الفصل الثالث عشر

الفصل الثالث عشر

It was just at the moment when Zhou Jin and Yang Zhi had reined in their horses beneath the banner, ready to charge and engage in combat, when the Military Inspector of Troops, Wen Da, cried out, "Hold!" He went up to the hall himself to report to Liang Shizhong, saying, "In reply to Your Honor: as for these two men testing their martial skills, though we have not yet seen who is superior, spears and swords are merciless instruments, fit only for slaying bandits and suppressing rebels. Today, with our own men competing within the army, there is fear of injury or loss. At best, maiming; at worst, death. This would be detrimental to the army. Let the spearheads be removed from both spears, and let felt cloth be wrapped around them. Let them be dipped in lime on the ground, then let each mount his horse and don a black robe. As they thrust at each other with the spear shafts, whoever has more white marks shall be adjudged the loser." Liang Shizhong said, "Most excellently spoken." He at once issued the order down below.

The two men received the instructions, went to the back of the drill hall to remove the spearpoints, wrapped them in felt cloth, and bound them into bludgeon-like shapes. Each changed into a black robe, dipped his spear in the lime bucket, then mounted his horse and rode out to the front of the formation. Zhou Jin spurred his horse and leveled his spear, charging straight at Yang Zhi. Yang Zhi likewise urged his battle horse and gripped his spear, coming to meet Zhou Jin. The two of them in the front of the formation came and went, back and forth, churning together in a mass, twisting into a single knot—the men on the saddles fighting each other, the horses beneath fighting each other. The two fought some forty or fifty rounds. Looking at Zhou Jin, he seemed as though someone had knocked over a vat of tofu—speckled and spotted, with some thirty or fifty white marks. Looking at Yang Zhi, there was only a single white spot below his left shoulder blade.

Liang Shizhong was greatly pleased. He called for Zhou Jin to come up to the hall, examined the marks, and said, "The former office appointed you as an assistant company commander in the army. Judging by martial skills such as these, how could you campaign in the south and fight in the north? How could you properly serve as a full-fledged assistant commander?" He ordered Yang Zhi to take over this man's duties. The Military Supervisor of Troops, Li Cheng, came up to the hall and reported to Liang Shizhong, saying, "Zhou Jin's spear technique is crude, though he is thoroughly versed in archery and horsemanship. If we dismiss him from his post on this account, I fear it will dampen the army's spirit. Let Zhou Jin compete with Yang Zhi in archery instead—how would that be?" Liang Shizhong said, "Most excellently spoken." He again issued orders down below, commanding Yang Zhi and Zhou Jin to compete in archery.

The two received the orders, planted their spears, and each prepared his bow and arrows. Yang Zhi took that bow from his bow case, adjusted the string properly, raised the bow, leaped onto his horse, rode to the front of the hall, halted his horse, and leaning forward in the saddle reported, "Your Honor, once arrows are loosed, there can be no sentiment. I fear there may be injury or loss. I beg to receive your instructions." Liang Shizhong said, "When warriors compete, why worry about injury or death? If you have the skill, shoot to kill—I will not hold it against you." Yang Zhi received the order and rode back to the front of the formation. Li Cheng passed down the instructions, telling the two archers each to be given a shield to guard their bodies. The two each took an arrow shield and strapped it to his arm. Yang Zhi said, "You shoot three arrows at me first, then I shall return three arrows to you." When Zhou Jin heard this, he wished he could shoot Yang Zhi clean through with a single arrow. But Yang Zhi was a man of military background through and through; he saw through Zhou Jin's designs and paid him no heed at all. How did the two compete in archery? Thus it was:

One of them had shot tigers in the mountains; the other had always threaded willow leaves in the wind. When the bow was fully drawn, hares and foxes lost their lives; when the arrow was released, eagles and hawks were wounded in their souls. They compared their arts, matched before the assembly; they displayed their skills, showing off before the crowd. One wielded the art of twisting aside—truly hard to withstand; the other mastered the art of dodging—impossible to guard against. In an instant they would see who prevailed; in a flash they would know life or death.

