Explore Chapter 42 of '水浒新传' with the original Chinese text, English translation, detailed Chinese vocabulary explanations, and audio of the Chinese original. Listen and improve your reading skills.
Having heard Chao Gai's words, Song Jiang was overjoyed. He immediately set out with Chao Gai and the rest of their company, taking a side path straight down to the riverbank. Mu Hong ordered his vassals to carry wine and meat, and they all boarded a boat together. Li Jun, Zhang Shun, Mu Hong, Mu Chun, Xue Yong, Tong Wei, Tong Meng, and Li Li-nine stalwart heroes in all, each with his attendants and weapons in hand-made their way to Squire Mu's manor.
Upon arriving at the manor, Mu Hong had his vassals butcher a head of yellow cattle and slaughter over a dozen pigs and sheep. Fowl, geese, fish, and wine-all were prepared in abundance, and need not be detailed. He then invited all the heroes to sit deep within the rear hall. Mu Hong ordered the vassals to close all the manor gates, front and rear. While wine was being served, they began discussing their strategy for advancing the attack.
Song Jiang said, "Had it not been for your rescue, brothers, I, Song Jiang, would have long since met an unjust end. The kindness shown today is weightier than Mount Tai. How could I ever repay you all? My only regret is that wretch Huang Wenbing, who dug to the very roots and picked at every detail, repeatedly instigating poison in his desire to harm us. How can such a grievance go unavenged? I humbly beseech you, valiant heroes, to do yet another immense favor: let us strike Wuwei Garrison, kill that scoundrel Huang Wenbing, and vent this boundless hatred that fills me, Song Jiang. What say you then?"
Chao Gai said, "A raid like ours, where we stole into the camp and plundered the stockade-that can only be done once. How can we attempt it again? That treacherous villain is surely on his guard now. Would it not be better to return to the mountain stronghold, gather a large host, and then join with our Strategist, Master Gongsun, Lin Chong, and Qin Ming to seek revenge? That would not be too late."
Song Jiang said, "If we go back to the mountain, we may never get this chance again. First, the mountain is far and the road long. Second, Jiangzhou is sure to issue official dispatches, and every place will be tightly guarded. Don't indulge in foolish hopes. We must seize this very opportunity to strike now, before they can make preparations."
Hua Rong said, "Our elder brother sees clearly. Even so, none of us knows the lay of the land or the terrain there. First, we must send a man into the city to scout the situation and also observe the routes and paths around Wuwei Garrison. We must locate the dwelling of that villain Huang Wenbing. Only then can we make our move."
Xue Yong immediately rose and said, "I have traveled much upon the rivers and lakes. I am most familiar with that area of Wuwei Garrison. Shall I go and make a reconnaissance?" Song Jiang said, "It would be best if you, worthy brother, made the trip." Xue Yong bade farewell to the others and departed that very day.
Let us speak only of Song Jiang and the other chieftains who remained at Mu Hong's manor, deliberating their plan to attack Wuwei Garrison. They readied their weapons, spears, and blades, prepared bows, crossbows, and arrows, and made arrangements for boats, both large and small. When their preparations were complete, Xue Yong returned after two days, bringing a man back to the manor to pay his respects to Song Jiang. Song Jiang asked, "Brother, who is this stalwart?" Xue Yong replied, "This man's surname is Hou, his given name Jian, and his ancestors hailed from Hongdu. He is a tailor of the first rank, truly swift with the flying needle and running thread. Moreover, he is accustomed to spear and staff, and once studied under me, Xue Yong. People see his dark, lean, and agile figure, and thus call him the Long-Armed Ape. He now works in Huang Wenbing's household within Wuwei Garrison city. When I saw him, I invited him here."
Song Jiang was greatly pleased and bade Hou Jian sit and join their discussion. This man was also one numbered among the Earthly Fiend Stars, so their righteous natures naturally resonated. Song Jiang inquired about the news from Jiangzhou and the routes to Wuwei Garrison. Xue Yong said, "At present, Prefect Cai Jiu has tallied over five hundred officials, soldiers, and commoners slain, with those wounded by arrows beyond count. He has now dispatched messengers posthaste day and night to report to the imperial court. The city gates close shortly after noon, and entry and exit are subjected to strict and close questioning. The original matter of elder brother's persecution did not stem from Prefect Cai Jiu. It was all that scoundrel Huang Wenbing, who three times and five times urged and instructed the Prefect to harm you two. Now, after the raid on the execution ground, the city is in great panic, maintaining vigilance day and night. I went to Wuwei Garrison to make inquiries and happened to run into this brother, Hou Jian, coming out for a meal. Thus I learned the details."
