The party repaired to an inn to drink and celebrate their victory. Dishes were brought out one after another by the waiters; cups were raised and clinked, land and river delicacies filled the tables, and everyone drank to their heart's content before retiring to their rooms.
Wu Tong and Liu Yun returned to their chamber. Wu Tong closed the door and embraced Liu Yun from behind. She laughed softly and said, "Brother Tong, why are you so impatient tonight?"Wu Tong lowered his head and kissed her cheek, smiling as he replied, "Who can blame me when you look like a fairy descended from heaven? I'm only a mortal—how could I possibly restrain myself? That fellow Ge Tian even risked his life today because of you. Isn't it all because you're too beautiful? Your beauty is enough to bring trouble upon us men."
Liu Yun chuckled and said softly, "I truly didn't expect Ge Tian still to be so spoiled and arrogant. I only wanted to tell him that I'm already married, hoping he would give up that thought. Who would have guessed…"Wu Tong sighed. "We mortals—how can we truly see through worldly passions?" He gazed at Liu Yun with deep affection.
Liu Yun grew shy under his gaze. In his eyes she saw a faint, tender warmth and could not help lowering her head. "Brother Tong, what is it?"Wu Tong had drunk several cups of wine that evening. By candlelight, slightly intoxicated, everything about Liu Yun—every glance, every movement—seemed even more alluring. Unable to resist, he stepped closer. With a soft cry from her lips, he lifted her in his arms and carried her toward the bed. Liu Yun, shy yet gentle, rested her head against his shoulder, her expression tender and serene. In the quiet of the night, her modest yet graceful demeanor would have melted any man's resolve. She raised her face and looked into Wu Tong's eyes, her lips slightly parted. Wu Tong bent his head down…
The next day, Wu Tong and his companions took leave of Qiu Biao, the deputy leader of the Flying Eagle Sect, as well as Wang Yun and his wife. Having received intelligence that Xuzhou would soon host the once-every-three-years Grand Canal Heroes' Assembly—where martial champions would compete to select a leader for the canal guilds—Wu Tong and the others headed for Xuzhou at once.
After entering the city, they led their horses through the streets when a Beggars' Sect disciple recognized Wu Tong and stepped forward. "Hall Master Wu, I am a disciple of the Beggars' Sect. My name is Wu Cheng."Hearing that the young man shared his surname, Wu Tong felt an immediate sense of warmth and said with a smile, "What a coincidence! We may even share ancestral roots. Where is your sect leader now?"Greatly moved, Wu Cheng replied, "With your status, how could I dare compare myself? Our leader is at the ruined-temple branch ahead. I'll lead you there at once."
Under Wu Cheng's guidance, they arrived at the ruined temple. Just then, Elder Jiang Feng glanced outside and saw Wu Cheng bringing Wu Tong with him. Overjoyed, he shouted excitedly, "Leader! Hall Master Wu Tong has arrived!"The Drunken Beggar, Fei Jin, replied weakly, "Jiang Feng, have you gone hungry and lost your senses? Wu Tong is in Chang'an—how could he be here?"Jiang Feng exclaimed, "Leader, I'm not mistaken!"Fei Jin laughed languidly. "If Brother Wu Tong really came to this ruined temple, we wouldn't need to beg for food today—big bowls of wine and big cuts of meat! Not like now, with neither wine nor meat."
Wu Tong spoke up loudly, "Senior Fei, I arrived late to pay my respects. Please forgive me."Hearing Wu Tong's voice, Fei Jin leapt up in delight and rushed to the doorway. "Brother Wu Tong, it really is you!"Liu Yun bowed politely. "Junior Liu Yun greets Senior Fei. My visit is overdue—please pardon me."Wu Tong added, "Allow me to host a banquet for the Beggars' Sect brothers to make amends."Fei Jin laughed. "Brother, we were only joking earlier—don't take it seriously."
At that moment, Situ Kong spoke up, "Fei Jin, it's been a long time."Fei Jin stared in disbelief. "Brother Situ! I thought you had already—""Bah!" Situ Kong interrupted. "Don't curse me with that foul mouth!"
As the sun dipped westward, beggar disciples and elders gradually returned to the ruined temple. Wu Tong said, "Senior, let us find a fine restaurant and enjoy good food and drink."Fei Jin replied awkwardly, "How could we trouble you? We could just catch a few dogs and cook some meat."Liu Yun quickly interjected, "Brothers of the Beggars' Sect, the court recognizes your service and sacrifices. Hall Master Wu Tong has been sent to reward you today. Let us go to a proper restaurant—big bowls of wine and hearty dishes!"
The beggars erupted in cheers. Wu Tong and his companions then led more than a dozen of them into the city. Night had already fallen, lanterns lighting the streets. After asking around, they headed for the most famous establishment in town—the Bright Moon Pavilion.
At the entrance, two guards blocked their way rudely. "Hey, beggars! Wrong place. Only paying gentlemen come here."Wu Tong stepped forward, clasped his hands, and said calmly, "Here are ten taels of silver. Please be accommodating. I intend to host these heroes today and reserve this establishment."Seeing Wu Tong's refined attire and the silver in hand, the guards immediately became respectful. "Forgive us, young master. Please come in."
They were ushered upstairs, where three tables were set for them. Wu Tong said, "Serve your best dishes—and bring Shaoxing Champion Red wine."A heavily made-up madam approached with a fan and a wide smile. "Young master, would you like some ladies to keep you company?"Wu Tong smiled politely. "Isn't this place called the Bright Moon Pavilion? We'll admire the moon, eat, and drink."Embarrassed, the madam asked what dishes he wanted. Wu Tong repeated, "The best dishes—and Shaoxing Champion Red." He handed her ten taels of silver. Delighted by his generosity, she quickly promised to prepare everything at once.
Before long, fine wine and delicacies filled the three tables, and Liu Yun personally poured wine for everyone at Wu Tong's table.