الفصل الخامس عشر

الفصل الخامس عشر

Then Wu Yong the Scholar said to himself: "I have been thinking this over, and there are three men — their bodies are wrapped in loyalty and righteousness, their martial skills are outstanding, they dare to walk through boiling water and tread on fire, and they would live and die together. Unless we can get these three men, this affair cannot succeed." Chao Gai asked: "And who exactly are these three men? What are their surnames and given names? Where do they live?" Wu Yong said: "These three are three brothers who live in Shijie Village by Liangshan Marsh in Jizhou. They make their living by fishing, and they have also engaged in smuggling on the marsh. Their surname is Ruan. The three brothers are: one is called 'Terrestrial Taisui' Ruan Xiao'er, one is 'Short-lived Second Son' Ruan Xiaowu, and one is 'Living Yama' Ruan Xiaoqi. These three are full-blooded brothers. I lived there for several years in the past, and when I associated with them, although they were men without literary learning, I saw that their friendships with others were truly marked by loyalty and righteousness — they were real men — and so I kept company with them. It has now been over two years since I last saw them. If we can get these three men, the great matter will surely succeed." Chao Gai said: "I have also heard the names of the three Ruan brothers, but I have never met them. Shijie Village is no more than a hundred li or less from here — why not send someone to invite them to come and discuss the matter?" Wu Yong said: "If we send someone to invite them, why would they agree to come? I myself must go there and, with my three-inch tongue that never fails, persuade them to join us." Chao Gai was greatly pleased and said: "Your esteemed view is most admirable. When shall we set out?" Wu Yong replied: "This matter brooks no delay — I shall leave tonight at the third watch and reach there by tomorrow at noon." Chao Gai said: "Excellent."

At that time, they called the manor servants to prepare food and wine to eat. Wu Yong said: "I have traveled from Beijing to Tokyo, but I do not know by which route the Birthday Convoy will come. I must trouble Brother Liu once again — do not decline this hardship — to go by night to the Beijing road and find out the date of departure and exactly which route they will take." Liu Tang said: "I shall set out tonight as well." Wu Yong said: "Wait — his birthday is the fifteenth day of the sixth month, and now it is still the beginning of the fifth month — there are still forty or fifty days. Let me first go and speak with the three Ruan brothers, and when I return, then I shall send Brother Liu." Chao Gai said: "That is also reasonable. Brother Liu, just wait at my manor."

No more of that. That day they ate and drank for some time, and when the third watch arrived, Wu Yong rose, washed himself, ate some breakfast, took some silver and hid it on his person, and put on straw sandals. Chao Gai and Liu Tang escorted him to the manor gate, and Wu Yong set out by night for Shijie Village. He traveled until noon and soon arrived in that village. He saw:

Green and lush, layered peaks piled with verdure;

Tender and graceful, mulberry and catalpa trees heaped like clouds.

Flowing water encircled the lonely village on all sides,

A few clusters of sparse bamboo lined the small paths.

Thatched eaves beside the ancient gully, old trees forming a forest.

Beyond the fence hung high a tavern banner for selling wine,

In the shade of willows, fishing boats were moored at leisure.

Wu Yong the Scholar knew the way from past visits and did not need to ask anyone. He came to Shijie Village and went straight to Ruan Xiao'er's house. When he reached the gate and looked, he saw several small fishing boats moored to a withered stake, and outside the sparse fence, a torn fishing net was spread to dry. Set against the mountain and beside the water, there were some dozen thatched cottages. Wu Yong called out: "Is Second Brother at home?" Then a man came out from inside. What did he look like? He saw:

A sunken face with two brows thrust upward,

A broad mouth surrounded by fists on all four sides.

Across his chest grew a patch of gall-covering yellow hair,

On his back sprouted two crosswise ribs.

His arms and shoulders had the strength of a thousand catties,

His eyes shot out tens of thousands of rays of cold light.

Speak not of a mere fisherman in this village —

He is the true Taisui of the human world.

