While thinking this over, Xiang Tianshou had already composed himself and stepped forward, cupping his hands: “Young master, having received your guidance, I, Xiang, am truly grateful. If I was offensive earlier, please forgive me.” Seeing his respectful manner, Qin Zhonghai smiled and said: “No need to say more. Old Xiang values faith and righteousness, keeping his word—truly admirable. If not for the stronghold’s future, how would I dare randomly offend and pressure you?”
While the two were speaking, Tao Qing stepped forward to introduce them: “Hall Master Xiang, this general is surnamed Qin, given name Zhonghai—the second son of Lord Baxian, formerly a renowned general whom the court relied upon as their Great Wall. With such family background and talent, our stronghold will surely have excellent opportunities for rebuilding. Please help Hall Master Xiang in the future.” This time Qin Zhonghai didn’t interrupt, allowing him to introduce his background.
Hearing that Qin Zhonghai was the son of the former stronghold leader, Xiang Tianshou was quite surprised: “Is this really true? Wasn’t Lord Baxian’s entire family executed? When did a son appear?” He looked Qin Zhonghai up and down, clearly disbelieving.
Few people in the world knew about Qin Zhonghai being adopted by Fang Zijing, so Xiang Tianshou’s doubt was natural. Yan Er’niang frowned, about to speak, but Qin Zhonghai stopped her and smiled: “Hall Master Xiang, if I truly am the old stronghold leader’s son, would Brother Xiang remember past friendship and go up the mountain with me?” Xiang Tianshou nodded: “I received great kindness from Lord Baxian. If you’re truly a descendant of the Qin family, I should naturally follow you.” Qin Zhonghai made a sound and smiled again: “Then let’s reverse it—if I’m not Qin Baxian’s son but just an arrogant impostor, what would you do, brother?”
Xiang Tianshou snorted: “If that were true, why would I need to follow you?”
Yan Er’niang silently groaned, not knowing why Qin Zhonghai was speaking this way. While wondering, she saw Qin Zhonghai raise his head proudly and wave his hand dismissively, making a gesture of seeing off a guest. He said in a deep voice: “Brother Xiang, whether I’m surnamed Qin or Gui (turtle), you shouldn’t calculate based on this. In our martial world, we rely on our own judgment, absolutely not on some bullshit family background! Even if I am a Qin descendant, if I’m mediocre, incompetent, greedy for life and afraid of death, how could great things be accomplished if everyone served me as master?” He cupped his hands: “Brother Xiang places such importance on birth—I, Qin, dare not force you to stay. Farewell then.” He suddenly turned and walked away.
Qin Zhonghai had gone to great trouble to get the man out, yet was letting him go like this. Everyone was bewildered, not knowing what to make of it. Yan Er’niang was both shocked and anxious, chasing after him and shouting: “Qin Zhonghai! It’s rare for everyone to reunite—what are you doing?” But Qin Zhonghai paid no attention and just continued up the mountain alone.
Xiang Tianshou watched his retreating figure and suddenly felt something in his heart. He raised his voice and shouted: “General, wait!” Qin Zhonghai turned around and cupped his hands: “Sir, what instruction do you have?”
Xiang Tianshou laughed heartily, ran to Qin Zhonghai, and cupped his fists: “General, such a temperament is truly likeable! With your heroic character, regardless of whether you’re truly the old stronghold leader’s son, I, Xiang, am willing to create great enterprises with you!”
The two men looked directly at each other. Qin Zhonghai burst into long laughter and said loudly: “How refreshing! This is how to conquer the world! This is our Mount Nucang hero!” Qin Zhonghai was someone who loved and cherished talent. When he was in the court, he had searched for Lu Yun overnight, fearing he’d be buried in obscurity. Now fighting for his own cause, he was even more unwilling to let go of any brother who could create great enterprises together. His earlier words were just to express his true feelings, showing he had no intention of borrowing his father’s name. Seeing Xiang Tianshou willing to go up the mountain, and thinking of gaining another hero’s support, he was greatly excited.
The two men looked at each other and laughed, immediately putting their arms around each other’s shoulders. However, Xiang Tianshou had an extraordinary number of fleas on his body. When Qin Zhonghai embraced him, wouldn’t the fleas take the opportunity to move house? The blood-sucking insects happily relocated to Qin Zhonghai’s body, making him inevitably itchy. For a moment his mouth twisted, his eyes slanted, his hands and feet shook—quite a strange sight.
Seeing the two men reconciled, Yan Er’niang was delighted. Fearing their eccentric personalities might cause trouble again, she hurriedly said: “General Qin, since he’s said this much, how can you keep hiding your identity? Quickly show the tattoo on your back—don’t let people doubt you.”
Qin Zhonghai was already itchy and wanted to remove his clothes. He quickly took off his upper garment, his hands constantly scratching behind his back. Xiang Tianshou didn’t care what he was scratching—when the tattoo came into view, tears immediately flashed in his eyes. He knelt on the ground and cried toward heaven: “Heaven above! Lord Baxian has such a son—even in death he has no regrets!” Hearing him mention his father, Qin Zhonghai quickly composed his unseemly behavior, helped him up, and smiled: “Hall Master Xiang overpraises me. In the future, with everyone’s support, I will properly manage the stronghold and not disgrace my late father’s name.”
Yan Er’niang smiled charmingly: “Don’t talk about this anymore. Let’s go up the mountain for the festival together!” Hearing the words “festival,” Xiang Tianshou immediately sighed toward heaven: “I haven’t had alcohol for eighteen years… sigh… If I could have a cup of good wine, I’d die without regrets…” Tao Qing smiled: “Don’t worry—with me, Golden-Haired Turtle, here, how could there be no wine to drink?”
Qin Zhonghai laughed loudly: “Without meat, people become thin; without wine, people suffer! With this friend Du Kang, though our stronghold has few people, it will never be cold and cheerless!” Everyone thought of the evening’s joyful gathering, their hearts leaping with joy.
