Chapter Eighteen: The Hall of Harmony

The group of riders drew near, and at the head was a burly man who exclaimed with relief, “It is good to see the Chief Hall Leader unharmed! We just received word that you had disappeared suddenly, and all the brothers were anxious, fearing some calamity had befallen you.” Lian Qiying replied, “I’ve troubled you all. It was my own carelessness—I fell into the Old Dragon Society’s trap. Fortunately, all is well. At this very moment, Elder Hall Leaders Liu, Qi, and Ma have already gone to deal with them.” At this, the big man broke out in a cold sweat, but seeing Lian Qiying safe and sound, his heart was finally at ease. The two groups joined together and continued on their way.

The burly man now cast a glance at Fang Guohuan, finding his face unfamiliar, and asked, “Chief Hall Leader, who is this young man? Is he a newly recruited brother?” Lian Qiying laughed, “This is Brother Fang Guohuan, who saved my life. If not for him, I would have perished at the hands of the Old Dragon Society’s villains today.” She then briefly recounted the events. Upon hearing this, the big man bowed deeply to Fang Guohuan in gratitude, saying, “So it was Young Master Fang who saved our Chief Hall Leader. You are a great benefactor to our Six Harmonies Hall. I am Hong Jinshan—my deepest thanks.” Lian Qiying introduced him, “This is Hall Leader Hong Jinshan.” Fang Guohuan returned the courtesy with a bow, inwardly marveling at the heroism and vigor of the Hall’s members.

They had not gone far when dozens more riders came to greet them. Hong Jinshan turned to Lian Qiying with a smile, “Chief Hall Leader, you were missing for barely an hour, and already all sixteen branch halls along both banks of the Yellow River have been alarmed. If you’d been gone a month, the one hundred and eight branch halls across the land would have been in an uproar!” Lian Qiying shook her head with a smile. With each group that joined them, their numbers swelled, and at last, more than a hundred members of the Six Harmonies Hall escorted Fang Guohuan and Lian Qiying to a mountain manor. From afar, they saw the gates wide open and hundreds of people forming ranks on each side to welcome them. Fang Guohuan was amazed by the Hall’s imposing presence.

As they drew near, he saw the words “Crane’s Call Manor” inscribed above the gate. The manor was grand and stately, exuding an extraordinary air. A middle-aged man in embroidered robes stepped forward, bowing deeply in greeting. “Liu Yunhe, Hall Leader of the Twenty-Sixth Branch of the Six Harmonies Hall, respectfully welcomes Chief Hall Leader Lian.” Lian Qiying nodded, “No need for excessive courtesy, Hall Leader Liu.” The group dismounted and entered the manor.

Liu Yunhe led Lian Qiying, Hong Jinshan, Fang Guohuan, and more than ten others into the main hall, where Lian Qiying took the seat of honor and drew Fang Guohuan to sit beside her. The others sat along the sides. Servants brought tea, which everyone drank. At this moment, Hong Jinshan succinctly described Lian Qiying’s recent peril to Liu Yunhe. Hearing this, Liu Yunhe turned pale with shock, rose, and bowed deeply, “Chief Hall Leader, you graced our branch with your presence, yet we failed to protect you and nearly caused disaster. I beg your forgiveness.” He spoke with evident anxiety.

Lian Qiying replied, “This misfortune was not your fault. It was my own carelessness that led me into the villain’s trap. I was fortunate to be saved by an old friend.” She shared a smile with Fang Guohuan. Liu Yunhe looked at Fang Guohuan in surprise, then hurriedly said, “Forgive my disrespect! So this gentleman is an old friend of our Chief Hall Leader, and today, a great benefactor to our Six Harmonies Hall. Please allow me to offer my deepest thanks.” He bowed deeply, and Fang Guohuan quickly rose to return the gesture, saying, “There’s no need for such formality, Hall Leader Liu. I am Fang Guohuan. Happening upon Sister Lian in distress, I merely did what anyone would do; it hardly counts as a great favor.” The Hall members were astonished to hear Fang Guohuan address Lian Qiying so intimately, and to see her treat him with such warmth, as if they were old friends.

