الفصل الرابع والثلاثون

الفصل الرابع والثلاثون

Here is the translation:

Now we shall tell of Huang Xin mounting his horse, grasping the Death-Gate Sword across his person. Marshal Liu too was on horseback, wearing some military armor and carrying a fork in his hand. The hundred and forty or fifty soldiers and garrison troops each held lances or staves, with short swords and sharp blades hanging at their waists. Two drums were beaten, a single gong sounded, and they escorted Song Jiang and Hua Rong toward Qingzhou.

The whole company left Qingfeng Garrison. They had traveled no more than thirty or forty li when ahead they saw a great forest. Just as they reached the ridge of the hill, the soldiers in front pointed and said, "Someone is watching from within the woods." Everyone halted. Huang Xin, from horseback, asked, "Why do we not advance?" The soldiers replied, "Someone is watching from the woods ahead." Huang Xin shouted, "Pay him no mind — keep moving!"

As they drew nearer the edge of the woods, they heard twenty or thirty great gongs all sounding at once. The soldiers were thrown into a panic and wanted to flee. Huang Xin shouted, "Stop! Form ranks, all of you!" He called out, "Marshal Liu, you guard the prison cart." Liu Gao, on horseback, could not reply. He could only mouth the words, "Heavenly Venerable One who saves from suffering and calamity," and promised ten thousand scrolls of scripture and three hundred temples if only he might be rescued. His face was like a possessed winter melon — now green, now yellow. Now Huang Xin was a military officer and did possess some courage, so he spurred his horse forward to look. He saw that from all four sides of the woods, three to five hundred little louts emerged in formation — each one tall and powerful, with fierce faces and savage eyes, red turbans wrapped round their heads, padded jackets on their bodies, sharp swords hanging from their waists, long spears in their hands. They had already surrounded the whole party. Then three good-hoodlums leaped out of the woods — one dressed in blue, one in green, one in red. All three wore gilded head-bands stamped with the ten-thousand-character pattern, each had a waist-knife at his side and carried a puddao broadsword, blocking the road. In the middle was Yan Shun, the "Brocade-Panther Tiger"; above him was Wang Ying, the "Short-Footed Tiger"; below him was Zheng Tianshou, the "White-Faced Gentleman." The three good-hoodlums bellowed: "All who pass this way must halt! Leave three thousand strings of gold for the road, and you may pass freely."

Huang Xin, from his horse, roared, "You scoundrels, have you no manners? 'The Mountain-Pacifier of Three Peaks' is here!" The three good-hoodlums opened their eyes wide and bellowed, "Even if you are the 'Mountain-Pacifier of Three Peaks,' you still must pay three thousand taels of gold for the road! Without it, we shall not let you pass." Huang Xin said, "I am a commandant on official business for my superiors — what road toll would I pay you?" The three good-hoodlums laughed and said, "Even if you are a commandant from the higher authorities, even if the Emperor Zhao himself were passing through, he would still owe three thousand strings of gold for the road. If you have none, we shall hold your official party here and wait for you to fetch the money and ransom them." Huang Xin flew into a rage. "Bold brigands! How dare you be so insolent!" He ordered his men to beat the drums and sound the gongs. Huang Xin spurred his horse and brandished his sword, charging straight at Yan Shun. The three good-hoodlums raised their puddao swords together and came to fight Huang Xin. When Huang Xin saw all three closing in on him at once, he fought with all his strength on horseback for ten bouts — but how could he hold out against the three of them? Moreover, Liu Gao was a civilian official, unable to advance. Seeing how the situation stood, he wanted only to flee. Huang Xin, fearing the three would capture him and ruin his reputation, could do nothing but mount his horse and gallop back along the old road. The three chieftains, puddao swords in hand, gave chase. Huang Xin could not spare a thought for the others. He rode his horse alone, flying back to Qingzhou Garrison. The soldiers, seeing Huang Xin turn his horse, raised a shout of their own, abandoned the prison cart, and scattered in every direction. Only Liu Gao remained. Seeing how badly things had gone, he hastily reined his horse around and struck it three times with the whip. Just as the horse was about to bolt, the little louts pulled the trip-rope, and Liu Gao's horse was flung over, throwing him headlong to the ground. The little louts rushed forward in a body, seized Liu Gao, and captured the prison cart. They broke open the cart. Hua Rong had already overturned his own prison cart, leaped out, snapped all his bonds, and then smashed the cart to free Song Jiang. Several of the little louts had already bound Liu Gao's hands behind his back. They went forward and seized the horse he had been riding, along with the three horses that had pulled the cart. They stripped Liu Gao's clothes and dressed Song Jiang in them, then sent the horses up to the mountain ahead. The three good-hoodlums, together with Hua Rong and the little louts, bound Liu Gao stark naked and escorted him back to the stronghold.