Everyone returned to the mountain top and saw the stronghold still in ruins, its objects decayed with barely one item usable. Ouyang Yong took out his steel blade, chopping bamboo and cutting wood. In an instant he had made several tables and chairs. Seeing his extremely precise use of tools, Qin Zhonghai secretly praised him, thinking: “This Brother Iron Bull is truly capable. Having him oversee weapons and equipment production in the future, the stronghold’s prosperity can be expected.”
Qin Zhonghai sat in the main hall and saw everyone washing hands to cook and cleaning up. Yan Er’niang even smiled as she arranged things everywhere. She hung the banner Fang Zijing had passed down high in the hall. When that fiery red “Rage” character appeared, everyone immediately cheered.
Looking at the lively Loyalty Hall, Qin Zhonghai recalled the ruins when he’d climbed the mountain years ago, and a smile appeared at the corner of his mouth: “This will be my home from now on. In the past, father established this place and gathered with heroes from all over the world here, but who knew success would turn to failure and he’d die on the road. From now on, his son will take over. Heh heh, no matter how difficult the future situation becomes, I will definitely rebuild Mount Nucang and raise a righteous army again!”
Seeing the sky turning dark, Yan Er’niang brought out paper and brush, asking Qin Zhonghai to write some characters. Hearing this, Qin Zhonghai was greatly shocked: “How can I write? At most I can only draw a few turtles—do you want to see?” Yan Er’niang smiled charmingly, knowing his literary skills were poor, and said: “If you don’t want to write, then let me do it, alright?” In the past, when Yan Er’niang spoke to him, it was mostly fierce and rough, but today she was suddenly gentle and tender—her mood must be quite good. Seeing her eyes sparkling, Qin Zhonghai’s heart suddenly stirred, and he smiled: “Write as much as you want. It would be best if you could write out the entire ‘Carnal Prayer Mat’ from memory.”
Yan Er’niang didn’t understand his nonsense, shook her head with a smile, and began writing directly.
Qin Zhonghai peered over to look and saw the first paper read: “Spirit Tablet of Lord Qin Baxian, Founding Ancestor of Mount Nucang.”
Qin Zhonghai made a sound: “Thanks to Er’niang’s thoughtfulness, otherwise I would have forgotten to worship our ancestors!” Yan Er’niang smiled slightly and said quietly: “You’re naturally careless, but that doesn’t matter—I’ll take care of these things for you in the future…” At this point, her cheeks suddenly flushed red as fire. She quickly composed herself and continued writing, which was the spirit tablet of her elder brother Yan Zhenwu. Qin Zhonghai thought: “Er’niang has deep hatred for the court. Her background is so tragic—she’s really in the same boat as me.”
With slightly red eyes, Yan Er’niang picked up her brush again and wrote: “Spirit Tablet of Tianlu Hall Master Tong Xin,” “Spirit Tablet of Dazheng Pass Guardian General Chang Fei,” “Spirit Tablet of Naval Instructor Meng Wuhen”… In a moment she had eloquently written dozens of names. The more Qin Zhonghai read, the more shocked he became, thinking: “When the stronghold was destroyed, so many brothers actually died! It seems the great battle in the fourteenth year of Jingtai was truly extraordinary.” Looking around, he saw Ha Bu’er and the others already crying aloud, and even someone as hard-necked as Xiang Tianshou was silently holding back tears.
After writing dozens of names, Yan Er’niang suddenly gritted her teeth and wrote: “Spirit Tablet of Cavalry Five Tiger General, Little Lü Bu of Xiliang, Han Yi.” Qin Zhonghai was greatly shocked, thinking: “Isn’t this her husband? How is Er’niang writing his spirit tablet?” While wondering, Tao Qing pulled at his sleeve, then leaned over and whispered in his ear: “General Qin, our elder sister is entrusted to you.”
How clever was Qin Zhonghai? Hearing this hint, he immediately cursed himself silently for being stupid: “Qin Zhonghai, you can’t even see through such things—you’re really getting more foolish with age!”
Yan Er’niang had been widowed at fifteen and now for eighteen years. She had little time for happiness with Little Lü Bu before they were separated. Speaking of it, this marriage was truly pitiful. Now that she had written Little Lü Bu’s spirit tablet, she should naturally be free from now on. Tao Qing knew that Qin Zhonghai and Yan Er’niang had feelings for each other, so he came to remind him, hoping to help bring about this union.
Seeing Yan Er’niang’s tears falling like rain, though infinitely sad, it was also a kind of liberation. Qin Zhonghai patted Tao Qing’s shoulder, indicating he needn’t worry. Tao Qing responded with a smile and a cupped-hand salute, full of congratulatory meaning.
Everyone pasted the white papers on wooden tablets and placed them on the table as offerings. Qin Zhonghai stepped forward to burn incense and lead the ceremony, praying: “I, Qin, was sentenced and imprisoned, and should have died, but fortunately with the successive support of all brothers and the protection of all sages in heaven, my life was preserved and my martial arts restored. Having survived this great disaster, I, Qin, in my late father’s name, will definitely reorganize the stronghold and raise the great enterprise again, not disappointing the world’s expectations.” He knelt down and prayed: “Today, Xiang Tianshou, Yan Er’niang, Ouyang Yong, Tao Qing, Ha Bu’er and others are all gathered in this hall, sharing lifelong righteousness. I pray that my father, the stronghold leader, will protect us to raise the great banner again, so that all the spirits of brothers who died in battle, not far away, can rest in peace.”
After the main ceremony, everyone stepped forward to burn incense and pray. Yan Er’niang knelt before Little Lü Bu’s tablet, tears glistening in her eyes, murmuring continuously as if she had endless words to say. Qin Zhonghai knew he shouldn’t disturb her, so he went aside to drink wine, letting her pour out her heart’s grief.
