Chapter 119

Chapter 119

Now at that moment, a memorial was presented before Fang Yan's palace, offering to lead troops out of the cave to do battle—it was none other than the Eastern Bedchamber Imperial Son-in-Law, Lord of the Imperial Household, Ke Yin. When Fang Yan read the memorial, he was overjoyed. The Imperial Son-in-Law Ke then led the Southern troops, taking with him Yun Bei Feng Wei, donned his armor, and rode out at the head of his army. Fang Yan bestowed upon the Son-in-Law his own golden armor and brocade robe, and selected a fine horse for him to ride into battle. That Imperial Son-in-Law Ke, together with the imperial nephew Fang Jie, led some ten thousand troops from the palace guard, with more than twenty generals of the imperial escort, and marched out to the mouth of the Bangyuan Cave, where they drew up their battle lines.

Meanwhile, Song Jiang's army had the cave mouth besieged, and he had already assigned his officers to guard various positions. Song Jiang stood in the ranks, and seeing that of his brotherhood, two parts in every three had been lost, while Fang Yan had still not been captured and the Southern troops would not come out to fight, his brow remained furrowed and his face wore an anxious look. Then word came from the vanguard reporting: "Troops are emerging from the cave to give battle." When Song Jiang and Lu Junyi received this report, they hastily ordered their generals to mount up and lead their forces out to meet the enemy. They deployed their formation and saw that at the head of the Southern army's ranks, the first to ride out and challenge was the Imperial Son-in-Law Ke. In Song Jiang's army, who did not recognize Chai Jin? Song Jiang then ordered Hua Rong to ride out and engage the enemy. Hua Rong received the command, leveled his spear, spurred his horse forward to the front of the ranks, and called out in a loud voice: "Who are you, that you dare aid the rebel bandits and oppose our great army? When I capture you, I will cut your body into a thousand pieces and grind your flesh and bones to mud! Dismount and surrender now, and I will spare your life!" The Imperial Son-in-Law Ke replied: "I am Ke Yin of Shandong—who has not heard of my great name? You fellows are nothing but a band of outlaws and bandits from Liangshan Marsh—hardly worth mentioning! Do you think I am not your match? I will slaughter every one of you, retake the cities and towns—that is my wish!" Song Jiang and Lu Junyi, hearing this from horseback, pondered the words that had come from Chai Jin's mouth and understood what was in his heart. He had changed the character "Chai" to "Ke"—for "Chai" is "Ke"; and he had changed the character "Jin" to "Yin"—for "Yin" is "Jin." Wu Yong said: "Let us first see Hua Rong engage him." At once, Hua Rong leveled his spear and spurred his horse forth to fight Ke Yin. The two horses met and both weapons were raised. The two generals fought fiercely, grappling together in a tangled mass. Chai Jin said in a low voice: "Brother, you should feign defeat—we will discuss matters tomorrow." Hearing this, Hua Rong fought a few rounds, then wheeled his horse and fled. Ke Yin shouted: "Defeated general—I will not pursue you! If you have anyone capable, send him out to fight me!" Hua Rong galloped back to the ranks and told Song Jiang and Lu Junyi what had happened. Wu Yong said: "Now have Guan Sheng ride out and engage him." At that moment, Guan Sheng brandished his Green Dragon Crescent Blade and rode out to battle, bellowing: "Little soldier of Shandong, dare you oppose me?" The Imperial Son-in-Law Ke leveled his spear and came to meet him. The two clashed without the least fear. After no more than five exchanges, Guan Sheng also feigned defeat and fled back to his own ranks. Ke Yin did not pursue, but only shouted from the front of his formation: "Does any brave general among the Song troops dare come out and face me?" Song Jiang then sent Zhu Tong to the front to fight with Chai Jin. They went back and forth in combat, deceiving only the common soldiers. After no more than five or seven exchanges, Zhu Tong feigned defeat and fled. Chai Jin came in pursuit and thrust his spear at the air. Zhu Tong abandoned his horse and ran back to his own ranks. The Southern troops seized that fine horse first. Ke Yin Imperial Son-in-Law signaled the Southern army to charge and attack, and Song Jiang hastily ordered his generals to lead the troops in retreat ten miles to make camp. Ke Yin Imperial Son-in-Law led his army in pursuit for a distance, then withdrew his forces back into the cave.

Already someone had gone ahead to report to Fang Yan, saying: "The Imperial Son-in-Law Ke is so heroic—he routed the Song troops and defeated three generals in succession. Song Jiang and the others suffered another defeat and were driven back ten miles." Fang Yan was overjoyed and ordered a royal banquet to be prepared. When the Son-in-Law had removed his armor and battle dress, he was invited into the palace and given a seat. Fang Yan personally raised a golden cup and urged Ke Yin to drink, saying: "I never imagined the Son-in-Law possessed both civil and military talents! Your sovereign thought my worthy son-in-law was merely a refined scholar of literary gifts. Had I known earlier that you were such a hero and man of prowess, we would not have lost so many prefectures and counties. I implore the Son-in-Law to display your extraordinary abilities fully, execute the rebel generals at once, restore our great foundation, and share with your sovereign the boundless riches and honor of an era of peace." Ke Yin memorialized: "Let Your Majesty rest assured! As a subject, I shall devote myself utterly to serving the state and restoring the national fortune. Tomorrow, I humbly invite Your Majesty to ascend the mountain and watch Ke Yin do battle—I will cut down Song Jiang and the others on the spot." When Fang Yan read this memorial, his heart was filled with joy. That night the banquet continued until the deepest hours of darkness, and then each returned to his palace. The next morning, Fang Yan held court and ordered cattle and horses slaughtered in the cave. He commanded the three armies to eat their fill, then each to don his armor and ride out to the mouth of the Bangyuan Cave, where they waved their flags, raised war cries, and beat their drums to challenge the enemy. Fang Yan then led his palace attendants and close ministers to ascend the peak of Bangyuan Cave mountain to watch the Son-in-Law Ke do battle.

It is told that on that day Song Jiang issued his orders and instructed the generals: "Today's battle is not like other times. This is a most critical moment. Each of you generals must apply your full efforts. Capture the rebel leader Fang La alive—do not kill him. All you soldiers, the moment you see Chai Jin on the Southern army's flank turn his horse to lead the way, charge into the cave and join forces to pursue and capture Fang La. Do not disobey or delay!" The generals and officers of the three armies received the orders. Each one rolled up his sleeves and sharpened his sword or readied his spear, all eager to plunder the gold and silks within the cave, all determined to capture Fang La alive and earn merit and reward. At that time, Song Jiang and his generals all arrived before the cave, deployed their troops, and formed battle lines.