Song Jiang said, "Brother Hou, how do you know of this?" Hou Jian said, "From childhood, I have loved practicing with spear and staff, receiving much instruction from Master Xue. Therefore, I dare not forget his kindness. Recently, Judge Huang specially summoned me to his household to make garments. While out, I met my master, who mentioned your honorable name and spoke of this affair. Wishing to make your acquaintance, I came specially to report the details. This Huang Wenbing has an elder brother by the same mother, named Huang Wenye. Huang Wenye spends his life solely doing good deeds: repairing bridges and mending roads, sculpting Buddha images and providing for monks, aiding the imperiled and relieving the distressed, rescuing and helping the poor and suffering. Throughout Wuwei Garrison city, all call him Huang the Buddha. This Huang Wenbing, though a dismissed judge, thinks only of harming others and habitually commits wicked deeds. In Wuwei Garrison, all call him the Yellow Hornet. The two brothers live separately in two dwellings, but they come and go along the same alley; their homes lie just inside the North Gate. Huang Wenbing's residence abuts the city wall, while Huang Wenye's is close to the main street. While working there, I overheard Judge Huang return home and say of this affair: 'Prefect Cai Jiu has been deceived. It was I who instructed him, telling the Prefect to behead them first, then memorialize the court.' When Huang Wenye heard this, he could only curse behind his back, saying, 'Doing such a short-lived, wicked deed again! It has nothing to do with you. Why must you harm them? If Heaven's justice should prevail, retribution is right before your eyes. Would that not bring disaster upon yourself instead?' These last two days, hearing of the raid on the execution ground, he was greatly alarmed. Last night he went to Jiangzhou to visit Prefect Cai Jiu and discuss matters. He has not yet returned."
Song Jiang asked, "How far is Huang Wenbing's home from his brother's?" Hou Jian said, "Originally it was one household; now they are separated only by a vegetable garden in the middle." Song Jiang asked, "How many people are in Huang Wenbing's household? How many branches of the family?" Hou Jian replied, "Men and women total some forty or fifty persons." Song Jiang said, "Heaven grants me my revenge, sending this man to me specially. Even so, we rely entirely on you brothers for support." All responded in unison: "We will advance even unto death. We are determined to rid the world of such corrupt, vile, and evil men, to avenge our elder brother." Song Jiang added, "I hate only that villain Huang Wenbing. This has nothing to do with the common folk of Wuwei Garrison. Since his elder brother is benevolent and virtuous, we must not harm him either, lest men under Heaven curse us for inhumanity. When you brothers go, you must not inflict the slightest injury upon the people. For this venture, I have a plan, but I rely entirely on your assistance."
The chieftains chorused, "We await your instruction." Song Jiang said, "I must trouble Squire Mu to prepare eighty or ninety burlap sacks, and also a hundred or so bundles of reed faggots. We will need five large boats and two small ones. I ask Zhang Shun and Li Jun to pilot the two small boats upon the river and act in such and such a manner. Aboard the five large boats, we will place Zhang Heng, the three Ruan brothers, Tong Wei, and men skilled in watercraft to guard the vessels. Only thus will this plan succeed." Mu Hong said, "Reeds, oiled firewood, and sacks-we have them all here. The men of my manor are all skilled at handling boats on the water. Please proceed, elder brother." Song Jiang said, "Then we shall have Brother Hou lead Xue Yong and Bai Sheng first into Wuwei Garrison city to hide. Tomorrow night at the third watch and two marks, listen for the sound of a bell-ringing pigeon released outside the gate. Then have Bai Sheng ascend the wall to coordinate. First plant a white silk streamer as a marker near Huang Wenbing's house; that will be the spot for scaling the wall. Also, have Shi Yong and Du Qian disguise themselves as beggars and lie in ambush near the city gate. When they see the fire signal, they are to strike and kill the gate guards. Li Jun and Zhang Shun will merely patrol back and forth upon the river, awaiting the signal to coordinate."
Song Jiang finished making his assignments. Xue Yong, Bai Sheng, and Hou Jian departed first. Next, Shi Yong and Du Qian, disguised as beggars with hidden daggers and concealed weapons, also left. Meanwhile, they began carrying the sand-filled sacks and the bundles of reeds and oiled firewood aboard the boats. The heroes, each in his turn, girded himself and prepared his weapons. Soldiers lay hidden in the boats' cabins. The chieftains boarded their assigned vessels. Chao Gai, Song Jiang, and Hua Rong boarded Tong Wei's boat; Yan Shun, Wang Aihu, and Zheng Tianshou boarded Zhang Heng's boat; Dai Zong, Liu Tang, and Huang Xin boarded Ruan Xiao'er's boat; Lyu Fang, Guo Sheng, and Li Li boarded Ruan Xiaowu's boat; Mu Hong, Mu Chun, and Li Kui boarded Ruan Xiaoqi's boat. Only Zhu Gui and Song Wan remained at Squire Mu's manor to monitor news from Jiangzhou city. First, Tong Meng sculled a fast fishing boat ahead to scout the route. The junior followers and soldiers all lay hidden in the cabins. The manor's vassals and boatmen poled and steered the vessels. That night they set out secretly for Wuwei Garrison. It was the very end of the seventh month, with nights cool and winds still, the moon bright and the river clear, the reflections of water and the light of the hills merging above and below into a single expanse of blue.