Now the reason for all this was as follows: these three good-hoodlums, not having news of Song Jiang, had sent several capable louts down the mountain to go straight to Qingzhou Garrison to make inquiries. They heard people say, "Commandant Huang Xin gave the signal by throwing down his cup and has captured Garrison Commander Hua and Song Jiang. They have been thrown into cages in prison carts and are being escorted to Qingzhou." This was reported back to the three good-hoodlums. They brought their men and horses, made a wide circuit onto the main road, and blocked the path in advance. They also sent men to watch the side paths. And so they rescued the two men and captured Liu Gao, and all returned to the stronghold.

That evening, when they ascended the mountain, it was already the second watch, and they all gathered at the Hall of Righteousness to meet. Song Jiang and Hua Rong were invited to take the seats of honor, while the three heroes sat opposite them as guests, and wine and food was served. Yan Shun gave orders for the young lads to go and drink wine on their own. Hua Rong expressed his gratitude to the three heroes in the hall, saying, "Hua Rong and my brother owe our lives and the avenging of our grievance to you three brave men. This debt is hard to repay. But I still have my wife, children, and younger sister at Qingfeng Fort. They must have been captured by Huang Xin. How can we rescue them?"

Yan Shun said, "Fort Commander, rest assured. I reckon Huang Xin wouldn't dare arrest your lady. Even if he did, he'd have to come by this road. Tomorrow, we three brothers will go down the mountain and fetch your lady and your sister back for you, Commander." He then sent small bandits down the mountain to go and gather intelligence first. Hua Rong thanked him, saying, "I am deeply grateful for the great kindness of you brave men."

Song Jiang then said, "Now bring that scoundrel Liu Gao before me." Yan Shun replied, "We tied him to the general's pillar, cut open his belly, and took out his heart to celebrate with you, brother." Hua Rong said, "I will personally take this knife and cut this scoundrel open." Song Jiang cursed him, saying, "You scoundrel! I had no old grudge against you, and no recent quarrel either. How could you listen to that wicked woman and harm me? Now that you've been captured, what do you have to say for yourself?" Hua Rong said, "Brother, why bother questioning him?" He took the knife and thrust it into Liu Gao's heart, cutting out that heart and presenting it before Song Jiang. The small bandits dragged the corpse to one side on their own. Song Jiang said, "Though we've killed this scoundrel and worthless fellow today, that adulterous woman hasn't been killed yet. That great fury is still unvented." Wang Dihu at once said, "Brother, rest assured. I'll go down the mountain tomorrow and capture that woman. This time she'll be mine to enjoy." Everyone laughed heartily. That night they drank their fill and rested. The next day, they rose and discussed the plan to attack Qingfeng Fort. Yan Shun said, "The lads had a hard time traveling yesterday. Let's rest them today. We can go down the mountain early tomorrow without delay." Song Jiang said, "That makes sense. We need to let our men rest and our horses grow strong. There's no need to rush."

Leaving aside the preparations at the stronghold for the march, let us speak of Supervisor Huang Xin, who galloped alone back to the main camp at Qingfeng Town. He immediately mustered the garrison troops and men and horses, and tightly guarded the four sides of the stockade gates. Huang Xin wrote a report and sent two military instructors on horseback to fly with the news to Prefect Murong. The Prefect, upon receiving the urgent military dispatch, held a court session that very night. He read Huang Xin's report: Hua Rong had rebelled, allied himself with the Qingfeng Mountain bandits, and at any moment Qingfeng Fort might fall. The situation was dire, and a capable general was needed early to defend the region. The Prefect was greatly alarmed and sent for the Regional Commandant of Qingzhou, Commander-in-Chief Qin Tongzhi, to come immediately to discuss this critical military matter. This man was originally from Kaizhou behind the mountains. His surname was Qin, his given name Ming. Because his temperament was fiery and his voice thundered like a drum, everyone called him "Thunderbolt" Qin Ming. He came from a family of military officers, wielded a wolf-toothed mace, and possessed the courage to withstand ten thousand men. When this man received the Prefect's summons, he went directly to the prefectural office to see him. After they had exchanged courtesies, Prefect Murong showed him Huang Xin's urgent report. After Qin Ming read it, he flew into a rage, saying, "These red-haired rascals dare to act so brazenly! Don't trouble yourself, Your Excellency. I will raise troops at once. If I don't capture these bandits, I swear I'll never see you again!" Prefect Murong said, "If you delay, sir, I fear these scoundrels will attack Qingfeng Fort." Qin Ming replied, "How could I dare delay in this matter? Tonight I will muster the troops, and at dawn tomorrow we will set out." The Prefect was overjoyed and immediately ordered wine, food, and rations to be prepared, and went out of the city first to await the army and distribute rewards. When Qin Ming heard that Hua Rong had rebelled, he mounted his horse in a fury and galloped to the Regional Command, where he mustered one hundred cavalry and four hundred infantry. He ordered them to ride out of the city first to assemble, and then arranged the order of march.