This Ruan Xiao'er came out wearing a tattered headcloth, dressed in an old garment, with both feet bare. When he saw it was Wu Yong, he hurriedly bowed and said: "Professor, from where have you come? What wind has blown you here?" Wu Yong replied: "I have a small matter and have come specifically to trouble you, Second Brother." Ruan Xiao'er said: "What is it? Just speak freely." Wu Yong said: "It has been two years since I left this place. Now I work as a private tutor in a wealthy household, and they are preparing a banquet and need a dozen or so golden carp weighing fourteen or fifteen catties each. That is why I have come specifically to seek your help." Ruan Xiao'er smiled and said: "Let me first drink three cups with you, Professor, and then we will talk." Wu Yong said: "The very reason I came is precisely so that I might drink three cups with you, Second Brother." Ruan Xiao'er said: "There are a few taverns across the lake — let us row over in a boat." Wu Yong said: "Excellent. I also want to have a word with Fifth Brother — I wonder if he is at home?" Ruan Xiao'er said: "We will go find him." The two of them came to the shore of the marsh, untied one of the small boats moored to the withered stake, and helped Wu Yong down into the boat. At the base of a tree they took a punt pole and just rowed. They had soon rowed out onto the lake. As they were rowing, Ruan Xiao'er raised his hand and called out: "Seventh Brother, have you seen Fifth Brother?" Wu Yong looked and saw a boat emerge from among the reeds. What did that man look like? He saw:

A pockmarked face with strange flesh growing across it,

Exquisite eyes with protruding double pupils.

Sparse and uneven pale yellow whiskers at his cheeks,

Black spots crisscrossing his body.

He might have been forged from raw iron,

Or cast from stubborn bronze.

A true Wudao born into this world,

In the village he is called the Living Yama.

Ruan Xiaoqi wore a black bamboo-leaf hat to shade him from the sun, a chess-pattern cloth vest, and a raw cotton skirt tied at his waist. He paddled his boat and asked, "Second Brother, what are you looking for Fifth Brother for?" Wu Yong called out, "Seventh Lad, this humble scholar has come specifically to ask you brothers for a word." Ruan Xiaoqi said, "Forgive me, Professor. It's been many a day since we last met." Wu Yong said, "Let's go together with Second Brother and have a cup of wine." Ruan Xiaoqi said, "I too would like to have a cup of wine with the Professor, but we haven't crossed paths in ages."

The two boats followed each other across the lake. Before long, they rowed to a place surrounded on all sides by water, where on a raised knoll stood seven or eight thatched huts. Ruan Xiaoer shouted, "Mother, is Fifth Brother here?" The old woman said, "I can't tell you. He can't even catch fish anymore. He's been gambling for days on end, lost every last copper. Just now he took the hairpin from my head and went to the town to gamble again." Ruan Xiaoer laughed and paddled his boat away. Ruan Xiaoqi, from the boat behind, said, "Brother, I don't know what's come over us—gambling only brings losses, nothing but bad luck! Not to mention you never win, I've been stripped down to nothing myself." Wu Yong thought to himself, "My scheme is working." The two boats rowed side by side toward Shijie Village. After half an hour of rowing, they saw a man at a single-plank bridge holding two strings of copper coins, coming down to untie a boat. Ruan Xiaoer said, "Here comes Fifth Brother." Wu Yong looked and saw:

A pair of hands hard as iron rods, two eyes like brass bells.

Though some smiles played upon his face, a murderous gleam lurked between his brows.

He could breed sudden disaster and conjure calamity at will.

When his fists struck, even the lion's heart would quail;

Where his feet kicked, the serpent would die of fright.

Where else seek the plague-bringer of the world? Here stands the Short-Lived Second Son himself.

Ruan Xiaowu wore a tattered headscarf askew, a pomegranate flower tucked by his temple, draped in an old cotton shirt, exposing the dark blue tattoo of a leopard on his chest. His trousers were wrapped tightly, and around his waist was tied a chess-pattern cloth hand towel. Wu Yong called out, "Did you have luck, Fifth Brother?" Ruan Xiaowu said, "So it's the Professor! It's been over two years since we met. I've been watching for you from the bridge half the day." Ruan Xiaoer said, "The Professor and I went to your house looking for you. Mother said you'd gone to the town to gamble, so we came here to find you. Come along and have three cups with the Professor at the waterside pavilion." Ruan Xiaowu hurried to the bridge, untied his small boat, jumped into the cabin, grabbed a birch oar, and with a single stroke the three boats rowed together for a while, soon arriving at that waterside pavilion wine shop. Looking at it, they saw:

Before it lay the lake, behind it the rippling water reflected its image.

