It so happened that "Fearless" Lü Qiang gained such a fine son-in-law, and his heart was filled with deep emotion. For Wu Tong, his journey into the martial world had begun mostly because of that fated meeting at the pavilion with Lü Qiang. There, he had received the priceless Royal Propolis Pill, a treasure among treasures, which greatly advanced his inner strength and gave him the confidence to set foot upon the road of the jianghu. By now, more than half a year had passed since the start of his wandering.
At this moment, Fei Jin, Chief of the Beggars' Sect, laughed aloud:"Brothers and sisters, while out on the road one must make do—come, be seated!"
Everyone sat down. Upon the table lay four steaming Beggar's Chickens, their fragrance thick and irresistible. Fei Jin, recalling how months earlier at Teng Wang Pavilion young Zhao Rou had torn off a plump chicken leg, could not help but laugh:"Let Rou'er and Yun'er do us the honor of serving these fresh, tender chickens!"
Zhao Rou and Liu Yun immediately agreed. Then they added, "Tong'er, bring out the old Shaoxing wine!" Wu Tong assented and left to fetch it. Soon the two young women had divided the chickens into eight plates. The skin was crisp yet not scorched, the flesh tender and dripping with juice—truly a delicacy that set every mouth watering. Wu Tong returned with the wine just as Fei Jin said:"Qian'er, pour a cup for everyone present."
Li Qian rose gracefully, filled each cup, and returned to her seat.
Fei Jin then spoke:"Today the children of the jianghu meet here by fate alone. That day this old beggar saw Tong, Rou'er, and Yun'er, each of them gifted and fair. I played the matchmaker and thus led to today's affairs. For that, this old beggar punishes himself with a cup!"
He drained the wine in one gulp. Zhao Rou refilled his cup. Fei Jin continued:"This matter, whichever way you turn it, is my fault. Let me apologize to the three of you!"
He raised his cup toward Wu Tong, Zhao Rou, and Liu Yun, and the three also drank it dry.
Then he went on:"Let me speak plainly. Fearless Lü Qiang is known as a wealthy merchant of Guangzhou, famed for deeds of chivalry. In truth his family name is Li, and he is often called Li Yuanwai. Long ago he pledged kinship with Wu Yuanwai. Yet Wu Tong had already gone north on his great journey. When Li Qian learned her betrothed had left Guangzhou, she set out a thousand li in search of him. Who would have thought that upon finding him, Wu Tong would already be married? The blame for this lies on me, this old beggar. Brother Lü, Niece Qian—I drink this to apologize to you both!"
He raised his cup again, and they also drained theirs.
Setting his cup down, Fei Jin carried on:"At today's anti-rebellion conference, my stubborn temper rose—I could not be stopped. Meeting my old adversary Tiger Among Men Shi Yong, I could not help but fight. The blame again is mine. Alliance Leader, I drink this to apologize to you!"
He downed another cup toward Liu Xuan, Master of the Celestial Veneration Sect. Zhao Rou poured again. Fei Jin raised his cup yet again: "This is truly Heaven's appointed fate…"
At this, his sworn brother Lü Qiang shook his head, interrupting:"Brother Fei, enough! Everyone is starving, and the chickens are growing cold. Let us eat first!"
Fei Jin looked embarrassed, slightly flushed with drink. "My apologies then—let me make it up with this cup!"
But Lü Qiang, half angry, said, "All you know is drink! Even with strong wine, one must eat. Come, everyone, eat the chicken—ignore him!" He seized a piece and began to eat, and the rest followed eagerly. After all, their stomachs were long empty. Fei Jin, however, still chattered and drank on.
At that moment, Zhao Rou picked up a drumstick and said gently, "Grandfather, this leg is for you."
Fei Jin was moved. "Rou'er, you treat me the best!"
Zhao Rou, remembering her own orphaned fate—no father or mother to arrange her marriage, fearing she might never wed her beloved—felt sweetness in her heart. If not for this old beggar playing the matchmaker, how could I have married the man I love? Shyly she said, "Rou'er knows well how much Senior has cared for me."
That night, beneath moonlight and campfire, the company feasted on Beggar's Chicken, drank rough wine, and laughed heartily. Fei Jin toasted again and again, flushed with joy. Among the elders rose a thought: to hold a simple wedding for the four. For though jianghu men and women cared little for ritual, Fearless Lü Qiang wished his daughter to accompany Wu Tong openly—without title or status, tongues in the martial world would wag. And since Wu Tong was now Master of the Loyal and Righteous Hall, a titled officer of the Tang court, the matter could not be taken lightly. The wedding would be simple, but it must be done.
The next morning, Wu Tong prepared for the marriage. He gave two hundred taels to Daoist Priest Ziyang, ostensibly as incense money, but truly to arrange the bridal chamber. The abbot at first declined, but seeing Wu Tong's sincerity, accepted reluctantly. The date was set: the twelfth day of the ninth month, at the hour of the Hare.
On that day the ceremony was held in the temple—simple, yet solemn. Heroes gathered: "Wind and Thunder Hands" Xu Li, Qiu Feng, Mistress of the Phoenix Gang, "Invincible Divine Palm" Fang Wei with his wife, and "Hero Among Men" Fang Xiong with Lady Deng Lingyin.
The fourfold wedding commenced in the temple courtyard. The groom and his three brides first burned incense before the altar, presenting petitions to Heaven, praying to the Three Pure Ones, the Jade Emperor, and the myriad immortals for blessings of harmony and happiness. In the presence of the Dark Warrior Emperor, they bowed to Liu Xuan, to Fearless Lü Qiang, and to Fei Jin. Then Daoist Ziyang himself conducted the rites.
After the inner rituals, the newlyweds bowed to the deities of the four directions. To the sound of wooden fish, cymbals, and drums, under the witness of the august Three Pure Ones, their marriage was sealed.
That night the celebration was lively beyond compare. Cups clashed, wine flowed. Liu Xuan, Lü Qiang, and Fei Jin raised their goblets in turn. Wu Tong, with his three brides at his side, lifted his own cup and proclaimed loudly:"On this day of joy, I thank you all for attending our wedding. The four of us salute you with this cup!"
After the feast, the four entered the bridal chamber. Closing the door behind them, Wu Tong looked upon Zhao Rou, Liu Yun, and Li Qian, and said with solemn courtesy:"My three ladies, accept my bow."
They arranged themselves by age—Wu Tong the eldest, then Li Qian, Zhao Rou, and Liu Yun. That night, husband and wives shared their vows of love. Their joy was boundless, their tenderness beyond words. Here the tale must draw its curtain.