The Return of the Condor Heroes Chapter 21 – Part 5

Guo Fu watched Wu Dunru’s retreating figure. He passed behind the rockery and vanished into the distance without once looking back. She thought, Whether Big Wu or Little Wu, if only there were just one of them in this world. Would that not be best? She sighed deeply and returned alone to her room.

After she had gone, Yang Guo asked with a smile, “If you were her, which one would you marry?” Xiaolongnü tilted her head and thought for a moment. “I would marry you,” she said. Yang Guo laughed. “I do not count. Miss Guo does not like me at all. I meant, if you were her, between the two Wu brothers, which would you marry?” Xiaolongnü made a soft sound of consideration. She mentally compared the two Wus. At last, she said, “I would still marry you.” Yang Guo was both amused and deeply moved. He wrapped his arms around her and said tenderly, “Other people are so divided in their hearts. But my Gugu loves only me.”

They leaned against each other, hearts overflowing with joy, and sat like that until dawn.

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As the morning sun climbed the eastern sky, the two still could not bear to part. Suddenly, a household servant hurried toward them. He bowed to both and said, “Uncle Guo requests Young Master Yang’s presence at once. There is an urgent matter.”

Yang Guo saw the servant’s anxious expression and knew something serious had happened. He took his leave of Xiaolongnü and followed the man toward the inner hall. The servant said, “I searched everywhere. So Young Master Yang was in the garden admiring the flowers.” Yang Guo said, “Has Uncle Guo been waiting long?” The servant lowered his voice. “The two Young Masters Wu suddenly vanished, no one knows where they went. Uncle Guo and Madam Guo are both extremely worried. Miss Guo has already wept several times!” Yang Guo understood at once. The Wu brothers, each trying to outdo the other for their shijie’s hand, both want to perform some extraordinary feat. They must have gone out of the city to assassinate Khubilai. He hurried into the inner hall. There sat Huang Rong in a loose robe, her expression haggard. Guo Jing paced back and forth without stopping. Guo Fu’s eyes were red, on the verge of tears. On the table lay two longswords.

The moment Guo Jing saw Yang Guo, he said, “Guoer, do you know what the Wu brothers have gone to the enemy camp to do?” Yang Guo glanced at Guo Fu and said, “Have the two Brother Wus gone to the enemy camp?” Guo Jing said, “Yes. Among you young brothers, there are no secrets. Did you notice any hint of this beforehand?” Yang Guo said, “Your nephew did not pay attention. Neither Brother Wu said anything to me. I expect the two Brother Wus saw that the siege could not be broken and grew anxious. They wanted to infiltrate the enemy camp and assassinate a Mongol commander. If they succeed, it would be an extraordinary deed indeed.” Guo Jing sighed and pointed at the two swords on the table. “Even if their intentions were not wrong, they were far too reckless. Their weapons have been confiscated and sent back.”

This was far beyond what Yang Guo had expected. He had long guessed that the Wu brothers’ mission would fail. With their level of martial skill and intelligence, how could they possibly gain any advantage against the Imperial Preceptor, Yin Kexi¹, Xiaoxiangzi, and the others? But he had not imagined that within just a few shichen, their weapons would be returned. Guo Jing picked up a letter pinned beneath the twin swords and handed it to Yang Guo. He and Huang Rong exchanged a look, both shaking their heads. Yang Guo opened the letter. It read:

“A letter from the Great Lama Golden Wheel, First Protector of the Buddhist Faith of the Great Mongol Empire, presented before the honoured presence of Hero Guo of Xiangyang City: Last night, while hunting by night, I chanced to encounter your worthy disciples, the Wu brothers. It is often said that famous masters produce outstanding disciples, truly, this is no empty claim. This old monk has long admired Hero Guo’s bearing and has yearned in spirit for many years. At the Heroes’ Feast at Dasheng Pass some days ago, our meeting was too hurried for deep conversation. I therefore send this letter to respectfully invite Your Excellency to visit. Let us sit knee to knee in the military camp and share a cup of wine in fellowship. To receive your wise instruction would be a source of profound joy. The moment Your Excellency arrives, I shall order your worthy disciples to return and report their safety.”

The letter’s tone was humble and courteous, as though it merely invited Guo Jing for a conversation. But its meaning was clear: the Wu brothers were hostages. Only when Guo Jing arrived would they be released. Guo Jing waited for him to finish reading, then asked, “Well?”