Several dozen green willows and locust trees were misty as smoke, patches of red lotus blossoms mirrored in the water.

In the cool pavilion, windows opened onto emerald rails; in the waterside hall, the wind stirred the crimson curtains.

Speak not of thrice-drunk Yueyang Tower—this place itself is the immortal isles of the blest.

At once the three boats were moored among the lotus in the pond below the waterside pavilion. All three boats were tied up. They helped Scholar Wu Yong ashore and entered the wine shop, making their way to the waterside hall to pick out a set of red-lacquered table and benches. Ruan Xiaoer said, "Professor, don't hold it against us three brothers for our rough ways—please take the seat of honor." Wu Yong said, "That would be improper." Ruan Xiaoqi said, "Brother, just take the host's seat. Let the Professor sit as guest, and my two brothers and I will sit first." Wu Yong said, "Seventh Lad is simply straightforward." The four of them sat down and called for the wine steward to bring a bucket of wine. The waiter laid out four large cups, set down four pairs of chopsticks, placed four plates of vegetables, drew a bucket of wine, and set it on the table. Ruan Xiaoer said, "What do we have to go with the wine?" the waiter replied, "We've just slaughtered an ox—the fat meat is as fine as flower cakes." Ruan Xiaoer said, "Cut us a big chunk, ten catties." Ruan Xiaowu said, "Professor, don't laugh at us—we have nothing fine to offer." Wu Yong said, "I've come to impose on you and put you to great trouble." Ruan Xiaoer said, "Don't say that!" He urged the waiter to keep pouring wine. Soon the beef was cut into two platters and brought to the table. The three Ruan brothers let Wu Yong eat a few pieces, then he could eat no more. The three of them devoured the food like wolves and tigers, eating their fill.

Ruan Xiaowu ventured to ask, "What brings the Professor here?" Ruan Xiaoer said, "The Professor is now a family tutor in the household of a great wealthy man. He has come because he needs a dozen golden carp, the heavy ones of fourteen or fifteen catties each, and has come specifically to find us." Ruan Xiaoqi said, "In ordinary times, we could get three or five dozen—not to mention just over ten. Even if you wanted more, we brothers could handle it. But nowadays even finding ones of ten catties is hard." Ruan Xiaowu said, "The Professor has come from far away—we can put together a dozen or so of five or six catties each to give him." Wu Yong said, "This humble scholar has plenty of silver here and will pay whatever price is fair, but I cannot use the small ones—I must have those of fourteen or fifteen catties." Ruan Xiaoqi said, "Professor, there's simply no way to get them. Even what Fifth Brother promised—five or six catties—we can't manage. We'd have to wait several days. There's a bucket of small live fish in my boat—let's just use those for the wine." Ruan Xiaowu went to his boat and brought up a bucket of small fish, about five or seven catties. He went to the kitchen himself, had them prepared, and served them in three platters, which he placed on the table. Ruan Xiaoqi said, "Professor, make do with these."

The four drank a while longer. Watching the sky grow dark, Wu Yong thought to himself: "It will be hard to talk freely in this tavern. Tonight we must stay at his house, and then we can discuss things properly." Ruan Xiao'er said, "The sky is getting dark tonight. Please, Professor, stay at my house for the night, and we can talk more tomorrow." Wu Yong said, "I've come all this way, through no end of difficulties, and it's my good fortune that you three brothers are together today. I can see this feast is one you won't let me pay for. Tonight, if I could rest a night at Second Brother's home, I have some silver here—might I trouble you to buy a jar of meat and wine at this shop, find a pair of chickens in the village, and let us drink together through the night?" Ruan Xiao'er said, "Why should the Professor spend money? We brothers will take care of it ourselves—no need to worry there's nothing to be done." Wu Yong said, "I came specifically to invite the three of you. If you won't do as I ask, then I'll simply take my leave." Ruan Xiaoqi said, "Since the Professor puts it that way, let's go along with him and drink, and talk more afterwards." Wu Yong said, "Seventh Brother is straightforward and direct!" Wu Yong took out a tael of silver and gave it to Ruan Xiaoqi, who asked the tavern keeper to sell them a jar of wine, borrowing a large jar to hold it. They bought twenty jin of raw and cooked beef and a pair of large chickens. Ruan Xiao'er said, "I'll pay back my wine money too." The tavern keeper said, "Excellent! Excellent!"

