All the heroes of the world are now in my grasp.

Chapter 28 Reunion at the Tavern

Dugu Xin's figure disappeared into the crowded throng, but the noise on the street did not diminish at all. The onlookers were still discussing the thrilling sword fight in twos and threes, occasionally letting out a few gasps of amazement.

But Gao Zidan's mind was no longer on that competition.

Looking at Gao Yang and Gao Jiong, whose faces were full of genuine smiles, he felt a sense of peace. He had been in this chaotic world for a month or two. From his initial hasty escape in Shanggu County, to his gradual infiltration into the Yongming tribe of the Xiongnu, and now to his official position, he had always been alone. Han Xin, who was by his side, never revealed his true feelings to him. He was like a piece of duckweed drifting in the chaos, without any support or help.

Gao Zidan himself understood that this was an era where clan was the backbone. In this chaotic world where human life was as worthless as grass, clan bloodline was the solid guarantee that an individual would not fall below the line of execution. Even though he now held an official position in the imperial court and was no longer subject to the arbitrary bullying of ordinary powerful figures, he was still ultimately weak and alone. Now, having met Gao Yang and Gao Jiong, two cousins ​​from the Bohai Gao clan who were clearly no ordinary people, was like having two more arms to support each other in this chaotic world.

"Brother Zidan, this is no place for a chat, with too many people around," Gao Jiong spoke first, his tone revealing no attempt to conceal his closeness. "If you don't mind, why don't we order some food and wine, and the three of us brothers can have a good chat about our shared kinship?"

Gao Yang nodded in agreement, his voice hoarse as he chimed in, "Exactly, we should have a good drink."

"That is indeed my wish, I dare not ask." Gao Zidan smiled and cupped his hands in acceptance, without the slightest refusal. "It is my blessing to have met you two brothers."

Immediately, the four of them squeezed out of the noisy crowd and, accompanied by four Xiongnu guards, returned to the largest inn in the city. Coincidentally, the brothers Gao Yang and Gao Jiong were also staying at this inn, just two rooms away from Gao Zidan.

Upon entering the restaurant, Gao Jiong immediately asked the waiter to open a private room by the window on the second floor. He then expertly ordered a table full of northern specialties, including stewed mutton until tender, freshly baked flatbread, and newly brewed millet wine, which quickly filled the entire table.

The waiter closed the door to the private room, instantly isolating the room from the noise downstairs, leaving only the four of them sitting facing each other, creating an exceptionally harmonious atmosphere.

Gao Jiong was the first to pick up his wine bowl and raise it to Gao Zidan: "Brother Zidan, if it weren't for your righteous help today, my brother and I would have been in a very awkward situation. This bowl is for you, thank you for saving us from this predicament."

Gao Yang also picked up his bowl, raised it to Gao Zidan, and without saying much, drank half a bowl of wine in one gulp, his actions very bold.

"My two brothers are too kind," Gao Zidan said with a smile, picking up his bowl and clinking it with theirs. He then took a sip, the wine burning his throat but warming him as it slid down into his stomach. "We're all from the Gao clan of Bohai, so we're family. It's only right that we look after each other. Besides, this whole thing started with a joke from Dugu Xin, and it's really nothing serious."

After a bowl of wine, the initial awkwardness between them dissipated almost entirely.

The three chatted away, from the lineage of the Bohai Gao clan to the current chaotic situation, finding themselves increasingly congenial. Gao Jiong was quick-witted and insightful, possessing unique perspectives on the state of the world; Gao Yang, though taciturn, always spoke with sharp insight, every word hitting the nail on the head, making Gao Zidan secretly sigh that these two were indeed figures capable of stirring up trouble in chaotic times.

As the conversation became more animated, Gao Jiong couldn't help but ask, "Brother Zidan, I only heard that Shanggufang suffered from the ravages of war, and the clansmen were scattered. How have you managed to get through the past month or two?"

The question caused the atmosphere in the private room to quiet down slightly. Gao Zidan put down her wine bowl, a hint of regret on her face, and briefly recounted her experiences along the way, picking out the parts she could talk about.

