الفصل الثامن عشر

الفصل الثامن عشر

Then Officer He said to his younger brother He Qing: "This ingot of silver is a reward offered by the government, not something I am using to trick you. There will be further generous rewards to come. Brother, tell me—how did you come to have this gang in your pouch?" He Qing reached into the document pouch at his side and produced a folded register. Pointing to it, he said, "All the names of these bandits are recorded here." He Tao said, "Tell me then—how did they come to be written here?" He Qing said, "I will not hide it from you, elder brother. The other day I lost money gambling and had not a single coin for traveling expenses. A fellow gambler took me fifteen li outside the North Gate, to a place called Anle Village, where there was a Wang family inn, to gamble for small change. It happened that the authorities had issued an order requiring every innkeeper in the village to keep a register book, stamped with an official seal on the front. Every night when travelers came to stay, they were to be asked: 'Where do you come from? Where are you going? What is your surname and given name? What business are you in?' All of this was to be copied into the register. For the government's inspection, the innkeeper was to report once a month to the village headman. Since the young innkeeper could not write, he asked me to copy the entries for him for half a month. On that day, the third day of the sixth month, seven merchants selling dates arrived, pushing seven Jiangzhou carts to take lodging. I recognized the leader of the merchants—it was Chao the Village Headman of Dongxi Village in Yuncheng County. How did I know him? Some time before, I had gone with a gambler to seek refuge with him, so I knew his face. As I was writing in the register, I asked him, 'What is the honored surname of our guest?' A man with a sparse beard and a fair, clean complexion stepped forward and answered quickly: 'We are surnamed Li. We come from Haozhou selling dates, on our way to sell them in the Eastern Capital.' I wrote it down, but I had my doubts. The next day, they left on their own. The innkeeper took me to the village to gamble, and at a fork in the road we saw a man carrying two buckets on a pole. I did not recognize him. The innkeeper called out to him, 'Brother Bai, where are you going?' The man replied, 'I have a load of vinegar to sell to a wealthy family in the village.' The innkeeper said to me, 'This man is called "White Mouse" Bai Sheng. He is a gambler.' I kept this in mind. Later, I heard it proclaimed everywhere: 'A group of date merchants on Yellow Mud Ridge used knockout drug to render people unconscious and made off with the birthday gifts convoy!' I guessed it must be Chao the Village Headman—who else could it be! Now that Bai Sheng has been arrested, once we question him, the truth will be clear. This folded register is a copy I made."

He Tao was overjoyed. He at once took his younger brother He Qing and went straight to the prefectural office to see the prefect. The prefect asked, "Has there been any progress in that case?" He Tao reported, "We have a small lead." The prefect summoned them to the inner chamber to speak and questioned them carefully about the particulars. He Qing reported everything in full.

Immediately eight officers were dispatched. Together with He Tao and He Qing, they went by night to Anle Village. They had the innkeeper serve as their guide and went straight to Bai Sheng's house. It was the third watch of the night. The innkeeper was called to trick the door open and light a lamp. They could be heard Bai Sheng stirring on the bed. When they questioned his wife, she said he had fallen ill with a fever and had not yet sweated it out. They dragged him off the bed. Seeing Bai Sheng's face flushed and pale by turns, they bound him with ropes and shouted, "Well done on Yellow Mud Ridge!" Bai Sheng would not confess. They bound his wife as well, and she too refused to give anything away. The officers searched the house for stolen goods. Under the bed they noticed the ground was uneven. They dug it open, and before they had gone three feet deep, the officers gave a shout. Bai Sheng turned the color of earth. From the ground they retrieved a bundle of gold and silver. They wrapped Bai Sheng's head in cloth, took his wife, hauled away the stolen goods, and all returned through the night to Jizhou City. It was just the fifth watch at dawn when they brought Bai Sheng before the hall and bound him with ropes. They questioned him about who had planned and instigated the crime. Bai Sheng denied everything stubbornly and would not confess to Chao the Village Headman and the other six. They gave him three or four beatings, until his skin was split open and blood flowed freely. The prefect shouted, "The principal accused has already confessed to the stolen goods, and the arresting officers know it was Chao the Village Headman of Dongxi Village in Yuncheng County. How can you keep denying it! Quickly tell me who the other six are, and we will not beat you further." Bai Sheng endured a while longer, but could not hold out against the torment. He finally confessed: "The leader is Chao the Village Headman. He himself came with the others to enlist Bai Sheng to carry the wine for them. As for the other six, I truly do not know them." The prefect said, "This is no difficulty. Once we arrest Chao the Village Headman, the other six will be found." They first placed a twenty-pound cangue on Bai Sheng, locked up his wife as well, and had her taken to the women's jail for detention.

