A Small Gathering of Heroes in Dongchang Prefecture: Huangfu Duan Angrily Scolds Duan Jin

Wu Song was handsome and distinguished, possessing an approachable charm that made him instantly likable. Zhang Qing's affection for Wu Song likely stemmed from their shared status as members of the Heavenly Spirits and their long-standing friendship forged through years of standing together. (The seating arrangement on Liangshan was as follows: Song Jiang, Lu Bu, and Wu Song were on the stage; Gongsun Sheng was rarely present. When Gongsun Sheng was present, there were four people on the stage. Generally, Guan Sheng was on the left, Lin Chong on the right, Qin Ming on the left, and Huyan Zhuo on the right, arranged in odd-numbered rows and even-numbered rows. Wu Song was 14th, Zhang Qing was 16th, and next to Wu Song was Zhang Qing, with Xu Ning beside him.)

Wu Song laughed and said, "Brother Zhang, you have shone brightly in Dongchang Prefecture today, and your name has already spread throughout the entire prefecture!"

It turns out that the Dongchang Prefecture arena battles are an elimination system. Each person will go through several rounds of elimination matches to enter the semi-finals, and finally thirty people will be selected!

Each person will then have a duel, for a total of 29 duels. This allows some skilled players to have multiple opportunities if they don't perform well on the spot, and it also helps the players to concentrate more and increase their fighting spirit!

After the 29 matches are completed, whoever wins the most matches will be the first place winner, receiving a reward of 100 taels of silver and the position of Dongchang Patrol Inspector. The second and third place winners will be Qingniao Arrestors, receiving 20 taels and 10 taels of silver respectively!

As for the rest, they could be incorporated into the army or receive a reward of one or two taels of silver. It must be said that the prefect of Dongchang was quite capable!

Since the resumption of the competition, Zhang Qing has won 25 consecutive games without a single loss. Gong Wang has won 24 games, losing only one game to Zhang Qing. Ding Desun has won 23 games, losing to both Zhang Qing and Gong Wang.

Zhang Qing is currently on a winning streak and is expected to win 29 consecutive matches to claim the championship. Gong Wang and Ding Desun also greatly admire Zhang Qing. After the competition today, they wanted to invite him to drink on the street, and they happened to witness the scene from the beginning!

Zhang Qing laughed and said, "Not at all, my martial arts skills are far inferior to yours, Brother Wu!"

Zhu Jing also spoke up, "Brother Zhang's skill with the stone is truly divine, like a phantom. Even a master would probably have no way to avoid it!" Although Zhu Jing's words were somewhat exaggerated, it is true that Zhang Qing defeated fifteen generals of Liangshan in the original story, causing Lu Junyi to return empty-handed from his attack on Dongchang Prefecture!

The seven chatted for a while, and soon the food and wine were served. Song Jiang picked up a full bowl of wine and said, "I am very happy to have met four brothers today. I will drink first as a sign of respect." After saying that, he picked up a bowl of wine and drank it all in one gulp. The other six also drank the wine in their bowls.

Everyone was a forthright person, and after drinking for a while, they became acquainted. Zhang Qing asked, "Brother Song Jiang, what brings you to Dongchang Prefecture? Do you need my help?"

Song Jiang laughed and said, "The magistrate of Yuncheng sent me here to present a congratulatory gift to the prefect of Qinghe." Song Jiang couldn't reveal to Zhang Qing that his visit to Dongchang Prefecture was actually for Huangfu Duan!

Zhang Qing nodded, and the two drank another bowl.

Zhang Qing looked at Wu Song and said, "Brother Wu, you truly have excellent skills and a chivalrous heart. I sincerely admire you. I'd like to offer you a bowl of wine." Zhang Qing's words were sincere. He originally didn't intend to meddle, but seeing Wu Song's skill and abilities, he didn't want Wu Song to get hurt, so he launched a flying stone. Of course, even without that flying stone, Wu Song wouldn't have been injured, but Wu Song still accepted his good intentions.

Wu Song picked up the bowl and said, "Brother Zhang's martial arts skills are truly admirable. That throwing stone technique really opened my eyes."

Everyone likes to hear nice things, and Zhang Qing is no exception, especially after meeting Wu Song, Song Jiang, and Zhu Jing today.

Song Jiang didn't neglect Duan Jingzhu either. He raised a bowl of wine to Duan Jingzhu, who picked up the bowl and drank it all in one gulp. He then said, "Brother, I want to follow you."

Song Jiang was somewhat surprised. Very few people knew about his current situation at Liangshan. Most of those who knew him only knew that he was a minor clerk in Yuncheng County. So Duan Jingzhu was now showing his loyalty. What was the reason behind this?

Could it be that he, like Wang Dingliu, idolizes himself to an extreme? Song Jiang doesn't mind taking in Duan Jingzhu, after all, the more talented people the better.

Duan Jingzhu's words surprised Zhang Qing and the other two. From the moment Song Jiang introduced himself to the moment they sat down to drink some wine, they never expected that this golden retriever would admire Song Jiang so much.

Only Wu Song remained silent, smiling.