At this moment, a servant entered to report, “Chief Hall Leader, Hall Leader Qi has sent a messenger on a fast horse. Both groups have succeeded. The Old Dragon Society’s leader Yan Ziqiu and his two disciples have been captured alive. Hall Leaders Liu and Ma are on their way back.” The hall erupted with joy. Hong Jinshan exclaimed, “The Old Dragon Society was courting disaster, daring to provoke our Six Harmonies Hall. Their luck has run out.” Liu Yunhe said, “That old fox Yan Ziqiu always appeared docile, yet harbored ill intentions. I was too lax with them, letting a tiger roam free, and nearly brought disaster upon us.”

Hong Jinshan nodded approvingly, “Chief Hall Leader, your wisdom and valor are unparalleled. The moment you escaped, you split our forces in two, caught the enemy off guard, and wiped out the Old Dragon Society in one stroke. Yan Ziqiu and his disciples could never have imagined such swift retribution.” Liu Yunhe added, “Speed and surprise are the essence of warfare. Your leadership is no less than that of Master Sun Qi. When the late Chief Hall Leader Lu was dying, he entrusted the Six Harmonies Hall to you, foreseeing your extraordinary talent. It is our Hall’s great fortune.”

Hong Jinshan continued, “Indeed, when Chief Hall Leader Lian took over at seventeen, many of the brothers were unconvinced. Yet in just eight years, you have expanded our thirty-six branch halls to one hundred and eight, each with six incense halls beneath it—several times what we once had. Our ranks now number over two hundred thousand, spread throughout the north and south of the great rivers. Every major society in the land respects us. Today, which brother is not utterly devoted to you? For your sake, they would forsake home and life alike.” Liu Yunhe added, “Our Six Harmonies Hall is full of talent and heroic spirits. Is it not said, ‘If in this life one does not join the Six Harmonies Hall, even as a hero, one’s name is dim’?” At this, Liu Yunhe, Hong Jinshan, and the others laughed with pride.

Lian Qiying glanced at Fang Guohuan, who was listening with rapt attention, shook her head, and said to Liu Yunhe and Hong Jinshan, “Enough boasting, gentlemen, lest my brother Guohuan here thinks we are mere bandits of the martial world.” Hong Jinshan quickly added, “Young Master Fang, do not misunderstand us. The Six Harmonies Hall is a righteous society, always acting chivalrously for the cause of justice, never bullying the weak.” He then added with some pride, “Why, even the current Emperor Wanli, when he was still Crown Prince, once paid his respects in our incense hall. You could say the Emperor himself is an old brother of the Six Harmonies Hall!” Fang Guohuan was even more astonished.

Liu Yunhe chimed in, “After Emperor Wanli ascended the throne, he severed ties with our Hall, though he did send an imperial decree. Any future Chief Hall Leader, bearing the Hall’s supreme token—the Six Harmonies Gold Command—may meet the Emperor without kneeling, according to the Hall’s own rites, and any request must be granted.” Hong Jinshan added, “The Emperor remembers our old friendship. When he took the throne, facing south in majesty, the Six Harmonies Hall contributed much to his cause. Now, however, with the division between ruler and subject, it is wise not to maintain further contact. Under Chief Hall Leader Lian, all ties with the imperial family have been cut—a farsighted and wise decision.”

Liu Yunhe said, “But two years ago, when famine swept Shanxi and countless starved, Chief Hall Leader Lian had no choice but to slip into the palace by night, present the Six Harmonies Gold Command to the Emperor, explain the situation, and request an imperial decree to open the granaries and distribute relief. The next day, the Emperor complied, and so many lives were saved. The people praised imperial benevolence, little knowing that it was the Six Harmonies Hall who aided them in secret.” Lian Qiying shook her head with a smile, “Let us not dwell on the past, lest my brother Guohuan here laugh at me.” Fang Guohuan quickly said, “I did not expect Sister Lian to have such achievements. Truly admirable.” His admiration for her deepened.

Just then, there was a bustle outside the hall, and soon Hall Leaders Liu, Qi, and Ma entered with more than ten followers. Hong Jinshan laughed, “Now all sixteen branch hall leaders of the Yellow River are present.” The leaders greeted Lian Qiying, and then Hall Leader Liu stepped forward to report, “I was ordered to capture the traitorous Yan Ziqiu and his disciples of the Old Dragon Society. As you predicted, we encountered them midway and apprehended them. Upon interrogation, we learned that the plot was not Yan Ziqiu’s doing, but the handiwork of his two wayward disciples, Luo Rong and Luo Xiong. When Yan Ziqiu learned of their misdeeds, he was so terrified he lost his wits and dared not use Chief Hall Leader Lian to command our Hall. Yet the disaster had been done, so he sought to kill the Chief Hall Leader to cover his tracks.”

