But not returning would be a lifelong regret, especially since this was the wedding date agreed upon by both families. Now, Huang Yaoshi was at sea, and it was uncertain when he would return, and there was even absolute danger involved. She naturally understood the gains and losses.

"Seventh Master, you must come sometime."

"Of course, how could I not go?"

The old beggar nodded, naturally not refusing.

As Huang Rong left, Hong Qigong's face showed a hint of reluctance and worry.

Although the Zhang family wasn't a den of dragons and tigers for Huang Rong, too many people were watching her, and being the young mistress wasn't an easy job.

Moreover, the Zhang family is a prominent family, and even though they are powerful, it is easy to dodge open attacks but difficult to guard against hidden ones.

If it weren't for the agreement between the two families, and the fact that the young master of the Zhang family was also an outstanding person, marrying into a prestigious family like the Zhang family would not have been a happy thing in the old beggar's eyes.

Once you enter the gates of a noble family, it's like entering a deep, uncharted sea!

The most uncertain kind of 'happiness' is the filth within those grand mansions.

Chapter 137 The Beginning of the Grand Wedding: The Four Great Masters of the Daoist Sect

The 18th day of the 12th month of the Jia Chen year!

Undoubtedly, today is a day that has caused a sensation throughout the entire Lin'an Prefecture.

Whether they were high-ranking officials, merchants, or martial arts heroes, they all gathered on the shores of West Lake on this day.

Today is the wedding of the young master of the Zhang family. Even if you don't have money, you can still enjoy the festivities. What's more, there are delicious wedding candies to be had amidst the excitement.

Most of the people who came to offer their congratulations went to the Red Mansion, because that was the home ground.

A small number of people went to the Zhang family; these were all people with extremely close ties to the Zhang family, especially Zhang Sanfeng (Ziyang Daoist) from Wudang, Wan Sanqian from the Ming Dynasty, and Fu Junzhuo and Fu Junqiang from Korea...

The Ba family of Western Shu also sent generous congratulatory gifts, and with the addition of gifts from various powerful figures, the Zhang family actually profited this time instead of losing money.

However, the Zhang family doesn't lack these things. After all, making such a large-scale operation is a matter of face, not cost-saving.

"The Zhang family has really made a big show of things this time!"

Murong Fu and his four chief retainers came to offer their congratulations, also with the intention of building good relations.

Neither the three bronze-armored warriors nor Zhang Xiaoshan's own cultivation level were things the Murong family could afford to offend, not to mention that Ghost Yama was suppressing Murong Bo in Ghost Street.

On the surface, the strength of the Hidden Dragon King is not high; at most, he is at the level of the Four Great Masters of the Condor Heroes.

However, Murong Bo, who was besieging and killing the God of Catching with Ghost Yama, knew that Ghost Yama had hidden his strength and was extremely terrifying.

Therefore, Murong Fu was even more aware of the Zhang family's unfathomable power.

Upon entering the Red Mansion, everyone was still taken aback by its extravagance.

Not to mention the small wedding photo sketch outside, which shocked many people who came to offer their congratulations.

Compared to the usual paintings of maids, this is on a completely different level.

Inside the hall, above the original '囍' character, there was now a huge sketch, facing the crowd with hands clasped in front of it.

Upon entering, everyone was immediately struck by the wedding portrait displayed above.

Undoubtedly, the combination of handsome men and beautiful women, as if real people were welcoming them, was extremely stunning.

Inside the hall, beautiful Silla maids, brand-new tables and chairs, and even the decorations were adorned with a large amount of gold and silver, making it look extremely magnificent.

At the very top was a replica of a modern glass chandelier, over two zhang in diameter, suspended by a fine iron hook over three inches long, which was incredibly terrifying.

Moreover, the 999 red carved candles on top are extremely beautiful.

"This alone is enough to show it!"

The group chose an inconspicuous spot. Although the Murong family was a prominent family in Jiangnan, none of the people present had a lower status than the Murong family.

"Young master, please try these desserts and fruits. Feel free to take whatever you like over there."

It's already the dead of winter, and I never expected the Red Mansion to be able to procure such fine things. Even the Emperor himself probably couldn't stomach them!

Looking at the fruit platter on the table, and taking a bite of the watermelon that is only available in summer, Bao Butong's eyes lit up at first sight. It was much sweeter than any watermelon he had eaten in summer.

"Delicious, young master, please try some!"

Murong Fu rolled his eyes at the foodie's bag.

But a glance at the fresh fruits still filled him with horror.

I had long heard that the Hong family mansion had no shortage of seasonal vegetables and fruits, and seeing it today, I can confirm that it is indeed true.

"Young master, look..."

That's Murong Zhengde. On either side should be his eight daughters and sons-in-law. And the other one, if I'm not mistaken, should be his youngest daughter, Murong Jiu.

Bao Butong suddenly glanced at the people who had entered and his eyes lit up.

A burly and imposing old man in fine clothes led a beautiful and refined young woman of sixteen or seventeen, followed by eight pairs of handsome men and beautiful women.