Around the time of the first watch, the large and small boats all reached the shore of the Wuwei River. Choosing a spot deep among the reeds, they moored the vessels in a single line. Soon Tong Meng returned in his boat and reported, "There is no movement whatsoever in the city." Song Jiang then ordered his men to carry the sand-filled sacks and the bundles of reeds and dry firewood ashore and make for the city wall. Listening to the watch drum, they heard it striking the second watch. Song Jiang had the junior followers each shoulder the sand sacks and reed bundles and pile them by the base of the wall. The heroes all gripped their weapons. Only Zhang Heng, the three Ruans, and the two Tongs remained to guard the boats and provide support. The rest of the chieftains rushed toward the wall. Gazing up at the battlements, they saw they were about half a li from the North Gate. Song Jiang ordered the bell-ringing pigeon released. Upon the wall, a bamboo pole appeared with a white streamer tied to it, fluttering in the wind. Seeing this, Song Jiang ordered the soldiers to pile the sand sacks right there against the wall and instructed the men to carry the reeds and oiled firewood up onto the wall.
Bai Sheng was already there waiting to receive them. Pointing, he said to the soldiers, "That alley there is Huang Wenbing's residence." Song Jiang asked Bai Sheng, "Where are Xue Yong and Hou Jian?" Bai Sheng said, "The two of them have slipped into Huang Wenbing's house. They await only your arrival, elder brother." Song Jiang asked further, "Have you seen Shi Yong and Du Qian?" Bai Sheng said, "Those two are lying in wait near the city gate." Hearing this, Song Jiang led the heroes down from the wall and went straight to Huang Wenbing's door. Hou Jian was lurking under the eaves. Song Jiang called him over and whispered in his ear, "Go and open the vegetable garden gate. Let the soldiers pile the reeds and oiled firewood inside. Have Xue Yong find a torch and set it alight. Then go knock on Huang Wenbing's door and say, 'The great official next door has a fire! We have chests and belongings to store here temporarily.' When the door opens, I will handle the rest."
Song Jiang instructed the heroes to station several men at each end of the alley. Hou Jian first went and opened the vegetable garden gate. The soldiers carried in the reed faggots and piled them inside. Hou Jian then fetched a kindling flame and passed it to Xue Yong, who used it to start the fire. Hou Jian slipped out and went to knock on the door, calling, "The great official next door has a fire! We have chests to store here. Open quickly!" Those inside heard, rose to look, saw the blaze next door, and hastily opened the door to come out. Chao Gai, Song Jiang, and the others gave a mighty shout and charged inside. The heroes also sprang into action, killing one where they saw one, killing two where they saw a pair. Of Huang Wenbing's entire household, both within and without the gates-some forty or fifty souls, great and small-they slaughtered them all, leaving not a single person alive. Only Wenbing himself was missing. The heroes gathered up all the family wealth, gold, and silver he had amassed through his cruel persecution of good people. With a loud whistle, the many heroes shouldered the chests and family valuables and rushed back toward the city wall.
Meanwhile, Shi Yong and Du Qian, seeing the fire blaze up, each drew his dagger and began killing the gate guards. They also saw neighbors from the front street bringing water buckets and ladders to fight the fire. Shi Yong and Du Qian roared, "You people! Do not come forward! We are several thousand heroes from Liangshan Marsh, here to kill every member, noble and base, of Huang Wenbing's household, to avenge Song Jiang and Dai Zong. This does not concern you. Return to your homes quickly and take shelter. Do not come out idly to meddle!" Some neighbors still hesitated, stopping to watch. Then the Black Whirlwind Li Kui came whirling his two axes, sweeping along the ground toward them. Only then did the neighbors give a shout, grab their ladders and buckets, and scatter in a tumult. Over in the back alley, several gate-guarding soldiers with some men carrying fire hooks and rakes came rushing to fight the fire. But Hua Rong already had his bow drawn; with a single arrow to the leader's head, he shot one man down and bellowed, "Whoever wants to die, come fight the fire!" That band of soldiers retreated as one. They saw Xue Yong holding a torch, setting fire to Huang Wenbing's house from front to back. A chaotic, tangled blaze arose.