Hong Jinshan, hearing this, was furious. “The old villain is incorrigible, trying to aid his criminal disciples—he deserves a thousand deaths!” Hall Leader Ma added, “We destroyed the Old Dragon Society’s lair; Hall Leader Wang Ranliang of the Twelfth Branch is now in charge there.” Lian Qiying nodded in satisfaction, “Where are Yan Ziqiu and his disciples?” Hall Leader Qi stepped forward, “On the way back, I saw their faces and was so enraged I killed all three and threw them in the Yellow River to feed the fish, sparing Chief Hall Leader the sight of them.” The hall erupted in laughter. Hong Jinshan grinned, “Hall Leader Qi truly lives up to his name as the ‘Swift Blade’—even his temper is quick.” Lian Qiying shook her head but then said, “You all have worked hard. Hall Leader Qi, see to the rewards and recognition as you see fit.” Qi replied, “As you command,” and took his seat.

Hong Jinshan sighed, “Today, our Six Harmonies Hall narrowly escaped calamity thanks to the intervention of a noble friend. Otherwise, who knows what disaster might have occurred?” The later-arriving Hall Leaders, not knowing all the details, asked for the story. Hong Jinshan explained, “It was Chief Hall Leader’s friend, Young Master Fang Guohuan, who descended like a savior and turned the tide, changing the fate of our Hall.” Hall Leader Ma exclaimed, “No wonder I saw Chief Hall Leader with this unfamiliar young gentleman at the riverbank. So he is our great benefactor—we must offer our deepest thanks.” He stood and led the Hall Leaders in a grand bow. Fang Guohuan, flustered, quickly tried to decline, but Lian Qiying laughed, “Brother Guohuan, this is a courtesy you should accept.” So Fang Guohuan returned the salute.

At the urging of Lian Qiying and Hong Jinshan, Fang Guohuan stayed several days at Crane’s Call Manor, where Liu Yunhe and the other Hall Leaders treated him with utmost hospitality, fearful of any neglect. Yet Fang Guohuan, concerned for Bu Yuan, Liu Yishan, and Monk Zhishan, was eager to see them and insisted on taking his leave.

One day, when neither Lian Qiying nor Hong Jinshan could persuade him to stay, Lian Qiying said, “Since you have matters to attend to, Brother Guohuan, I will not keep you. Stay just one more day so I may prepare a proper farewell.” Fang Guohuan, seeing her relent, agreed with pleasure. Hong Jinshan added, “For your great kindness to our Hall, Young Master Fang, we cannot let you leave so simply.” Lian Qiying smiled, “This is a good opportunity to test the character of the sixteen Hall Leaders along the Yellow River.” Hong Jinshan laughed, “Chief Hall Leader is wise, as ever more thorough in thought than the rest of us.” He turned to Fang Guohuan, “Chief Hall Leader’s tour is not only to observe our abilities and character, but also to make you, Young Master Fang, a wealthy man.” Fang Guohuan was utterly confused by Hong Jinshan’s words, but Hong Jinshan simply smiled, “You’ll see soon enough.”

Later, Hong Jinshan privately sought out Liu Yunhe and said, “Chief Hall Leader’s northern tour nearly ended in disaster here, if not for Young Master Fang’s aid. He saved the Chief Hall Leader and our Hall from catastrophe—a debt as great as a mountain. Now that he is leaving, we cannot let him go empty-handed. You must show your sincerity—this is the Chief Hall Leader’s wish.” Liu Yunhe smiled, “Since this Young Master Fang is both a friend and a benefactor, he must be well rewarded. I understand and will see to it that Chief Hall Leader is satisfied.” With that, he went to make arrangements, and Hong Jinshan watched him go with a smile.

Fang Guohuan had no idea what Lian Qiying was planning for him and paid it little mind, wandering into the rear garden of the manor. There, he found Hall Leader Liu watching Hall Leaders Qi and Ma play a tense game of chess. Hall Leader Ma was deep in thought, unable to find a solution, while Hall Leader Qi wore a faint smile.

At last, unable to contain himself, Hall Leader Liu suggested, “Brother Ma, if you play a piece here to cut off the black dragon, the whole game will come alive.” Hall Leader Ma, delighted, immediately played the move. Hall Leader Qi examined it and realized Liu’s advice had turned the tide, putting him in a perilous situation with no apparent escape. Enraged, he burst out, “A true gentleman watches in silence. Hall Leader Liu, who asked you to interfere and spoil my game?” Hall Leader Liu laughed, “To watch a friend die and not help is the act of a scoundrel. How could I let Brother Ma miss his chance?” Hall Leader Qi retorted, “Let him play, or you play, but don’t meddle in another man’s game!”