They saw on the Southern army's flank Ke Ma, the Imperial Son-in-law, standing beneath the gate banner, just about to ride out for battle. Then the Imperial Nephew Fang Jie mounted his horse and leveled his halberd, saying: "Commandant, hold your steed and watch. Let me first cut down one Song general before you ride out with your troops to engage the enemy." When the Song soldiers saw Yan Qing following behind Chai Jin, all the generals were overjoyed and said: "Today's plan will surely succeed!" Each man made his own preparations. Now then, the Imperial Nephew Fang Jie, striving to be first, galloped forward to challenge the enemy. From Song Jiang's ranks, Guan Sheng rode out, brandishing his Green Dragon blade, to engage Fang Jie in combat. The two generals met on horseback, advancing and retreating, wheeling and turning, but after barely a dozen exchanges, Song Jiang sent Hua Rong out to join the battle together with Fang Jie. Fang Jie saw the two generals coming to attack him from both sides, yet showed no fear or hesitation—he fought the two of them with all his strength. After several more exchanges, though it was hard to tell who would win, he could only manage to parry and dodge. From within Song Jiang's ranks, Li Ying and Zhu Tong were then dispatched, spurring their horses out to join the pursuit and attack. Fang Jie saw four generals coming to surround him, and only then did he turn his horse's head and flee toward his own lines. Ke Ma, however, blocked his path beneath the gate banner, raised his hand with a signal, and the four Song generals—Guan Sheng, Hua Rong, Zhu Tong, and Li Ying—pressed forward. Ke Ma then raised his iron spear and charged straight at Fang Jie. Fang Jie saw the situation was dire. Dismounting in haste to flee for his life, caught off guard, he was immediately pierced by Chai Jin's spear. From behind, Yun Fengwei Yan Qing rushed up and struck with his blade, killing Fang Jie. The Southern army's generals were stunned into paralysis and fled for their lives. Ke Ma cried out: "I am not Ke Yin. I am Chai Jin—the very Song vanguard's chief general, 'Little Whirlwind'! The Yun Fengwei who accompanies me is none other than 'Rascal' Yan Qing. By now we have full knowledge of everything within and without the cave. Whoever captures Fang La alive shall have whatever high office he desires and may choose his finest horse to ride. Any soldier of the three armies who surrenders shall be spared the blade; those who resist shall have their entire families beheaded!" He turned and led the four generals, rallying the great army to charge into the cave. Fang La, attended by his palace eunuchs and close ministers, stood atop the peak of Bangyuan Cave and saw Fang Jie slain and the three armies thrown into chaos. Knowing the situation was desperate, he kicked over his golden armchair in one motion and fled into the deep mountains. Song Jiang led the main body of troops, splitting them into five columns, charging into the cave to vie in capturing Fang La—but Fang La had already escaped. They only caught his attendants. Yan Qing rushed into the cave, called several trusted companions, and went to the treasury, where they plundered two loads of gold, pearls, and valuables. Then he set fire to the inner palace and forbidden gardens. When Chai Jin charged into the Eastern Palace, Princess Jinzi had already hanged herself. Chai Jin, seeing this, burned the palace and gardens along with her body, and released the lesser servants, letting each flee for his life. The generals all entered the main palace, slaughtered all the concubines, maidens, personal guards, and imperial relatives, and plundered all the gold and silks from Fang La's inner palace. Song Jiang gave his officers free rein to search the palace for Fang Lla.

Now then, Ruan Xiaoqi charged deep into the inner palace and searched out a chest containing Fang La's forged crown of universal sovereignty, his imperial dragon robe, his jade belt, his white jade scepter, and his shoes of carefree ease. Ruan Xiaoqi saw that the garments were all adorned with rare pearls and gems, with embroidered dragons and phoenixes, and thought to myself: "These are Fang La's clothes. It won't matter if I try them on." So he put on the dragon robe, fastened the jade belt, slipped on the shoes of carefree ease, placed the crown of universal sovereignty upon his head, tucked the white jade scepter into his bosom, mounted his horse, took up his whip, and rode out before the palace. The officers and soldiers of the three armies thought it was Fang La. In a great commotion they all rushed forward to see—but it was Ruan Xiaoqi. Everyone burst into laughter. Ruan Xiaoqi, treating it as a joke, rode his horse this way and that, watching the many officers and soldiers scramble for plunder. While this commotion was underway, the generals Wang Bing and Zhao Tan, who had been brought by Tong Shuchen, entered the cave to assist in the battle. Hearing the three armies in an uproar, they believed Fang La had been captured and came straight to claim the merit. Instead they saw Ruan Xiaoqi wearing the imperial robes and the crown of universal sovereignty, laughing and jesting. Wang Bing and Zhao Tan cursed him: "You dog! Are you trying to imitate Fang La and dress yourself up like that?" Ruan Xiaoqi flew into a rage and pointed at Wang Bing and Zhao Tan: "What the hell are you two worth! If it weren't for my brother Song Gongming, you two donkey-headed fools would all have been beheaded by Fang La by now! Today we generals and brothers have achieved this great merit, and instead you come running to bully us, the court knowing nothing of the details, thinking it was just two great generals who came to help complete the victory." Wang Bing and Zhao Tan were furious and wanted to fight Ruan Xiaoqi to the death. At that moment Ruan Xiaoqi seized a soldier's spear and rushed forward to stab Wang Bing. Huyan Zhuo saw this and flew his horse over to separate them. Meanwhile a soldier had already reported the matter to Song Jiang, who galloped to the scene and saw Ruan Xiaoqi wearing the imperial garments. Song Jiang and Wu Yong ordered him to dismount and stripped off the forbidden robes, throwing them aside. Song Jiang spoke soothing words to mediate. Though Wang Bing and Zhao Tan were reconciled by Song Jiang and the other generals, they bore a grudge in their hearts.

That day within Bangyuan Cave, the dead lay everywhere, and blood flowed like streams. According to the Song Jian, over twenty thousand of Fang La's barbarian soldiers were slain. At that time Song Jiang issued orders to set fires everywhere and oversee the burning of the palaces. Dragon towers and phoenix pavilions, inner palaces and deep chambers, pearl halls and jade-green chambers—all were consumed by fire. There is a poem as proof:

The yellow-roofed and vermilion-carriage halls rose half into the clouds; grease was spread and blood was splashed, yet all rejoiced.

If Heaven's will still tolerated luxury and excess, the jade chambers and Epang Palace need never have been burned.