At that moment, Li Kui hacked through the iron lock and flung the city gate wide open. Half the men went out over the wall, half went out through the gate. They saw the three Ruans, Zhang Heng, and the two Tongs all coming to lend support. Joining together, they carried the plundered goods aboard the boats. Wuwei Garrison, already aware that Liangshan Marsh heroes had raided Jiangzhou's execution ground and slain countless people, dared not come out in pursuit and could only keep out of the way. Song Jiang and his band of heroes, regretful only that they had not captured Huang Wenbing, all boarded the boats, rowed away from shore, and headed back to Mu Hong's manor. Of this, no more need be said.
Meanwhile, from within Jiangzhou city, they saw the fire at Wuwei Garrison, reddening the sky to its very heights. The whole city buzzed with talk, and word was sent to the prefectural office. Huang Wenbing was at that very moment in the prefecture discussing official business. Hearing the report, he hurriedly went to inform the Prefect, saying, "My humble hometown is on fire. I must rush home to see to it." Prefect Cai Jiu, upon hearing this, hastily ordered the city gate opened and dispatched an official boat to escort him. Huang Wenbing thanked the Prefect, immediately went out, gathered his attendants, and hurried down to the boat in great haste. They rowed out onto the river, making for Wuwei Garrison. Seeing the fierce blaze lighting the river surface red, the boatman said, "This fire is at the North Gate." Hearing this, Huang Wenbing grew even more anxious. As they rowed into the middle of the river, they saw a small boat sculling past on the water. Not long after, another small boat came sculling toward them. Instead of passing by, it headed directly for the official boat, as if to collide. An attendant shouted, "What boat dares to ram us like this?" They saw a large man on the small boat leap up, holding a grappling hook in his hand. In response he called out, "A boat going to Jiangzhou to report the fire!" Huang Wenbing poked his head out and asked, "Where is the fire?" The large man said, "At Judge Huang's house inside the North Gate. Liangshan Marsh heroes have killed his entire household and looted his family wealth. They are burning it now!" Huang Wenbing cried out in anguish before he could stop himself, unaware of his peril.
The man heard him; with one sweep of his grappling hook, he caught the boat and leapt aboard. Huang Wenbing was a clever, perceptive man; he had already guessed eighty percent of the truth. He dashed toward the stern and threw himself into the river. Suddenly, from another boat on the river, a man emerged from beneath the water, grabbed Huang Wenbing around the waist, seized him by the head, and hauled him onto the boat. The large man on the boat had already come to assist; he promptly bound Huang Wenbing with rope. The one who had captured Huang Wenbing alive from underwater was White Streak in the Waves Zhang Shun. The one on the boat who wielded the grappling hook was River Dragon Li Jun. The two heroes stood upon the boat. The sculler of the official boat could only kowtow repeatedly. Li Jun said, "We will not kill you. We seek only to seize this scoundrel Huang Wenbing. Go back and tell that donkey Prefect Cai Jiu that we heroes of Liangshan Marsh temporarily spare his donkey's head. Sooner or later we shall come to collect it." The boatman said, trembling, "I shall tell him." Li Jun and Zhang Shun took Huang Wenbing onto their own small boat and let the official boat go.
The two heroes sculled their two fast boats straight for Mu Hong's manor. They soon reached the shore and saw a line of chieftains waiting on the bank, unloading chests. Upon hearing that Huang Wenbing had been captured, Song Jiang was inexpressibly delighted. All the heroes rejoiced in their hearts, saying, "We have long desired to meet this man." Li Jun and Zhang Shun brought Huang Wenbing ashore. After everyone had looked him over, they kept him under guard, left the riverbank, and proceeded to Squire Mu's manor. Zhu Gui and Song Wan welcomed the company, and they entered the thatched hall to sit.
