Chapter 120

Chapter 120

It is told that Song Jiang, having achieved glory and returned to his homeland, came back to the Eastern Capital and reunited with his brothers. He bade each of them pack their belongings and proceed to their respective posts. At that time, the "Marvelous Traveler" Dai Zong came to visit Song Jiang. The two sat together and spoke of this and that. Then Dai Zong rose and said, "This younger brother has already received imperial grace and been appointed garrison commander of Yanzhou. Now I am willing to return the official seal and go to the Mount Tai temple to serve as a companion in the monastery, praying that I may pass the rest of my life in this way. It would be a great fortune." Song Jiang said, "Why does my worthy younger brother entertain such a notion?" Dai Zong replied, "I dreamed one night that Lord Cui summoned me, and so I have conceived this good intention." Song Jiang said, "Since you were born as the 'Marvelous Traveler,' in time to come you shall surely become a divine spirit of the sacred mountain." From that day they parted. Dai Zong returned his official seal and went to the temple on Mount Tai, where he became a monk. Each day he reverently tended the incense before the Holy Emperor, devout and without fail. Several months later, one evening in perfect health, he bid farewell to his fellow monks and passed away laughing. Afterward, he repeatedly manifested his spirit at the temple. The temple keepers of the prefecture fashioned an image of Dai Zong within the temple, using his mortal remains as the core.

Then there was Ruan Xiaoba, who had received an imperial commission. He took leave of Song Jiang and proceeded to Gaizhou to assume the post of garrison commander. Before many months had passed, the generals Wang Bing and Zhao Tan, nursing old grudges from the humiliation at Bao Yuan Dong, repeatedly lodged complaints before Tong Guimou about Ruan Xiaoba's transgressions. He had worn Fang La's ochre-yellow robe and dragon-embroidered jade belt—though it was done in jest at the time, in the end it revealed a rebellious heart. Moreover, Gaizhou was remote and its people barbarous; rebellion was inevitable. Tong Guimou reported the matter to Cai Jing, who memorialized the Emperor and obtained an imperial edict. Official documents were dispatched to that place, and Ruan Xiaoba's commission was revoked, reducing him to commoner status again. When Ruan Xiaoba learned of it, he was secretly pleased. He took his aged mother and returned to Shijie Village at Liangshan Marsh, where he resumed his old life of fishing, supporting his mother and living out his natural span. He died at the age of sixty.

Now it is told that "Whirlwind" Chai Jin was in the capital. He saw that Dai Zong had returned his official seal and retired from office. He also heard that the court had revoked Ruan Xiaoba's commission for having worn Fang La's crown of level heaven and dragon robe with jade belt, intending to emulate his rebellion, and had punished him by reducing him to a commoner. Chai Jin reflected: "I too served as an imperial son-in-law under Fang La. If in days to come these treacherous ministers learn of it and slander me before the Emperor, and I am held to account and stripped of my commission, would I not suffer disgrace? Better to recognize the times and withdraw on my own, avoiding such stain." He pleaded an affliction of wind disease that flared up from time to time, making him unfit for service, and expressed his willingness to return his official seal and retire to a life of farming. He took leave of the officials and returned to Cangzhou in Hanghai Prefecture to live among the people in peace. One day, without illness, he passed away.

Li Ying was appointed garrison commander of Zhongshan Prefecture. After half a year in office, he learned that Chai Jin had retired. He thought it over and likewise pleaded paralysis from wind, declaring himself unfit to serve. He submitted his case to the provincial court, returned his official seal, and went back to his native village at Dulong Ridge. Later he and Du Xing became wealthy landowners together and both died peacefully.

Guan Sheng was commander of the armies at Daming Prefecture in the capital. He won the hearts of the troops, and all revered him. One day, after drilling the soldiers, he returned home. Having drunk too much, he fell from his horse and died of the injury.

Huizhuo was appointed commander of the Imperial Guard, attending the Emperor daily in training and preparation. Later he led a great army to defeat the Fourth Prince of the Jin, Wanyan Zongbi, and fought his way to Huainan, where he fell in battle.

Only Zhu Tong, who had served with merit at Baoding Prefecture, later followed Liu Guangshi in defeating the Jin and rose to become military governor of Taiping Prefecture.

Hua Rong, taking his wife, young daughter, and sister, proceeded to his post at Yingtian Prefecture.

Wu Yong went alone, taking only his attendant servant, to his post at Wusheng Prefecture.

Kui also went alone, taking two servants, to his post at Runzhou.

Why is it that only these three are mentioned as proceeding to their posts, while the others are given their final outcomes? It is because these seven principal generals had not yet been reunited, so their ends are told first. The remaining five principal generals—Song Jiang, Lu Junyi, Hua Rong, Wu Yong, and Kui—still had reunions ahead, so their final outcomes are not yet told; they will be revealed later.

Now Song Jiang and Lu Juniy, while still in the capital, distributed rewards among the generals and ordered each to proceed to their posts. Those who had died in the service of the court had their families and dependents provided for with grants of money, silk, and gold, and were each sent back to their native places as they wished.

