Chapter 55: The Banquet That Never Ends

The band of followers within the stronghold had reached their current state largely thanks to Li Dong's tireless efforts; it was as if he had personally forged this formidable force. Now, with Du Fuwei preparing to lead them south toward the Yangtze and Huai regions, and Li Dong himself about to leave Zhangqiu for a time on a vital errand, the days of fighting shoulder to shoulder with his brothers would become a thing of the past. From now on, they would be separated by distance, each guarding a corner of the world, and the thought of it filled his heart with sorrow.

Li Dong was reluctant to let them go. Yet, for the sake of long-term plans, to avoid future troubles, to grow in strength, and to build an unshakable power base for making waves in the world, he had no choice but to make this painful sacrifice, enduring a small hurt to secure a greater future.

Nearing noon, Zhang Junke returned to the stronghold in high spirits, followed by a mixed and motley group trailing behind him like sheep dropping their pellets. There were about three or four hundred men, not a large number, their faces marked by confusion and hesitation. They gathered uncertainly within the stronghold, not daring to move or speak.

Who among the vanquished would dare to be loud?

Zhang Junke handed his weapon to a young follower, then strode toward the Hall of Righteousness. He was still several yards from the entrance when he called out, unable to contain his joy, “I’m back! Not a single one missing—all brought back!”

Inside, Li Dong and Du Fuwei, who were discussing the logistics of evacuating from Great Wall Ridge and relocating to the Yangtze-Huai region, heard Zhang’s jubilant announcement. They exchanged delighted glances and hurried out to meet him.

The three gathered together, and Zhang Junke broke into a wide grin, his mustache twitching with excitement. Normally a stern man, he now looked almost comical, as giddy as a child.

Li Dong laughed, pointing his chin at the group behind Zhang Junke. “Come, let’s take a look.”

Approaching the new men, Du Fuwei frowned but said nothing. The defeated followers stood like whipped quails, all heads hanging, overcome by fear and uncertainty.

Li Dong smiled at the sight, his eyes alight. He found a high spot to stand and called out in a clear voice, “From this day forward, we are one family. No more divisions, no more insiders or outsiders, no early or late arrivals. If anyone is wronged or bullied within the stronghold, report it directly to Chief Du. If your complaint is found true, justice will be served—there will be no favoritism or leniency for anyone.”

On hearing this, the men slowly raised their heads to look at Li Dong, gratitude on their faces. His words were like a calming medicine: not only would their lives be spared, but they would stand equal with Du Fuwei’s original followers.

Seeing his words had the desired effect, Li Dong continued, “We are all poor men, struggling just to fill our stomachs and survive, forced onto this dangerous path. If any of you wish not to remain in the stronghold, step forward now to the other side. We will provide you with travel expenses to return home, and you have my word: there will be no ambushes on your way back. There is but one condition—should the authorities later pursue you, you must never reveal anything about our stronghold.”

A dozen or so men wavered, considering stepping aside, but when Li Dong mentioned the possibility of government pursuit, none dared move. It was better to remain a bandit in the stronghold—a bandit once, a bandit for life. That was a fact they could not change.

Du Fuwei was greatly amused, thinking to himself how adept Li Dong was at pacifying men's hearts. If he didn’t want them to return home, he could simply say so, but by invoking the threat of the authorities, he left them with no choice but to stay, firm in heart, with no thought of leaving.

After Li Dong finished, Du Fuwei climbed to a high spot as well, his expression stern as he addressed the men: “I endorse everything just said with both hands. I hope all brothers will remain to build our cause together. In the future, our strength will far surpass today’s, and each of you will have merit to your name. I promise now, at the very least, each will be promoted to squad leader. You’ll feast on meat, drink freely, share gold and silver, wear silk and brocade, and enjoy glory beyond compare.”

Now the new men finally relaxed. So, Du Fuwei was not the ruthless fiend they had imagined, but rather approachable and kind.

At the mention of food and drink, one bold man among them called out, “Easier said than done! We haven’t had a grain of rice yet—we’re starving!”

