Chapter 2

Chapter 2

Now the resident Taoist master said to Marshal Hong: "Your Excellency does not know it, but in this hall, the late Grand Celestial Master Dongxuan originally passed down a sacred talisman, with this charge: 'Within this hall are sealed thirty-six Heavenly Gang stars and seventy-two Earthly Fiend stars—one hundred and eight demon lords in all. A stone stele stands above, carved with dragon-script and phoenix-seal celestial talismans, holding them fast in this place. Should they be released to go forth into the world, they will surely bring calamity upon the living beings below.' Now that Your Excellency has let them escape, what are we to do?" A poem bears witness:

For ages past the dark portal was sealed shut,

Now Heavenly Gang and Earthly Fiends leave the tomb.

Since ancient times, trouble has ever bred from naught,

Meant to avert disaster, disaster was loomed.

Henceforth the land shall be clouded and disturbed,

And weapons of war shall clamor far and wide.

Though Gao Qiu's treachery is worthy of hate,

From Hong Xin the seeds of ruin now reside.

When Marshal Hong heard this, cold sweat poured over his whole body and he trembled without ceasing. He hastily gathered his baggage, took his attendants with him, and descended the mountain to return to the capital. The Taoist master and his clergy saw the official off, then returned to the palace to repair the hall and re-erect the stone stele—of this, no more.

Furthermore, Marshal Hong instructed his attendants on the road, telling them not to speak to outsiders of the matter of releasing the demon lords, lest the Son of Heaven learn of it and hold him to account. The journey passed without incident, and they hastened by night back to the capital. Entering the city of Bianliang, they heard people say: "The Celestial Master performed seven days and nights of meritorious rites in the Eastern Capital's forbidden precincts, distributing talismans far and wide to avert calamity and heal the sick. The plague was entirely dissipated, and both soldiers and civilians were at peace. The Celestial Master took leave of the court, mounted a crane, rode the clouds, and returned to Dragon-Tiger Mountain." The next day, Marshal Hong attended the early audience and appeared before the emperor. He reported: "The Celestial Master mounted a crane and rode the clouds, arriving first at the capital. We came by post relay and have only just reached here." Emperor Renzong accepted his report, bestowed rewards upon Hong Xin, and restored him to his former post—of this, no more.

Emperor Renzong subsequently occupied the throne for forty-two years, then passed away. Having no crown prince, he transmitted the throne to the son of Prince Yunrang of Puan, a grandson of Emperor Taizu, who ascended the throne as Emperor Yingzong. He reigned for four years, then transmitted the throne to the crown prince, Emperor Shenzong. Emperor Shenzong reigned for eighteen years, then transmitted the throne to the crown prince, Emperor Zhezong. In those times, the whole realm was at peace, and there were no disturbances in any quarter.

Now then, in the Eastern Capital of Kaifeng Prefecture, Bianliang, Xuanwu Army district, there was a wastrel and good-for-nothing young scamp. His surname was Gao, and he was the second-born son of his family. From youth he had not established himself in any proper trade; he was skilled only with spear and staff, and above all he was the finest at kicking a leather ball. The people of the capital, giving him a nickname, did not call him Gao the Second, but all called him Gao the Ball. Later, when he rose in the world, he took the character for "ball," removed the leather radical on the side, and added the standing-man radical, changing it to the surname Gao and the given name Qiu. This man could play stringed and wind instruments and sing; he was skilled with spear and staff; he could wrestle and play games. He also dabbled in poetry, calligraphy, lyric verse, and rhapsodic prose. But as for benevolence, righteousness, propriety, wisdom, trustworthiness, proper conduct, loyalty, and goodness—he knew nothing of these. He merely served as a hanger-on in the city and suburbs of the Eastern Capital. Because he had assisted the son of a Wang Squire of the Ironworks in spending money, daily frequenting teahouses, wine shops, and pleasure quarters, his father lodged a complaint with the Kaifeng prefectural office. Prefect Yin sentenced Gao Qiu to twenty strokes of the heavy rod and had him escorted out of the jurisdiction. The people of the Eastern Capital would not allow him to lodge or be fed in their homes. Gao Qiu, having no recourse, went to Linhuai Prefecture in Huai West and sought out a layabout named Liu Dalang, known as Liu Shiquan, who ran a gambling den. Liu Shiquan's lifelong hobby was to cherish guests and support idlers, taking in wandering men from all directions. Gao Qiu lodged in the Liu household and stayed there for three years.

Later, Emperor Zhezong, in performing the southern suburban sacrifice, was moved by Heaven to grant a season of favorable winds and timely rain, and issued a general amnesty throughout the realm. Gao Qiu, being in Linhuai Prefecture, benefited from the amnesty for convicted criminals and began thinking of returning to the Eastern Capital. Now Liu Shiquan was related by marriage to a certain Dong the Martial Gentleman, who ran a medicinal herb shop under the Golden Beam Bridge in the Eastern Capital. Liu Shiquan wrote a letter, gathered some gifts and traveling expenses, and sent Gao Qiu back to the Eastern Capital to lodge with the Dong household and make his living there.