Subsequently, an official document was drawn up, and He Tao was personally dispatched, leading twenty keen-eyed and swift-handed constables, straight to Yuncheng County to deliver the order, directing the county government to immediately arrest Chief Chao and the six bandits whose names were unknown. The two guards who had originally escorted the birthday gifts were brought along to identify the men. Together with Inspector He Tao, this party set out; they were not to make a great commotion along the way, lest word leak out. They traveled by night to Yuncheng County and first concealed the constables and the two guards in an inn, bringing only one or two men with them to deliver the document and proceed directly to the county yamen. It was the hour of the Snake—around ten in the morning—and the magistrate had just dismissed the morning session; the area before the county office was quiet and still. He Tao went to a tea shop opposite the gate, sat down, and waited over a cup of tea. After drinking a pot of steeped tea, he asked the tea vendor, "Why is the county office so quiet today?" The tea vendor replied, "The magistrate has just finished the morning session. All the constables and those with lawsuits have gone to eat and haven't returned yet." He Tao then asked, "Which assistant clerk is on duty at the county office today?" The tea vendor pointed, "Here comes today's assistant clerk." He Tao looked and saw a clerk emerge from the county office. What did this man look like? Observe:

His eyes were like phoenixes, his eyebrows like reclining silkworms.

Two ears dangled with glistening pearls; two bright eyes sparkled like lacquer.

His lips were square and his mouth well-formed; his whiskers framed a delicate chin.

His forehead was broad and his crown level; his flesh filled out the temples abundantly.

When seated, he had the bearing of a tiger; when walking, he moved like a wolf.

Thirty years of age, he possessed the capacity to nurture and sustain ten thousand men;

Six feet tall, he harbored the ambition to sweep clean the four seas.

His spirit was lofty, his bearing elegant.

With his pen, he could rival Prime Minister Xiao He; his fame was no less than that of Lord Mengchang.

This assistant clerk's surname was Song, his given name Jiang, his courtesy name Gongming, and he was the third in his family. His ancestral home was Song Family Village in Yuncheng County. Because he was dark-skinned and short in stature, people called him "Black Song Jiang." Moreover, he was greatly filial to his family and generous in aiding others with his wealth; everyone referred to him as "Filial and Righteous Black Third Master." His father was still alive; his mother had died young. He had a younger brother called "Iron Fan" Song Qing, who lived with his father, Song the Elder, farming in the village and tending their fields to make a living. This Song Jiang served as assistant clerk in Yuncheng County. He was thoroughly versed in legal documents and expert in official procedure; moreover, he loved to practice spear and staff and had mastered many martial arts. All his life he delighted in making friends with heroes of the rivers and lakes. Whoever came to seek his patronage, whether high or low, he never refused—he would keep them at his manor, entertain them day after day, and never tire of their company. If they wished to leave, he would do his utmost to help them financially; truly, he scattered gold like dirt. If anyone asked him for money or goods, he never declined; and he loved to do good turns, often resolving disputes and settling troubles, always seeking to preserve people's lives. He frequently gave away coffins and medicine to relieve the poor, supplying those in urgent need and supporting those in distress. For this he was famous throughout Shandong and Hebei, and people called him "Timely Rain," comparing him to the timely rain that falls from heaven and saves all living things. There was a poem in the style of *Lin Jiang Xian* praising Song Jiang's virtues:

A clerk from a humble village,

His heroic spirit answers to a star.