Song Jiang held the bowl without saying a word, while Duan Jingzhu said anxiously, "I truly follow you, brother. I'm willing to do anything."

Song Jiang found these words rather strange and said, "Brother, please don't say that. I'm just curious why you insist on following me?"

Duan Jingzhu said, "I have long admired you, brother, and following you is my lifelong wish."

Song Jiang was momentarily at a loss for words, so he could only say, "My future is uncertain, following me may be dangerous, even lead to utter ruin. Under such circumstances, would you still be willing to follow me?"

Duan Jingzhu suddenly got up from the stool, knelt down on one knee, clasped his hands together and said, "I will go through fire and water for you."

Song Jiang felt somewhat helpless. He could sense Duan Jingzhu's sincerity and didn't want to disappoint him. He stepped forward, helped Duan Jingzhu up, and said, "In that case, we are brothers from now on. After I finish my business, come back to Yuncheng with me."

Duan Jingzhu, with tears in his eyes, said, "Brother, you don't know how hard I've been. I've been looked down upon all along the way. The road of selling and stealing horses is fraught with danger. I've heard so much about you, brother, and I was saved by Brother Wu Song. I would be a complete fool to leave you."

Song Jiang and Wu Song were both amused and exasperated, but Zhang Qing was somewhat moved by Duan Jingzhu's words and raised his bowl to drink with Duan Jingzhu.

Song Jiang was quite pleased to have Duan Jingzhu as his retainer. Duan Jingzhu insisted on giving Song Jiang the purple horse, but Song Jiang declined. Duan Jingzhu persisted, so Song Jiang had no choice but to say that they would discuss it again in Yuncheng.

Duan Jingzhu didn't say how he got the horse. Song Jiang actually wanted to ask, but after thinking about it, he decided against it. If Duan Jingzhu wanted to tell him, he would tell him himself. Anyway, Song Jiang didn't care whether the horse was stolen or not. If it really was stolen from a Jurchen, then that would be a good thing.

Seeing that Zhang Qing looked somewhat troubled, Song Jiang asked, "Brother Zhang Qing, is something bothering you? You seem to have something on your mind."

Zhang Qing smiled bitterly and said, "A real man should serve his country with his skills and fight on the battlefield to make contributions. Only then can he live up to the stature of a seven-foot man. I am not talented, but I think my martial arts skills are passable. However, I have no way to serve my country, which is very frustrating. It is a pity that I can only waste my best years."

At this point, it was a foregone conclusion that Zhang Qing would become the inspector of Dongchang. However, this place was extremely far from the battlefield, so it was understandable that he was full of complaints. Every capable and passionate man would want to make a name for himself, serve the court, and bring glory to his ancestors.

Song Jiang knew that these people in the late Northern Song Dynasty all had sincere hearts, but they were not given important positions because of the presence of treacherous officials. He sighed and said, "A true man born in chaotic times should carry a three-foot sword and make unparalleled achievements. Brother Zhang Qing, I understand your thoughts very well."

These words were originally spoken by Taishi Ci before his death, but he added the following line: "My ambitions remain unfulfilled; how can I bear to die?" Of course, this is not Taishi Ci's original statement, but rather written by Luo Guanzhong in "Romance of the Three Kingdoms," much like the line "Who will awaken first from this great dream?" However, this sentence expresses the sorrow of a hero whose ambitions have not been fulfilled.

Sure enough, Zhang Qing agreed with this statement and raised his bowl, saying loudly, "Brother, I'll toast you with a bowl."

These words also made Wu Song, Zhu Jing, Gong Wang and Ding Desun, as well as Duan Jingzhu, look at each other with admiration. The group picked up their bowls and drank the wine in one gulp.

Song Jiang spoke up, "Brother, what are your plans?" Song Jiang actually wanted to bring Zhang Qing, Gong Wang, and Ding Desun to Liangshan, which would greatly increase Liangshan's strength.

Zhang Qing shook his head and said, "I don't know."

Song Jiang hesitated for a moment, but still didn't recruit Zhang Qing. Zhang Qing had a bright future ahead of him and might not necessarily join him on Liangshan. Besides, befriending him would open up more options in Dongchang Prefecture in the future. Thinking of this, Song Jiang said, "Although the people of Dongchang Prefecture are well-fed and clothed, there are quite a few bandits on the surrounding mountains eyeing the area. We do indeed need a skilled inspector to guard this place. With Brother Zhang Qing here, the bandits will certainly not dare to cause trouble. Protecting the people is also protecting our country, isn't it?"

Zhang Qing's eyes lit up. That's right, isn't protecting one's own territory also protecting one's home and country? Thinking of this, some of the knot in his heart loosened, and he thanked Song Jiang repeatedly!

Song Jiang smiled without saying a word!

After chatting for a while, Song Jiang spoke up: "I recently found some fine horses, and I heard that there is a man in Dongchang Prefecture named Huangfu Duan, the Purple-Bearded Earl, who is unmatched in the fields of judging and treating horses."

Zhang Qing laughed heartily and said, "Huangfu Duan is my confidant, brother. After we finish this meal, let's go find him together."