Now, Prefect Murong had previously had steamed buns prepared at a temple outside the city, laid out large bowls, and heated wine. Each man was to receive three bowls of wine, two steamed buns, and a pound of cooked meat. Just as the preparations were complete, he saw the army ride out of the city. He observed the troops, and they were arrayed in splendid order. Behold:

Flaming banners blazed like fire,

Dense spears and halbrands bristled like hemp.

The formation was arrayed like the Eight Trulys and the Long Serpent—

Truly it would startle gods and make ghosts afraid.

Spears gleamed with a dark purple luster,

Banners fluttered with embroidered sashes and crimson clouds;

Hooves galloped to and fro in a chaotic clash.

The universe bristled with killing qi—

Upon whom would victory or defeat fall?

That morning, Qin Ming deployed his troops, rode out of the city to assemble them, and led the army under a crimson banner on which was written in large characters: "Commander-in-Chief Qin Tongzhi Leads the Army on the March." Prefect Murong saw Qin Ming ride out of the city in full armor—truly a man without equal in heroism. Behold:

The crimson plume on his helmet blazed like flame,

His brocade robe was dyed crimson as if with blood;

His interlocking armor was studded with golden stars.

His cloud-root boots were lacquered green,

His tortoise-back armor was stacked with silver.

His mount beneath him was like a xiezhi beast,

His wolf-toothed mace was densely studded with bronze nails;

When enraged, his two eyes would bulge round.

His nature was like a thunderbolt—

This tiger general was Qin Ming.

At that moment, "Thunderbolt" Qin Ming rode out of the city on horseback and saw Prefect Murong outside the city distributing rewards to the troops. He hastily ordered a soldier to take his weapons, dismounted, and went to pay his respects to the Prefect. After the courtesies, the Prefect raised a cup and instructed the Commander-in-Chief, saying, "Seize your opportunity wisely, and may you return soon with songs of victory." When the rewards were finished, the signal cannon was fired. Qin Ming took leave of the Prefect, leaped onto his horse, deployed his formations, and urged his troops forward. With great axes and broad swords, they advanced straight toward Qingfeng Fort.

Now, this Qingfeng Town lay to the southeast of Qingzhou. Taking the southern route to Qingfeng Mountain was closer, and one could arrive early at the northern path of the mountain.

As for the little scouts at Qingfeng Mountain stronghold, they had learned the full details and reported back up the mountain. The assembled heroes of the stronghold had been preparing to attack Qingfeng Fort when word arrived: "Qin Ming has led his troops here." They looked at each other in dismay, every one of them stricken with alarm. Then Hua Rong said, "None of you need panic. Since ancient times, when an army presses hard upon you, you must meet them with all your strength. Have the little scouts eat their fill of wine and rice, and follow my lead alone. First we shall fight them with force, then overcome them with cunning—thus and thus. What do you say?" Song Jiang said, "A fine stratagem! We shall do exactly as you propose." That day Song Jiang and Hua Rong settled upon their plan, and they ordered the little scouts each to make their preparations. Hua Rong himself selected a fine horse, a suit of armor, his bow and arrows, and iron spear, and had everything readied as he waited.