During the Dragon Boat Festival, they drank heartily with strong realgar wine. Everyone gathered together, and Ha Bu’er even wrapped many rice dumplings, gruffly handing them to Qin Zhonghai. Seeing his slightly red face and constantly stealing glances to see if he was satisfied, it seemed their grudges were completely resolved. Though Ouyang Yong couldn’t speak, he desperately tried to drink with Qin Zhonghai, apparently admiring him greatly.
Since Mount Nucang’s destruction in the fourteenth year of Jingtai, this was the first time in nearly twenty years that people had gathered here. Under flickering candlelight, heroes drank heartily. Though they couldn’t see magnificent golden halls and towers, everyone’s mood was enough to inspire lifelong contemplation.
While everyone was drinking merrily, Ha Bu’er noticed Yan Er’niang still hadn’t come over and asked: “Where’s elder sister? Why don’t we see her?” Tao Qing knew Yan Er’niang was still praying before Little Lü Bu’s tablet, so he glanced at Qin Zhonghai and said quietly: “General Qin, elder sister is overcome with grief. Could you please persuade her to come over?” Having followed Yan Er’niang for many years, if Tao Qing wanted to persuade her himself, he naturally knew the way. But instead of going himself, he insisted Qin Zhonghai find her—his intention was obvious.
Qin Zhonghai was perceptive and stood up: “Brother Tao, don’t worry, I’ll go look right away.” Just as he was about to turn around, he suddenly heard a soft, gentle voice: “No need to look—I’m here.” Everyone turned to look quickly and immediately exclaimed in unison.
They saw Yan Er’niang had lightly applied makeup to her face and changed into a pink jacket. Her beautiful hair was combed to a lustrous black, and she stood prettily behind Qin Zhonghai. Ha Bu’er and the others had followed her for a long time but had never seen her dress up so carefully—they were all amazed. Yan Er’niang was somewhat shy, glanced at Qin Zhonghai, and said bashfully: “It’s been so long since I wore these clothes—do I still look presentable?” Seeing her beautiful appearance and graceful figure, Qin Zhonghai could only nod vigorously, though he was somewhat drooling.
Yan Er’niang smiled slightly, composed her shy demeanor, and sat directly beside Qin Zhonghai. She raised her wine cup toward everyone: “On this festive occasion, Er’niang toasts everyone.” She immediately drained it in one gulp. The firelight reflected on her cheeks, making her appear even more ravishingly beautiful. Qin Zhonghai watched with delight and laughed heartily, also returning the toast.
That night everyone got very drunk and collapsed in the front hall to sleep. Qin Zhonghai’s alcohol tolerance far exceeded the others—at this time everyone had fallen asleep, leaving only him sitting alone drinking. Seeing the fire about to die out, he added some firewood and smiled as he watched everyone.
By the firelight, Tao Qing, Ha Bu’er, and Ouyang Yong all slept comfortably, their faces showing smiles. Qin Zhonghai thought: “The lives and fortunes of all these brothers now rest on my shoulders. Qin Zhonghai, you must conduct yourself well!” He breathed out a long sigh, feeling the heavy responsibility on his shoulders that couldn’t be taken lightly. That day when he jumped from Mount Everest and swore rebellion with raised blade, it was only because of the激愤 in his heart. But now as his dreams gradually came true, he had to be extremely careful and absolutely couldn’t make any more mistakes.
While thinking, he suddenly heard a soft moan—it was Yan Er’niang’s voice. Qin Zhonghai saw her sleeping among the brothers, looking quite charming and naive. That little rabbit was sleeping close to elder sister, really taking advantage. Qin Zhonghai smiled slightly, thinking: “This silly elder sister is over thirty and still doesn’t understand the separation between men and women.” He immediately kicked the little rabbit away and carried Yan Er’niang into a room.
He found a room beside Loyalty Hall, cleared out the debris and mud, and placed Yan Er’niang on the kang. Qin Zhonghai saw her eyes were somewhat moist and thought: “She originally wanted to live peacefully with her brothers and not get involved in the martial world anymore. Now for my sake she’s once again caught up in troubles. Heh heh, Qin Zhonghai, no matter what, you must make her safe and happy—you absolutely can’t let her suffer even a little more.” He took off his outer robe and covered Yan Er’niang with it, then returned to the great hall himself.
Under flickering firelight, only Qin Zhonghai sat alone in the vast hall. Thinking of this year’s ups and downs in life, he couldn’t help feeling deeply moved. He slowly walked out of the hall and saw the night cool as water with stars filling the sky. He gazed at distant mountains in a daze, suddenly having a strange thought: “If the Marquis came to the stronghold to be king, and all the old brothers came together to rebel, how joyful that would be?”
Knowing this thought was too absurd, he couldn’t help smiling bitterly, shook his head, and then thought of Liu Jing. He prayed toward heaven: “Supervisor Liu, that day you died unjustly, and I didn’t fulfill your dying words. But I, Qin Zhonghai, have finally survived. May your spirit in heaven protect me so I can eliminate your lifelong enemy Jiang Chong, to vent your resentment.”
While sighing, he suddenly heard someone say: “General, what troubles you?” Qin Zhonghai turned to look—it was Xiang Tianshou.
Qin Zhonghai smiled: “Can’t sleep?” Xiang Tianshou laughed heartily: “After staying in the broken temple for eighteen years, I’m somewhat unaccustomed to a new bed. What a lowly fate.” Xiang Tianshou’s internal skills were profound, far beyond what Ha Bu’er and others could compare to—a few pots of wine naturally couldn’t make him drunk. Moreover, having just escaped his shackles during this festive celebration, he naturally found it difficult to sleep, so he came to chat with Qin Zhonghai.