Hall Leader Ma, having won with Liu’s help, sided with him, “Hall Leader Liu meant well. If your skill is lacking, how are others to blame?” Hall Leader Qi, seeing Ma take advantage, slammed the table and stood, fuming, “You’ve got Liu to help you—who is there for me?” Watching the three old men squabble over chess, Fang Guohuan could not help but smile wryly. Fearing they might come to blows, he stepped in, “Don’t be angry, Hall Leader Qi. Let me help you.” Picking up a black piece, he placed it gently on the board. The three old men were momentarily stunned, then examined the move together and exclaimed in unison, “Brilliant!” For Fang Guohuan’s play had revived the black’s position and settled the outcome in a single move.

The three Hall Leaders looked up in astonishment. Hall Leader Qi marveled, “Young Master Fang, to play such a divine move—where did you learn such skill?” Hall Leader Ma added, “Your ability is remarkable. Perhaps only our Sichuan Branch’s Hall Leader Liu He could match it.” “Liu He?” Fang Guohuan started, “Is that the same as Liu Minzhang?” At that moment, a gentle voice behind him said, “Brother Guohuan, do you also know of our Hall’s top chess player?” Turning, Fang Guohuan saw Lian Qiying smiling at him. He quickly greeted her, and the three Hall Leaders rose to pay their respects.

Lian Qiying laughed, “Brother Guohuan’s single move has dispelled your anger—he must be a great master. Our Sichuan Branch’s Liu He is one of the most famous chess players in the land. Do you know him?” Fang Guohuan replied, “I have long admired Master Liu He, as my own teacher often spoke of him, though I have never met him.” Lian Qiying nodded, “So you are both true masters of the game.” Fang Guohuan said, “I studied from a young age and with the guidance of several teachers, managed to learn a little.” Hall Leader Liu said, “Recently, the Emperor himself selected Qu Liangyi as the nation’s top chess master, but from your play today, you are surely his equal. We did not realize we had such a high-level player among us. Forgive us!” Lian Qiying said happily, “Hall Leader Liu once complained I never found him a worthy chess opponent. Now, with Brother Guohuan here, he will be satisfied. When the chance arises, I’ll introduce you.” Fang Guohuan was delighted, “It would be an honor to meet Master Liu He. Thank you, Sister Lian.” Lian Qiying smiled, “I did not expect your chess skill to be so extraordinary.”

At that moment, a servant arrived, bowed, and announced, “Chief Hall Leader, Hall Leader Liu requests Young Master Fang’s presence in the main hall to receive the gifts from the Hall Leaders.” “Gifts?” Fang Guohuan asked, surprised. Lian Qiying smiled, “Since you are leaving tomorrow, the Hall Leaders have prepared something for your journey.” Fang Guohuan was taken aback by the piles of silver in the hall, each bundle a hundred taels, stacked to fill the floor. As Lian Qiying and Fang Guohuan entered, the Hall Leaders greeted them warmly. Liu Yunhe smiled, “Hearing that Young Master Fang is departing, we all prepared a token of our esteem. Please accept it.” Fang Guohuan was astonished and quickly protested, “I cannot accept so much silver!”

Liu Yunhe replied, “Please, Young Master Fang, do not refuse. Your kindness to our Hall cannot be repaid, but this is a small token of our gratitude.” Fang Guohuan insisted on declining, but Lian Qiying gently urged, “This is the Hall Leaders’ goodwill, Brother Guohuan. You must accept it, or we won’t let you leave tomorrow.” Fang Guohuan, in a dilemma, replied, “I am grateful for your generosity, but how could I possibly carry so much silver?” The Hall Leaders were momentarily at a loss. Hong Jinshan laughed, “Do not worry, Young Master Fang. We will have several brothers escort you and the silver wherever you wish.” Fang Guohuan realized he had no choice but to accept, and the Hall Leaders were delighted.

