On this day, the sky was clear and warm, the clouds light and the breeze gentle. Wu Tong and his two companions arrived at the headquarters of the Salt Gang to pay a formal visit. After traveling three or four li through the city of Xuzhou, they reached the Salt Gang's grand estate. The compound was imposing and majestic. Upon entering the front courtyard, they saw gang members practicing martial arts to strengthen their bodies. The place was lively and noisy.
At that moment, an instructor stepped forward. Wu Tong advanced a few paces, clasped his hands in salute, and said,"I am Wu Tong, Hall Master of the Zhongyi Hall. I trouble you to inform Gang Leader Zeng Yong of the Salt Gang."
The moment these words were spoken, the people in the courtyard froze in surprise. A ripple of murmurs spread instantly—whispers passed from ear to ear as all eyes turned to examine the refined young man before them. Everyone took a careful look at the three visitors.
The instructor said, "Hall Master Wu, I met you last year. Please wait a moment while I report your arrival."Turning around, he barked sharply, "What are you staring at? Continue training!"At once, the gang disciples hurriedly resumed their horse stances.
Before long, Zeng Yong, the leader of the Salt Gang, and Zeng Qiang, the deputy leader's son, emerged at a brisk pace, smiles filling their faces.
"Hall Master Wu of Zhongyi Hall honors us with his presence," Zeng Yong said cheerfully. "I failed to welcome you from afar—please forgive me!"
Wu Tong replied, "We happened to pass by your esteemed gang and took the liberty of calling on you."
Liu Yun also clasped her hands and said, "Greetings to Gang Leader Zeng."
Zeng Yong returned the salute and said warmly, "Greetings to Hall Master Wu's wife. Madam grows more beautiful by the day."
Wu Tong then introduced, "This is Senior Situ Kong, known as the 'Western Madman.'"
Zeng Yong was greatly startled. Unable to hide his disbelief, he hurriedly clasped his hands."I have long heard your great name—it thunders in my ears. To meet you today truly fulfills a lifelong wish."
Situ Kong, seeing that Zeng Yong was about the same age as himself, felt somewhat embarrassed by such praise. He returned a light salute and said,"We're about the same age, Brother Zeng. You flatter me—I dare not accept such praise."
Zeng Yong then said respectfully, "Everyone, please come inside and have some tea."With a guiding gesture, he led them into the main hall.
Once seated, tea was served. After a few polite exchanges and a sip or two, Zeng Yong spoke directly:
"Hall Master Wu holds a position close to the court. Since you have come to my humble gang, you must have business at hand. We people of the martial world speak plainly. I am a straightforward man and do not beat around the bush—please forgive me if I speak frankly."
Wu Tong listened carefully and then said solemnly,"Gang Leader Zeng has remained loyal to the state in these troubled times—no easy task. I admire you greatly. At present, the Canal Transport Hero Assembly is to select the Dragon Head Brother, and the court places great importance on this matter. You, honored elder, were once the Dragon Head Brother yourself. I came today precisely to learn your thoughts on this upcoming assembly."
Zeng Yong nodded and replied,"Hall Master Wu's insight is truly exceptional—befitting the Hall Master of Zhongyi Hall. Your strategic foresight commands my utmost respect. To speak frankly, the various canal gangs are entangled in interests that require a Dragon Head Brother to mediate. In the past, when Tang forces and Yan forces clashed, I sided with neither—and ended up blamed by both. Now, as for this contest for Dragon Head Brother, I am advanced in years and no longer able to shoulder such heavy responsibility. I truly have no intention of serving again."
He paused, then continued,"As for Zeng Qiang, whether in martial skill or experience, he still falls short compared to other gang leaders. In my view, the position of Dragon Head Brother should be given to someone else this time."
