The Tang army laid out wine and a full banquet to honor the Beggars' Sect–led militia for their outstanding contribution in battle. Cups were raised and traded, laughter rolled through the hall; the volunteers were high-spirited, the Tang officers full of gratitude. The revelry lasted through the night—needless to say.
At dawn, duties called and everyone parted reluctantly. Wu Tong and Liu Yun had been away from the Lingwu residence for over two months; on the homeward road they spurred on without pause along the official highway. Spring winds brushed their faces and drew their thoughts back to the past. They remembered leaving Lingwu in the depth of winter, heavy snow blanketing the land in hushed white. Now, in early spring, all was teeming with life—willows mist-green, wildflowers thick as brocade along the path. The breeze cleared the mind; hoofbeats mingled with the breath of spring, and they felt keenly how time flows and years sing.
Upon reaching Lingwu they learned the court had already issued an edict to move the capital: the Son of Heaven had transferred to Fengxiang with all the ministers. Lingwu was no longer the seat of power. Wu Tong and Liu Yun decided not to tarry; they set out at once for Fengxiang. Dusty from the road and taking no rest, they reached Fengxiang by nightfall. Lanterns were being lit; the markets still bustled, lights gleamed—prosperity everywhere within the walls.
At the residence gate they saw, from afar, Li Qian and Zhao Rou leaning at the window, eyes bright with expectation—they had clearly been waiting long. At the sight of Wu Tong, joy blossomed on their faces and they hurried out to meet him; naturally, there was a warm, tender embrace. Li Qian called quickly, "Steward Tang, the lord has returned—prepare the evening feast!"
A middle-aged steward answered at once: "At once!" His name was Tang Yong, recruited by Li Qian—capable and loyal. Seeing Wu Tong home, he too was delighted. He clapped his hands and ordered the servants, "Lay on a grand feast to welcome our lord!" The staff scattered to their tasks; the kitchens soon steamed with heat and rich aromas.
Wu Tong and his companions walked into the courtyard and along a path to the pavilion. The night air was cool; lamplight cast their shadows together as they spoke freely of their time apart. Wu Tong sighed, gazing at the stars. Gently he asked, "Is all well at home? What did Father and Mother say?"
Zhao Rou smiled softly. "All is well. They miss you, and they bid you—on the road and in the rivers and lakes—never to act rashly. Think thrice before every move, keep kindness in your heart, befriend the worthy, and do not make too many enemies."
Wu Tong nodded, feeling the depth of parental care. "As it should be. The jianghu is perilous—one misstep invites danger. I will keep their words close."
Li Qian added with a small smile, "Brother Tong, Zhao Rou and I climbed Mount Baiyun the other day to visit Master."
Wu Tong brightened at the mention of his teacher. "How is Master's health? Did he leave any charge for me?"
Li Qian bowed her head slightly. "Master is well. Hearing of your travels—of the fortunes you met, of learning the Crouching Dragon Saber, and of aiding the Tang against the rebels—he was comforted. Yet he also admonished you: keep the common people ever in mind. Unless one is truly unforgivable, be ready to leave a path of mercy; do not slaughter the innocent."
Wu Tong fell silent for a moment, shaken, then said gravely, "I will engrave Master's teaching on my heart. There will always be entanglements of grievance in the jianghu, but we must hold to justice and never kill for private spite."
He continued, "That is exactly what concerns Li Wenzhong, the head of the Crouching Dragon Sect. Luckily, the saber has chiefly cut down demons and villains; only that time, to save the little girl Lan Jingtong, I was forced to kill widely."
Zhao Rou asked, curious, "Who is Lan Jingtong? Did you meet some extraordinary turns on this journey?"
Wu Tong smiled. "Too many to tell. Most important: Liu Yun ate the Tianshan snow lotus—her inner strength is now likely no less than mine! Best let Yun-mei tell it herself."
So the four of them exchanged tales of what had befallen since they parted—no need to rehearse the details here.
