Chapter Twenty-Six: Gathering at the Qu Family (Part One)

At that moment, Wang Huai suddenly realized, "Ah! I, Wang, a merchant by nature, always speak of business and family affairs when meeting others. I did not consider that Master Gu and Young Hero Luo are lofty figures removed from the mundane world. My vulgar discussions must have offended your refined ears and surely run counter to your dispositions. I am truly ashamed! I beg your forgiveness." Gu Sichen laughed, "Everything you said was honest and insightful, and I found it most agreeable. I much prefer this open-hearted conversation, with no barriers between us." Luo Kun chuckled beside him, "Perhaps you might share some mysterious matters next, to pique my curiosity." Wang Huai smiled, "Young Hero Luo wishes to hear strange tales? I will introduce you, when possible, to Master Xiayun. His stories are all mystical arguments, immortal legends, and supernatural anecdotes; he even believes them himself." Luo Kun laughed, "To meet such an interesting person would indeed be a blessing."

Wang Huai then asked, "By the way, Young Hero Luo, have you found the old friend you sought years ago?" Luo Kun shook his head and sighed, "Alas, these past years have brought no news whatsoever. I don’t even know where to begin searching. It seems there is no hope in this lifetime." With that, he fell silent, sorrowful. Wang Huai consoled him, "A fortunate man such as you will surely have his wishes fulfilled." He continued, "Earlier, you mentioned your friend was a skilled chess player. Half a year ago, the Emperor summoned chess masters, and the greatest players gathered in the capital. Perhaps your friend was among them." Gu Sichen said, "I heard about this event as well, but unfortunately, by the time the news reached me, the chess competition had ended over a month before."

Luo Kun said, "I wonder if Brother Fang attended. I heard the Emperor selected a national chess champion from among the assembled masters—a man named Qu Liangyi. Chess has become immensely popular now, so it seems Brother Fang was wise to pursue the way of chess." Gu Sichen laughed, "To you, this Young Master Fang must be a perfect man, excelling at everything. Regrettably, I have never met him; otherwise, I would see what manner of extraordinary person he is." Luo Kun replied, "Brother Fang is truly gifted at chess. Once, a Daoist who set up a chess stall put forth a difficult puzzle, offering several taels of silver to whoever could solve it. Many skilled players attempted it over the course of half a year, but none succeeded. Yet Brother Fang glanced at it, played two moves, and brought the game back to life, which delighted the Daoist so much he thanked him profusely with bows. Moreover, Brother Fang is chivalrous and once rescued me from danger. If I cannot find him in this life, I will never rest." Gu Sichen shook his head in admiration.

Wang Huai said, "Since Young Master Fang is a chess expert, he will surely earn distinction in the chess world. When that happens, searching for him will not be difficult. According to a chess player from Mei County who went to the capital, the competition for national chess champion was fierce—even the palace eunuchs participated, and one nearly claimed the title."

Gu Sichen remarked, "The way of chess is refined and profound. I have a dear friend, Liu Minzhang, who lives in Shu. His chess style is sharp, and he is one of the most renowned chess masters in the realm. He says that chess can lead one to an exalted state of mind; when playing, one forgets oneself and the world, focusing only on the game. Sometimes, inspiration strikes as if aided by spirits, and brilliant moves flow forth. He claims the way of chess aligns with the principles of heaven and earth, illustrating the logic of all things. Sadly, I have spent my life absorbed in medicine and martial arts, never delving deeply into chess, so its mysteries elude me. I understand a little, but only play for amusement." Wang Huai said, "If one can master any skill in the world, he may stand tall among men." Gu Sichen laughed, "Your merchant's craft, Wang, is also a refined art." Wang Huai, hearing this, laughed heartily in satisfaction.

Just then, Wang Yunping entered and bowed, "Uncle, Master Gu, Brother Luo—food and wine are ready. Please come to the banquet." Wang Huai stood, inviting everyone, "Today, let Master Gu and Young Hero Luo sample the flavors of Mei County." He then led the Medicine King and his apprentice to the table for drinks. Gu Sichen and Luo Kun stayed at Wang Huai’s home for two days, warmly received. Wang Huai asked Gu Sichen to treat a friend’s stubborn illness, and the Medicine King cured it with a single prescription, leaving the patient deeply grateful. The next day, the patient brought generous gifts to thank them, only to find that the Medicine King and his apprentice had already bid farewell to Wang Huai and departed Mei County for Chaozhou.

Gu Sichen and Luo Kun reached Chaozhou, approaching the city gates when dozens of mounted riders suddenly sped past, evidently in haste, causing passersby to scatter aside.