Qin Zhonghai gazed at distant mountains: “Hall Master Xiang, though we’ve returned to the stronghold, the mountain has no soldiers or generals, and the stronghold has no gold or silver to use. We have everything to rebuild from scratch. What’s your opinion?” Seeing his slightly worried expression, Xiang Tianshou hurriedly said: “Rebuilding the stronghold is definitely not a one-day task. When the old stronghold leader raised troops to rebel, he also spent considerable effort before achieving success. General, you needn’t rush.”
Qin Zhonghai sighed and sat down: “During the day I heard you mention that your confinement in the temple seemed related to Shaolin Temple?” Xiang Tianshou’s expression became grave as he nodded: “When the stronghold was besieged, besides court troops, there were countless righteous martial experts. Not only did famous orthodox sects like Shaolin and Wudang attack us, but even some underworld figures were conscripted by the court. Speaking of it, we used the strength of one mountain against the troops of the entire nation.”
Qin Zhonghai was troubled, thinking: “Yang Langzhong comes from Shaolin, Guard Wei is trained by Wudang. This time when I rebuild Mount Nucang, I’ll inevitably conflict with their sects. Heh, hopefully it won’t become uncontrollable!” Thinking of this made him even more worried. He sighed several times and asked: “Brother, your martial arts are excellent—how were you captured by Shaolin monks back then?”
Xiang Tianshou shook his head slightly: “I wasn’t captured. Though I, surnamed Xiang, am incompetent, I’m not that useless. Back then I exchanged one life for many lives to redeem my brothers.” Qin Zhonghai was shocked: “Redeem? What happened?”
Xiang Tianshou recalled past events: “Back then Monk Tianjue, invited by the court, led troops to attack our mountain directly. Seeing the stronghold broken and large numbers of government troops continuously climbing the mountain, we really couldn’t resist by force, so I led the remaining brothers to escape urgently through a small path on the back mountain. I thought we could withdraw safely, but we encountered Shaolin monks lying in ambush. After a great battle, all the brothers were captured, leaving only me to escape.” Qin Zhonghai nodded: “So that’s it. Later you exchanged your life to save them?”
Xiang Tianshou smiled bitterly: “I was the Tianquan Hall Master. At that time all the stronghold’s experts had gone to Ghost Pavilion, so among the remaining brothers in the stronghold, I had the highest position. The court naturally wanted to capture me quickly. Seeing the brothers captured, how could I flee alone? Though I wanted to save them, Shaolin had many masters—it was really difficult to succeed. Seeing both sides at an impasse, Master Lingyin came forward to mediate, saying that as long as I voluntarily surrendered, he guaranteed Monk Tianjue would release my Tianquan Hall brothers.” Qin Zhonghai exclaimed: “Monk Tianjue? He forced you to make the solemn vow?”
Xiang Tianshou nodded sadly: “Of course it was him. Because I valued faith and righteousness and had some reputation in the martial world, and with Lingyin helping to guarantee, Tianjue believed my vow. A few years later, my old brothers learned I was here and came to find me to leave the temple. Heh, how could Xiang Tianshou be a fickle person? I drove them all away… Once they pressed too hard, I even injured several brothers. When news spread, everyone in the martial world said Xiang Tianshou had gone mad. Sigh, who knew my difficulties?”
Qin Zhonghai admired him in his heart, thinking: “Though this man is just a bandit, he’s someone who keeps his word. Being able to associate with such a person is worthwhile.”
Looking down the mountain, Qin Zhonghai asked: “Hall Master Xiang, having followed my father, do you know how he started his enterprise?” He knew little about Qin Baxian’s past, only knowing that after learning his entire family was killed, he entered the passes to rebel. Other details were unclear, so he asked.
After pondering for a long while, Xiang Tianshou said: “I didn’t follow the old stronghold leader from the beginning either. I heard that when your father sent troops into the passes, he only had a few subordinates accompanying him. The one with the highest martial arts was Shi Gang. This man was called ‘Qi Rushing North of the Passes,’ ranked second among the Five Tiger Generals. Initially, the thirty thousand troops that conquered the world were all led by this man into the passes. The old stronghold leader used this as his foundation to rally righteous men from all over the world to respond to the great cause and established Mount Nucang.” He looked at Qin Zhonghai: “If the general could follow the old stronghold leader’s example and ‘borrow’ some troops from the court, then nothing would be to worry about.”
How could Qin Zhonghai implicate Liu Angtian in his own rebellion? He immediately shook his head: “Though I was formerly a court official, my power and authority couldn’t compare to my father’s. This matter is impossible to consider.”
Xiang Tianshou pondered: “That’s not good—we have few people and little strength, while the court has mighty troops and horses. Does the general have any clever strategies?”
Qin Zhonghai gazed at the starry sky and smiled: “Don’t worry about these matters yet. Rather than sit and talk, let’s act—taking advantage of the good night, let’s go down the mountain to ‘harvest some crops.'” He winked at Xiang Tianshou and nudged his mouth.
Xiang Tianshou was originally puzzled, but seeing the cunning in Qin Zhonghai’s eyes, he immediately laughed heartily: “General, for this kind of business, you’ve really found the right person in me!”
The two men looked at each other and laughed, then immediately went down the mountain together.
The next morning, Yan Er’niang and the others had just awakened from their drunken sleep. After washing briefly, they went to the front hall to meet. Before they could say half a sentence, they heard ding-dong sounds from the hall roof, as if someone was hammering something. Hearing the noise, everyone hurried out of the hall to look and saw a big man crouching on the roof, holding a hammer and banging away. Yan Er’niang was startled—Qin Zhonghai was usually lazy and indolent, but who knew he would personally do such chores? She called up: “General Qin, didn’t you sleep all night?”
Qin Zhonghai laughed heartily and leaped down from the roof: “You’re all awake?” Tao Qing saw he still held the hammer and hurriedly said: “General Qin, you’re our great general—you needn’t do these trivial tasks. Let us handle them.”