At that time, the green flag on the command platform was already being waved. Yang Zhi spurred his horse and rode southward. Zhou Jin galloped after him, looped his reins over the saddle bow, took his bow in his left hand, nocked an arrow on his right, drew it to the full, and with a hiss shot an arrow straight at Yang Zhi's back. Hearing the bowstring twang behind him, Yang Zhi suddenly twisted aside, hiding himself behind the stirrup, and that arrow flew past, finding nothing but empty air. Zhou Jin saw that his first arrow had missed, and already his heart was flustered. He hastily took a second arrow from his quiver, nocked it on the bowstring, and seeing Yang Zhi somewhat closer, aimed at his back and shot again. Hearing the second arrow coming, Yang Zhi did not hide behind the stirrup this time. That arrow came swift as the wind, but Yang Zhi had already taken his own bow in hand and simply flicked it with the tip of the bow. The arrow was deflected and went spinning down into the grass. Seeing that his second arrow had also missed, Zhou Jin grew even more agitated. Yang Zhi's horse had already reached the far end of the drill ground. With a sharp turn he wheeled his horse about, and it came walking back toward the main hall. Zhou Jin also reined in his horse, and it turned and ran back, chasing after him in the motion. On that green, lush grassland, the eight hooves clattered like overturned cups and clanging cymbals, and they swept along like a whirling gust of wind. Zhou Jin took up a third arrow, nocked it on the bowstring, drew it to the full, mustered all the strength of his life, and with wide-open eyes aimed squarely at Yang Zhi's heart, letting a single arrow fly. Hearing the bowstring sound, Yang Zhi turned his body, and from the saddle simply caught that arrow with a grab, taking it in his hand. Then he rode his horse into the drill hall, leaving Zhou Jin's arrow behind.

Liang Zhongshu was overjoyed. He issued orders calling upon Yang Zhai to shoot three arrows at Zhou Jin as well. On the command platform, the green flag was waved again. Zhou Jin cast aside his bow and arrows, took up his shield, and galloped his horse toward the south. On his horse, Yang Zhai merely straightened his waist and lightly patted his mount, and the horse thundered in pursuit. Yang Zhai first drew his bowstring taut in a feint. Zhou Jin, hearing the bowstring twang behind him on his horse, turned his body and raised his shield to meet it—but he had grasped at nothing. Zhou Jin thought to himself: "That fellow only knows how to use a spear, not how to shoot. When he feints with the second arrow, I shall shout him down and count myself the winner." Zhou Jin's horse soon reached the southern end of the drill ground, then turned back toward the Martial Arts Hall. When Yang Zhai's horse saw Zhou Jin's mount wheel around, it too turned. Yang Zhai had already drawn an arrow from his quiver and fitted it to the bowstring. He thought to himself: "If I shoot him in the back of the heart, it will surely cost him his life. He bears me no grudge. I shall shoot him only where it will not be fatal." His left hand steadied as though holding Mount Tai, his right cradled as though embracing an infant. The bow opened like a full moon; the arrow flew like a shooting star. In the blink of an eye, one arrow struck Zhou Jin squarely in the left shoulder. Zhou Jin, caught off guard, tumbled from his horse. The riderless horse galloped straight past behind the Martial Arts Hall. The soldiers went to rescue Zhou Jin on their own.

Liang Zhongshu was greatly pleased. He ordered the Military Affairs Bureau to present the documents at once and directed that Yang Zhai replace Zhou Jin in his post.

