Eunuch Li Fuguo pondered for a long moment, his gaze profound, before speaking slowly:"Hall Master Wu, on this journey—have you obtained any secret intelligence that must be reported to the court?"
Wu Tong's heart gave a jolt. He thought inwardly: "Li Fuguo is indeed shrewd and farsighted, his insight piercing like a blade!" He immediately clasped his fists and replied:"My lord is wise and discerning. This humble one does indeed bear military secrets that must be presented to the court."
Li Fuguo's heart stirred. He mused: "Now the empire is in chaos, heroes rise in every province, and the court trembles. Only a true champion can save the realm! Han Zhen's recommendation of Wu Tong proves this man is no ordinary mortal. Without world-shaking talent, how could he be entrusted with such weighty affairs?" Yet his face remained calm as he paced a few steps, then said gravely:"Of late there has been word from Luoyang: An Lushan has yielded the throne to Prince An Qingxu, declaring himself 'Retired Emperor.' The matter is sudden and troubling. His Majesty has yet to receive a clear report. Has Hall Master Wu perhaps uncovered deeper truths?"
Wu Tong was startled. After a pause, he thought: "The court suspects upheaval, but they know not yet of An Lushan's assassination. Now is the moment to speak!" He bowed and declared:"My lord, on New Year's Eve, in pursuit of vital intelligence, I infiltrated the palace at Luoyang. There I personally witnessed the assassination of An Lushan!"
Li Fuguo's countenance changed sharply. He exclaimed:"Can this be true?!"
Though a man of immense power in the court, he had only received muddled rumors from war-torn Luoyang. To hear that An Lushan had truly fallen to an assassin's blade shocked him profoundly.
Wu Tong's expression was resolute. He raised his voice:"This matter is beyond doubt! I saw it with my own eyes—there is no falsehood!"
He then recounted how he and Li Qian had scouted the enemy camp at Mount Hua beneath the swirling snow, overheard Yan Zhuang plotting secretly with An Qingxu to remove An Lushan, and later stole into the palace to witness the fateful night. There, before their very eyes, the eunuch Li Zhu'er struck down An Lushan with savage blows, blood spraying in torrents.
Li Fuguo listened, spellbound, eyes flashing. When Wu Tong described Li Zhu'er's frenzied hacking, crimson spurting in all directions, he drew a sharp breath, only regaining composure after a long silence. At last he burst into hearty laughter:"Hall Master Wu—truly wise and valorous, a hero of the age, loyal and fearless! Worthy indeed of leading the Hall of Loyalty and Righteousness!"
Wu Tong bowed low:"This is but the grace of the late Master Han, who saw worth in me. I, Wu Tong, shall never fail his trust. With my life and strength, I shall uphold the Tang!"
Li Fuguo nodded in delight:"In such turbulent times, all men of the Great Tang must give their utmost, to steady the realm and sweep away traitors. Hall Master Wu has rendered service of immense worth. Such intelligence is a treasure beyond gold or jade. His Majesty shall surely reward you!"
Wu Tong quickly declined:"I but did my duty, and have yet to earn true merit. How could I dare accept reward?"
Li Fuguo smiled faintly, his gaze meaningful:"Rewards are decreed by the Son of Heaven. Hall Master Wu need not protest."
Indeed, since the founding of the Tang, emperors had relied upon the Hall of Loyalty and Righteousness. Though small in number, its networks spanned the empire, their eyes and ears gathering intelligence for the army's campaigns. Wu Tong's mission fulfilled this legacy: to win by knowledge before the first blade was drawn.
Li Fuguo declared firmly:"Such merit must be rewarded. The court shall not fail its loyal servants."
Wu Tong rose and bowed again:"I am grateful beyond measure for my lord's favor."
Li Fuguo laughed:"No need for thanks. This is only just. I must report swiftly to His Majesty. Hall Master Wu, return to your residence for now—further orders shall come anon."
Wu Tong knew the audience was ended. He saluted and withdrew.
The Imperial Reward
At dawn the next day, the sound of marching feet echoed before Wu Tong's residence. A eunuch arrived with attendants bearing heavy chests. The imperial decree was proclaimed:
"By the Mandate of Heaven: Wu Tong, Hall Master of the Hall of Loyalty and Righteousness, has ever been faithful in duty and has rendered great service to the Great Tang. We grant unto him one thousand taels of gold, two thousand taels of silver, five hundred bushels of grain, a thousand bolts of fine silk, several dozen pearls, and five jade bracelets, as a mark of imperial grace. Thus is Our command."
The chests were opened—gold and silver gleamed, grain stacked high, silks shimmered, and jewels glittered. The bounty showed how highly the Emperor regarded Wu Tong.
Yet though honored, Wu Tong knew the war was far from over. The empire's fate still hung in the balance.
A New Mission
The very next morning, another eunuch summoned him urgently to the palace. Li Fuguo greeted him warmly, his tone respectful:"His Majesty, having heard of your perilous venture and invaluable intelligence, is deeply moved. But the struggle is not yet decided. His Majesty entrusts you with a task none other can fulfill."
Wu Tong inclined his head:"The Hall of Loyalty and Righteousness lives to serve the Tang. Pray instruct me."
Li Fuguo's voice grew solemn:"An Lushan is dead, slain by his own son An Qingxu. Yet Chang'an remains in rebel hands. His Majesty swears never to rest until the capital is reclaimed. Generals Guo Ziyi and Li Guangbi now lead the armies to strike the traitors. Still, the time of decisive battle is not yet. Therefore, by imperial command, you, Hall Master Wu, shall carry the Emperor's edict to the Protectorate of Anxi. There you must meet General Li Siyi, and secure the union of western forces with our central host. This mission is weighty—none but you can bear it."
Wu Tong rose, eyes shining, voice ringing:"A true man roams the four seas, with loyal heart to serve his country. This life is not lived in vain!"
Li Fuguo, moved by his words, declared joyfully:"If Hall Master Wu fulfills this charge, it shall be the greatest of deeds. You must depart at once. Tomorrow at dawn, set forth."
Verse
To uphold the realm, my loyal heart shines bright,With gallant courage, no peril bars my way.Bearing the Emperor's edict, I ride westward,Through flowered paths, my horse spurred into flight.