Inside the city, Luo Kun asked, "Master, you mentioned visiting an old friend here—who might this hero be?" Gu Sichen replied, "He is a member of a society, an incense master under a branch of the Six Harmonies Hall, the greatest martial alliance in the realm. We haven’t met in five or six years, so I thought to renew old ties. As we, master and apprentice, wander the world, besides delighting in nature, seeking out old friends and discussing past events is also one of life’s pleasures." Luo Kun smiled, "Traveling with Master broadens my horizons and brings freedom and leisure—truly a life like that of immortals." Gu Sichen laughed, "Our temperaments match well, and we both enjoy wandering. Still, you are young and talented, destined for great achievements; when the opportunity arises, I will find you a promising path." Luo Kun said, "Great achievements are beyond me. In this life, I only wish to follow Master, forever at your service." Gu Sichen shook his head, "You have had extraordinary encounters—how could you fritter away your days like me? Even if I wish it, heaven would not; it would punish me for wasting such talent." Luo Kun laughed, "How could it be? In these years with you, we have healed countless people and rescued the oppressed—surely, we have acted in accord with heaven’s will and done much good. I am already content." Gu Sichen smiled silently at this.

The two arrived at a grand residence, guarded by four burly men, with a plaque bearing the Six Harmonies name, radiating the aura of a society. Gu Sichen stepped forward, bowing to one of the men, "Would you kindly inform Incense Master Zhao Xiangkong that an old friend has come to visit?" The man sized up Gu Sichen and Luo Kun, replied, "Please wait a moment," and went inside. Soon, a robust man emerged, and upon seeing Gu Sichen, exclaimed in delight, "Well, if it isn’t the Medicine King himself—what an honored guest!" Gu Sichen bowed, "Brother Zhao, it’s been years—how have you been?" Zhao Xiangkong welcomed him warmly, "Same as always, nothing like the leisurely life of the Medicine King." Gu Sichen smiled and introduced Luo Kun, "This is my apprentice, Luo—" Before he could finish, Zhao Xiangkong interjected, "He’s called Luo Kun, isn’t he?" Both master and apprentice were startled. Gu Sichen asked, "Brother Zhao, how do you know my apprentice’s name after so many years apart?" Zhao Xiangkong replied, "This isn’t the place for conversation; let’s speak inside." He then ushered them into the residence.

Once seated in the hall, servants served tea, and Zhao Xiangkong asked, "Brother Gu and your worthy nephew Luo Kun—do you know the renowned figure from the Green Forest in Eastern Commandery, the Mighty Bow King, Gong Changjiu?" Gu Sichen and Luo Kun exchanged astonished glances. Gu Sichen asked, "Brother Zhao, how do you know such details from distant Guangdong?" Zhao Xiangkong explained, "Recently, Liu Shizhu, master of our Seventy-fourth Branch of Six Harmonies Hall here in Guangdong, received orders from the Chief Hall Master: all branches throughout the realm are to assist the heroes of Eastern Commandery in searching for two people. When I read Liu Master’s letter, I found they were seeking you, Brother Gu, and your apprentice Luo Kun." Gu Sichen seemed to understand, "No wonder! So the Mighty Bow Chief of Eastern Commandery has enlisted your Six Harmonies Hall to find us. Such urgency, drawing upon your resources—what important matter requires us?" Zhao Xiangkong said, "It concerns Gong Changjiu’s daughter, Miss Gong, who has entered the heartland, come to the Central Plains." Gu Sichen laughed, "I see—this search is not for me but for my apprentice, Luo Kun."

Luo Kun exclaimed, "Master, why is Gong Ying’er so persistent? She’s found her way to the Central Plains!" Gu Sichen laughed, "There is something I am not yet ready to tell you; in time, you will learn." Luo Kun puzzled over it, muttering, "What could it be? Perhaps Miss Gong’s old illness has recurred, and she seeks my help once more?"

Gu Sichen then asked Zhao Xiangkong, "Gong Changjiu is the chief of the Green Forest in Eastern Commandery, never involving himself in Central Plains affairs. How did your Six Harmonies Hall come to be connected with him? Why mobilize your forces to search for someone?" Zhao Xiangkong replied, "The orders from the Chief Hall Master stated that Mighty Bow King Gong Changjiu intends to lead the heroes of Eastern Commandery into the heartland." Gu Sichen and Luo Kun were both shocked. Gu Sichen asked, "Gong Changjiu has great influence in the east—why enter the Central Plains and contend there?"

