Chapter 13

The name of Funiu Fort does not exist in any official records or documents. However, to the people living beyond the law in the Taihang Mountains, it is a place renowned far and wide.

There are twenty-one strongholds in the Taihang Mountains that defy the imperial government, and the largest and most prosperous among them is Funiu Fort. Located in the southern part of Shangdang Commandery, between Taihang Pass and Yangchang Slope, it is a convergence point for several lesser-known mountain paths that do not belong to the eight major passes of the Taihang Mountains. For decades, all sorts of unsavory characters such as salt smugglers, bandits, outlaws, and fugitive tenants have gathered and dispersed here. Various illegal activities like fencing, gambling, and smuggling have also taken root, making Funiu Fort a haven for those abandoned by the government.

From a distance, Funiu Fort stands atop a mountain peak. The peak rises high into the clouds, with steep cliffs on all sides, almost vertical. Two deep ravines lie on either side, and the only way up is a winding stone staircase. At the top of the peak is a flat area spanning several acres. The flat area is dotted with numerous buildings, haphazardly constructed and piled on top of each other, reminiscent of the favelas of Rio de Janeiro that Lu Yao had seen in movies in his previous life.

As the group was about to proceed, a group of people suddenly emerged from the sides of the road, blocking their path with farming tools like iron shovels and dung forks. These people were ragged and emaciated, with eyes that were fiercely menacing, like those of wild dogs.

The guard leading the way, Wang De, was not surprised. He called out, "We are guests of Chief Zhang, and we visited a few days ago. Please let us pass."

The villagers remained expressionless and silent. One of them stepped forward, looked at Wang De, nodded, and then turned and walked away. The others followed him into the dense forest on both sides of the road, quickly disappearing from sight. With no further obstruction, the group continued on horseback. After about half a li, the terrain gradually rose, and the road wound around the landscape, with a turn every few dozen paces. On both sides of the road, there were scattered small fields and a few houses.

As they were traveling, Lu Yao suddenly reined in his horse and turned his body. A man in a green robe stood with his arms crossed, watching them coldly. He was tall and fat, with a defiant look and disheveled hair that danced in the wind. When he noticed Lu Yao looking at him, he did not avert his gaze but continued to scan them with his piercing eyes.

Wang De passed by Lu Yao and said casually, "General Lu, don't pay him any mind. This is Xiang Fei, a notorious bandit from Bingzhou who recently joined Funiu Fort. He is extremely vicious."

"So, it's him," Lu Yao nodded slightly. He had heard of Xiang Fei's reputation before. Xiang Fei was a well-known bandit leader in Bingzhou, having wreaked havoc in the southern counties for years, with no fewer than a hundred lives on his hands. For years, the provincial governor had issued arrest warrants and even deployed the army, but to no avail.

Since Wang De had spoken, Lu Yao did not want to cause trouble. He pulled the reins and spurred his horse to catch up with the others.

After a short while, a middle-aged man ran up from ahead, bowing repeatedly from a distance and shouting, "Noble guests have arrived! I failed to welcome you properly!"

Pei Langjun gave a signal, and Wang De immediately went forward, bowing and saying, "Chief Zhang."

From the villagers blocking the road to Chief Zhang's welcoming, it took no more than a few moments. It was unclear how the information was relayed so quickly. Although Funiu Fort was a place beyond the law, its organization was not to be underestimated. Lu Yao thought to himself as he sized up the man in front of him.

Chief Zhang had dark skin and a weathered face, wearing a coarse cloth robe with several patches of different colors. He looked like a farmer, but his posture, the details of his hands and shoulders, revealed that he was a seasoned warrior who had been through many battles.

Chief Zhang laughed heartily, "Mr. Wang, you are too polite. I am just a caretaker responsible for welcoming and seeing off guests. I don't deserve the title of Chief." He lowered his voice and asked, "You left from here just a few days ago. How did you return so quickly? Is there something wrong?"

Wang De's face darkened, "The Xiongnu army is approaching the Taihang Mountains, and the passes are difficult to pass."

"Everyone here is a noble guest. It's wise to be cautious," Chief Zhang nodded repeatedly. He glanced at the others and asked, "Where are the people with Old Su? Why did you return alone..."

"The people with Su, halfway through the journey, tried to rob and kill us. Is this how things are done in Funiu Fort?" Wang De's anger flared up.

"How could such a thing happen?" Chief Zhang was slightly taken aback.