At that time, Song Jiang and his generals oversaw the burning until it was finished, then led their troops to encamp at the cave entrance, setting up stockades. They counted the number of men taken alive, but the rebel leader Fang La had not yet been captured. Orders were issued for soldiers to search the mountains and seize him. A proclamation was sent to the local people: whoever captured Fang La would be reported to the court and given any high official post they desired; anyone who knew his whereabouts and reported it would receive a reward at once.

Now Fang La had fled from the mountaintop of Bangyuan Cave, making for the deep mountains and open wilderness, crossing ridges and passing through forests. He discarded his crimson-yellow imperial robe, threw off his golden-flower headband, kicked off his court boots, and put on straw sandals and hemp shoes, climbing and running to save his life. He retreated through five mountain peaks in a single night until he reached a mountain hollow, where he saw a grass hermitage nestled in the hollow. Fang La was hungry and was just about to go into the thatched hut to look for some food when, from behind a pine tree, out came a fat, large monk who struck him down with a single blow of his Buddhist staff, then bound him with rope. This monk was no other than "The Tattooed Monk" Lu Zhishen. He took Fang La, brought him into the hermitage, got some food to eat, and was just starting to lead him out of the mountains when he happened to meet soldiers searching the mountain. Together they bound him and brought him to see Vanguard Song Jiang. Song Jiang was overjoyed to learn that Fang La had been captured and asked, "Master, how did you manage to wait for this rebel chief at just the right moment?"

Lu Zhishen said, "This monk has been fighting since the battle at Wulong Ridge among the pine forests. I pursued Xia Houcheng deep into the mountains, and after slashing those greedy-for-battle rebel soldiers, I chased them deep into the tangled mountains. I lost my way and wandered aimlessly, following the path wherever it led, until I came to Linyu Mountain in the wilderness. Suddenly I met an old monk who led me to this thatched hermitage and instructed me, 'There is rice, firewood, vegetables, and provisions here—simply wait. When you see a tall man come from deep within the pine forest, seize him.' Last night I saw fire burning on the mountain ahead. The novice monk watched all night, not knowing what mountain paths or terrain this place had. This morning I saw this rebel crawling over the mountain, so I struck him down with my staff, bound him, and brought him in—and who should it be but Fang La!"

Song Jiang asked again, "Where is that old monk now?"

Lu Zhishen replied, "After that old monk led this novice to the hermitage and gave instructions about the rice and firewood, he left—and I have no idea where he went."

Song Jiang said, "That monk must have been a holy sage or arhat, manifesting his divine power in this way, enabling my master to accomplish this great merit. When we return to the capital and report this to the court, you could return to lay life and become an official, enjoying honor and rank in the capital, bringing glory to your ancestors and repaying the toil of your parents."

Lu Zhishen replied, "This monk's heart has turned to ashes. I have no wish to be an official. I only seek a place of purity where I can settle my life and find peace."

Song Jiang said, "If my master refuses to return to lay life, then go to the capital and serve as abbot of a famous mountain temple, becoming the head monk and bringing glory to the Buddhist tradition—that too would be a way to repay your parents."

Upon hearing this, Lu Zhishen shook his head and cried, "I want none of it! Having more would be of no use. If I can keep my whole body intact, that is enough."

Song Jiang fell silent and brooded over this, and none of them were pleased. He counted the officers under his command and found them all present. He ordered Fang La to be placed in a prisoner's cage and sent to Tokyo to be presented to the Emperor. He urged the three armies forward, leading all his generals away from Bangyuan Cave in Qingxi County, and they all returned to Muzhou.

Now Zhang Zhaofu had assembled Liu Dudu, Tong Shumi, and the two advisors Cong and Geng. They gathered in Muzhou, combining their forces and encamping their troops. When they heard that Song Jiang had achieved this great feat and captured Fang La, bringing him to Muzhou, all the officials came to congratulate them. After Song Jiang and his generals had paid their respects, Zhang Zhaofu said, "I know you have endured great hardship on the border and lost many brothers. Now that the mission is complete, this is truly a cause for great joy."

Song Jiang bowed again, weeping, and said, "When our hundred and eight men first returned to the capital after breaking the Liao, not a single one was lost. Who could have known that Gongsun Sheng would be the first to leave, and several more were detained in the capital? When we recovered Yangzhou and crossed the Great River—how could we have known that seven out of every ten would be lost! Today, though Song Jiang survives, what face do I have left to see the elders of Shandong and my relatives at home?"

Zhang Zhaofu said, "Vanguard, do not speak this way. As the ancients said: 'Poverty and wealth, high and low station—all are predestined in a previous life; long life and short, early death and longevity—all are allotted in this life.' As the common saying goes: 'The fortunate send off the unfortunate.' Why should you feel shame at the loss of your officers? Today your merit is accomplished and your name is known. The court is aware and will surely employ you with great trust. You will be granted titles and ranks, bringing glory to your family, returning home in brocade robes—who would not envy you? Do not trouble yourself with such matters; simply prepare to lead the army home."

Song Jiang thanked the commanding officials and went to give orders to his generals. Zhang Zhaofu had already issued orders that all the rebel followers and false officials taken alive—except Fang La, who would be sent separately to Tokyo—should all be executed in the Muzhou courthouse. As for the rebel officials in places not yet recovered, such as Quzhou and Wuzhou, when they learned that Fang La had been captured, half fled and half surrendered voluntarily. Zhang Zhaofu accepted all their surrenders and restored them to the status of common citizens. He then posted proclamations throughout the region to pacify and reassure the people. The remaining rebel followers who had not harmed anyone were also permitted to surrender, restored to their status as villagers, and their property and farmland were returned to them. After the prefectures and counties were recovered, defensive garrisons were stationed in each to protect the borders and keep the peace—of which no more need be said.

Furthermore, Zhang Zhaofu and his officials held a Great Peace Banquet in Muzhou to celebrate with all the generals and officers, rewarding the troops and officers of the three armies. Orders were issued for the vanguard commanders to prepare for the journey to the capital. The military orders went down, and each man began packing his gear and setting out on the road, one group after another.

