Chapter 19: Entering Dangyang

Dangyang was not far from Mount Tanlang. On horseback, the main road took only half a day. Here on Wei’s northern frontier, mountains rose in continuous ranges; Tanlang was just one branch among them.

Gao Yuan rode carefully down the rough mountain path, then spurred his horse on once he reached level ground. It was a chance to enjoy a gallop such as he had never experienced on Blue Star.

By noon he reached Dangyang. He had been too weak to join Zhou Xing’s raid, so this was his first clear view of the border fortress.

Its walls, more than three zhang high, were built of great quarried stones and rammed black earth. Rough and imposing, they stood wedged between the mountains like a nail driven into the valley. Dangyang was one of the three major northern fortresses, conveniently situated for passage across the frontier and a favored target whenever Beimang raided. Countless bones lay buried outside, and blood had soaked the ground through years of fighting.

Closer up, Gao could see dense scars left by blades and arrows. Patrols moved behind the battlements, and a Wei banner flew over a wooden tower where troops could rest and muster.

He stopped at the gate, a little over one zhang wide. The tall, thick wooden doors, their paint peeling, stood open. A row of sharpened barricades outside would impale the belly of a charging horse. Behind them waited armored patrol soldiers.

“Halt! Who goes there?” one demanded.

Gao cupped his hands. “Gao Yuan of Blackwind Stronghold, requesting an audience with General Wu.”

At the name Blackwind, the soldiers’ faces changed. They spread into a semicircle, spears ready. Wu Xiangbei had attacked the stronghold only two days ago; whatever the reason for his withdrawal, the bandits remained enemies to be destroyed.

“A bandit dares come to our gate? Seize him!” shouted a small officer in leather armor, a long saber at his waist.

The soldiers raised their spears. Gao had expected this. He dropped his short blade, dismounted, and approached the officer with a harmless expression.

“I’m an inside man. General Wu and I reached an agreement. I’ve come to report military information.”

The officer scoffed. “A man of the general’s standing knows a ruffian like you? Since you’ve shown some sense, kneel and let us bind you. You’ll suffer less that way.” He clearly did not believe him, though Gao’s lack of hostility had eased his guard.

Gao did not get angry. He stepped closer and, concealed by their bodies, slipped a prepared silver ingot into the officer’s hand. “Every word is true. Please inform the general. If there’s too much delay, he may not be pleased.”

The king of the underworld might be easy to see, but his lesser servants were hard to handle. Without greasing the way, who knew how much trouble might arise? That was why Gao had brought money with him.

The officer weighed it and softened. “Wait here. I’ll report it. If you’re making this up, I’ll come back and cut you down!” He sauntered into the city.

About a quarter of an hour later he returned at a hurried pace, sweat on his brow and alarm on his face. He cupped his hands. “Sorry to keep you waiting, brother. The general will see you. Follow me.” Whatever he had been told had changed his manner entirely.

Gao did not gloat. “Thank you for your trouble.” Leading his horse, he followed the man inside.

Dangyang was not large. Its main street was paved with stone and wide enough for two carriages abreast. Shops with apricot-yellow triangular flags lined it. Their goods were limited but sufficient for daily needs. There were not many soldiers in sight, and the townspeople seemed calm; living here, they had grown used to the recurring wars.

Hooves clattered along the road. The shops gradually gave way to large compounds of gray brick and tile, evidently the homes of the city’s wealthy and powerful. Several hundred meters farther stood a square mansion behind high walls, its dark eaves lending it an air of gravity.

Two ranks of armored spearmen guarded its vermilion gate. The black plaque above it bore gilded characters: *Northern Protectorate of Beiliang Circuit*. They had reached Wu Xiangbei’s residence.

The officer spoke to the guards, told Gao to wait, and departed. The guards sent word inside. Soon an armored attendant with a red plume came to escort Gao in. His chestnut horse and the heads on its saddle were left with the gate guards.

The compound was spacious and carefully designed, with arrow towers that could hold out for a time even if the city fell. Beyond the second gate, the attendant pointed toward a quiet room. “His Excellency is waiting in the study.”

Gao thanked him. As he passed, he slipped a silver ingot into the man’s belt. “A little for tea, sir. Thank you for showing me the way.”

The attendant stared. The silver was not much to him, but the visitor’s thoughtfulness at such a moment was unexpected. After a few breaths he smiled. “Please.”

Gao straightened his clothes, approached the study, and knocked gently. “Gao Yuan, a commoner, requests an audience with General Wu.”

“Enter,” came a steady, grave voice.