At that time, Gao Qiu took leave of Liu Dalang, shouldered his bundle, departed Linhuai Prefecture, and made his way back to the Eastern Capital. He went straight to the Dong medicinal shop under the Golden Beam Bridge and presented the letter. When Dong the Martial Gentleman saw Gao Qiu and read Liu Shiquan's letter, he thought to himself: "How can my household accommodate this Gao Qiu? If he were a sincere and honest man, I could allow him to come and go in my home, and even let my sons learn something good from him. But he is a hanger-on and a wastrel, a man without integrity or trustworthiness. Moreover, he has a record of offense and was sentenced to escort out of the jurisdiction—his old nature surely will not change. If I keep him in my home, he may lead my sons astray. Yet if I do not keep him, I cannot brush aside Liu Dalang's face." For the time being, he could only put on a great show of joy and welcome him to stay, providing him with food and wine each day. After he had stayed for some ten days, the Dong gentleman thought of a scheme. He produced a set of clothes, wrote a letter, and said to Gao Qiu: "The firefly light of my humble household cannot illuminate brightly enough; I fear I may fail you in the future. I will recommend you instead to the household of Scholar Xiao Su; in time, you may also obtain a position. What do you think of this?" Gao Qiu was overjoyed and thanked the Dong gentleman. The Dong gentleman sent a man with the letter to escort Gao Qiu directly to the scholar's mansion. A gate attendant reported to Scholar Xiao Su, who came out to meet Gao Qiu, read the letter, and understood that Gao Qiu was originally a hanger-on and a wastrel. He thought to himself: "How can my household accommodate him? Better to do him a favor and recommend him to the household of Consort-Marquis Wang Jinqing to serve as a personal attendant. People all call him 'the Junior Marshal Wang,' and he is fond of such men." He then wrote a reply to the Dong gentleman and kept Gao Qiu in his mansion for one night. The next day, he wrote a letter of introduction and sent a trusted man to escort Gao Qiu to the Junior Marshal Wang's residence.

This Grand Commandant was the brother-in-law of Emperor Zhezong and the son-in-law of Emperor Shenzong. He was fond of men of refinement and talent, and it was precisely such men he sought to employ. When he saw that Su Zhe, the young scholar, had sent a messenger with a letter recommending this Gao Qiu, he received him with great pleasure upon their meeting. He promptly wrote a reply and took Gao Qiu into his household as a personal attendant. From that day forward, Gao Qiu prospered; he came and went in the household of the Commandant Wang as though he were one of the family. As the old saying goes: "The farther apart, the more distant; the closer together, the more intimate." One day, it happened that the young Commandant Wang was celebrating his birthday, and he ordered a banquet to be prepared in the household, inviting only his younger brother-in-law, the Prince Duan. This Prince Duan was the eleventh son of Emperor Shenzong and the younger brother of Emperor Zhezong. He at present held the Eastern Palace, was numbered the Ninth Prince, and was a man of intelligence and handsome bearing. As for the diversions of idle young gentlemen and the arts of the sycophantic hangers-on, there was nothing he did not understand, nothing he could not do, and nothing he did not delight in. To name but a few: the zither, chess, calligraphy, and painting—he was master of them all. As for kicking the leather ball, shooting pellets, playing bamboo flutes, plucking silk strings, and singing and dancing to wind and percussion—these need not even be mentioned.

On that day, in the household of Commandant Wang, the banquet was prepared with offerings from both land and sea. Observe:

Incense burned in precious censers; flowers were arranged in golden vases.

The Academy of Immortal Music competed in performing new compositions; the Court of Imperial Entertainment frequently displayed its exquisite arts.

Inside crystal decanters, all was nectar from the Purple Palace;

In amber cups overflowed the jade liquors of the Jasper Pool.

Tortoiseshell platters were heaped with magical peaches and rare fruits; glass bowls bore bear's palms and camel's hooves.

Shimmering slices of fish were cut into silver threads; fine tea was brewed from jade stamens.

Red-skirted dancing girls followed the ivory clappers and phoenix flutes;

Jade-sleeved singing maidens clustered around the dragon mouth-organs and phoenix pipes.

Two rows of pearls and kingfisher feathers stood before the steps; a tide of pipe and song attended the seats.

Now then, the Prince Duan came to the household of Commandant Wang to attend the banquet. The Commandant arranged the feast, inviting the Prince to sit in the central seat, while the Commandant himself sat opposite as host. After several cups of wine and two rounds of dishes, the Prince Duan rose to wash his hands and happened to rest for a while in the study. Startlingly, he caught sight of a pair of lions carved from mutton-fat jade, used as paperweights on the desk. They were exquisitely made, delicate and ingenious. The Prince picked up the lions and examined them for some time without setting them down, saying, "Splendid!" When the Commandant saw that the Prince was taken with them, he said, "There is also a jade dragon brush-rest, made by the same craftsman, though it is not at hand at present. Tomorrow I will fetch it and send both pieces to you together." The Prince was greatly pleased and said, "I thank you deeply. I imagine the brush-rest must be even more marvelous." The Commandant said, "I will bring it out tomorrow and send it to the palace, and then you shall see." The Prince thanked him again. The two returned to the feast as before and drank until dusk, thoroughly intoxicated, before parting. The Prince Duan took his leave and returned to the palace.

The following day, the young Commandant Wang took out the jade dragon brush-rest and the two jade lion paperweights, placed them in a small gold box, wrapped it in a yellow silk bundle, and wrote a letter of presentation, then sent Gao Qiu to deliver them. Gao Qiu received the Commandant's orders, tucked the two jade curios under his arm, carried the letter in his breast, and made his way straight to the palace of Prince Duan. The gate officials passed word to the household steward. Before long, the steward came out and asked, "From which household do you come?" Gao Qiu bowed and replied, "This humble one is from the household of Prince Consort Wang, sent specially to present jade curios to Your Highness." The steward said, "His Highness is in the courtyard kicking the leather ball with the young eunuchs. Go in on your own." Gao Qiu said, "I would trouble you to lead the way." The steward led him to the courtyard. When Gao Qiu looked, he saw the Prince Duan wearing a soft silk Tang-style turban, clad in a purple embroidered dragon robe, with a civil-and-military braided sash at his waist. He had hitched up the front of his embroidered dragon robe and tucked it into the sash. On his feet he wore a pair of gold-threaded flying-phoenix boots, and three or five young eunuchs were playing the leather ball alongside him. Gao Qiu dared not go forward to intrude and stood waiting behind the retinue. It was destined that Gao Qiu should rise in fortune—his luck had arrived. The leather ball suddenly flew up into the air, and the Prince Duan missed catching it. It rolled straight through the crowd to Gao Qiu's side. When Gao Qiu saw the ball coming, he acted on a momentary boldness, used a "Mandarin Duck Kick," and kicked it back to the Prince Duan. The Prince was overjoyed and asked, "Who are you?" Gao Qiu knelt forward and said, "This humble one is a personal attendant of Commandant Wang, sent by my master to deliver two jade curios as an offering to Your Highness. Here is the letter of presentation." The Prince, having heard this, laughed and said, "My brother-in-law is truly so thoughtful." Gao Qiu presented the letter. The Prince opened the box, looked at the curios, and handed them all over to the palace steward for safekeeping.