Now it is to be told how Song Jiang, the vanguard commander, thought of the many officers who had fallen and shed tears unbidden. He had not known that six men—Zhang Heng, Mu Hong, and others—who had fallen ill in Hangzhou, along with Zhu Fu and Mu Hong who had been tending them, making eight in total in that place, had each in turn taken sick and died. Only Yang Lin and Mu Hong had made it back to join the army on the campaign. Reflecting on the toil of all his officers and that peace had now been achieved, he felt he should offer prayers for their souls. He therefore found a pure place in a Daoist temple in Muzhou, raised the long banners, and arranged for the great rite of salvation from the Nine Hells, performing a grand Cosmic Offering of three hundred and sixty degrees, to commemorate all the officers, regular and auxiliary, who had perished before and after. When this was done, on the following day he slaughtered oxen and horses, prepared the sacrificial animals and wine, and together with the military adviser Wu Yong and the other officers went to the Temple of the Black Dragon God, where they burned silk and offered sacrifices to the Great Black Dragon, thanking the Dragon Lord for his protection and grace. On returning to the camp, he had the remains of all the regular and auxiliary officers under his command who had fallen and whose corpses had been recovered each given proper burial. Then Song Jiang and Lu Junyi gathered the troops, officers, and men and set out with Zhang the Imperial Commissioner to return to Hangzhou, there to await the imperial edict and lead the army home. The merits of all the officers were recorded in registers and compiled into documents to be presented to the throne. A memorial was first written and submitted to the Son of Heaven. The three armies were prepared and departed in succession. When Song Jiang reviewed his regular and auxiliary officers, he found that only thirty-six had survived to return with the army. These thirty-six were:

"Song Jiang, the Protected Righteous"

"Lu Junyi, the Jade Unicorn"

"Wu Yong, the Resourceful Star"

"Guan Sheng, the Great Blade"

"Lin Chong, the Leopard's Head"

"Hu Yanzhuo, the Twin Whips"

"Hua Rong, the Skilled Archer"

"Chai Jin, the Little Whirlwind"

"Li Ying, the Soaring Vulture"

"Zhu Tong, the Beautiful Beard"

"Lu Zhishen, the Flowery Monk"

"Wu Song, the Pilgrim"

"Dai Zong, the Marvelous Traveler"

"Li Kui, the Black Whirlwind"

"Yang Xiong, the Sick Pass-keeper"

"Li Jun, the Dragon of the Mixed Waters"

"Ruan Xiaowi, the Living Yama"

"Yan Qing, the Prodigal"

"Zhu Wu, the Resourceful Military Adviser"

"Huang Zhen, the Mountain-controller"

"Sun Li, the Sick Commandant"

"Fan Rui, the Demon King"

"Ling Zhen, the Heaven-shaking Thunder"

"Pei Xuan, the Iron-faced Magistrate"

"Jiang Jing, the Divine Reckoner"

"Du Xing, the Demon-face"

"Song Qing, the Iron Fan"

"Zou Run, the One-horned Dragon"

"Cai Qing, the Spray of Flowers"

"Yang Lin, the Leopard in Brocade"

"Mu Chun, the Little Barrier"

"Tong Wei, the Cave-leaving Flood Dragon"

"Tong Meng, the River-overturning Merman"

"Shi Qian, the Flea on the Drum"

"Sun Xin, the Little Commandant"

"Gu Dasao, the Mother Tiger"

At that time Song Jiang, together with the officers, led the army away from Muzhou and advanced toward Hangzhou. It was just as the saying goes: the homeward-bound gongs shook a thousand mountains, and the banners of victory unfurled red for ten miles. Nothing further occurred along the way, and they arrived back at Hangzhou. Because the Imperial Commissioner Zhang's army was in the city, the vanguard commander Song Jiang quartered his troops at the Pagoda of Six Harmonies, while the officers all rested at the Temple of Six Harmonies. The vanguard commander Song Jiang and Lu Junyi went into the city each morning and evening to receive orders.

Let us tell of Lu Zhishen and Wu Song, who were lodging together at the monastery, resting their horses and awaiting orders. They gazed upon the beautiful scenery beyond the river and mountains, the landscape beyond compare, and their hearts were filled with joy. That night the moon shone white and pure, the breeze was gentle, water and sky sharing a single hue of emerald. The two men were in their monk's quarters. When they had slept until the middle of the night, they suddenly heard upon the river a sound like thunder—the roar of the tide. Lu Zhishen was a man of Guanxi; he had never known the tidal bore of Zhejiang. He thought it the sound of war drums, that rebels were stirring. He leaped up, seized his monk's staff, and with a great shout rushed out. The monks were all startled and came asking, "Master, why do you act thus? Where are you rushing to?" Lu Zhishen said, "This old monk heard war drums and wanted to go out and fight!" The monks all laughed and said, "Master, you heard wrong! Those are not war drums—it is the tidal bore of the Qiantang River." When Lu Zhishen heard this, he was struck with wonder and asked, "Master, what is this thing called the tidal bore?" The monks of the monastery pushed open the windows, pointed to the oncoming wave, and called Lu Zhishen to look. They said, "This tide comes twice daily, by night and by day, and never misses its appointed time. Today is the fifteenth day of the eighth month; the tide should arrive at the third watch of the night. Because it never fails to keep faith, it is called the 'tidal bore'—tide that keeps its word." When Lu Zhishen saw this, understanding suddenly dawned upon him. He clapped his hands and laughed. "My master, the wise elder Zhi Zhen, once gave me four lines of prophecy. It said, 'Capture when you meet Xia'—and I fought in the Wanpine Forest and took Xia Houcheng alive. 'Seize when you meet La'—and I captured Fang La alive. Today the prophecy is fulfilled: 'When you hear the tide, you will be perfected; when you see the sign, you will enter stillness.' Since I have now heard the tidal bore, it is time for me to enter parinirvana. Tell me, monks—what is parinirvana?" The monks of the monastery answered, "You are a monk yourself—do you not know that in Buddhism, parinirvana means death?" Lu Zhishen laughed. "Since death is called parinirvana, then this old monk shall certainly enter parinirvana now. Please heat a tub of water for me—I wish to bathe." The monks of the monastery all thought he was joking. But seeing the force of his character, they dared not refuse him. They had the temple attendants heat water and brought it for Lu Zhishen to bathe. He changed into a set of monk's robes bestowed by the emperor, then called to his military officers, "Go and report to Vanguard Elder Brother Song Jiang and ask him to come see this old monk." He also asked the monks for paper and brush and wrote a gatha. He went to the Dharma hall, pulled out a meditation chair, and sat in the center of it. He lit a fine stick of incense and placed the paper on the meditation couch. He crossed his legs, left foot over right foot, and by the power of his own natural being, his spirit soared into the void. By the time Song Jiang received the report and hastily led the other chiefs to come see him, Lu Zhishen was already seated motionless upon the meditation chair. The gatha read:

All my life I cultivated no good deeds—

I loved only killing and setting fires.

Suddenly the golden cord was loosed here,

And the jade lock was snapped in this place.

