The Judges of Life and Death—the Chief Judge of the Martial World Cui Fujun, the "Life-and-Death Brush" Li Yan, and the "Judgment Saber" Sun Tian—now stepped forward to greet Wu Tong. The three cupped their fists and said,"Master Wu, and ladies, thank you for gracing the tournament today. Your presence has brought honor and brilliance to this gathering!"
Wu Tong returned the salute with humility."Honored seniors, the pleasure is mine. To witness the peerless skills of these two masters today—this journey is well worth it. I consider myself thrice blessed."
Chief Judge Cui Fujun replied,"Master Wu, since the matter is settled, we shall take our leave."Both sides exchanged bows, then turned to depart. Wu Tong and his two wives had barely taken a few steps when a voice called sharply:
"Master Wu, please stay!"
They turned to see Song Ren, elder of the Beggar Sect, hurrying toward them. His face was anxious."Finally—I've found you, Master Wu!"
Seeing his expression, Wu Tong asked,"Elder Song, is there urgent news from the righteous forces?"
Song Ren nodded gravely."Yes. Chief Fei has an urgent matter he must report to you. Please come with me at once."
Led by Song Ren, the group arrived at a dilapidated temple. Night had already fallen. Before they even stepped inside, Song Ren called aloud,"Chief, Master Wu and his ladies have arrived!"
Within, the Wine Beggar Fei Jin, usually jovial and radiant, set down his red wine gourd. His expression was somber and haggard.Wu Tong quickly stepped forward."Junior Wu Tong greets Chief Fei!"
Fei Jin spoke in a heavy voice."The situation is dire. General Zhang Xun holds Suiyang City, and the soldiers and civilians have gone more than a month without food. They are isolated—abandoned!"
The three were stunned.Ever since Wu Tong's return from the Western Regions, he had been carrying out the court's missions and had no knowledge of Suiyang's plight. Zhao Rou blurted out,"Why did they not seek reinforcements?"
Fei Jin sighed deeply."It is not that they failed to seek aid. Suiyang has been surrounded for many days. General Zhang Xun ordered Nan Jiyun to descend the city wall by rope and break out with thirty elite riders to request help.But the nearby commanders—Shang Heng of Pengcheng, among others—refused to provide troops or grain.Nan Jiyun went to Xu Shuyi, military inspector of Henan in charge of Qiao Commandery. Xu Shuyi refused to send troops and only offered several thousand bolts of cloth.
Nan Jiyun cursed him bitterly and left, then sought help from the newly appointed military governor Helan Jinming of Linhuai.But he too refused to send reinforcements."
Historical records state that when Nan Jiyun reached Helan Jinming, the latter said,"Today we do not even know whether Suiyang still stands. What use is sending troops?"He excused himself in every possible way.
Hearing this, Wu Tong's blood boiled.He thought of Zhang Xun, Nan Jiyun, Lei Wanchun—all loyal heroes of the realm. Rage surged within him."To think such officials exist! Helan Jinming—praised for his learning and refinement—is nothing but filth lower than swine and dogs!"
History indeed recorded Helan Jinming as learned in antiquity, elegant in poetry.As the proverb goes:"The righteous are often men of humble trade;the faithless, more often scholars with polished words."
Fei Jin continued,"Tonight I come on General Zhang Xun's behalf. He entrusts the salvation of Suiyang into your hands, Master Wu."
Wu Tong immediately replied,"The matter is urgent. We must not delay. The three of us will ride through the night to Fengxiang and report to His Majesty directly!"
Fei Jin sighed again."It may already be too late…"
Wu Tong answered firmly,"We shall do all that lies within our power. Perhaps Heaven still allows a chance. Chief Fei, please gather the righteous volunteers at Linhuai and await our message. I will lead the imperial decree myself to relieve General Zhang Xun!"
Hearing these words, the Wine Beggar's weary spirit rekindled.He straightened and declared with renewed valor,"Master Wu, your loyalty and courage shine like steel. We of the Beggar Sect shall not fall behind! We shall uphold justice—We shall meet at Linhuai!"
At once, Wu Tong and his wives mounted their horses and sped off into the night.Because the matter concerned life and death, they dared not rest. Riding relentlessly, they reached Fengxiang at the fifth watch.
Upon returning to their official residence, the Tang steward who answered the door was startled. Without speaking to his wives, Wu Tong rushed directly toward the palace.
At the palace gate, the guards halted him, but at that moment a young eunuch recognized him."Master Wu of the Loyalty Hall—before dawn? Do you carry urgent military news?"
Wu Tong replied,"Deputy Attendant Chen, I beg you—inform Eunuch Li at once. This concerns the gravest military affairs!"
Chen bowed."Please wait here. I shall report immediately."
Soon he returned."Master Wu, follow me into the palace."
Inside, Eunuch Li had just finished dressing. Seeing Wu Tong, he asked,"Master Wu, what grave matter brings you here at such an hour?"
Wu Tong answered,"This concerns the lives of our frontline soldiers and the fate of the Tang realm. I must present it to His Majesty personally."
Never before had Eunuch Li seen Wu Tong so tense and solemn. Knowing the matter must be severe, he said,"Master Wu, come. I shall take you to His Majesty's chamber."
Wu Tong followed him to the imperial residence. There, Eunuch Li instructed Wu Tong to wait while he informed the emperor. Before long, he returned and led Wu Tong to the imperial study.
At the door, Li Fugong announced,"Your Majesty, by your command I have brought the Hall Master of the Loyalty Hall."
From within, the emperor's voice replied,"Let Master Wu enter. Li Fugong, you may withdraw. I will speak with him alone."
Eunuch Li bowed."As Your Majesty commands."
He opened the door. Wu Tong entered the study; Eunuch Li closed it gently behind him and departed.
Wu Tong stepped in, then immediately knelt."Your servant Wu Tong, Hall Master of the Loyalty Hall, humbly greets Your Majesty—long live the Emperor, long live forever!"
The emperor said,"Rise, Master Wu. Please sit."