Wu Tong and his two companions, weary from travel, returned to Fengxiang by dusk. As they entered the official residence, the Tang steward happened to open the gate and was overjoyed."Madam! Hall Master Wu and the two ladies have returned!"
Li Qian and Zhao Rou, hearing this, rushed out at once. After so long apart, Wu Tong's yearning for his wives needed no words. He embraced both women warmly—soft fragrance in his arms, jade-like figures leaning against him. The two ladies, gentle and affectionate, exuded grace and tenderness.
Li Qian called out brightly, "Steward Tang, prepare a feast!"
Tang the steward answered, "At once!"Then he raised his voice: "Make ready a grand banquet to welcome Hall Master Wu and his entourage!"The servants responded immediately and withdrew to make preparations.
The next morning, the butler Tang Yong announced that Eunuch Li of the imperial court had arrived. Wu Tong rose and went to the main hall to receive him.
As soon as Li Fuguo entered, Wu Tong cupped his fists and said, "Elder Li, your presence honors this humble residence. Forgive me for failing to greet you earlier."
Li Fuguo replied hastily, "Hall Master Wu, you accompanied the royal envoy to the Uyghur lands and returned laden with merit. Your achievements bring honor to the court and fame throughout the realm."
Wu Tong said, "It was merely my duty. If Senior Li has matters to convey, please speak freely."
Li Fuguo bowed, voice urgent. "I come bearing imperial command. His Majesty summons Hall Master Wu for an audience at once—today, without delay."
The two hurried to the palace. Instead of entering the grand hall, they were led directly to the emperor's study. Li Fuguo stood by the door and announced:
"Your Majesty, this humble servant has brought Hall Master Wu, as commanded."
From within, the emperor said, "Let Hall Master Wu enter. Eunuch Li may withdraw. I have matters to discuss with him."
Li Fuguo bowed. "Yes, Your Majesty."He opened the door for Wu Tong to enter the study, then quietly closed it behind him and departed.
Wu Tong entered the study and immediately knelt."Your servant, Wu Tong of the Loyalty Hall, bows before Your Majesty—ten thousand years, ten thousand years!"
The emperor said, "Rise, Hall Master Wu. Please sit."
Once Wu Tong was seated, Emperor Li Heng spoke:
"I have heard of your heroic deeds beyond the frontier—how you upheld the might of Great Tang, how you accomplished great merit for the court and the realm. You have not disappointed my expectations."
Wu Tong answered respectfully, "I am fortunate not to have failed Your Majesty's command."
In his heart, the emperor thought:To have such a loyal minister truly comforts me.
He continued, "You have earned great reward. Now that the Tang army's counteroffensive is imminent, I wish to borrow your vast experience of the Jianghu. I need you to gather intelligence for the imperial forces."
A surge of loyalty rose within Wu Tong. Hot blood stirred; he had no thought but to serve. He declared:
"This is my duty. I will not hesitate."
His firm, ringing words delighted the emperor."Your loyalty and gallantry could pierce metal and stone."
Wu Tong knew he had been long absent from the Central Plains and did not know the current state of the war. The emperor said gravely:
"The situation is urgent. Our armies will soon face the rebels in a decisive battle. Intelligence at this moment may determine the fate of the realm. This matter must rely upon the Loyalty Hall."
Wu Tong knelt again."Your servant will do all in his power. I shall gather the needed intelligence and relieve Your Majesty of worry!"
The emperor nodded."Your loyalty comforts me deeply. The task is entrusted to you. You have only just returned from the Western Regions—go home and rest. In two days, begin your work."
Wu Tong bowed."Thank you, Your Majesty. Your servant takes his leave."
He then withdrew from the palace and returned home.
The next morning, a young palace eunuch arrived with a group of attendants carrying chests of imperial rewards. After entering the residence, the eunuch opened a scroll and recited:
"By Heaven's Mandate and the Emperor's decree:
Hall Master Wu of the Loyalty Hall, having served by imperial command as envoy to the Uyghurs, has smitten demons and villains, shaken the realm, and exalted the prestige of Great Tang.Therefore, the court bestows upon him:Two thousand taels of gold, two thousand taels of silver, five hundred stone of grain, one thousand bolts of fine silk, several dozen pearls, and five jade bracelets,as a mark of imperial grace.
Thus is the decree."
The rewards were heavy—as expected for one who had rendered such service.
Wu Tong rested two days at his residence, then set out once more. He intended to visit both Chang'an and Luoyang. This time Zhao Rou and Ling Xian'er accompanied him, both disguised as young male attendants. Wu Tong dressed as a Confucian scholar. In such plain attire, none would suspect they were martial heroes—perfect for gathering intelligence on the rebel forces.
At noon, three travelers arrived at the inn: a pedantic scholar leading two "pages," carrying their bundles. After they sat down, the waiter arrived, and they ordered a few dishes.
Soon, more guests entered.
The first was a thin, small man in his fifties, eyes narrowed to slits. In his hand he carried a Judge's Brush—also known as a Champion's Brush—a peculiar weapon suited for piercing, jabbing, striking pressure points, and hidden attacks. The unimpressive-looking fellow swept the room with a quick glance, then shuffled slowly to a corner and sat.
Moments later, four more men entered and took the round table in the center.One was an elderly man near seventy with a white beard; another was a short, dark-skinned man in his fifties; the other two were men between thirty and forty, one dressed in blue, one in white. The blue-clad man wore his hair in a warrior's topknot with twin sabers on his back. The white-clad man had long brows and sharp eyes, vigorous in bearing.
Judging from their appearances and temperaments, the four hardly seemed like men of the same path—yet they had indeed come together. After a brief greeting among themselves, they pulled out their chairs and sat with deliberate formality.
The inn had already been about four-fifths full. With the arrival of these five, the place suddenly felt lively.
The short, dark man had barely sat when he bellowed,"Waiter, come here!"
His booming voice was unmistakably of the northern Qi-Lu region. The shout rang through the inn, drawing every eye to him. Feeling the stares, he seemed startled; but then the white-bearded elder beside him shot him a fierce glare. The dark man lowered his head in sudden understanding.
When the waiter hurried over to ask for orders, the white-bearded elder whispered a few instructions—so quiet and restrained compared to the earlier outburst that they seemed like two entirely different men.