Ah!

The tidal bore upon the Qiantang River comes—

Today, at last, I know who I am.

Song Jiang and Lu Junyi read the gatha and sighed without end. The chiefs all came to pay their respects to Lu Zhishen, burning incense and bowing in reverence. Zhang Zhaodao and Tong Shumi within the city, together with the other officials, also came to offer incense in tribute. Song Jiang took out gold and silk and distributed it among the monks, arranging three days and three nights of meritorious rites. They fitted a vermillion shrine and went to invite Chan Master Dahui, abbot of Jingshan, to perform the cremation for Lu Zhishen. The Chan masters of the Five Mountains and Ten Monasteries all came to recite the sutras. They carried the shrine out and cremated him behind the Liuhe Pagoda. Chan Master Dahui of Jingshan, holding a torch in his hand, came before the shrine, pointed at Lu Zhishen, and spoke these words of Dharma:

Lu Zhishen, Lu Zhishen—

You rose from the green forests.

Two eyes that set fires,

A heart bent on killing.

Suddenly you followed the tide away—

Truly, there is no place to seek you now.

Ho!

You can cause the empty sky to fly with white jade,

And make the great earth turn to gold.

When Chan Master Dahui had performed the cremation, the monks recited the sutras in penance and cremated the shrine. Behind the hill of the Liuhe Pagoda they gathered his remains and interred them in the pagoda courtyard. All of Lu Zhishen's extra personal belongings, the gold and silver bestowed by the court, and the offerings from the various officials were all donated to the Liuhe Monastery for the common use of the permanent residents. His solid iron monk's staff and his black cloth straight robe were also left at the monastery to be kept as sacred offerings.

At this time Song Jiang went to see Wu Song. Though he had not survived as a whole man, he was now a cripple. Wu Song said to Song Jiang, "This younger brother is now maimed and does not wish to go to the capital to pay homage at court. I shall donate all the gold and silver I have received in rewards to this Liuhe Monastery for the common use of the hall. I shall live out my days as a carefree Taoist—that will be quite enough for me. Elder brother, when you draw up the roster, do not include this younger brother among those going to the capital." Song Jiang said, "Let your heart decide!" From then on Wu Song remained a monk at the Liuhe Monastery. He later lived to the age of eighty and died a natural death—but that is a later story.

Let us return to Vanguard Song Jiang. Each day he went into the city to receive orders, waiting for Zhang Zhaodao's army to advance. The troops had already entered the city and were encamped there. Within half a month, an imperial envoy arrived bearing the sacred edict commanding Vanguard Song Jiang and the others to lead the army back to the capital. Zhang Zhaodao, Tong Shumi, Commander Liu Guangshi, the two advisors Cong and Geng, and the generals Wang Bing and Zhao Tan—their armies departed for the capital in succession. Song Jiang and his men then made ready their forces to return. But before they set out, Lin Chong was stricken with a paralytic wind-illness and became bedridden. Yang Xiong died from a carbuncle on his back, and Shi Qian died from a violent intestinal ailment. Song Jiang was overcome with grief. Dan Tu County also sent a report stating that Yang Zhi had died and had been buried in the county's mountain cemetery. Lin Chong's paralysis showed no signs of improvement; he remained at the Liuhe Monastery under Wu Song's care, and half a year later he died.

Next, Song Jiang and his fellow generals departed Hangzhou, heading toward the capital. Just then, "The Wanderer" Yan Qing came privately to advise his master, Lu Junyi: "Your humble servant Yan Qing has attended upon you since childhood, and the kindness and grace you have bestowed upon me are beyond words. Now that the great enterprise is complete, I wish to return with you the official titles we received, and in private retire to obscurity, seeking a quiet place to spend the rest of our days. I know not what you think on this matter." Lu Junyi said: "Ever since we submitted from Liangshan Marsh to the Song dynasty, our brothers have endured a hundred battles, and our toil has not been easy. The hardships at the frontier, the losses among our brothers—we alone have survived, the two of us. Now we should return home in glory, win honor for our wives and ennoblement for our sons. How can you seek such a fruitless end?" Yan Qing smiled and said: "You are mistaken, my master! This departure of mine will bear fruit; I only fear that your going forward will bear none." Truly, Yan Qing understood the moment of advance and retreat, of survival and destruction! A poem bears witness:

The ambition to conquer lands and take cities is fulfilled;

I would return my titles and roam with Master Red Pine.

The world clings bitterly to fame and glory,

But fears that fame may never reach its end.

Lu Junyi said: "Yan Qing, I have never harbored the slightest disloyal thought. How could the court betray me?" Yan Qing said: "Have you not heard how Han Xin, who rendered ten great services, only met with his execution in the Weiyang Palace? Peng Yue was minced into flesh paste; Ying Bu was destroyed by bowstring and poisoned wine! My lord, think on this—when disaster strikes, it will be too hard to escape!" Lu Junyi said: "I have heard that Han Xin presumptuously declared himself king of Qi and incited Chen Xi to rebel; Peng Yue brought death upon himself and his family by not attending court at Daliang; Ying Bu received his appointment at Jiujiang but plotted to seize the Han emperor's realm. For these reasons, Emperor Gaozi of Han feigned a journey to Yunmang and had Empress Lü execute them. Though I have never received such high rank, neither have I committed such offenses." Yan Qing said: "Since my lord will not heed my words, I fear you will regret it too late! I had intended to take my leave of Commander Song, but he is a man of deep loyalty and would never let me go. So I take my leave of you here." Lu Junyi said: "You are leaving me—where will you go?" Yan Qing said: "I shall still remain near you, my master." Lu Junyi laughed and said: "So that is all it is. Let us see where you end up." Yan Qing bowed eight times, and that night packed a load of gold, pearls, and precious things on a pole and left, and no one knew where he went. The next morning, a soldier found a slip of paper and came to report it to Commander Song. When Song Jiang read the paper, it read:

Your unworthy brother Yan Qing bows a hundred times and humbly addresses the venerable Commander of the Vanguard: Since I was received into your service, I have received great kindness. I have striven to repay it with loyal service, but my debt can never be fully discharged. Now I reflect that my fate is humble and my person insignificant, unworthy of service to the state. I wish to retire to the mountains and become a simple man of leisure. I had hoped to take my leave in person, but fearing that the Commander, out of his deep sense of honor, would not lightly release me, I have departed in the night. I leave behind these four lines of verse as my farewell, and humestly beg your lordship's forgiveness.

Wild geese part in flight—one may well be startled;

I return my titles and seek no glory.