Song Jiang stripped Huang Wenbing of his wet clothes, bound him to a willow tree, and invited the chieftains to sit in a circle. Song Jiang called for a pot of wine and drank a toast with everyone. From Chao Gai at the top down to Bai Sheng at the bottom, thirty heroes in all were toasted. Song Jiang reviled Huang Wenbing: "You scoundrel! I had no past grievance with you, nor recent enmity. Why did you insist on harming me, three times and five times instructing Prefect Cai Jiu to kill the two of us? Having read the books of sages and worthies, how could you commit such poisonous deeds? I have no father-killing feud with you. Why were you determined to plot against me? Your elder brother Huang Wenye, born of the same mother as you-how is it he cultivates such goodness? For long I have heard the people of your city all call him Huang the Buddha. Last night I did not encroach upon him in the slightest. You, in your district, do nothing but harm others, currying favor with the powerful, insinuating yourself with officials, and oppressing the good and kind. I know the people of Wuwei Garrison all call you the Yellow Hornet. Today I shall pluck out this sting for you." Huang Wenbing pleaded, "This humble one already knows his fault. I beg only for a swift death." Chao Gai shouted, "You thieving donkey! As if death could frighten you! Had you known today would come, you would have regretted your actions from the start." Song Jiang then asked, "Which brother will execute him for me?" The Black Whirlwind Li Kui leapt to his feet and said, "I shall cut up this scoundrel for elder brother. Seeing how plump he is, he should roast up nicely for eating." Chao Gai said, "Well spoken. Have them fetch a sharp knife and a brazier of charcoal. We shall slice this scoundrel finely, roast him for wine, and vent our worthy brother's wrath."
Li Kui took up the sharp knife, looked at Huang Wenbing, and laughed, "In Prefect Cai Jiu's rear hall, you could talk black into white, instigating harm and fabricating accusations out of thin air. Today you wish for a quick death, but I, your lordship, shall give you a slow one." He began by cutting from the legs, selecting choice pieces to roast then and there over the charcoal brazier to eat with wine. He cut a piece, roasted a piece. In no time at all, he finished cutting Huang Wenbing. Only then did Li Kui use the knife to slice open the chest, take out the heart and liver, and prepare them as a sobering soup for the chieftains. After watching Huang Wenbing's dismemberment, the many heroes all came to the thatched hall to offer congratulations to Song Jiang. There is a poem as testimony: Wenbing, seeking influence with clever schemes, yet bitterly pressed loyalty and righteousness. His treacherous plots unfulfilled, his body perished first, unable to escape the calamity of heart-plucking and flesh-roasting.
Suddenly, Song Jiang knelt down upon the ground. The chieftains all hurriedly knelt as well, saying in unison, "Elder brother, if you have something to say, speak freely. How would we brothers dare not listen?" Song Jiang then said, "I, lacking in talent, have been a petty clerk since my youth. From my first steps in the world of men, I wished to befriend the heroes under Heaven. But constrained by weak strength and shallow ability, I could not receive them as I wished, and thus failed to fulfill my lifelong desire. Ever since my banishment to Jiangzhou, I have been deeply moved by Chieftain Chao and the many gallants who pressed me earnestly to stay. Seeing my father's stern admonitions, I, Song Jiang, dared not remain. Truly Heaven bestowed an opportunity: along the road, all the way to the banks of the Xunyang River, I encountered many gallant souls. Little did I expect that I, lacking in talent, in a moment of drunken bravado, would nearly cost Prefect Dai his life. I am grateful to you, gallants all, for braving peril, entering the tiger's den and dragon's pool to rescue my remnant life, and for assisting in avenging this grievance. Yet by doing so we have committed grave crimes and stirred unrest in two prefectural cities. This will surely be reported to the court. Today, I, Song Jiang, have no choice but to go up to Liangshan Marsh and seek refuge with you, elder brother. I do not know what you all think of this? If you are willing to follow, let us gather our belongings and depart now. If any are unwilling to go, I respect your decision. I only fear the matter may erupt and bring trouble upon you instead. I beg you to consider carefully."
Before he had even finished speaking, Li Kui jumped up and shouted, "We all go! We all go! And anyone who doesn't go, I'll cleave in two with my bird-axe, and that'll be that!" Song Jiang said, "Such crude talk! This depends entirely on the willingness in each brother's heart before we can go together." Everyone discussed the matter: "Now we have killed many government troops, officers, and horses, and stirred up two prefectures. How could they not report it to the imperial court? Troops will surely be sent to capture us. If we do not follow elder brother now, sharing life and death with him, where else could we turn?" Song Jiang was overjoyed and thanked them all. That day, he first sent Zhu Gui and Song Wan back to the mountain stronghold to deliver the news. Afterwards, they divided into five groups for the journey. The first group consisted of Chao Gai, Song Jiang, Hua Rong, Dai Zong, and Li Kui. The second group consisted of Liu Tang, Du Qian, Shi Yong, Xue Yong, and Hou Jian. The third group consisted of Li Jun, Li Li, Lyu Fang, Guo Sheng, Tong Wei, and Tong Meng. The fourth group consisted of Huang Xin, Zhang Shun, Zhang Heng, and the three Ruan brothers. The fifth group consisted of Mu Hong, Mu Chun, Yan Shun, Wang Aihu, Zheng Tianshou, and Bai Sheng. Five groups, twenty-eight chieftains in all, led a company of followers. They divided the spoils taken from Huang Wenbing's household among themselves and loaded them onto carts. Mu Hong brought Squire Mu and all the members of his household, loading all their family wealth, gold, and treasures onto carts. Among the manor vassals, those unwilling to go were given some silver and went to seek other masters; those laborers willing to go departed together with them.