Generous and righteous, he excels in all.

He serves his parents with filial devotion,

And treats scholars with a noble reputation.

His heart is generous in aiding the weak and lifting the fallen;

His lofty name is clear as water and moon.

The timely rain is praised across the land—

The people of Shandong call him "Protector of Righteousness,"

This hero, Song Gongming.

At this time, Song Jiang was walking out of the county office with a servant. He saw this Inspector He Tao stop him in the street and call out, "Assistant Clerk, please sit here and have tea with me." He Tao appeared to be dressed as a law officer, so Song Jiang hastily returned the greeting and asked, "Where does this honorable brother come from?" He Tao said, "Please come into the tea shop to drink tea and talk." Song Gongming replied, "With pleasure." The two went into the tea shop and sat down; the servant was told to wait outside the door. Song Jiang said, "May I presume to ask this honorable brother's honored surname?" He Tao replied, "This humble person is Inspector He Tao of Jizhou's office of criminal investigation. May I ask the assistant clerk's honored name?" Song Jiang said, "These unworthy eyes failed to recognize the Inspector—forgive my offense. This petty clerk is Song Jiang." He Tao fell to the ground and bowed, saying, "I have long heard your great name but never had the honor of meeting you." Song Jiang said, "I am overwhelmed. Inspector, please take the seat of honor." He Tao said, "How would this humble person dare to take the higher seat?" Song Jiang said, "The Inspector is from the superior office and also a guest from afar." After deferring to each other, Song Jiang took the host's seat and He Tao took the guest's seat. Song Jiang then called the tea vendor to bring two cups of tea. In a short time, the tea arrived. The two drank their tea.

Song Jiang said, "What important business brings Your Honor to our humble district?"

He Tao replied, "I'll be frank with you. There are several wanted men in your district."

Song Jiang said, "Is it a matter involving bandits?"

He Tao said, "I have an official sealed document here. I rely on you, the clerk, to help me execute it."

Song Jiang said, "Your Honor has been sent by your superiors to capture robbers. How would this petty clerk dare to be remiss? But what is this urgent bandit affair?"

He Tao said, "Since you handle such cases, I can tell you without reserve. On Huangni Ridge in our prefecture, a gang of robbers, eight in total, drugged with knockout powder the fifteen soldiers sent by Grand Secretary Liang of Daming Prefecture in the capital to deliver the birthday tribute to Grand Tutor Cai. They made off with eleven loads of pearls and treasure—a principal haul worth a hundred thousand strings of cash. We've caught one accomplice named Bai Sheng, who has identified seven principal bandits, all of whom are in your district. The Grand Tutor's office has sent a special agent to our prefecture, waiting for this matter to be settled. I hope you will handle this expeditiously."

Song Jiang said, "Even if the Grand Tutor himself were pressing for this, let alone Your Honor bringing the official document, how could I dare not capture and deliver them? I only wonder—whose seven names did Bai Sheng name?"

He Tao said, "To be frank with you, the ringleader is Chao Bao-zheng of Dongxi Village in your district. There are six other accomplices whose names we don't know. I trust you will make a careful effort."

When Song Jiang heard this, he was greatly alarmed. He thought to himself: "Gao Gai is my sworn brother. Now he has committed this monstrous crime. If I don't save him, once he's captured, he's as good as dead!" Though inwardly panicked, he replied aloud, "That scoundrel Chao Gai is a hardened troublemancer—everyone in this district, high and low, detests him. Now he's finally shown his true colors. He deserves what's coming!"

He Tao said, "I rely on you, clerk, to handle this matter."

Song Jiang said, "No difficulty at all. This is easy—like catching a turtle in a jar, it's a sure thing. There's just one thing: this sealed document must be submitted by Your Honor personally in the magistrate's hall. Once the magistrate reviews it, he can issue orders to send men to make the arrests. How would a petty clerk dare to open such a document on his own? This is no small matter—it must not be carelessly disclosed."