"How could such a thing happen? Old Zhang, that's what I should be asking you!" Wang De snorted angrily.

"Mr. Wang, don't be upset. If Su indeed acted so recklessly, Funiu Fort has strict rules and will not tolerate such scum. I will report to the Chief and have Su and his men apprehended and severely punished!"

"There's no need to trouble the Chief," Wang De shook his head. "Sixteen people, including Su, have already been dealt with. If Chief Zhang is willing, you might send someone to collect the bodies."

"..." Chief Zhang was at a loss for words. These "noble guests" had arrived at Funiu Fort a few days ago. Their leader, the young man surnamed Pei, seemed to have a connection with the Chief, and he had generously gifted gold and silk upon their meeting. Now it was clear that they were not only wealthy but also ruthless.

He thought for a moment and decided to leave this matter to the Chief. He changed the subject, talking about the weather and other trivial matters, despite Wang De's persistent accusations about Funiu Fort's lack of integrity.

While Zhang and Wang De were talking, Pei Langjun and the others stood behind, remaining silent. Zhang, a seasoned veteran, knew that these noble guests were very proud and did not wish to associate with people from the wilderness. So, he did not try to engage them in conversation. After a few exchanges, he quickly gestured for them to enter.

The mountain path ahead was extremely steep, with a road no wider than three feet. On the left was a nearly vertical stone wall, and on the right was a deep valley shrouded in mist. In many places where the road could not be built, holes were drilled into the stone wall, wooden stakes were inserted, and wooden planks were laid across to form a plank road. Walking on it felt like walking on a celestial path.

Everyone led their horses and moved cautiously, each step filled with trepidation. After about half an hour, they finally reached Funiu Fort.

From a distance, it did not seem so impressive, but once they reached the peak and looked around, they saw a vast, open expanse. Layers of clouds piled up below, and the dark gray mountains stretched like rolling waves to the distant horizon. A long river wound through the majestic mountains, adding to the grandeur of the scene.

After traveling through the rugged mountains and deep valleys for the past two days, the sight of the open landscape was a refreshing change. Pei Langjun sighed, "Confucius said that when he climbed Mount Dong, he found Lu small, and when he climbed Mount Tai, he found the world small. Only now can I truly appreciate the breadth of the sages' vision."

Chief Zhang, who had been accompanying them along the way, also climbed up. He was sweating profusely from the climb.

Despite the incident with Su, he remained courteous and led Pei Langjun and the others to the largest and only inn in Funiu Fort. The inn was quite large, with three courtyards and two floors. There were many guests inside, drinking and shouting, creating a noisy atmosphere.

Of course, Pei Langjun would not stay in such a dirty place. Under Zhang's guidance, they passed through several halls and reached a quiet courtyard. The courtyard was located at the edge of the mountain platform, with a different layout. The gate was on the south side, and the buildings were on the east and north sides. Beyond the low wall on the west side was a steep cliff. From the balcony, one could see a waterfall cascading down from the mountain top, a sight that was both refreshing and invigorating. The rooms were not luxurious but were spotlessly clean. At the gate, six servants in green robes stood respectfully.

"Please settle in and rest your legs, noble guests," Chief Zhang said with a smile. "The Chief will be here shortly."

Hearing this, Pei Langjun suddenly snorted coldly and walked into the main room.

Seeing Pei Langjun's displeasure, Wang De's tone became even more severe, "Chief Zhang, don't keep changing the subject. Your guide from Funiu Fort tried to rob and kill us. If we hadn't been alert, it could have been a disaster. This is a serious matter, and someone must take responsibility."

Chief Zhang looked distressed, "Mr. Wang, why be so harsh? How can we control those mountain people? We are just intermediaries, introducing you to them..."

"Heh, Chief Zhang, a few days ago, you boasted that Funiu Fort was the undisputed ruler of the Taihang Mountains, that your word was law. Now you say you can't control the mountain people? That's just an excuse! Even as intermediaries, you should be responsible. Can Funiu Fort really claim no responsibility at all?" Wang De shook his head.

This was a harsh accusation, implying that Funiu Fort was all talk and no action. Chief Zhang's eyes bulged, and he was about to retort.

Suddenly, a silver bell-like laugh came from outside the courtyard gate, "I'm late, I'm late! Mr. Pei, please don't be angry!" As she spoke, a woman appeared from behind the gate.

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