Evening, 8 o'clock.
At his villa, Dongfang Dijun Zhang Ying was enjoying his leisure time, having a drink and listening to music.
His副将 (fù jiāng - second-in-command) approached, cupping his hands and saying, "Emperor Zhang, someone from the Su family has come, inviting you to Gongde Lou for a gathering."
Gongde Lou was a top-tier Sichuan restaurant in Fog City, renowned for its exquisite Sichuan cuisine that drew tourists from all over, eager to savor its flavors.
Coincidentally, Zhang Ying was a great admirer of Sichuan food.
He chuckled, "Gongde Lou? Heh, the Su family is quite resourceful. They've clearly investigated my tastes beforehand. But why should I sit down and dine with them? This Emperor of mine neither desires wealth nor lust. What could they possibly offer as a bribe to me?"
The副官 (fù guān - adjutant) replied, "This subordinate does not know. However, the Su family appears very sincere. They might be leaving tomorrow, and tonight will be their last meal. Therefore..."
Zhang Ying furrowed his brow slightly and glanced back at the副官. "Young man, why are you speaking on behalf of the Su family? Be honest, how much did you take?"
The副官 scratched his head awkwardly. "Nothing escapes Emperor Zhang's discerning eyes. Indeed, I accepted two hundred thousand from them."
"Two hundred thousand? You only delivered a message and dared to accept two hundred thousand. You're quite the profiteer, aren't you?"
The副官 blushed. "If Your Excellency thinks it's too much, then I won't accept it. I'll return the money right away."
Zhang Ying waved his hand. "No need. It's already accepted, so there's no reason to return it. Since you've taken the money, I'll go on your behalf."
The副官 was greatly embarrassed. "Oh, Your Excellency, saying that is too much for this humble one."
"Hahahahaha, go prepare the car."
"As you command."
Forty minutes later, the car stopped in front of Gongde Lou.
As Zhang Ying stepped out, he saw a long red carpet unrolled from inside the restaurant all the way to his car, with young ladies holding bouquets lining both sides.
"Quite the grand reception," Zhang Ying nodded with satisfaction.
Su Wanran approached, followed by Lu Ming and Jiang Mengxin. They all bowed to Zhang Ying.
Su Wanran said, "Emperor Zhang, I've booked the best private room in the restaurant and ordered your favorite dishes. Please, come in."
"Hmm."
Zhang Ying strode inside.
Upon reaching the private room, Zhang Ying made himself comfortable, taking the head seat without ceremony. He scanned the dishes on the table and smiled.
"Dongpo Ink Fish, Bangbang Chicken, Dengying Beef, Mapo Tofu, Spicy Chicken."
"Tsk, tsk, tsk, all my favorites."
"With so many excellent dishes, where should I begin? My heavens, I'm overwhelmed with joy, a truly delightful dilemma."
Seeing this, Su Wanran snapped her fingers, and a waiter brought out two bottles of Luzhou Laojiao.
Zhang Ying became even happier.
"Oh my, oh my, Luzhou Laojiao, my favorite wine!"
"Director Su, you truly know me inside and out, understanding precisely what I like to eat and drink."
"Impressive."
Su Wanran smiled faintly and said, "As your host, it is natural for me to ensure my guest eats happily and to their heart's content. That is the way of hospitality."
"Indeed, to our heart's content, to our heart's content." Zhang Ying showed no restraint, grabbing his chopsticks and beginning to eat, downing glass after glass of wine.
Su Wanran was delighted. As a host, the happier her guest was, the happier she felt.
Seeing Zhang Ying enjoying his meal, Su Wanran prepared to speak.
Zhang Ying immediately interrupted, "Director Su, if you wish to persuade me to retreat my troops, or to beg for your family's survival, there is no need to speak."
This!
He had directly cut off Su Wanran's path to pleading for mercy!
Zhang Ying took a sip of wine, swallowed, and said slowly, "Actually, I have no feud with your Su family, nor do I wish to be your enemy. It is merely an order from above; I must follow Master Fan's dispatch. However, for the sake of this meal, I can show some leniency and will not hunt you to extinction. Your Su family, all children under the age of 10, I will spare. This is my bottom line."
In reality, achieving this much was already no small feat.
But it was ultimately futile.
Even if Zhang Ying did not cut the grass and remove the roots, there were still the Western Emperor and the Central Emperor. Those two would show no mercy.
Therefore, viewed holistically, the Su family's demise was still inevitable.
Zhang Ying continued to eat his dishes and drink his wine.
Everything that needed to be said had been said. In his opinion, the Su family members should have nothing left to say.
However.
Lu Ming spoke assertively, "Emperor Zhang, today we have also brought a guest. We hope you will meet with him and hear what he has to say."
Heh, a guest?
A negotiator, no doubt!
Zhang Ying slightly raised his head, looking at Lu Ming coldly. "Do you not understand human language? I have made myself clear: those under 10 can be spared, but all others face death! What are you babbling about here? Let me tell you, it won't matter who comes today! I will not see this so-called guest! I refuse!"
His words were rather absolute.
Under normal circumstances, Zhang Ying would never agree to meet any supposed guest.
However, there was no "normal circumstance" with Lu Ming!
He chuckled and said, "Emperor Zhang, are you sure you won't see them?"
Zhang Ying was amused. "What, are you trying to threaten me? I said I won't see them, so tell your guest to scram."
In Zhang Ying's view, Lu Ming had likely invited some local prominent families as negotiators, or perhaps some figures from official circles.
But no matter who it was, it would be useless! Zhang Ying was resolute in his refusal.
Lu Ming nodded and said to someone outside, "Did you hear that? Emperor Zhang refuses to see guests. Tell Abbess Huijing to return."
"As you command!"
Just as the person outside was about to leave to inform the guest, Zhang Ying was stunned.
"Wait!" Zhang Ying put down his chopsticks, dropped his wine glass, and looked at Lu Ming with a shocked expression. "Did you just say... Abbess Huijing?"
Lu Ming nodded affirmatively and added, "Yes, Abbess Huijing from Qingyong Nunnery, the one who keeps a tabby cat named An'an!"
Boom!!!
Zhang Ying felt as though he had been struck by lightning.
He instantly stood up, slammed the table, and roared, "Scoundrel! You dog! How dare you kidnap my mother? Do you think such despicable tactics can force me to yield? Let me tell you, if you dare to harm a single hair on my mother's head, I will flatten your entire Su family! I won't spare even the children under ten!"
It was evident that Zhang Ying was genuinely enraged, his eyes burning with fury.
Lu Ming chuckled and said, "Aiya, aiya, Emperor Zhang, what are you saying? How would we dare to kidnap your mother? It's simply that Abbess Huijing understands the Su family's predicament and has voluntarily come to help us, not through any coercion. If you don't believe me, you can ask Abbess Huijing herself when she comes over."
Zhang Ying pondered for a moment, then waved his hand grandly. "Alright, invite my mother over to speak! If I discover you used violence to force my mother down the mountain, I won't wait until tomorrow. I will unleash a massacre tonight!"