Of the fifteen assistant generals still in the capital, apart from Song Qing who returned to his village to farm, Du Xing had already followed Li Ying home. Huang Xin remained in Qingzhou. Sun Li, together with his brother Sun Xin, Gu Dasao, and their families, returned to their old post in Dengzhou. Zou Ren did not wish to serve as an official and returned to Dengyun Mountain. Cai Qing followed Guan Sheng and returned to the capital as a commoner. Pei Xuan, having consulted with Yang Lin, returned to Yinma Chuan to hold a nominal post and retire. Jiang Jing, longing for his hometown, returned to Tanzhou as a commoner. Wu Wu took instruction in Taoism from Fan Rui; the two became Complete Reality priests, wandered the rivers and lakes, and went to seek refuge with Gongsun Sheng in the religious life, ending their days thus. Mu Chun returned to Jieyang Town and became a law-abiding citizen again. Ling Zhen, whose skill with firearms was extraordinary, was retained in service at the Imperial Armory.

Of the five assistant generals formerly in the capital: An Quanquan was summoned back to the capital and appointed a Golden Purple Physician at the Imperial Academy of Medicine. Huangfu Duan was appointed Superintendent of the Imperial Stables. Jin Dajian served in the Imperial Treasury. Xiao Rang was employed in Grand Tutor Cai's household as a tutor. Le He spent his days in leisure at the household of the Imperial Son-in-law, the Prince of Commandery, happy to the end of his days. No more need be said of them.

Now Song Jiang, after parting from Lu Juniy, each went to assume his post. Lu Juniy had no family. Taking several attendants, he proceeded to Luzhou. Song Jiang, having expressed his gratitude and taken leave of the court and the provincial officials, together with a few family members and servants, proceeded to Chuangzhou to assume his post.

From this point they parted, each going his separate way. No more need be said of them.

Now it must be said that ever since the Song Dynasty, when Taizong received the imperial throne from Taizu, a certain vow was spoken, which caused the dynasty to remain unpurged of treacherous ministers. To this time, Emperor Huizong, most sagacious and enlightened, unexpectedly found himself beset by wicked ministers holding power and flatterers monopolizing authority, bringing harm to the loyal and the good—a matter deserving deep pity. At this time, it was the four traitorous ministers Cai Jing, Tong Guan, Gao Qiu, and Yang Jian who threw the realm into chaos, ruining the state, ruining families, and ruining the people.

Now the Grand Marshal of the Palace Command, Gao Qiu, and Yang Jian, seeing that the Son of Heaven had bestowed generous gifts and great honors upon Song Jiang and his company of officers, were inwardly deeply displeased. The two conferred together on their own initiative, saying: "This Song Jiang and Lu Junyi are both our enemies. Today they have unexpectedly been made meritorious subjects and received such favor from the court, being given authority over the army when mounted and governance of the people when dismounted. We, the officials of the departments and courts—how can we avoid becoming a laughingstock? As the old saying goes: 'One who harms a grudge is no gentleman; one who lacks ruthlessness is no true man!'"

Yang Jian said: "I have a plan. We shall first deal with Lu Junyi—that would be like cutting off one of Song Jiang's arms. This man is exceedingly brave and fierce. If we were to deal with Song Jiang first, and Lu Junyi got wind of it, he would certainly raise trouble, bringing about a most unfavorable situation."

Gao Qiu said: "I would be glad to hear how your excellent plan works."

Yang Jian said: "We will find a few soldiers from Luzhou and have them come to the departments to accuse Lord Lu the Pacifier of recruiting troops and buying horses, accumulating fodder and storing grain, with the intention of rebellion. Then we will submit the petition to the Grand Marshal's office for a memorial to the throne, keeping even Grand Marshal Cai in the dark. After the Grand Marshal has memorialized the Son of Heaven and imperial instructions are requested, we will have someone lure him to the capital. When the Emperor bestows food upon him, we will secretly put some mercury into it, which will cause his waist and kidneys to fail him, rendering him unable to act, so that he cannot accomplish any great deed. Then we will send an imperial envoy to present wine to Song Jiang, and we will also put a slow-acting poison into the wine. In half a month at most, he will be beyond saving."

Gao Qiu said: "This plan is supremely excellent!" There is a poem to mock the situation:

Since ancient times, power-hungry traitors have harmed the good,

Allowing no loyal or righteous man to establish his house.

If Heaven above would but grant clear retribution,

The man would become a jester, the woman a singing girl.

The two traitorous ministers, having settled their scheme, sent trusted men to seek out two natives of Luzhou. They wrote out a petition for them and had them go to the Bureau of Military Affairs to accuse Lord Lu the Pacifier of recruiting troops and buying horses in Luzhou, accumulating fodder and storing grain, with the intention of rebellion, and of frequently sending people to Chuzhou to collude with Pacifier Song Jiang and coordinate an uprising.

Now the Bureau of Military Affairs was headed by Tong Guan, who also bore a grudge against Song Jiang and the others. He at once accepted the plaintiffs' petition and forwarded it directly to the Grand Marshal's office for a memorial to the throne. When Cai Jing saw the submitted document, he consulted with the officials on the matter. Gao Qiu and Yang Jian were both present at this time. The four treacherous ministers settled their strategy and led the plaintiffs into the inner palace to present their case to the Son of Heaven.

The Emperor said: "I believe that Song Jiang and Lu Junyi, having campaigned against the barbarous bandits in all four directions and held command of a hundred thousand troops, did not harbor treacherous intentions. Now that they have turned from evil to righteousness, how could they rebel? I have never wronged them—how would they dare betray the court? ... There may be deception involved here. Without knowing what is true and what is false, it is difficult to grant credence."