The Prince Duan did not concern himself with the curios for the moment but instead asked Gao Qiu first, "So you know how to kick the leather ball! What is your name?" Gao Qiu, hands clasped, knelt and replied, "This humble one is called Gao Qiu. I can kick a few strokes at best." The Prince said, "Excellent! Then come onto the court and kick for some sport." Gao Qiu bowed and said, "What sort of person am I, that I should dare to kick with Your Highness, my benefactor?" The Prince said, "This is the 'Soaring to the Clouds Club,' called 'The Ball Round Under Heaven.' What harm is there in kicking?" Gao Qiu bowed again and said, "How dare I!" Three times, five times he excused himself, but the Prince insisted that he kick. Gao Qiu could only kowtow in thanks, undo his robes, and step onto the court. After only a few kicks, the Prince cried out in admiration. Gao Qiu exerted all his lifelong skill to serve the Prince Duan. As for his deportment and manner, the leather ball seemed to stick to him as if glued with fish-skin cement. The Prince was overjoyed and would on no account let Gao Qiu return to his household. He kept him in the palace for the night.

The next day, a banquet was arranged, and an invitation was specially sent to Wang Duwei to attend the palace. Now, on that evening, Wang Duwei had noticed that Gao Qiu had not returned, and was just pondering this when the next day a gatekeeper reported: "The Ninth Prince has sent an imperial summons, inviting the Commandant to the palace for a banquet." Wang Duwei came out, met the messengers, read the summons, and immediately mounted his horse. He arrived at the Ninth Prince's residence, dismounted, entered the palace, and came into the presence of Prince Duan. Prince Duan was overjoyed and expressed his gratitude for the two pieces of jade playthings. As they sat down to feast, Prince Duan said, "This Gao Qiu kicks a fine ball with both feet. I would like to request this man as my personal attendant—what say you?" Wang Duwei replied, "Since Your Highness wishes to employ this man, let him remain in the palace to serve Your Highness." Prince Duan was delighted and raised his cup in thanks. The two men chatted a while longer, and the banquet dispersed toward evening. Wang Duwei returned to his own residence as the emperor's son-in-law. No more of this.

Now, after Prince Duan had obtained Gao Qiu as his companion, he kept him in the palace for both lodging and meals. From that point on, Gao Qiu found favor with Prince Duan, following him every day without ever leaving his side. Before two months had passed, Emperor Zhezong passed away. There was no crown prince, and the civil and military officials deliberated and enthroned Prince Duan as the Son of Heaven, with the reign title Huizong—that is, the Jade Purity Lord, the Subtle and Mysterious Emperor. After ascending the throne, all was peaceful for a time. Then one day he said to Gao Qiu, "I wish to promote you, but only with military merit on the frontier can you be advanced. First I will have the Bureau of Military Affairs enter your name, merely as someone who transfers with the imperial retinue." Within less than half a year, Gao Qiu was promoted directly to the post of Commandant of the Palace Command. Truly:

The Cloud Society makes no distinction between high and low,

But muddling along smooths the whole world round.

Gao Qiu was raised for his ball-kicking strength,

Relying entirely on his hands and feet to seize power.

Now, after Gao Qiu had been made Commandant of the Palace Command, he selected an auspicious day and hour and went to take up his post. All the subordinate clerks, officers, army inspectors, and cavalry and infantry personnel came to pay their respects, each presenting their credentials and reporting their names. Commandant Gao reviewed them one and all, but among them one man was absent: Wang Jin, instructor of the eight hundred thousand imperial guards. A fortnight earlier, he had filed notice of illness at the office, and having not yet recovered, had not come to the yamen to attend to duties. Commandant Gao flew into a rage and roared, "Nonsense! Since his credentials have been presented, this fellow is defying the authorities and making things difficult for his superior! This man is simply feigning illness at home. Seize him at once!" He immediately dispatched men to Wang Jin's house to arrest him. Now, Wang Jin had no wife, only an old mother, already past sixty years of age. The squad leader said to Instructor Wang Jin: "Now Commandant Gao has newly taken office and cannot find you. The military tribunal has reported that you are ill at home, and there is a medical certificate on file. Commandant Gao is furious and will not believe it. He is determined to arrest you, claiming that the instructor is faking illness at home. The instructor had best go and face it. If you do not, you will certainly implicate all of us underlings."

Wang Jin, having heard this, had no choice but to drag himself there despite his illness. He entered the Palace Command, paid his respects to the Commandant, bowed four times, and standing upright, made his salutation, then rose and stood to one side. Gao Qiu said, "You there—are you the son of Wang Sheng, the military instructor of the capital garrison?" Wang Jin replied, "This is your servant." Gao Qiu roared, "You wretch! Your father was a street performer who sold medicine while twirling a flowered staff. What martial arts do you know? The previous official had no eyes and appointed you as instructor. How dare you look down on me and refuse to submit to my inspection! Whose influence are you relying on, that you feign illness at home to live in ease and comfort?" Wang Jin pleaded, "Your servant would not dare. I am truly ill and have not yet recovered." Commandant Gao cursed, "You damned convict! If you are sick, how are you able to come?" Wang Jin pleaded again, "Since the Commandant summoned me, how would I dare not come?" Commandant Gao was enraged and ordered his attendants: "Seize him! Beat this fellow with all your strength!" Many of the guard officers were on good terms with Wang Jin, so they went together with the military tribunal to plead: "Today is the Commandant's first day in office—an auspicious day. Let this man be pardoned this once." Commandant Gao roared, "You damned convict! In consideration of these officers, I will forgive you today. But tomorrow I will settle accounts with you." Wang Jin thanked him for his mercy, and as he rose and looked up, he recognized Gao Qiu. He left the yamen, sighed, and said, "My life is in danger this time. I thought he was some Commandant Gao, but it turns out to be none other than the 'Round Society' Gao Er, the idle loafer of the eastern capital. In the past he learned the staff, and my father struck him down with a single blow. He lay bedridden for three or four months recovering from it. This is the grudge he holds. Now he has risen in the world and become Commandant of the Palace Command, and he has been waiting for a chance to take revenge. I never expected that I would fall directly under his jurisdiction. As the saying goes: 'One does not fear the official, but one fears the man who has authority over him.' How can I contend with him? What can I do?" He returned home, deeply troubled. He told his mother what had happened, and mother and son embraced and wept. His mother said, "My son, of the thirty-six stratagems, running away is the best—but I fear there is nowhere to go." Wang Jin said, "Mother speaks wisely. I have been thinking the same thing. Only the old Marshal Zhong in Yan'an Prefecture guards the frontier. Among his officers, many have been to the capital and admire my skill with the spear and staff. Why not flee and seek refuge with them? That is a place where men are employed—there I could settle and make my livelihood." Truly:

He who employs others well is himself employed.

He who relies only on himself sends others away.

Where the worthy are gained, here they are lost.

Driven out or drawn away—how regrettable, how grieving.

Mother and son discussed the matter and reached a decision. His mother then said, "My son, if you and I are to slip away privately, I fear the two squad leaders at the gate, assigned by the Palace Command to attend you—if they learn of it, you will not be able to escape." Wang Jin said, "That is no problem. Mother, rest assured. I have my own way of dealing with them."

That evening, before dusk fell, Wang Jin first summoned Zhang Pai and instructed him, "Have your supper now. I'm sending you somewhere on an errand." Zhang Pai asked, "Where does the Instructor wish your servant to go?" Wang Jin said, "Because of my illness the other day, I made a vow at the temple outside the Jujube Gate to burn incense. Tomorrow morning I must go early to burn the first stick of incense. Go tonight and tell the temple keeper to open the gates early tomorrow, so I can burn the first incense. I'll need the three sacrificial offerings—to sacrifice to the Liu Li Wang. You stay at the temple and wait for me." Zhang Pai agreed, ate his supper, told his wife to retire for the night, and set off for the temple.

That very night, mother and son packed their luggage, clothes, personal belongings, and silver, bundling everything into one load. They also packed two feed bags and cloth bundles, which they strapped onto the horse. When the fifth watch came, while the sky was still dark, Wang Jin roused Li Pai and instructed him, "Take these silver pieces to the temple and have Zhang Pai buy the three sacrificial offerings and cook them. Wait for me there. I'll buy some paper and candles and come shortly after." Li Pai took the silver and headed for the temple.

Wang Jin himself saddled a horse, led it out of the stable, loaded the feed bags and cloth bundles onto it, and secured them firmly with ropes. He led the horse to the back gate, helped his mother mount, and locked the front and back doors, leaving behind all the heavy household goods. He shouldered the load, followed the horse, and taking advantage of the darkness before dawn, slipped out through the West Flower Gate, taking the road toward Yan'an Prefecture.

Now then, the two soldiers bought the sacrificial offerings and cooked them. They waited at the temple until the hour of the Snake—the ninth hour—but still no one came. Li Pai grew anxious and went back to Wang Jin's house to look for him, only to find the doors locked, with no way in. He searched half the day and found no one anywhere. As evening approached, Zhang Pai at the temple grew suspicious and rushed straight home. He and Li Pai searched all through the dusk, until it grew dark. When neither of them returned that night, and his old mother was nowhere to be found, the next day the two soldiers went to inquire at his relatives' homes, but could find no trace. Fearing they might be implicated, they had no choice but to report to the Marshal's headquarters: "Military Instructor Wang has abandoned his family and fled—mother and son, destination unknown." When Grand Marshal Gao heard the report, he flew into a rage. "That damned convict on the run—let's see where that wretch thinks he can go!" He immediately issued orders to every prefecture and subprefecture to arrest the deserter Wang Jin. The two soldiers, having reported the matter, were absolved of blame—but of that, no more.

Now then, Master Wang and his mother, having left the Eastern Capital, could not avoid hunger and thirst by day and lodging and travel by road at night. They had been on the journey over a month. One day, as evening approached, Wang Jin carried his load and followed his horse on which his mother rode, saying to her, "Heaven has shown pity—how fortunate! Mother and I have escaped this inescapable trap. Yan'an Prefecture is not far from here now. Even if Grand Marshal Gao sends men after me, they won't catch us." Mother and son rejoiced, and along the road, without realizing it, they had missed the place to stay for the night. They had walked all evening without coming upon a single village—where could they find lodging? Just as they were at their wits' end, they saw a light flickering in a grove of trees in the distance. Wang Jin said, "Good! We'll go there and beg a night's shelter with some courtesy. We can set out early tomorrow." They turned into the grove and found a large manor, surrounded by earthen walls, with two or three hundred great willows growing outside the walls. Looking at the manor, they saw:

The front faced a main road; the rear leaned against a stream-fed hill.

All around, green threads of vegetation rose like mist; on every side, the green shade seemed as if dyed.

Around the corners of the houses, cattle and sheep covered the ground; on the threshing floor, geese and ducks gathered in flocks.

The fields were vast and wide—a thousand hired hands and tenants worked the land;

The household was dignified and prosperous—female servants and children could not be counted.

Truly it was a home where ample grain meant well-fed chickens and dogs, and abundant books meant worthy sons and grandsons.