Yang Zhai, beaming with joy, dismounted and went to the hall to pay his respects and accept his new post. Truly it was as the verse says:

*Having offended in You and Yan, sent as a convict soldier,*

*Contending on the field of trial as though at the risk of life.*

*With a hand that could pierce the willow leaf with a single arrow,*

*He won for himself half the glory of the standard-bearer's post.*

But then, from the left side of the steps, a man stepped forward and called out: "Don't accept the post yet! Let you and I have a contest!" When Yang Zhai looked at this man, he stood over seven chi tall, with a round face, large ears, broad lips, a wide mouth, and a patch of whiskers on his cheeks. He was fierce in bearing and imposing in appearance. He strode up to Liang Zhongshu, saluted, and reported: "Zhou Jin is still unwell from illness and his mind was not focused, which is why he lost to Yang Zhai. This humble soldier is unworthy, but he wishes to test his martial skills against Yang Zhai. If this soldier yields even the slightest advantage to Yang Zhai, then do not let Yang Zhai replace Zhou Jin—let Yang Zhai take this soldier's own post instead. Though I die, I shall harbor no resentment." When Liang Zhongshu looked, it was no other than Suo Chao, the chief standard-bearer of the Daming Prefecture Garrison Command. Because he was impetuous—like scooping salt into fire—and for the sake of the state would always fight to save face, always charging ahead of others, people called him "The Vanguard of Haste."

Upon hearing this, Li Cheng came down from the command platform and went to the hall to report: "My lord, since Yang Zhai is a Palace Command Supervising Commissioner, he must possess fine martial skills—he was certainly no match for Zhou Jin. It would be well to have him test his skills against Standard-Bearer Suo, so that superiority and inferiority may be plainly seen." Liang Zhongshu listened and thought to myself: "I intend to promote Yang Zhai with all my might, but the other officers are not convinced. If he can defeat Suo Chao, they will have nothing more to say, even in death."

Liang Zhongshu then summoned Yang Zhai to the hall and asked: "How would you feel about testing your martial skills against Suo Chao?" Yang Zhai reported: "How dare I disobey Your Excellency's command?" Liang Zhongshu said: "Very well, then. Go behind the hall and change your attire. Arm yourself properly. Have the officials from the armory accompanying us issue you the weapons you need. And have my own war horse brought out for you to ride. Take care—do not treat this lightly." Yang Zhai thanked him and went to make his preparations.

Meanwhile, Li Cheng instructed Suo Chao: "You are not like the others. Zhou Jin is your own disciple, and he has already lost. If you show the slightest lapse, he will hold all the officers of Daming Prefecture in contempt. I have a war horse that has often been on the battlefield, along with a full suit of armor—I shall lend them both to you. Take care, and do not let your fighting spirit be broken." Suo Chao thanked him and also went to make his preparations.

Liang Zhongshu rose and walked out to the front of the steps. His attendants moved the silver folding chair and set it down beside the railing of the moon terrace. Liang Zhongshu was seated, with attendants lined up on both sides. He called for the umbrella-bearer to open the three-tiered parasol of tea-brown gauze with a silver gourd-shaped top, which was held up behind Liang Zhongshu's back. The command platform transmitted the order, and the red flag was waved early. Drums and gongs sounded on both sides, and a roll of drums was beaten. In the drill ground, within the two formations, a cannon was fired from each side. At the sound of the cannon, Suo Chao galloped his horse into the formation and took his position beneath the gate standard. Yang Zhai also rode his horse from within the formation into the army, all the way to behind the gate standard. The command platform then waved the yellow flag, and another roll of drums was beaten. Both armies let out a single shout. In the drill ground, who would dare make a sound? All was still and silent. Then the sound of a gong, and the pure white flag was raised. Not a single officer on either side dared to move or speak a careless word—they all stood in perfect silence.

