Chapter 18: A Toast to Brother Jing!

Early again, Su Wu began his day with martial practice, then ate the flatbread that Wu Dashun had brought on his way, before heading off to duty.

Li Cheng had also spent time at the government office to make himself known.

While waiting for the others, Li Cheng mentioned that today the hunters were coming into town to sell their pelts. Dozens of hunters had agreed to come together, all intending to pay a visit to Chief Su in person.

Obviously, Su Wu’s home couldn’t accommodate so many guests, so the only option was to go to the Lion Pavilion, the finest tavern in town, where he had already reserved a table early.

The Lion Pavilion was also known in stories as the very place where Ximen Qing met his end.

Su Wu didn’t hesitate to spend money; in this era, money could always be earned again, and as long as there were people, there was nothing to worry about.

By midday, when the time was right, Su Wu went straight to the Lion Pavilion to wait and arranged for food and drinks.

Li Cheng stayed at the office, waiting to guide the guests when they arrived.

Just past noon, the Lion Pavilion was crowded to bursting. Six or seven tables were laden with dishes, with the best available placed before them.

In front of Su Wu lay a generous pile, with sixty or seventy men, each bearing several gifts.

There were dozens of prime pelts, heaps of grouse and hares, baskets overflowing with mountain fruits, and bundles of fine straight timber said to be for Su Wu to take to the office—materials of excellent quality.

Some could be fashioned into a water and fire deterrent club, others into a fine long spear, and some even into instruments of punishment.

Just hauling these goods down from the mountains was a great feat.

Su Wu did not refuse any gifts; he rose repeatedly, cupping his hands in thanks to everyone: “Many thanks, brothers!”

Lin Mao quickly stood to return the courtesy: “Ah, Chief, you flatter us. These are but humble gifts. If in the future, you truly need us, that will be the greatest honor.”

“Yes, Chief, since you regard us so, how could we ever let you down?”

“Chief, whenever you want something from the mountains, no matter what, I will bring it to you.”

“Yes, yes! We only fear you won’t ask.”

“Exactly, we fear you won’t speak up…”

“Brothers, sit, sit. Your coming today honors me greatly. The food and drink may be simple, but please enjoy yourselves.”

Lin Mao felt embarrassed: “We feared there were so many, and that the Chief might have to spend much. We thought only a few would come, but the brothers all wished to attend… Ah, we’ve caused you expense…”

“One meal is worth little, and you’ve given me so many gifts,” Su Wu smiled.

“How could we compare? I’ve only ever passed by the Lion Pavilion, never dared to enter…” Lin Mao’s face was full of apology.

“Enough of that, brothers, say no more. Drink up!” Su Wu raised his cup and drained it in one.

Everyone raised their cups in turn: “To the Chief!”

Suddenly, Su Wu waved his hand: “Since we share such a fortuitous bond, let us drop the formal title of Chief. It sounds distant and cold. Just call me brother—that pleases my heart all the more.”

Lin Mao hesitated, glanced at the others, then carefully suggested: “Then… how about calling you ‘Brother’?”

The others were also cautious, afraid of offending or being disrespectful.

“Good! Nothing better! Brothers, down this cup!” Su Wu drank again in one.

“To Brother!” Lin Mao led the shout.

The crowd echoed: “To Brother!”

Wu Song stood to the side, chuckling quietly. In this gathering, he thought, how much more straightforward and sincere it was compared to the scheming so-called heroes in Chai Jin’s village.

Li Cheng, also moved, thought that this brother truly esteemed them humble mountain hunters.

Su Wu kept drinking, accepting every cup offered. Even if he didn’t finish it all, he would take a good gulp.

Wu Song, knowing his brother’s limits, stepped in at the right moments to take cups away, and kept pouring one after another.

The more they drank, the merrier they grew, voices calling out: “Refreshing!”

It felt like the most satisfying drink Su Wu had ever had in his life.

As the noon hour passed, the scene remained lively. Su Wu, now drowsy, began to doze off to the side.

Wu Song was naturally a fierce fighter, while Li Cheng drank little and smiled quietly at the scene.

At last, Lin Mao grabbed Wu Song’s hand: “Tell Brother that after some time, we will come again. Or better yet, we will prepare and invite Brother to visit the mountains at a convenient time.”

“Very well, very well. When Brother wakes, I’ll tell him,” Wu Song said, already somewhat drunk.

“We should leave now; the road is long, and mountain paths at night are dangerous,” Lin Mao urged, pulling him along.

“Safe travels, brothers,” Wu Song saw them out on behalf of Su Wu.

Once everyone had left,

Li Cheng supported the half-conscious Su Wu with one arm while reaching to steady Wu Song with the other.

Wu Song waved his hand: “I’ve never truly been drunk before.”

He could walk on his own, albeit somewhat staggering.

Su Wu slowly woke and murmured: “Home… home…”

“All right,” Li Cheng replied.

The three returned home, where a young woman hurried to boil water, then brought it to her master along with a cloth.

Su Wu, eyes glazed, sat up and asked: “What’s your name?”

“Dong Huan,” she answered shyly.

“No surname?” Su Wu asked again.

“No…”

Those truly at the lowest rung of fate, who didn’t even know their parents, had no surname.

“Then you shall take mine—Su,” Su Wu said, his tongue heavy.

“Thank you, Master, for granting me a name,” the girl knelt sincerely.

“Good… now come, help me clean up,” Su Wu leaned crookedly in his chair.

The timid girl took the cloth and carefully wiped him.

Wu Song stood nearby: “No need for all that fuss, just bring a bucket of water and pour it over him…”

Li Cheng laughed: “Brother is not like you…”

Wu Song, ignoring them, fetched water and poured it over himself, exposing his mountain-hardened muscles.

Li Cheng helped bring more water.

Once finished, Su Wu carelessly collapsed onto the bed in the main hall. Wu Song lay beside him, separated by a small table, and both soon fell into a deep slumber.

Li Cheng sat nearby, grinning foolishly, while the young cook busied herself with tidying up.

Life in the great Song dynasty seemed to settle into this rhythm.

When Su Wu opened his eyes again, night had fallen. He rose and looked toward the sky; night had been upon them for some time. Wu Song still snored beside him.

Clearly, Wu Song had drunk far more than Su Wu.

Feeling a chill with the breeze, Su Wu shivered slightly and went to the door: “Xiao Cheng, bring a quilt.”

Li Cheng was in the courtyard and nodded, going to fetch it.

Suddenly, a soft sound came—a creak…

Su Wu looked up slightly…

A massive figure descended from the sky, landing steadily in the small courtyard.