Master Liu, unaware of what the Loyalty Hall was or what rank it held in the court, replied with humility:"My surname is Liu, given name Tian. I simply do what I can for this community—building a bridge here, helping a villager there. It is nothing of great merit, only the love and respect of the townsfolk."
Whenever he encountered poor peasants, he would distribute food. If a household suffered sudden misfortune, he would lend money or support to see them through. Modest and kind by nature, Liu Yuanwai treated others with warmth and generosity. The villagers often said: "With Master Liu here, the neighborhood feels like one great family."
At this, Li Qian asked:"A goodwife we met in town told us your daughter has been targeted by the chief of a nearby mountain stronghold, who comes tomorrow to claim her. Is this true?"
At once Madam Liu's eyes filled with tears, her hands twisting together in anguish, her body trembling. Master Liu shook his head with a sigh:"Of late, a band of brigands have come to roost upon the hills, declaring themselves kings of the mountain. Their power is great, beyond the ability of the local officials to suppress. Just days ago they sent betrothal gifts, demanding my daughter be taken as the chief's bride. If we refuse, they threaten to slaughter everyone under this roof." His sigh was long and heavy, his face suddenly aged by years of helpless sorrow.
Li Qian spoke firmly:"You and your wife have done good works for many years—even common folk cry out in indignation on your behalf. Worry no more. Do as we say, and all shall be well."
The conviction in her eyes was so steadfast that hope stirred in the hearts of the beleaguered couple.
Master and Madam Liu hurried to their feet, about to kneel in gratitude:"Thank you, noble saviors!"
Wu Tong and Li Qian quickly stepped forward to lift them up. Madam Liu, her voice trembling with emotion, added:"If you can truly preserve our daughter's purity, the Liu family shall remember this grace for generations!"
Then she called aloud:"Steward Xu, bring the young lady here to pay her respects!"
Moments later, supported by her maidservants, a girl of eighteen entered the hall. She wore a pale blue gown, its hem swaying lightly with each step, like an elegant orchid in bloom. Dignified and refined, yet timid and shy, she bore all the grace of a noble's daughter. Her eyes, bright as autumn water, shone with both fear and faint hope.
"Jing'er," Master Liu said, "your fortune has come at last. Tomorrow you need not become that bandit's bride. Quickly thank our benefactors."
The girl, Liu Jing, burst into tears of relief. Kneeling gracefully, she bowed:"This humble girl thanks my lords for their great kindness."
Her voice was like an oriole's call—sweet and clear, though trembling with lingering fear.
Wu Tong gazed at the maiden—slender, radiant, luminous as jade, her beauty nearly equal to that of his wife Li Qian. Truly she was as a pearl that glowed, a flawless gem that shone.
Her maidservant soothed her softly:"Do not cry, miss. Since our benefactors have promised, you will suffer no harm."
Li Qian gently placed a reassuring hand on Liu Jing's shoulder:"Good sister, do not fear. I shall arrange everything tomorrow. Leave it to me."
Gratitude and admiration filled Liu Jing's heart as she looked upon this righteous stranger.
✶ ✶ ✶
The next day, at the appointed hour, the mountain bandits arrived in full force to claim their bride. Master and Madam Liu, eyes brimming with tears, led a veiled bride in scarlet wedding robes to the great red palanquin. With drums, gongs, and firecrackers, the brigands cheered as they lifted the bridal chair.
The bandit chief himself, a man built like a black bear, rode proudly at the head, dressed in a groom's finery, a great red silk ball upon his chest. With booming voice he called:"Let us depart!"
The procession was grand and noisy. Musicians blew their pipes, villagers crowded the streets to watch as the bridal sedan moved through the town.
As the saying goes: "The lust of a scoundrel knows no bounds." The bandit chief, proud in his wedding robe, fancied himself marrying a swan though he was but a brute. He did not know that within the palanquin the bride had already been switched.
When the procession halted for rest, the chief grew impatient. Dismounting his horse, he strode to the palanquin amid the teasing of his underlings.
One jeered:"Chief, are you too eager to see your jewel of a bride?"
The bandit lord snarled:"Wretch! How dare you speak my mind aloud! Were it not my wedding day, I would end you where you stand."
Terrified, the man struck his own face in punishment, while his fellows laughed. The chief, satisfied, moved toward the palanquin.
"Let me behold my bride's beauty!" he said, reaching to lift the curtain—
But suddenly—
"Courting death!"
With a crack like thunder, a leg shot out from the sedan, hurling the hulking chief ten paces back! He crashed to the ground, groaning in pain, then staggered to his feet, shouting:"Who is inside that palanquin?"
At that moment, a figure stepped forth—draped in a phoenix coronet and crimson gown. She cast aside the red veil and declared:"Look closely—see who I am!"
The chief stared. Her beauty stunned him—delicate nose, painted lips, flawless skin, willow brows and starry eyes. She was dazzling, but not the squire's daughter!
"Do you know who I am?" he demanded angrily.
The woman scoffed:"Why don't you state your name first?"
The chief smirked, motioning to his followers.
On his right, the bandits shouted in unison:"Black Bear King! Mighty in strength, unmatched in arms, his power shakes the martial world!"
On his left, others roared:"Black Bear King! Brave and cunning, invincible in battle, triumph in every fight!"
Just then, a man descended from above, landing with effortless grace. It was Wu Tong.
"Such fearsome titles for a petty mountain brigand?" he said loudly.
The chief sneered:"You, stranger, do not seem ordinary. Speak your name, and I may listen."
Li Qian laughed lightly, covering her lips:"His name resounds louder than yours. Listen well. This is Wu Tong, appointed by the court as Master of the Loyalty Hall. Today he comes in Heaven's stead to pass judgment on the Black Bear King."
The bandit chief's true name was Xiong Wu. Huge and burly, like a bear, he had taken to the mountains and called himself the Black Bear King. Though the name Wu Tong struck a chord of fear in his heart, pride forbade him to show weakness before his men.
He barked:"Girl, I will not waste words. Since you sit in the palanquin, you must accept your fate. Return with me to my fortress as my bride—or else…"
Li Qian feigned fright, exclaiming:"Oh no! The Black Bear King is fierce indeed—I'm so afraid!"
The chief leered. Never in his life had he seen such beauty. Fortune had smiled on him, he thought—this woman, mistaken for the squire's daughter, would be his tonight! In his mind he was already dreaming of the bridal chamber, his mouth curling into a hungry smile as he nearly swooned in delight.