The first four groups left in succession and were already on the move. Mu Hong finished packing up the manor, then set over a dozen torches to it and burned the manor buildings to the ground. Abandoning the fields and lands, he set out for Liangshan Marsh.
Let us not dwell on the journey of the five groups, proceeding in stages about twenty li apart. We shall speak first of the first group: Chao Gai, Song Jiang, Hua Rong, Dai Zong, and Li Kui-five men on horseback, with their carts, attendants, and companions. After traveling three days on the road, they came to a place ahead called Huangmen Mountain. On horseback, Song Jiang said to Chao Gai, "This mountain is formed with a strange and forbidding aspect. Might there not be a large band within? We should send someone to hasten the rear groups to catch up, so we may cross together." No sooner had he spoken than they heard the sound of gongs and drums from a spur of the mountain ahead. Song Jiang said, "What did I say! Let us not move. Wait for the rear groups to arrive, and then we can do battle with them." Hua Rong fitted an arrow to his bow and held it ready. Chao Gai and Dai Zong each gripped their simple blades. Li Kui held his twin axes, guarding Song Jiang as they urged their horses forward. From the hillside emerged three to five hundred junior followers, clustering around four heroes in the lead. Each held his weapon at the ready and shouted loudly, "You who stirred up Jiangzhou, plundered Wuwei Garrison, and slaughtered many officers, soldiers, and commoners-do you think to return to Liangshan Marsh? We four have been awaiting you for a long time. If you know what's good for you, leave only Song Jiang behind, and we will spare your lives."
Hearing this, Song Jiang stepped forward, knelt on the ground, and said, "I, Song Jiang, having been falsely accused, bore injustice with no means of redress. Now, thanks to gallants from all quarters who saved my life, I do not know in what place I have offended you four heroes. I earnestly beg you to be magnanimous and spare my remnant life." When the four heroes saw Song Jiang kneeling before them, they all hurriedly tumbled from their saddles, cast aside their weapons, rushed forward, and prostrated themselves on the ground, saying, "We four brothers have only heard of Shandong's Timely Rain Song Gongming, longing to meet him but unable to do so. Hearing that elder brother was imprisoned in Jiangzhou, we brothers discussed and decided to raid the jail, but we lacked reliable information. The other day we sent junior followers straight to Jiangzhou to inquire. They returned saying, 'Many heroes have already stirred up Jiangzhou, raided the execution ground, and rescued them, heading for Jieyang Town. Afterwards they burned Wuwei Garrison and plundered Judge Huang's household.' We guessed elder brother must come this way. We repeatedly sent men along the road to watch, but fearing the news might be false, we staged this interrogation. We have offended you, elder brother. Pray do not hold it against us. Today, fortunate to meet our benevolent elder, our humble stronghold has prepared modest wine and coarse fare as a welcome. We invite all heroes to come to our humble stronghold for a brief stay."
Song Jiang was greatly pleased and helped the four heroes to their feet, inquiring of each his name. The leader's surname was Ou, given name Peng. His ancestors were from Huangzhou; he was of a military household guarding the great river. Having offended his superior, he fled to the greenwood of the rivers and lakes and earned the sobriquet Golden Wings Brushing the Clouds. The second hero's surname was Jiang, given name Jing. His ancestors were from Tanzhou in Hunan. Originally a scholar who had failed the imperial examinations, he abandoned letters for arms. He was quite adept at strategy,精通 in texts and calculations, handling thousands upon thousands without the slightest error. He could also wield spear and staff and deploy troops in formation. Thus men called him the Divine Mathematician. The third hero's surname was Ma, given name Lin. His ancestors were from Jiankang in Nanjing. He was originally a idler from a petty frontier household. He could play a pair of iron flutes and wielded a superb great rolling blade; a hundred men could not get near him. Thus men called him the Iron Flute Immortal. The fourth hero's surname was Tao, given name Zongwang. His ancestors were from Guangzhou. He was from a farming and field-tilling household, accustomed to wielding an iron shovel. He possessed great strength and could also wield spear and brandish blade. Thus men called him the Nine-Tailed Tortoise.