Master Wang arrived at the manor gate and knocked for some time before a servant appeared. Wang Jin set down his load and bowed to him. The servant asked, "What business brings you to our manor?" Wang Jin replied, "I will not hide it from you: my mother and I, eager to make progress on our journey, missed the inn where we meant to stay. We arrived here with no village ahead and no shop behind. We wish to lodge at your honored manor for one night and will set out early tomorrow. We will pay the usual room fee. We humbly beg your kind consideration." The servant said, "Since that is the case, wait a moment while I ask the Master of the Manor. If he agrees, you may stay." Wang Jin said, "Many thanks, elder brother." The servant was gone for some time, then came out and said, "The Master of the Manor asks you both to come in." Wang Jin helped his mother down from the horse. He shouldered his load, led the horse, and followed the servant inside to the threshing floor, where he set down the load and tied the horse to a willow tree. Mother and son then went to the main hall to meet the Old Master.

The patriarch was upwards of sixty years of age, his beard and hair all white. He wore a dust-shielding warm cap, a loose robe with straight seams, a black silk sash at his waist, and tanned leather boots on his feet. Wang Jin at once bowed before him. The patriarch hastily said, "Don't bow, my friend. You are travelers on the road, weary from wind and frost. Sit down and rest a while." Wang Jin and his mother exchanged courtesies and both sat down. The patriarch asked, "Where have you come from? How is it that you arrive here so late in the evening?" Wang Jin replied, "This humble person's surname is Zhang. I was originally from the capital. Now I have lost my capital and have no means to make a living, so I wish to go to Yan'an Prefecture to seek out relatives. I did not expect that today on the road I would push on too far, missed an inn, and wished to ask for lodging in your honored manor for one night, departing early tomorrow. I will duly present payment for the room." The patriarch said, "That is no trouble. Nowadays, who in this world carries their house on their back? You two, mother and son, have you perhaps not yet eaten?" He called for a servant to prepare food. Before long, a table was set up in the main hall. A servant brought out a tray with four vegetable dishes and a plate of beef, laid out on the table. Warm wine was poured first. The patriarch said, "There is little to offer in a humble village—please do not take offense." Wang Jin rose and said, "It is an imposition for this humble mother and son to trouble you without cause. This kindness is hard to repay." The patriarch said, "Say no more of this. Please drink your wine." After urging five or seven cups of wine upon them, they brought out rice. The two ate, and the dishes were cleared away. The patriarch rose and led Wang Jin and his mother to a guest room to rest. Wang Jin said, "The horse my mother rode—I would trouble you to stable and feed it. Fodder and care I will gladly pay for as well." The patriarch said, "That is no trouble. We also have horses and mules here. I will have a servant lead them to the rear stable and feed them together." Wang Jin thanked him. He carried his pack to the guest room. A servant lit a lamp and brought hot water for them to wash their feet. The patriarch returned to his own quarters. Wang Jin and his mother thanked the servant, shut the door, and settled in for the night.

The next day, they slept until full daylight and had not yet risen. The master, the patriarch, passed by the guest room and heard Wang Jin and his mother crying out inside. The patriarch called, "Honored guest, it is broad daylight—best to get up." Wang Jin, hearing this, hastily came out of the room, bowed to the patriarch, and said, "This humble one rose long ago. Last night we disturbed you greatly—it was most improper." The patriarch asked, "Who is it crying out like that?" Wang Jin said, "I will not deceive you, sir: my old mother, exhausted from riding, had an attack of heart pain last night." The patriarch said, "In that case, do not distress yourself, honored guest. Let your old mother stay at my manor for a few days. I have a prescription for heart pain. I will have a servant go into the county town to fetch medicine for your mother to take. Set your mind at rest and let her recover slowly." Wang Jin thanked him.

Let us cease with these digressions. From this point, Wang Jin and his mother remained at the patriarch's manor taking medicine. After five or seven days, they found that the mother's illness had fully healed, and Wang Jin prepared to depart. That day, he went to the rear stable to look at the horse, and there he saw a young fellow stripped to the waist in the open ground, his body tattooed with a blue dragon, his face like a silver platter, about eighteen or nineteen years of age, wielding a staff there. Wang Jin watched for a long while and could not help saying, "Your staff work is quite good, but it has flaws—it would not defeat a true hero." The young fellow, hearing this, flew into a rage and shouted, "Who are you, to mock my skill? I have studied under seven or eight famous teachers, and I refuse to believe I am not as good as you! Dare you cross hands with me?"

Before he had finished speaking, the patriarch arrived and shouted at the young fellow, "You will not be rude." The young fellow said, "I can't stand this fellow mocking my staff technique." The patriarch said to Wang Jin, "Could it be that you, honored guest, also know the spear and staff?" Wang Jin said, "I know a little. May I ask, sir, who is this young man in your household?" The patriarch said, "He is my son." Wang Jin said, "Since he is the young master of the house, if he loves to learn, might this humble one correct his technique for him?" The patriarch said, "That would be excellent." He then told the young fellow to come and bow as a teacher. The young fellow absolutely refused to bow. His anger only grew and he said, "Father, don't listen to this fellow's nonsense. If he can beat me with that staff, then I will acknowledge him as my teacher." Wang Jin said, "Young master, if you do not think me unworthy, let us measure our skills for a bit of sport." The young fellow planted himself in the middle of the open ground, whirling his staff like a windmill, and called to Wang Jin, "Come on, come on—if you're afraid, you're no hero." Wang Jin only smiled and would not engage. The patriarch said, "Since the honored guest is willing to instruct the young rascal, what harm is there in a bout?" Wang Jin said with a smile, "I fear I might injure your son, which would be unseemly." The patriarch said, "That is no concern. If his hands or feet get broken, he will have brought it on himself."

Wang Jin said, "Forgive my discourtesy." He took a staff from the weapon rack, went to the open ground, and assumed a ready stance. The young fellow watched him for a moment, then rolled his staff forward and charged straight at Wang Jin. Wang Jin swiftly dragged his staff and retreated. The young fellow swung his staff and pursued. Wang Jin turned and brought his staff down in a great sweeping blow toward the open ground. The young fellow saw the staff coming and raised his own to block it. But Wang Jin did not strike down—instead he snapped his staff forward in a sudden thrust, driving it straight at the young fellow's chest. With a single parrying motion, the young fellow's staff flew to one side, and he fell backward to the ground. Wang Jin quickly dropped his staff, stepped forward, and helped him up, saying, "Forgive me, forgive me."