About me I carry the sovereign's pardon,

And through the dusty world I pass, free and at ease.

Song Jiang read Yan Qing's letter and his four lines of verse, and his heart was heavy and displeased. At that time, he gathered together all the official titles and tablets of the officers who had been lost and sent them back to the capital to be returned to the court.

The Song army advanced in a long procession. By the time they reached the outskirts of Suzhou, "The Dragon of the Mixed Rivers" Li Jun feigned a stroke and fell upon his bed. His men came to report it to Commander Song. Song Jiang, upon receiving the report, personally brought a physician to examine him. Li Jun said: "Brother, do not delay the army's return on my account. If the court censures you, and if Envoy Zhang has already been gone long, that too is a concern. If you take pity on me, leave Tong Wei and Tong Meng to look after your brother here. When I have recovered, I will follow and present myself at court. Please take your army on to the capital." Song Jiang heard this and though his heart was uneasy, he harbored no suspicion. He had no choice but to lead the army forward. Moreover, Envoy Zhang sent dispatches urging haste, so Song Jiang had to leave Li Jun, Tong Wei, and Tong Meng behind, and rode on to the capital with his remaining generals.

Now, Li Jun and the two others went to find the four men Fei Bao and his companions. They honored their former agreement, and the seven of them met at the estate among the elms and willows and made their plans. They pooled their resources and built ships, then set sail from the port of Taicang and crossed the sea to go to a foreign land, where they later became rulers of the Kingdom of Siam. Tong Wei, Fei Bao, and the others all received offices in that foreign land, took their pleasure for themselves, and established their own domain along the coast. Such is the later story of Li Jun. A poem says:

The man who knows the signs acts wisely,

His enlightened judgment surpasses the common run.

He binds anew the loyalty within loyalty,

And preserves a self beyond the self.

On the Xunyang River, his boat is moored to nothing;

At the elm estate, the willows grow fresh again.

Who knows how vast the heavens and the sea are—

There is another family beyond!

When Song Jiang and his officers led their troops on the road, there was nothing worth recounting. As they passed through the battlefields of Changzhou and Runzhou, Song Jiang was filled with sorrow. When the army crossed the Yangtze River, only two or three out of every ten soldiers remained. They passed through Yangzhou, entered Huai'an, and the capital was not far away. Song Jiang issued orders for all officers to prepare for the imperial audience. The three armies reached the Eastern Capital after the twentieth day of the ninth month. Zhang Zhao-tou's central army entered the city first. Song Jiang's forces camped outside the city, pitching their tents at the old Chenqiao Courier Station, awaiting the imperial decree. At this time, the soldiers left behind to attend to Li Jun came from Suzhou to report that Li Jun had not been ill; he simply had no desire to go to court for an official post. He had gone off with Tong Wei and Tong Meng, and no one knew where. Song Jiang sighed again and asked Pei Xuan to compile a record of all the officers, both chief and subordinate, who had come to court, numbering twenty-seven in all. He also recorded the names of those who had died in service, and drew up a memorial of gratitude. He ordered all officers, chief and subordinate, to prepare their court headgear and official robes to await the audience with the Son of Heaven. Three days later, the Retired Emperor held court. The close ministers reported to the Son of Heaven, who summoned Song Jiang and his men for an audience. As dawn broke in the east, Song Jiang, Lu Junyi, and the other twenty-seven officers received the order and rode into the city. The people of the Eastern Capital watched—this was the third time they had come to court. When Song Jiang and his men first accepted the amnesty, they had worn the red and green brocade jackets bestowed by the emperor and hung with gold and silver plaques. After defeating the Liao armies and returning to the capital, the Son of Heaven had ordered them to enter court in full armor and military dress. Now, returning in peace, the Son of Heaven specially commanded them to come in civilian attire—headgear and official robes. The people of the Eastern Capital looked on and saw only these few who had returned; all sighed with grief. Song Jiang and the twenty-seven men arrived at the Zhengyang Gate, dismounted together, and entered the palace. The Censor escorted them to the jade steps before the red platform. Song Jiang and Lu Junyi led the way, bowing eight times forward, eight times backward, and eight times in the center—twenty-four bows in all—dancing in the dust and shouting "Long live the Emperor" three times. When the ritual between sovereign and minister was complete, Emperor Huizong saw that so few of Song Jiang's men remained and felt deep sorrow in his heart. The Retired Emperor ordered them all to ascend the hall. Song Jiang and Lu Junyi led the officers up the golden steps and they knelt together beneath the beaded curtain. The Retired Emperor ordered them to rise. The attendant ministers rolled up the curtain. The Son of Heaven said: "I know you officers have endured great toils in pacifying the south. More than half of your brothers have perished, and I grieve beyond words when I hear of it." Song Jiang wept without ceasing and bowed again, saying: "With my dull and shallow talent, I would paint the ground with my liver and brains and still could not repay the great bounty of the state. In former days, I and my brothers numbered one hundred and eight when we swore our vow at Mount Wutai. Who could have imagined that today eight out of ten are lost? I have respectfully recorded the numbers and dared not presume to present them without leave. I humbly look to Heaven's mercy for Your sacred inspection." The Retired Emperor said: "Those of your men who died in service—I shall order that each of their tombs be honored, and their merits shall not be forgotten." Song Jiang bowed again and presented a memorial, which read:

Your servant, Song Jiang, Commander-in-Chief and Vanguard Commissioner of the Pacification of the South, respectfully submits this memorial: We, Jiang and the others, are foolish and mediocre men, uncultivated and lowly. We once committed boundless crimes, yet by great fortune we received the most immense favor—how can the height of Heaven and the breadth of Earth be requited? What is the pulverizing of bones and bodies worth in repayment? With all our strength, we left the water marshes to purge evil; with united hearts, we ascended Mount Wutai to swear our vows. In loyalty and righteousness, we guarded the state and protected the people. At Youzhou we fought the Liao forces; at Qingxi Cave we captured Fang La. Though our humble merits reached the throne, alas, our worthy generals descended below. Jiang grieves day and night, mourns morning and evening. We humbly look to Heaven's grace for Your sacred inspection, that those who have perished may all receive Your bounty, and those who survive may be sheltered by Your great mercy. Jiang begs to return to the fields and become a farmer—truly this is Your Majesty's gift of benevolent nurture. Jiang and the others cannot contain their trembling dread! We respectfully record the numbers of the living and the dead and submit them with this memorial.

