Zhang Bao's greatest regret in life was that his name never made it onto the bandit stronghold's sign. After …
Zhang Bao's greatest regret in life was that his name never made it onto the bandit stronghold's sign.
After leaving home, the three brothers had made a fearsome name for themselves. When they gathered to become bandits, even seasoned outlaws answered their call.
A name was essential for their stronghold in the jianghu. But since none of them were well-educated, naming it became a pressing problem.
"Enough dithering! Let's call it Zhang Clan Stronghold!" Eldest brother Zhang Long flicked a weed stem from his teeth.
"Too damn plain!" Zhang Hu wiped his broadsword disdainfully.
"How about... Three Heroes Fort?" Zhang Bao, the cleverest of the trio, ventured.
''Heroes? Who's a 'hero' here? You trying to curse us?'' Zhang Hu smacked Zhang Bao's head. ''We're named for the Long, tiger, and leopard—all fierce as hell. Why call it heroes?"
Knowing his brothers' limits, Zhang Bao swallowed his pride. "How about 'Claw & Spot Fort'? For the claws of the Long and tiger, and the spots of my namesake, the leopard?"
"Sounds clunky," Zhang Hu muttered, eyeing Zhang Long. "Tiger Fort—that's snappier!"
Zhang Long nodded. "Done. 'Tiger Fort'. Imposing. Memorable."
Zhang Bao's jaw dropped. "I'm still breathing here!"
"Ah, little brother! 'Parting Tears' has no tears, 'mooncake' has no moon, but by golly, Tiger Fort has a real leopard!" Zhang Hu tried to imitate patter of market square snake oil salesman with his forced explanation.
''Ugh, what nonsense is that!?'' Zhang Bao's beard twitched with anger. ''You two have been bullying me since we were kids! After Grandpa died, you'd have starved me to death if not for Mother!''
At the mention of their parents, the brothers fell silent. Their father, a butcher, had died young, probably from the ill karma of his trade. Their mother had raised all three alone, enduring untold hardships.
Zhang Bao knew life wasn't always fair. As the youngest, he'd always used their mother's favor to even the odds. After all, the baby of the family gets spoiled.
But this time, he was livid. They'd built the fort together, yet his name was being erased!
Zhang Long ignored him, ordering men to carve a huge signboard and spread the name Tiger Fort far and wide.
Zhang Hu agreed, oblivious to Zhang Bao's red-faced rage.
"Screw you both! I'm done with you two!" Zhang Bao kicked over a wine jar and stormed out, blade on his shoulder. Zhang Hu sighed.
That night, the fort was calm under clear skies. Zhang Hu stared at the moon, worried.
''Did we go too far?'' He still cared for his youngest brother.
Zhang Long, eyes closed, was tired. ''In this world, being bandits isn't a lifelong gig. If the fort ever falls, we might have to go down with it, but he shouldn't have to.''
''Bao's smart. He won't suffer, and he knows the way back.'' Zhang Long added after a pause: ''Send two sharp men tomorrow to check on him and bring him wine and meat.''
''Tell him no matter the fort's name, he'll always be our third chief.''