He Tao said, "Your wisdom is most sound. I ask that you make the introduction."

Song Jiang said, "The magistrate has been handling morning business all day and has retired to rest. Please wait a little while. When he sits in court shortly, this clerk will come and invite you."

He Tao said, "I trust you will see this through, clerk."

Song Jiang said, "It goes without saying—no need for such words. I must step home briefly to attend to some household matters, then I'll return. Please wait here a while."

He Tao said, "Please do as you wish. I'll wait here."

Song Jiang rose and left the room. He instructed the tea-house waiter: "If that official wants more tea, I'll settle the bill when I return." He left the tea house and ran as fast as he could to his quarters. First he ordered his attendant to tell the office clerk to wait by the tea house door: "When the magistrate sits in court, go to the tea house and reassure the official, saying, 'The clerk will be with you shortly,' and ask him to wait a moment." Then he saddled a horse from the stable, led it out the back gate, took up his whip, hastily mounted, and slowly rode out of the county seat. Once past the east gate, he gave the horse two cracks of the whip, and it galloped straight toward Dongxi Village. In less than an hour, he arrived at Chao Gai's manor. The farmhands saw him and went inside to report.

Thus:

He prized brotherhood above ill-gotten gain—

Heaven's net sometimes lets men slip its chain.

When plundering officials outdo the thieves,

A loyal friend will let the bandits leave.

Now Chao Gai was drinking with Wu Yong, Gong-sun Sheng, and Liu Tang under the grape arbor in the back garden. The three Ruan brothers had already taken their share of the treasure and returned to Shijie Village. When a farmhands reported that Clerk Song was at the gate, Chao Gai asked, "How many men has he with him?"

The farmhands said, "He came alone on horseback in great haste, saying he urgently needs to see you, Sir."

Chao Gai said, "Something must be wrong." He hurried out to greet him. Song Jiang made a bow, took Chao Gai by the hand, and led him to a small side room.

Chao Gai asked, "Why have you come in such haste?"

Song Jiang said, "Brother, you don't know this, but I'm your sworn brother, and I've risked my life to save you. The Huangni Ridge affair has been exposed! Bai Sheng has already been seized and thrown into the prison at Jizhou. He has named the seven of you. The Jizhou prefecture has sent an officer named He Tao with a number of men, bearing a directive from the Grand Tutor's office and documents from the prefecture, to arrest all seven of you—with you named as the ringleader. By heaven's luck, this landed in my hands. I told the magistrate was asleep and had Officer He wait across from the yamen in the tea house. I rode here at full speed to warn you. 'Of thirty-six stratagems, the best is to run.' If you don't flee at once, what are you waiting for? I'll go back and have him submit the sealed document in the magistrate's hall. Before long, the magistrate will send men down tonight. You must not delay. If anything goes wrong, what then? Don't blame me for not coming to save you."

Upon hearing this, Chao Gai was greatly startled. He said, "Your kindness, brother, is beyond repayment!"

Song Jiang replied, "Brother, say no more. Just make arrangements to leave and don't delay. I must be getting back."

Chao Gai said, "Seven men in total—three of them, Ruan the Second, Ruan the Fifth, and Ruan the Seventh, have already taken their share of the wealth and returned to Stone Tablet Village on their own. The other three are here. Brother, stay and meet them before you go."

Song Jiang went to the rear garden, where Chao Gai pointed and said, "These three: one is Wu Yong, the Learned Scholar; one is Gongsun Sheng, who came from Jizhou; and one is Liu Tang, a man from Donglu Prefecture."

Song Jiang exchanged brief courtesies with them, then turned to leave. He said, "Brother, take care of yourself and make haste. I must go now."

Song Jiang rode out of the manor, mounted his horse, and gave it two lashes. He galloped back toward the county town as if flying.

A scholar of that time composed a poem about this affair, which spoke to the matter well. The poem read:

Why did the village head harbor outlaws among his men?