Zhao Xiangkong explained, "The power of the Jurchens in Liaodong grows stronger by the day. Not only do they threaten our borders, but they also seek to absorb Gong Changjiu’s mountain strongholds, eliminate local independence, and consolidate their forces for future designs on the Ming dynasty. Gong Changjiu is a true hero: unwilling to serve others, yet worried that refusal would lead to war with the Jurchens’ formidable cavalry. To preserve his strength, he sent envoys into the heartland to connect with Six Harmonies Hall, seeking an alliance and a common cause in the martial world." Gu Sichen nodded in admiration, "So it is! Gong Changjiu, not only the Green Forest’s chief but also a perceptive leader, chooses to join Six Harmonies Hall rather than establish his own faction—a wise decision indeed." Zhao Xiangkong added, "Precisely! Our Chief Hall Master highly praises and is delighted by the Eastern heroes’ noble action. He has personally contacted Gong Changjiu’s representatives to discuss the alliance."

Gu Sichen laughed, "With this, Six Harmonies Hall will be at its zenith; no other martial force in the realm can rival it." Zhao Xiangkong continued, "For some reason, at the same time the Chief Hall Master issued the order to search for you, he also commanded all Guangdong branches to assemble their best men and send them north—this is happening across all branches." Gu Sichen was taken aback, then mused, "Sending elite men north? I see—since Gong Changjiu is leading his forces into the heartland to join Six Harmonies Hall, such a large movement will surely attract the Jurchens’ attention. Six Harmonies Hall is preparing its strength to support the Eastern heroes should any trouble arise." Zhao Xiangkong said, "That’s likely the reason. Our Guangdong branch has already selected its best; one group departed today. In two days, you and your apprentice will join me and the next group heading north, so the Chief Hall Master will know the search is complete." Gu Sichen nodded, "That works well."

Luo Kun, troubled by the prospect of Gong Ying’er’s persistent pursuit, said, "Master, this is their family’s matter; perhaps we should not go." Gu Sichen replied, "Kun’er, you must not say such things. The Mighty Bow Chief is a man of honor, and Miss Gong is sincere and passionate. Their request to Six Harmonies Hall to search for you across the land shows deep affection. Besides, moving his entire stronghold to join Six Harmonies Hall will not be easy. Though we may not be of much help, we should lend whatever support we can, out of respect for old friends." Seeing his master’s resolve, Luo Kun said, "Very well, I will follow your wishes."

Zhao Xiangkong immediately informed Branch Master Liu Shizhu of the Medicine King’s arrival. Liu Shizhu was delighted and ordered Zhao Xiangkong and two incense masters to lead the second group north with the Medicine King and his apprentice in two days.

Meanwhile, Fang Guohuan, Bu Yuan, and Lü Zhufeng escorted Qu Liangyi on their journey, entering Jiangsu and passing through Xinyi and Shuyang, arriving at Huaian. Qu Ning’er, seeing her homeland approaching, was overjoyed and leaned out the carriage window, calling to Fang Guohuan, "Young Master Fang, follow this road for another half-day and we will reach Qu Family Village—almost home!" Suddenly, she sat in the carriage and burst into tears. Fang Guohuan was surprised, "We’re about to arrive—why are you so sad?" Qu Ning’er choked out, "When my master and I left, everything was fine. Now, barely half a year later, my master has succumbed to this strange illness and must be brought back by carriage. How will I explain this to the mistress and Second and Third Masters?" With that, she wept even harder. Fang Guohuan, after a moment’s silence, comforted her, "It was unforeseen; you are not to blame. You have already done your utmost. Once we arrive, I will explain everything to Mr. Qu’s family. Truly, you’ve endured enough." Qu Ning’er gradually stopped crying.

Bu Yuan said, "At least we have safely returned Mr. Qu home, but I wonder if his family will be able to bear such a cruel blow." Fang Guohuan sighed, "There’s little we can do—when the time comes, we’ll try our best to explain." Bu Yuan worried, "If our explanation is unclear, they might think chess ruined Mr. Qu, and misunderstand us, causing unnecessary trouble." Fang Guohuan replied, "It won’t come to that. Mr. Qu is refined and his family must be knowledgeable and courteous. We’ve escorted him thousands of miles through peril, and if they understand our efforts, that will be enough."

Lü Zhufeng added, "You two are noble and righteous; surely his family will be grateful. Should they misunderstand you, we can always return Mr. Qu to the capital." Bu Yuan laughed, "After all our efforts, finally bringing Mr. Qu home, how could we send him back? If his family rejects him, perhaps Brother Fang will buy him a house to live in!" Fang Guohuan said, "You two are quick with jokes. No matter what happens, as long as Mr. Qu is safely home, we can be at peace."