Zhang San, please behave yourself!-Chapter 914 - 848: Weren’t You Treating Us to This Meal?

"Family Head! Family Head! Just now, Zhang San sent someone with an invitation, inviting you to go to Guiyun Tower for a banquet."

At this moment, the Head of the Hu Family was basking in the sun on a rocking chair, suddenly hearing Zhang San had sent a message, he couldn’t help but be taken aback.

Being one of the four major families in the area and one of the eight families in the Sword South Path, appointments with the Hu Family always needed several days in advance.

But he also knew that since last night, the entire Yizhou City was no longer under King of Shu Yang Ling’s control.

The current Yizhou City belongs to Zhang!

Thus, even though he was still thinking about the beef stewing early in the family kitchen, he knew that Zhang San’s invitation was one he could not refuse.

"Who is the signatory on the invitation? Just Zhang San, or is there an official title?"

The person reporting took the invitation sent by Zhang San’s people and opened it, saying, "Family Head, it says Divine Martial Great General Zhang San."

Upon hearing this designation, the Head of the Hu Family took a deep breath, sensing something was amiss.

If Zhang San had come to talk in the capacity of a Deputy Chief of the Town Martial Office, it would have been somewhat better.

After all, that position is of martial artists, relatively lacking in official authority; if invited under that title, it would likely be to discuss matters amicably, albeit urgently.

Yet now, the invitation is in the title of Divine Martial Great General.

This implies that the meal will be about official business.

And it’s almost noon, meaning he must leave immediately.

This left no chance for him to temporarily consult other family heads.

The Head of the Hu Family gritted his teeth and knew he could only change his attire and go promptly.

Soon, before it was even noon, the heads of the eight great families in Yizhou City had all arrived at Guiyun Tower.

Guiyun Tower is one of the best taverns in Yizhou City.

And most crucially, the owner of Guiyun Tower is not from any of the eight families.

Hence, Zhang San chose this location for the banquet, making it less likely for information to leak out.

Yet, the heads of the eight great families are all old foxes; they deliberately paced slower on the way so that they all encountered each other near Guiyun Tower, outwardly exchanging pleasantries, but with underlying questions probing the true purpose of the meeting.

Soon, the eight family heads entered the best private room in Guiyun Tower, where Zhang San had been long waiting.

"Esteemed family heads, my long admiration! As soon as I arrived in Yizhou City last night, I heard of your esteemed names. Today, I have specially invited you all to get acquainted. Please enjoy the food and drink."

Zhang San’s demeanor was rather courteous.

Although his use of "long admiration" sounded a bit odd.

Yet all present were people of stature, naturally excelling in feigned politeness.

After a brief round of introductions, Zhang San ordered the dishes.

The family heads were aware that this was not just a meal, but a discussion of business. However, given it was Zhang San’s invitation and at Guiyun Tower, lunch was expected to be decent.

Unexpectedly, the dishes served turned out to be either vegetables, tofu, or vegetables mixed with tofu.

More of a diet meal than a diet meal.

Diabetics would regard it with warmth and familiarity.

"Please, everyone, dig in, don’t stand on ceremony!"

The eight family heads exchanged glances, realizing from the selection of dishes that Zhang San might be making a statement.

Sure enough, as soon as they started eating, Zhang San spoke, "It’s an honor for you eight family heads to join me for lunch amidst your busy schedules. However, you all know, the Red Emperor ordered me to Sword South Path to suppress the rebellion, so I’m rather busy with official duties. Therefore, today’s meeting, I’ll get straight to the point."

Initially, the family heads thought, despite the vegetables and tofu, they could at least eat a bit before discussing.

But now, diving straight into the topic, they naturally had to put down their chopsticks and listen to Zhang San’s speech.

"Actually, the reason I invited you eight is to seek assistance from the eight families."

"This suppression effort is mostly due to some officials in Yizhou City deceiving authorities and secretly detaining the King of Shu, then conspiring rebellion in the King’s name. Fortunately, this was uncovered by Commander-in-Chief Pei Renwu and General Long Xutuo from Sword South Path. Together, we captured all the rebels within Yizhou City in one sweep!"

Just from these words, the eight family heads realized Sword South Path was entirely under Zhang San’s control.

The military forces were all in Zhang San’s hands, with two of the top three martial path powers joining the Town Martial Office.

As for political powers, the majority were probably kept in cells.

No more rebellion. It’s over!

Moreover, they grasped another crucial narrative: King of Shu Yang Ling was not rebelling; he was coerced by others.

This added a fascinating layer.

Zhang San continued, "But now, some with ulterior motives have abducted the King’s seven princely heirs, intending to use them for influence. So, I hope..."

Pausing here, Zhang San glanced at the eight family heads.

The Head of the Hu Family smiled, "Great General Zhang hopes our eight families will send people to help find the whereabouts of the seven princely heirs?"

Zhang San smiled slightly and spoke softly, "Something like that."

The Head of the Hu Family glanced at the other family heads, all wearing troubled expressions.

"Great General Zhang, even you couldn’t find them, how can we?"

"Perhaps send the military to search everywhere?"

"If it’s about business, our family can assist, but finding people might...might hinder Great General Zhang’s efforts!"

Listening to their evasiveness, Zhang San sneered.

"Do you really think I’m negotiating with you? Remember, by noon tomorrow, I want to see seven living, intact princely heirs delivered here. If brought, none of you will have a problem, and your families will remain the eight great families of Sword South Path. As for members of your families involved in rebellion, I can help separate them!"

"But by tomorrow at this time, if I don’t see the seven princely heirs in Guiyun Tower, or fewer than seven standing here, or even if false ones are presented..."

"There might still be eight great families, but which eight, it’s uncertain!"

After finishing, Zhang San stood up and walked out of the private room.

Among the eight family heads, some were dumbstruck.

Seriously, if I don’t know, how can you pressure me?

But others were genuinely panicked.

How does Zhang San know the heirs are in my possession?

Just as Zhang San was about to leave the private room, he suddenly stopped, causing the already anxious family heads to become even more nervous.

"Oh, yes, don’t forget to pay; Guiyun Tower’s management changed, the food prices are quite steep now."

Finished speaking, Zhang San finally exited the room.

The eight family heads were left dumbfounded.

Didn’t you invite us to the meal?