How are these four heroic gallants to be described? A "West River Moon" attests: In strength of body, none can match; in movement, swift as flight-Golden Wings Brushing the Clouds is Ou Peng, foremost ranked at Huangmen's height. In youth he hated brush-pens' failure; grown, he sought strategy's essence fine. With godlike calculation skilled in warfare, civil and martial, all-talent Jiang Jing. One note from iron flute splits hills apart; two bronze blades strike with awe divine. Ma Lin's form is even more ferocious, on the killing field he stands sublime. Zongwang's strength is like a savage tiger's; where his iron shovel falls, no mercy shows. The nine-tailed tortoise比喻多能; all are heroic chieftains, this we know.
The four heroes received Song Jiang. Junior followers promptly presented fruit boxes, a large pot of wine, and two large platters of meat, coming forward to offer wine. First they served Chao Gai and Song Jiang, then Hua Rong, Dai Zong, and Li Kui. They all exchanged greetings. Wine was passed around. In less than two hours, the second group of chieftains arrived, and each met all the others in turn. After toasts had been made all around, they invited the company up the mountain. The two groups-ten chieftains-first came to the stronghold at Huangmen Mountain. The four heroes had oxen and horses butchered for a feast. They then ordered junior followers to go down the mountain in succession and invite the later three groups-eighteen chieftains-up the mountain for a banquet. Before half a day had passed, the three groups of heroes had all arrived. They feasted together in the Hall of Gathering Heroes. During the wine, Song Jiang spoke up from his seat: "This time, I, Song Jiang, go to seek refuge with elder brother Chieftain Chao, ascending Liangshan Marsh to join in righteous fellowship. I wonder if you four heroes would abandon this place and come with us to gather at the great stronghold of Liangshan Marsh?" The four heroes answered in unison: "If you two righteous men do not disdain our poverty and lowliness, we willingly hold the whip and fall from the stirrup for you." Song Jiang and Chao Gai were delighted and said, "Since you four are willing to follow the greater righteousness, please pack and set out." The many chieftains were all overjoyed. They stayed at the stronghold for one day and passed one night.
The next day, Song Jiang and Chao Gai again led the first group, descending the mountain and setting out first. The others followed in order, keeping a distance of about twenty li between groups. The four heroes gathered up their wealth, gold, silver, and other valuables. Leading three to five hundred junior followers, they burned the stronghold's palisades and followed as the sixth group on the road. Song Jiang, having gained these four heroes, was very pleased in his heart. On the road, he said to Chao Gai from horseback, "Having traveled the rivers and lakes these several times, though I suffered some frights, I have also made the acquaintance of these many heroes. Today, going up the mountain with elder brother, this time I can only be dead-set and share life and death with you." Chatting of this and that along the way, they不知不觉 arrived at Zhu Gui's inn.
Meanwhile, the four chieftains guarding the mountain stronghold-Wu Yong, Gongsun Sheng, Lin Chong, and Qin Ming-along with the two newcomers, Xiao Rang and Jin Dajian, having already received the earlier report from Zhu Gui and Song Wan, daily sent junior officers sculling boats out to the inn to welcome them. Group by group, they disembarked at Golden Sand Beach, accompanied by the beat of drums and the sound of flutes. The heroes all rode horses or sedan chairs up to the stronghold. At the pass, Military Strategist Wu Xuejiu and the other five served welcoming wine. All then proceeded to the Hall of Gathering Heroes, where they lit a brazier of fine incense. Chao Gai invited Song Jiang to be the master of the stronghold and sit in the first chair. Song Jiang would not hear of it and said, "Elder brother, you are mistaken! Moved that you all did not shun sword and axe to rescue my, Song Jiang's, life, you, elder brother, are originally the master of the stronghold. How could you yield to one lacking in talent? If you insist on yielding like this, I, Song Jiang, would rather die." Chao Gai said, "Worthy brother, why say such a thing? In the beginning, had it not been for you bearing a sea-of-blood responsibility and saving the lives of us seven to come up the mountain, how could we have today's multitude? You are precisely the benefactor of this stronghold. If you do not sit, who should?" Song Jiang said, "Elder brother, in terms of age, you are ten years my senior. If I, Song Jiang, took that seat, would I not be ashamed?" After repeatedly urging, Chao Gai sat in the first seat, Song Jiang sat in the second, Wu Xuejiu sat in the third, and Gongsun Sheng sat in the fourth. Song Jiang said, "Let us not distinguish between high and low merit. The original chieftains of Liangshan Marsh shall sit on the left, the host's side. Newly arrived chieftains shall sit on the right, the guest's side. In the future, after contributions have been weighed, we shall decide anew." Everyone said in unison, "Elder brother speaks most fittingly." On the left side sat: Lin Chong, Liu Tang, Ruan Xiao'er, Ruan Xiaowu, Ruan Xiaoqi, Du Qian, Song Wan, Zhu Gui, and Bai Sheng. On the right side, in order of age, yielding to one another, sat: Hua Rong, Qin Ming, Huang Xin, Dai Zong, Li Kui, Li Jun, Mu Hong, Zhang Heng, Zhang Shun, Yan Shun, Lyu Fang, Guo Sheng, Xiao Rang, Wang Aihu, Xue Yong, Jin Dajian, Mu Chun, Li Li, Ou Peng, Jiang Jing, Tong Wei, Tong Meng, Ma Lin, Shi Yong, Hou Jian, Zheng Tianshou, and Tao Zongwang. Forty chieftains in total took their seats. With great fanfare of drums and pipes, they began the celebratory feast.