Now to return to Qin Ming. He led his troops to the foot of Qingfeng Mountain, and at a distance from the mountain of ten li he pitched his camp. The next day they cooked their meal at the fifth watch. When the soldiers had finished eating, they set off a signal cannon and advanced straight toward Qingfeng Mountain. Qin Ming chose an open area and deployed his men and horses, then beat the drums to begin the assault. From the mountain came the thunderous sound of gongs, and a band of men and horses came flying down the slope. Qin Ming reined in his horse, leveled his wolf-toothed mace, and stared hard. He saw the little scouts crowding around "Li Guang of the Young Generation"—Hua Rong—as he came down the mountain. When they reached the slope, a single gong sounded and they formed their battle lines. Hua Rong sat astride his horse holding his iron spear and offered Qin Ming a salute from the saddle. Qin Ming roared at him: "Hua Rong! Your family for generations were sons of military houses and officers of the court. The court appointed you a garrison commander, entrusted you with the defense of a whole district, and fed you from the state's stipend. Wherein has the state wronged you? Yet you have gone and allied yourself with bandits and turned your back against the court. I have come specially to capture you. If you have any sense, dismount and submit to being bound—spare me the trouble of getting my hands bloody." Hua Rong said with a conciliatory smile: "Allow me to explain, Commander. Would Hua Rong truly turn his back on the court? The truth is that this wretch Liu Gao fabricated charges out of nothing, used his office to settle a private grudge, and pressed me so hard that Hua Rong has no home to flee to and no country to turn to. I am hiding here only for the time being. I hope you will look into the matter thoroughly and save me." Qin Ming said: "You still refuse to dismount and submit to being bound—how much longer will you wait? You spin fine words and empty talk to mislead the troops." He ordered the drummers on both sides to beat the drums. Qin Ming whirled his wolf-toothed mace and charged straight at Hua Rong. Hua Rong laughed loudly and said: "Qin Ming, you fool—you plainly do not recognize when a good man is showing you courtesy. Because you are a superior officer, I have treated you with respect. Did you think I was truly afraid of you?" Then he spurred his horse and leveled his spear to fight Qin Ming. The two of them clashed beneath Qingfeng Mountain—truly a case of worthy rivals meeting, each unable to hide his skill; a fine general encountering a worthy foe, each able to display his prowess. When these two commanders tested each other, this was what was seen:

A pair of Southern Mountain tigers,

Two Northern Sea azure dragons.

When the dragon raged, his horns and crest rose fierce and towering;

When the tiger fought, his claws and fangs were savage and cruel.

Those savage claws and fangs—like silver hooks never leaving the ball of brocade fur;

Those towering horns and crest—like copper leaves quivering on a golden tree.

Back and forth, back and forth—the tempered spear allowed not a moment's respite;

To and fro, to and fro—the wolf-toothed mace displayed a thousand variations.

The wolf-toothed mace came crashing down upon the crown of the head—scant a hair's breadth from the top of the skull;

The tempered spear thrust forward with force—aimed at the heart, differing by but half an inch.

The stout warrior wielding the tempered spear—his majesty pressed upward with a chill that reached the Dipper;

The general brandishing the wolf-toothed mace—his fury rose like clouds and lightning unleashed.

One was a Heavenly Canopy General upholding the altars of the state;

One was a Black Demon God setting the mountains and rivers in order.

Now Qin Ming and Hua Rong engaged each other and fought for forty or fifty bouts with neither gaining the advantage. After fighting many rounds, Hua Rong feigned an opening, wheeled his horse around, and fled along a mountain path down the slope. Qin Ming flew into a rage and gave chase. Hua Rong hung his spear on his tackle ring, reined his horse to a halt, raised his bow with his left hand, drew an arrow with his right, pulled the bow to full draw, twisted his body around, and loosed a single arrow at the top of Qin Ming's helmet. It struck squarely and shot off that great red tassel as big as a peck measure—as if sending him a message. Qin Ming was startled and dared not pursue further. He wheeled his horse about sharply, and was just about to chase after them and attack when the little scouts scattered in every direction and swarmed back up the mountain. Hua Rong himself took another route and returned to the stronghold as well.

When Qin Ming saw that they had all dispersed, his fury only grew. "How intolerable—the insolence of these wretches!" he roared. He ordered the gongs beaten and the drums sounded, and took the road up the mountain. The troops raised a great shout, and the foot soldiers advanced first. After rounding two or three hilltops, they saw from above—at a steep and perilous spot—rolling logs, hurled rocks, lime pots, and pots of boiling liquid raining down upon them. Those in front could not retreat quickly enough. Already thirty or fifty men had been struck down, and they were forced to fall back down the mountain again.

Qin Ming was a man of hasty temper. The fire in his breast flared up—how could he contain it? He led his troops and horses around the mountain, seeking another road up. By the time the afternoon watch arrived, he heard gongs sounding from the west side of the mountain, and from among the trees a pair of red banners appeared with a body of troops. Qin Ming led his men in pursuit, but when he arrived, the gongs had fallen silent and the red banners had vanished. When Qin Ming examined the road, there was no proper path—only a few firewood-gathering trails, with felled trees and broken timber blocking the way so that he could no longer advance.