The young man scrambled to his feet, dragged a stool over from the side, and motioned Wang Jin to sit. Then he knelt and said, "I have wasted my time with any number of teachers—all of them worth nothing. Master, I have no choice but to ask you to instruct me." Wang Jin said, "My mother and I have been imposing on your household these past days. We have no way to repay your kindness, but I am glad to do what I can." The old gentleman was overjoyed. He told the young man to get dressed, and they all went together to the back hall and sat down. He ordered the servants to slaughter a sheep and laid out wine, food, and fruit. Then he invited Wang Jin's mother to join the banquet. The four of them took their seats, and as the cups were being filled, the old gentleman rose and offered a cup of wine. "A master of such skill must be an instructor," he said. "My son had eyes but could not recognize Mount Tai." Wang Jin smiled and said, "There is no deceiving the cunning or fooling the clever. I am not named Zhang. I am Wang Jin, instructor of the Eight Hundred Thousand Imperial Guards of the Eastern Capital. I have spent my whole life with spear and staff. But a new Grand Marshal Gao—whom my late father once thrashed—now commands the Palace Headquarters. Nursing an old grudge, he wants to make things difficult for me. Since I fall under his jurisdiction and cannot stand up to him, my mother and I had no choice but to flee to Yan'an Prefecture, to seek service with Old Marshal Zhong of the Frontier Command. I never expected to come here and be treated so generously by you and your son. And then you cured my mother's illness and have looked after us for days—it is more than we deserve. Since your son is willing to learn, I will teach him with all my heart. But what your son has learned so far is all flashy staff-work—pretty to look at but useless on the battlefield. I will retrain him from the ground up." When the old gentleman heard this, he said, "My son, now do you see that you were beaten? Come quickly and bow to your teacher again." The young man knelt and bowed to Wang Jin once more. And so it is:

A vain reputation brings a teacher trouble;

Only a willing heart bows to true skill.

Only genuine mastery within the breast

Can make a stubborn pupil kneel before his master.

The old gentleman said, "Sir, my family has lived for generations in Huayin County. Just ahead lies Shaohua Mountain. This village is called Shi Family Village. There are three or four hundred households in the village, all surnamed Shi. My son has had no taste for farming since he was a boy—he only loved to practice spear and staff. His mother could not change him and died of grief. I could only let him have his way. I do not know how much money I have spent hiring teachers for him. I even had a master craftsman tattoo his body—there are nine dragons across his shoulders, arms, and chest. The whole county calls him by nickname 'Nine-Dragon' Shi Jin. Now that you have come here, Master, I hope you will bring him to completion. I will reward you handsomely." Wang Jin was delighted and said, "Have no worries, sir. Since you put it that way, I will not leave until I have fully taught your son." From that day on, after the food and wine, Wang Jin and his mother were given lodging in the Shi household. Shi Jin came to Master Wang every day to learn the eighteen weapons, and Wang Jin taught them to him one by one from the beginning. The eighteen weapons were:

Spear, hammer, bow and crossbow, flail;

Whip, sword, chain, and mace.

Halberd and dagger-axe, spear and glaive;

Shield, staff, and lance.

Now, Shi Jin entertained Master Wang and his mother in the manor every day while receiving instruction in the martial arts. Shi the Elder went about his duties as village headman in Huayin County—but no more of that. Time slipped by unnoticed, and before long half a year had passed. As the saying goes:

Sunlight through the window passes in the snap of a finger;

Shadows of flowers across the mat shift as we sit.

Before a cup is drained, songs are already being sung;

At the foot of the steps, the timekeeper's board marks the hour again.

After some six months, Shi Jin had mastered all eighteen weapons anew, thoroughly and with great skill. He owed it all to Wang Jin's wholehearted instruction, which revealed the hidden subtleties of every technique. When Wang Jin saw that Shi Jin had become truly proficient, he thought to himself: "This is a fine place, but it will not do in the end." One day the notion came to him, and he decided to take his leave and head for Yan'an Prefecture. Shi Jin would not hear of it. "Master, just stay here," he said. "Your younger brother will support you and your mother for the rest of your days—nothing could be better!" Wang Jin said, "Dear brother, I am grateful for your kindness, and this is indeed a wonderful place. But I fear Grand Marshal Gao may send men in pursuit, and that would implicate you—it would not be safe. That is the dilemma. My heart is set on going to Yan'an Prefecture, to serve under Old Marshal Zhong at the frontier command. That is a border garrison, a place where men are needed. There I can make a life for myself."

Shi Jin and his father begged him to stay, but they could not change his mind. They could only arrange a farewell banquet. They presented two rolls of silk and a hundred ounces of silver as a teacher's fee. The next day, Wang Jin packed his load, saddled a horse, and took leave of Shi the Elder with his mother. Wang Jin helped his mother onto the horse, and they set out on the road toward Yan'an Prefecture. Shi Jin had a servant carry the load and personally escorted them ten miles, his heart heavy with reluctance. Shi Jin knelt and took leave of his master, tears streaming down his face, then parted and returned with the servant. Master Wang shouldered his load again as before, walked alongside the horse, and he and his mother continued on their way along the western road.

We will not follow Wang Jin as he goes to enlist in the frontier army. Let us return to Shi Jin, who went back to the manor and spent every day building his strength. He was in the prime of youth, with no wife or children, so he rose in the middle of the night to practice his skills and spent his days shooting arrows and riding horses behind the manor. Before another half year had passed, Shi Jin's father, the old gentleman, fell ill and took to his bed. After several days he did not rise. Shi Jin sent far and wide for physicians, but none could cure him. Alas—the old gentleman passed away. Shi Jin prepared a coffin and burial clothes, invited monks to perform the rites, and held the memorial services—the seven seven-day observances to guide the deceased's soul. He also engaged Daoist priests to conduct purification ceremonies and offer prayers for the departed's ascension to heaven, arranging a dozen or more such services and merit-making rituals. He chose an auspicious day and hour and held the funeral. All three or four hundred households of Shi Family Village came to mourn and wear mourning garments, and the old gentleman was buried in the family graveyard on the hill west of the village. From that day on, no one managed the Shi family estate. Shi Jin had no intention of farming—he only wanted to seek out men with whom to test his weapons and compare spear and staff techniques.

