The foreign merchants wished for the downfall of the Zhang family, but they needed to ensure the family’s safety and stability! Let’s infuriate those foreign merchants!
The struggle between the markets and the court had lasted three months.
By the time Zhang Fang returned, it was already winter.
Standing on the ship, gazing at the snow-covered mountains on both sides, Zhang Fang whispered, “In the past, I roamed freely by the willows. Now, as I return, the rain and snow are flying.”
After reciting, Zhang Fang revealed a faint smile. He was almost home!
“It’s nearly New Year; I hope Young Master Wu can return safely before the holiday!”
Every day, Old Zhao sent people to the dock, waiting for Zhang Fang to come home. As New Year’s Eve approached, he, as the steward of the Zhang family, had many things to manage, directing others to work.
Zhang Fang quietly arrived at the family home and saw Old Zhao instructing people to put up Spring Festival couplets. He paused and smiled at them.
“Higher! No, that won’t do!”
“That side is crooked! It has to be straight!”
“Left! Down! Yes, yes, exactly like that!”
“It’s almost New Year; once you finish today’s work, I’ll give you all a break! Enjoy your holiday!”
After saying this with a cheerful face, Old Zhao suddenly sighed and muttered, “Only two days until New Year’s Eve; I wonder if Young Master Wu can make it back in time.”
For the Chinese, the New Year is a significant occasion—a time to bid farewell to the old and welcome the new! A new year brings new expectations, new beginnings, and new joys.
“Uncle Zhao!”
Zhang Fang called out with a smile, waving his hand.
“Young Master Wu!” Old Zhao turned around suddenly, thinking he had seen wrongly. Surprised, he rushed toward Zhang Fang, nearly missing a step.
After putting down his suitcase, Zhang Fang opened his arms and embraced Old Zhao warmly.
Old Zhao was overjoyed, his eyes reddening with happiness as he nodded and said, “Young Master Wu, you’ve finally returned! I thought you wouldn’t make it back for the New Year! I’ll go find the master right away; he will be very happy to know you’re back! And the eldest young master and the others have missed you greatly!”
“Wu has come back!” All those working stopped to welcome Zhang Fang home.
“Liu Xiaoliu, hurry to the fabric shop and tell the master and eldest young master that Young Master Wu is home!” Old Zhao happily led Zhang Fang inside.
The servants of the Zhang family were all visibly joyful upon seeing Zhang Fang’s return. Each person looked at him with admiration and respect.
In the past six months, the fabric shop had revived and turned the tide, thanks to Zhang Fang’s efforts. He earned everyone’s respect through his genuine capabilities.
Upon hearing that Zhang Fang had returned, the eldest Zhang and his brothers immediately wanted to rush home. But Zhang Lao Ye sternly scolded them, “You can’t leave when there’s still work to do! With your attitude, do you expect to help me?”
Even after being reprimanded by Zhang Lao Ye, the eldest Zhang and his brothers still had cheerful expressions.
“Father! Old Wu is back! Let’s hurry home! The last time he returned, we didn’t see him. It’s been at least half a year since we’ve all been together!”
“Yeah! I’ve missed Old Wu! Doesn’t Father miss him?”
“Old Wu is home, and our family can finally be reunited! Tonight, we must feast!”
The fourth brother nodded, “Right!”
“The Western food is terrible; it must have been tough for Old Wu to be away for so long. He must be starving!” The eldest brother was worried about Zhang Fang as if he were a father.
In truth, Zhang Lao Ye was very happy, but he had to maintain his composure in front of his sons. He spoke mildly, “Finish your work and then go home!”
The eldest brothers quickly went off to work. Just thinking about returning home soon to reunite with their brother filled their hearts with warmth, and they felt energized while working.
Zhang Lao Ye stood still, watching them work. After a while, he quietly left, taking a carriage back home.
“Uncle Zhao, I’ve returned quietly this time. Don’t let too many people know!”
For Zhang Lao Ye and the others, Zhang Fang had been away for three months, a long time. However, for Zhang Fang, aside from the two months of travel, he had only spent one month in the land of the setting sun. There wasn’t much he could do in a month, but Zhang Fang’s preparations had gone smoothly.
In addition to successfully opening a clothing brand store, Zhang Fang also opened a Chinese restaurant, a Chinese medicine clinic, a porcelain shop, and a tea shop. These businesses gained support from the upper class upon their opening.
Zhang Fang’s business was thriving in the land of the setting sun, which naturally drew the jealousy of the George family. The George family had previously attempted to assassinate Zhang Fang. However, Zhang Fang had been on guard, and those around him were proficient in martial arts.
That time, when the Zhang family martial artists showcased Chinese martial arts in the streets, it caused a sensation and even made the newspapers. Many people became interested in learning Chinese martial arts. Yet, Zhang Fang did not plan to open a martial arts class. Without starting a class or recruiting students, he still intended to continue promoting the excellence of Chinese martial arts, instilling respect for it among the Westerners.
Even though the foreign fabric business had deteriorated to its lowest point, the George family had not given up on that market nor retreated. After returning this time, in order to prevent the George family from causing trouble domestically, Zhang Fang directly separated from the main group, quietly leaving the caravan and disguising himself, taking several detours before returning to Jiangnan.
Zhang Lao Ye stared blankly at Zhang Fang, feeling a sense of unreality. His son was so close, yet it felt as if he were far away.
“Then I will immediately instruct everyone to keep the news under wraps and not reveal that Young Master Wu has returned!” When it came to Zhang Fang’s safety, Old Zhao’s expression turned serious as he turned and walked out.
Upon seeing that Zhang Lao Ye had returned, Old Zhao again put on a smiling face and cheerfully said, “Master! Young Master Wu is back!”
Zhang Lao Ye nodded, his expression appearing quite calm. He walked indoors and carefully examined Zhang Fang from head to toe, softly saying, “It’s good that you’ve returned. Stay and celebrate the New Year with us.”
He wanted to tell Zhang Fang not to leave again. However, he couldn’t express it. As a father, he wanted to keep his youngest son by his side, not letting him face any danger outside. But Zhang Fang had already become the focus of attention; how many industries in the country were looking forward to his leadership? The country’s economic recovery depended entirely on Zhang Fang.
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