The four left the tavern, went back down to the boat, and put the wine and meat in the cabin. They cast off the mooring rope and rowed straight for Ruan Xiao'er's house. When they reached his door, they went ashore, tied the boat to the mooring post as before, took the wine and meat, and the four went together to sit in the back. They had lamps lit. It so happened that of the three Ruan brothers, only Ruan Xiao'er had a wife and children; Ruan Xiaowu and Ruan Xiaoqi were both unmarried. The four sat down together in the waterside pavilion behind Ruan Xiao'er's house. Ruan Xiaoqi slaughtered the chickens, and his wife and the little servant they had taken in prepared the food in the kitchen. Around the first watch, the food and wine were brought out and laid on the table.

Wu Yong urged the brothers to drink a few cups, then brought up the matter of buying fish again. He said, "With a place as large as this, how can there be no big fish?" Ruan Xiao'er said, "I won't hide it from you, Professor—fish that big are only found in Liangshan Marsh. My Stone Tablet Lake is too narrow and small to hold such large fish." Wu Yong said, "This place isn't far from Liangshan Marsh at all—the water connects right to it. Why not go there and catch some?" Ruan Xiao'er let out a long sigh and said, "Don't even speak of it!" Wu Yong asked, "Why does Second Brother sigh?" Ruan Xiaowu took over: "The Professor doesn't know. In the past, that Liangshan Marsh was our brothers' livelihood, but now we absolutely dare not go." Wu Yong said, "With a place that large, the authorities can't have banned fishing there?" Ruan Xiaowu said, "What authorities would dare ban fishing? Even the Living King of Hell couldn't stop us!" Wu Yong said, "If the authorities haven't banned it, why do you absolutely dare not go?" Ruan Xiaowu said, "The Professor doesn't know the story. Let me tell you." Wu Yong said, "I truly don't understand." Ruan Xiaoqi picked up the thread: "That Liangshan Marsh—it's hard to explain. A new band of toughs has taken over the marsh now and won't allow anyone to fish." Wu Yong said, "I didn't know that. So there are toughs there now? I'd never heard a word of it."

Ruan Xiao'er said: "The leader of that band is a failed scholar-official called 'the White-Robed Scholar' Wang Lun. The second is 'Touching the Sky' Du Qian, and the third is 'Diamond in the Clouds' Song Wan. Below them is one called 'Dry-Land Sounding Thunder' Zhu Gui, who runs a tavern at the Li Family Pass road, mainly to gather intelligence—he's not much to worry about. Recently a new hero has arrived: a drill instructor from the Imperial Guard in the Eastern Capital, called 'Leopard Head' Lin Chong, with truly magnificent martial arts. These bandits, men and women together, have gathered five or seven hundred people, robbing homes and plundering passing travelers. We haven't gone there to fish for over a year now. The marsh has cut off our livelihood, and that's why there's so much to say." Wu Yong said, "I truly didn't know about this. Why haven't the authorities come to arrest them?" Ruan Xiaowu said, "Nowadays those authorities stir up trouble everywhere and only harm the common people. The moment they come down to a village, they first eat up all the pigs, sheep, chickens, and geese that good families have raised, and then they demand traveling expenses to send them off. And now these fellows are a fine way to deal with them! Those constables who catch bandits—they don't dare come down to the villages at all! If their superiors send them to track down someone, they piss and shit in terror—how dare they even look them in the eye!" Ruan Xiao'er said, "At least I may not catch big fish, but I've avoided a lot of taxes and levies." Wu Yong said, "In that case, those fellows have it pretty good!" Ruan Xiaowu said: "They don't fear Heaven, don't fear Earth, don't fear the law. They weigh out gold and silk, wear brocade of every kind, drink wine by the jar, eat meat by the chunk—how can they not be happy? We three brothers have abilities we can't use—how can we learn to live like them!" Wu Yong listened and secretly rejoiced: "This is exactly the opening I need for my plan." Ruan Xiaoqi said, "A man lives but one lifetime, grass grows but one autumn. If we just go on fishing all our days, it would be good to live like them for even a single day!"

