Wu Tong clasped his fists with a smile."Master Qiu, the matter of guarding Ruiguang Temple shall be entrusted to your esteemed sect. Seventy taels of silver each month—let us take that as agreed!"
Qiu Bao laughed heartily."Abbot Liaofan of Ruiguang Temple is indeed blessed with prosperity; his temple flourishes with incense and virtue, that he should form such good ties and meet the illustrious Lord Wu of the Hall of Loyalty and Justice. It is truly our honor."
By then, monks from the temple had already arranged tables and chairs at the side.Abbot Liaofan folded his palms and said, "I must trouble the benefactors to take seats and converse for a while."
Wu Tong gestured politely. "Master Qiu, after you."Qiu Bao returned the gesture with equal courtesy. "Lord Wu, please."
Once everyone was seated, Wu Tong felt secretly pleased — this mission had been fulfilled without flaw. He smiled and said,"Abbot Liaofan, this arrangement for temple protection is concluded most harmoniously. Truly, a cause for joy."
Abbot Liaofan smiled gently, pressing his palms together."Amitabha. Thanks to Lord Wu's mediation—so righteous and compassionate—our monastery is deeply grateful. You have lived up to the name of the Hall of Loyalty and Justice indeed."
Qiu Bao cupped his fists."Lord Wu, though young, is a hero of renown—his martial skill and virtue are celebrated throughout the land. Meeting you today, I regret not knowing you sooner!"
Wu Tong replied,"Master Qiu is himself a gallant hero of the jianghu. To be acquainted with your noble sect is my own good fortune."
Abbot Liaofan smiled."Come, honored guests, please have some tea."
Several nimble monks stepped forward and respectfully poured clear tea for all. The guests lifted their cups and sipped.
Qiu Bao raised his cup."Abbot Liaofan, Daoist Master Xuanzhen—my visit today must have caused you inconvenience. Allow me to toast you both with tea in place of wine."
The three men drank together, each draining his cup in one motion.
Suddenly Qiu Bao turned toward Wu Tong, smiling."Lord Wu, you are valiant and refined, a man of unmatched character. I have a daughter, sixteen this year, gentle and virtuous, awaiting a worthy match. Seeing your bearing and martial grace today, I cannot help but admire you. If fate allowed a marriage between you, it would indeed be a happy union!"
At these words, Li Qian and the other three ladies were all taken aback. They looked at one another, uneasy and silent. Before the awkwardness could grow, Deputy Chief Qiu Biao cleared his throat and said,"Chief, I fear this may place Lord Wu in a difficult position."
Following his gaze, Qiu Bao noticed the women's subtle change in expression and instantly understood. He clasped his fists again with a smile."Ladies, forgive my rudeness! Alas, I met Lord Wu too late—my poor daughter is unworthy of such talent. Since that is the case, I have a small request: I would ask Lord Wu to keep an eye out among the young heroes of the realm, perhaps to find a worthy match for her."
Wu Tong nodded."The world holds no shortage of heroes. As I travel the rivers and lakes, I shall surely keep that in mind for you, Master Qiu."
Li Qian then smiled faintly and said,"Master Qiu, some time ago there was a young hero named Wang Yun. Have you heard of him?"
Qiu Bao's eyes lit up."Madam Wu speaks of Wang Yun? The same youth who trained in secret for years and, at the Battle of the Fahua Temple, avenged the blood feud of his family—eleven slain in one night? That deed shook the martial world; none do not know his name!"
Li Qian nodded."Indeed. Wang Yun is both skilled and upright. For years he endured hardship, driven only by justice. Now, at eighteen, he is courageous, disciplined, and noble—a rare young hero in our time."
Qiu Bao was overjoyed."Truly? Madam Wu's eye is keen indeed! In that case, I must ask you to act as matchmaker. If my daughter could wed such a hero, I would be forever grateful and reward you handsomely!"
