Yanzi Li San: The Complete Saga#
(4) Night Raid on the Ma Residence
This book is the fourth volume in the comic series adapted from the novel "The Legend of the Great Thief Yanzi Li San." After successfully outsmarting a rich merchant and returning the bank drafts, Li San, disguised as the merchant, finally found Jinlan with Lu Jing'an at the Tianxiang Library. To raise the ransom, Li San infiltrated the inner residence of the powerful warlord Ma Fuxiang. During the evening, while the Ma family was having dinner, he cleverly stole a large amount of gold, silver, and jewels from the mansion. His friend Hong Laifu advised him to sell the jewels to ransom Jinlan and escape far away. However, Li San decided to remain in Beijing, determined to disrupt the peace of wealthy officials and make the police and detectives run themselves ragged.
- After his triumphant return from cleverly dealing with the rich merchant and the bank drafts, Li San went back to the Rongsheng Inn, where Lu Jing'an was anxiously waiting for him. Li San, looking exceptionally spirited, recounted the entire incident.
2. Upon hearing the story, Lu Jing'an remarked with a sigh, "Someone with your extraordinary martial arts skills could have been a pillar of society, benefiting the people. It's a pity that those in power today won't tolerate you, forcing you to become an outlaw."
3. Li San slept soundly all afternoon. Lu Jing'an kept watch for him while writing down his drum ballad lyrics. In the evening, Li San awoke, feeling exceptionally refreshed. He and Lu Jing'an then left the Rongsheng Inn and headed towards Dawanju (Big Bowl Restaurant).
4. Since Dawanju was a tavern, there weren't many customers during dinner rush. As soon as Hong Laifu saw Li San and Lu Jing'an arrive, he hurried to greet them. He poured wine from a large jar and had a young waiter bring food and dishes, then led them to a back room that served as an accounting office.
5. The three sat down to drink and chat. Hong Laifu sighed and said, "Sian (Li San's alias) brother, that day, Master Zhang, the 护院 (hùyuàn - a guard) from Prince Wang's residence, came inquiring about you. He said you stole the bank drafts from Chief Steward Zang and got into big trouble. In my opinion, you should follow the 'thirty-six strategems' – the best policy is to run away!"
6. Hong Laifu's words stirred Li San's worries again. "Big Brother Hong! Why would I want to be a thief? I just think the world is too unfair. I'm staying in Beijing, isn't it just to find my Jinlan?"
7. Jing'an (Lu Jing'an) said, "People who are abducted are usually either sent to opera troupes to learn acting or sold to brothels to become courtesans. I plan to take Sian (Li San) brother to visit shuyu (tea houses where courtesans perform) and smaller troupes to see if we can get lucky and find her." Hong Laifu replied, "That's a good idea!"
8. The two quickly ate some food, then bid farewell to Hong Laifu. Led by Lu Jing'an, they headed towards Shitou Hutong near Qianmen. Although it was already nine in the evening, the brightly lit and decorated brothels were bustling with customers coming and going.
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