Yang Guo had already calculated the situation: Auntie Guo’s wisdom surpasses mine tenfold. If I had a brilliant plan, would she not already know it? The only reason she has invited me here to discuss this is that she wants Gugu and me to accompany Uncle Guo to the enemy camp. Once Uncle Guo reaches the Mongol camp, even if the Imperial Preceptor, Xiaoxiangzi, and the others join forces, they may defeat him, but killing or capturing him will be another matter. With Gugu and me helping him, he will certainly find a way to escape. Then another thought followed: But if Gugu and I suddenly turn against him, first, it would catch him completely off guard. Second, the balance of power would become even more lopsided. Wounding him then would be as easy as flipping my hand. Even if I cannot bear to kill him myself, using the hands of the Imperial Preceptor and the others to take his life, would that not be perfect? He smiled faintly. “Uncle Guo, my shifu and I will accompany you. Auntie Guo has seen my shifu and me join swords to defeat the Golden Wheel Imperial Preceptor. If the three of us go together, the enemy may not be able to keep us.”

Guo Jing was overjoyed. Laughing, he said, “Aside from your Auntie Guo, no one can match your quick wits. That is exactly what your Auntie Guo had in mind.”

Yang Guo thought, Huang Rong, oh Huang Rong, wise all your life, but today you will stumble at my hands. He said, “There is no time to lose. Let us go now. my shifu and I will disguise ourselves as your personal page attendants. It will make your solo venture into the enemy camp appear all the more heroic.”

Guo Jing said, “Good!” He turned to Huang Rong. “Ronger, do not worry. With Guoer and Miss Long accompanying me, even if it is a dragon’s pool or a tiger’s den, the three of us will return safely.” He straightened his clothes and said, “Please invite Miss Long.”

Huang Rong shook her head. “No. I only meant for Guoer to go with you alone. Miss Long is a flower-like maiden. We cannot let her walk into danger. I want her to stay here and keep me company.”

Yang Guo froze, then understood at once. Auntie Guo is indeed on guard against me. She wants to keep Gugu here as a hostage, so I will not dare make any reckless moves. If I insist on Gugu coming along, it will only deepen her suspicion. He thought further, You think you can hold Gugu here? That may not be so easy. With Uncle Guo gone from Xiangyang, who in this city could defeat my wife? He said nothing.

Guo Jing, however, said, “Miss Long’s swordplay is exquisite. If she can come, she will be an enormous help.” In a languid tone, Huang Rong said, “Your Polu and Xiang’er will be born soon.² With Miss Long guarding us, I will feel much safer.” Guo Jing said hastily, “Yes, yes. I am truly muddled. Guoer, let us go.” Yang Guo said, “Let me tell Gugu.” Huang Rong said, “I will inform her later. You two, father and son, are just taking a trip to the enemy camp. You will be back in half a day. It is hardly a major affair.”

Yang Guo realised that in a battle of wits with Huang Rong, he was outmatched at every turn. But Guo Jing was honest and straightforward, certainly no match for him. Once they reached the Mongol camp, he would deal with Guo Jing, then return and rendezvous with Xiaolongnü. No problem. He made a few quick preparations and followed Guo Jing out of the city.

Guo Jing rode the Sweat-blood Ferghana Horse. Yang Guo rode the thin, yellow-maned horse. Both horses had extraordinary speed. In less than half a shichen, they had reached the great Mongol encampment.

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When Khubilai received word that Guo Jing had actually come, he was astonished and delighted. He immediately ordered that Guo Jing be invited into the command tent.

Guo Jing entered the great tent. At its centre sat a young prince, square-faced, large-eared, with deeply set eyes. Guo Jing started. This man looks exactly like his father, Tolui.³ Memories of his youth, of the deep bond between him and Tolui, surged back. Now they were separated by the divide of life and death. Guo Jing’s eyes reddened, and he nearly wept.

Khubilai rose from his seat to welcome him. He bowed to the ground and said, “When my late father was alive, he often spoke of Uncle Guo Jing’s heroic righteousness. Your nephew has admired you endlessly. To see your honoured face today truly fulfills a lifelong wish.” Guo Jing returned the bow. “Tolui, my anda, and I were closer than flesh and blood.⁴ When my mother and I took shelter under Genghis Khan’s banner in our youth, we relied greatly on your esteemed father’s care. Your father was in the prime of his life, like the sun at high noon. To think he would suddenly pass from this world, the thought wounds the spirit.” As he spoke, tears could not help but fall. Khubilai, seeing the sincerity of Guo Jing’s words and the depth of his emotion, was moved to sorrow as well. He introduced Xiaoxiangzi, Yin Kexi, and the others one by one, then invited Guo Jing to take the seat of honour.