After Old Master Shi's death, another three or four months had passed. It was now the middle of June, and the sweltering summer heat was at its peak. On one particular day, Shi Jin had nothing to amuse himself with. He took a folding stool and sat beneath the willow trees at the edge of the threshing ground to enjoy the shade. A breeze blew through the pine grove facing him, and Shi Jin exclaimed, "What a fine cool breeze!" Just as he was enjoying the shade, he noticed someone craning his neck and peeping about, looking around furtively. Shi Jin shouted, "How strange! Who is spying on my estate over there?" Shi Jin leapt to his feet, went around the back of the tree, and took a good look. He recognized the hunter Li Ji, known as "Rabbit-Snatcher" Li Ji. Shi Jin shouted, "Li Ji, what are you spying on inside my estate? Could it be you've come to case the place?"

Shi Jin said, "Let me ask you: in the past, you always used to bring wild game to sell at my estate. I never shortchanged you—so why haven't you brought any lately? Could it be you're looking down on me because I have no money?" Li Ji replied, "How would I dare? There simply hasn't been any wild game lately, so I haven't dared to come." Shi Jin said, "Nonsense! Mount Shaohua is so vast and sprawling—you mean to tell me there isn't a single roe deer or rabbit to be found?" Li Ji said, "You don't know this, Master Shi: recently, a band of toughs has set up a stronghold on the mountain. They've gathered five or six hundred petty followers up there, along with a hundred or so fine horses. The chief among them is called the 'Divine-Machination Military Strategist' Zhu Wu, the second is called 'Tiger-Leaping-the-Ravine' Chen Da, and the third is called 'White-Flower Serpent' Yang Chun. These three chiefs rob homes and plunder storehouses. Huayin County can't stop them—they've even offered a reward of three thousand strings of cash for anyone who can capture them. But who dares go up and provoke them? Because of this, we hunters don't dare go up the mountain to catch game—so where would we find any to sell?"

Shi Jin said, "I'd heard there were toughs up there, but I didn't realize they had grown so bold—they're bound to cause trouble for people. Li Ji, from now on when you have wild game, bring some to me." Li Ji bowed and took his leave.

Shi Jin returned to the front hall and pondered: "These fellows have grown so bold—they're sure to come and harass the village. Since that's the case..." He ordered the farmhands to select two fat water buffalos and slaughter them. The estate had its own fine wine stored away. He first burned a string of smooth paper, then sent the farmhands to invite the three or four hundred farming families of the Shi clan in the village to gather at the family estate, where they sat on the grass hall's floor in order of age. He instructed the farmhands to go around with the wine cups and urge everyone to drink.

Shi Jin addressed the assembled crowd: "I've heard that there are three bandits on Mount Shaohua who have gathered five or six hundred petty followers to rob homes and plunder storehouses. Since these fellows have grown so bold, they're sure to come and cause trouble in our village sooner or later. That's why I've specially invited you all to discuss this matter. When those fellows come, each household must be prepared. When the watchman's clapper sounds from my estate, each of you should grab your spears and staves and come to our aid. If any of your households are in trouble, the same arrangement applies. We'll help one another and together protect the village. If the bandits come themselves, I'll deal with them."

The crowd replied, "We village farmers rely entirely on you, Master Shi, to lead us. When the clapper sounds, who would dare not come?" That evening, the people thanked him for the wine and dispersed to their respective homes, each preparing their weapons. From then on, Shi Jin repaired the gates and walls of his estate, arranged the grounds, set up several watchman's clappers, organized his armor, and readied his swords and horses to guard against bandits—but of this, no more for now.

Now then, let us speak of the three chiefs of the Mount Shaohua stronghold. They sat down to deliberate. The chief, the "Divine-Machination Military Strategist" Zhu Wu, was originally a native of Dingyuan. He could wield a pair of double-edged swords. Though not exceptionally skilled in martial arts, he was thoroughly versed in battle formations and rich in strategy. Eight lines of verse sing Zhu Wu's praises:

His Taoist robes are woven from palm leaves,

His cloud-shaped cap is cut from deer hide.

His face is flushed, his eyes handsome,

His face is pale, his fine beard hangs low.

His battle formations rival Zhuge Liang's,

His cunning schemes surpass Fan Li's.

Who is the foremost on Mount Hua?

Zhu Wu, styled "Divine Machination."

The second hero was surnamed Chen, given name Da. He was originally a native of Ye City and wielded a gleaming steel-tipped spear. A verse praises him:

Powerful, loud, and boldly crude,

His twelve-foot spear rains down like rain.

A hero of Ye who dominates Huayin—

Chen Da is called "Tiger-Leaping-the-Ravine."

The third hero was surnamed Yang, given name Chun. He was a native of Xie Liang County in Puzhou and wielded a great long-poled saber. A verse praises him:

Long-waisted, lean-armed, his strength is renowned,

Wherever he goes, his saber blooms like scattered flowers.

A true hero standing firm on Mount Hua—

His name spreads far and wide as "White-Flower Serpent."

