The Golden Wave Pavilion was crowded with bold figures from the Rivers and Lakes. Among them were people who had attended Pang Liangji's wedding and seen Wei Xun escort the bride in his groomsman's robes. Back then, the young man had worn splendid clothes and ridden a spirited horse, brimming with vigor. His feats of scattering coins and raising the banner had astonished everyone who watched. Who could have imagined that barely a month later, he would be so destitute and bedraggled that they scarcely dared recognize him?
Yet the four arrogant madmen of the Setting Sun Courtyard had risen to greet him of their own accord. This little beggar could only be their First Seat, the Green-Robed Wanderer.
After Wei Xun sat down as though no one else existed, Elder Huijue was about to greet him, but he spoke first. Lightly cupping his fist, he saluted those around him and said succinctly, "The leaders here were kind enough to invite me today, yet I, Wei Da, arrived late. I am truly ashamed. Time is short, so let us dispense with elaborate formalities."
With that, he swept his arm across the table before him, sending every bowl and plate clattering to the floor. Then he set the filthy, bulging leather bag on it.
"The Setting Sun Courtyard has come all the way from Guanzhong to make a living in Luoyang. By courtesy and reason alike, we ought to pay our respects to each of the local elders. Since today offers such a rare opportunity, I have brought a few humble gifts. I hope you leaders will accept them."
As he spoke, he loosened the thin cord tied around the mouth of the leather bag.
The three elders of the White Camel Temple and Master Ziyang, seated nearby, caught an overpowering