Then Gao Qiu and Yang Jian, standing at his side, memorialized: "Though Your Majesty's reasoning is sound, the human heart is difficult to fathom. Presumably Lu Junyi, finding his office too low and his rank too small, is dissatisfied and harbors rebellious thoughts, having unfortunately been discovered by others."

The Emperor said: "Summon him so that I may question him personally and obtain his true confession."

Cai Jing and Tong Guan again memorialized: "Lu Junyi is a fierce beast—his heart cannot be guaranteed. If we alarm him, he will certainly escape, which would be most inconvenient, as he would be difficult to apprehend thereafter. The best course is to lure him to the capital. Your Majesty can personally bestow an imperial meal and imperial wine upon him, comfort him with gracious words, and observe his true condition and movements. If there is nothing to find, there need be no further inquiry, which would also demonstrate Your Majesty's regard for meritorious subjects."

The Emperor granted the memorial and immediately issued an imperial edict, dispatching an envoy directly to Luzhou to summon Lu Junyi back to court for assignment to duties. The imperial envoy, having received his orders, arrived in Luzhou, where officials of every rank came out of the city to welcome him. He proceeded all the way to the prefectural offices, where the edict was read aloud. Enough of such details.

When Lu Junyi heard the imperial edict summoning him back to court, he departed Luzhou together with the envoy and they rode post-horses to the capital. Nothing worthy of note occurred on the journey, and they soon arrived at the Capital City Guard office in Dongjing to rest. The next morning, they went early to the gate of the Eastern Flowers and waited for the early audience.

At this time, Grand Marshal Cai Jing, Bureau of Military Affairs Tong Guan, Grand Marshal Gao Qiu, and Yang Jian led Lu Junyi to a side hall to have an audience with the Emperor. The formal obeisances completed, the Son of Heaven said: "I wished to see you face to face." He then asked: "Is Luzhou a place where you can dwell in peace?"

Lu Junyi bowed twice and replied: "Relying on Your Sacred Majesty's boundless fortune, the soldiers and people there are all in peace and security."

The Son of Heaven then asked a few more casual questions. Time passed until noon, when the chief steward of the imperial kitchen presented himself and memorialized: "The imperial meal has been prepared and presented here. I dare not presume to proceed without instructions—I beg to receive Your Majesty's orders."

By this time, Gao Qiu and Yang Jian had already secretly placed the mercury inside. It was served upon the imperial table. The Son of Heaven personally bestowed the meal upon Lu Junyi. Lu Junyi bowed and received it, then ate.

The Emperor comforted him, saying: "When you return to Luzhou, you must devote yourself wholeheartedly to the peaceful care of the troops and harbor no improper thoughts."

Lu Junyi kowtowed and thanked the Emperor for his favor, then left the court to return to Luzhou, entirely unaware that the four traitorous ministers had plotted against him. Gao Qiu and Yang Jian said to each other: "From this point on, the great matter is settled!"

Now it must be told that Lu Junyi returned to Luzhou that very night. He felt a pain in his waist and kidneys and could not move or exert himself. Unable to ride a horse, he returned by boat. When they reached the Huai River at Sizhou, Heaven's appointed time had run out, and events naturally took their course.

That night, being drunk, he wished to stand at the prow of the boat to amuse himself. But the mercury had settled into his waist, hips, and even his marrow. Unable to stand firm, and having lost his footing while in his cups, he fell into the depths of the Huai River and perished. Alas for the "Jade Unicorn" of Hebe—wronged, he became a resentful ghost in the water.

His attendants retrieved his body, placed it in a coffin, and buried it in a high, remote place in Sizhou. The local officials prepared documents and forwarded them to the departments and courts—but of this, no more need be said.

Now Cai Jing, Tong Guan, Gao Qiu, and Yang Jian, the four treacherous ministers, having settled among themselves, presented the documents from Si Prefecture at court and reported to the Son of Heaven: "Si Prefecture reports that Regional Anterior Lu, while traveling to the Huai River, fell into the water and died from drunkenness. The Council and the Censorate dare not fail to report this. Now that Lu Junyi is dead, we fear that Song Jiang may harbor suspicions in his heart and cause further trouble. We beg Your Sacred Majesty to send an imperial envoy bearing royal wine to Chu Prefecture as a reward, to set his mind at ease."

The Emperor pondered for a long time. He wished to refuse, yet he did not know Song Jiang's true intentions; he inclined to grant the request, yet he feared some treachery. In the end, the Emperor could not resist and was misled by the slander and flattery of the treacherous ministers—their glib tongues and honeyed words, their slow and patient scheming—and he accepted everything they proposed. He therefore ordered two vessels of royal wine to be sent, dispatching one imperial envoy to Chu Prefecture, with orders to depart at once. It was plain to see that this envoy was a trusted agent of the two villains Gao Qiu and Yang Jian. Heaven had decreed that Song Gongming's life must end, and before long these treacherous ministers had a slow poison mixed into the royal wine, which the envoy was instructed to carry straight to Chu Prefecture.