Liu Yunhe presented the silver, “Here are five hundred taels from Hall Leader Wang, six hundred from Hall Leader Zhang...” At last, pointing to a chest, he said, “This thousand taels is my own humble token.” Fang Guohuan looked at the mountain of silver, more than ten thousand taels, and could only shake his head in astonishment. Then a man stepped forward, handed him a banknote, and said, “Cao Zhuxuan, Hall Leader of the Fourteenth Branch, thanks Young Master Fang for saving our Hall in its hour of need. This banknote is for eight hundred taels, easily carried and redeemable at any bank. Please accept it as a token of our respect.” Fang Guohuan knew he could not refuse, so he accepted with thanks. Lian Qiying smiled quietly at his side. Hong Jinshan then ordered, “Seal up the silver and have it loaded for escort tomorrow.” Servants began to move the boxes. Lian Qiying said, “Brother Guohuan, come with me; I have something of my own to give you.” She led him away, with Hong Jinshan following, and the Hall Leaders saw them off with bows.

In her chamber, Lian Qiying said to Hong Jinshan, “These men certainly know how to make a display with their silver. I think Cao Zhuxuan of the Fourteenth Branch is prudent and capable—promote him in a few days to oversee all sixteen branches along the Yellow River.” Hong Jinshan bowed, “Chief Hall Leader is wise—I will make the arrangements.” He took his leave.

Fang Guohuan said, “Sister Lian, I truly cannot accept so much silver. Return it to the Hall for better use. I am not meant for wealth.” Lian Qiying laughed, “Brother Guohuan, you are destined for fortune—you can handle it. Our Hall’s resources are vast; ten thousand taels are nothing. Besides, you have earned it. Keep it for your own use. I also have something for you, which may prove useful someday.” She took a hexagonal gold medallion from her waist, one side bearing a sun, the other a crescent moon, and handed it to Fang Guohuan with great solemnity. “This is the Hall’s supreme token—the Six Harmonies Gold Command. You must keep it well.” Fang Guohuan was shocked, “Sister Lian, this is too great an honor. How can I accept the Hall’s token?”

Lian Qiying replied, “I do not give it to you to command the Hall, but should you encounter trouble in the martial world, simply show this token and all members of the Six Harmonies Hall will aid you as if the Chief Hall Leader herself were present. Even outsiders will respect it. You have not studied martial arts and have no other means of defense; the martial world is dangerous, so use this command as your talisman.” Fang Guohuan, deeply grateful, accepted with a bow. “But Sister Lian, if I hold the Hall’s token, how will you issue orders?” Lian Qiying smiled, “There are two tokens—I keep one myself.” Fang Guohuan was delighted and tucked the medallion away.

The next morning, Fang Guohuan’s gifts were loaded onto a carriage, and Hong Jinshan, along with Hall Leaders Liu, Qi, and Ma, presented more gold, silver, and jewels, which Fang Guohuan packed himself. By Lian Qiying’s order, Cao Zhuxuan sent an incense master, Lu Yukai, with five strong men to escort him. Hong Jinshan clapped Fang Guohuan on the shoulder, “In one night you have become a wealthy man—such fortune is rare. Should you ever achieve great things, do not forget us!”

Hong Jinshan laughed, “It’s not wealth that’s a problem, but poverty. With so much silver, you’ll never want for anything—how enviable. You’re set for life as a gentleman of leisure.” Fang Guohuan smiled, “If you wish, Hall Leader Hong, take half!” Hong Jinshan grinned, “That is your blessing, not mine.” When all was ready, Lian Qiying and the Hall Leaders escorted Fang Guohuan for several miles before, at his urging, she gave Lu Yukai and the others further instructions and bade him farewell, returning to Crane’s Call Manor.

Parting from Lian Qiying, Hong Jinshan, and the others, Fang Guohuan looked at the carriage full of unexpected silver, marveling inwardly and glad to have made friends with such heroes. Lu Yukai and his men, knowing Fang Guohuan’s close ties to Lian Qiying and his service to the Hall, treated him with utmost respect throughout the journey, arranging everything with care and consideration, and Fang Guohuan got along well with Lu Yukai.

One day, upon entering Hebei, just two or three days from Liu Village, Fang Guohuan, looking forward to reuniting with old friends, was in high spirits. As they entered a market town and Lu Yukai was about to find a place to rest, a commotion arose ahead. Five or six rough shop clerks were chasing and beating two ragged beggars, while a fat man, likely the shopkeeper, cursed from behind, “Beat them hard! Filthy beggars, see if you dare steal from us again!” The two beggars were being beaten mercilessly, rolling on the ground and crying out. The crowd merely watched in amusement, some even encouraging the beating, with no sign of sympathy—it was clear the two had caused much trouble before.