Wu Tong listened and felt certain in his heart. A bold and unyielding spirit rose within him as he declared forcefully:
"I believe the canal gangs must have greater ambition and broader vision. It should not be merely about fighting over territory and competing for power, but about protecting the common people and eliminating treachery and evil…"
He paused, then raised his voice:"If the Dragon Head Brother cares only for his own gang's interests, placing them above all others, scrambling for power and profit—such conduct is no different from banditry. What does Elder Zeng think?"
Zeng Yong was taken aback, then burst into hearty laughter."Well said, Hall Master Wu! The selection of a Dragon Head Brother must indeed be someone of both virtue and ability—one who can lead all the gangs and accomplish something truly great. May I ask whom Hall Master Wu favors for this position?"
Wu Tong smiled faintly."Elder Zeng is praising me too highly. I truly dare not accept such honor."
Seeing how highly Wu Tong was regarded, Liu Yun felt an indescribable joy and said,"At this Hero Assembly, warriors from all paths will gather. The canal gangs each serve their own interests, and outside forces are sure to intervene. When winds and clouds converge, success crowns a king, while failure brands one a criminal—who can guarantee no unexpected events will occur?"
Wu Tong's expression turned solemn. He stood and spoke with righteous conviction:
"These are indeed chaotic times for the nation, yet also the moment for men of resolve to achieve great deeds. The Dragon Head Brother must be a chivalrous and upright person, capable of bearing this heavy responsibility. Beyond safeguarding the gangs' interests, there must be times when he acts—and times when he refrains."
His words rang clear and forceful, each sentence striking true. His breadth of spirit and noble bearing filled Zeng Yong with deep admiration. Such righteousness—knowing when to act and when not to—was the very mark of a true hero.
All present were moved. Zeng Yong exclaimed,"What Hall Master Wu says is absolutely right! I admire you greatly!"
Situ Kong nodded repeatedly."Well said! A true man should be exactly so!"
Still puzzled, Zeng Qiang asked,"Does Hall Master Wu have someone in mind to recommend as alliance leader?"
Liu Yun spoke pointedly,"Some gangs rely on strength to bully the weak and oppress their peers—such conduct is most unacceptable."
True to his nature, Situ Kong could not resist joking. Turning to Wu Tong, he said,"This person must possess great benevolence and righteousness, and also enjoy a fine reputation in the martial world. To find such a person—unless it's you!"
In his heart, Situ Kong thought that someone of such virtue was nearly impossible to find. If so, why shouldn't Wu Tong take the position himself?
Zeng Yong, hearing how strict the requirements were, could not help asking,"Then whom does Hall Master Wu favor?"
Wu Tong merely smiled."You are overthinking it. All canal gangs live by the blade's edge. Disputes over territory and profit are unavoidable—you refuse to yield to me, I refuse to yield to you. Such things have happened countless times. But if the Dragon Head Brother were chosen from the Phoenix Gang, the Xuzhou Gang, or the Salt Gang, it would be a blessing for all canal gangs. What do Elder Zeng and Deputy Leader Zeng think?"
These three gangs shared the same principles and had all contributed materially to the righteous forces, rendering great service to the Tang counteroffensive.
Zeng Qiang was startled and felt a subtle stir in his heart."Am… am I also a possibility?" he asked in surprise.
He had thought Wu Tong came only to lobby for the Phoenix Gang and the Xuzhou Gang.
Wu Tong laughed."Why not? Deputy Leader Zeng is upright and principled. When you escorted military supplies for the righteous army, you rendered meritorious service to the court. If you are willing to compete for the position of Dragon Head Brother, I believe you could lead the canal gangs to accomplish great things!"
At this, the elder Zeng Yong could not help but rebuke him:"Zeng Qiang, Hall Master Wu esteems you—do not become arrogant. The Dragon Head Brother is not so easily made. Consider Gang Leader Qiu of the Phoenix Gang and Gang Leader Xu of the Xuzhou Gang—their character, martial skill, and reputation are no inferior to yours!"
Originally, Zeng Yong had almost said that the two men surpassed his own son, but he stopped short, sparing Zeng Qiang's pride.