Chapter 8: Erlang, You Should Heed the Words of the Chief

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Inside the government office, Su Wu carried himself with a certain imposing presence, his gaze sharp as a tiger’s, fixed on Ximen Qing and his companions, awaiting only Ximen Qing’s reply. Ximen Qing was no ordinary man; he did not rush to respond but wore a calm, unreadable expression, perhaps contemplating something.

Suddenly, a man emerged from behind Ximen Qing, his face flushed with anger. “Captain Su, what’s the meaning of this? Do you think you can bully us brothers?” Su Wu glanced at him, recognizing the man—Yun Lishou, one of the nine sworn brothers allied with Ximen Qing.

Yun Lishou’s influence stemmed from his elder brother, Yun Liwan, a deputy general stationed at Yanggu County. Thus, Ximen Qing’s group was indeed quite powerful.

However, Yun Lishou was no better than a bully himself, notorious for oppressing women. He followed Ximen Qing mainly because he lacked a legitimate occupation; once he rose in power, even Ximen Qing’s widow would not escape his grasp.

With Yun Lishou stepping forward, Su Wu’s companion Dong Jian showed a hint of concern. Su Wu studied Yun Lishou, noting his imposing stature.

Rising, Su Wu narrowed his eyes and said, “You ten brothers band together in Yanggu with such grandstanding, yet you rarely come this way. This time, five hundred guan, not a single coin less. Tomorrow, I will make sure you understand my methods!”

In the past, Su Wu had been a rather straightforward man, but today was different. Even Dong Jian was surprised to see their captain act this way.

Yun Lishou stepped forward again to argue, but Ximen Qing pulled him back with a smile. “Captain Su’s influence has grown; he’s a figure here in the office. Let us brothers confer and discuss. Captain Su, we take our leave!”

With that, Ximen Qing waved his folding fan and turned to leave. Yun Lishou followed but cast a glare back at Su Wu.

Su Wu did not stop them, knowing that those five hundred guan would not be handed over easily; a struggle was inevitable. Since a conflict had arisen, it was best to make an example—Yun Lishou was the perfect target, a blustering bully worth the price.

Once they left, Dong Jian hurriedly said, “Captain, Ximen Qing and Yun Lishou’s group are not to be trifled with…”

Su Wu waved him off. “Times have changed. We’ve been too compliant in the past, so the brothers haven’t fared well. From now on, things will be different.”

Local government clerks were mostly natives and not a desirable profession. Playing it straight meant just scraping by. Turning corrupt meant preying on fellow townsfolk, earning hatred and risking downfall.

Meanwhile, appointed officials came and went, pocketing their shares from the local gentry, meddling little, offending no one.

It was clear: being an official was the better path.

Dong Jian, a simple and honest man, replied, “Captain, we brothers only seek peace and safety…”

“Enough talk. You’ll see the extent of my methods soon enough,” Su Wu said, then left.

Where was he going? To Wu Song’s home. If they were to commit murder or arson, the clerks like Dong Jian could not be relied upon—not because they were untrustworthy, but because they weren’t capable of such acts.

Hunters like Lin Mao and Li Cheng were more dependable.

But most reliable of all was Wu Song, a ruthless demon-slayer who killed without blinking.

Wu Dalang’s home was easy to find; a quick inquiry on the street led them to a modest two-story house facing the road, rented by Wu Da.

Su Wu knocked on the door.

“Who is it?” came Wu Da’s voice.

“I’m the captain from the office, here to see your younger brother,” Su Wu said, holding some osmanthus pastries as a courtesy gift from the street vendor.

The door opened to reveal not Wu Da but Wu Er.

Wu Er was overjoyed. “Brother, you came! Please come in. I was just saying I’d visit the office!”

As Su Wu entered, he spoke, “I feared your brother might think you were still as reckless as before and wouldn’t believe you, so I came to vouch for you.”

Wu Song was even more excited, turning to Wu Da. “Brother, see? I told you! You didn’t believe me, but Brother came all this way. I really am going to the office!”

Wu Da bowed repeatedly. “Thank you, Captain Su, for honoring my brother.”