He was just about to send soldiers to clear the path when a soldier came to report: "Gongs are sounding on the east side of the mountain, and a force with red banners has appeared." Qin Ming led his men and horses and flew like the wind to the east side of the mountain, but when he looked, the gongs were silent and the red banners were gone as well. Qin Ming galloped about seeking a road in every direction, but everywhere there were felled trees and broken timber blocking the firewood paths.

Then the scouts came to report again: "On the west side of the mountain the gongs have sounded again, and the red banner troops have appeared once more." Qin Ming spurred his horse and raced back to the west side of the mountain, but when he arrived, he could not see a single man, and the red banners were gone too. Qin Ming was a man of hasty temper—he nearly ground his teeth to pieces in frustration.

Still seething with rage on the western hill, they heard the eastern hill erupt with the earth-shaking clangor of gongs. Qin Ming hastily led his men and galloped over to the eastern hill, but when he looked, not a single bandit was to be seen, and the red flags had vanished as well.

Qin Ming's chest swelled with fury. He was about to drive the soldiers up the mountain to search for a path when shouting broke out again from the western hill. Blazing with rage, Qin Ming marshaled his troops and charged toward the western hill. He searched high and low on the mountain, but not a soul was to be found. Qin Ming bellowed orders for the soldiers to seek a path up the mountain on both sides. Among them, a soldier reported, "None of these are proper roads. Only to the southeast is there a broad path that leads up. If we try to find a way up from here, I fear we may come to harm." Upon hearing this, Qin Ming said, "Since there is that road, we shall press on through the night." He then drove his column of troops toward the southeast.

By now the sky was growing dark, and the men and horses were exhausted from the march. When they finally reached the foot of the mountain, they were just about to make camp and prepare a meal when torches appeared in wild confusion on the mountain and gongs and drums clattered noisily. Qin Ming's anger flared anew, and he led forty or fifty mounted soldiers charging up the mountain. But from within the trees on the mountain, a shower of arrows came flying down, wounding more of his men. Qin Ming had no choice but to turn his horse and ride back down the mountain, ordering his soldiers to go ahead and cook their meal. They had barely managed to kindle a fire when some eighty or ninety torches on the mountain came whistling down with the wind. Qin Ming was about to lead his men in pursuit when the torches were all snuffed out at once. Though there was moonlight that night, it was shrouded by dark clouds and cast little light. Qin Ming was beside himself with rage. He ordered his soldiers to light torches and set fire to the trees, when he heard the sound of drums and flutes from the mouth of the mountain. Qin Ming spurred his horse up to look and saw a dozen or so torches lit atop the mountain, illuminating Hua Rong attending Song Jiang as they drank wine. When Qin Ming saw this, he had nowhere to vent his fury. He reined in his horse and cursed loudly from the foot of the mountain. Hua Rong called back in reply, "Commander Qin, there is no need for you to fret. Go back and rest for now. Tomorrow I shall fight you to the death and settle the outcome." Qin Ming roared, "Rebel bandit! Come down from there! I shall fight you three hundred bouts right now and then we shall see." Hua Rong laughed and said, "Commander Qin, you are weary from this day's toil. Even if I defeated you now, it would be no great feat. Go back and come again tomorrow." Qin Ming only grew angrier, cursing ceaselessly from the foot of the mountain. He wanted to find a path up, but he feared Hua Rong's archery, so he remained at the base of the mountain, hurling curses. Even as he was shouting, he heard his own troops raising an alarm. Qin Ming rushed back down to look and saw cannon-fire and fire-arrows raining down from the mountain on this side. Behind them, twenty or thirty small bandits in a group were shooting crossbows from the shadows. The soldiers cried out and all crowded into a deep pit on the far side of the mountain to take shelter. By now it was the third watch of the night. The troops were barely dodging the crossbow bolts when they found themselves in misery, as water came cascading down from upstream. The entire column of men and horses ended up in the stream, each struggling for his life. Those who managed to climb ashore were all caught by grappling hooks from the small bandits and taken alive up the mountain; those who could not climb ashore drowned in the stream. As for Qin Ming at this moment, his rage filled the heavens and his skull felt as though it would shatter, when he spotted a small path to one side. Qin Ming wheeled his horse and charged up the mountain. He had gone no more than thirty or fifty paces when he and his horse tumbled together into a concealed pit. Fifty men armed with grappling hooks, lying in ambush on either sides, hauled Qin Ming up, stripped him of his padded battle-gown, armor, helmet, and weapons, bound him with ropes, rescued his horse as well, and led everything to Qingfeng Mountain.