Qin Zhonghai smiled: “The stronghold only has a few cats and dogs—why distinguish between each other? It’s the same whoever does it.” He waved his hand and raised his voice: “Old Xiang! Come here for a moment!” Yan Er’niang and the others looked at each other, all thinking: “Old Xiang?” While stunned, they saw Xiang Tianshou hurrying over with a smile: “Little brother, what do you need?”
Hearing their intimate forms of address, Yan Er’niang was completely puzzled, thinking: “How did these two become so familiar after just one night?” Qin Zhonghai didn’t notice her expression and said directly: “Our stronghold has just started and there are many matters. I have some things to assign—please everyone work hard and do your utmost.” Tao Qing was delighted and immediately pulled Ha Bu’er forward, answering loudly: “General, rest assured—we’ll do our absolute best without fail!”
Qin Zhonghai smiled slightly and looked at Yan Er’niang: “Er’niang, you and Hall Master Xiang have high martial arts and quick feet—please go down the mountain these two days and investigate the court garrison situation within a hundred li.”
Receiving orders, Yan Er’niang was naturally spirited and hurriedly said: “Don’t worry, I’ll definitely handle this matter well.”
Qin Zhonghai nodded and turned to Ha Bu’er: “Our stronghold lacks stored grain and livestock. Brother Ha, please trouble you and Brother Ouyang to make a trip to Tianshui to purchase some livestock and horses.”
Ha Bu’er stared with round eyes in bewilderment: “We have no money—what can we buy?” Qin Zhonghai gave a meaningful look, and Xiang Tianshou immediately brought out five iron boxes, dropped them on the ground with a crash, and smiled: “Is this enough?”
Tao Qing and the others rushed forward and saw five iron boxes total, each containing neatly arranged ingots—twenty ingots per box, each weighing fifty taels, totaling five thousand taels of silver. They couldn’t help crying out in amazement.
Yan Er’niang frowned: “Where did this money come from? Was it stolen?” Qin Zhonghai shrugged: “What stolen? How can you say such ugly words? We ‘borrowed’ it from local wealthy families—understand?” He and Xiang Tianshou looked at each other and laughed boldly. Everyone made sounds of understanding, finally realizing that Qin Zhonghai hadn’t slept all night because he was doing this thieving business. Looking at the five iron boxes with silver shop seals, they didn’t know which establishment had suffered misfortune.
These five iron boxes were extremely heavy, yet Xiang Tianshou and Qin Zhonghai could carry them while running back and forth quickly—their martial arts were truly remarkable. Yan Er’niang admired them and cupped her hands with a smile: “Hall Master Xiang’s skills are excellent—this little woman has finally seen them.” Xiang Tianshou smiled: “Stealing things is easy, but buying things is difficult. General Qin and I both have poor appearances—one bald with glaring eyes, one with an iron foot and fierce brows. If we went to Tianshui city, we’d probably scare the common people to death, so we can only trouble you to handle it.”
Yan Er’niang giggled: “Fine, let Little Rabbit and them handle it.”
Though Xiang Tianshou looked strange and Qin Zhonghai appeared fierce and evil, Yan Er’niang’s brothers weren’t exactly kind-faced either. Looking at Golden-Haired Turtle’s short, fat build, Ha Bu’er’s comical appearance, and Iron Bull’s monster-like looks—all were oddly shaped. But compared to Qin Zhonghai’s naturally bandit-like appearance, Ha Bu’er and the others could be considered normal people, so they were entrusted with entering the city to make purchases.
Having assigned tasks for the day, they sent Ha Bu’er and Ouyang Yong to Tianshui together, while Yan Er’niang, Xiang Tianshou, and Qin Zhonghai each went down the mountain to investigate military situations and understand the court’s defenses. Tao Qing, being naturally cautious, was left to guard the stronghold. Seeing Qin Zhonghai’s proper assignments, he secretly praised: “General Qin truly deserves to be a great general from the court—when he does things, they’re really well-organized.” Thinking of this person’s experienced actions and broad capacity, he felt even more hopeful for the stronghold’s revival.
That day everyone went to handle their tasks, and by nightfall they returned to the mountain one by one. Ha Bu’er and Ouyang Yong were first to return from Tianshui. Seeing they had bought more than ten horses loaded with large quantities of provisions and supplies, they had clearly spent a large sum and must have enjoyed a full day of being big shots.
Tao Qing came forward with a smile: “How was it? Is Tianshui city still lively?” Ha Bu’er smiled: “Need you ask? Wine shops, brothels, gambling dens—everything that should be there was there. Do you want to go play too?”
Tao Qing frowned: “Always mentioning these pleasure districts—you didn’t waste money, did you?”
Ha Bu’er laughed and cursed: “Hey, don’t make wild accusations! We first bought flour and provisions, then bought seedlings—look at this huge pile of heavy stuff. Where would we find time for mischief…”
As Ha Bu’er chattered on, Tao Qing was too lazy to listen much and went to retrieve items from the horses’ backs. Holding two large loads of rice and about to bend down to place them on the ground, he suddenly noticed official brand marks on the horses’ rumps.
Tao Qing became suspicious and called Ha Bu’er over, pointing at the marks: “Where did these horses come from? They weren’t robbed, were they?”
Ha Bu’er smiled: “You’re quite clever. We saw some dog officials on the road leading good horses—didn’t like the look of them, so we took action and robbed them, and gave them a beating while we were at it. Haha, it was really satisfying!” Tao Qing was greatly alarmed and looked toward Ouyang Yong, who also nodded repeatedly—clearly Ha Bu’er was telling the truth.
Seeing Tao Qing’s pale expression, Ha Bu’er was puzzled and frowned: “Look how scared you are—can’t we provoke government officials?” Tao Qing took a deep breath: “Don’t talk about that—first tell me, when you two took action, you didn’t mention the stronghold’s name, did you?”
Ha Bu’er smiled: “You fool—after finally recruiting troops and gathering on the mountain, encountering such a prestigious scene, how could we not mention the stronghold’s great name? Naturally we promoted it well. Haha, otherwise where would Mount Nucang’s face be?”
