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

Page 27

Zhang Xiaoshan is also highly skilled and daring, and he has absolute confidence when traversing the mountains.

However, the most dangerous thing in the mountains is not the environment, but the wild animals that come looking for food.

Wolf packs, in particular, are the most dangerous presence in Changbai Mountain.

After patrolling for a short while, Zhang Xiaoshan encountered a striped tiger, more than ten feet long, which came roaring as it searched for food.

One punch, and the skull shattered instantly.

···

A thousand-year-old snow fungus, a nine-leaf orchid, fourteen ancient ginseng roots, thirty-three tiger penises, seventeen sable pelts, three bear skins (bear gallbladders), a white tiger skin... and even some worthless truffles.

In just over ten days, relying on five hunting dogs to find prey and the snow foxes he had captured, Zhang Xiaoshan returned from each forest trip with a full load.

Leaving aside the thousand-year-old snow fungus, the mere thirty-one tiger whips alone would bring calamity upon thirty-one male tigers.

However, Zhang Xiaoshan only took one white tiger skin; he didn't care about the other tiger skins at all.

After all, the price of a tiger skin, depending on its condition, is only between ten and one hundred taels of silver. Zhang Xiaoshan handed them all over to Manager Song to handle himself.

More than ten days later, Zhang Xiaoshan finally received news from Yang Tiexin and his daughter.

He knew that if Yang Tiexin was here, Huang Rong should be nearby.

Pack up what you can take with you: the snow fungus, the nine-leaf orchid, and two thousand-year-old ginseng plants. Give the rest to Manager Song to send back to the Zhang family.

This was Zhang Xiaoshan's first time strolling around Beijing.

Although this is a land of different ethnic groups, there are quite a few Han Chinese here because of Changbai Mountain, and the entire plain is a mixed-race community.

On the bustling streets of the capital, Zhang Xiaoshan's appearance was exceptionally conspicuous.

First, he was nine feet tall. Even though northerners are generally tall and strong, with an average height of seven feet, he still stood out from the crowd.

Moreover, his handsome and refined demeanor makes him seem more like a young master from a prominent family.

Secondly, Zhang Xiaoshan was carrying a leather backpack, which was bulging and unlike ordinary bundles.

Putting aside the sophistication of the current design, the capacity is not even in the same league.

Third, Zhang Xiaoshan has two pets on his shoulder, one magnificent and the other snow-white and adorable.

Besides the snow fox, Zhang Xiaoshan's other pet was a gyrfalcon, a birthday gift from Uncle Song to Zhang Xiaoshan for his eighteenth birthday.

The gyrfalcon was an animal worshipped by the Manchu people and also a hunting partner of the Jurchens.

This gyrfalcon is predominantly white, with excellent plumage and bone structure. Its sharp, piercing eyes further enhance its noble appearance.

Therefore, Zhang Xiaoshan is always the center of attention wherever he appears.

Moreover, his clothes were gorgeous, with jade pendants, sachets, and short swords at his waist, clearly indicating that he came from a wealthy family and was extremely noble. No fool would dare to cause trouble for Zhang Xiaoshan.

After all, even spoiled brats have different levels; you know who's not to be trifled with.

"Young master, would you mind coming up for a chat?"

Zhang Xiaoshan looked at the other person, who was a handsome young man of about the same age as him, looking at him curiously.

Yang Kang!

With just one glance, Zhang Xiaoshan was able to identify the other party.

The authentic internal energy of Taoism is not taught casually, and Zhang Xiaoshan thought of Yang Kang, a nobleman of the Jin dynasty who possessed authentic internal energy of the Xuanmen sect. Of course, this was not an absolute certainty.

There's nothing to hate, especially since Zhang Xiaoshan is a businessman, and establishing connections with the Jin Kingdom would bring many benefits.

"Your internal strength is authentic and orthodox in Taoism. May I ask which Taoist master you are a disciple of?"

Zhang Xiaoshan got straight to the point, instead of directly asking about the other party's identity.