The clerk of the court let thieves escape—his guilt is plain.

Know that keeping the law preserves a name both clean and great,

Do not claim that mercy and brotherhood are virtues to rate.

The noble falcon fears the shrike that would its life undo—

A cat that keeps a company of mice is no cat true.

In vain they wield the brush and call themselves men of letters,

Ashamed to speak of Xiao He, the great minister of old.

Now let us speak of Chao Gai, who said to Wu Yong, Gongsun Sheng, and Liu Tang, "Do you know the man who just came to see us?"

Wu Yong said, "Why did he leave in such a great hurry? Who was he?"

Chao Gai said, "You three still don't know? If not for him coming, our lives would have been lost in an instant!"

The three men were greatly alarmed. "Has word leaked out? Has the matter been discovered?"

Chao Gai said, "We owe our lives to this brother, who took on a burden as heavy as a sea of blood to come and warn us. It turns out that Bai Sheng has already been captured and thrown into the prison in Jizhou. He has confessed the names of all seven of us. The prefecture sent an Inspector He with a number of men, bearing a directive from the Grand Tutor, to report to Yuncheng County and arrest all seven of us without delay. It was this brother who kept the constables waiting at the tea shop, then rode ahead at full speed to warn us. He has now gone back to file the official documents, and in a short while they will send men through the night to seize us. What are we to do?"

Wu Yong said, "Had this man not come to warn us, we would all have been caught in the net. What is the name of this great benefactor?"

Chao Gai said, "He is none other than the county clerk known as 'Protector of Righteousness,' Song Jiang."

Wu Yong said, "I have long heard of Clerk Song's great name, but I have never had the chance to meet him. Though we live so close, fate has never brought us together."

Gongsun Sheng and Liu Tang both said, "Could he be the Song Jiang known throughout the land as the 'Timely Rain'?"

Chao Gai nodded. "That is the very man. He and I are bound as brothers, our hearts as one. Master Wu, you have never met him, but his fame is known across the four seas—it is no idle reputation. To have a sworn brother like him is no small thing."

Chao Gai asked Wu Yong, "Our situation is desperate. How can we save ourselves?"

Wu Yong said, "There is no need for lengthy discussion, brother. 'Of the thirty-six stratagems, running away is the best.'"

Chao Gai said, "Just now Clerk Song also told us that running away is the best course. But where should we go?"

Wu Yong said, "I have already thought it through. Let us pack five or seven loads and make straight for the Ruan brothers' home in Stone Tablet Village. We should send a man ahead at once to inform them."

Chao Gai said, "The Ruan brothers are fishermen. How can they accommodate so many of us?"

Wu Yong said, "Brother, how can you be so lacking in foresight! Stone Tablet Village leads step by step straight to Liangshan Marsh. The stronghold there is thriving. The government troops who hunt bandits don't even dare look it in the face. If the pursuit grows too hot, we can simply join them."

Chao Gai said, "This plan is truly the best. I only fear they may not take us in."

Wu Yong said, "We have plenty of gold and silver. If we present some to them, we will be admitted."

Indeed:

In lawless times, bandits abound;

For heroes, advance and retreat are both hard.

Because a scholar dwells in the mountain stronghold,

Buying one's way in is no different from buying an official post.

Then Chao Gao said, "Since we have settled on this plan, we must not delay. Master Wu, take Liu Tang and several of the manor servants, carry the loads ahead to the Ruan brothers' house and make arrangements. Then come back by the dry road to meet us. Gongsun Sheng and I will gather what remains and follow."

Wu Yong and Liu Tang took the gold, pearls, and treasures seized from the birthday gifts convoy, packed them into five or six loads, and had five or six manor servants eat and drink their fill. Wu Yong slipped a copper chain into his sleeve, Liu Tang took up his broad saber, and they set off with the five or six loads, a party of ten or more men, toward Stone Tablet Village.