It turned out that this entire scheme had been the stratagem of Hua Rong and Song Jiang. They had first sent small bandits now to the east, now to the west, luring Qin Ming's troops until they were exhausted and weary, unable to settle on any plan. They had also beforehand dammed up the water of the two streams with earthen sacks, and when night fell, they drove the soldiers and horses into the stream, then released the water from above. The rushing current finished off the troops and horses. Of the five hundred men Qin Ming had led out, more than half were drowned in the water and lost their lives; a hundred and fifty or seventy were captured alive or taken prisoner, seventy or eighty fine horses were seized, and not a single one managed to escape back. Subsequently, Qin Ming himself was captured alive in the pit that had trapped his horse.

At that moment, a band of low-ranking bandits seized Qin Ming and brought him to the stronghold. It was already broad daylight. The five good men sat in the Assembly Hall of Righteousness, while the bandits bound Qin Ming and brought him before the hall. Hua Rong saw him and leaped up from his chair, hurried down into the hall, personally untied his bonds, helped him up into the hall, and bowed to the ground before him. Qin Ming hastily returned the greeting and said, "I am a man taken captive. You could have me torn limb from limb—why do you bow to me instead?" Hua Rong knelt and said, "The low-ranking bandits did not know the proper respect between high and low. They have offended you, and I beg you to forgive the crime." He then fetched clothes and dressed Qin Ming in them. Qin Ming asked Hua Rong, "Who is this good man who leads here?" Hua Rong said, "This is my elder brother, Song Jiang, the constable of Yuncheng County. These three are the masters of the stronghold: Yan Shun, Wang Ying, and Zheng Tianshou." Qin Ming said, "These three I already know. This Constable Song—could he be the one called 'Timely Rain' Song Gongming of Shandong?" Song Jiang answered, "This humble one is he." Qin Ming hurriedly bowed and said, "I have long heard your name. I never thought I would meet a man of righteousness on this day!" Song Jiang hastily returned the greeting again and again. Qin Ming noticed that Song Jiang's legs were not well and asked, "Why is Elder Brother's leg impaired?" Song Jiang then told Qin Ming everything from the beginning—from his departure from Yuncheng County to the matter of his torture by Liu Zhizai. Qin Ming only shook his head and said, "If one listens to only one side of a story, how many things go awry. Allow me to return to the prefecture and explain this matter to Prefect Murong." Yan Shun urged him to stay for a few days, and at once ordered that oxen and horses be slaughtered and a banquet arranged. The soldiers who had been brought up the mountain were all housed in rooms at the rear of the mountain and were also given food and wine.

After Qin Ming had drunk several cups, he rose and said, "You brave men—since it is your good will not to kill Qin Ming, return my armor, horse, and weapons to me, and I will return to the prefecture." Yan Shun said, "You are mistaken, Commanding General. You led five hundred soldiers from Qingzhou, and they are all lost. How can you return to the prefecture? How will Prefect Murong not hold you to account? You might as well stay for a while in our mountain stronghold. Though it is no place to rest your horse, you could settle here for the time being and join our band. We divide the silver and gold by weight and make full sets of clothing—is that not better than suffering under those scholars' hats?" When Qin Ming heard this, he went down from the hall and said, "Qin Ming was born a man of the Great Song and will die a ghost of the Great Song. The court appointed me to the post of Commanding General of the Army, with the additional rank of Commander. I have never failed the court—how could I become a bandit and turn my back on the court? If you all wish to kill me, then kill me. Do not think I will go along with you." Hua Rong hurried down from the hall and held him back, saying, "Brother Qin, calm your anger. Listen to me. I too am the son of an appointed official. I had no choice—I was driven to this. Since you refuse to join the band, how can we force you to comply? Please sit for a while longer. When the banquet ends, I will request your armor, helmet, saddle, horse, and weapons and return them to you." Qin Ming would not sit. Hua Rong further urged, "Commanding General, you exhausted yourself all through the night and day. Even a man can barely endure it—how can your horse go without being fed its fill?" Qin Ming considered this and thought it was indeed reasonable. He went back up into the hall and sat down to drink. The five good men took turns pouring wine and keeping him company, urging him to drink. Qin Ming, partly from exhaustion and partly because he could not refuse the good men's urging, drank freely until he was drunk, and was helped into a tent to sleep. The others then went about their business—no more of this for now.