"How did you know, young master, that I practice Taoist internal energy cultivation?"

"When you reach a certain level, you will naturally see it."

Breathing, complexion, spirit—these things are intangible, but they're not difficult to discern!

"May I ask who you are, young master?"

"The Zhang family of Lin'an Prefecture! The soap that the young prince uses for bathing is from my Zhang family's business."

The Zhang family of Lin'an Prefecture! Soap!

The sight of the two nouns together made even Yang Kang's eyes light up.

You should know that the soap was something his father had gone to great lengths to obtain. This kind of thing was a luxury item in the Central Plains royal family, and it was even more scarce in the Later Jin Dynasty, only available through the black market.

Unexpectedly, the legendary Zhang family members arrived in the Later Jin Dynasty. This is a rare opportunity for cooperation.

In particular, Zhang Xiaoshan gave him the impression of being absolutely unfathomable and not to be offended.

Chapter Thirty-Seven: Yang Kang's Retreat from the Martial Arts Contest for Marriage

"I see!

However, the journey between the Jin and Song dynasties is long and arduous. May I ask what brings Young Master Zhang to the Jin?

Looking at Zhang Xiaoshan, who made no attempt to conceal his true intentions, Yang Kang did not suspect that Zhang Xiaoshan was engaged in espionage.

Merchants may have a low social status, but it is normal for them to interact with each other between countries.

Zhang Xiaoshan, in particular, looked more like a tourist.

"It's nothing. I've been searching for someone all the way from the Central Plains to here."

"Looking for someone? May I ask who you are looking for, young master Zhang? Do you need my help?"

"No need. The person I'm looking for shouldn't make any big moves, otherwise we'll alert them and make it even harder to find their whereabouts."

Therefore, from Lin'an to Shangjing, Zhang traveled while searching for the person.

"Is it?"

Yang Kang did not investigate further, but he did invite Zhang Xiaoshan to be a guest at the Zhao Prince's residence.

At this time, Wanyan Honglie invited five top experts to cause trouble, and with Zhang Xiaoshan's words, there were six top experts in total.

However, Zhang Xiaoshan did not refuse.

Firstly, to open up trade routes; secondly, to enjoy the spectacle.

Zhang Xiaoshan's agreement was a pleasant surprise for Yang Kang.

One could tell at a glance that he cultivated the orthodox Xuanmen cultivation method and was a direct descendant of the Zhang family of Lin'an Prefecture. Even as a merchant, he was still a nobleman.

Moreover, the two discussed the past and present, and with Zhang Xiaoshan's knowledge, even if it was just theoretical discussion, Yang Kang was greatly impressed.

"By the way, Brother Zhang, I think your snow fox is quite adorable. I wonder if you would be willing to part with it? I'd like to give it to my mother."

"The young prince's filial piety is commendable and admirable."

However, this snow fox is out of the question. It's a rare nine-tailed spirit fox with sharp, highly venomous teeth, and it can't be tamed!

"A nine-tailed spirit fox?"

Yang Kang initially looked displeased, then curiously looked at the snow fox's tail, trying to discern its nine tails.

"Young Prince, you have a misunderstanding about the Nine-Tailed Fox. This Nine-Tailed Fox does not have nine tails; it is a special species of fox."

The reason it's called the Nine-Tailed Spirit Fox is because it's mentioned in the Classic of Mountains and Seas:

In the land of Qingqiu, there live a nine-tailed fox in the mountains!

This nine-tailed spirit fox is incredibly fast, leaving no trace on the snow, and its blood has miraculous effects on internal injuries.

Yang Kang found Zhang Xiaoshan's explanation even more unbelievable.

"If it's that powerful, doesn't that mean if it tries to escape, no one can catch it?"

"Let alone ordinary people, even the world's top experts would find it extremely difficult to catch it."

As Zhang Xiaoshan chuckled, the snow fox bared its teeth at Yang Kang.