Chao Gai and Gongsun Sheng remained at the manor to pack up. Some of the manor servants who were unwilling to go were given money and provisions and allowed to seek other masters. Those who wished to go stayed at the manor to gather up their belongings and tie up their luggage.

Indeed:

Trust that wealth is a venomous snake—

Where riches gather, the house is destroyed.

Even a man called righteous is hard to protect;

Heaven watches the greedy official who boasts of himself.

Now let us speak of Song Jiang, who galloped back to his quarters and hurried to the tea shop, where he found Inspector He waiting at the door.

Song Jiang said, "Inspector, I have kept you waiting. A relative from the village came to my quarters to discuss family matters, which delayed me a little."

He Tao said, "I am indebted to the clerk for his guidance."

Song Jiang said, "Please, Inspector, let us go to the county office."

The two men came to the yamen, just as Magistrate Shi Wenbin was hearing cases in the hall. Song Jiang carried the sealed official document and led Investigator He straight to the magistrate's desk, ordering the attendants to hang up the "No Admittance" placard. Song Jiang stepped forward and reported, "By order of Jizhou Prefecture, regarding an urgent matter of banditry, Investigator He has been specially dispatched as a constable to deliver this document here." The magistrate received it and broke the seal, reading it right there in the hall. He was greatly alarmed and said to Song Jiang, "This is a matter sent by the Grand Secretariat, demanding an immediate reply. These bandits can then be apprehended at once." Song Jiang said, "If we go during the day, we may risk the news leaking. We must send men to seize them at night. Once Chao Bao-zheng is captured, the other six will be found." Magistrate Shi said, "This Chao Bao-zheng of Dongxi Village is known to be a fine fellow. How could he possibly be involved in such dealings?" He immediately summoned the Chief Constable and two chief constables: one named Zhu Tong, the other Lei Heng. These two were no ordinary men.

At once Zhu Tong and Lei Heng came to the rear hall, received the magistrate's instructions, and together with the Chief Constable mounted horses. They went straight to the Chief Constable's office, mustered over a hundred mounted and foot soldiers, bowmen, and militia, and set out together with Investigator He and two sergeants to scout and make the arrests. That evening they all brought ropes and weapons. The Chief Constable rode a horse; the two chief constables each rode a horse as well, carrying sabers and bows and arrows at their waists, and gripping hand-and-a-half swords. The mounted and foot soldiers, bowmen, and militia surrounded them as they departed through the east gate and galloped toward the Chao family manor in Dongxi Village. When they reached Dongxi Village, it was already the first watch of the night. They all assembled at a Guanyin nunnery.

Zhu Tong said, "Ahead is Chao Family Manor. Chao Gai's house has two roads, front and back. If we all rush to attack the front gate, he will escape through the back gate; if we all swarm to attack the back gate, he will flee through the front gate. I must tell you, Chao Gai is a formidable man, and I don't know who the other six are—certainly no virtuous gentlemen either. Those fellows will fight to the death. If they all come out at once, with the manor servants helping them, how could we withstand them? The best strategy is to make a feint to the east and strike to the west—let them scatter in confusion, and then we can move in. Let me and Chief Constable Lei split into two groups. I'll take half the men, all on foot, and lie in ambush at the rear gate. Wait for the whistle as the signal; then you charge straight in through the front gate, catching one if you see one, catching a pair if you see two." Lei Heng said, "That makes sense too. Chief Constable Zhu, you and the Chief Constable Sir attack through the front gate; I'll cut off the rear." Zhu Tong said, "Brother, you don't understand. There are three escape routes from Chao Gai's manor—I've studied them carefully in ordinary times. When I get there, I know the paths by heart and won't need torches to see. You don't know his usual routes. If anything leaks out, it would be no laughing matter." The Chief Constable said, "Chief Constable Zhu is right. Take half the men." Zhu Tong said, "Thirty or so will be enough." Zhu Tong took ten bowmen and twenty militia and went ahead. The Chief Constable mounted his horse again. Lei Heng arranged the mounted and foot soldiers, bowmen, and militia in front and behind to guard the Chief Constable. The militia marched in front, with twenty or thirty torches gleaming brightly, carrying forked spears, hand-and-half swords, grappling hooks, and sickle-spears, all rushing together toward Chao Family Manor.

