Explore Chapter 1 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.
Now, on the twenty-third day of the second month in the second year of the Xuanhe era of the Great Song, the chieftains of Liangshan Marsh assembled in the Hall of Righteousness and Loyalty to swear an oath of brotherhood, binding themselves as one hundred and eight sworn brothers in life and death. After the ceremony, they drank the oath wine, and all were overcome with deep intoxication.
Only the Deputy Chief, Lu Junyi, returned to his quarters to rest. That night, he was visited by a harrowing dream: all one hundred and eight brothers had surrendered and been executed. Awakening, he saw the bright dawn through the paper window and knew it was but a dream. A chill sweat drenched his back, his sleeping robe clinging fast. He lay still upon his pillow, lost in reverie.
Suddenly, a defiant thought arose: I, Lu Junyi, the Jade Qilin, have a place to be born and a place to die-why should I heed dreams, be they fair or foul? Driven to Liangshan Marsh by corrupt officials, this life is already one snatched from the jaws of fate. Each day I now live is bestowed by my sworn brothers. Even if that day from the dream should come, and we all perish together, it would be a fitting end. With this, he cast the dream from his mind.
At that time, brave commanders gathered like tigers, and warriors amassed like clouds-the stronghold thrived with vigor. Daily, Song Jiang invited Lu Junyi and the two chief strategists, Wu Yong and Gongsun Sheng, to deliberate on weighty matters. After several busy days, on this afternoon, Song Jiang, having partaken of a few bowls of midday wine, invited Lu Junyi to sit with him in an eastern chamber for a leisurely discourse. Gazing beyond the window, they saw several tall willow trees, their tender leaves hanging like strands of gold, their supple branches brushing emerald green. Stroking his moustache, Song Jiang fell silent, as if deep in thought.
Lu Junyi asked, "Elder Brother, what occupies your thoughts?" Song Jiang replied, "Worthy brother, look. It is now the third month of spring, the finest season in the southern lands. In years past, when I was confined in Jiangzhou, I departed in the sweltering summer and bid farewell in the dead of winter, missing this very stretch of spring's beauty. I long for a chance to visit Jiangzhou again for pleasure."
Lu Junyi said, "Elder Brother, best not mention the southern lands. While I was in Daming, I heard that in the Muzhou region, a man named Fang La has gathered a following of several hundred thousand, his might considerable. Even our thriving mountain fortress cannot compare. The people of the Wu region are now in a frenzy, flocking to Fang La's banner to slay the tribute commissioner Zhu Mian and petition the court to abolish the Flower and Stone Tributes. South of the Great River, an aura of slaughter hangs heavy. What fine scenery is there to admire this year!"
Song Jiang said, "I too have kept watch. Though Fang La commands over a hundred thousand, they are a disorderly multitude, lacking proper weapons like spears, blades, or halberds. What great deeds can they achieve? His following swells for two reasons. First, official corruption has left the people destitute; when someone raises the banner, the masses respond. Second, that villain Zhu Mian, propped up at court by Cai Jing and his sons, commits every evil in the Suzhou and Hangzhou regions. If he learns a commoner possesses a flower or stone of interest, he slaps a yellow imperial seal upon it, declaring it tribute. To damage even a speck is a capital offense. When transporting these items, they tear down walls and houses, destroying at will. The yamen runners from the Bureau of Imperial Tribute are like wolves and tigers. Wherever they hear of a notable flower or stone, even in a bottomless chasm, they force the people to retrieve it. Because of these tributes, wealthy families in Wu are ruined, and the poor lose their lives. When someone leads a revolt, how can the people not follow? As the saying goes, 'Heroes shape the times, and the times shape heroes.' Fang La has such a moment, yet knows not to train his troops and sharpen his weapons to cleanse the court of its corruptors. He merely boasts and arrogates titles. Once Emperor Huizong dispatches the imperial army to quell him, what then? Surely he cannot drive unarmed peasants into battle?"