Fifty-nine chief and subordinate officers who died in battle:

Fourteen chief officers:

Qin Ming, Xu Ning, Dong Ping, Zhang Qing, Liu Tang, Shi Jin, Suo Chao, Zhang Shun, Ruan Xiaoer, Ruan Xiaowu, Lei Heng, Shi Xiu, Xie Zhen, Xie Bao

Forty-five subordinate officers:

Song Wan, Jiao Ting, Tao Zongwang, Han Tao, Peng Qi, Zheng Tianshou, Cao Zheng, Wang Dingliu, Xuan Zan, Kong Liang, Shi En, Hao Siwen, Deng Fei, Zhou Tong, Gong Wang, Bao Xu, Duan Jingzhu, Hou Jian, Meng Kang, Wang Ying, Hu Sanniang, Xiang Chong, Li Gun, Yan Shun, Ma Lin, Shan Tinggui, Wei Dingguo, Lü Fang, Guo Sheng, Ou Peng, Chen Da, Yang Chun, Yu Baosi, Li Zhong, Xue Yong, Li Yun, Shi Yong, Du Qian, Ding Desun, Zou Yuan, Li Li, Tang Long, Cai Fu, Zhang Qing, Sun Erniang

Ten chief and subordinate officers who died of illness on the road:

Five chief officers:

Lin Chong, Yang Zhi, Zhang Heng, Mu Hong, Yang Xiong

Five subordinate officers:

Kong Ming, Zhu Gui, Zhu Fu, Bai Sheng, Shi Qian

One chief officer who entered nirvana at the Temple of Six Harmonies in Hangzhou:

Lu Zhishen

One who refused the imperial favor and took monastic vows at Liuhe Temple—a chief commander:

Wu Song

One who had previously returned to Jizhou in the capital to take monastic vows—a chief commander:

Gongsun Sheng

Four who refused the imperial favor and departed en route—chief and deputy commanders:

Two chief commanders:

Yan Qing, Li Jun

Two deputy commanders:

Tong Wei, Tong Meng

Five deputy commanders who had remained in the capital, along with the recalled physician, now in the capital:

An Daoquan, Huangfu Duan, Jin Dajian, Xiao Rang, Yue He

Twenty-seven chief and deputy commanders and aides now in attendance at court:

Twelve chief commanders:

Song Jiang, Lu Junyi, Wu Yong, Guan Sheng, Huyan Zhuo, Hua Rong, Chai Jin, Li Ying, Zhu Tong, Dai Zong, Li Kui, Xiao Qi

Fifteen deputy commanders:

Zhu Wu, Huang Xin, Sun Li, Fan Rui, Ling Zhen, Pei Xuan, Jiang Jing, Du Xing, Song Qing, Zou Run, Cai Qing, Yang Lin, Mu Chun, Sun Xun, Gu Dasao

On a day of the ninth month, in the fifth year of the Xuanhe reign, the Vanguard Commissioner Song Jiang and Deputy Vanguard Commissioner Lu Junyi, along with others, respectfully present this memorial.

The Emperor reviewed the memorial and sighed repeatedly. He said, "You one hundred and eight men were destined by the stars. Now only twenty-seven remain before me, and a mere four have resigned. Truly, eight of every ten have perished!" Thereupon he issued a sacred edict, bestowing posthumous titles upon those who had died in service—chief commanders were enfeoffed as "Loyal and Martial Gentlemen," and deputy commanders as "Righteous and Upright Gentlemen." Those with descendants were ordered to proceed to the capital to inherit their titles according to rank; those without descendants were granted temples, to be worshiped in their localities. Zhang Shun, having demonstrated meritorious supernatural powers, was posthumously enfeoffed as "General of Jinhua." The monk Lu Zhishen, having captured the enemy with distinction and attained parinirvana through seated meditation at a great monastery, was posthumously honored as "Righteous and Resplendent Illuminating Chan Master." Wu Song, having distinguished himself in battle and lost an arm to injury, now dwelled as a monk at Liuhe Temple and was enfeoffed as "Pure and Loyal Ancestor-Teacher," with a grant of one hundred thousand strings of cash to sustain him through his remaining years. Of the deceased women warriors: Hu Sanniang was posthumously honored as "Lady of Huayang Commandery"; Sun Erniang was posthumously honored as "Lady of Jingde Commandery."

Of those now in attendance at court—apart from the Vanguard Commissioner, who received a separate appointment—the ten chief commanders were each appointed "Martial Integrity General" and military commissioner of their respective prefectures; the fifteen deputy commanders were each appointed "Martial Excellence Gentleman" and regional commander of their respective circuits, with authority over military and civil affairs, subject to the orders of the Secretariat and Censorate. The woman warrior Gu Dasao was enfeoffed as "Lady of Dongyuan County."

Vanguard Commissioner Song Jiang received the additional appointment of "Gentleman of Martial Virtue," with the posts of Pacification Commissioner of Chuzhou and Commander-in-Chief of Military Affairs.

Deputy Vanguard Commissioner Lu Junyi received the additional appointment of "Gentleman of Martial Merit," with the posts of Pacification Commissioner of Luzhou and Deputy Commander-in-Chief of Military Affairs.

Military Advisor Wu Yong was appointed Fiscal Commissioner of Wusheng Army.

Guan Sheng was appointed Chief Commander of Military Affairs at the Daming Prefecture.

Huyan Zhuo was appointed Commander of the Imperial Guard Cavalry and Infantry.

Hua Rong was appointed Chief Military Commissioner of Yingtian Prefecture.

Chai Jin was appointed Chief Commissioner of Haisheng Army at Cangzhou.

Li Ying was appointed Chief Commissioner of Zhongshan Prefecture and Yunzhou.

Zhu Tong was appointed Chief Commissioner of Baoding Prefecture.

Dai Zong was appointed Chief Commissioner of Yanzhou Prefecture.

Li Kui was appointed Chief Commissioner of Zhenjiang and Runzhou.

Xiao Qi was appointed Chief Commissioner of Gaitian Army.