Now ever since Song Gongming had arrived at Chu Prefecture as Regional Anterior, concurrently commanding the armed forces, he had cherished the army and loved the people. The common folk revered him as they would their own parents, and the officers looked up to him as though he were a god. The courts were solemn and orderly, all six branches of administration were in good order, the hearts of the people were won over, and both soldiers and civilians held him in reverence. In his leisure from official duties, Song Jiang would often go outside the city walls for excursions. Now outside the South Gate of Chu Prefecture there was a place called Liao'er Wa. Its mountains were surrounded on all sides by waterways, with a tall hill in the center. The hill was beautiful and elegant, with dense pines and cypresses, and the feng shui was excellent. Though it was a small place, within it peaks encircled one another, dragon and tiger crouching in their lairs, with winding ridges and crags, terraced slopes and stone steps. Waterways stretched all around, and lakes lay before and behind—it was remarkably like the old stronghold of Liangshan Marsh. Song Jiang was greatly pleased when he saw it, and he thought to myself: "If I should die here, this would make a fine burial ground." Whenever he was at leisure, he would often go there to enjoy himself and find diversion. No more of this.

Since Song Jiang had taken up his post, nearly half a year had passed. It was the first ten days of summer in the sixth year of the Xuanhe era, when suddenly word came that the court had sent a gift of royal wine. Song Jiang went out of the city walls with his men to receive it. They returned to the government offices, and after the imperial edict had been read, the envoy presented the royal wine and instructed Regional Anterior Song to drink it. Song Jiang in turn offered wine to the envoy, but the envoy declined, saying he had never been able to drink. When the banquet was over, the envoy returned to the capital. Song Jiang prepared gifts for the envoy, but the envoy refused them and departed.

After Song Jiang had drunk the royal wine, he felt a pain in his belly and began to suspect that poison had been put in the wine. He immediately ordered his attendants to find out about the envoy, and learned that along the road at the post stations, the envoy had also been drinking. Song Jiang now knew that he had fallen victim to a treacherous plot—the villainous ministers had surely put poison in the wine. He sighed and said: "Since youth I have studied the Confucian classics, and as an adult I have mastered the ways of officialdom. It was my misfortune to have fallen in with outlaws, yet I have never harbored the slightest disloyal thought. Today the Son of Heaven has lightly heeded slander and flattery and given me poisoned wine—what crime have I committed to deserve death? I do not dispute my death, but Li Kui is currently serving as Commander of Runzhou. If he learns that the court has done this treacherous deed, he will surely return to gathering men in the mountains and forests, and ruin the reputation of loyalty and righteousness that we have built over a lifetime. There is only one way to prevent this." He sent a man through the night to Runzhou to summon Li Kui to come with all haste to Chu Prefecture, for urgent deliberations.

Now, Li Kui had served as commander of Runzhou, but his heart was weighed down with melancholy. He spent his days drinking with his men, ever fond of the cup. When he learned that Song Jiang had sent men to summon him, Li Kui said, "Brother has sent for me—he must have something to say." He boarded a boat with the messengers and went straight to Zhouzhou, entering the prefectural offices to pay his respects to Song Jiang.

Song Jiang said, "Brother, ever since we parted, I have thought of you and the others day and night. Military Advisor Wu Yong is far away in Wusheng Army. Hua Zhizhai is in Yingtianfu, and I know nothing of his fortunes. Only you are nearer, stationed in Zhenjiang at Runzhou, and so I have specially asked you here to discuss a great matter."

Li Kui said, "Brother, what great matter?"

Song Jiang replied, "Drink first!" He invited Li Kui into the rear hall, where cups and dishes were already laid out. He entertained Li Kui, and they ate and drank for some time. When they were half drunk, Song Jiang said, "Brother, you do not know—I have heard that the court has sent a man to bring poisoned wine to give me to drink. If I die, what then?"

Li Kui cried out, "Brother, let us rebel!"

Song Jiang said, "Brother, the army is all gone, and our brothers are scattered far and wide—how could we rebel?"

Li Kui said, "I have three thousand soldiers in Zhenjiang. You can muster the troops here in Zhouzhou. Gather all the people too, and together we will gather strength, buy horses, and kill our way forward! Better still, let us go back to Liangshan Marsh and live in freedom! That is far better than suffering under these treacherous ministers!"

Song Jiang said, "Brother, wait a while longer—I have my own plans."

In truth, the wine served at the welcoming feast had already been laced with slow-acting poison. That night Li Kui drank his fill, and the next day Song Jiang arranged a boat to send him off.

Li Kui said, "Brother, when will you raise your rebel army? I will muster my troops to meet you."

Song Jiang said, "Brother, do not blame me! Some days ago, the court sent a great envoy to give me poisoned wine, and I drank it. I shall die before long. All my life I have held fast to the two words 'loyalty and righteousness,' and I have never acted with a dishonest heart. Now the court has condemned me to death though I am innocent. Let the court betray me—my loyalty shall never betray the court. After I die, I fear you may rebel and ruin the name of 'acting on Heaven's behalf' and the righteousness of our Liangshan Marsh. That is why I asked you here, so that we might meet once more. Last night in the wine, I gave you slow-acting poison as well. When you return to Runzhou, you will surely die. After your death, you may come to this place—outside the south gate of Zhouzhou, there is a Liaowa Hollow, whose scenery is just like Liangshan Marsh—and there our spirits may meet. After I die, my body will surely be buried here. I have already chosen the place." When he finished speaking, tears fell like rain.

Li Kui, hearing these words, also wept and said, "So be it, so be it, so be it! In life I served you, Brother; in death I shall be nothing but a little ghost in your service!" As the words left his lips, tears streamed down his face, and he felt his body grow heavy. At that moment, with tears in his eyes, he bowed farewell to Song Jiang and boarded the boat. He returned to Runzhou, and just as expected, the poison took effect and he died.