Just then, Wu Yong emerged from behind a screen, laughing. "Elder Brother, I have been listening. Fang La has grand ambitions but meager talent; it is a pity he wastes the chance to wield these hundred thousand souls." Song Jiang promptly invited Wu Yong to sit and discuss further. "Had the court granted us amnesty and recruited us brothers sooner," he added, "without the court needing to loose a single arrow, we could have subdued that rogue Fang La."
Lu Junyi chuckled. "Mentioning amnesty reminds me of something. The other day, I had a dream, unknown whether it portends good or ill." He then recounted the nightmare. Wu Yong first laughed heartily. "Master, you are a hero famed across ten prefectures north of the River, yet you put stock in mere dreams?"
Song Jiang said with gravity, "Strategist, though it is but a dream, it springs from the heart. Our brothers gather in this mountain fortress, ever speaking of eradicating tyranny and bringing peace to the people. Consider those treacherous courtiers in the Eastern Capital-Cai Jing, Gao Qiu, and their ilk. Each has two ears; how can they not gnash their teeth in hatred for us? Should they truly move to offer amnesty, we must be doubly on our guard."
Wu Yong rose and bowed. "Your words are most apt, Elder Brother. I have a suggestion. Since our fortress captured Daming Prefecture, and we have attacked Dongping once and Dongchang twice, our forces have merely circled the northeastern corner of the Eastern Capital. Even if the court feigns deafness, officials of nearby prefectures must guard their heads. Would they not seek the patronage of Cai Jing and Gao Qiu to scheme against us? In my view, we must dispatch capable brothers to infiltrate the Eastern Capital and ascertain the court's designs."
Song Jiang said, "If the Strategist holds this view, we can send brother Dai Zong." Wu Yong replied, "For swiftly relaying military intelligence, brother Dai Zong is without peer. But this journey is to observe the situation, not troop movements. We need to discover what sinister plots the Cai faction hatches and what arrangements the court makes, to formulate our response. This requires one who can move among high officials and mingle with all. Brothers familiar with the Eastern Capital, such as Lin Chong and Yang Zhi, cannot go, for fear of exposure. I fear I must go myself."
At dawn the next day, the roll of drums summoned all chieftains to the Hall of Righteousness and Loyalty. Song Jiang took the chief seat and addressed the assembly. "Through the united efforts of our brothers, our mountain fortress now boasts elite troops and ample provisions, flourishing mightily. Yet treacherous cliques hold sway at court, scattering righteous men to the wilds. Who knows when the clouds will part and we receive the emperor's pardon? As the saying goes, 'In peace, do not forget danger,' and 'Know yourself and your enemy, and you will never be defeated.' We must send a brother, one who recognizes high officials and is versed in many arts, to the Eastern Capital to sound out the court's intentions. Which brother believes himself fit for this task?"
From among the Five Tiger Generals, Guan Sheng stood and bowed. "Elder Brother, I have harbored this thought, though unspoken. I privately discussed with brother Xuanzan that we ought to gather news from the Eastern Capital to guide our actions. Brother Xuan, having been a Commandery Prince's Son-in-law, knows many court figures, but his visage makes him unsuitable."
Song Jiang glanced back at the homely Commandery Prince's Son-in-law, Xuanzan. He rose from the second row. "Though I cannot go, I recommend a most capable man. He is a direct descendant of an Emperor of the Later Zhou, of noble bearing and generous heart, fully able to mingle with the gentry of the Eastern Capital. Though his fame spreads far, few in the capital would recognize him."
Song Jiang stroked his moustache and smiled toward Chai Jin, seated in the east. Chai Jin waited for Xuanzan to sit, then rose. "If Elder Brother assigns me, I shall exert my humble efforts. Yet the ways of the Eastern Capital gentry are unfamiliar." Wu Yong laughed. "That is no great matter. In today's capital, within the palace is Grand Tutor Tong Guan, and outside is Grand Preceptor Cai Jing. Their doors are flung wide, accepting tributes from all. Those beneath them all crave wealth. Our fortress holds ample gold, pearls, and brocade for brother Chai to employ. What path could remain closed?"