On the command platform, the green banner was waved again. At the third roll of the war drums, the formation on the left parted at its gate-banner. With the jingling of bridle bells, the regular commander Suo Chao rode out to the front of the formation, reined in his horse, and took up his weapon—truly a hero of heroic bearing. He wore a helmet of tempered steel shaped like a lion's head, with a large red tassel bobbing at the back of his skull. His body was clad in a suit of armor pieced together from iron plates, and at his waist was a gilded belt with beast-mask clasps, with bronze heart-guards front and back. Over it all he wore a crimson robe patterned with round flowers, from which hung two green velvet chin-straps. Below he wore a pair of slanted leather riding boots. On his left side was a bow; on his right, a quiver of arrows. In his hand he held horizontally a golden-dipped battle-axe, and he sat astride that white warhorse of Supervisor Li's, seasoned and battle-tested. Looking at the horse, it too was a fine steed. Observe: its color matched the metal of the west, like the white-browed tiger of the Southern Mountain; its coat was piled thick as greasy powder, like the jade qilin of the Northern Sea. It could charge through formations and leap across streams, delighted in the war drums, with the temperament of a gentleman; it could bear heavy weight and travel far, accustomed to neighing in the wind—assuredly a dragon-bred mount. It surpassed Wu Xiang's pear-blossom horse and outstripped the King of Qin's white jade colt.

On the left formation, "The Eager Vanguard" Suo Chao reined in his horse, brandished his golden-dipped axe, and took his stand before the lines. On the right, the formation parted at its gate-banner. With the jingling of bridle bells, Yang Zhi raised the spear in hand and rode out to the front of the formation, halted his horse, and leveled his spear—truly a fierce warrior. He wore a gleaming iron helmet that shed frost and rivaled the sun, topped with a tuft of blue tassels. His body was clad in a suit of elm-leaf armor hooked and inlaid with plum-blossom designs, bound with a red velvet sash for the armor, with beast-mask heart-guards front and back. Over it he wore a white robe of living color with floral patterns, from which hung a purple velvet flying sash. On his feet were a pair of yellow leather-soled boots. He carried a hide-backed bow and several chisel-headed arrows. In his hand he wielded a solid steel-tipped spear. He rode that fire-red, thousand-li, wind-neighing horse of Grand Secretary Liang's. Looking at the horse, it too was a peerless steed. Observe:

Its mane split like flames; its tail swept like the morning glow.

Its body was streaked all over with rouge; its two ears stood up like paired red leaves.

At dawn it approached the purple frontier—its hooves burst forth with four points of cold starlight;

At dusk it turned on the sandy bank—on the ground it rolled a ball of fire.

Speak not of the divine steed of the South Pole—this was truly the Red Hare of Shouting Pavilion.

On the right formation, "The Blue-Faced Beast" Yang Zhi grasped his spear, reined in his mount, and stood before the lines. The officers on both sides secretly marveled. Though they did not yet know the measure of their martial skill, they could see at once that their bearing was extraordinary.

From the south, the flag-bearing officer came galloping, carrying the gold-embroidered command banner, and cried out: "By the Honorable Grand Secretary's orders, you are both to give your utmost. If either of you falters or errs, you shall surely be punished. But if you prevail, there shall be rich rewards." The two men, having received their orders, spurred their horses out of the formations and rode to the center of the drill ground. The two horses met; the two weapons rose together. Suo Chao, burning with fury, swung his great axe and rode at Yang Zhi. Yang Zhi, displaying his might, raised his divine spear and came to meet Suo Chao. The two of them, in the center of the drill ground before the command platform, clashed as commanders, each staking his lifelong skill. Now advancing, now retreating; now going, now returning—four arms moved in every direction, eight hooves flew in wild confusion. Observe:

Battle flags blotted out the sun; killing breath obscured the sky.

One with his golden-dipped axe struck straight for the crown of the head; the other with his solid steel spear never left the region of the heart.

This one was the Heavenly King Vaishravana, guardian of the state, the Pagoda-Bearing Heavenly King Li;

That one was the Great Marshal Tian Peng, who set in order the realm and held the Golden Palace.

From one spear-tip issued a tongue of flame; from the other axe-blade burst several rays of cold light.

That one was Yuan Da of the Seven Kingdoms reborn; this one was Zhang Fei of the Three Kingdoms come forth anew.