Fang Guohuan could not bear the sight and stepped forward to intervene, but upon closer look, he was shocked to recognize the beggars as the brothers Liu Cai and Liu Lu from Liu Village. Startled, he cried out, “Stop! Don’t hit them!” Lu Yukai, seeing Fang Guohuan’s intent, rode forward and shouted, “Back off!” The clerks were startled by the arrival of several mounted men and immediately stopped. Lu Yukai tossed a silver ingot to the shopkeeper, “I’ll settle their debt—leave them be.” The shopkeeper, seeing the tough newcomers, quickly collected the silver, called off his men, and left.

Fang Guohuan hurriedly dismounted and helped the Liu brothers up, “How did you end up like this? I am Fang Guohuan—do you remember me?” The brothers, recognizing him, were overjoyed yet hung their heads in shame. Lu Yukai said, “Since they are your friends, let’s get them cleaned up at the inn and catch up later.” Two men dismounted to help the brothers, and they all found an inn.

The Liu brothers were taken to wash and given fresh clothes, then invited to dine with Fang Guohuan. Starving, the brothers devoured the food, glancing nervously at Fang Guohuan and Lu Yukai. Seeing this, Fang Guohuan encouraged them to eat their fill and, watching their hunger, felt a pang of sorrow.

After the meal, Fang Guohuan gently asked, “Why are you not living in Liu Village? How is your father?” The brothers exchanged glances and fell silent. After a moment, Liu Cai asked, “Where have you been these years, Young Master Fang, to have become so prosperous?” Fang Guohuan replied, “I left abruptly back then and later found a good teacher, devoting myself to chess. Now I’m returning to visit your father and old friends—never did I expect to meet you two here.” Liu Cai lowered his head, “My father fell gravely ill two years ago and has passed away.” “What?” Fang Guohuan was shocked, “Your father is gone?”

Liu Lu added, “He passed away over two years ago. After his death, we had no livelihood, so we sold off the household and lands, got a thousand taels of silver, and tried to start a business. But we lost it all and, ashamed to face our neighbors, became drifters, living hand to mouth. We never expected to see you again—how humiliating!” The brothers hung their heads in shame.

Fang Guohuan sighed, tears falling, “Your father saved my life and buried my teacher. I never thought he would die so young, and I would not see him again.” He wept bitterly, and the Liu brothers shed tears as well. Lu Yukai, moved by Fang Guohuan’s loyalty, tried to comfort him.

After weeping, Fang Guohuan said, “It is my great regret that I could not thank him in person for his kindness. But now I have found you, and henceforth you are as my own brothers. I will look after you, so as not to betray our friendship.” He continued, “Though your father has passed and you have fallen on hard times, do not despair. I have received gifts from friends and have silver enough. Tomorrow, we will return to Liu Village and buy back your old home and lands. If you manage them well, you will not want for anything.” The Liu brothers were first delighted, then skeptical.

That night they stayed at the inn. Early the next morning, Lu Yukai had the silver-laden carriage readied and horses provided for the Liu brothers. They set out for Liu Village. The brothers, seeing the heavy chests and the deference shown Fang Guohuan by his escorts, could not understand the situation. But as they saw Lu Yukai and the others spend silver freely, they began to believe Fang Guohuan might truly redeem the family estate, and their spirits gradually lifted.

On the way, Fang Guohuan inquired about Bu Yuan. Liu Cai replied, “Hero Bu has become famous for his treasure slingshot. Whenever tigers or leopards trouble the provinces, even in distant counties, he is called to hunt them and never fails. He is now known as ‘Divine Slingshot Bu Yuan.’ He seldom visits us—apart from coming for our father’s funeral, we have not seen him.” Fang Guohuan was gladdened to hear this.

At last they reached Liu Village. Fang Guohuan went straight to the former Liu residence and called on Mr. Xu, who had bought the property. He offered to buy back the house and lands at a generous price and return them to the Liu brothers. Mr. Xu, recalling Fang Guohuan’s integrity (and tempted by the money), gladly agreed. Fang Guohuan and the brothers moved back in, the brothers overjoyed and a little proud.

Lu Yukai and his men, having safely delivered Fang Guohuan, took their leave to return to report to the Hall. Fang Guohuan, grateful for their escort, offered them five hundred taels of silver. They tried to refuse, but he insisted, so they accepted with thanks and departed in high spirits.