Jiang Luohan's Disappointment

This statement was made lightly, yet it carried a cold ruthlessness, as if human lives were no more than blades of grass.

Previously, the Zhang family had relied on Zhang Yu's secret channels for supplies, so even though they knew his bloodline was impure, they had grudgingly accepted it.

But now, Zhang Yuanfeng himself was a Grandmaster, and his granddaughter Zhang Lingyun had even been accepted into the Eastern Azure Holy Land. The Zhang family would soar to unprecedented heights from now on and would no longer worry about resources.

Zhang Yu, the "mongrel," had completely lost his usefulness and had instead become a stain the Zhang family was unwilling to mention.

"This son understands."

Zhang Jiuling nodded heavily, a trace of ferocity flashing in his eyes.

He had never felt any father-son affection for Zhang Yu, only exploitation and disgust.

Now that his father had given the order, he naturally couldn't be happier.

However, he still had a slight concern and said in a low voice, "I'm just worried about Sheng Yuntang and the Eastern Sheng Kingdom..."

"Relax."

Zhang Yuanfeng sneered:

"Three years ago, a world-shattering event occurred in the Eastern Sheng Kingdom, almost wiping out its core Imperial Family members. Even if Sheng Yuntang survived, he would be struggling to protect himself, let alone have the energy to care about this bastard?

You know this news, otherwise, you would have stood by and watched that little bastard almost be tormented to death on the estate three years ago.

It was his good luck that he later showed his usefulness to the Zhang family, and only then was he barely allowed to live until today."

So, all of this was known to the high-ranking officials of the Zhang family.

When Zhang Yu was just born, the Zhang family feared the might of the Eastern Sheng Kingdom, so they dared not deal with Zhang Yu arbitrarily.

After all, the Eastern Sheng Kingdom was a terrifying nation that possessed existences above the Great Grandmaster level.

And three years ago, upon learning of the catastrophic disaster that befell the Eastern Sheng Kingdom's Imperial Family, the Zhang family immediately adopted a laissez-faire attitude towards Zhang Yu, an "outsider," even tacitly allowing Qin Xuehua and others to drive him to the estate to fend for himself.

It was only later that Zhang Yu, through some unknown means, displayed his astonishing "money-making" ability again, becoming the blood bank of the Northern Border. The Zhang family then reluctantly let him live, continuing to treat him like a beast of burden.

And now, this "ox" had not only lost its usefulness but was naturally due for the slaughter.

"Father is absolutely right."

Zhang Jiuling showed a cruel smile:

"It was already a great kindness from the Zhang family that this bastard was allowed to live until today.

Now that he has caused trouble and cut off the Northern Border's supplies, his crimes are even more severe.

This time, when we return to the Capital City, we will settle all accounts, old and new."

At this moment, father and son were full of spirit and ambition.

They could already see the glorious future of the Zhang family, under their leadership, replacing the Xiao Clan and ruling the Wei Kingdom.

And Zhang Yu, the "mongrel" and "ATM" in their eyes, after completing his historical mission, was about to be disposed of like garbage.

Capital City, Marquis Yong'an's Estate.

Qin Xuehua, Zhang Heng, Zhang Wanning, Zhang Qingyue, and others sat around, their faces looking worse than each other.

"Mother, we can't delay any longer."

Zhang Heng's face was pale, and his voice was hoarse:

"These past few days, to repair the Alchemy Workshop, I've already poured in over a hundred thousand taels of silver.

But that Earth Fire Formation is like a bottomless pit; the more we repair it, the worse it gets, and it can never be filled.

If this continues, the entire Marquis Estate will be dragged down."

"Heng'er is right."

Qin Xuehua rubbed her temples wearily, her eyes bloodshot, "Let's cut our losses. Close down the Dingsheng Workshop..."

"Close it?"

Zhang Wanning exclaimed. Although she had been mentally prepared, her heart still ached upon hearing this decision.

That was the most profitable enterprise of the Marquis Estate.

"What else can we do?"

Qin Xuehua gave a bitter smile, her smile looking worse than crying.

"For the liquidated damages on those orders, we've already mortgaged all the shops and farmlands we could, and even... even this Marquis Estate residence, just to barely cover the compensation.

If we keep throwing money into the bottomless pit that is the Dingsheng Workshop, our entire family will end up sleeping on the streets."

Zhang Qingyue sighed and said softly:

"Fourth Sister, Mother is right.

Without the Dingsheng Workshop, we still have the freight stations and the Divine Weapon Workshop. These industries still generate over a hundred thousand taels of profit each month, enough for us to maintain a decent life."

"That's right!"

Qin Xuehua forced herself to be cheerful and patted Zhang Heng's hand, comforting him, "Heng'er, don't be discouraged."

You are the future heir of the Marquis Estate, what's a little setback like this?

Even without the alchemy room, we can still live very well.

"We absolutely cannot let that scoundrel Zhang Yu laugh at us."

"Yes, we absolutely cannot let him laugh at us."

Zhang Wanning immediately agreed, gritting her teeth and saying:

"Does he think we can't survive without Dingsheng Workshop?

Dream on!

We'll live even better, just to spite that ungrateful wretch."

Hearing this, Zhang Heng took a deep breath:

"Mother, sister, don't worry.

I, Zhang Heng, will never be defeated by this difficulty.

Without Dingsheng Workshop, I can still support the Marquis Estate.

I will definitely surpass Zhang Yu and let him know who the true pillar of the Marquis Estate is."

"Good, this is my good son, Qin Xuehua." Qin Xuehua smiled with relief, her eyes full of doting and encouragement.

Just then, a sound of hurried footsteps approached, and Jiang Luohan rushed into the front hall.

She had dressed up meticulously today, wearing a water-blue long dress that accentuated her graceful figure and stunning beauty.

"Aunt, Xiao Heng, how is it?

Did Zhang Yu... agree to help?"

As soon as Jiang Luohan entered, she asked impatiently, her gaze fixed on Zhang Heng.

Zhang Heng's face stiffened. The false confidence he had just built up instantly crumbled by half, and he awkwardly turned his head away.