When they reached the manor, there was still more than half a li to go, when they saw a column of fire rising from Chao Gai's manor, burning from the central hall, sending black smoke billowing everywhere and red flames soaring into the sky. They had not gone ten paces further when they saw some thirty or forty fires breaking out simultaneously in every direction—front and back gates, all around—blazing fiercely all at once. Lei Heng in front raised his hand-and-half sword, the militia behind him shouting. Together they burst open the manor gate and rushed inside. The firelight shone as bright as daylight, yet not a single person was to be seen. Then they heard shouting from behind, calling out for those in front to seize the men. The truth was that Zhu Tong had deliberately intended to let Chao Gai escape, and on purpose tricked Lei Heng into attacking the front gate. Lei Heng for his part also had the intention of saving Chao Gai, and had eagerly volunteered to attack the rear gate. But Zhu Tong talked him out of it, so he had no choice but to attack the front gate instead. On purpose they made such a great show of alarm, feinting east and striking west, to pressure Chao Gai into fleeing.

By the time Zhu Tong arrived at the rear of the villa, Chao Gai was still in the midst of gathering his belongings. The estate servants saw him and ran to report: "The government troops are here! We must not delay!" Chao Gai ordered the servants to set fires all around, while he and Gongsun Sheng led a score or so of servants who had chosen to follow him, shouting at the top of their lungs, gripping their broadswords, and charging out through the back gate, roaring: "Stand in my way and die! Yield and live!"

Zhu Tong called out from the shadows: "Protector Chao, don't run! Zhu Tong has been waiting here for you this long time." Chao Gai paid him no heed. Together with Gongsun Sheng, he fought desperately to break through. Zhu Tong feinted aside, opening a path and letting Chao Gai pass. Chao Gai told Gongsun Sheng to lead the servants on ahead while he himself brought up the rear. Zhu Tong directed the foot archers to rush in through the back gate, shouting: "Give chase to the bandits up ahead!" Lei Heng heard this, turned, and dashed out the villa gate, ordering the mounted and foot archers to scatter in pursuit. Lei Heng himself stood beneath the glow of the flames, peering east and west as if searching for someone. Zhu Tong left the soldiers behind, drew his sword, and went after Chao Gai. As Chao Gai fled, he called out: "Captain Zhu, why do you keep chasing me? I have done nothing wrong!" Zhu Tong, seeing no one behind them, finally dared to speak: "Protector Chao, can't you see I mean you well? I feared Lei Heng was too stubborn to do you a favor, so I tricked him into attacking your front gate while I waited at the back to let you go. You saw me open a path for you. Don't flee anywhere else—only Liangshan Marsh can give you refuge." Chao Gai said: "I am deeply grateful for your saving my life. I shall repay you another day!" A poem bears witness:

How can a bandit-catcher collude with bandits?

Official loot should be one with the bandit's spoils.

Doubt not that officials can become bandits—

Heaven itself will not abide it.

As Zhu Tong pursued, he heard Lei Heng shouting from behind: "Don't let anyone escape!" Zhu Tong told Chao Gai: "Protector Chao, don't panic. Just keep going. I'll deal with him." Zhu Tong turned and called out: "Three bandits headed east on the small road. Captain Lei, you must hurry after them!" Lei Heng took his men and dashed east along the small road, with all the soldiers giving chase. Zhu Tong spoke with Chao Gai as he urged him forward, as though escorting him.