As Li Kui lay dying, he instructed his attendants: "When I am dead, you must by all means carry my coffin to the Liaowa Hollow outside the south gate of Zhouzhou, to be buried alongside my brother." Having given these instructions, he died. His attendants prepared a coffin and, keeping their promise, carried his remains there.

Then, after Song Jiang parted from Li Kui, his heart was filled with grief, and he longed to see Wu Yong and Rong Rong, but could not. That night the poison took effect and he lay dying. He instructed his close attendants: "You must, as I have asked, bury my coffin in the high ground deep within the Liaowa Hollow outside the south gate of this place. You will repay the kindness of all my men... I beg you to honor my wish." With these words, he passed away. Song Jiang's attendants prepared a coffin and buried him according to proper rites. The officials of Zhouzhou honored his last wishes, and together with his followers and the local clerks and townspeople, they carried Song Jiang's coffin to be buried in the Liaowa Hollow. A few days later, Li Kui's coffin also arrived from Runzhou and was buried beside Song Jiang's tomb. But of this, no more.

Now, Song Qing had fallen ill at home. When he heard the family servants return with the news that his brother Song Jiang had died in Zhouzhou, he was too ill in Yuncheng to attend the funeral. Later, when he learned that Song Jiang had been buried in the Liaowa Hollow outside the south gate of Zhouzhou, he sent only family servants to offer sacrifices, inspect the tomb, and see that it was properly maintained, then to report back to Song Qing. But of this, no more.

Now, Wu Yong, military advisor and commissioner of Wusheng Army, had often been unhappy since taking up his post, constantly cherishing the memory of his bond with Song Song Jiang. One day, he felt restless and uneasy, unable to sleep at night. That evening, he dreamed that Song Jiang and Li Kui seized his robes and said, "Military Advisor, we lived by loyalty and righteousness, acting on Heaven's behalf, and in our hearts we never betrayed the Son of Heaven. Now the court has given us poisoned wine to drink, and we have died innocent. After our deaths, we have been buried in the Liaowa Hollow deep outside the south gate of Zhouzhou. If you cherish the friendship of former days, you may come to our tombs and visit us once."

Wu Yong wished to ask for details, but suddenly he awoke—it had been nothing but a dream. Wu Yong wept like rain and sat waiting until dawn. From that day on, he could neither sleep nor eat in peace.

The next day, he packed his belongings and went straight to Zhouzhou. He brought no attendants, traveling alone. When he reached Zhouzhou, he found that Song Jiang had indeed died, and he heard that none of the local people did not sigh with grief. Wu Yong prepared sacrificial offerings and went all the way to the Liaowa Hollow outside the south gate, where he found the tombs and offered sacrifices to Song Jiang and Li Kui. Before the graves, he struck the burial mound with his hand and wept, saying, "Your noble spirit does not perish—I beg you to bear witness. I, Wu Yong, was merely a village scholar. I first followed Chao Gai, then met you, Brother, and you saved my life and I enjoyed glory and honor. For several decades now, I have relied on your virtue. Now that you have died for the country, you have appeared to me in a dream to show me your spirit. Your brother has no way to repay you—I can only wish to share this good dream and meet you once more in the world beneath." Having spoken, he wept bitterly.

He was about to hang himself when Hua Rong came rushing up from the boat to the tomb. Seeing Wu Yong, each was struck with shock. Wu the Scholar asked, "Brother, you serve as an official in Yingtianfu. How did you learn that Brother Song has passed away?"

Hua Rong replied, "Ever since we parted and I took up my post, not a day has passed without my heart being restless, always thinking of our brothers. One night I had a strange dream in which Brother Song Jiang and Li Kui appeared before me, seized me, and told me that the court had poisoned him with drugged wine and that he was now buried on a high plain at Liaowa outside the south gate of Chuzhou. They said that if I had not forgotten our old bond, I should come to the grave and pay my respects. So I abandoned my household, spared no effort, and traveled day and night to reach this place."

Wu Yong said, "I too had a strange dream—just like yours, no different from yours—and that is why I came. Now that you are here, that is best. In my heart I cannot bear Brother Song Jiang's kindness and righteousness, and I cannot repay the bond between us. I intended to hang myself here so that my spirit might dwell together with my brother. I entrust all that remains to you, Brother."

Hua Rong said, "Since the Marshal holds this resolve, your younger brother will follow you and return to that place together with my brother." Such was the bond between them in life and death. A poem attests to this:

In Liaowa's marsh, a dream stretched long,

Hua Rong and Wu Yong, both steeped in grief.

One blood of loyalty they truly shared—

How could they bear to let Tian Heng alone meet death?

Wu Yong said, "I had hoped that after you saw me dead, you would bury me here. How could you do this as well?"

Hua Rong said, "Your younger brother has reflected: Brother Song's benevolence and righteousness are impossible to forget, his kindness impossible to repay. When we were at Liangshan Marsh, we were already men of great fortune, and by sheer luck we survived. We were moved by the Son of Heaven's pardon and pacification, campaigned north and south, and established merit. Now our names are known throughout the world. Since the court has grown suspicious, it will surely seek some pretext for punishment. If we fall victim to their treacherous schemes and suffer execution wrongly, it will be too late for regret. Now to die together with my brother in the Yellow Springs is to preserve a good name for posterity—and our bodies will surely be laid to rest in the grave!"