Wu Yong said, "What would be the sort of people to emulate? The sort of things they do aren't crimes punishable by fifty or seventy strokes of the rod. They would be throwing away all their might for nothing. If the authorities ever arrest them, the fault is their own."

Ruan Xiao'er said, "These days the officials in charge are utterly muddle-headed and incompetent. Those who commit crimes as vast as the sky are let off scot-free! We brothers can't live a life of freedom. If someone would just take us along, we'd go."

Ruan Xiaowu said, "I've often thought the same way. The skills of we three brothers are no less than anyone else's! But who recognizes us?"

Wu Yong said, "Even if someone did recognize you, would you truly be willing to go?"

Ruan Xiaoqi said, "If there were someone who recognized us, we'd follow him through water and through fire. If we could be of use to him for even a single day, we'd die with smiles on our faces."

Wu Yong thought to himself with quiet satisfaction, "All three of them are interested. I'll slowly draw them in." He urged them to drink another two rounds of wine. Truly it was as the verse says:

*Because the wicked suppress the talented,*

*The evil star is sent down from the sky.*

*Behold the three Ruan brothers—*

*They shall seize the ill-gotten birthday gifts.*

Wu Yong then said, "Would the three of you dare go to Mount Liang and capture that band of thieves?"

Ruan Xiaoqi said, "Even if we could capture them, where would we collect the reward? We'd be laughed at by all the gallants of the rivers and lakes!"

Wu Yong said, "This is my humble view: if you resent not being able to fish freely, why not go there and join their company? Wouldn't that be good?"

Ruan Xiao'er said, "Sir, you don't know. We brothers have discussed going to join them several times, but we've heard that the men under Wang伦, the 'White-robed Scholar,' say he is narrow-minded and cannot accommodate people. The last time, that Lin Chong from the Eastern Capital went to the mountain, he was thoroughly provoked. That fellow Wang伦 refuses to take in just anyone. Seeing this, we brothers all lost heart."

Ruan Xiaoqi said, "If they were as generous as you, and cherished us brothers, that would be fine!"

Ruan Xiaowu said, "If that Wang伦 had the same spirit of fellowship as you, Professor, we would have gone long ago, and not waited until today! We three brothers would gladly die for him!"

Wu Yong said, "How could someone as insignificant as myself be worth mentioning? There are so many heroes and gallants in Shandong and Hebei these days!"

Ruan Xiao'er said, "There are plenty of heroes, but we brothers have never met them."

Wu Yong said, "What about Chao Baozheng of Dongcun Village in Yuncheng County—do you know him?"

Ruan Xiaowu said: "You don't mean Chao Gai, who's called the Pagoda-Bearing Heavenly King, do you?"

Wu Yong said, "The very same."

Ruan Xiaoqi said, "Though he's only a hundred-odd li from us, our karma is shallow—we've heard his name but never met him."

Wu Yong said, "Such a righteous and generous man—why haven't you met him?"

Ruan Xiao'er said, "We brothers have no reason to go there, so we've never been able to meet him."

Wu Yong said, "These past few years I've been teaching village school not far from the Manor Lord Chao's estate. Now I've heard that a fortune awaits him, and I've come specifically to discuss with you: what if we waylay them halfway and seize it?"

Ruan Xiaowu said, "That won't do at all. Since he's such a righteous and generous man, if we were to ruin his enterprise, we'd be laughed at by all the gallants of the rivers and lakes who know what's what."

Wu Yong said, "I only feared your resolve was weak. So you truly cherish your guests and value righteousness. Let me tell you plainly: if you truly wish to help, let me inform you of this matter. I am currently staying at Manor Lord Chao's estate. The Manor Lord, having heard of your three great names, specifically sent me to invite you for a discussion."

Ruan Xiao'er said, "We three brothers are honest and true—there's not a shred of falsehood in us! If the Manor Lord Chao has some grand private business venture and wishes to take us along, he would certainly trouble you to come. If this is truly the case, should we three be unwilling to stake our lives to help him, let us swear by the leftover wine: may we all meet with disaster, fall gravely ill, and die an untimely death!"

Ruan Xiaowu and Ruan Xiaoqi slapped their necks and said, "This hot blood of ours—we only want to sell it to someone who appreciates it!"