After suffering the ravages of war in Shanggu County, his entire clan was scattered, and he fled alone, enduring countless hardships. He mistakenly entered the Xiongnu Yongming tribe and stayed there for a while. Then, during the Battle of Jiehekou, he unexpectedly gained the appreciation of Ji Guang, the governor of Bingzhou, and was entrusted with an important task, being granted the official position of a ninth-rank clerk in General Zihou's office. Now, he was on his way to Lüliang City to meet Liu Yao and carry out the investiture ceremony. In just over a month, he had experienced several life-and-death situations and many ups and downs.

After they finished speaking, both Gao Jiong and Gao Yang looked emotional.

"I never imagined that you, brother, would experience so many life-and-death trials in just one month." Gao Jiong sighed, his voice full of heartache. "The Shanggu branch suffered such a calamity, which is a regret for all of us clansmen. It is truly remarkable that you were able to escape from this chaotic world all by yourself and even gain the appreciation of the governor of Bingzhou and be granted an official position. You are truly capable."

Gao Yang also said in a deep voice, "If you encounter any difficulties in the future, just come to us brothers. We are brothers of the same clan, there is no distinction between us."

Hearing these sincere words, Gao Zidan felt a warmth in his heart. He picked up his wine bowl and solemnly said to the two men, "With these words from you, elder brother, I, Gao Zidan, am no longer alone in this chaotic world. This bowl of wine is a toast to you both!"

The three clinked bowls together again, drank the wine in one gulp, and their friendship grew even stronger.

Han Xin, watching the three chatting happily, was genuinely happy for Gao Zidan. Having followed Gao Zidan all the way, he knew best the difficulties his young lord faced all alone. Now that he had encountered a powerful ally from the same clan, it was naturally a great blessing.

Just as the three were chatting happily and were about to ask the waiter for more food and drinks, the door to the private room was suddenly pushed open.

The waiter bowed and led the person in, smiling obsequiously, "Sir, this private room has the best view, but it's currently occupied. You see..."

Before he could finish speaking, the person outside looked up into the room and came face to face with the four people inside.

It was none other than Dugu Xin, who had just left.

Upon seeing Gao Zidan and her three companions sitting in the private room, Dugu Xin was taken aback, his steps halting at the doorway. He clearly hadn't expected to encounter them again here. However, his surprise was brief; he quickly recovered and realized it made sense—Zhongyang City wasn't very large, and this was the only decent restaurant in the area, so running into them was quite common.

"Dugu Lang!" Gao Jiong reacted the fastest, immediately standing up and smilingly cupping his hands in greeting to Dugu Xin. "What a coincidence, to meet you here. Since we've met, it must be fate. Why don't we sit down and have a drink together?"

Gao Yang also stood up, cupped his hands in greeting to Dugu Xin, and said nothing more, but it was a gesture of invitation.

The North has always valued martial arts and deeply respects heroes with exceptional skills. Even if they fought fiercely on the field, once they left the arena, all grudges vanished, replaced by mutual respect. Moreover, Dugu Xin was a renowned swordsman in the North, and the Gao brothers already held him in high regard for his swordsmanship and character.

Gao Zidan also stood up, smiling and cupping her hands in apology, saying, "Master Dugu, I apologize for disturbing you earlier. If you don't mind, please sit down and have a drink with me as my way of apologizing to you both."

Seeing the sincerity of the four people, Dugu Xin did not refuse. He cupped his hands in greeting to them, strode into the private room, sat down in the empty seat, and said frankly, "What happened on the field just now was not a matter of personal grudge, so it was not an intrusion. Since you have so kindly invited me, then I will take my leave."

Upon seeing this, the waiter quickly smiled and added bowls, chopsticks, and wine utensils, and then added a few more main dishes as ordered, before bowing and leaving, closing the door again.

The atmosphere in the private room remained harmonious. Gao Jiong was the first to raise his wine bowl to Dugu Xin: "Dugu Lang, it is my honor to spar with you today. Your swordsmanship has truly broadened my horizons. This bowl is a toast to you!"

