Chapter 24

When the messenger came again, I was applying medicine to a maid provisionally named "San Mei."

The strong liquor I had bought was put to use, treating various sores and bruises with a specially prepared ointment, carefully rubbing it in to prevent any permanent marks.

The cold winter weather meant there was little worry about inflammation or infection, but unsightly scars would be less than ideal.

I was summoned early, not to wait for the feast to begin, but to participate in the preparatory work and arrangements for the banquet, such as seating arrangements, venue setup, and the procurement of lamps, hangings, and vessels from various storerooms.

As the largest building complex on Liangshan, the land in front of the Hall of Righteous Gathering had been newly leveled and cleared of larger pebbles and weed roots, then covered with a thick layer of yellow sand brought from the coast, and watered to prevent freezing and slipping, maintaining a moist atmosphere.

From inside to outside, the venue and seating were arranged according to status and closeness, with several areas of varying sizes. The preparations continued until dusk, when the first wave of guests arrived, clad in armor and carrying weapons, the veterans of the old camp.

They meticulously inspected everything, from the hall's decorations and furnishings to the food and utensils, the name tags and attire of the servants, and even questioned them and required others to vouch for them.

Next, the Blue-Headed Squad, the elite guards of Liangshan, conducted a second inspection. This was the first time I had seen these elite guards, known as the closest protectors of Liangshan. They were much more reserved, and their mere presence exuded an aura that discouraged others from approaching.

This meticulous and detailed caution added an unusual atmosphere to the night banquet.

As the lanterns lit up, the drum signaling the start of the banquet was struck, its sound echoing through the night, and the stone steps leading up to the Hall of Righteous Gathering were gradually filled with leaders and subordinates from various parts of the mountain.

They flowed in like streams from the mountain paths, converging into a dense crowd in front of the hall.

At this time, the inner hall was adorned with elegant curtains and screens, and the precious tables were set with fine bowls and cups, some made of white porcelain or greenish-blue glaze, and others inlaid with gold and silver, filled with wines and spirits from overseas and the Western Regions, such as grape wine, apricot dew, and Deer Garden Spring.

In the main hall for the mid-level leaders, the least luxurious were still gilded copper cups, and they drank aged local wines like Old Yellow Spring and White Orchid Spring.

For the lower-level leaders at the outermost area, there were only mats on the ground, and coarse earthenware bowls were placed in front of them, but at least they had some preserved meats and ducks to share, and they could drink unadulterated light wine from a large jar. Despite the sour smell due to lack of filtration and preservation, they drank heartily and loudly, enjoying the rare opportunity to drink without restriction.

I was seated under the eaves at the edge of the steps, where the wind blew from behind, but at least there was a rough wooden table for six people, clearly hastily made, with no time to smooth out the knots and splinters.

On the uneven table, there were Liangshan-grown vegetables, not the best-looking but fresh, and a whole sea fish that was only half-cleaned, and large pieces of meat with some fur still on them, heavily seasoned and greasy, suggesting the cook knew only salt and soy sauce.

Each table had a large jar of pungent new wine, a product of Liangshan, which left a lingering sour taste. I had to mix in two raw eggs to make it drinkable.

My tablemates, mostly old men and middle-aged men with worried faces, and a few scholars with a sour smell, made me stand out as the youngest.

Most of their attention was on the food, especially the large pieces of meat, which they tore apart with their hands, leaving a mess. The vegetables, lacking oil and salt, were barely touched.

Thus, I mostly kept to myself, occasionally whispering to others, becoming a quiet corner in the noisy hall.

I even saw some people trying to sneak food into their clothes, indicating that most of them lived poorly.

Compared to them, my usual attention to food and living standards might seem overly high, a thought that crossed my mind.

Lacking a topic, I shifted my focus to the main hall, though I was seated at the edge.

With my good eyesight, I could observe the leadership of Liangshan for the first time.

They sat in front of large screens with dragon and phoenix calligraphy, their faces and expressions clearly illuminated by the multi-cornered or vine-patterned glass lamps.

At the innermost core, there was a circle of high-backed chairs arranged according to the Nine Stars of the Northern Dipper, elevated above the others.

Currently, only seven were seated, with two absent, one in the south and another on Danluo Island.

I had some knowledge of them. Although the Liangshan leadership was mysterious and high above, they still needed to eat, sleep, and be served, so some daily information and details were naturally known.

For example, the one sitting in the main seat, wearing a silver-edged wide-sleeved robe and a high hat, looking as dignified as the head of a noble family, was the leader of the Nine Stars, Lu Tianjun, also known as Lu Shouzuo or the Great Tianjun.

His real name was Lu Sige, from the Fan Yang Lu clan, one of the seven major clans in Shandong. His family had held high positions in the state and capital for three generations, making him a well-born aristocrat. He had entered the government early in life, serving as a transport judge and salt inspector. Even after being implicated in a family scandal and joining the bandits, he easily became the first leader of Liangshan.