Wu Yong issued orders. "Dispatch brother Chai Jin, disguised as a wealthy merchant from Hebei, claiming newly returned from Wu and seeking connections in the capital to secure a post. Also dispatch the Wanderer Yan Qing, as his younger brother, to mingle with idle youths. Such fellows befriend nobles' sons; once familiar, he may enter ministers' mansions. Dispatch Flea on a Drum Shi Qian and Daylight Rat Bai Sheng as servants to gather news. Send Zhang Heng, Zhang Shun, Hua Rong, and Shi Xiu for covert protection. Prepare two carts of gold and pearls, four of brocades and curios. Assign Dai Zong for communication. The party descends tomorrow."
That day, a grand feast was held in the hall for Chai Jin and the others. Brothers who had long resided in the capital, such as Lin Chong, Xu Ning, and Xuanzan, described local customs. Chai Jin and Yan Qing committed all to memory. At noon the next day, Chai Jin and Yan Qing, disguised as wealthy men, with Shi Qian and Bai Sheng as servants, set off first. The two supreme chieftains, Song Jiang and Lu Junyi, escorted them to the Golden Sands Landing.
Lu Junyi observed Yan Qing: he wore a swastika-patterned headscarf, a white and green embroidered silk robe, a purple jade belt, and thin-soled red brocade boots. A purple silk cape draped over his headscarf. Slung across his shoulder was a green fish-skin scabbard, a bronze hilt protruding, its multicolored tassel fluttering. Beside him stood a white horse with golden crest, saddled. Lu Junyi smiled. "Brother Yi, with your fine appearance, in the capital you will lead gallants and noble scions. You will not give yourself away. My fear is that in pleasure quarters, you may find 'righteous' friends. If, in cups, you slip heartfelt words and are reported, forget your life-should you jeopardize our fortress's enterprise, even I would bear a sea of guilt." Yan Qing bowed deeply, assuring he understood. Song Jiang clasped Chai Jin's hand, giving earnest admonitions. The four bade farewell on the sands, crossed the river, mounted steeds, and took the road to the capital.
As they spoke, horse bells and hooves surged like a tide. Chai Jin and Yan Qing reined aside. Yellow dust swirled as twenty or thirty riders swept past. A youth wore a small purple-gold crown, a tight crimson embroidered battle robe, and a golden girdle. A quiver of goose-feather arrows slanted over his shoulder. He brandished a five-colored silk whip, astride a purple steed. Dozens of attendants in hunting gear surrounded him, some carrying game.
Chai Jin watched them enter the town. Bai Sheng cursed, "The audacity, swaggering under the Son of Heaven's nose! They've covered me in dust." He flicked grime with a whisk. Yan Qing smiled. "My brother, at the emperor's feet, speak not so crudely." To Chai Jin, he added, "If they dine here, it is an opportunity." Chai Jin nodded, and they trotted into town.
Within ten shops, beneath a tavern's eaves, many horses were tethered to troughs. Across in an open space, two ancient locusts held another herd, nearly blocking the road. The tavern was noisy with the party inside.
As they spoke, a captain at the large tavern's entrance eyed them. Yan Qing dismounted and led his horse to the rear tavern. The following carts crowded the street; they dismounted and tethered horses in an alley. Six carts lined the wall. The waiter came out smiling.
Chai Jin looked; it faced the large tavern. He understood and sat, Yan Qing opposite. Bai Sheng and Shi Qian sat with disguised carters. The waiter asked, "Honored sirs, how much wine? We have fresh meats and live Yellow River carp."
Yan Qing said, "Bring two measures of wine, and fine accompaniments. Since you have carp, prepare one with broth for rice." The waiter grinned. "This is the famed East Gate Post Station, with nobles daily. We keep premium fare." Chai Jin asked, "What standing has that party across?"
