Chapter 052: The True and False Banquet at Hongmen

Li Dong walked while observing the mountain stronghold. The arrangements within were orderly, not a hint of chaos. Though the mountain paths were uneven, the ranks of the men were impeccably neat. Roused in the dead of night, the followers showed no sign of fatigue or drowsiness; their bodies stood tall as pine trees, their spirits high and invigorated.

He mused to himself: in these past few months, Du Fuwei has indeed exerted tremendous effort, governing this stronghold even more rigorously than the regular troops of the Great Sui.

The two entered the Hall of Brotherhood. Du Fuwei refused to take another step forward, insisting that Li Dong sit in the chief’s seat.

Li Dong immediately understood Du Fuwei’s true intention. His desire to recruit him into the band had never wavered. A direct refusal might dampen his enthusiasm—after all, one should never strike a smiling face. Li Dong could only politely decline again and again.

Unable to refuse any further, he suggested adding another seat beside the chief’s chair, so he and Du Fuwei could sit side by side. Facing the assembled men in the hall, Li Dong sat with perfect composure, showing not the slightest hint of embarrassment.

With Li Dong seated beside him, Du Fuwei dared not lounge as he usually did. He perched on the edge of the chair, as if to show his genuine respect for Li Dong.

Zhang Junkuo, Fu Gongzhe, and the others found nothing amiss in this arrangement. Had Li Dong not sent the chief to Qi Commandery for reinforcements, there would be no present prestige or authority. Besides, Li Dong treated others with great loyalty; even if he sat alone in the chief’s seat, none would object.

The other followers in the hall, however, were greatly shocked. They wondered in their hearts, who is this man, to command such respect?

The sentry at the gate had suffered a whipping because of him, and now the chief was offering him the seat of honor? If he were older, one could explain it—perhaps a relative or elder of the chief. But he looked no more than fifteen or sixteen; how extraordinary!

The chief had just addressed him as “general.” Which unit did he command, to hold that rank at such a young age? The followers in the hall were filled with envy. If only they possessed Li Dong’s abilities.

After sitting down, Li Dong glanced around the hall, noting its simple furnishings, which left the vast space feeling empty. The followers standing in the corners looked on with admiration, their eyes drifting repeatedly over him.

Holding his chair, Li Dong leaned forward, cleared his throat, and ordered, “You have all worked hard. It is late; you may go and rest now.”

The followers looked at Du Fuwei, then at Li Dong—both seated in the chief’s position. For a moment, they did not know whom to obey.

Du Fuwei nodded and commanded sternly, “From this moment forth, General Li’s orders are my orders. Whatever General Li requests, I request as well. All must remember and obey. Anyone who dares disobey will be punished with the big stick!”

The followers were startled, sticking out their tongues, and quietly slipped out of the hall and into the night.

Once they had left, Du Fuwei turned, clasped his hands, and asked, “General, coming up the mountain so late—have you encountered something serious?”

He guessed that Li Dong had sent the followers away because he had something important to say. Too many people risked leaks, so he found an excuse to dismiss them, leaving only the leaders present. Now, Li Dong would surely speak of significant matters.

Li Dong blushed, then grew grave, sighing, “Things are not going well.”

With Li Dong’s cunning and skill, what matter could possibly elude him? Now, hearing such a sigh, Du Fuwei sensed the issue must be grave. He gripped the arm of his chair, half rising, and asked urgently,

“What difficulty have you met, General? Why such dismay? Who has the audacity to provoke us? Speak, and we will all devise a plan together.”

Zhang Junkuo and Fu Gongzhe chimed in, “Yes, yes, let us all discuss it together.”

Li Dong replied, “I wish to borrow your territory for a while.”

Du Fuwei’s expression changed, then he chuckled. After a moment, he said, “I thought it was some monumental issue; if that’s all, is it worth your troubled look?”

Not to mention borrowing—even giving his entire territory to Li Dong, Du Fuwei would do so gladly. With Li Dong leading the brothers of the stronghold, what fear would they have about rapid growth and strength? He only worried that Li Dong would not wish to become a bandit chief.

Realizing his smile was misunderstood, Li Dong quickly explained, “I do not intend to occupy your stronghold, merely to borrow it temporarily. Five days at most, three at least. Once my business is concluded, I will leave the mountain. There are matters I have yet to finish.”

Du Fuwei’s face changed subtly, and he thought to himself: as expected, he still does not wish to join us mountain bandits. He asked, “I would like to hear the general’s plans in detail.”

Li Dong then recounted the events leading him and Luo Shixin to Changcheng Ridge in search of the mysterious stone. He continued, “Zhang Xuduo asked me to pass a message: he wanted you to surrender to the court within three months. Now, several months have passed, and you have not gone.”

Du Fuwei’s brow furrowed deeply, his eyes troubled. He said, “It was only because I did not wish to sink further into the mire that I turned to banditry. If Zhang Xuduo goes too far, I will fight him to the death.”

Li Dong quickly waved his hand, stopping him. “Mutual destruction is not the best choice. I have three strategies that can help you avoid entanglements and rapidly grow stronger.”

Du Fuwei’s face lit up, and he eagerly asked Li Dong to share these methods.

Li Dong rose from his chair, paced a few steps before the hall, and said slowly, “First, we lay a banquet trap—set a feast without revealing our intentions, and clear away the foul air of Changcheng Ridge. As for the second strategy…” He stopped in the hall, saying, “Once the first plan is complete, I will explain the next in detail.”

Du Fuwei was taken aback, and asked, “A banquet trap? Whom will you invite?”

Li Dong then detailed the plan he had conceived on the way to the stronghold. It was late, so the next morning, a follower would be sent to invite Zhao Pozhen, chief of another bandit gang on Changcheng Ridge.

The next day, when Zhao Pozhen received Du Fuwei’s invitation, he was skeptical. Normally, their groups had no dealings and kept to themselves. Why suddenly invite him to a feast? Surely, it must be for something important.

Upon opening Du Fuwei’s letter, Zhao Pozhen found himself troubled. The message claimed that news had arrived of Zhang Xuduo possibly leading troops to attack Changcheng Ridge, inviting him to discuss countermeasures.

After consulting with his men, Zhao Pozhen decided the invitation must be accepted, but full precautions were needed. First, they could probe the situation within the stronghold; second, they could hear Du Fuwei’s opinions—whether to fight or surrender.

There were clever minds in Zhao Pozhen’s camp, who felt the matter had come too suddenly. They had no information themselves; how had Du Fuwei obtained such news? It seemed likely that the talk of Zhang Xuduo was a pretext, and Du Fuwei’s true aim was to annex their stronghold.

Thus, they made a third plan. If anything suspicious occurred during the banquet, the brothers would draw their blades and attack Du Fuwei, seizing his territory in turn.

They spent half a day discussing, deciding to use the smashing of a cup as a secret signal. At that moment, all would rise together and seize Du Fuwei’s stronghold. One trusted leader would remain behind to defend their own camp; once Du Fuwei and his men were captured, they would swiftly move in to subdue the followers within the stronghold.