Tao Qing trembled all over and said in a shaking voice: “Little Rabbit, you… tell me why General Qin didn’t go to Tianshui himself? Doesn’t he… doesn’t he have feet?” Ha Bu’er laughed: “That’s not it. He looks unseemly and feared the court would recognize his identity, so he sent us few to go.” Tao Qing said miserably: “You know this too. Then why did you still rob horses? Are you crazy?”
Ha Bu’er made a sound and just scratched his head, his face still bewildered. While the two were talking, they suddenly heard someone say: “You’re back? Did you buy things?”
The three turned to look and saw Yan Er’niang and Xiang Tianshou had returned to the mountain. Tao Qing frowned tightly, pushed Ha Bu’er’s back, and urged: “Go tell them yourself.” Ha Bu’er still didn’t understand the seriousness and swaggered toward the two, saying with a smile: “Elder sister, look—we robbed some good official horses!”
Yan Er’niang was shocked and immediately rushed to examine them. Seeing they were indeed official horses, she trembled and nearly collapsed. Ha Bu’er asked strangely: “Elder sister, what’s wrong? Stomach ache?” Yan Er’niang covered her face with her hands and said sadly: “The stronghold has barely been reestablished for two days and you’re already causing trouble… Heaven above, have you forgotten the court’s viciousness?” Ha Bu’er said bewilderedly: “Strange—what are you afraid of? Didn’t General Qin and them also steal and rob? What’s wrong with us doing the same?”
Yan Er’niang was beside herself with rage and shrieked: “Fool! They robbed silver shops, but you robbed the government office! Now we’re going to war!” In her anger and urgency, she swung a slap toward Ha Bu’er’s cheek.
Just as the palm was about to strike, suddenly someone reached out and blocked it for Ha Bu’er. Everyone looked quickly and saw it was Qin Zhonghai returning, his expression grave and silent—clearly he had heard everyone’s conversation.
Yan Er’niang felt both ashamed and angry, lowering her head: “I’m sorry—these brothers of mine don’t understand and have caused trouble…”
Qin Zhonghai shook his head: “It doesn’t matter. Since the situation has developed, we’ll handle it. Anyway, sooner or later we’ll have a fight to the death with the court—earlier or later is all the same.” Only after hearing Qin Zhonghai’s words did Ha Bu’er realize the matter was far more serious than imagined, but being naturally stubborn, he still argued: “We only robbed a few horses—how can the court take it seriously? They won’t attack!”
Qin Zhonghai sighed: “My father was once the court’s mortal enemy. Even today, when civil and military officials throughout the court mention the two characters ‘Mount Nucang,’ they still feel cautious and fearful. Now that official horses have been robbed and messengers report upward, the news will definitely reach Jiang Chong’s ears. If I’m not mistaken, within ten days troops will definitely surround the mountain.” Everyone exclaimed: “So fast?”
Ha Bu’er was also shocked and fell silent. Qin Zhonghai patted his shoulder, telling him not to blame himself. He said no more and called loudly: “Where is Xiang Tianshou!”
Xiang Tianshou was startled and hurried forward with cupped hands: “What orders does the general have?” Qin Zhonghai said gravely: “In the old days, if the stronghold had urgent matters, how were messages transmitted?” Xiang Tianshou didn’t understand why he asked this and after a long pause said: “There’s a beacon tower on the mountain—as long as we light the beacon fire, black smoke will shoot straight up a hundred zhang high, visible within a hundred li.”
Qin Zhonghai said loudly: “Good! There’s no time to waste—let’s light the fire and raise smoke!” He was about to leave the hall when Xiang Tianshou was shocked and quickly reached out to stop him: “General, wait! Once the beacon fire is lit, I’m afraid instead of old brothers coming, we’ll first attract troops from neighboring prefectures and counties. How can we five or six people resist thousands of troops and horses?”
Qin Zhonghai laughed heartily: “To accomplish great things, how can we spare ourselves? Anyway, the news has already spread—it’s only a matter of time before the court sends troops. Rather than sit and wait for death, we should strike first!”
Tao Qing exclaimed: “So… so the general will simply light the beacon as a signal to summon brothers back to the mountain?”
Qin Zhonghai smiled: “Exactly so. This time when beacon fires rise again, all under heaven will know. If the court is faster than our old brothers, then everyone has no choice but to abandon the stronghold and leave. If the former brothers have feeling and righteousness and are faster than the court in returning to the mountain—heh heh—then this enterprise of ours will be more than half successful.” Speaking to this point, his eyes swept over everyone as he said gravely: “Everyone, we have no choice—this gamble must be taken!”
Everyone looked at each other, all stammering and unable to speak for a long time. Only Yan Er’niang, who hated the court extremely and had long placed her life aside, cheered alone.
Everyone went to the beacon tower. Qin Zhonghai, being from a roving general background, naturally knew how to signal with smoke. He and Xiang Tianshou gathered dry firewood, piled and arranged it, then channeled the rigid force of Fire Greedy Blade and struck down fiercely.
With a tremendous “boom,” raging flames leaped into the sky, rushing straight toward the ninth heaven. In the dark night, it was particularly shocking.
Xiang Tianshou exclaimed: “Excellent! What technique is this!” Qin Zhonghai smiled: “I won’t hide it from Brother Xiang—this is the ‘Fire Greedy Blade’ personally taught by the Nine Provinces Sword King. Not bad, right?” Xiang Tianshou’s heart trembled and he hurriedly said: “So the general is Master Fang’s disciple! Truly my respects!”
The fire illuminated the sky, dyeing the night red. With such a high flame, it could be seen from a hundred li away. Presumably the officials of neighboring prefectures and counties, seeing such a strange sight, would be greatly disturbed. Yan Er’niang and the others stood watching. Though they didn’t know future fortune or misfortune, the stronghold hadn’t lit beacon fires for eighteen years. Now with the great fire rising again, it seemed like Mount Nucang’s momentum of dominating the world in those days. Everyone felt both joy and fear seeing this.