The waiter glanced over, lowered his voice. "Are you new to the capital? That is Young Master Cai with attendants, returning from a hunt. Travelers should not offend him."
Yan Qing asked, "The Grand Preceptor's son?" The waiter said, "The old Lord Minister's. This is the junior Lord Minister's second son." He slipped away as people moved. Yan Qing whispered, "Cai Jing's son Cai You?" Chai Jin stroked his moustache, nodding slightly. When the waiter returned, he shook his head at further questions.
Yan Qing poured wine, noting Chai Jin's gaze. "Brother, what ponders you?" Chai Jin murmured, "Cai You is ennobled 'Equal to the Three Excellencies,' the emperor dotes on him. His glory surpasses his father's. This young master is his son; knowing him justifies our journey. Yet how to approach?" Yan Qing said, "This tavern cooks well. Let us drink first, then devise."
Chai Jin drank in silence. Yan Qing, concentrating, heard raucous caws. Two ravens fought, flying to a large locust. An idea struck. He walked under the tree and called aloud, "We come to the capital seeking fortune. Why caw over our heads? I shall teach you." He took his crossbow, fitted a bolt, raised it high-swish-a raven thudded down.
Attendants from the tavern stepped out to watch. At the bolt's flight and raven's fall, they cheered. Yan Qing ignored them, fitted another bolt. The other raven fled the grove. Yan Qing said, "Nor shall you escape." He shot upward; the raven somersaulted mid-air, landing beyond the open space. Another chorus praised the shot.
Ignoring them, Yan Qing leaped over a wall, retrieved the raven-still skewered. By the locust stood a throng around the youth in the purple-gold crown. Yan Qing bowed. "I have disturbed the Young Master. Forgive me!" The young master, impressed by his appearance and courtesy, smiled. "You shoot well. Who taught you?" Yan Qing replied, "This humble one is from the Northern Capital, named Zhou Jia. The skill is ancestral." The young master asked, "What else do you know?"
Yan Qing bowed again. "In youth, doted upon, I received instruction from masters. I dare not claim prowess, but know a little of ball games, arrow-pitching, and music."
Young Master Cai stepped closer. "You can sing? What instruments?" Yan Qing said, "I play the sheng, flute, and pipa." Young Master Cai said, "Your accuracy shows skill. If you claim music, it must be true. In the capital, come to my residence. I need such a one. Understand?" Yan Qing replied, "I understand, but dare not presume."
Young Master Cai mused, "True. How would a country fellow dare?" Behind him, Captain Wu spoke. "What difficulty? Where he lodges, I shall bring him."
Captain Wu assented and followed Yan Qing to the small tavern. Chai Jin, seeing from afar, rose to greet him. Captain Wu observed his flower-patterned headscarf, embroidered jacket, and dignified bearing-no vulgarity despite travel. He smiled. "Your brother's shot delighted the Young Master, who wishes acquaintance. I am to guide you, lest you miss in the bustling capital."
Chai Jin, overjoyed, invited Captain Wu to the seat of honor and had fresh wine poured. To Yan Qing he said, "Brother, keep this officer company." He went to a cart, opened a chest, and presented two pearl hair ornaments, two bolts of brocade, and a jade hairpin. "I newly returned from Suzhou. These local trifles are a humble token."
Captain Wu exclaimed, "Ah! How can I accept on chance meeting?" Yan Qing said, "The Young Master's notice is fortune for three lifetimes. Henceforth, I rely on your guidance. Should I advance, I shall never forget. If you decline these, you disdain our hospitality."
Captain Wu eyed the fine items, worth perhaps two hundred taels. His heart warmed. Bowing, he said, "If so, I accept." With gifts aside, they conversed freely, Captain Wu asking much.