One was the Giant Spirit God in wrath, swinging his great axe to shatter the roots of mountains;

The other was the Huaguang Treasury in anger, wielding his golden spear to pierce open the underworld.

This one opened his round eyes wide and hacked his axe across with a crack;

That one ground his teeth with a snap and shook his spear-shaft as if it would splinter, flames blazing.

Each watched for the other's opening—neither gave the slightest slack.

The two fought for more than fifty rounds with neither gaining the advantage. On the viewing terrace, Grand Secretary Liang stared in a daze. The officers on both sides watched and cheered without cease. The soldiers on the field glanced at one another and whispered: "We have been soldiers for many years and have gone on several campaigns besides, but when have we ever witnessed such a pair of heroes in combat!" Li Cheng and Wen Da on the command platform called out without stopping: "Magnificent fight!" Wen Da, in his heart, feared that one of the two might be injured, and hastily summoned the flag-bearing officer, who took up the command banner and separated them. A sudden crash of gongs rang out from the command platform. Yang Zhi and Suo Chao, locked in combat, each striving for merit, had no thought of reining in their horses. The flag-bearing officer came galloping and cried: "You two heroes, stop! The Grand Secretary commands it." Only then did Yang Zhi and Suo Chao lower their weapons, rein in their horses, and each ride back to his own formation to take his stand beneath his banner. Grand Secretary Liang waited for the command.

Li Cheng and Wen Da descended from the general's platform and went straight to the moon terrace, where they reported to Liang Shushu: "Your Honor, these two men are equal in martial skill and both can be put to good use." Liang Shushu was overjoyed and issued an order summoning Yang Zhi and Suo Chao. The flag officer relayed the command, calling the two to the hall. They both dismounted. Junior officers took their weapons, and the two entered the hall and bowed to receive orders. Liang Shushu had two ingots of white silver and two sets of gifts—outer garments and inner robes—brought out to reward them. He then ordered the military affairs office to promote both to the post of garrison commandant, and directed that the paperwork be posted immediately, with their appointments effective from that day. Suo Chao and Yang Zhi both bowed their thanks to Liang Shushu, received their rewards, and descended from the hall. They stowed their spears, swords, bows, and arrows, removed their helmets and armor, and changed into ordinary clothes. Suo Chao also stripped off his battle gear and put on a brocade jacket. They both returned to the hall and bowed again in thanks to the assembled officers. Liang Shushu had Suo Chao and Yang Zhi exchange courtesies and take their places among the commandants. The soldiers then beat the victory drums, and the flags and banners were carried off first, the troops dispersing.

Liang Shushu and his officers, high and low, held a banquet in the drill hall. As the red sun sank toward the west, the feast concluded. Liang Shushu mounted his horse, and the officials escorted him back to his residence. Riding before the horse were the two newly appointed commandants, mounted abreast, with red flowers adorning their heads, and they entered through the East Gate. Along both sides of the streets, old and young, supporting the aged and carrying children, came out to watch and rejoiced at the sight. Liang Shushu, from horseback, asked: "You people—why are you so pleased?" The old men all knelt and replied: "We old fellows were born in this northern capital and have grown up in Daming Prefecture. Never before have we seen two such heroic generals competing as today. Having witnessed such worthy opponents in the training grounds, how could we not be pleased?" Liang Shushu, hearing this from his horse, was greatly delighted. Upon returning to his residence, the officials dispersed to their own homes. Suo Chao was invited by a group of his comrades to celebrate with drinking. Yang Zhi, being newly arrived and knowing no one, went to lodge at Liang's mansion, attending diligently morning and night to await orders—but of this, no more.

Let us set aside these incidental matters and return to the main account. After the military drill at the East Gate, Liang Shushu came to value Yang Zhi greatly, keeping him close at all hours. Each month he received a stipend, and gradually people began to seek his acquaintance. Suo Chao, having witnessed Yang Zhi's superior skill, held him in genuine respect in his heart.