The group continued their cheerful conversation, unaware of the strange expression that flashed across Duan Jingzhu's face.

After they finished eating, Zhang Qing led the way, followed by Song Jiang, Wu Song, Zhu Jing, and Duan Jingzhu. Duan Jingzhu led the purple horse, and the group marched in a grand procession toward Huangfu Duan's house.

After several twists and turns, Zhang Qing arrived at the door of Huangfu Duan's house. He stepped forward and knocked on the door. Huangfu Duan's family looked quite poor, incomparable to An Dao's family. But that made sense, as a veterinarian couldn't compare to a doctor, and the horses in Dongchang Prefecture were also very limited, so Huangfu Duan's place was not often needed.

The door opened, and an old servant poked his head out. Seeing six or seven people outside, including some burly men, he assumed they were there to cause trouble.

Zhang Qing said, "Uncle Chen, I'm here to see A-Duan."

The old servant looked closely and saw that it was Zhang Qing, Gong Wang, and Ding Desun. These men had a good relationship with Huangfu Duan and often drank and chatted together. He also noticed a horse being led behind them. Although he didn't know much about horses, he could tell from its magnificent appearance that it was a fine steed. So he opened the door and said, "So it's Young Master Zhang. Please come in."

Upon entering, Huangfu Duan was sitting in the hall reading a book. When he heard that Zhang Qing had arrived, he put down his book, stood up with a big smile, and gave Zhang Qing a big hug. Zhang Qing also hugged Huangfu Duan back. It was clear from the two that they had a very good relationship.

Huangfu Duan spoke up, "It's been quite a while since you've visited your old friend?"

Zhang Qing laughed and said, "I brought some friends here for you to meet today. Let's all drink until we drop tonight."

Huangfu Duanxi said happily, "It's a deal! I haven't had such a lively atmosphere in a long time!"

Just as Zhang Qing was about to make the introductions, Huangfu Duan looked at the crowd. When he saw Duan Jingzhu, his expression changed, and he said, "Duan Jingzhu, you beast, you're here too."

Duan Jingzhu looked somewhat guilty and remained silent.

Huangfu Duan cursed, "You beast, how dare you show your face here? Get out of here right now, you're not welcome here."

Song Jiang was a little puzzled. He didn't expect that Huangfu Duan and Duan Jingzhu knew each other and even had a conflict. He had never heard of this before. Could it be that Duan Jingzhu had stolen Huangfu Duan's horse?

Huangfu Duan's sudden change of attitude has left him somewhat bewildered.

I don't understand Huangfu Duan's personality. After all, he is one of the few characters in the whole book who has no lines and is described very little. It is indeed difficult to understand his personality.

Duan Jingzhu remained silent, clasped his hands in a fist salute, and prepared to leave. Zhang Qing suddenly spoke up, "Brother Duan, wait a moment. Huangfu, what has Brother Duan done to offend you? Why don't you tell us so we can resolve this conflict?"

After all, Duan Jingzhu was Song Jiang's man, so Song Jiang had to give him face.

Huangfu Duan's face was flushed, probably from anger, and he didn't speak. Duan Jingzhu looked ashamed and also didn't speak. Song Jiang thought for a moment and realized that apart from being good at riding horses, the two didn't seem to have much in common or anything to do with each other. Of course, apart from the fact that they looked like foreigners, it seemed that it must be about horses that caused Huangfu Duan to have such a great resentment towards Duan Jingzhu.

Song Jiang felt it necessary to resolve the conflict between the two, otherwise it would be awkward for them to meet again after they both went to Liangshan. So he said, "Brother Huangfu, please calm down. I wonder what Duan Jingzhu has done to offend you? If it is possible to resolve the feud between you, I wonder what I can do?"

Huangfu Duan was not an unreasonable person, and said, "Why don't you ask Duan Jingzhu, brother?"

Song Jiang looked at Duan Jingzhu with a questioning gaze. Duan Jingzhu's face darkened, and he slowly recounted the past between him and Huangfu Duan.

Huangfu Duan's ancestral home was Youzhou. From a young age, he learned the skills of judging and treating horses from a strange man. Of course, he could treat other animals as well, and he was a very famous veterinarian in the area. However, because of his unusual appearance, which made him look like a foreigner, and because the area was suffering from the invasion of the Liao Kingdom, many people were very hostile to Huangfu Duan.

Huangfu Duan was a kind and gentle man who did not want to have conflicts with others, so he would wander around with a horse, going wherever he pleased.

He found the horse in the wild when he was studying medicine. When he found it, the horse had just been born and was very thin. It was in danger of dying at any time. However, Huangfu Duan did not give up. He used his savings to buy a lactating ewe and fed the foal every day.

Thanks to Huangfu Duan's efforts, the foal was finally saved. When the foal stood up on its own, Huangfu Duan smiled genuinely. He couldn't remember the last time he had been so happy. He had been an orphan since childhood and was raised by his grandmother until he was a teenager. Unfortunately, his only loving grandmother also passed away due to illness. When she passed away, his grandmother held his hand and said that she didn't have any great wishes in this life, she only hoped that he could be well.