The Marriage Delegation on the Western March
In a light, drifting rain, the marriage delegation made its way westward. On this day, the procession came upon a vast grassland. From afar, a large contingent of cavalry charged toward them — no fewer than several hundred riders. Wu Tong looked into the distance with concern, as did all in the company. General Pugu Huai'en rode at the front and immediately dispatched scouts to investigate. Before long, the scouts returned with grim news: these riders were Yan troops, sent by the Emperor of the Great Yan to intercept the royal wedding convoy.
At the same time, vanguard skirmishes had already broken out at the front lines.
Pugu Huai'en spurred his horse forward and shouted boldly:
"Who dares block our way? Pugu Huai'en is here!"
Raising his great saber, he led his troops into battle. The enemy's spears shattered and halberds broke; bodies lay strewn across the field. Yet the enemy was fierce and numerous, fighting hard and refusing to retreat. In fact, they fought while advancing, pressing ever closer.
Just then, a lone rider galloped forth. Within moments, he was among the enemy ranks, slashing down foes with unrelenting might. Wherever he passed, enemy troops scattered in terror. Witnessing such valor, the Yan soldiers finally withdrew.
When the battle subsided, Pugu Huai'en rode over and declared:
"Wu Tong of the Loyal and Righteous Hall — famed across the land. Now that I've seen you fight, your skill truly lives up to your name!"
Wu Tong replied humbly:
"How could one man alone resist an entire army? The credit lies with the general, who rallied the troops into battle."
A Sandstorm and Pursuit in the Desert
The next day, the marriage convoy pressed on, now deep into the desert. Suddenly, from the horizon ahead, a yellow sandstorm rose like a mighty gale. Faint neighs of horses echoed through the haze. Sensing danger, Pugu Huai'en shouted:
"This is bad — the enemy is catching up!"
Fixing his gaze on the far distance, he spotted a spring in the desert. Without delay, he led the procession toward it.
The company rode hard, the desert wind whipping at their faces.
"Hurry! Before they overtake us — we must reach the fortress ahead!"
After two quarters of an hour, the convoy, shielded by the Tang army's rear guard, entered a mountain stronghold, and the gates were shut behind them.
By now, dusk had fallen. Outside the stronghold, hundreds of enemy riders encircled the place like a tide. Their commander called out from beyond the walls:
"Listen up in there! Hand over the princess, and we'll guarantee your safety!"
He paused, then sneered:
"You know the saying — 'As long as the green hills remain, one need not fear running out of firewood.' Think it over tonight!"
The Loyal and Righteous Hall in the Western Frontier
Inside the stronghold, Wu Tong and his party looked up to see a plaque above the gate: "Loyal and Righteous Hall." What a coincidence!
A stout man led them into the main hall. At the center sat a middle-aged man. Wu Tong stepped forward and recited the secret passphrase:
"A true man wins honor in foreign lands — how can he spend his life buried in scrolls and ink? What should one with ambition do?"
The man started, then responded:
"Enter the tiger's den to seize the tiger's cub!"
Wu Tong followed quickly:
"If one offends the Great Tang…"
The man leapt to his feet, eyes blazing:
"Even if far away — we will strike them down!"
With a resounding voice, the man declared:
"I am Liu Xiong, Western Branch Master of the Loyal and Righteous Hall. May I ask this hero's name?"
Wu Tong replied:
"Surname Wu, given name Tong."He then drew from his chest the hall token. Seeing it, Liu Xiong turned pale and dropped to one knee:
"This subordinate is unworthy! To think the Grand Master would grace us with his presence — I failed to greet you properly."
Wu Tong quickly stepped forward and raised him with both hands:
"Elder, such a greeting is too great for one such as I."
He continued:
"I am newly appointed Hall Master, just entrusted with this duty. Now traveling west with Prince Li Yu, General Pugu Huai'en, and Princess Ningguo by imperial decree, we were ambushed and sought refuge here."
That night, Liu Xiong ordered cattle and sheep to be slaughtered in honor of their Tang guests. The feast was lively and sincere.
During the banquet, Wu Tong noticed many villagers bore golden curls, and blue or brown eyes. Curious, he inquired further and learned that this place was called Zhelai Stronghold. The villagers were descended from people of the ancient Roman Empire (Da Qin). Over generations of war and travel, they had settled in China, married local women, and made their home here. Now, they spoke Chinese, wore Tang garments, and proudly called themselves citizens of the Tang Empire. Their ancestors had joined the Loyal and Righteous Hall, swearing to defend the Tang's borders — a legacy they honored to this day.
The Siege at Dawn
After many days of desert travel, the group was exhausted and went to rest early.
At dawn, enemy voices rose again from outside:
"We say once more: hand over the princess, and no one will be harmed. Refuse — and your lives are forfeit!"
Wu Tong, Liu Xiong, and others looked down from the walls — the enemy now numbered in the thousands.
To venture out now would be suicide.
As they mulled over a strategy, the bandit leader shouted mockingly:
"Frightened, are you? Unless you hide in there forever — come out and fight! Win, and you may go free. Lose, and hand over the girl!"
Suddenly, war drums thundered.
Pugu Huai'en led the Tang troops and charged out the gates in a sudden assault. The enemy, caught off guard, reeled in shock.
Wu Tong focused his gaze: the enemy commander was none other than the Yan general Linghu Chao. His face darkened as he sneered:
"So be it. We settle this with blades.Brothers — charge! Leave no one alive!"
A brutal melee erupted.
Pugu Huai'en held the front lines like a rock, and his Tang soldiers were elite warriors. The enemy could not withstand them.Seeing the tide turn, General Linghu Chao fled on horseback.
Pugu Huai'en prepared to pursue and finish the fight — but then, from the distant horizon, a familiar sandstorm rose again, along with the cries of approaching horses.
Enemy reinforcements were galloping toward them.
Outnumbered and overextended, Pugu Huai'en had no choice but to retreat and regroup within the stronghold.