Gradually Chao Gai vanished into the darkness. Zhu Tong pretended to stumble and fall to the ground. The soldiers rushed up, helped him to his feet, and tended to him. Zhu Tong said: "In the darkness I couldn't see the path. I slipped into the wild fields and fell, wrenching my left leg." The county commandant said: "The chief bandit has escaped. What are we to do?" Zhu Tong said: "It is not that I didn't pursue—truly the moon was dark and there was nothing to be done. These soldiers are of hardly any use. None dared advance." The county commandant again ordered the soldiers to give chase, but they thought to themselves: "Even the two captains couldn't manage it—we couldn't get near him. What use are we?" They all made a show of pursuing for a while, then returned and said: "In the pitch black, we couldn't tell which road they took." Lei Heng also pursued for a stretch before returning, thinking to himself: "Zhu Tong and Chao Gai are the closest of friends. Most likely he let him go. I had no reason to make myself the villain. I also had it in mind to release him. Now he's gone, but the favor goes unrecognized. That Chao Gai is not someone to be trifled with." He returned and said: "How could we catch up? Those bandits are truly formidable!" When the county commandant and the two captains returned to the villa, it was already the fourth watch. He Guanzhong, seeing his men scattered in all directions, having chased all night without capturing a single bandit, could only cry out in despair: "How can we return to Jizhou to face the prefect?" The county commandant had no choice but to arrest several neighbors and escort them to Yuncheng County.

The magistrate had not slept all night, waiting anxiously for news. He heard: "The bandits have all escaped. We've only captured a few neighbors." The magistrate had the arrested neighbors brought before the hall for questioning. The neighbors pleaded: "We may live near Protector Chao—some three or two li away, others separated by a few villages. Men who practiced spear and staff often came to his estate. How could we have known he was engaged in such deeds?" The magistrate questioned them one by one, determined to extract information about Chao Gai's whereabouts. One close neighbor said: "If you want to know the truth, you must ask his estate servants." The magistrate said: "His estate servants have all fled with him." The neighbor said: "Some were unwilling to go. They are still here."

Upon hearing this, the magistrate swiftly dispatched men, taking this close neighbor as a guide, to East Creek Village to make arrests. Within two hours, two estate servants had been seized. When questioned in the hall, the servants at first denied everything, but unable to withstand the beating, they confessed: "Six men plotted this together. I only know one—a local teacher called Wu Xueshi, and one called Gongsun Sheng, a Complete Reality Taoist master. There was also a big black fellow surnamed Liu. The other three I did not know—they were brought by Wu Xueshi. I heard it said: 'They are surnamed Ruan and live at Shijie Village. They are fishermen, three brothers.' This is the truth." The magistrate drew up a written confession, handed the two servants over to He Guanzhong, and sent a detailed report to the prefecture. Song Jiang saw to the welfare of the arrested neighbors and secured their release pending further orders.

Now these men, together with He Tao, escorted the two manor servants and returned to Jizhou through the night, arriving just as the prefect was ascending his tribunal. He Tao led the men before the prefect's bench and reported the matter of Chao Gai burning his manor and fleeing. He then repeated the servants' testimony word for word. The prefect said, "Since it is as you say, bring Bai Sheng out again!" He asked, "Where exactly do those three men surnamed Ruan live?" Bai Sheng could no longer deny it and was forced to confess: "The three surnamed Ruan—one is called Ruan Xiao'er, the 'Titan of the Earth'; one is Ruan Xiaowu, the 'Short-Lived Second Son'; and the other is Ruan Xiaoqi, the 'Living King of Hell'—all live in Shijiehu Village." The prefect asked, "And what are the other three surnamed?" Bai Sheng told him: "One is Wu Yong, the 'Resourceful Star'; one is Gongsun Sheng, the 'Cloud-Dragon'; and one is Liu Tang, the 'Red-Haired Demon.'" The prefect, upon hearing this, said, "Now that we have leads, let Bai Sheng be returned to his original confinement in the jail." He then summoned Inspector He and dispatched him to Shijie Village to arrest these bandits.

It was not fated that He Tao should go to Shijie Village, and so it was destined that the Stars of Heaven and Earth would come seeking their moment to ride the wind and clouds, and that the Water Margin stronghold would gather men of bold and ambitious spirit. But to tell how Inspector He was sent to Shijie Village to make the arrests—listen to the next chapter.