To his left was the military advisor Feng Junzi, with a half-gray hair and a thin appearance. His origins were a mystery to most, but he had been recommended and had served as Liangshan's strategist for over a decade. Though not among the Nine Stars, his status was above others.

To the right was the second-in-command, known as White Magistrate Chen Ju, a former official from a governor's office, with a complex background and extensive social connections. He managed personnel, external relations, and legal matters, and was highly skilled.

The third seat was occupied by Zhu Taigong, known as the Old Fourth, from a wealthy family of imperial suppliers. After his family was ruined and he was imprisoned, he was rescued and became one of Liangshan's earliest elders, managing the financial affairs of the various mountain factions and overseeing hundreds of accountants and clerks.

The fourth seat was empty, as its occupant was away.

The fifth seat was occupied by Ruan Qi, a former salt smuggler whose gang was feared by local authorities. After his gang was defeated, he alone escaped and now oversees the three external camps, with dozens of subordinates, forming the outer edge of Liangshan's influence.

The sixth seat was occupied by Xiao Yin, known as White Wolf, the son of a former noble. Due to his grandfather's longevity, he never inherited the title, and after his father and brothers were stripped of their titles and imprisoned, he led his family's retainers to join Liangshan.

He commands the elite forces of the central camp and is known for his fierce and capable subordinates.

The eighth seat was occupied by Guo Wei, a wealthy oil mill owner and tofu merchant, known as Tofu Guo. He was the head of various smuggling operations and now continues his business on a larger scale in Liangshan.

The ninth seat was occupied by Zheng Maichen, a descendant of the founding hero Zheng Nian. Though his family no longer held official positions, they were still a powerful local force. After a raid on a key official, he fled to Liangshan and now oversees the central and new camps.

Additionally, there was Qu Lianrong, the chief instructor of the new and reserve troops, a former official from the capital's training camp, who was brought to Liangshan after a political purge.

Then there was Qin Ming, the chief guest, a former leader of the Dachun Brightness Sect, known for his formidable martial skills and called Thunder Fire. He and a group of peculiar individuals formed the guest community of Liangshan.

The director of weapons and machinery, Shi Heng, was a delegate from an overseas faction, with a small, well-equipped guard. His primary role was to prevent the loss of military technology to the overseas faction.

This was a common practice, as the overseas factions maintained a strict blockade on advanced technology while using smuggling to maintain ties.

Finally, there was Lu Linglong, known as Nine Lady, the only female in the upper echelons of Liangshan, a mature woman with overseas connections and notable beauty. She managed external secret communications and was said to have the backing of a powerful overseas faction, even influencing the Great Leader Lu Tianjun.

The next level was the Five Armies and Twelve Generals, the real power holders, a group of burly men who made the most noise during the banquet, their voices almost shaking the roof. They only quieted when Lu Tianjun spoke.

Among them, I recognized a few notable figures.

Zhang Jiu, the head of the front army, was a former notorious horse bandit. His deputy, Liu Qi, was a former officer who led a mutiny after a pay dispute.

Muru Wu, the head of the right army, was a famous knight from Yan, known for his archery and spear skills. The chief of the right army was a seemingly harmless wealthy man, but he was once the leader of a semi-legal boat gang on Liangshan, evading taxes and engaging in smuggling.

The left army's seating was the largest, divided into several smaller groups. The most prominent were the brothers Luo Piaoqi and Luo Keqi, surrounded by dozens of followers, many of whom I had met before. They had a more disciplined and traditional military demeanor compared to the others.

Opposite them was Lu Baiyan, a close confidant of the Great Leader, who managed the rear army and various logistical affairs. His table was the most diverse, with monks, scholars, laborers, and even a few women, all mixing and drinking noisily.

I was somewhat relieved to be seated at the edge, away from these peculiar characters.

There was also a special guest section for representatives of the overseas factions and ship merchants, who seemed out of place in the atmosphere. They mostly conversed in low voices or toasted with familiar faces.

Despite some empty seats, the Great Leader Lu Tianjun continued to encourage drinking and toasts.

According to tradition, the most important guests often arrived late, a sign of their status and influence.

The major transactions with Liangshan had already been completed before the market, and the banquet was more of a formality. However, I noticed some dissatisfaction among the Liangshan leadership with recent maritime trade, particularly the increased import of iron and weapons.

As I was lost in thought, a loud announcement startled me.

"The envoy of the Ezo Ji Bo faction, Gongsun Bing, and his entourage, have arrived."

The words sounded odd, and I saw a group of people enter, led by a young man in a splendid robe.

"May the Great Tianjun enjoy long-lasting blessings and a hundred generations of prosperity."

I was shaken, almost spilling my cup. The voice, though distant, was familiar.