Wu Yong said, "Brother, listen to me. I am alone, with no family. What harm is there in my dying? But you have a young son and a tender wife—on whom will they depend?"

Hua Rong said, "That is no concern. There are sufficient savings to sustain them. My wife's family will see to her affairs." The two wept bitterly together, then both hanged themselves from the tree. The attendants on the boat waited a long time and, seeing no sign of their master, went to the grave to look. There they found Wu Yong and Hua Rong hanged, dead. They hastily reported this to the local officials of the prefecture, who arranged coffins and buried them beside Song Jiang's tomb at Liaowa. They formed a cluster of four mounds, east and west. The people of Chuzhou, remembering Song Jiang's benevolence and his loyalty and righteousness, erected a temple where offerings were made four times a year. The locals prayed there, and their prayers were never without response.

But let us leave aside how Song Jiang's spirit manifested repeatedly at Liaowa, answering every prayer. As for the Daojun Emperor, in the Eastern Capital's inner palace, ever since he had bestowed the imperial wine upon Song Jiang, the sacred mind harbored growing suspicion. Not knowing what had become of Song Jiang, he carried constant worry in his heart. Day after day he was beguiled by Gao Qiu and Yang Jian's talk of lavish indulgence, intent only on blocking the way of the worthy and destroying the loyal and good. Then one day, as the Emperor amused himself in the inner palace, he suddenly thought of Li Shishi. He took the tunnel passage with two junior eunuchs and went directly to her rear garden, pulling the bell cord. Li Shishi hurriedly received the imperial presence and conducted him to her bedchamber, where he was seated. The Emperor ordered the doors shut behind and before. Li Shishi, in full adornment, approached and paid her respects. The Son of Heaven said, "I have lately felt slightly unwell and have had the 'Divine Physician' An Daoquan attending me. For several tens of days I have not come to be with you, my love—my longing is beyond measure! Now that I see you, my heart overflows with joy!"

Li Shishi replied, "I am deeply moved by Your Majesty's affection. This unworthy one is overwhelmed with gratitude beyond expression!" Wine and dishes were laid out in the chamber, and they drank together for pleasure. After only a few cups, the Emperor grew drowsy. The candles burned brightly, when suddenly a cold wind arose in the chamber. The Emperor saw a figure in a yellow robe standing before him. Startled, he rose and asked, "Who are you, that you dare come here?"

The figure in the yellow robe said, "Your subject is Dai Zong, the 'Marvelous Traveler' of Liangshan Marsh, under Song Jiang."

The Emperor asked, "Why have you come here?"

Dai Zong said, "My brother Song Jiang is near at hand and begs to invite Your Majesty's carriage to accompany him."

The Son of Heaven said, "Where would you have me go?"

Dai Zong said, "There is a place of surpassing beauty. I invite Your Majesty to take your pleasure there."

Hearing these words, the Emperor rose and followed Dai Shichen out of the rear garden. A carriage was ready. Dai Zong invited the Emperor to mount and ride. All around was like clouds and mist; the sound of wind and rain filled the ears. They arrived at a place where:

Boundless misty waters, dim mountain clouds.

No sun or moon's bright light—only water and sky merged in one hue.

Red everywhere—the eye filled with smartweed flowers;

Green and tender—a single isle of reed leaves.

Pairs of wild geese cry mournfully on the sandy shoals;

Wagtails huddle, weary, beside the ruined lotus banks.

Frost-touched maples cluster like tear-stains brushed by parting souls;

Sparse wind-touched willows like a grieving woman's knotted brows.

A long night scene of pale moon and cold stars,

Cool wind and chill dew of autumn's ninth month.

The Emperor, riding on horseback, gazed his fill and asked Dai Zong, "What place is this? Why have you brought Us here?" Dai Zong pointed to the mountain pass ahead and said, "Your Majesty, please ride on. When we arrive, you will know." The Emperor gave his horse the reins and climbed the mountain. After passing through three levels of fortified gates, he reached the third gate, where he saw a hundred men prostrated on the ground—all clad in robes of office, armored and belted, wearing golden helmets and golden armor. The Emperor was greatly alarmed and asked repeatedly, "Who are you all?" The man at the head, wearing a golden helmet with phoenix-wing ornaments and a brocade robe over golden armor, stepped forward and announced, "Your subject is Song Jiang of Liangshan Marsh." The Emperor said, "We had already appointed you as the Pacification Commissioner of Chuzhou. Why are you here?" Song Jiang replied, "Your subjects humbly beg Your Majesty to ascend the Hall of Loyalty and Righteousness, where we may lay bare our hearts and tell of our unjust deaths."

The Emperor dismounted before the Hall of Loyalty and Righteousness, ascended the hall, and took his seat. Looking below, he saw many people prostrated amid the smoke and mist. The Emperor hesitated, uncertain. Then Song Jiang, who stood at the head, came up the steps, knelt forward, and spoke with tears streaming down his face. The Emperor said, "Why do you weep?" Song Jiang replied, "Though we once resisted the imperial armies, we were ever loyal and righteous, without the slightest rebellious thought. Since we received Your Majesty's edict of amnesty, we first drove back the Liao invaders and then pacified the three rebel bands. Of our band of brothers, eight in ten perished. Your subject, by Your Majesty's command, governed Chuzhou. From the day of my arrival, I took not a drop of water or a grain of rice from the soldiers and people—Heaven and Earth bear witness. Now Your Majesty has bestowed poisoned wine upon me, and I drank it without regret. But I feared that Li Kui might harbor resentment and rise in rebellion, so I specially sent men to Runzhou to summon Li Kui and gave him the poisoned wine myself. Wu Yong and Hua Rong also came for loyalty's sake and hanged themselves upon my grave. The four of us are buried together at Liaowa, outside the south gate of Chuzhou. The locals took pity and built a temple before our tombs. Now our spirits do not disperse but gather here, entreating Your Majesty to hear our hearts and know that from beginning to end, we harbored no disloyalty. We beg Your Majesty's sacred judgment."