Wu Yong said, "The three of you are here, and I am not acting with malice to entice you. This is no ordinary enterprise! Presently, Grand Tutor Cai in the imperial court has his birthday on the fifteenth day of the sixth month. His son-in-law is Liang Zhongshu, the prefect of Daming Prefecture in the Northern Capital, who is now escorting a hundred thousand strings of gold, pearls, and treasures to his father-in-law as birthday gifts. Now there is a gallant named Liu Tang who has come specially to inform us. We wish to invite you to discuss gathering several heroes and seizing this fortune of ill-gotten wealth in some remote mountain hollow, so that all of us may enjoy a lifetime of ease. That is why I came, pretending to buy fish, to invite the three of you to discuss this matter and bring it to fruition. What are your thoughts?"

Rian Xiaowu, upon hearing this, said, "Enough! Enough!" He called out, "Seventh Brother, what was I telling you!"

Ruan Xiaoqi leaped to his feet and said, "A lifetime's hope—today our wish is fulfilled! You've scratched exactly where it itches! When shall we go?"

Wu Yong said, "Please go right away. Tomorrow, rise at the fifth watch and go together to the Manor Lord Chao's estate."

The three Ruan brothers were overjoyed. A poem bears witness:

*The scholar knows books, yet he is not greedy for wealth;*

*The Ruan brothers delight in fishing, at ease and content.*

*But because of unjust gold and pearls,*

*A host of heroes is brought together in righteous cause.*

That night they passed a night, and early the next morning they rose, ate their breakfast, and the three Ruo brothers made arrangements at home. They followed Wu the Scholar, and the four of them left Shihe Village, quickening their pace and heading toward Dongxi Village. They traveled all day and soon saw Chao's Manor in the distance. Far off, beneath a green scholar tree, Chao Gai and Liu Tang were waiting. They saw Wu Yong leading the three Ruo brothers straight up to the scholar tree, and the two parties greeted one another. Chao Gai was overjoyed and said, "The Three Heroes of the Ruo family are indeed worthy of their reputation. Please, come into the manor and speak with me."

All six men entered from outside the manor and reached the rear hall, where they took their seats according to host and guest. Wu Yong recounted what had happened earlier, and Chao Gai was delighted. He ordered his servants to slaughter pigs and sheep and to prepare the burning of paper offerings. The three Ruo brothers saw that Chao Gai was a man of imposing bearing and easy, flowing speech, and the three of them said, "We have always loved to make the acquaintance of true heroes, and it turns out they were right here all along. Had it not been for Professor Wu bringing us today, how would we ever have met?" The three brothers were overjoyed. That evening they ate together and talked deep into the night.

The next morning at dawn, in the front of the rear hall they arranged coins, paper horses, flowers, incense, and lamps and candles, along with the pigs and sheep that had been cooked the night before and the paper offerings. When they saw how sincere and earnest Chao Gai was, everyone was pleased, and each of them swore an oath: "Liang Shushu in Beijing oppresses the people and fraudulently obtains wealth, which he sends to Tokyo to celebrate the birthday of Grand Tutor Cai. This is precisely wealth gained through unrighteousness. If any one of the six of us harbors selfish intentions, may Heaven and Earth destroy him, and may the gods bear witness." All six men having sworn their oath, they burned the paper money.

The six heroes were just enjoying the sacrificial meat and drinking wine in the rear hall when a servant came to report: "There is a gentleman at the gate who says he wishes to see the headman and asks for alms of grain." Chao Gai said, "Have you no sense at all? Can you not see that I am here entertaining guests and drinking wine? Simply give him three or five sheng of rice—why must you come and bother me about it?" The servant said, "I offered him rice, but he refused it. He insists on seeing the headman in person." Chao Gai said, "He must be dissatisfied with the amount! Then give him another two or three dou of rice. Tell him the headman is entertaining guests in the manor today and has no time for visitors." The servant left for some time, then came back again and said, "That gentleman—I gave him three dou of rice, but he still refuses to leave. He calls himself the Pure One, and he says he has not come for money or rice. He only wishes to see the headman." Chao Gai said, "You are a fool who cannot handle a simple matter. Tell him I truly have no time today and ask him to come another day for tea." The servant said, "That is exactly what I told him, but the gentleman said, 'I am not here for alms of money or rice. I have heard that the headman is a man of righteousness, and I have come specifically to seek an audience with him.'" Chao Gai said, "You are as persistent as he is, and do nothing to spare me trouble! If he is still dissatisfied with the amount, you may give him three or four more dou—why must you keep coming back to me! If I were not drinking with my guests, I could go see him myself—what would it matter? Go and deal with him, and do not come back to me again!"