Now Qin Ming had slept straight through until the next day, the hour of the Dragon, when he woke. He jumped up, washed and dressed, and was about to go down the mountain. All the good fellows came to urge him, saying, "Commandant, please eat some breakfast before you set off. We'll escort you down the mountain." But Qin Ming was an impatient man and wanted to leave at once. They hurriedly prepared some wine and food for him, brought out his helmet and armor, and helped him put them on. They led out his horse, gave him his wolf-toothed mace, and sent a man ahead to wait at the foot of the mountain. Then the five chieftains all escorted Qin Ming down the mountain, took their leave of him, and returned his horse and weapons. Qin Ming mounted his horse, took up his wolf-toothed mace, and riding in broad daylight, left Qingfeng Mountain and gallanted straight for Qingzhou.

When he had gone about ten li, it was near the hour of the Snake. In the distance he saw dust rising in confusion, yet not a single person was coming or going. Qin Ming saw this and felt at least eighty percent suspicious. When he reached the outskirts and looked, he found that the several hundred households that had once been there had all been burned to bare ground. On a field of rubble lay men and women, slain in numbers beyond counting, strewn this way and that. Qin Ming was greatly startled. He drove his horse across the rubble to the city wall and, reaching the gate, shouted loudly to open it. But he saw the drawbridge had been raised high, and the parapets were lined with soldiers, banners, and piles of stones and catapult ammunition. Qin Ming reined in his horse and shouted, "Let down the drawbridge from the wall and let me into the city!" Someone on the wall had already spotted Qin Ming and began to beat the drums and shout. Qin Ming called out, "I am Commandant Qin Ming! Why won't you let me in?" He saw Prefect Murong standing on the parapet of the wall, shouting at him in a loud voice, "Rebel! Have you no shame? Last night you led men to attack our city, killed many good people, burned many houses, and today you come again to try to trick us into opening the gates. The court has never wronged you—how could you do such an inhuman thing! I have already sent a man to report this to the court. Sooner or later we will capture you and cut you into a thousand pieces!" Qin Ming shouted, "Your Honor is mistaken! I lost my men and was captured by these bandits and taken up the mountain. I only just escaped. I never attacked the city last night!" The Prefect roared, "How can I not recognize your horse, your armor, your weapons, and your helmet? The men on the wall clearly saw you directing those Red-haired men to kill and burn. How can you deny it? Even if you were defeated and captured, how is it that not a single one of your five hundred soldiers escaped to bring back word? Now you hope to trick us into opening the gates so you can get your family. Your wife was executed this very morning. If you don't believe me, I'll show you her head." A soldier lifted the head of Qin Ming's wife on a spear and held it up for Qin Ming to see. Qin Ming was a man of fierce temper. When he saw his wife's head, his breast seemed ready to burst. He could not explain himself—he could only cry out in anguish. From the wall, crossbow arrows rained down like drops of rain. Qin Ming had to pull back. He saw flames still burning everywhere across the fields. He turned his horse around on the rubble field, wishing he could find a place to die. He thought hard for a while, then rode back along the old road.

He had not gone more than ten li when a band of horsemen emerged from the woods. The five men riding in the lead were none other than Song Jiang, Rong, Yan Shun, Wang Ying, and Zheng Tianshou, followed by a hundred or two of small bandits. Song Jiang leaned forward in his saddle and said, "Commandant, why not return to Qingzhou? Where are you riding to all alone?" When Qin Ming heard this, he said angrily, "I don't know who that villain is—the one heaven won't cover and earth won't bear, who deserves to be hacked to pieces—who impersonated me and attacked the city, destroyed the people's houses, killed innocent citizens, and as a result wiped out my entire family! He's left me with no road to heaven and no door to earth to enter. If I ever find that man, I'll smash this wolf-toothed mace and have done!" Song Jiang said, "Commandant, calm yourself. Since you have lost your wife, it doesn't matter. I myself will act as matchmaker for you—"

"I have a good plan. Please go back, General, it's hard to explain here. Come up to the mountain stronghold and report to them, and we'll go together." Qin Ming had no choice but to comply and returned to Mount Qingfeng. Nothing happened along the way. They soon reached the mountain pavilion and dismounted. Everyone entered the stronghold together. The small bandits had already arranged wine, fruit, and food in the Assembly Hall of Righteousness. The five heroes invited Qin Ming to the hall and yielded the central seat to him. The five heroes knelt together. Qin Ming quickly returned the salute and also knelt to the ground. Song Jiang spoke first: "General, forgive us. Yesterday we kept you on the mountain, but you firmly refused. So Song Jiang devised this plan. We had a small soldier who resembled you put on your armor and helmet, ride your horse, and carry your wolf-toothed mace straight to Qingzhou city. He gathered the red-turbaned bandits and killed people. Yan Shun and Short Wang led more than fifty men to assist, making it appear as though the General had gone to fetch his family. That is why they set fires and killed people—to cut off any thought of the General returning home. Today we have all come to make a special apology."

