Murong Gui, master of the Black Dragon Sect, was speaking with great fervor, defending An Lushan's bloody massacres and trying with all his eloquence to excuse the rebel's crimes. But just at that moment, a handsome young gentleman stepped forth with calm and measured stride. His voice rang out sharp and clear, words keen as blades and arguments precise, rebutting Murong Gui so thoroughly that the sect master was left speechless. All around, the assembly halted in surprise, eyes turning to this mysterious youth.
Murong Gui's brow furrowed as he forced down his rising anger. In a voice cold yet calm, he said:"And who might you be, sir, to dare speak so boldly?"
Though his tone was even, the murderous intent beneath was unmistakable. His hawk-like eyes fixed on the gentleman, probing his bearing and breath in search of a clue to his origins.
The youth lightly flicked open his fan, lips curving in a faint smile. With unhurried ease he replied:"I am Wu Tong, twelfth master of the Hall of Loyalty and Righteousness."
His voice was crisp, carrying a trace of mockery, utterly without fear.
Murong Gui started, then suddenly burst into loud laughter:"Ha ha ha… little girl, why do you masquerade as Wu Tong? What has he to do with you?"
His words were mocking, his face twisted with disbelief and ridicule.
The handsome youth blinked in surprise, then gave a dazzling smile:"I am Wu Tong's fiancée!"
Her tone was playful yet alluring, instantly stirring an uproar through the crowd.
Before her words had even faded, young maidens from various noble families rose indignantly—graceful, charming, of fine bearing, yet each with flushed cheeks of anger. They cried out one after another:
"Nonsense! Who are you to claim that?""Shameless hussy!""I am Wu Tong's true fiancée!"
Their voices clashed, and the square erupted into chaos.
At that very moment, Liu Yun and Zhao Rou stepped forward together. Their faces were calm, their eyes firm. In unison they declared:"Enough! We are Wu Tong's wives!"
Their voices rang out clear and forceful. All eyes turned in shock, and the atmosphere became even more charged.
Wu Tong himself now strode out, bowing with courtesy toward the young gentleman. He said gravely:"Young lady, I am Wu Tong. Why do you impersonate me, and even claim to be my betrothed?"
The youth faltered at first, then suddenly her eyes glistened with tears, cheeks streaked like pear blossoms in the rain. She sobbed bitterly:"Wu Tong, you heartless man! I am none other than the daughter of Lord Li of Guangzhou! Do you not know? To find you, I sought out Immortal Baiyun himself, who passed on his arts to me. Ten days past, I encountered the former Hall Master Han Zhen and Lady Yang Mi, who told me of your mission to Xuzhou. I thought—since we had never met, how could I ever see you? So I donned your name and guise, and thus I have found you!"
Her tearful eyes turned upon him, filled with grievance and sorrow.
Wu Tong's mind flashed back to his mother's words of years past: "Lord Li's daughter is both talented and fair; I would gladly see her wed to you."
The realization struck him, and his face flushed red. With a note of guilt he said earnestly:"This is indeed my failing. I beg Miss Li to forgive me."
Just then, a figure descended like the wind, robes billowing, landing firm upon the ground. A deep and commanding voice resounded:"Qian'er, come home with me at once!"
All turned to look—none other than Lü Qiang!
Wu Tong was startled. "So it is Senior Lü Qiang!"
For the maiden was revealed to be Li Qian, the only daughter of the fearless hero Heaven-Dares-All Lü Qiang and the Xiang River heroine Luo Ping. Years ago, when Lü Qiang journeyed north, fate brought him to a wayside pavilion where he encountered Wu Tong. Out of admiration, he taught Wu Tong some of his arts, and even bestowed upon him the wondrous "Propolis Pill," aiding Wu Tong on his wanderings through the martial world and paving the way for his present renown.
Seeing her father, Li Qian wept even harder:"Father, it is your fault! Wu Tong has married others already!"
Her voice trembled with grievance, tinged with girlish petulance. The crowd sighed in sympathy. Lü Qiang's face reddened, his tone laden with guilt:"Say no more! Come with me!"
But Li Qian stamped her foot, crying:"I will not! Wu Tong is my betrothed, and I will follow him!"
Her voice rang with determination, her gaze unwavering, moving many hearts.
Lü Qiang sighed heavily, eyes full of helpless love. "Why must you suffer so?"
Just then, Beggar Sect Chief Fei Jin stepped forward, clapping Lü Qiang heartily on the shoulder with a booming laugh:"Brother, leave this matter of youngsters to me!"
Turning to Wu Tong, his eyes gleamed with mischief and meaning:"Wu Tong, lad, this little girl speaks truth enough. Best confess it honestly—what say you?"
Wu Tong sighed softly, then straightened his back:"Though we have never met, my mother did once speak of this betrothal. But as I roamed afar, I gave it no heed. Now that the matter stands revealed, the fault lies with me."
His voice was steady, tinged with shame yet also open and forthright. The crowd watched in tense silence, the air thick with intrigue.
Fei Jin nodded, then turned toward Zhao Rou and Liu Yun, his tone half-stern, half-playful:"Daughters-in-law, hear me. Wu Tong had a betrothal set by his parents. Yet for you, he defied their will and wed without consent—this is unfilial! Even I, an old beggar, know the words of Mencius: 'Obey your parents' command, heed the matchmaker's word.' What say you to this?"
Zhao Rou bowed her head:"I confess my fault. I beg elder's guidance."
Fei Jin said:"It is simple—Wu Tong must honor his parents' will and the matchmaker's pact. Have you objections?"
Zhao Rou nodded firmly:"It should be so. I will abide by elder's teaching."
Fei Jin turned to Liu Yun:"And you, Yun?"
Liu Yun hesitated, face troubled:"This…"
But then Liu Xuan, grandmaster of the Celestial Veneration Sect, spoke sternly:"Yun'er, Wu Tong broke filial duty for you both, marrying without leave. As master of the Hall of Loyalty and Righteousness, how can he betray trust before the world?"
Under the weight of so many gazes, Liu Yun had little choice. She bowed her head and murmured:"As my husband decrees."
In those days of Tang, whether scholar or merchant, lord or swordsman, it was common to keep three or four wives and concubines. A man with only one wife was the true rarity.