The servant had not been gone half an hour when there was a great commotion outside the manor gate. Another servant came running at full speed and reported: "That gentleman has grown angry and beaten ten or more of our servants." Chao Gai was startled and hastily rose to his feet. He said, "Brothers, please remain seated. Chao Gai will go take a look myself." He came out of the rear hall and went to the manor gate, where he saw the gentleman—a man eight feet tall, with a dignified and imposing bearing, and a strange countenance—beating the servants beneath the green scholar tree outside the gate. Chao Gai looked at the gentleman and observed:

His hair was bound in two loose topknots,

He wore a short coarse-fabric robe of Bashan style,

His waist was tied with a multicolored silk sash,

On his back hung an ancient bronze sword with a pine-grain pattern.

His pale flesh feet were shod in hemp shoes with many loops,

In his hand he held a tortoiseshell fan.

His brows were shaped like the character for "eight," his eyes were almond-shaped;

His mouth was square, his chin covered with a full beard.

As the gentleman beat them, he kept saying, "You do not know a good man!" Chao Gai saw him and called out, "Sir, calm your anger. You came looking for Headman Chao—surely it was to seek alms or donations. He has already given you rice. Why are you so angry?" The gentleman laughed loudly and said, "This poor monk has not come for wine, food, money, or rice. I regard a hundred thousand strings of cash as a trifle. I came specifically to find the headman because I have something to say. But I could not bear the rudeness of your village folk, who insulted this poor monk, and so my temper was aroused." Chao Gai said, "Do you even know Headman Chao?" The gentleman said, "I have only heard his name; I have never met him." Chao Gai said, "This humble person is he. What have you to say, sir?" The gentleman looked at him and said, "I hope the headman will not take offense—this poor monk bows to you." Chao Gai said, "Sir, please—would you not like to come into the manor for tea?" The gentleman said, "I am most grateful."

The two men entered the village, and Wu Yong, seeing the master arrive, hid himself away with Liu Tang and the three Ruan brothers. Now let us tell how Chao Gai invited the master into the rear hall, where they drank tea. When they had finished, the master said, "This is no place for talking. Is there some other spot where we might sit?" Chao Gai, hearing this, then invited the master to a small pavilion, where they took their seats as host and guest. Chao Gai said, "I presume to ask the master—what is your honored surname, and where is your noble hometown?" The master replied, "This poor priest's surname is Gongsun, my given name alone is Sheng, and my Taoist name is Master Yiqing. This humble priest am a native of Ji Prefecture. Since youth I have been fond of studying spear and staff in my village, and have mastered many forms of martial arts. People simply call me Gongsun Sheng the Elder. Because I have learned a certain school of Taoist arts, I can summon wind and rain, and ride the mist and clouds. The rivers and lakes all call this poor priest 'the Dragon Entering the Clouds.' This poor priest has long heard the great name of the Village Head Chao of Dongxi Village in Yuncheng County, but had no fortune to make your acquaintance. Now there is a gift of a hundred thousand strings of gold and pearls, which I wish to present to you, Village Head, as a courtesy offering. I do not know whether this righteous gentleman would deign to accept it." Chao Gai laughed loudly and said, "What the master speaks of—could it be the Birthday Tribute from the Northern Region?" The master was greatly startled and said, "How does the Village Head know of this?" Chao Gai said, "This humble one merely guessed wildly—I do not know if it accords with the master's intentions." Gongsun Sheng said, "This whole fortune must not be missed. As the ancients said: 'Take what should be taken, or regret it when it is too late.' What does the Village Head think?"

Even as they were speaking, a man burst in from outside the pavilion, seized Gongsun Sheng by the chest, and said, "Well now! There is the law of the land openly, and the spirits of heaven secretly—how can you plot such a scheme! I have been listening for some time!" This frightened Gongsun Sheng until his face turned the color of earth.

Truly:

A plot not yet formed—alas, a listener outside the window;

A stratagem just set in motion—and suddenly calamity arises within the walls.

Now who was this man who burst in and seized Gongsun Sheng? Listen to the next chapter.