When Qin Ming heard this, anger rose in his heart. He wanted to fight Song Jiang and the others, but then he considered within himself: first, the stars of heaven above were aligned; second, they had detained him with courtesy and treated him with respect; third, he feared he might not be able to defeat them. So he swallowed his pride and said, "Though your intentions as brothers were good and you wanted to keep Qin Ming, you have been far too cruel to me, destroying my wife and children—my whole family." Song Jiang replied: "If we hadn't done this, how could you have given your whole heart and soul? If we have lost your wife, Song Jiang happens to know that Hua Rong has a younger sister who is very virtuous. Song Jiang would gladly act as matchmaker, provide a dowry, and find you a wife. What do you say?" Seeing how they all treated him with such respect and affection, Qin Ming finally set his mind at ease and submitted. They all yielded the central seat to Song Jiang, with Qin Ming in the seat of honor above him, Hua Rong below him, and the three other heroes seated in order. They drank and made merry with great fanfare, and discussed the plan to attack Qingfeng Fort. Qin Ming said: "This matter is easy. It need not trouble you all. Huang Xin is under my command; second, I taught him martial arts; third, we are the best of friends. Tomorrow I will go first and have the gate opened. In one conversation I will persuade him to join us, and then we can take Hua Rong's family, seize that wretched woman Liu Gao, and avenge our brother as a gesture of loyalty. How about that?" Song Jiang was overjoyed and said: "If the General is so generously willing, how fortunate we are, how fortunate!" That day the feast ended and everyone rested. The next morning they rose early, ate breakfast, and each put on their armor. Qin Ming mounted his horse and descended the mountain first, took his wolf-toothed mace, and galloped toward Qingfeng Town.

Now, Huang Xin had come to Qingfeng Town and was overseeing the soldiers and townspeople, mobilizing the garrison, maintaining vigilance day and night, and guarding the gate securely. He did not dare to engage in battle and repeatedly sent men to gather intelligence, but no reinforcements from Qingzhou arrived. That day he heard a report: "Outside the gate, Commander Qin has arrived alone on horseback and is calling for the gate to be opened." When Huang Xin heard this, he mounted his horse and galloped to the gate. He saw that it was indeed one man on one horse, with no attendants. Huang Xin ordered the gate opened, lowered the drawbridge, and welcomed Commander Qin inside. They proceeded to the main hall of the great garrison, dismounted, and he invited Qin Ming to the hall. After exchanging courtesies, Huang Xin asked: "Why has the Commander come alone?" Qin Ming first told him about the loss of his troops and then said: "Song Gongming, the 'Timely Rain' of Shandong, is generous and righteous and has made friends with heroes everywhere. Who does not respect him? He is now on Mount Qingfeng. I have joined the stronghold this time. You have no family—why not listen to my words and also join the stronghold, free from the oppression of civil officials?" Huang Xin replied: "Since my honored officer is there, how could Huang Xin dare to refuse? But I never heard that Song Gongming was on the mountain. You speak of the 'Timely Rain' Song Gongming—where did he come from?" Qin Ming laughed and said: "He is the 'Yancheng Tiger' Zhang San whom you escorted here the other day. He feared revealing his real name would bring trouble upon himself, so he only admitted to being Zhang San." When Huang Xin heard this, he stamped his foot and said: "If I had known it was Song Gongming, I would have released him on the road. I was blind at the time and only listened to Liu Gao's one-sided story—I nearly cost him his life." Qin Ming and Huang Xin were discussing their departure in the office when a garrison soldier reported: "Two columns of troops are advancing on the town, beating gongs and drums." When Qin Ming and Huang Xin heard this, they both mounted their horses and rode out to meet the enemy. When the troops reached the gate, they saw dust blocking the sun and killing intent covering the sky. Two columns of soldiers advanced on the town, and four heroes descended from the mountain. How Qin Ming and Huang Xin met the enemy will be told in the next chapter.