Chapter Sixty-One: The Rules of the Road

Yang Xiaolin smiled. “Brother Feng, if I truly wanted to do something to him, I would have finished him off that night. He may not respect the rules, but we should at least remember the bonds we share. He, you, and Brother Tang are all sworn brothers. My trivial matters aren't worth your concern.”

Feng Delin greatly appreciated Yang Xiaolin’s attitude. “Ha! Well said, Brother Yang. That’s loyalty. Come, let me toast you first!”

After everyone at the table stood and drank together, Yang Xiaolin was about to ask them about the battle in the village to steer the conversation away from Zhang Zuolin when Matsubara Naokami suddenly spoke up.

“Chief, by rights, this is a matter between you all. Like Brother Yang, I am an outsider and should remain silent. However, there are some things I must speak of, or I fear you may suffer for it in the future.”

Feng Delin looked at him. “Brother Yang, let me introduce you. This is my Japanese friend, a true friend! Matsubara Naokami. I was able to defeat the Russians this time thanks to his help. Matsubara, don’t be polite—speak your mind.”

Yang Xiaolin smiled at Matsubara Naokami; he already knew what this man was about to say. He was well acquainted with Japanese character: they are respectful when they need you, but if you stand in their way, they’ll draw their swords without hesitation.

As Tang Yulin had just mentioned, Zhang Zuolin and the Japanese were not on good terms either. It was likely that this fellow wanted Feng Delin to make a move against Zhang Zuolin, to prevent him from siding with the Russians in the future.

“I have received intelligence from our Japanese Chamber of Commerce. After suffering heavy losses at Gulu Mountain, Zhang Zuolin did not learn his lesson. While you, Chief, were besieged by the Russians, he used the name of the imperial court to absorb various local militias, eliminated Sha Hai, and just days ago annexed Du Liu's territory. Now, much of the land east of Fengtian City is his. It’s said he commands nearly two thousand men.”

This news infuriated all the bandits in the room. They had been risking their lives fighting the Russians, and not only did Zhang Zuolin—Feng Delin’s sworn brother—fail to help, he also seized the opportunity to grab territory. It was disgraceful! Du Liu was a well-known figure in western Liaoning. Though not a paragon of loyalty, he hadn't wronged anyone in their circle. Now, everyone demanded that Zhang Zuolin be taught a harsh lesson!

Two thousand men? That number might intimidate others—even Yang Xiaolin was surprised—but to Feng Delin, who had just defeated the Russians, it meant little.

Feng Delin’s eyes flashed with a fierce light. After a moment’s thought, he said, “Tiger.”

Tang Yulin leaned over. “Yes, Brother?”

“This time, take a letter to Old Fifth Zhang for me. Tell him I invite him for a meal.”

Tang Yulin hesitated. Among the sworn brothers, he and Zhang Zuolin were closest. But Tang Yulin was more honest than the others, not knowing what should and shouldn't be said, and now deeply regretted mentioning Zhang Zuolin in the first place. It was too late for regrets.

Tang Yulin made up his mind. When he returned, he would have Zhang Zuolin feign illness to decline, then find a way to delay further.

Yang Xiaolin noticed Tang Yulin’s discomfort and interjected, “Brother Feng, today is your victory banquet. Let’s not talk about unhappy things or unpleasant people. I heard you have a performance called ‘Huang Zhong Beheads the Tsar’—I’ve been eager to see it.”

Feng Delin snapped back to attention. “You’re right! Let’s not mention those things today. We’ve been fighting the Russians with gusto; let the opera begin outside. Tonight, we’ll drink our fill! The first cup is for Brother Yang, for coming all this way to help me! The second, Matsubara, is for you!”

Matsubara immediately stood up. “Chief, you’re too kind. You know my limits with alcohol; please, brothers, spare me today and don’t make me drink too much.”

Old Sixth Lu chuckled and stood up. “Mr. Matsubara, we listen to you in battle, but at the table, you must listen to us!”

The bandits all laughed, egging Matsubara on to drink more.

From this, Yang Xiaolin could sense something. Matsubara was Japanese, yet the bandits were quite cordial with him. Besides the help Matsubara had given them in this campaign, he must have been working behind the scenes as well—perhaps even without Feng Delin’s knowledge.

The banquet began in earnest, and the opera started outside. In reality, there was no story between Huang Zhong and the Tsar; Feng Delin forced them together, leaving the troupe leader in a difficult spot, which was obvious from the performance.

“Huang Zhong” recited lines from “Dingjun Mountain” on stage. When it was time for Xiahou Yuan to appear, an actor in a Russian military uniform stormed on, hollering incoherently. The two exchanged just one line:

“Huang Zhong” asked, “Who goes there?”

The “Tsar” replied, “I am the Emperor of Russia! Surrender at once!”

Then “Huang Zhong” let out a war cry and charged. The two fought fiercely, without any further dialogue, and “Huang Zhong” repeatedly knocked the “Tsar” to the ground, finally finishing him off with a single stroke!

Though there was little dialogue, the bandits were thrilled, watching with great excitement. When the “Tsar” was slain, cheers erupted from below—a kind of spiritual comfort, perhaps.

As they watched and drank, after several rounds Matsubara finally spoke to Yang Xiaolin. “Brother Yang, both the Qing court and the Russians now hate you fiercely. I have reliable information: the imperial troops who besieged Gulu Mountain have withdrawn, but they are preparing an even larger campaign against you next year. Do you have any plans for after you return to Gulu Mountain?”

Yang Xiaolin gazed at Matsubara. “I haven’t thought about it yet.”

Feng Delin, sitting beside him, said, “I don’t see any point in you returning to Gulu Mountain. Why not stay here with me? We brothers can drink and fight the Russians together. Let’s see who dares to come!”

His words were bold and loyal.

But General Akberil had said that Yang the Demon was an even more dangerous figure than Feng Delin. The general’s judgment was accurate. Yang was dangerous because he always took risks and delivered unexpected surprises.

If Yang Xiaolin were truly to seek shelter under Feng Delin, not only would others be disappointed—even General Akberil would be let down.

Moreover, Yang’s fight wasn't only with the Russians.

“Forget it, Brother. No offense, but though my Gulu Mountain is small and can’t compare to your settlement, I’m attached to it. Since I raised my banner with Brother Liu Yikun, many brothers have been buried there. If I am to die, it must also be at Gulu Mountain. Your settlement may have good feng shui, but there’s no one to keep me company in the earth.”

Feng Delin understood this sentiment. He patted Yang Xiaolin’s shoulder and said no more. “Very well, Brother Yang. Rest assured—if the authorities attack you, I’ll come to your aid. And if you can’t hold Gulu Mountain, remember you have me as a brother.”

Matsubara gave Yang Xiaolin a deep, meaningful look, as if there was more he wanted to say, but he kept silent.