Chai Jin said, "My surname is Zhou, given name Ji; my brother Zhou Jia. We are brothers from Cangzhou, later moved to Daming. Hear our mixed accents? Trading north and south, I gained modest means. Elders urged me to seek rank for hometown honor. So, returning from south, I detoured to the capital, hoping to secure a Vice Director post through contribution. Though I studied classics and martial arts, in this talent-converging capital, I count for little."
Captain Wu laughed. "Master Zhou, know this: though it is the Zhao family's Song, it is the Cai family's world. Your brother caught the Junior Grand Councilor's son's eye. This is like seeking treasure at the Crystal Palace. Not just an honorary post-a prefect or magistrate comes easy. Unless you aspire to a Regional Commander or Minister, which requires maneuvering..."
Chai Jin clasped hands. "How dare I aspire so high!" Captain Wu said, "Human affairs are unpredictable. If my Lord Minister patronizes you, a commoner can ascend. With your appearance and talents, fortune shines." Chai Jin demurred while entreating guidance. After the meal, Young Master Cai sped away. Captain Wu fetched his mount and led the party onward.
From there, thirty li to the capital. Before sunset, they reached the walls. At suburban checkpoints, Captain Wu said from horseback, "Acquaintances of the Lord Minister's son." Clerks dared not refuse. The convoy entered grandly. Captain Wu guided them to the Rising Fortune Inn.
In the Xuanhe era, long peace reigned. Emperor Huizong, a风流天子, made the capital splendid. Seekers of wealth and status flocked there. The Rising Fortune Inn gathered such people. The innkeeper, seeing Captain Wu's guidance, was attentive. Chai Jin's group was well accommodated. Captain Wu arranged for Yan Qing to rest and promised to come next afternoon to take him to the young master. Yan Qing obeyed.
The next day, they waited all day, but Captain Wu did not come. Chai Jin, relying on him, dared not go far. By the third afternoon, still no sign, Yan Qing slipped into Chai Jin's room. "Strange," he said. "Young Master Cai was cordial, eager for me to seek him. Now three days without word. The noble forget."
Chai Jin said, "That young master seeks pleasure day and night; a chance remark on the road he will not keep. Yet for us, it is a golden opportunity. In the capital, who does not know the Grand Chancellor's residence? Let us stroll and circle the Cai You residence to observe." Yan Qing replied, "You are right. If we meet Captain Wu, we deal then."
They took loose silver and walked to the main street. Inquiring of the mansion's location, they went leisurely. At the lane entrance, broad flagstones lay shaded green. Two rows of locusts ran straight. No ordinary residences; carriages and horses came and went, people impeccably attired. Chai Jin dared not act rashly. Bowing to an emerging elder, he asked, "I am new here. Is Grand Preceptor Cai's residence within?"
The elder looked him over. "Do you mean the old or junior Lord Minister? This is the old. The junior's is a wide detour behind, with a similar lane. No other households."
Chai Jin asked, "May a commoner pass through?" The elder replied, "Observe the lane entrance. If placards read 'Silence' and 'Keep Clear,' do not enter. If absent, passing is fine. If not entering, detour past the gate. If entering, stand briefly; someone will inquire."
Chai Jin thanked him and stepped aside. "Brother, hear?" Yan Qing said, "Let us detour to the junior's residence."
They walked on, traffic growing crowded. Teahouses and taverns bustled with blue-robed or armored men. Shopfronts piled ceremonial items; children in red played games. Along the east, carriages parked in hundreds, half blocking the street. Between them, a lane under green shade: men in blue robes and black hats moved quietly. At the mouth, vermilion frames bore gilded plaques: "Silence" and "Keep Clear." Few pedestrians entered. Diagonally opposite, several establishments catered to the residence.
Chai Jin said, "Let us have tea. Perhaps Captain Wu passes." Yan Qing said, "Elder Brother, hear that music?" Chai Jin listened; from the lane's treetops, wind carried strains.