Before they knew it, time had flown swiftly, and spring had given way to summer. The Dragon Boat Festival arrived—the Festival of Ruibin. Liang Shushu and Lady Cai held a family banquet in the rear hall to celebrate the Fifth Month Festival. Observe:

Potted green mugwort, red pomegranates in vases.

Crystal curtains rolled up like shrimp whiskers, embroidered screens parting like peacock tails.

Sweet flag cut like jade—beautiful women smiling, holding cups of purple haze;

Glutinous rice heaped like silver—fair maidens raising high their blue jade trays.

Exotic dishes prepared, fresh fruits offered.

In the fan-made breeze, strains of clear and lovely music;

Amid the fragrance of lotus garments, a hundred graceful dancing forms emerged.

That day, Liang Shushu was holding a family banquet with Lady Cai in the rear hall, celebrating the Fifth Month Festival. After several cups of wine and two courses of food, Lady Cai said: "Ever since you rose to prominence, my lord, you have become a commander-in-chief, bearing the heavy responsibility of the state. From whence does this honor and wealth come?" Liang Shushu replied: "I, Shijie, have read since childhood and know something of the classics and history. A man is not made of wood or stone—how could I not know the kindness of Mount Tai? The support and favor I have received—my gratitude is beyond measure!" Lady Cai said: "Since my husband knows my father's kindness so well, how could you forget his birthday?" Liang Shushu replied: "How could I forget? Mount Tai's birthday is on the fifteenth day of the sixth month. I have already dispatched men with a hundred thousand strings of cash to purchase gold, pearls, and precious gifts to send to the capital to celebrate. A month ago, the agents all received their allocations. Nine-tenths of the goods are now ready. Within a few days, everything will be packed and men will be chosen to set out. But there is one matter on which I hesitate. Last year I purchased many curiosities and gold and pearl treasures and sent men to deliver them, but before they had gone halfway, bandits robbed them all. That entire fortune was wasted, and to this day the bandits have not been caught. Whom shall I send this year?" Lady Cai said: "There are many military officers before you—simply choose a trusted man." Liang Shushu said: "There are still forty or fifty days. I will urge the completion of the gifts in due course, and then it will not be too late to select the man. You need not worry, my lady. Shijie will handle it." That day the family banquet lasted from mid-afternoon until the second watch of night, and of this, no more.

Let us leave aside Liang Shushu's purchasing of gifts and curiosities and his selection of men to go to the capital to celebrate Grand Tutor Cai's birthday. Instead, let us speak of a newly appointed magistrate who had just arrived in Yuncheng County in Jizhou, Shandong. His name was Shi Wenbin. This man was upright in office and scrupulous in conduct, always harboring a compassionate heart and constant feelings of mercy. In disputes over land and fields, he would determine right and wrong before acting; in fights and brawls, he would weigh the gravity before rendering judgment. In leisure, he played the zither and received guests; in haste, he dashed off judgments with his brush. He was called the magistrate of the county, but he was truly a father and mother to the people.

That day, Magistrate Shi Wenbin ascended the hall and took his seat on the official bench. On both sides stood rows of clerks and attendants. The magistrate then summoned the constabulary officers and the two patrol captains. Under the county constabulary there were two captains: one was called the Infantry Captain, the other the Cavalry Captain. The Cavalry Captain commanded twenty mounted archers and twenty soldiers; the Infantry Captain commanded twenty spear-wielding squad leaders and twenty soldiers.

The cavalry constable was named Zhu Tong, standing eight feet four or five inches tall, with a luxuriant tiger-whisker beard measuring one foot five inches long, a face as red as a heavy jade date, and eyes bright as shining stars—bearing a striking resemblance to Lord Guan Yu. Throughout the county, people called him "the Beautiful-Bearded Lord." He had originally been a wealthy local household head, but because he was righteous and generous with his wealth, befriended gallants from the rivers and lakes, and had mastered exceptional martial skills. What manner of man was Zhu Tong? Observe:

A hero loyal and righteous in heart,

Martial arts mastered within his breast,

Surpassing all, a hero indeed.