Liu Yun exhaled in relief and smiled."Worry not, Master Qiu. What maiden does not wish for a worthy husband? Leave this matter to me."
Qiu Bao's laughter filled the hall."Excellent! Today the Skyhawk Sect has been entrusted as the guardian of Ruiguang Temple, and Lady Wu has promised to assist my daughter—two blessings in one day! I toast you all again, tea in place of wine!"
Everyone raised their cups and drank together.
At that moment, Abbot Liaofan spoke:"Honored guests, the vegetarian meal is prepared. Please, proceed to the dining hall."
It was already midday. The company gladly followed to the refectory for a simple yet generous meal. When the dishes were cleared, the Skyhawk Sect members took their leave.
Wu Tong and his companions watched them depart, feeling content. The task of securing guards for Ruiguang Temple was completed—and unexpectedly, a future marriage alliance had been set in motion.
Li Qian said softly,"My lord, though today's turn of events was unforeseen, it all ended well."
Wu Tong smiled."Indeed, my lady's quick wit saved us from awkwardness. Had you not mentioned Wang Yun, things might have become rather uncomfortable."
Liu Yun laughed."Yes, and if Master Qiu's daughter truly weds Wang Yun, it would be a tale worth telling."
They all smiled, hearts at ease.
Abbot Liaofan approached, pressing his palms together."Lord Wu, it was through your intervention that this temple and the Skyhawk Sect were able to forge such a virtuous bond. This humble monk is most grateful."
Wu Tong returned the gesture."Please, Abbot, think nothing of it. It was but my duty. Ruiguang Temple prospers through faith; to assist, even slightly, is my honor."
The abbot smiled."Your chivalrous spirit commands respect. Should you ever need our help, Ruiguang Temple will gladly respond."
After further courtesies, Wu Tong and his party departed.
On the road back, Li Qian asked softly,"My lord, do you think Wang Yun and Master Qiu's daughter would suit each other?"
Wu Tong pondered."Wang Yun is talented and righteous—a rare youth indeed. If fate favors them, such a match would be a blessing. But love and destiny cannot be forced."
Li Qian nodded."True. Matters of the heart must follow their own course."
The next day, as Wu Tong prepared to leave Ruiguang Temple, Abbot Liaofan said,"Lord Wu, we are indebted to you. Please accept this humble gift of two hundred taels of silver as a token of gratitude."
Wu Tong shook his head."Thank you, Abbot, but I cannot accept. I will donate these two hundred taels back to the temple, praying for peace under Heaven and happiness among the people."
Hearing this, the abbot's eyes shone with admiration."Amitabha! Lord Wu's virtue is rare indeed. The world may be perilous, but your heart is pure. I shall recite the Sutra for Calamity and Blessing each morning and evening for your safety and fortune."
Wu Tong smiled inwardly — in the martial world, peril was constant, and yet the abbot's sincerity moved him."Thank you, Master."
Thus they took their leave of Abbot Liaofan and Daoist Master Xuanzhen, and continued their journey.
That day, travel-worn, the group reached Xuzhou and entered a roadside inn for a meal. The common hall was lively with travelers. As they sat and ate, an elderly, thin man nearby said,"Just recently, Yan general Yin Ziqi led his army to attack Suiyang, but was defeated by General Zhang Xun of the Tang."
Another gaunt old man responded,"The Yan forces are mighty—sweeping across half of the Tang realm. Many governors and magistrates, terrified by their strength, have already surrendered. I hear that after An Lushan's son ascended the throne, he planned to march south to the rich lands of Jiangnan. Fortunately, Zhang Xun and Xu Yuan held firm at Suiyang, stopping the rebels and protecting half the empire."
The first man shook his head skeptically."The Yan army's power is vast. They may be halted for now, but not for long."
The other smiled faintly."The Crown Prince has already ascended at Lingwu, and hearts across the realm turn to him. Before long, the Tang will strike back and reclaim Chang'an. Let us wait and see."