Chai Jin said, "No wonder Captain Wu is absent. The residence celebrates." Yan Qing said, "Then let us return. We have not sightseen this great capital!"
As they spoke, someone behind said, "You two seek Captain Wu? He has been busy." Chai Jin looked: a man in plain blue, carrying a food box-a residence attendant. He bowed. "Your honorable surname? I do not recognize you." The man pointed at Yan Qing. "At the East Gate Post Station, when you shot ravens, I saw you."
Yan Qing smiled. "My memory fails. Fortune to meet. Join us for wine at that roadside tavern." The man grinned. "Captain Wu said you generous. Seeing you, I believe. I too would know you." Chai Jin, delighted, led him to a tavern's private room and ordered fine wine and dishes.
The man introduced himself as Dong Gui, a minor attendant serving the second young master. The residence was a treasury, but little reached minor attendants. Tasks were few, people many; oil water scarce. His words struck Chai Jin's purpose. Chai Jin placed ten taels of silver on the table, bowing. "A token for tea." Dong Gui stood. "Master Zhou, how can I accept?" Chai Jin said, "Good brother, sit. Hear me."
Dong Gui sat. The waiter brought dishes. Yan Qing said, "We pour ourselves. Call when needed." The waiter left. They sat again. Chai Jin said, "Frankly, I am an unsuccessful scholar with modest means. My brother and I come seeking advancement. By fortune, our meeting attracted the Young Master's notice. I wish to pursue this."
Dong Gui glanced at the silver, smiling. "Master Zhou, you are generous. The residence has been busy; not that Captain Wu forgot." Yan Qing, pouring wine, feigned indifference. "What celebration? We heard music from the street."
Dong Gui chuckled. "Sir, from outside, you know not capital affairs. As the saying goes, 'The immortals' abode is in heaven; on earth, the Chancellor's house.' The old residence made merry daily. The junior's, granted by His Majesty, is livelier. Lord Minister Cai is in prime, dashing; the Daojun Emperor favors him greatly." He lowered his voice. "The Junior Grand Councilor trains a female troupe to please His Majesty. As inconvenient to bring them palace, the Emperor visits quietly. Yesterday and before, His Majesty came, returning late. Today, Six Ministries and Three Bureaus officials revel with him. The old residence has music sometimes, but not like here-twenty-seven or eight days monthly. These two residences make the capital a dazzling world."
Chai Jin listened silently, drinking from a large bowl. He thought: In years past, my ancestor ceded our splendid realm to the Zhao brothers. Though Chen Bridge made it easy for Taizu, he spent half a lifetime at war. Who imagined governance now? A Grand Chancellor but trains female musicians for the emperor's amusement.
Dong Gui said, "Master, why so lost?" Chai Jin composed himself, smiling. "This brother sings, plays instruments-all music. Since the residence revels daily, it needs musicians. I thought for him to find a foothold."
Dong Gui said, "That requires but a word from the Young Master. The Junior Grand Councilor has several sons. The eldest, Xing, is Palace Attendant. The one from the hunt is the second. He too will get office. In the capital, who does not sing: 'A title daily, a child in palace. Joy endless, wealth endless, Bianliang's two Lord Ministers, old and young.' The child is Grand Tutor Tong Guan. The two are my Lord Minister, father and son."
Fortified by silver and drink, the fellow poured out Cai family secrets. Seeing him drunk, and near the residence with many eyes, Chai Jin dared not provoke further. He slipped the silver into Dong Gui's sleeve, arranged a future meeting, and parted.
Chai Jin said, "Bring it. I need some." Dai Zong entered, whispering, "I lodge outside, met brother Shi Qian, know you have a path to Cai residence. The Chief Strategist orders report of progress. I return to the mountain fortress tomorrow."
Chai Jin said, "I have the path, but lack a clear plan. I must report to the Strategist." He composed a detailed letter and gave it to Dai Zong. His departure would stir the Liangshan heroes to new designs!