It was said that Liu Xuan, Master of the Celestial Sect, invited the Shaolin Abbot, the Dharma Kings of the various religions, Elder Fei, and other heroes to a Daoist temple to deliberate on matters concerning the righteous army's campaign against the rebels. The gathering became a council of heroes—discussing communication, supply lines, and how best to aid the Tang forces. Wu Tong was appointed to serve as the bridge between court and resistance, uniting their efforts. When the meeting was concluded, the heroes departed, each on his own path, to meet again another day.
Wu Tong returned with his beloved wives to Lingwu, resting for several days. On the twentieth day of the third month, he rode out again with Liu Yun. The spring air was fresh, the breeze gentle—a perfect day for two soulmates to wander the open wilderness.
Liu Yun asked:"Have you a destination in mind for this outing?"
Wu Tong replied with a smile:"None in particular. Why not pay a visit to Elder Han Zhen and his lady at their estate?"
Liu Yun nodded:"Indeed, since our return from the Western Regions, it is fitting to call upon them."
Their horses carried them swiftly to Longyou. Ten li outside a county town lay Han Zhen's manor, nestled against hills and flowing water, a secluded paradise. Upon the great gate hung a plaque: 'Hall of Loyalty and Righteousness.' The sun was sinking, birds were returning to roost, when the two entered.
Inside was a scene of elegance: rockeries and streams, broad courtyards shaded by pines and plum blossoms, a refined pavilion beside a pond where golden carp swam lazily. Servants bustled about, cleaning. Seeing the guests, they were startled and delighted, hastening forward. Soon the steward Wang arrived, leading Wu Tong and Liu Yun into the great hall.
When Han Zhen saw them, he laughed in joy:"Wang, prepare a feast!"
The command was echoed through the halls, voices calling:"Prepare the banquet!"
He led them along a pebble path through gardens of bamboo and strange stones. Fragrance of blossoms filled the air, and the artistry of the estate seemed as if wrought by Heaven itself. There, among flowers, Lady Yang Mi tended to plants. Liu Yun said warmly:"Elder, what a delightful life you enjoy!"
Yang Mi looked up and smiled:"Since we have retired from the world of blades, we must find joy in gardens and blossoms."
Han Zhen laughed:"Let us sit in the pavilion and share tea."
The four sat together. Han Zhen set out purple clay teaware, brewing fragrant cups. Wu Tong praised them:"Truly, you live with refinement, elders—how enviable for us juniors."
Han Zhen chuckled:"In youth I wandered the martial world without leisure. Now, in old age, I must tend my years in this manor, with mountain walks, poetry, painting—a pretense of elegance only."
Wu Tong, no longer a commoner but now a man of state, felt the old saying: 'High in the court, one worries for the people; far in the wilds, one worries for the throne.'
Yang Mi asked:"Lord Wu, tell us—what tidings from the martial world?"
Han Zhen raised his hand:"Drink first, then talk."
After tea, as moonlight silvered the courtyard and the breeze stirred bamboo shadows, Wu Tong raised his cup:"To meet true friends, a thousand cups are too few. Tonight let us drink, look upon the moon, and speak of the past."
Han Zhen shook his head:"A true man does not boast of old valor. Better to savor the spring, and let poetry flourish."
Yang Mi smiled:"Tea by moonlight is joy enough. Later, with wine, we may compose our verses."
Thus they drank again. Presently the steward brought dishes, and after feasting among flowers, wine was poured. As the wine warmed their hearts, Lady Yang said:"On such a night, with flowers and moon so bright, should we not each compose a poem?"
Wu Tong, flushed with wine, nodded and recited:
In early spring the season comes,We visit friends and wish them peace.Prepared the banquet's finest fare,Yet need not food for joy to cease.
All clapped in praise. Han Zhen rose, gazed at the moon, and intoned:
With wine we linger in the fields,Tea fragrance drifts beneath the moon.We feast, recite our verse in joy,Together gathered—hearts in tune.
Again came applause. Wu Tong bowed:"Elder's verse is splendid. This junior is in awe."
Han Zhen replied humbly:"You flatter me, Lord Wu."
Then Liu Yun herself rose, inspired by the moonlight, and chanted:
In wind and moonlight time flows sweet,Drunk with blossoms, willows sway.A spring breeze brushes noble brows,By water, 'midst the hills, friends stay.
Her verse rang with elegance. Under the shining moon, the four laughed, drank, and savored the rarest treasure of the martial world—peace and friendship.