After the beacon fire was lit, Qin Zhonghai knew the court would immediately send scouts to investigate, so he ordered Tao Qing and Xiang Tianshou to go down the mountain to guard the roads and report back immediately if anything unusual occurred. He also instructed Ha Bu’er to prepare welcoming wine and food for the arriving brothers.
Night was deep. Qin Zhonghai knew sleep would be difficult tonight. After giving instructions, he moved a large stone and sat alone beside the beacon tower, repeatedly analyzing the current situation in his mind.
Though this man appeared crude, he actually had considerable depth. When the court learned of this news, they would mobilize troops to attack Mount Nucang within days. With his current manpower, he couldn’t withstand a single blow. But if he lit the beacon fire, old brothers might return to the mountain to investigate for the sake of righteousness—this plan, though risky, was a shortcut to recruiting troops. If the old brothers proved more heartless than imagined, so be it—he could just lead Yan Er’niang, Xiang Tianshou and the others to become bandits. With their group’s martial prowess, if they turned to banditry and killing, they could still make quite a name for themselves.
Qin Zhonghai sighed. His original intention in rebuilding the stronghold was to recruit talented people and dominate a region. If he truly became a common robber, he’d have no face to meet his father. He looked up at the beacon fire and thought again of Liu Angtian: “I hope lighting this beacon fire doesn’t cause trouble for the Marquis. Sigh… with my own eyebrows on fire, why am I still thinking of others’ affairs? Whether we can survive tomorrow is still unknown…”
Suddenly there was a rumbling sound and lightning flashed on the horizon—it looked like rain. Qin Zhonghai snorted, thinking: “We finally got a good fire going—Heaven better not interfere.” As they say, the weather is unpredictable. After worrying for only a while, sure enough heavy rain poured down, drops pattering and soaking Qin Zhonghai completely. He cursed continuously, desperately adding wood and fuel, afraid the fire would be extinguished.
While busy, someone ran up quickly and called: “How is it? Is the fire out?” Qin Zhonghai wiped water drops from his face and looked up to see a beautiful woman running over soaking wet—it was Yan Er’niang. Qin Zhonghai snorted: “The rain is too heavy—go back to the house quickly, don’t catch cold. I’ll guard here.”
Yan Er’niang spat: “There you go again—I, Yan Er’niang, come from battlefield experience. What scene haven’t I seen? What’s to fear from a little rain?” She carried dry firewood and piled it under the low shed beside the beacon tower to keep it from getting wet.
After the two had worked for a while, Qin Zhonghai saw the fire was still strong and wouldn’t be extinguished soon. He pulled Yan Er’niang: “Alright, let’s go hide over there.” He pointed to a mountain rock—underneath was a concave hole big enough for two people to shelter from rain.
The two hid inside, pressed close together. Seeing her soaked through, Qin Zhonghai couldn’t help laughing: “You don’t sleep in the middle of the night but specifically seek out rain—really asking for trouble.” Yan Er’niang snorted and was about to scold him when she suddenly saw Qin Zhonghai’s face covered with rainwater. She took out a handkerchief and reached out to wipe it for him. But the handkerchief was also soaked with water—after wiping for a long time, Qin Zhonghai still looked like a drowned chicken.
Qin Zhonghai smiled slightly and circulated his internal energy. Soon water vapor rose and his body became dry and comfortable. Yan Er’niang made a sound and smiled: “I forgot you have this skill—what a waste of my handkerchief.” She folded the handkerchief and put it back in her bosom.
Seeing her still dripping wet, Qin Zhonghai opened his arms and smiled: “Come here, let me dry your body.”
Seeing Qin Zhonghai’s bright eyes gazing at her, Yan Er’niang couldn’t help blushing and turned her face away. Qin Zhonghai grasped her wrist and said softly: “Don’t be shy—we’ve shared life and death, we’re brothers in adversity. No need to be embarrassed.” Using force, he pulled Yan Er’niang into his embrace, his arms encircling her body.
Held by him, Yan Er’niang couldn’t help her heart pounding. After a while, remembering how they had embraced like this on the peak, she gradually took on a peaceful expression, as if the two had returned to that mountain summit coldness, warming each other against the chill.
Yan Er’niang closed her eyes and said softly: “General Qin, when you fought for the court before, what were you thinking?”
Hearing her call him General, Qin Zhonghai immediately looked down at the woman in his arms and smiled: “Er’niang, you always call me General Qin, or else shout my full name randomly. From today on, just call me Zhonghai.” Yan Er’niang’s face reddened slightly: “If I call you Zhonghai, then what… what do you call me?”
Qin Zhonghai smiled: “I’ll call you Er’niang, or if you don’t like that, calling you sister is fine too.” Yan Er’niang was thirty-four this year, still two years older than Qin Zhonghai. Hearing him say ‘sister’ made it seem like he really was her elder brother. For a moment she hid her face in his embrace shyly: “In these chaotic times of war, everyone can call each other casually. No need to be so particular.”
Qin Zhonghai laughed heartily: “You said it—so from now on I’ll call you A’Hua.”
Yan Er’niang’s blush faded as she struggled to stand up in anger: “What A’Hua? Making me sound so rustic! If you dare call me that again, try it!” In her anger she was about to hit him. Qin Zhonghai quickly dodged and smiled: “Alright! I won’t call you A’Hua!” He grabbed Yan Er’niang’s delicate hand and pulled her into his embrace, smiling: “From now on, how about I call you ‘wife’?”
Hearing these words, Yan Er’niang felt her whole body go weak and powerless. She panted and struggled angrily: “Don’t take liberties with me!”