About an hour later, a servant arrived and bowed. "Steward, the supper is prepared." Tang Yong turned and said respectfully to the lord and lady, "My lord, my lady, the meal is ready. Please come to the hall." The supper was abundant; unlike the Western Regions, the dishes were delicate and not meat-heavy. With the table full of fine fare, appetites rose and everyone ate heartily. Afterward they withdrew to rest. Wu Tong and Liu Yun bathed and refreshed themselves; travel-weariness melted away, and they slept soundly at last.
The next day, a young palace eunuch arrived with a summons: Chief Eunuch Li Fuguo requested an audience with the Lord of the Hall of Loyalty and Righteousness. Wu Tong entered the palace. Li Fuguo rose to greet him. "Lord Wu, please be seated."
"Thank you, Your Excellency," Wu Tong answered respectfully.
Once Wu Tong was seated, Li Fuguo said, "Your mission was a complete success. His Majesty is greatly pleased."
Wu Tong replied, "I am fortunate not to have failed the imperial charge."
Then Li Fuguo, with pointed meaning, added, "This is a great merit. I shall memorialize the throne—there will be rewards."
Wu Tong bowed. "My thanks, Your Excellency."
Li Fuguo's expression did not change as he paced slowly. "His Majesty has heard of great upheavals in the jianghu. Murong Gui, leader of the Black Dragon Sect, curries favor and gathers supporters for the rebel An Lushan, seeking to draw them all into his service. On our side, we are fortunate that the Heavenly Venerable Sect has formed a volunteer force to oppose the rebels. For the moment the two sides are evenly matched, neither prevailing."
Wu Tong was impressed—though not of the jianghu, the Emperor knew its affairs. "Your Excellency, His Majesty is well informed. The situation truly stands thus."
Li Fuguo spoke earnestly: "The Emperor has had a hard road. As Crown Prince he endured eighteen years; now, in the nation's peril, he must rely on help from all sides. Without the support of Du Hongjian, Military Governor of Shuofang, how could he have ascended?"
(Emperor Suzong, Li Heng, was named Crown Prince in the 26th year of Kaiyuan—738—and ascended on the 12th day of the 7th month, Tianbao 15—756—honoring Xuanzong as Retired Emperor and changing the era name to Zhide at age forty-six. Before taking the throne, as Crown Prince he long suffered the suspicions of Emperor Xuanzong and the suppression of the powerful ministers Li Linfu and Yang Guozhong, living constantly on the brink of disgrace.)
"In the seventh month of 756, Li Heng reached Lingwu. Du Hongjian and Pei Mian submitted repeated petitions urging him to take the throne, in accord with the people's will. At first he refused, but after Du memorialized five times, he consented. Du then personally arranged the enthronement rites. Thus Li Heng became Emperor Suzong."
Li Fuguo continued, "His Majesty's heart is wholly for the realm. He has summoned the forces of the fifteen prefectures under the Shuofang Command to prepare a great counteroffensive. A decisive clash will likely come within half a year. In the meantime, His Majesty hopes the Hall of Loyalty and Righteousness can organize local anti-rebel militias, to overawe the enemy's momentum and turn public sentiment in favor of the Tang advance."
Wu Tong's righteousness blazed. He clasped his fists and declared in a ringing voice, "Matters of the jianghu and matters of the court—sweeping aside traitors and restoring the altars of state—let such loyalty and courage fall to me!"
Li Fuguo was moved and gladdened. "Good! Such is the speech of a true man. His Majesty intended to summon you to court, but government affairs press heavy, so it is postponed. I bring the imperial will: may Lord Wu achieve great merit soon—do great deeds—be a great hero."
Wu Tong's heart stirred. He bowed deeply. "The Emperor's grace is vast. I shall exhaust my mind and strength—lay down my very life to repay Heaven's favor."
Li Fuguo rejoiced inwardly. This man was learned and martial, wise and bold—a hero's breast. Smiling, he said, "The Lords of the Hall of Loyalty have ever united wit and valor, standing against ten thousand. All are livers of pure loyalty and courage. His Majesty hopes the civil and military of the court each display their talents to accomplish great things—and he places special trust in the Lord of the Hall of Loyalty, needless to say."