Chapter Seven: The Great Name

  Happy Labour Day! Wishing everyone good health and delicious food! Due to various social engagements during the holiday, I'll be posting one chapter per day in the evening, please forgive me.

  The journey was not just for one day. In the afternoon, a group of people finally saw the majestic city wall in front of them. One of the four capitals of the Song Dynasty and the first stronghold of Hebei Province, Daming Prefecture stood tall under the scorching summer sun, with flags fluttering in the strong wind.

  Dong Chao and Xue Ba took out the cangue for Yang Zhi to wear, and they set off towards the Daming Prefecture's Prison Camp to hand him over. Meanwhile, Lu Qian changed into his official uniform, showed his waist plaque at a relay station on the road, borrowed a fast horse, and rushed ahead to make preparations, so as to avoid any further trouble or "display of authority" in accordance with the "old rules of Emperor Taizu of the Wu De era".

  When they arrived at the city gate, Lu Qian had already returned and continued to say that everything was arranged properly. He had reported the name of Dongjing Temple Commander's Mansion to Guan Ying, who was so frightened that he was hit in the face with a ten-guan copper coin. With green and red lights flashing in his eyes, he naturally nodded without saying a word, guaranteeing that Yang Zhi would not suffer any physical harm when he arrived later, asking the official to rest assured.

  Lu Zhennan's ability to handle matters was indeed excellent, and Gao Qiu was delighted. He urged him to hurry to the prison camp, so that he could get Yang Zhi's cangue as soon as possible.

  Upon arrival at the camp, two bailiffs handed over official documents. The gatekeeper took them and led the way in. Gao Qiang and others were waiting outside for news.

  After waiting for a while, there was still no movement inside the camp. Suddenly, a commotion broke out on the main street, and a team of horses galloped in, with the flag of "Daming Fu Liushou Si" at the front. Several "avoidance" signs shone brightly in the sunlight, and a middle-aged man wearing official clothes dismounted his horse at the gate of the prison camp, surrounded by attendants as he entered.

  Gao Qiang was shocked, could it be that today is actually the day when Liang Zhongshu, the Governor of the Imperial City, personally comes to the court to handle affairs? This person is said to be Cai Jing's son-in-law. Although Cai Jing has been dismissed from office, Zhao Tuo hasn't had time to grab his tail yet. Moreover, this person has achieved quite a bit in his two years as Governor of Daming Prefecture, and it's not easy to grab his tail either.

  But since this person is in charge, the previous efforts of Lu Qian will be wasted. However, he doesn't know whether Yang Zhi will live or die, and Gao Gang's heart can't help but feel anxious.

  He walked back and forth in front of the camp, suddenly raised his head, saw Xǔ Guànzhōng with a smile at the corner of his mouth. At this moment, he was anxious in his heart, and he became somewhat annoyed: "Guànzhōng, what's so funny?" After that day, Gāo Qiáng thought about it and finally decided to call each other by their names without any brotherly or sibling titles. Xǔ Guànzhōng accepted this calmly.

  At this moment, Gao Qiang looked anxious, and Xu Guanzhong smiled slightly: "Sir, are you worried that Liang will personally take charge of the case, and Yang's life or death is uncertain? I think there won't be any major problems."

  Gao Qiang was overjoyed and hastily asked for details. Xu Guanzhong said, "Xu has grown up in a famous family and has heard about the actions of this Liang who is temporarily in charge. This man's official reputation is quite good, and his military strategy is reasonable, but he doesn't pay much attention to the prison camp. Today, however, he suddenly came to inspect the place, so there must be some reason behind it. According to Xu's speculation, I'm afraid it has something to do with you, sir."

  Gao Gang was initially stunned, but then came to his senses: "Could Guan Zhong's words be hinting that this Left Guard is actually here for me?"

  Xu Guanzhong was about to respond when a flag officer hastily walked out, looked around and then walked in front of Lu Qian, saluted and said: "May I ask if you are Lu Qian, the Lu Yu candidate from Dongjing?"

  Lu Qian hastily replied, and the flag bearer's face suddenly lit up with joy: "May I ask which one of you is the official from the Eastern Capital Governor's Office?"

