Hearing this, Wu Tong raised his cup and drained it in one gulp.With a resonant voice, he declared, "Senior, how could I ever refuse? Since the righteous army faces such a vital task, I shall do all in my power to assist!"His words rang with conviction, his eyes bright with valor. The company was deeply impressed by his forthrightness; even Elder Fei of the Beggar Sect nodded with visible satisfaction.
The Banquet of Heroes
Laughter and camaraderie filled the hall as wine flowed freely. When the gathering reached its height, the Drunken Beggar Fei Jin suddenly leaned forward, eyes twinkling with mischief."Tong'er," he said, "and who might this young lady be? You haven't introduced her to this old beggar!" His tone was teasing, his laughter hearty.
Wu Tong froze, the cup halfway to his lips. A trace of embarrassment crossed his face; he looked left and right, uncertain how to respond.Seeing his awkwardness, Liu Yun smiled gracefully and spoke with poise:"Senior Fei, this is my cousin, Ling Xian'er. Xian'er, come and pay your respects to Senior Fei. The Elder of the Beggar Sect has devoted his life to chivalry and righteousness—his name resounds throughout the martial world. He is a model for all of us younger generations to follow!"
Ling Xian'er immediately rose, bowed with elegance, and said in a clear and melodious voice:"Senior Fei of the Beggar Sect, famed throughout the land—this junior, Ling Xian'er, pays her respects!"
Hearing himself praised from both sides, Fei Jin burst into hearty laughter."Ah, you two girls flatter this old beggar far too much! One says I'm righteous and famous across the realm, the other that my name is known under heaven—how's an old man like me supposed to keep a straight face?"Still laughing, he raised his cup high and cried, "In that case, this old beggar shall return the favor—let me offer a toast to all heroes present tonight!"
The crowd rose as one. Cups clinked, voices echoed:"To Master Fei! To the heroes of the martial world!"They drank deeply, and the hall rang with cheer.
Tales of Valor — Zhang Xun of Suiyang
After several rounds of wine, Fei Jin suddenly grew solemn."Tong'er," he asked, "do you still remember General Zhang Xun?"
Wu Tong's expression hardened; he set his cup down with reverence."General Zhang Xun was stationed at Yongqiu to resist the Yan rebels. Last December, he led three hundred horsemen and over three thousand troops east to defend Ningling, joining forces with Prefect Xu Yuan of Suiyang and Magistrate Yao Yin of Chengfu.
The rebel commander Yang Chaozong attacked Ningling, but Zhang Xun and Xu Yuan sent Generals Lei Wanchun and Nan Jiyun to meet the enemy. After a full day and night of fierce battle, they crushed the rebel army, beheading more than ten thousand foes. The corpses lay strewn across the plain, and the Bian River ran red with blood. Yang Chaozong's remnants fled in disarray. For this great victory, His Majesty issued an imperial edict, promoting Zhang Xun to Deputy Military Commissioner of Henan."
The crowd erupted in applause. Zhao Rou's eyes shone with emotion."Were it not for men like General Zhang Xun," she said, "who give their lives to defend the realm, how could the empire survive this chaos?"
Fei Jin nodded in approval. "Well said, Rou'er! On the twenty-fifth day of the first month, the rebel Yinzhiqi united his forces with Yang Chaozong's, bringing more than a hundred thousand men to besiege Suiyang! When Prefect Xu Yuan heard of it, he sent an urgent plea to General Zhang. For Suiyang lies at the throat of the Jianghuai region—if it fell, the south would have no defense!
Upon receiving the call, Zhang Xun abandoned Ningling without hesitation, leading three thousand elite troops to Suiyang, where he and Xu Yuan joined forces to defend the city."
Fei Jin paused, his voice tinged with admiration."Though outnumbered, the two commanders stood firm. The Yan army could not take the city. Exhausted by the long siege, Yinzhiqi finally withdrew at night, only to be pursued and routed by Zhang Xun—his troops rejoiced, their spirits soaring! But Yinzhiqi soon returned with new forces, launching another assault. Zhang and Xu held fast for sixteen days, capturing sixty enemy officers and slaying more than twenty thousand rebels.
When victory came, the spoils were immense—horses, cattle, wagons beyond count—but Zhang Xun distributed every prize to his soldiers, keeping nothing for himself. Thus his men followed him with unwavering loyalty, fighting to the last breath."
Li Qian sighed deeply. "For Zhang Xun and Xu Yuan to trust each other with such sincerity—truly heroes of their age!"
Fei Jin smiled. "Indeed. When the Emperor heard of their triumph, he conferred the highest honors: Zhang Xun as Censor-in-Chief, Xu Yuan as Imperial Inspector, and Yao Yin as Director of Civil Service—rewards befitting their loyalty and valor."
The Mission of the Righteous Army
Wu Tong's face grew serious. "Might our Righteous Army lend aid to the defenders of Suiyang?"
Fei Jin's eyes lit up. He slapped the table and exclaimed, "Exactly what I hoped you'd say! Alliance Leader Liu has already decided—on the twentieth of the fourth month, Qiu Feng, leader of the Phoenix Gang, and Xu Li of the Xuzhou Guild will escort supplies collected from the south. The goods will be shipped by canal to Xuzhou, where our Beggar Sect's volunteers will deliver them to Suiyang's garrison.
This transport is of utmost importance—failure is not an option! Wu Tong, will you accompany the convoy to ensure its safety?"
Wu Tong rose, clasped his fists, and said solemnly, "Matters of the righteous cause admit no hesitation. I, Wu Tong, shall personally oversee the escort and see that every crate reaches Suiyang safely!"
"Excellent!" cried Fei Jin, laughing heartily. The entire hall was stirred by Wu Tong's righteousness. Cups were raised all around."To Master Wu! To the Righteous Army! To all who serve loyalty and justice!"
Wu Tong bowed. "It is but the duty of the Hall of Loyalty and Righteousness. Yet this mission still depends on the valor of the Beggar Sect brothers. Allow me to offer this cup to you all!"
Everyone stood once more and drank.
Fei Jin nodded approvingly. "Then it's settled!"Wu Tong replied, "With the enemy pressing on all fronts, how could I let Senior Fei bear the burden alone? Come, let me drink another cup with you!"
They drank again, laughing. Li Qian then chimed in with a playful smile, "Master Fei, we sisters cannot let you drink alone—we must share a few cups with you!"
Fei Jin, already flushed from the wine, laughed uproariously. "One cup each, then! Let's see who can outdrink the old beggar!"Li Qian came first, followed by Zhao Rou, Liu Yun, and finally Ling Xian'er.
Under the flickering lanterns, the air was thick with wine and warmth. Laughter mingled with the fragrance of wine; cups clashed and vows were made. This was no mere feast—it was a pledge of loyalty to both the martial world and the nation.
That night, Wu Tong and his companions drank with the Beggar Sect till dawn—eating heartily, drinking boldly, their spirits ablaze. Cups rang, songs rose. Truly, "Let me pour another for friendship's sake, and strike the cup in tune with song!"
Wu Tong reserved the entire tavern for the night. When dawn came and hangovers set in, he ordered breakfast and provisions prepared for the Beggar Sect brothers. After the meal, they parted amid laughter and farewells.
Upon returning to Fengxiang, Wu Tong and his party were weary from travel and took rest at his residence. The next morning, a young eunuch arrived at the gate with an imperial summons:"Lord Li requests the presence of the Master of the Hall of Loyalty and Righteousness."
Wu Tong straightened his robe, composed himself, and followed the eunuch into the palace.