Li Dong, Du Fuwei, Zhang Junke, and Fu Gongzhe all burst out laughing. Wasn’t it the truth? It was already past noon, and having rushed here from Zhao Pozhen’s stronghold, there had been no time to eat. As it happened, the stronghold was celebrating New Year’s today, and their meal had been interrupted by the battle, leaving plenty of food untouched.

Du Fuwei ordered a few men to bring food and wine for the newly surrendered followers to calm their nerves.

Once the newcomers had been seen to, Li Dong clasped his hands to Zhang Junke. “Brother Zhang, I must trouble you to make another trip to Miao Haichao.”

Fu Gongzhe, who had been left out of the past two campaigns, was unhappy and interjected, “I am eager to volunteer and bring Miao Haichao here myself. Why is it always Zhang Junke who goes?”

Zhang Junke, not wanting to surrender his credit, retorted loudly, “Now, that’s not right. The general knows best who is suited to what task—if you’re not chosen, there’s a reason for it. What’s meant for you will come without fighting for it, and what isn’t yours won’t be, no matter how hard you try!”

Fu Gongzhe, rebuffed, felt even more disgruntled. He stiffened his neck and grumbled, “This is too much. You took down Zhao Pozhen’s stronghold—a major feat. Miao Haichao is a small fry, yet you must fight me over even this meager credit. Is this how an elder brother should act?”

Du Fuwei was amused, teasing Zhang Junke with a grin, “If a brother hits his sibling, take it to the capital; if a sibling hits his brother, fight to the death and part ways! Chief Zhang, perhaps it’s time to let Chief Fu stretch his muscles.”

As their argument grew heated, Li Dong quickly interjected, “Brother Fu, there’s no need to argue over such a small matter. The reason for sending Chief Zhang to win over Miao Haichao is simple—he founded this stronghold himself and commands great respect. You and Chief Du are recent arrivals, your reputations not yet known. Please, let’s not quarrel over this.”

Li Dong’s words silenced Fu Gongzhe. Though still unhappy, he could only acquiesce. Who could manage the bigger picture better than Li Dong?

Everything went smoothly. By late afternoon, when Miao Haichao surrendered to the stronghold, they found Luo Shixin among the group. He was trussed up with ropes as thick as a thumb, bundled like a rice dumpling. Seven parts defiant, eight parts resentful, a hundred and twenty parts unyielding, he would kick fiercely at anyone who came near.

Bound as he was, movement was difficult and his kicks rarely landed, but he frightened people all the same.

Li Dong was delighted to see Luo Shixin—after all, all his efforts had been to find him. Seeing him thrashing about like a tiger cub, Li Dong shook his head, thinking how much the boy had suffered these past days. He would have to make it up to him.

As soon as Luo Shixin saw Li Dong, he burst into tears, complaining, “You’re finally here! I haven’t eaten a bite these past two days—my belly’s caved in! Untie me and get me some food, I’m starving!”

It turned out Luo Shixin had fallen right into Miao Haichao’s trap from the start. Miao’s men went out to raid the mountains, but found nothing. As they were about to leave, Luo Shixin wandered in. They saw no good opportunity at first, but when he was carrying a large stone out, they pounced and tied him up tight.

The foolish lad knew Li Dong wanted that stone and refused to let go, so he was dragged up the mountain, growing angrier by the moment. Anyone approaching him risked kicks and bites—he was like a wild jackass in heat.

As a result, no one dared bring him food, and the poor boy went hungry for two days. Strong as he was, with a big appetite, one day without food left him dizzy, two days left him utterly spent, and another day without food would have finished him.

Now, seeing Li Dong, all his grievances poured out at once, like a child seeing his father, sobbing for food.

Li Dong hurried to care for Luo Shixin, leaving the matter of Miao Haichao to Du Fuwei. It was not until midnight that Luo Shixin was finally fed to satisfaction.

Pushing aside his bowl and chopsticks, Luo Shixin grumbled, “So, do you still want that stone? When will we go look for Qin Qiong?”

...

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