Section Seven (Part Two)

“Sir! I swear in the name of God, I never intended to trespass upon your country’s borders!” Rick’s expression was somewhat panicked; he shook his head and waved his hands repeatedly, but soon regained his composure. Lin Feng nodded inwardly, impressed by his evident military bearing. “Sir, after retiring from my country’s forces, I became the chief sailor on a British merchant ship. Recently, we skirted the Formosan navy to trade with Japan, but in your nation’s waters, we were attacked by pirates—his fleet!” Rick pointed at Yang Haisheng, known as ‘Shaker of the Seven Seas. “Our ship was sunk by him. During the fight, both he and I fell into the sea. We clung to a plank and drifted together, eventually arriving here!”

“You say you were an officer, but you don’t seem old enough to have retired yet, do you?” Lin Feng’s gaze swept up and down Rick with suspicion.

Upon hearing Zhou Peigong’s vague reply, Lin Feng seized the opportunity to slam his hand on the table, shouting loudly, “Good! Good! Good!”

His booming voice made Yang Haisheng’s face grow pale, believing his execution was imminent. Yet the young official at the dais unexpectedly barked at his guards, “The men I admire most are the heroes who draw their swords to right wrongs! Yang the warrior, fearless of blade and sword, still speaks passionately in court—clearly a true man! Since I, Lin Feng, have crossed paths with him today, I must drink three hundred cups, or else all my friends in the martial world will mock me for failing to recognize a hero! Bring the wine!”

In the state of confusion and disbelief that overtook Yang Haisheng, Lin Feng’s guards brought forth a large urn of wine. Lin Feng personally poured a bowl, handed it to Yang Haisheng, then drained his own in one gulp, laughing heartily, “Splendid! Splendid!” Though his manner was somewhat theatrical, to those watching, it exuded a certain heroic charm. Seeing Yang Haisheng gaping in astonishment, Lin Feng deliberately furrowed his brow, “Could it be that Yang the warrior looks down on me?”

Yang Haisheng snapped back to himself, solemnly accepted the wine, and saluted, “Sir, you seem to be a hero yourself. Today I make you my friend—if I die by your hand, it will not be unjust!” He then drank his bowl dry.

Lin Feng laughed uproariously, flung his porcelain bowl to the floor, grabbed his guard’s saber and cut Yang Haisheng’s bonds, then called out, “Someone, bring a hundred taels of silver!”

Yang Haisheng looked at Lin Feng in confusion, “Sir, why are you doing this?”

Lin Feng presented the silver with both hands. “Old Yang, leave through the back door in a moment. These hundred taels are my gift for your journey—use them as you see fit.” Seeing Yang Haisheng’s dazed elation at escaping alive—nearly moved to tears—Lin Feng purposely put on a stern face. “If you value our friendship, don’t hesitate or act coy. When we meet again in the martial world, let’s drink a few hundred cups more, so our bond won’t be in vain!”

As expected, these men of the martial world responded well to such gestures. Yang Haisheng’s eyes brimmed with tears; he immediately knelt down again. Lin Feng quickly helped him up, speaking seriously, “Haisheng, if you go on like this, I’ll have to look down on you! What’s this for a man?”

“Sir… if you ever need me… I’ll go through water or fire for you, and if I utter a single complaint… then may I not be worthy of my mother’s name…” Yang Haisheng’s voice was choked with emotion.

Watching Yang Haisheng slip out through the back door under his guard’s guidance, Lin Feng hummed a little tune with satisfaction, exchanging a knowing smile with Zhou Peigong. He thought to himself, the hundred taels were well spent.