Upon hearing this, Dugu Xin also picked up his wine bowl, clinked it with his, and said with a smile, "Gao Lang's swordsmanship is solid in foundation and rigorous in technique, but he lacks some experience in actual combat. With more practice in the future, his future is limitless." After saying this, he tilted his head back and drank the bowl of wine in one gulp, showing great generosity.

Immediately afterwards, Gao Yang also picked up his wine bowl, raised it to Dugu Xin, and said only, "To you."

Dugu Xin looked at this unassuming man whose swordsmanship was ruthless and solid, and his eyes showed more respect. He picked up his bowl and clinked it with his, and said seriously, "Brother Gao's swordsmanship is all ruthless moves honed in actual combat. If I give you a few more years to hone your skills, I may not be able to beat you." After saying that, he drank another bowl of wine in one gulp, giving Gao Yang plenty of face.

After two rounds of toasts, the atmosphere grew increasingly lively. Gao Zidan also smiled and picked up her wine bowl, raising it to Dugu Xin with a respectful tone: "Master Dugu is renowned throughout the Northern Territory, and his swordsmanship is superb. It is truly an honor to meet you today. This bowl is a toast to Master Dugu."

To everyone's surprise, Dugu Xin, who had been so generous just moments before, merely glanced at him indifferently, not even picking up his wine bowl. He simply waved his hand casually and said in a cold tone, "No need. My alcohol tolerance is limited; I can't drink anymore."

One sentence instantly turned the lively atmosphere in the private room to freezing point.

The smiles on Gao Jiong and Gao Yang's faces froze. They looked at each other, both seeing surprise in each other's eyes. It was clear to everyone that Dugu Xin wasn't actually unable to drink anymore; he was deliberately disrespecting Gao Zidan, clearly harboring resentment and dislike towards him.

Gao Zidan's hand holding the wine bowl paused in mid-air, and she was slightly taken aback. Then she calmly withdrew her hand, placed the wine bowl on the table, and still had a smile on her face, without the slightest embarrassment.

After a moment of silence in the private room, Gao Jiong quickly smoothed things over, standing up and bowing to Dugu Xin. His tone was earnest: "Dugu Lang, if you're angry because of the earlier stop, you're blaming the wrong person. I shamelessly begged Brother Zidan to stop you two. I was afraid you'd get carried away and hurt each other; it was truly my fault. If you must blame someone, blame me, Gao Jiong alone; it has nothing to do with Brother Zidan."

"Gao Lang, there's no need for that." Dugu Xin quickly raised his hand to support him, his tone still frank. "I, Dugu Xin, have been wandering the martial world for so many years, I still know these rules. Now Xihe County is Liu Yao's territory, it's only right that his people step in to stop it, I won't hold a grudge against anyone because of such a small matter."

These words only deepened everyone's confusion.

If it wasn't because of the suspension of the martial arts competition, then what was it because of?

Seeing this, Gao Zidan finally spoke again, respectfully cupping her hands to Dugu Xin, her tone calm: "Master Dugu, I, Gao Zidan, am new here. If I have done anything wrong and offended you, please speak frankly. If it is my fault, I will certainly apologize to you."

Dugu Xin looked up at him, raised an eyebrow, and finally revealed undisguised disdain and disgust on his face. His tone was cold and hard as he said, word by word, "Fine, then I'll be frank. I, Dugu Xin, roam the world, respecting loyal and righteous heroes, and hating traitors who sell out their country for personal gain and become lackeys of the Huns! You are young, and from a noble family, yet you choose to associate with the Huns, abusing your power and acting arrogantly. I, Dugu Xin, am deeply ashamed of such behavior, and naturally, I disdain to drink with you!"

These words were resounding, like a stone thrown into calm water, and the private room fell silent instantly.

Gao Jiong and Gao Yang were both stunned. Only then did they realize that this was the reason why Dugu Xin disliked Gao Zidan.

Upon hearing this, Gao Zidan not only wasn't angry, but couldn't help but laugh. Looking at Dugu Xin, she asked with interest, "Dugu Lang's words are quite interesting. Let me ask you, does Dugu Lang not have any Hu (non-Han) blood in him? Why does he harbor such deep resentment towards the Hu people?"