The Emperor was greatly astonished and said, "It was a trusted envoy We sent personally, with imperial wine in a sealed golden flask. Who could have substituted poisoned wine?" Song Jiang replied, "Your Majesty may question the envoy and the source of this treachery will be known." The Emperor saw the mighty fortifications of the three passes and asked mournfully, "What is this place, where you all gather?" Song Jiang answered, "This is the Liangshan Marsh where we once pledged our brotherhood." The Emperor asked again, "You are all dead. You should have been reborn. Why do you gather here?" Song Jiang replied, "The Great Emperor took pity on our loyalty and righteousness. By the Jade Emperor's decree and command, we have been appointed the local deities of Liangshan Marsh. All the officers have assembled here. Having grievances that could not be addressed, we specially commanded Dai Zong to summon the Son of Heaven in person to the marsh, that we might plead our hearts' truth." The Emperor said, "Why did you not appear before the Ninefold Palace and make this known to Us?" Song Jiang replied, "We are spirits of the shadow world—how could we reach the phoenix towers and dragon halls? Only because Your Majesty has left the palace precincts could we humbly invite you here." The Emperor said, "May We look about?" Song Jiang and the others bowed again in gratitude. The Emperor descended from the hall and turned back to look at the plaque above the door, on which were written in large characters: "Hall of Loyalty and Righteousness." The Emperor nodded and went down the steps.

Suddenly, from behind Song Jiang appeared Li Kui, gripping his twin axes, shouting in a fierce voice: "Emperor, Emperor! How could you listen to the slander of four treacherous ministers and bring about our deaths? Now that we meet, the time for vengeance has come!" With that, the Black Whirlwind raised his twin axes and charged straight at the Emperor.

The Son of Heaven was seized with terror and started awake—it had been nothing but a dream, a dream of Nanke. Cold sweat covered his body. He opened his eyes and saw the lamps and candles still blazing brightly; Li Shishi had not yet retired. The Emperor asked, "Where have I just been?" Li Shishi replied, "Your Majesty was lying on the pillow a moment ago." The Emperor then told Li Shishi all that had happened in the wondrous dream. Li Shishi said, "Those who are upright in life naturally become spirits. Could it be that Song Jiang truly has died and has now revealed his divine power through a dream to Your Majesty?" The Emperor said, "We shall certainly inquire into this matter tomorrow. If he has indeed died, We must build a temple for him and posthumously ennoble him as a Marquis." Li Shishi replied, "If Your Sacred Majesty truly bestows such honors, it will show that Your Majesty does not forget the merits of loyal servants." The Emperor sighed and lamented throughout the night.

The next day, when he held court, he issued an edict summoning the assembled ministers to the side hall. Cai Jing, Tong Guan, Gao Qiu, and Yang Jian, fearing that the Emperor would ask about Song Jiang, had already left the palace. Only Marshal Su and a few other ministers remained in attendance. The Emperor asked Su Yuanjing, "Do you know any news of Song Jiang, the Pacification Commissioner of Chuzhou?" Marshal Su replied, "Though I have long had no news of Commissioner Song, I had a strange and extraordinary dream last night." The Emperor said, "Tell Us of this dream." Marshal Su said, "I dreamed that Song Jiang came in person to my private residence, fully armed and armored, and told me that Your Majesty had bestowed poisoned wine upon him and he had died. The people of Chu, moved by his loyalty and righteousness, buried him at Liaowa outside the south gate of Chuzhou and built a temple where sacrifices are offered in all four seasons." When the Emperor heard this, he nodded repeatedly and said, "This is truly a marvel—it matches Our dream exactly." He then instructed Su Yuanjing, "You must send a trusted man to Chuzhou to investigate this matter and report back with all speed." Marshal Su said, "It shall be done." He received the edict and left the palace. Returning to his private residence, he dispatched a trusted agent to Chuzhou to inquire into the news of Song Jiang—but of this, no more for now.

The next day, the Emperor took his seat in the Hall of Virtue and Culture. Seeing Gao Qiu and Yang Jian at his side, he asked by edict, "Do you of the Privy Council have any recent news of Song Jiang of Chuzhou?" The two men dared not reply and each said they knew nothing. The Emperor turned the matter over in his mind with growing suspicion, and his imperial person was filled with unease.