It was intelligent and naturally sensed that Yang Kang was targeting it.

Zhang Xiaoshan gently stroked the little fox to calm it down.

"Actually, if the young prince wants to win the princess's favor, I do have something that can please her."

As he spoke, Zhang Xiaoshan took out an unopened oil paper package from his backpack and chuckled:

"This is a box of small cakes that I made yesterday for the journey."

These kinds of desserts are extremely popular among noble ladies in Lin'an Prefecture, and I believe the Princess Consort would also like them; moreover, the cream inside is particularly favored by women.

Yang Kang took the oil paper package, inside which was a cream cake made by Zhang Xiaoshan.

As soon as it was opened, a rich aroma filled the air, and even without eating it, Yang Kang knew it was a good thing.

"Thank you, Brother Zhang!"

As for drug testing? That's not the appropriate occasion.

After leaving the restaurant, as expected, the group arrived at the site where Yang Tiexin and his daughter were holding a martial arts contest to find a husband.

Zhang Xiaoshan looked at the beautiful girl in the red dress above him. She was not only slender but also had deeply furrowed brows, which concealed a sense of sorrow.

In terms of martial arts skills, Mu Nianci was at best a third-rate expert.

After all, the Northern Beggar only instructed Mu Nianci for three days, and she already has such strength, which is already considered to be quite talented.

"Brother Zhang, this young lady is quite skilled in martial arts and has a beautiful appearance. Are you interested?"

"Young Prince, you are joking. The martial arts contest for marriage and the embroidered ball selection for a son-in-law are no jokes."

Once you've made up your mind, it becomes a lifelong bond!

Although the woman appeared delicate, her eyes beneath her arched eyebrows held an extremely strong gaze.

If he defeats her, does the young prince intend to take her into his family? Otherwise, she will surely haunt him for life; it's not something money can solve, a tangle of grudges and debts that will last for generations!

Upon hearing this, Yang Kang immediately frowned.

She had initially planned to go up and have some fun, but Zhang Xiaoshan's words made her hesitate. If she won, she would have to take him as her wife. How could that be possible?

In the Jin Dynasty, Han Chinese were considered inferior and had no chance of entering the royal palace.

A woman's entanglement can cause a lot of trouble.

Unless you kill the other person!

"So troublesome?"

"Not necessarily. If the young prince were like this greasy old man next to you, the young lady might say something like:"

"I have no way to repay your kindness, but in my next life I will be your ox or horse to repay your mercy!"

"Hahaha···"

Suddenly, a burst of laughter erupted, igniting the entire audience. Although Zhang Xiaoshan's voice wasn't loud, quite a few people noticed it.

The tropes of "offering oneself in marriage" and "working like a slave" are quite ingenious.

"Young master, if you look down on my daughter, why insult her like this!"

Yang Tiexin also heard Zhang Xiaoshan's joke, and immediately his eyes widened in anger.

Mu Nianci, standing to the side, also glared at Zhang Xiaoshan with a mixture of shyness and anger as her beautiful eyes welled up with tears.

"I apologize, my mistake was completely unintentional. I broke my promise, but it was absolutely not because I looked down on your daughter!"

Zhang Xiaoshan realized he had been somewhat dissolute and quickly apologized.

At the same time, he took out a pill from his waist, flicked it, and it was in Yang Tiexin's hand. He apologized, saying:

"I observed that the senior's body was ravaged by years of hard work and had hidden injuries."

This pill is a Wudang Lesser Rejuvenation Pill, capable of relieving the pain of your hidden injuries and alleviating the effects of overwork.

Wudang Lesser Rejuvenation Pill!

The others didn't seem to notice anything, but Peng Lianhu, who had been protecting Yang Kang, and Wang Chuyi, the Taoist priest who had been hiding on the side, changed their expressions.

This is a sacred healing medicine passed down secretly by the Taoist sect, and it is extremely rare in the Taoist community.

Zhang Xiaoshan was so generous and mysterious that he gave someone away so easily over a single word.