He could bend his bow and shoot a tiger,

Raise his sword and slay a dragon.

His imposing form made spirits and demons tremble,

His awesome countenance radiated majesty.

His face glowed red as a heavy jade date—

Lord Guan reborn upon the earth,

Men called him "the Beautiful-Bearded Lord."

The infantry constable was named Lei Heng, standing seven feet five inches tall, with a purplish-brown complexion and a fan-shaped beard. Possessing extraordinary strength, he could leap across ravines two or three zhang wide, and throughout the county people called him "the Winged Tiger." He had originally been a local blacksmith, later opening a rice-hulling workshop, slaughtering cattle, and running gambling dens. Though he was righteous, his heart was somewhat narrow and petty. He too had mastered exceptional martial skills. What manner of man was Lei Heng? Observe:

A star from the Northern Dipper descended to the mortal world,

Among them one stood apart in skill—

The constable, that hero Lei Heng.

His fists were divine, his arms robust,

His flying kicks flashed like lightning.

Heroes of river and sea praised his martial courage,

Leaping over walls and crossing ravines with ease—

What bold champion dared compete with him?

The "Winged Tiger" of Shandong,

Renowned throughout the four seas.

These two, Zhu Tong and Lei Heng, were charged specifically with capturing bandits and thieves. On that day, the county magistrate summoned the both of them to the hall, where they paid their respects and received instructions. The magistrate said: "Since I took office, I have learned that in the marshlands of Liangshan Prefecture, under the jurisdiction of Jizhou, bandits have gathered in hordes to plunder and raid, resisting government troops. I also fear that bandits in the countryside are running rampant, with many petty criminals. Now I summon you two. Do not shirk hardship—take the soldiers under your respective commands, one leaving by the west gate and the other by the east gate, to patrol and apprehend in different directions. If you encounter bandits, capture them immediately and report them for prosecution. You must not disturb the local people. I am aware that on the mountain of Dongxi Village there grows a large red-leafed tree found nowhere else. Have your men pick several leaves and bring them to the county office to present as proof that you have patrolled that area. If you bring no red leaves, it will mean you have been false, and you will be punished without mercy." The two constables received their orders, returned each to their posts, mustered their soldiers, and departed in their separate directions to carry out their patrols.

Let us not speak of Zhu Tong leading his men out the west gate to patrol. We shall speak only of Lei Heng, who that night led twenty soldiers out the east gate, patrolling the villages and covering the countryside thoroughly. They then came to the mountain of Dongxi Village, where the men picked the red leaves and started back down the village path. Before they had gone two or three li, they arrived before the Lingguan Temple. Seeing the temple door left unclosed, Lei Heng said, "There is no caretaker in this temple, yet the door is unclosed. Could there be villains inside? Let us go in and look." The men carried torches and shone their light in together. There on the offering table lay a big fellow sleeping stark naked. The weather was hot, and the man had bundled some torn clothing together as a pillow, placed it beneath his neck, and lay snoring deeply asleep on the offering table. Lei Heng looked and said, "How strange! How strange! The county magistrate is truly wise—so there really are bandits in Dongxi Village!" He gave a great shout. The man struggled to rise, but the twenty soldiers rushed forward together, bound the fellow with a rope, and marched him out of the temple gate to the estate of the local headman.

It was not to just any place they were bound. It came to pass that in Dongxi Village, three or four worthy heroes gathered; in Yuncheng County, a hundred thousand strings of gold and jewels were sought. Truly, the stars from the heavens assembled, and the earthly fiends met upon the mortal plane. Now, where exactly did Lei Heng take the man he had captured, and where was he delivered for prosecution? Listen to the explanation in the next chapter.