Song Jiang brought up the matter of Prefect Cai Jiu of Jiangzhou fabricating rumors, telling everyone: "That intolerable scoundrel Huang Wenbing, though the affair had nothing to do with him, babbled nonsense before the Prefect, interpreting thus: 'Draining the state because of family wood'-one who drains the state's resources must have 'wood' in his family name-is that not 'Song'? 'Blade soldiers point to water labor'-one who stirs blade soldiers must have three-dots-water with 'labor'-is that not 'Jiang'? This正好应验在 me, Song Jiang. The latter two lines said: 'Across thirty-six, spreading chaos in Shandong.' This indicated I, Song Jiang, was fated to rebel in Shandong. Thus I was seized. Unexpectedly, Prefect Dai also transmitted a false letter, and so that scoundrel Huang Wenbing urged the Prefect to behead first and report later. Had it not been for you heroes rescuing me, how could I have come here?" Li Kui jumped up and said, "Good elder brother! It matches exactly the words of Heaven! Though we suffered some bitterness, that thief Huang Wenbing also got cut up happily by me. With our many troops and horses, even if we rebel, what is there to fear? Let Elder Brother Chao Gai be the great Emperor, Elder Brother Song Jiang be the lesser Emperor, Master Wu be the Prime Minister, Taoist Gongsun be the Imperial Preceptor, and we all be generals. Let us kill our way to the Eastern Capital, seize the bird throne, and enjoy ourselves there. Wouldn't that be fine? Better than this bird marsh?" Dai Zong hastily shouted, "Iron Ox! You scoundrel talks nonsense! Now that you are here, you must not use that Jiangzhou temper of yours. You must listen to the orders and commands of our two chieftain elder brothers. Nor will I allow you to babble recklessly and wag your tongue too much. If you interrupt with such talk again, I'll have your head cut off first as an example to warn those who come after." Li Kui said, "Aiya! If you cut off this head of mine, when will another one grow out? I'll just drink wine then." Many of the heroes laughed.
Song Jiang also mentioned the matter of resisting government troops, saying: "Back then, when I first heard this news, I was terribly frightened. Little did I expect that today it would be my, Song Jiang's, turn." Wu Yong said, "Elder brother, if you had listened to the brothers' words from the start and simply enjoyed life on the mountain, not going to Jiangzhou, would we not have avoided much trouble? This is all decreed by the will of Heaven." Song Jiang asked, "Where is that scoundrel Huang An now?" Chao Gai said, "That scoundrel lived less than two or three months before he fell ill and died." Song Jiang sighed with endless regret. That day they drank, each to his heart's content. Chao Gai first had Squire Mu's entire family settled. He ordered that the wealth taken from Huang Wenbing's household be distributed to reward the many junior followers who had exerted themselves. He took out the letters that had been brought originally and returned them to Prefect Dai for his use. Dai Zong refused to take them, insisting they be stored in the treasury for official use. Chao Gai ordered the many junior followers to pay their respects to the new chieftains like Li Jun and the others; all made their acquaintance. For days, the stronghold slaughtered oxen and horses for celebratory feasts. Of this, no more need be said.
Furthermore, Chao Gai ordered dwellings assigned to the front and rear of the mountain. Within the stronghold, they constructed more buildings and repaired the walls. On the third day, during a wine feast, Song Jiang rose and addressed the chieftains: "I, Song Jiang, have another important matter I must report to you brothers. I now wish to go down the mountain once. I beg a few days' leave. I do not know if you will permit it?" Chao Gai asked, "Worthy brother, where do you now wish to go? What important matter is this?"
Song Jiang, calm and unhurried, spoke of this destination. And thus it was that: Amidst a forest of spears and blades, he would escape once more his remnant life; beside the hills and ridges, he would receive a legacy of a thousand years of illustrious deeds. Truly it was:只因 three scrolls from the Mystic Lady's book, a history of clear breeze留下数篇.