Night had fallen. It was Xu Hour.
Tongchun Tower blazed with lights and bustled with activity.
The county magistrate had already laid out a banquet upstairs, inviting many of the city's gentry and dignitaries to join the celebration.
Meng Qingshan had changed into clean, close-fitting clothes and tied up his long hair. With his arms strengthened once again, his broad back and frame were gradually widening, making him look especially tall and straight.
As he entered Tongchun Tower, a servant at the entrance ushered him upstairs to a private room.
Seeing Meng Qingshan arrive, the county magistrate hurriedly rose to welcome him, smiling. "Constable Meng, you've finally arrived! You've rendered a great service this time, so I've arranged this banquet to celebrate your achievement. Please, take a seat."
Meng Qingshan cupped his hands in greeting and said modestly, "You flatter me, sir."
With that, the magistrate drew Meng Qingshan to a seat of honor. Looking around, he found that everyone present was familiar.
In order, they were the secretary, General Wang, Chen Shen, the chief escorts of the Three Escort Agencies, and several members of the city's gentry.
As soon as Meng Qingshan sat down, everyone began offering him toasts, their conversation filled with praise.
"Constable Meng, wiping out Black Wind Stronghold has truly rid our county town of a great scourge!" General Wang said with a smile, raising his cup.
"Indeed, Constable Meng's heroic deeds are sure to become a tale for the ages." The chief escorts of the Three Escort Agencies echoed his praise.
Seeing the lively atmosphere, the county magistrate raised his cup and proposed, "Today, we gather here to celebrate Constable Meng's achievement, and to wish our county town peace from this day forward. Come, let us raise our cups together!"
The banquet offered fine dishes