Seeing her pretty face filled with anger, Qin Zhonghai tightened his arms around her slender waist and smiled: “Er’niang, don’t underestimate me. What kind of person is Qin—how would I take liberties with my own brother? I’ll speak plainly—we’re both in our thirties, neither of us children…” Yan Er’niang struggled desperately and shrieked: “What exactly do you want to do?”
Qin Zhonghai leaned over and blew in Yan Er’niang’s ear, saying quietly: “I want to marry you as my wife.”
Yan Er’niang was stunned. Though the two had grown closer these past days, with the current tense situation and uncertain future, she really hadn’t expected Qin Zhonghai to propose at this time. She looked at Qin Zhonghai’s large face with its aquiline nose and eagle eyes—if she really agreed, this big man would be her husband from now on. Suddenly she felt her heart racing and her whole body inexplicably hot.
Seeing her silent, Qin Zhonghai feared she wouldn’t agree and quickly tightened his grip: “Er’niang, I’m sincere. I, surnamed Qin, have campaigned across the seas and only knew the charms of pleasure house women—I never knew there were truly heroic women in the world… Since meeting you, I’ve never forgotten you…” He released his arms and knelt on the ground, bowing: “Pity my years of loneliness—I beg Er’niang to share a horse with me and battle across the great rivers and south. Having such a wife, Qin would have no regrets in life.”
Yan Er’niang felt both shy and happy. Since when did marriage proposals not involve matchmakers and formal gifts, going back and forth with proper ceremony? Who would directly demand like this—it was just like a bandit! She turned her beautiful face aside, looking at the rain in the night sky, and said quietly: “A man’s knees bear gold—don’t kneel like that, it looks awful.”
Qin Zhonghai kowtowed: “To gain a beautiful companion, what does gold matter? If you don’t agree, I won’t get up.”
Yan Er’niang was full of embarrassment. Seeing Qin Zhonghai’s eyes full of pleading, she thought: “Should I agree to him?” She wanted to agree but was shy and embarrassed, afraid Tao Qing and the others would see and laugh. But to refuse outright would make Qin Zhonghai give up hope forever. Being naturally shy, she just wanted to find a way to cover up and get through this.
Just then, suddenly shouts came from below the peak: “How did it start raining! Don’t let the beacon fire go out!” Then footsteps sounded—apparently many people were coming up. Yan Er’niang’s expression changed and she hurried to say: “You… you… the brothers are coming—let’s talk about this later, alright…” Qin Zhonghai shook his head: “No good—then I’ll keep kneeling.”
Hearing everyone getting closer, and knowing that in a moment they’d see Qin Zhonghai inexplicably kneeling and would ask questions, Yan Er’niang was panicked and afraid, stammering: “Don’t kneel anymore, I… I’ll agree for now, we can discuss it properly later…”
Qin Zhonghai spat and frowned: “Marriage is a major matter, not child’s play—how can there be ‘for now’ or ‘not for now’? We men decide with one word—quickly tell me, will you be my wife or not?” Yan Er’niang’s heart was twisted—how could she hear Qin Zhonghai’s verbal slip? She immediately gritted her teeth: “Fine, I… I agree, but you must promise one thing—before we marry, you cannot behave improperly. If you want to take liberties with me, don’t blame me for shooting you with flying darts…”
Qin Zhonghai was stunned, then burst into laughter: “You strange woman—I never mentioned wedding chambers, yet you’re telling me not to misbehave! Er’niang, you’re more eager than me!” Yan Er’niang was both embarrassed and angry, immediately kicking out. Qin Zhonghai was kneeling on the ground—how could he dodge? He was immediately kicked out of the cave, rolling and getting soaked all over, but still laughing heartily.
Ha Bu’er and Ouyang Yong stood to the side, completely bewildered, not knowing what the two were doing.
Heavy rain poured down, but Mount Nucang’s beacon fire continued burning, black smoke rising straight to the blue sky like an angry dragon roaring at heaven.
In the deep night wind and rain, at the mountain’s foot, a monk in a straw raincoat looked up at the black smoke above. He sighed and said quietly: “After twenty years of peace, there will be war again.” He took a white dove from a bamboo cage, held it up with both hands and released it skyward. The white dove immediately spread its wings and flew up, disappearing into the smoke and rain, as if fleeing the bite of a black dragon.
The white dove soared across the sky, flying straight east. At dawn with morning clouds filling the sky, the great Yellow River waters were in sight. The white shadow swiftly reached a riverside hut. A monk pursed his lips in a whistle, and the messenger dove flew down to land on his hand.
This middle-aged monk had a dignified appearance. He squinted and took out a note from the dove’s tube. After reading carefully, he immediately sighed deeply and shook his head: “The first prophecy has been verified.”
The monks beside him were shocked and hurriedly stood up, saying in unison: “Mount Nucang really has risen in rebellion?”
The middle-aged monk put the note in his robes and sighed: “Correct. Mount Nucang rises again—warfare throughout the land is not far off. If the former stronghold heroes all return to the mountain together, the situation of heaven and earth will inevitably be reversed.” The monks’ faces were pale as they joined palms: “Amitabha.”
The middle-aged monk looked down and shook his head: “Where there is cause, there must be effect; where there is effect, there must be cause. When the court is brutal, rebels are born. The karmic causes planted twenty years ago are finally reaching the time for reckoning.”
He sighed for a long time, then looked at the group of monks: “Time is pressing—Brother Lingyin, please immediately go to the capital and ask Junior Brother Suguan to return.” A tall monk roared: “Abbot, let’s simply directly attack Mount Nucang and extinguish this demon fire!”
The middle-aged monk shook his head: “When demon fires descend upon the world, it’s karmic retribution—not something one or two people can stop. Our temple suffered heavy casualties before—no need to sacrifice lives for treacherous ministers again.” He gazed into the distance and said flatly: “Everyone immediately return to Songshan main temple and ask Uncle Master Tianjue to come out of seclusion to decide.”