Yanzi Li San: The Complete Saga - (5) Flying Visit to Hanyuan

(5) Flying Visit to Hanyuan

This is the fifth volume of the Swallow Li San comic book series, adapted from the novel The Legend of the Great Thief Swallow Li San. After the warlord Ma Fuxiang's home was robbed, Police Chief Tang Yuqi was in a frenzy, casting a wide net to capture Li San. Li San and Lu Jing'an agreed that Lu Jing'an would go to Tianxiang Library to ransom Jinlan, while Li San waited at the Qingyun Pavilion theater. However, both were being tailed by detectives. Lu Jing'an was unfortunately arrested, but Li San, as the theater dispersed, slipped into the backstage, evading the police cordon, and pursued the Police Chief's car. He then made a "flying visit" to Hanyuan, injured Tang Yuqi, and valiantly rescued Miss Luoxia, who had been abducted.

The theft at the home of Marshal Ma Fuxiang, a seasoned military veteran, became the top news story in Beijing, throwing Police Chief Tang Yuqi into a frenzy. He had to endure scolding from the mayor with one ear, while listening to reports from the detective squad with the other. He was so busy that he was constantly on the move, unable to rest.

2. As usual, he gathered all the ruffians, pickpockets, and "active" big-bellied men, giving them three days to provide leads. The police station also established a "Li San Special Case" team, headed by Ma Yulin.

3. Ma Yulin patted his chest and said to Tang Yuqi, "That day, I went to Tianxiang Library and saw two poor fellows who wanted to ransom a girl. Where would they get the money? If it really is him, he's walking right into our trap." Tang Yuqi was delighted upon hearing this and said, "Good! Keep an eye on him!"

4. Now, speaking of Zhang Lu, the huyuàn (guard) of Prince Wang's Residence. Since the Prince's Residence had been dissolved, he had become the Chinese huyuàn for the Doihara Mansion (referring to Kenji Doihara, a Japanese intelligence officer active in China).

5. The day after Ma Fuxiang's house was robbed, Doihara summoned Zhang Lu to his room and asked about Li San's situation. "Ah, Zhang Lu! This Li San is truly highly skilled! Can you find him for me? I want to hire him with a hefty sum!"

6. Zhang Lu beamed with joy and said, "He and I are sworn brothers, so it's not difficult to find him. However, the police are pursuing him, so it might be tricky." Doihara smiled and looked at Zhang Lu, saying, "No problem, you can hide him in my mansion."

7. Zhang Lu went out to look for Li San. As he reached the Qianmen Arrow Tower, he was blocked by Ma Yulin, who emerged from the city gate archway. Ma Yulin, with a cigarette dangling from his mouth, said, "Guard Zhang, it's been months! You've become a hanjian (traitor to China) and seem to have more money, isn't that right?"

8. Zhang Lu was a bit flustered by the question: "Ah, Master Ma, yes, yes." Ma Yulin said, "Good then, now you need to find Li San for me. If you don't, watch your head – it might be moving." In an instant, the old guard found himself serving two masters in this case.