Chapter Sixty: The Celebration Banquet

The two of them, accompanied by their own men, numbering over two thousand in total, made their way toward Gao Family Village. Tang Yulin tossed his rifle onto the shoulder of a nearby bandit, no longer needing to fight now that the Russians had departed.

He finally allowed himself to relax. “Brother Yang, Big Brother Feng is a straightforward man, especially when it comes to his own brothers—there's no question about it. You two are both outstanding, honorable, bold, and capable men. I believe you'll get along well.”

Yang Xiaolin, however, was pondering the matter of the Japanese, and after hearing Tang Yulin speak, he asked, “Brother Tang, do you know the Japanese man named Jishang Songyuan mentioned in Big Brother Feng’s letter?”

Tang Yulin nodded. “I do. That fellow has been around Western Liaoning for years, and his influence is everywhere. Not only is he familiar with us outlaws, but he also has connections in the imperial court. A few years ago, one of my men was caught by the authorities and sentenced to execution. I managed to reach Jishang Songyuan, and within days, my man was released! He’s quite decent, very loyal.”

Yang Xiaolin’s eyes narrowed. “Influence everywhere? Hmph, that means we need to be even more cautious.”

Tang Yulin was puzzled. “Brother Yang, what do you mean by that?”

Yang Xiaolin looked at him. “Brother Tang, why would the Japanese devote so much manpower and material to help Big Brother Feng fight the Russians?”

He was trying to enlighten Tang Yulin, but Tang Yulin’s face showed indifference. “I don’t care where their help comes from. As long as they help us fight the Russians, whether it’s heavenly soldiers descending from above or ghosts from the underworld, I treat them as friends.”

Yang Xiaolin sighed and patted Tang Yulin’s shoulder. “Let me tell you something: if the Russians are wolves, then the Japanese are wolves too—but even fiercer, a vicious wolf more savage than the Russians!”

Tang Yulin was taken aback. “Brother Yang, you sound just like Old Zhang.”

Yang Xiaolin paused—Zhang Zuolin? He thinks so too?

When the group arrived at Gao Family Village, Feng Delin was already at the gate, prepared to welcome them. Judging by the display, he was treating Yang Xiaolin as a distinguished guest.

The company split into two groups. Feng Delin’s so-called ‘One Hundred and Eight Generals’ lined up on either side of the gate, and at the front, several strings of firecrackers were placed. Lu Laoliu was waiting by the firecrackers; the moment he spotted Yang Xiaolin and the others, he shouted loudly, “Set off the firecrackers! Let Big Brother Feng know that Tiger has arrived!”

A bandit quickly lit the firecrackers, and Lu Laoliu strode forward, calling out from a distance, “Tiger Tang, it’s been a while—how have you been?”

Tang Yulin no longer walked shoulder to shoulder with Yang Xiaolin. He rushed forward and threw his arms around Lu Laoliu’s shoulders. “Ah, Sixth Brother, you’ve gained weight since I last saw you! Honestly, I thought I might never see you again.”

Lu Laoliu pushed him off. “What are you saying? If not for you rushing here when you heard we were surrounded, I’d pin you to the ground right now.”

Tang Yulin chuckled. “I misspoke, Brother! Sixth Brother, when I heard the Russians were coming for Gao Family Village, I gathered my men and hurried over—but I was a step too late and couldn’t get in.”

Lu Laoliu smiled slightly. “It’s the thought that counts. Your brother appreciates it.”

It was then that Tang Yulin remembered Yang Xiaolin, who had been standing behind him. He pulled Yang Xiaolin forward. “Sixth Brother, it’s a good thing I didn’t get inside, or I wouldn’t have met this brother. Come, let me introduce you—”

Before he could finish, Yang Xiaolin saw a man of slightly plump build and short stature emerge from the gate of Gao Family Village, leading a group of bandits. He guessed this was Feng Delin.

The stout man shouted from afar, “Tiger, is that Brother Yang the Ghost Hunter standing next to you?”

At that, Yang Xiaolin was sure of his identity and didn’t wait for Tang Yulin to introduce him. He stepped forward, clasped his hands, and took a lunge with his left leg. “Brother Yang Xiaolin pays his respects to Big Brother Feng! It’s my first time at your door, and I bring neither a letter of introduction nor gifts. If my manners lack in any way, I beg Big Brother’s forgiveness.”

Feng Delin laughed heartily. “Brother Yang, you’re too polite! At a time like this, I’m grateful to have you here. Rest assured, from now on you are my sworn brother! Enough with formalities—your arrival is perfect, just in time for the victory feast. Come inside!”

After a few exchanges, they headed into the village. Yang Xiaolin noticed a man beside Feng Delin who kept watching him with a peculiar gaze. When Yang looked his way, the man returned a friendly look but did not speak.

Though dressed in the typical attire of Northeast bandits, Yang Xiaolin sensed instinctively that this was Jishang Songyuan, the Japanese.

Inside the village, despite the heavy snowfall, a banquet was laid out. From the entrance all the way to Feng Delin’s ‘Hall of Brotherhood,’ canvas canopies had been erected, and the bandits were eating in high spirits.

In front of the Hall of Brotherhood, a small stage had been set up. On the stage, someone swept away the accumulated snow from time to time, and two performers were applying makeup. One was dressed as an ancient Chinese general, while the other wore a Russian military uniform topped with a Chinese crown, clearly preparing to perform ‘Huang Zhong Executes the Tsar.’

Yang Xiaolin was genuinely intrigued to see how Feng Delin would turn Xiahou Yuan from ‘Mount Dingjun’ into the Tsar.

How had the script been rewritten?

Inside the Hall of Brotherhood, Feng Delin pulled Yang Xiaolin and Tang Yulin to sit on his left. “Brothers, you knew the Russians were besieging me and came to my aid. I am deeply grateful! Sit by my side—tonight let us drink well together, especially you, Brother Yang. Honestly, I never expected the men from Wheel Mountain to be so loyal!”

Yang Xiaolin took his seat beside Feng Delin, about to offer some polite words, but Tang Yulin spoke first. “Big Brother, Brother Yang came to help you and brought the whole force from Wheel Mountain.”

Feng Delin raised his head. “Oh? What happened?”

Tang Yulin explained the situation of the Qing army and Zhang Zuolin besieging Wheel Mountain. Feng Delin, upon hearing it, slammed his cup on the table. “Damn it! The Qing army’s attack is understandable—since ancient times, outlaws and officials are opposed—but Old Zhang is meddling too!”

Lu Laoliu interjected, “Big Brother, ever since Old Zhang got acquainted with Zhao Zhanyuan, he’s turned rotten. He ignores the rules of the underworld. Last year you personally sent a letter to mediate his feud with Sha Hai, and he refused to listen. I think it’s time we taught him a lesson.”

Feng Delin nodded, then looked at Yang Xiaolin. “Brother Yang, between us, it’s not just words. In Western Liaoning, we judge brothers by their skills. Tell me, what do you want to do with Old Zhang?”