Dugu Xin was taken aback by the sudden question, but then readily admitted it, his tone frank: "I am indeed of mixed Han and non-Han descent. My ancestors were Xianbei who entered the Central Plains during the previous dynasty and were long since assimilated into Han culture. I am fluent in Chinese, know Han etiquette, and abide by the laws of the Song Dynasty, so naturally I do not feel any different from the Han people. During the reign of Emperor Yuanwu of the previous dynasty, he promoted the integration of Han and non-Han peoples, and there were quite a few high-ranking officials in the court who were of non-Han origin. As long as they abide by the laws of the Song Dynasty and protect the people of the Song Dynasty, I have never been resentful of them, much less resisted them."

His tone shifted abruptly, his eyes suddenly sharpening, his voice filled with indignation: "But these Xiongnu are different now! They marched south, arbitrarily invading our Song prefectures and counties, attacking our Song garrisons, and slaughtering our Song people! How can these invaders who burn, kill, and plunder be equated with those barbarians who have integrated into the Han people and protected their citizens? You've joined forces with them; what are you if not a traitor and a lackey of the Han?"

His words were righteous and forceful, full of the chivalry and integrity of a wandering knight-errant.

After listening, Gao Zidan's smile gradually faded, and she felt a greater respect for Dugu Xin. He was indeed as rumored, a man of loyalty and integrity, and his reputation was well-deserved.

"Dugu Lang is indeed a righteous and chivalrous hero. I misunderstood him." Gao Zidan solemnly cupped her hands to Dugu Xin, then said seriously, "But Dugu Lang, you have indeed misunderstood me."

After saying that, he raised his hand and took out the bronze seal and yellow ribbon, as well as the investiture document given to him by Ji Guang, from his bosom, placed them on the table, and pushed them in front of Dugu Xin.

"I am Gao Zidan from Bohai, currently serving under Governor Ji of Bingzhou as a ninth-rank military advisor in General Zihou's office, a proper official appointed by the imperial court." Gao Zidan's tone was calm yet firm as he spoke each word clearly, "My purpose in coming to Xihe is not to collude with the Xiongnu, but rather to be here on the orders of the Governor of Bingzhou to confer the title of Yongming Chanyu Liu Yao upon him as the Prefect of Xihe Commandery. He is now a proper local official appointed by the imperial court, not the invader you speak of."

The moment those words were spoken, the private room fell into an eerie silence.

Gao Yang, Gao Jiong, and Dugu Xin were all stunned, their faces filled with absurdity and disbelief.

"What did you say?" Dugu Xin was the first to recover, his brows furrowing, his tone filled with disbelief. "Liu Yao has been appointed as the Prefect of Xihe? Ji Guang, the Governor of Bingzhou, would actually appoint a Xiongnu as a Prefect of the Song Dynasty? How is this possible! Besides, what about all the slaughter and invasions Liu Yao committed before?"

"Why not?" Gao Zidan smiled and pointed to the investiture document on the table. "The document is here, stamped with the official seal of the Bingzhou Governor's Office. It can't be faked. Now, the entire Xihe County has already fallen into Liu Yao's hands. The former governor, Xiang Xu, surrendered without a fight. If Lord Ji doesn't invest him, can he send troops to fight? In these chaotic times, with war and turmoil, rather than letting Liu Yao establish himself as king in Xihe and become an enemy of the court, it's better to go with the flow, grant him the position of governor, and bring him into the court's system. At least it can ensure the peace of the people of Xihe and make him a bulwark for the north of Bingzhou. Why not do it?" As she spoke, Gao Zidan repeated her argument of three benefits and three harms.

The three looked at each other, the absurdity on their faces gradually fading, replaced by understanding and sighs.

Yes, in these chaotic times, this approach might indeed be a better way for the common people. If war were to break out, then there would be widespread suffering. Take this small town of Zhongyang, for example. Although it has been occupied by the Xiongnu, people can still make a living. If a real war were to break out, where would these few people find a place to drink and celebrate today?

Dugu Xin looked at the documents and bronze seal on the table, remained silent for a long time, and finally raised his head, bowed deeply to Gao Zidan, and said in a tone full of apology: "Gao Lang, I have misunderstood you, and I hope you will forgive me."