Su Wu quickly helped him up. “We’re family; no need for such formalities. I took to your brother immediately—what man wouldn’t like a fellow like him?”

Wu Song, the straightforward type, promptly pulled Su Wu forward. “Brother, please sit. I’ve prepared wine and food to properly toast you. Please, make yourself comfortable.”

“Who’s here?” A woman appeared from the side room carrying a tray of dishes, her steps light and graceful, her figure slender and well-proportioned. Her face bore delicate eyebrows like spring willows and eyes full of charm, cheeks flushed with a rosy glow, radiating joy and a hint of spring’s warmth.

Pan Jinlian!

No wonder Ximen Qing was utterly captivated by just a glance—she was no ordinary woman.

Yet Wu Song could resist her, and Su Wu, having seen much, remained composed.

“Sister-in-law, this is Captain Su from our county office,” Wu Song said excitedly, introducing them.

“Oh? The very Captain Su who single-handedly fought a tiger at midnight?” Pan Jinlian smiled, inspecting Su Wu up and down.

“Indeed!” Wu Song was quick to confirm.

“Truly the illustrious Captain Su! So tall and mighty, handsome and exceptional—I am honored!” Pan Jinlian bowed slightly, then glanced sideways, as if caught stealing a look, her eyes shy.

Su Wu felt a shiver as the woman’s gaze swept over him; she was no less formidable than the tiger on Jingyang Ridge.

“Pleased to meet you,” Su Wu raised his hand slightly in greeting.

After sizing up Su Wu, Pan Jinlian turned to Wu Song with even greater warmth. “Please, everyone sit and try my cooking. Today is a joyous day—Uncle’s homecoming and the captain’s visit—my heart is full of happiness…”

Wu Dalang was a simple man with a bashful smile; when it came to entertaining guests, he was far less skilled than Pan Jinlian.

They all sat down and exchanged a few words. Pan Jinlian lifted her cup. “Dalang, why don’t you toast the captain? With such great favor, how can we slight him? Let me go first…”

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“Well said, well said…” Su Wu took a sip.

Wu Song was boisterous. “Brother, one more cup! I toast you!”

“To your health!” Su Wu raised his cup and drank deeply.

“I like a man who’s straightforward like you. This small cup is for women; better to drink from a bowl, what do you say?” Wu Song’s spirits soared.

“Exactly my thought!” Su Wu waved his hand and drained the bowl.

“I’ll get it…” Pan Jinlian rose, while Wu Dalang nodded, “Good, good…”

“To your health!” Su Wu went first.

After the bowl, Su Wu spoke. “Tomorrow, Er will come to the office for duty. No more fooling around; since you’re doing the right thing, act the part.”

Wu Dalang nodded. “Er, listen to Captain Su.”

Wu Song finished his bowl and wiped his mouth. “Brother, Captain, don’t worry. I’m no longer young and reckless. After a year away, I’ve seen the world’s harshness. Only my brother’s care and the captain’s favor keep me going—I won’t slack off!”

“This truly is a good day,” Pan Jinlian said joyfully, harboring her own thoughts.

She had once been a servant in the Zhang household, abused by the master and beaten and insulted by the mistress, then given to Wu Dalang as a wife.

Wu Dalang was honest but simple, selling pancakes day after day. Though he never starved, a man needs dignity.

Living with Wu Dalang meant losing that dignity, becoming a laughingstock.

Yet few knew Wu Dalang had such a brother, and now that brother had earned the respect of the tiger-slaying hero. This dignity seemed within reach, raising their standing in Yanggu County.

After three rounds of wine, Su Wu stopped drinking. He couldn’t outdrink Wu Song and needed to stay clear-headed. Rising, he bid farewell.

The family hurried to see him off, pulling him along the street a few more steps.

Before parting, Su Wu warned, “Er, drink less tonight. Don’t let it affect tomorrow.”

“Brother, rest assured. I won’t drink anymore!” Wu Song was a man of his word.

Meanwhile, at Ximen Qing’s pharmacy, the atmosphere was lively.

(I wonder if any brothers are reading this? Leave a comment or vote to stir up some excitement and encouragement…)

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