Chapter Forty-One: The Lunar Dynasty and the Eight Immortals Tavern

"Strange, the appearance of that mysterious man's bronze mask—why does it seem so familiar to me?" Ouyang Jingguan clasped his hands, brows furrowed, murmuring to himself.

"Oh? Now that you mention it, Ouyang, that bronze mask was indeed bizarre! No need to rush—take your time to recall," Captain Ning interjected, equally curious.

"Yes, I believe I once saw such a bronze mask in an ancient book from the Imperial Observatory—broad face, broad ears, a wide mouth twisted in a sinister smile, unforgettable! This mask seems to belong to the Bronze Guards of the former Lunar Dynasty," Ouyang Jingguan's eyes narrowed, his words deliberate.

"The Bronze Guards of the Lunar Dynasty! Impossible!" Captain Ning exclaimed, his face paling with shock.

The others turned their gazes toward the pair, puzzled. Han Chong narrowed his eyes; since arriving in this world, he only knew he was in the Great Feng Dynasty, but little else.

"Heh, regarding the matters of the previous dynasty, I know a thing or two," the Peach Blossom-eyed Captain said with a self-satisfied smile.

"Oh? Then we are all ears," Han Chong respectfully turned to him.

"Hmph! Han Chong, when the Black Lotus Sect leader and the Canal Gang chief were fighting, you suddenly used your magic and vanished, leaving me behind. What was your intention? I still haven’t settled accounts with you," the Peach Blossom-eyed Captain scolded, glancing at Han Chong.

"Heh, the situation was urgent, and I neglected Captain Chen. But Captain Chen is remarkable—calm in crisis, his archery skills are truly admirable. I ask you, sir, to share your knowledge. The matter of the Bronze Guards of the Lunar Dynasty is vital to solving the great case in Pei Jun Prefecture!"

"Hmph! It's good you recognize my strength. So I'll tell you. My father once discussed this with a Governor. Around five hundred years ago, at the end of the Lunar Dynasty, the court was in chaos—eunuchs seized power, corruption ran rampant, the people suffered. The lords rose in rebellion, eventually overthrowing the dynasty; after four great battles, only our Great Feng Dynasty remained, unifying the realm.

Though centuries have passed, those who know of the previous dynasty marvel at the might of its armies, especially the mysterious Bronze Guards. These were royal bodyguards, said to wear bronze masks year-round. Each possessed magical powers and unparalleled combat prowess, sworn to die for the Lunar royal family. Had it not been for infighting over the throne, they might not have been so easily destroyed."

A sharp breath echoed among the group; none expected the Bronze Guards to be so formidable, rivaling even the Monster-Slaying Bureau.

"But after five centuries, why would the Bronze Guards still exist? Could they be plotting rebellion, seeking to restore the dynasty?" Captain Ning questioned.

"I'm afraid it's not so simple. The Bronze Guards may be powerful, but ultimately they're mere warriors. The true threat lies with the Lunar royal bloodline. Whether they are commanded by surviving royalty is the crucial question."

Han Chong nodded, his mind full of doubts.

"Enough, let's return for now. This matter needs careful investigation," Captain Ning said to the group.

"Agreed, I'm exhausted today. Let's all head back. But Han Chong, where did you learn such strange magic? Even in the Prefecture Bureau, I've never seen anything like it. Next time you abandon me, you'll pay for it," the Peach Blossom-eyed Captain warned, suspecting Han Chong had some hidden background, playing the fool.

"Heh, nothing special, just some minor tricks, not worth mentioning."

"Hmph!"

...

The next day at noon, the Peach Blossom-eyed Captain arrived at the sub-bureau, an officer behind him carrying a gray official robe and a commendation document, which he handed to Han Chong.

"Gentlemen, the Prefecture Bureau has confirmed it—Han Chong is officially appointed as Martial Captain."

"Ha! Brother Han, you've surpassed us all—standing equal with old Ning and me. Congratulations! Tonight you must host a banquet to celebrate!" Captain Wu and the others congratulated Han Chong. Leng Yue, face still cold, also offered a polite gesture.

"Thank you, colleagues. That's settled—tonight I invite you all to the city tavern! Captain Wu, you pick the place; you know Pei Jun Prefecture best."

"Ha! Then I won't be shy. If you ask me, the best food and wine in Pei Jun Prefecture is at Eight Immortals Tower! Their unbeatable Buddhist Stew with a sea view is a specialty, with abalone, sea cucumber, shark fin—I've only tasted it twice, it's a rare treat!"

At the mention of food, Captain Wu's appetite flared, recommending enthusiastically.

"Wu, isn't Eight Immortals Tower a bit too expensive? Han is new; how can we let him spend so much?" Captain Ning shook his head, smiling wryly.

"Eight Immortals Tower it is—I'm curious if their Buddhist Stew is as good as you claim!" The Peach Blossom-eyed Captain licked his lips, eyes bright.

"Very well, please join me! But I must also invite Ouyang and Young Master Mingzhen—they contributed much to our sub-bureau," Han Chong said with a helpless smile, saluting the group.

"Agreed, Brother Han—go quickly, we'll await you at Eight Immortals Tower."

...

Han Chong rode swiftly on horseback toward Ouyang's residence. But upon reaching the southern quarter, he found the streets suddenly crowded with farmers and townsfolk, all angry, converging from every direction toward the center.

Han Chong dismounted and stopped an elderly man.

"Officer, please don’t arrest me, I’m only here out of desperation, following others to protest the taxes!" The old man, seeing Han Chong's constable-like attire, was frightened, immediately kneeling and kowtowing.

"Don’t be afraid, elder. I’m not from the magistrate's office. I'm merely curious—why are you protesting? Are the taxes truly so heavy?" Han Chong hurriedly helped him up, speaking gently.

"Ah! You’re not from the office? Sir, these taxes aren’t just heavy—they’re deadly. Endless levies and surcharges. Especially two days ago, the Governor posted a notice, increasing taxes by thirty percent. It’s impossible to survive. A field yields only fifty measures of rice. In previous years, the authorities took sixty percent. Add the poll tax, labor exemption tax, and housing tax—you’re left with barely eight measures!

But now, the grain tax has risen to eighty percent, with many unheard-of surcharges. Kill a chicken, there's a chicken tax; slaughter a cow, a cow tax; dig a well, a well tax; marry, a marriage tax; have a son, a son tax—even if a sow gives birth, there's a piglet tax! The villagers can't survive. It’s said all nine counties in Pei Jun Prefecture will face these heavy taxes, and people are being driven to death—selling their children is rampant."

"Unbelievable—how can they collect so many taxes? They’ll push the entire prefecture to rebellion," Han Chong's face darkened, anger boiling within him.

"Yes, sir. I have no sons, only my old wife. One acre isn’t enough to live on, so I joined the villagers to protest at the city office."

Seeing the crowds of anxious, poorly dressed people, Han Chong felt the weight of a mountain pressing on his heart.

"Very well, I understand. Elder, here are ten taels of silver—take them to ease your troubles."

"Thank you, sir! You are truly a living Bodhisattva!" The old man accepted the silver, thanking Han Chong profusely as he rode away.