Chapter 10: Triumph and Homecoming

From the walls of Zhangqiu, someone leaned down to peer below. Seeing it was the county constable, Li Dong called out loudly, “Zhi Shilang has already withdrawn his troops! Quickly open the gate and let us in!”

The constable hurriedly asked, “Aside from the government soldiers who left Zhangqiu, where did the rest of these men come from?”

Li Dong paused. Until now, Du Fuwei had not told him where these reinforcements were summoned from, so he turned to him for answers.

With a respectful gesture, Du Fuwei replied in a resonant voice, “To answer the constable: these men were recruited from Qi Commandery. Zhang, the commandery constable, was absent from Licheng, so I brought them. Though the enemy has retreated, who can say they won’t return? The longer we remain outside, the greater the danger. Please, open the gate and let us in first.”

A peculiar smile flickered across the constable’s face, but the distance between the walls and those below prevented Li Dong and Du Fuwei from noticing. The constable said, “Zhangqiu is safe now, firmly in our hands, and your contributions are invaluable. I have already requested the magistrate to arrange a banquet for you—tonight, we shall not leave sober! Please wait a moment while I arrange for the gates to be opened.” With that, he descended from the wall.

An entire meal’s time passed, and still the gates did not open. Li Dong sensed something was amiss, though he could not pinpoint the problem, so he quietly heightened his vigilance to prevent anything unexpected.

After a while, the heavy, moss-covered drawbridge creaked and groaned as government soldiers slowly lowered it. The city gates opened, and a dozen armed guards stood in two neat rows on either side.

Within the gates, the city’s citizens lined the streets, welcoming the heroes’ triumphant return.

Many townsfolk had fought alongside Li Dong the previous night in the defense of the city, and his name had spread throughout Zhangqiu’s alleys and streets. Seeing him lead his men back unscathed, people surged forward, eager to catch a glimpse of the young hero.

The streets boiled with excitement; cries and shouts mingled as everyone pushed and jostled, their spirits soaring at the sight of the youth who had safeguarded their city from the marauding enemy.

Li Dong rode at the forefront, while Du Fuwei and the others dared not stand beside him, trailing respectfully behind. The Zhangqiu soldiers marched on the left, the Qi Commandery troops on the right, slowly making their way through the throng of welcoming citizens.

Seeing so many townsfolk greet him, Li Dong felt a measure of pride. The people were simple-hearted: whoever brought them benefit, they cherished deeply, their gratitude palpable. They stood along the avenue, holding boiled eggs, steaming chicken and duck, and vibrant lamb, offering food to reward the returning soldiers.

Having led his troops out for a nighttime ambush, Li Dong’s stomach growled with hunger, and some soldiers were not shy, taking the offerings and eating as they walked. Li Dong, too, took a couple of eggs as a gesture of respect for the people’s goodwill. In his previous life, he would never have taken even a thread or a needle.

Du Fuwei’s men, however, showed little restraint, devouring nearly all the food offered by the townsfolk as they passed.

Li Dong frowned quietly but said nothing.

He squeezed his way out of the welcoming crowd, the clamor of voices and horses fading in the distance. The soldiers beside him were still intoxicated with excitement.

“Hey! There was a young woman just now, so beautiful—wonder where she lives?” One soldier, clearly smitten with a local girl, kept murmuring about her even as they left.

“Hah! It’s been ages since I’ve tasted such fragrant meat. Truly satisfying! If only every day could be like this—free food!” Another, clearly a glutton, was delighted to have seized a bit of advantage.

“You two are hopeless, thinking only of food and drink. As for me, I want nothing more than to ride a tall horse at the front like Li Dong, basking in glory, admired by all.” This soldier, with his lofty dreams, was something of a romantic.

“Shh! Keep your voice down—don’t let Li Dong hear you,” someone whispered.

In truth, Li Dong had heard every word. Victorious after battle, it was natural for everyone to feel elated. The glory of triumph was exhilarating, yet no one spoke of those young soldiers who would never return, whose companions were now a handful of earth and a thin plank of wood, gone for eternity.

As a commander, Li Dong knew he must not let a small victory cloud his judgment; he must always remain clear-headed. The victory, won at the cost of so many soldiers’ lives and blood, was hard-earned. “For every general’s triumph, thousands perish; how many return from wars, ancient and modern?” The thought was deeply moving, filling him with sorrow.

Yet their deaths were not in vain: for the sake of their homeland and the city’s people, they died with purpose. Li Dong silently recited the names of those unknown heroes, finding a measure of comfort in his heart.

Arriving at the county office, Lu Lier stood outside with a group, welcoming the heroes home.

After some polite exchanges, Lu Lier led everyone inside.

“You have returned from bloody battle, nine deaths and one life, and defended Zhangqiu with honor. I have already ordered a grand banquet to reward your valor. Please, do not hold back—drink your fill, eat your fill, and as for silver rewards, I will certainly submit your merits to the imperial court and strive to secure more for you.”

Lu Lier spoke with hearty enthusiasm, sweeping away the timidity he’d shown before the enemy’s siege; his spirits seemed greatly lifted.

With Zhangqiu defended successfully, no matter who contributed most, as the county magistrate, Lu Lier would claim the chief merit. Now he had the chance to shine before the emperor. If Yang Guang were pleased, there might be rewards and promotions, and he could rise to power and prosperity—no wonder he was so excited.

As they spoke, the banquet was already arranged in the side room. Lu Lier pulled Li Dong to sit beside him, with the constable and assistant magistrate flanking them. Du Fuwei, Fu Gongtuo, and their companions were seated at another table.

Du Fuwei and his group had never interacted with Lu Lier before and knew nothing of his methods. They assumed victory entitled them to their rewards and gave it little thought.

Li Dong, however, was more meticulous. From entering the city to meeting Lu Lier, little time had passed. The dishes, though not lavish, were plentiful and prepared for dozens—a feat not easily accomplished so quickly.

Unless Lu Lier had ordered preparations before they entered the city. At that time, Du Fuwei had just arrived with reinforcements, and Zhi Shilang was still locked in battle. How could Lu Lier have anticipated victory so confidently? Li Dong was puzzled.

As he pondered, laughter suddenly sounded from the inner room—a woman’s voice, crisp as a ringing bell, youthful and melodious.

The sound was so pleasant that all present, busy eating and drinking, paused in surprise. Who could this bold maiden be, laughing so freely during the county magistrate’s banquet? Surely not a common entertainer.

Lu Lier’s expression changed briefly before he returned to calm, saying to the guests, “My daughter heard of your return and wished to see the young hero for herself. She has been spoiled since childhood, and I could not refuse her, so I allowed her to peek from within. I do not know what amused her, but since you have all heard, let her come out openly and greet everyone.”

Note: Customs during the Sui and Tang dynasties were more liberal; women had not yet been constrained by later taboos and could freely interact, engage in business, and socialize with men.

Happy weekend! The heroine will appear tomorrow. Curious about her personality? Bookmark and recommend! What? You haven’t done anything yet? Leave a comment in the reviews section—there will be red envelopes tomorrow, and you’ll regret it if you miss out!