The sweltering sun of late summer was so intense that it was hard to keep one’s eyes open.
Ten or so merchant ships flying the "Yang" banner had arrived at the bustling docks of Jizhou.
No sooner had the ships docked than a large group of porters who had been waiting eagerly swarmed aboard, quickly removing the tarpaulins that had been shielding the grain from the rain, revealing the mountainous piles of sacks beneath.
Suddenly, the distinct fresh scent of the new season’s grain wafted through the docks, drawing curious glances at the "Yang" flags on the ships, as many wondered which grain dealer was making such a grand gesture by shipping a dozen shiploads of new grain all at once.
A young porter, confident in his youth and strength, decided to carry two sacks at once, grunting as he disembarked. He failed to notice the muddy water on the ground as he crossed the plank, and his feet slipped. He was about to fall and felt a cold dread, thinking, ’I hope I don’t sprain my back, a sprain would put me out for days...’
Just then, arms as thick as a normal person’s thighs reached out from behind him, one steadying the sack on his shoulder and the other supporting his lower back.
The owner of the arms steadied him and said with a chuckle, "Young brother, be careful; don’t hurt your back."
The young porter regained his balance and turned to see a burly, bearded man standing behind him, his luxurious black satin clothes reflecting a shining luster in the sunlight, now marked with a big, dusty sack print.
Startled, the porter immediately set down his load and began to apologize, "Sir, I, I, I..."
The burly, bearded man steadied the sack on his shoulder without allowing him to put it down and brushed off the dusty print, laughing, "No harm done, it’s just a little dust. Off you go and be careful now!"
Grateful, the young porter thanked him profusely. The burly man chuckled, waved him off, and turned to board the ship again.
At that moment, Wu Eryong, the overseer from Lianhuan Fort dressed in coarse clothes, leaped from the ship and hurriedly approached the newcomer with a clasped fist, "Is this General Jiang, Lord Jiang in person?"
The burly, bearded man returned the salute with a fist and a smile, "Lord Jiang is not here, but Jiang is."
Wu Eryong immediately corrected himself, bowing, "It’s an honor to finally meet the illustrious Jiang; three lifetimes’ worth of fortune!"
Who else could the burly, bearded man be if not "Omen Star" Jiang Kui?
"Where did you hear that from?"
Jiang Kui asked with a smile, "Could your second master ever have a good word about me?"
Not putting on airs, Wu Eryong relaxed substantially and replied with a laugh, "Jiang, you worry too much; every time the second master mentions you, it’s in praise, and he’s often said that you are like a mentor to him."
"I dare not accept such an honor!"
Jiang Kui, taken aback by the latter half of his statement, waved his hands repeatedly, "I am not worthy of being his mentor. My life’s troubles should not tarnish his reputation."
Two years had passed, and Jiang Kui seemed much more serene; a light now gleamed in his eyes.
Wu Eryong bowed with a smile, "These are not my words but those from the second master himself. If you refuse to acknowledge him as your disciple, you’ll have to explain that to him yourself; I dare not get involved."
"Hahaha..."
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Jiang Kui laughed loudly, patting his shoulder, his eyes even kinder, "Tell him to come! The borderlands may not have much to offer, but we’ve got fiery horses, strong spirits, and plenty of tough fights with the enemy!"
Wu Eryong said "certainly" with a smile.
Finally, he produced an account book from his chest and handed it over with both hands, "Seventy thousand stones of grain, with wheat accounting for sixty percent, rice twenty percent, and millet and proso millet the remaining twenty percent... plus two thousand pounds of coarse salt and several hundred bolts of various cloths. The details are in here, please take a look."
Jiang Kui took the account book and asked doubtfully, "These numbers don’t seem right, do they? How come there’s so much extra?"
Wu Eryong replied with a smile, "The little extra is a token from our young master and the Ming Sect’s Qingmu Hall leader, Yang Tiansheng. When they heard of the heroic deeds of Lei and Liu Da in raising their banner and fighting the enemy beyond the borders, they wished to offer their modest support. Please don’t look down upon this gesture."
Clutching the account book tighter, Jiang Kui forced a smile, "My brothers and I can’t thank you enough, how could we possibly look down upon it... Please, make sure to convey our thanks to Young Master Li and Chief Yang on behalf of my brothers and me!"
The supplies might not have been worth much money.
But to the three brothers who had long been stationed at the border, without means to acquire or transport these supplies to Yan Yun, this contribution was like sending charcoal in snowy weather.
Wu Eryong clasped his fist, "Since you are considered half a mentor by our second master, we’re all one family. It’s too outsider-ish to say ’thanks’!"
Jiang Kui let out a loud laugh, "It is indeed too outsider-ish..."
He turned and gestured toward the docks, promptly leading several swarthy men in worn-out vigorous attire, leading five spirited tall horses through the crowded pier.
Jiang Kui continued, "The fame of ’The Five Warriors of Zhoushan’ has reached us, though we’re long posted at the border, and we hold great admiration. As the saying goes, ’A fine horse deserves a fine saddle, and a precious sword is gifted to a hero.’ These five horses are also a token from my brothers and me. Please pass them on to the five warriors on our behalf..."
While speaking, he turned to indicate the horses one by one to Wu Eryong, "I’ve heard that Young Master Li prefers his white clothing and silver spears. This ’Moonlight White Lion" is none other than the grassland’s own king of horses, captured after my elder brother laid in wait for half a month. With immense strength and exceptional endurance, it can bear an armored soldier for a hundred miles a day without rest, a suitable match for Young Master Li."