宿 Su's men had already returned from their reconnaissance mission in Chuzhou and reported in full that Song Jiang had been granted poisoned wine by imperial decree and had died. After his passing, the people of Chu, moved by his loyalty and righteousness, had buried him on the high hill of Liaowa in Chuzhou. Wu Yong, Hua Rong, and Li Kui were also buried in the same place. The common folk mourned him with deep affection and built a memorial hall before his tomb, where they offered sacrifices in spring and autumn with sincere devotion. Both scholars and commoners came to pray, and their prayers were remarkably efficacious. Upon hearing this, Su led his men into the palace and prepared to report these matters to the emperor. When the emperor learned of it, he was overcome with grief. The next day at morning court, the sovereign flew into a rage before all his officials and denounced Gao Qiu and Yang Jian: "Treacherous ministers who have ruined my realm!" The two men prostrated themselves on the ground and knocked their heads in acknowledgment of their guilt. Cai Jing and Tong Guan also stepped forward and memorialized: "The life and death of men are all predestined. The Privy Council had received no documents and dared not make rash reports. Only last night did an official dispatch arrive from Chuzhou to the Council, and we were just about to present it for your consideration..." The emperor was ultimately deceived by these four villains' artful concealment, and he did not punish them. He immediately ordered Gao Qiu and Yang Jian to withdraw and commanded that the original envoy who had carried the imperial wine be summoned for punishment. It so happened that the imperial envoy had already died on the road after departing from Chuzhou.

The following day, Su appeared before the emperor in a side hall and once again reported to the sovereign how Song Jiang's loyal and righteous spirit had manifested its divine power. The emperor summoned Song Jiang's younger brother, Song Qing, to inherit Song Jiang's title and rank. However, it happened that Song Qing had already contracted a wind-illness and was unable to serve as an official. He submitted a memorial declining the appointment and expressed only his wish to farm in Yuncheng. The emperor, moved by his filial devotion, granted him a hundred thousand strings of cash and three thousand mu of land to provide for his household. When he had a son, the court would employ him. Later, Song Qing had a son named Song Anping, who passed the imperial examinations and rose to the position of Secretary of the Palace Library. But this is a later story.

Furthermore, the emperor, in accordance with Su's memorial, personally wrote an imperial edict, posthumously enfeoffing Song Jiang as "Marquis of Loyal Valor, Righteous Aid, and Spiritual Response." He also issued an order granting funds at Liangshan Marsh to construct a temple and build a grand memorial hall, with images sculpted of Song Jiang and many of his generals and commanders who had died in service to the throne. The emperor personally inscribed the plaque for the hall in his own calligraphy, naming it "The Temple of Tranquil Loyalty." Jizhou received the imperial decree and began constructing the temple at Liangshan Marsh. And lo:

Golden nails on vermillion doors, jade pillars and silver portals;

Painted beams and carved rafters, red eaves and azure tiles.

Green railings wound low around the windows, embroidered curtains hung high above the jeweled thresholds.

Five great halls, with an imperial plaque of gold calligraphy hanging in the center;

Long corridors on either side, painted with scenes of ministers entering and leaving court.

Among the shadows of green scholar trees, the Lingxing Gate rose high into the blue clouds;

In the shade of emerald willows, the Temple of Tranquil Loyalty pierced straight to the heavens.

In the golden hall, images were sculpted of Song Gongthirty-six Heavenly Chief Generals;

Within the two corridors, arrayed with Zhu Wu at the head, stood seventy-two Earthly Demon Generals.

The attendants before the gate were fierce and imposing, the divine soldiers beneath them valiant and bold.

Paper furnaces were skillfully built by craftsmen upon the terrace, where paper offerings were burned through all four seasons.

Tall masts were raised high to hang long banners, as villagers of the two festivals offered sacrifice.

The common folk reverently worshipped the true deity, in the sacrificial rites paying court to the Loyal and Valiant Emperor.

For ten thousand years the incense and fire shall endure without end, for a thousand ages his meritorious deeds shall be recorded in history.

There was also a quatrain, which read:

The Heavenly Chiefs have all returned to the heavens above,

The Earthly Demons have gone back into the earth below.

For ages past they have been worshipped as gods with temple offerings,

For a thousand green annals have proclaimed these heroes.

Later, Song Gongming repeatedly manifested his divine power, and the people offered sacrifices to him in all four seasons without cease. At Liangshan Marsh, those who prayed for wind received wind, and those who prayed for rain received rain. At Liaowa in Chuzhou too, divine manifestations were witnessed. The people there rebuilt the great hall, added two corridors, and petitioned for an imperial plaque. They sculpted images of the thirty-six generals in the main hall and once again sculpted the seventy-two generals in the two corridors. Year after year sacrifices were offered, and the myriad people bowed in reverence. To this day, the ancient remains still survive. A historian composed two poems of lamentation in the Tang style, which read:

Do not blame Heaven for your rise and fall—

The extermination of Han Xin and Peng Yue was lamentable enough.

A single heart serving the nation, the day you broke the enemy's vanguard;

A hundred battles capturing Liao, the year you crushed the La rebels.

The baleful stars and Heavenly Chiefs are now no more,

Yet slanderous ministers and treacherous villains still remain!

Had you known the poisoned wine would bury you in yellow earth,

You would have learned from Fan Li to sail away in a boat like Xi Shi.

Another poem read:

In life you dined from bronze vessels, in death you were enfeoffed as a marquis—

A man's ambitions in this life were fulfilled.

Iron horses neighed by night beneath the mountain moon,

Black apes cried out in autumn amid the thickening evening clouds.

One need not seek the truth of where he came from,

But rejoice that loyal and good men become the stuff of legend.

For ages past, the jade-buried ground of Liaowa

Has been a place of sorrow for falling flowers and crying birds.

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The End of the Novel

Water Margin (120-Chapter Edition)