The Son of Heaven issued an imperial decree, appointing each of the principal and subordinate officers to their respective ranks and offices. They all expressed their gratitude and received their rewards. The fifteen subordinate officers each received three hundred taels of gold and silk bolts of five colors; the ten principal officers each received five hundred taels of gold and silk bolts of eight colors. Vanguard leaders Song Jiang and Lu Junyi each received one thousand taels of gold and silk, ten bolts of brocade, a set of imperial embroidered robes, and a fine horse. When Song Jiang and the others had finished offering thanks, they memorialized the throne again: that the Great King of Wulong in Muzhou had manifested his divine power a second time, protecting the nation and its people, and safeguarding the officers and soldiers, thereby achieving total victory. The Son of Heaven approved the memorial and issued a sacred edict conferring the additional title "Dragon King of Loyal Tranquility, Spiritual Virtue, Universal Protection, and Kindly Favor." By imperial brush, Muzhou was renamed Yanzhou and Shezhou was renamed Huizhou, because these were the regions where Fang La had risen in rebellion—each name now bore a character suggesting "rebellion." Qingxi County was renamed Chun'andong County, and Dongyuandong was heaped up into a mountain islet. The Son of Heaven ordered funds drawn from the prefectural treasury to build a temple for the Great King of Wulong, with a plaque inscribed by the imperial hand. To this day, the ancient site still remains. Throughout Jiangnan, wherever Fang La had brought destruction and the common people had suffered, taxes and labor service were universally remitted for three years. That day, Song Jiang and the others expressed their gratitude to the throne, and the Son of Heaven ordered a Great Peace Banquet to celebrate the meritorious officials. Civil and military officials, the Nine Ministers and the Four Chancellors, all attended the imperial feast together. When the congratulatory banquet concluded that day, the generals offered their thanks. Song Jiang then memorialized: "Since my subordinates accepted amnesty at Liangshan Marsh, more than half of the soldiers have perished. There are still those who wish to return home. I humbly beg Your Majesty's sacred grace to grant them generous treatment." The Son of Heaven approved the memorial and issued a decree: "...Those who wish to remain in the military shall each receive one hundred strings of cash and ten bolts of silk, and shall be assigned to the Longmeng and Huwei camps for training, receiving monthly rations and provisions for their maintenance. Those who do not wish to serve shall each receive two hundred strings of cash and ten bolts of silk, and shall each return to their home villages to serve as commoners and fulfill their duties..." Song Jiang further memorialized: "I was born in Yuncheng County. Since my offense, I have not dared to return to my home village. I beg Your Sacred Majesty's gracious mercy to grant me leave to return and sweep the tombs of my ancestors, visit my relatives, and then return to my post in Chuzhou. I dare not act on my own authority—I humbly request an imperial edict." The Son of Heaven, upon hearing this memorial, was greatly pleased and bestowed an additional one hundred thousand strings of capital for his return home. When Song Jiang had finished offering thanks, he took leave of the throne and departed from the court. The following day, the Secretariat hosted a Great Peace Banquet to entertain the generals. On the third day, the Privy Council also held a banquet to celebrate the restoration of peace. As for Zhang Zhaofu, Liu Dudu, Tong Shumi, the two advisors Cong and Geng, and the two great generals Wang and Zhao—the court promoted them to high ranks separately, which is not recorded in this volume. The Grand Court of Astrology submitted a memorial requesting an imperial decree, and Fang La was sentenced to death by slow slicing at the marketplace in the Eastern Capital, where he was cut apart for three days as a public spectacle. There is a poem as proof:

On the day Song Jiang received heavy rewards and promotion,

Fang La met his execution by slow slicing.

Good and evil in the end receive their due reward—

It is only a matter of whether it comes early or late!

To return to Song Jiang: having received the imperial decree granting leave to visit his family, he had the subordinate officers register those who wished to remain in the military and sent them to the Longmeng and Huwei camps for training, distributing rewards and military provisions. Those who wished to return to civilian life were given silver and sent back to their home villages to serve as commoners. The subordinate generals also each received their appointed rewards and were assigned to govern military or civil affairs, protecting the territory and serving as officials in various regions. They received their official commissions and departed to take up their posts, bringing peace to the nation and security to the people.

When Song Jiang had finished all arrangements, he took temporary leave of his companions and led his younger brother Song Qing, accompanied by one or two hundred personal soldiers carrying the imperial gifts, luggage, clothing, and rewards. They departed from the Eastern Capital and headed toward Shandong. Song Jiang and Song Qing rode on horseback, returning home in glory, leaving the capital behind and heading back to their native land. The journey was uneventful, and they arrived at Song Family Village in Yuncheng County, Shandong. The old acquaintances, village elders, relatives, and family friends all came out to welcome Song Jiang back to the manor. Unexpectedly, Song the Elder had already died, and his coffin still rested there. Song Jiang and Song Qing wept with grief, overwhelmed by sorrow. The family members and household retainers all came to pay their respects. The manor lands, household goods, and possessions that Song the Elder had arranged in his lifetime were still intact as before. On the manor, Song Jiang arranged meritorious rites, inviting monks and Taoists to perform ceremonies and accumulate spiritual merit, praying for the salvation of his deceased parents and relatives. Prefectural and county officials came in an unbroken stream to pay their respects. On a chosen auspicious day, he personally escorted his father's coffin to a high plain for burial. On that day, local officials, neighbors, elders, guests, and family members all came to attend the funeral—of which no more need be said. Song Jiang remembered that his vow to the Goddess of the Ninth Heaven remained unfulfilled, so he spent fifty thousand strings of cash and ordered craftsmen to rebuild the temple of the Goddess of the Ninth Heaven, including the two corridors and mountain gates, adorning the sacred image and painting the two corridors—all was completed. Before he realized it, he had been in his home village for many days, and he feared the Son of Heaven might reproach him. He chose a day to remove the mourning garments and held several more days of Taoist rites, then hosted a great gathering, inviting the respected elders of the village to feast and drink together, to renew the bonds of their long separation. The following day, his relatives also held celebratory banquets—of which no more need be said. Song Jiang entrusted the manor and its lands to his younger brother Song Qing—although he had received an official rank, Song Qing remained in the village, farming the land and maintaining the ancestral sacrifices. Song Jiang distributed his surplus money and silk to the common people.

After Song Jiang had stayed in his home village for several months, he took leave of the village elders and old friends and returned to the Eastern Capital to rejoin his brothers. Some of his men had brought their families to live in the capital; others had gone to their assigned posts. Those whose husbands or brothers had died in the service of the court had already received imperial grants of gold and silk from the court, which sent them back to their home villages with generous provisions for their families. By the time Song Jiang arrived in the Eastern Capital, all arrangements for sending men home had been completed. He received his orders at court, took leave of the officials of the Secretariat and the Privy Council, and prepared to proceed to his post. Just then, "Divine Traveler" Dai Zong came to visit Song Jiang. During their conversation, he spoke words that would have consequences—Song Jiang would live as a hero of Yuncheng County and die as the earth god of Liuer'wa. Indeed, a solemn breeze stirs in the temple, and a majestic portrait stands in the Hall of Lingyan. What words did Dai Zong speak to Song Jiang? Listen to the explanation in the next chapter.