  Gao Jian looked at Xu Guangzhong and thought to himself that he had indeed been anticipated, but the latter just calmly dealt with it.

  Lu Qian introduced the flag card, and the flag card bowed and said: "High official, my family's governor has invited you to the back hall, and he specially ordered me to come and invite you."

  When the flag bearer led the way, Gao Qiu and others followed behind, bypassing the front hall and main hall. As soon as they turned a corner, they saw the middle-aged official standing on the steps, with several military officers standing beside him with their hands hanging down. Yang Zhi had already opened his cangue and was also standing by.

  The official, seeing Gao Qiang and others arrive, lifted his official robes and stepped down to greet them, with a smiling face: "Which one is the High Commissioner of the Eastern Capital?"

  Gao Jian knew this must be the renowned Beijing official, Liang Zhongshu, and hastily stepped forward to kowtow: "Junior Gao Jian pays his respects to Uncle Liang." This Liang Zhongshu was Cai Jing's son-in-law and of the same generation as Ye Mengde, so calling him "Uncle" was only natural, and also showed familiarity. At present, he still held no official position and was meeting in a private chamber, clearly prioritizing their personal relationship.

  Li Zhongshu was overjoyed when he heard the words, and hurriedly stepped forward to help him up with both hands. He chuckled and said: "My virtuous nephew has traveled far and suffered hardships, it's really not easy. Is your respected father doing well? Ah, thinking back to those years when I was in the capital, you were still a mischievous young boy, but now you've become a handsome and elegant young master of the mundane world! Your uncle is getting old, haha..."

  "My father is doing well, and I appreciate your concern, Uncle. My father has asked me to greet you on his behalf and send you a folding fan with a letter written by Wang Jinggong for your appreciation. As for myself, I have not been successful in the imperial examination yet, which makes me feel ashamed of not living up to your expectations and my father's reputation."

  Liáng Zhōngshū was even more delighted, and took over the folding fan that Wáng ānshí had written on. He was extremely polite, and pulled over a military officer beside him to introduce. The first one was about the same height as Lǔ Zhìshēn, with a robust build, phoenix eyes and sleeping eyebrows, his face like a heavy date, with five long beards, his eyes gleaming like lightning when he opened and closed them. When they met, he said: "Dà Míng Fǔ's Military Commander Guān Shèng, has seen High Official Gāo."

  Gao Da was shocked, his finger pointing at Guan Sheng, stuttering: "I-I-is this the famous Big Knife Guan Sheng?" It's like seeing a ghost! The Big Knife of the Governor's Mansion wasn't supposed to be Guan Sheng, how did it become him?

  Guan Sheng saw Gao Qiang mention his nickname, and he couldn't help but feel proud. He had learned from Guan Yu's demeanor, and this arrogance was no exception. He pushed up the long beard under his chin and smiled calmly: "The military commander's ancestral martial arts are indeed used with a 82-jin Qinglong Yan Yue knife, also known as Lengyan Ju. Thanks to the recommendation of General Bao Ze, I got this nickname, but I don't know how you knew about it?"

  His astonishment slightly reduced, he thought to himself that Guan Sheng seemed to be a valiant general under Liu Yue, the governor of Jinan, who was killed when Liu surrendered to the Jin. It seems like it's this person. However, brother, you don't have to learn from Guan Yu to such an extent, even calling your sword "Cold and Elegant Saw". I wonder if you're using the Spring and Autumn Annals as a pillow when you sleep?

  "Governor Guan is indeed a good-looking and majestic figure, which reminds me of someone. I wonder if Governor Guan has any connection with Guan Yu, the Marquis of Shouting, from the late Han Dynasty and the Three Kingdoms period?" Since you like to learn from Guan Yu, let's just let you have your way for now. Anyway, it won't cost me a single penny.

  Indeed, Guan Sheng was overjoyed when he heard this, his five long whiskers fluttering wildly, and his vermilion phoenix eyes narrowing to the point of almost disappearing: "The yamen is indeed a scholar of great learning, and I am actually a descendant of General Guan." Knowing that he himself came from an illustrious background, he was naturally also a scholar of great learning.

