Chapter Forty-Four: A Potent Remedy

Upon hearing Zhang Juntai’s words, the county magistrate broke out in a cold sweat, his face pale as he asked, “What should we do then? Once the army withdraws, the bandits will surely descend from the mountain again.”

Zhang Juntai pretended to ponder for a moment, then his eyes lit up. “I’ve got it, Your Excellency. Let’s employ a scorched earth tactic against the bandits. You can arrange for the villagers from the surrounding areas to seek refuge within the county town. To expedite the process, the government can take the lead and help them move.”

The magistrate’s eyes brightened at Zhang Juntai’s suggestion. “The government takes charge, scorched earth, and the villagers take refuge in the town. Yes, why didn’t I think of that? This way, even if the bandits come down, they’ll find nothing to take. If they linger and can’t get enough provisions, they’ll eventually leave, and the villagers can return to their homes.”

Observing the magistrate’s expression, Zhang Juntai realized that the official intended to seize the villagers' wealth under the guise of this opportunity. Now that the fish had taken the bait, Zhang Juntai knew it was time to let out the line.

Meanwhile, Li Wenyuan and Zong Luo Hou had returned to Azure Dragon Mountain. For the first time, Li Wenyuan experienced firsthand the stronghold of these roving heroes, hidden deep in the wilderness, and he felt a surge of excitement, casting curious glances all around.

Zong Luo Hou strode into the Hall of Brotherhood. “Bring a chair for General Li, and summon the leaders for a council.”

Soon, four armored men arrived. Their robust stature revealed their mettle; their eyes were clear and honest, free from cunning. Li Wenyuan observed them closely, feeling a bit of his doubts dissipate, and his trust in Zong Luo Hou grew.

Zong Luo Hou addressed the gathered men, “Brothers, this is the commander of the army below the mountain, and soon to be the governor of the Eight Western Prefectures.” His gaze swept over the assembly as he continued, “You all know that our second-in-command and I went to deliver a letter to General Li, explaining the situation. General Li acted with integrity and didn’t jump to conclusions. These past days, he has been investigating the missing villagers. Now we have a lead, and need your cooperation in a staged performance. If anyone messes this up, I won’t be able to keep him here.”

He stood and gave his final word, “Regardless of the outcome, from today forward, General Li is a honored guest of our Azure Dragon Stronghold. None may forget this.”

According to Li Wenyuan’s plan, Zong Luo Hou led a squad of cavalry to await developments below the mountain.

Li Wenyuan was chatting with a few men in the stronghold, some of whom were still a bit skeptical.

“To be honest, I’d like to spar with General Li and test my skills,” said the second-in-command.

“Blades and spears are unkind. How about I propose something?” Li Wenyuan replied with a smile.

He brought over a table and two chairs, then sat down and said, “Come, who will join me to demonstrate for the others?”

The second-in-command sat opposite, curious. “What will General Li do? I’ll join you.”

“Very well,” Li Wenyuan said. He simplified the rules of the arm-wrestling contests of later eras and explained them to everyone. He and the second-in-command demonstrated several rounds, and the novelty of it intrigued everyone. One by one, they tried their strength against Li Wenyuan, but all were defeated.

Seeing this, Zong Luo Hou remarked, “Watching this has fired me up. Let me give it a try, brother.”

Li Wenyuan nodded in agreement. Zong Luo Hou sat down and asked, “General Li, does this game have a name?”

Li Wenyuan thought for a moment. “We call it 'Wrestling of Arms.' Sometimes soldiers play it to amuse themselves.”

“Haha, a good name. Let me have a bout with General Li.” Zong Luo Hou placed his elbow on the table, locking wrists with Li Wenyuan. The second-in-command positioned their hands in the center and announced, “Are you both ready? Begin.”

Their arms bulged with cords of muscle, neither yielding. Soon, Zong Luo Hou’s face flushed, his elbow began to tremble, and his breathing grew uneven. Li Wenyuan, by contrast, was composed, his breath steady, watching Zong Luo Hou calmly.

Elsewhere, the magistrate led a group to the nearest village at the foot of Azure Dragon Mountain. “Good folk, I am the magistrate of Yongdeng County. To spare you from bandit raids, follow me to the county town for shelter.”

A farmer replied, “Sir, the summer harvest is nearly upon us. Our crops need tending. Couldn’t we wait a few days, harvest, and then take refuge in town?”

The magistrate shook his head. “Impossible. Once the army leaves, the bandits will surely descend and pillage. Staying here would be futile.”

The farmer tried to protest, but before he could speak, the soldiers beside him knocked him to the ground.

“You stubborn peasant, how ungrateful! The magistrate himself came to kindly advise you, and you shirk. You must be in league with the bandits!” the soldier barked.

“Do not injure anyone,” the magistrate interjected. “These are citizens of the Great Sui. Those who resist must be taken to town by force. We cannot let them fall into bandit hands and suffer calamity.”

Li Wenyuan noticed Zong Luo Hou’s strength waning and hesitated whether to win or let him prevail to save face. A glance caught sight of a scout running over; he decided without further hesitation, exerted a bit more force, and pressed Zong Luo Hou’s arm to the table.

With cheers erupting around them, Zong Luo Hou and Li Wenyuan approached the scout. “What is it?”

“Reporting, chief. As General Li said, the government troops below the mountain have broken camp and are heading north along the Zhuanglang River.”

“Good. The troops I assembled will stand ready.” Zong Luo Hou turned to his men. “While I’m away, keep watch over our stronghold. Don’t lose our foundation.”

Li Wenyuan, his face masked, rode alongside Zong Luo Hou, waiting for word from the scouts, two hundred armored cavalrymen behind them. Today, their mission was to deliver to the magistrate below one last, fierce dose.

“The government soldiers are here, driving the people out,” cried the scout.

“Open the mountain gate. Follow me to drive off the cruel officials and protect the people,” ordered Zong Luo Hou.

The gates swung open, and Zong Luo Hou charged forth, Li Wenyuan close behind, followed by two hundred cavalry. The earth trembled, battle cries thundered, terrifying the soldiers so much that they took refuge in villagers’ houses, avoiding the cavalry’s onslaught.

The magistrate was dragged by his fellow officer into a stable, covered in manure and stench, utterly disheveled. Yet he cared nothing for his appearance, huddling in the corner, trembling until the cavalry passed and returned to the mountain. Then he commanded, “Bind all these villagers and take them back. They are plotting rebellion—search their homes.”