Yang Guo stood in attendance behind Guo Jing, pretending not to know any of the others. The Imperial Preceptor and the rest did not understand the purpose of his visit. Seeing that he ignored everyone, they ignored him in return. Ma Guangzuo⁵, however, boomed, “Brother Yang—” But before the word “brother” could fully leave his mouth, Yin Kexi pinched him viciously on the thigh. Ma Guangzuo yelped, “Ow! What are you doing?” Yin Kexi turned his head away and ignored him. Ma Guangzuo, not knowing who had pinched him, grumbled and cursed under his breath and forgot all about greeting Yang Guo.

After Guo Jing sat down and drank a bowl of fermented mare’s milk, he saw no sign of the Wu brothers. He was about to ask when Khubilai ordered his attendants, “Quickly, invite the two Young Masters Wu.” The guards acknowledged the order and escorted Wu Dunru and Wu Xiuwen into the tent. Both men’s hands and feet were bound tightly with ox sinew. The sinew binding their ankles was less than a chi long, making it impossible to take normal strides. They could only shuffle forward slowly. When the two Wus saw their shifu, their faces burned with shame. “Master!” they called, but neither dared lift his bowed head.

The two brothers, greedy for glory and reckless in their haste, had left without a word and created this enormous disaster. Guo Jing had been furious at first. But seeing their clothes torn and bloodstained, evidence of a fierce struggle before their capture, and seeing them bound in such humiliating fashion, his anger turned to pity. He thought, Reckless though they were, their hearts were still set on serving their country and their people. In a gentle voice, he said, “Those who study the martial arts must endure countless trials and many defeats in the course of a lifetime. This is nothing.”

Khubilai feigned anger at his attendants and berated them: “I ordered you to treat the two Young Masters Wu with proper hospitality. How dare you show such disrespect? Release them at once!” The attendants chorused their acknowledgment and reached to untie the bindings. But the ox sinew, having been soaked with water after being tied, had sunk deep into the flesh. It could not be undone quickly. Guo Jing rose from his seat and walked over. He grasped the ox sinew at Wu Dunru’s chest between his two hands and gently pulled outward. With a bo, the sinew snapped. He then tore off Wu Xiuwen’s bindings in the same manner. This feat looked light and effortless, as though it were nothing at all. In truth, it required the most profound neili to accomplish. Xiaoxiangzi, Nimo Star, Yin Kexi, and the others exchanged glances. Each silently marvelled at Guo Jing’s martial prowess. Khubilai said, “Bring wine quickly! We must apologise to the two Young Masters Wu.”

Guo Jing was already calculating: today’s visit could not possibly end peacefully. A fierce battle was certain to erupt before long. If the two Wus did not leave soon, he would be forced to divide his attention to protect them. He cupped his fists and bowed to everyone in all four directions. In a ringing voice, he said, “My unworthy disciples have acted with reckless impropriety. I thank Your Highness and all present for the lesson you have taught them.” Turning to the Wu brothers, he said, “Return first and inform your martial mother. Tell her I am meeting the son of an old friend and exchanging reminiscences. I will return shortly.” Wu Xiuwen said, “Master, you…” The previous night, his assassination attempt had failed and he had been captured by Xiaoxiangzi. He now knew that the enemy camp was indeed thick with masters. He could not help worrying about Guo Jing’s safety. Guo Jing waved his hand. “Go, quickly! Report to Commissioner Lü. Tell him to hold the city gates fast. No matter what happens, the gates must not be opened, lest the enemy seize the chance to attack.” These words were spoken with an air of divine authority, meant to make Khubilai and his men understand: even if something happened to him, Xiangyang would never surrender to the enemy.

The Wu brothers, seeing their shifu personally venture into danger to save them, were filled with both gratitude and remorse. They dared say no more. They bowed to their shifu and departed for the city on their own.

Footnotes

1. 尹克西 – Yǐn Kèxī. His name meaning “overcome the west”. See Wuxia Wiki. ↩

2. Polu and Xiang’er. Huang Rong is pregnant with twins, and the names have already been decided: Guo Polu if a boy, Guo Xiang if a girl. Use of both names suggests she expects one of each, which is indeed what happens. ↩

3. 拖雷 – Tolui. Tuōléi (c. 1191—1232). Fourth son of Genghis Khan and the father of Khubilai Khan. He was Guo Jing’s sworn brother (anda) in The Legend of the Condor Heroes. Tolui died relatively young, and Khubilai inherited his father’s military command. ↩

4. 安答 – Anda. Āndá. Mongolian term for sworn brotherhood, a bond considered as sacred as blood kinship. Guo Jing and Tolui became anda as children in The Legend of the Condor Heroes. ↩

5. 马光佐 – Mǎ Guāngzuò. His name meaning “bright assistance”. See Wuxia Wiki. ↩