  The next one was Li Cheng, the King of Heaven. Gao Gang remembered that this man was also a fierce general under Liu Yu's account. As soon as they met, he was indeed majestic and had a military demeanor, and there was a burst of "long admiration" and "hearing the name".

  Next came a man of medium build, but exceptionally robust, with muscles bulging on his exposed arms, exuding energy all over his body, with piercing eyes that seemed to be searching for someone to devour like a fierce tiger.

  Li Zhongshu had not yet introduced himself, when the man hastily stepped forward and saluted: "I am Suo Chao, currently serving as a commander in the Longji Army of the Daming Prefecture. I have heard of your esteemed reputation, sir. Would you be willing to engage in a friendly duel with me, so that I may test my skills against those of a renowned general from the Eastern Capital?"

  Suddenly, a loud and clear voice shouted: "Xue Pinggui is here!" This was also a legendary figure. Gao Qiu hastily paid his respects and thought to himself: "I even had a large Damascus steel axe made for you, but it's too cumbersome to bring along." However, looking at this person, he seemed like a martial arts fanatic, his eyes constantly darting back and forth between Lin Chong and Lu Zhishen, with an eager-to-try-out look on his face.

  The heroes of Liangshan Marsh met with the officials, and Gao Qiu introduced several people from his side. Lin Chong's title as instructor of the 800,000 Imperial Guards was enough to stir up Suo Chao's enthusiasm, while Lu Zhishen's unusual appearance also drew everyone's attention. When it was announced that these two were Gao Qiu's teachers, the crowd was in an uproar, and they all rushed to pay their respects. Suo Chao's eyes sparkled with excitement.

  After they had exchanged greetings, Yang Zhi came forward to thank Liang Zhongshu. It turned out that he had just arrived at the prison camp when Liang Zhongshu personally came to inspect and, upon learning that it was Yang Zhi, the military officer from Dongjing, immediately ordered his release and handed over a document to the two jailers, Dong Chao and Xue Ba, before turning around and heading to the back hall.

  Gao Liang heard this and felt a bit puzzled in his heart. This kind of behavior from Liang Zhongshu seemed as if he had made arrangements beforehand, but Gao was certain that he hadn't taken this path before. Could it be that the old father from Tokyo had sent someone to rush ahead?

  Liáng Zhōngshū had a big smile on his face, and only after the host and guest were seated did he say, "Let's have some tea," and then only talked about trivial matters, without mentioning at all that someone had come to ask for favors.

  In official circles, such matters are most subtle. Since Liang Zhongshu didn't mention it, Gao Qiang also couldn't ask, and could only ramble on about some interesting things he saw along the way. Most of those present were military men, and the topic gradually shifted to guns, sticks, fists, and feet. Like Suo Chao and other military men, they understood in their hearts but were clumsy with their words, and couldn't help but use gestures to illustrate their points.

  It's interesting to hear that. Suddenly, he thought of someone and asked: "When I was in Tokyo, people often said that there is a Lu Junyi, also known as Lu Yuanwai, who is the number one martial artist in Hebei Province at the Beijing Damingfu. Is this person real?"

  As soon as the words came out, the atmosphere in the hall changed immediately. Guan Sheng stroked his long beard, Li Cheng held Zuyu's teacup and blew the tea foam mouthful by mouthful, while Suo Chao stared blankly ahead with his eyes wide open, muttering to himself but saying something that couldn't be heard clearly.

  Li Zhongshu's expression didn't change, still smiling harmlessly: "My nephew lives in the Eastern Capital and has a wide range of knowledge. This Lu Junyi is actually the first wealthy businessman in our Da Ming Fu, operating pawnshops, rice shops, wine houses, and so on. The number one wine house in the city, Cuiyun Building, is also his property. As for being the best at martial arts in Hebei, that's just people flattering each other. How can these few rural gangs compare to our Da Ming Fu's 50,000 elite soldiers?"

  Gao Qiu saw the situation and knew that Lu Junyi's reputation as "the number one spearman in Hebei" was indeed a source of trouble. As the saying goes, "there is no first or second in literature, nor is there in martial arts". Which martial artist can tolerate having someone above them with such a title?