That day Zhu Wu said to Chen Da and Yang Chun, "I have learned that Huayin County has put out a reward of three thousand strings of cash for our capture. I fear that when soldiers come, we shall have to fight them. But our mountain stronghold lacks money and grain. Why not go raid and plunder some supplies to sustain the stronghold? Let us also store up provisions within the camp to prepare against the government troops, so we may hold our own against them." "Tiger-Leaping-the-Gorge" Chen Da said, "You speak well. Let us go now to Huayin County and first ask them to lend us grain and see how they respond." "White Serpent" Yang Chun said, "Do not go to Huayin County. Go instead to Pucheng County—there will be no risk at all." Chen Da said, "Pucheng County has few households and not enough money or grain. We would do better to strike at Huayin County, where the people are prosperous and grain is plentiful." Yang Chun said, "Elder Brother, you do not understand. If we attack Huayin County, we must pass through the Shi Family Village. That Shi Jin, the 'Nine-Dragon,' is no ordinary foe—we must not provoke him. How could he ever let us pass?" Chen Da said, "Brother, you are too timid! If we cannot get past a single village, how dare we stand against government troops?" Yang Chun said, "Elder Brother, do not underestimate him. That man is truly formidable." Zhu Wu said, "I too have heard that he is a great hero. They say this man has real skill. Brother, do not go." Chen Da shouted in fury, "The two of you, shut your foul mouths! You boost another man's morale and crush our own prestige. He is just one man—he does not have three heads and six arms. I refuse to believe it." He called to his men-at-arms: "Saddle my horse at once. I will go now and attack the Shi Family Manor first, then take Huayin County." Zhu Wu and Yang Chun tried again and again to dissuade him, but Chen Da would not listen. He donned his armor, mounted his horse, and led some hundred and forty or fifty men-at-arms, beating drums and striking gongs as they descended the mountain and headed toward the Shi Family Village.

Now Shi Jin was in front of his manor, tending to his weapons and horse, when a servant came and reported the matter. Upon hearing this, Shi Jin struck the watchman's clapper at his manor. The several hundred households of the Shi family, in front and behind, to the east and west of the manor, heard the sound of the clapper and dragged spears and clubs, gathering some three or four hundred men who all assembled at the Shi Family Manor. They saw Shi Jin wearing a head-cloth, draped in vermillion armor, dressed above in a dark brocade jacket and below in green boots, his waist bound with a leather sash, iron breastplates before and behind, a bow and a quiver of arrows, and in his hand a three-pointed, two-bladed sword with four apertures and eight rings. The servants led out his fiery-red horse. Shi Jin mounted, took up his sword, and placed thirty or forty sturdy servants in front, with eighty or ninety rustic villagers behind. All the Shi family households followed behind, shouting together, until they reached the road at the north end of the village.

Chen Da of Mount Shaohua led his men at full gallop to the foot of the slope and deployed his men-at-arms. Shi Jin looked and saw Chen Da wearing a dark-red concave-faced turban, clad in gold-wrapped wrought-iron armor, dressed above in a crimson padded jacket, on his feet a pair of boots with raised heels, his waist bound with a seven-foot plaided leather sash, mounted on a tall white horse, and holding across his body an eighteen-foot steel-pointed spear. The men-at-arms on both sides shouted, and the two commanders faced each other from horseback.

Chen Da, looking at Shi Jin from his horse, bowed slightly. Shi Jin roared, "You men murder and burn, rob and plunder—you have committed monstrous crimes and all deserve death. You must have ears—how dare you be so bold—to come shoveling dirt on the God of the Year's very head!" Chen Da answered from his horse, "Our stronghold is short of grain. We wish to go to Huayin County to borrow provisions and must pass through your honored manor. We merely ask to borrow a road. We will not disturb a single blade of grass. Let us pass, and we shall return to express our gratitude." Shi Jin said, "Nonsense! My family currently holds the post of village chief, and I am just about to arrest this band of thieves. Today you come passing through my village, and if I do not arrest you but let you go instead, the county authorities will hold me implicated." Chen Da said, "'All within the four seas are brothers.' I trouble you to lend us a road." Shi Jin said, "What idle talk! Even if I were willing, there is one who is not. Ask him, and if he agrees, you may go." Chen Da said, "Good sir, who should I ask?" Shi Jin said, "Ask this sword in my hand. If it agrees, I will let you pass." Chen Da flew into a rage. "Do not press a man too far, and do not show off your prowess!" Shi Jin also grew angry. He whirled his sword, urged his horse forward, and came to fight Chen Da. Chen Da likewise galloped ahead, spear leveled, to meet Shi Jin. The two horses crossed, and then:

One advancing, one retreating; one rising, one descending.

One advancing, one retreating—like dragons playing with a pearl in deep water;

One rising, one descending—like tigers fighting for food on a half-cliff.

The "Nine-Dragon" in fury—his three-pointed sword flew toward the top of his foe's head;

The "Tiger-Leaping-the-Gorge" in rage—his eighteen-foot spear never ceased striking at the heart.

Between skilled hands, skill is tested; from a red heart, a red heart is seized.

Shi Jin and Chen Da fought for some time. Shi Jin feigned an opening, letting Chen Da thrust his spear toward his heart. Shi Jin shifted his waist, and Chen Da and his spear plunged forward into his embrace. Shi Jin stretched out his long arms with ease, twisted his supple waist, and with a single grasp lightly plucked Chen Da from his jeweled saddle, firmly seized his plaided leather sash, and with a single toss threw him to the ground. His warhorse galloped away like the wind. Shi Jin ordered his servants to bind Chen Da. The men drove off all the men-at-arms in one sweep. Shi Jin returned to his manor and had Chen Da bound to a pillar in the courtyard. He planned to capture the two other bandit chiefs as well, then turn all three over to the authorities together to claim the reward. For now, he had wine brought out to reward his men and told them to disperse for the time being. All cheered in admiration—truly, Young Master Shi was a man of such heroic mettle.

Never mind the others drinking merrily. Let us speak of Zhu Wu and Yang Chun, who were in the stronghold, full of suspicion and unable to make sense of things. They sent some more bandits out to spy for news. The men who had gone earlier came back leading riderless horses, rushing to the foot of the mountain, crying out, "It's over! Big Brother Chen wouldn't listen to you two, and now he's lost his life!" Zhu Wu asked them what had happened, and the bandits described the battle in full detail—how could Chen Da match Shi Jin's heroism? Zhu Wu said, "He wouldn't listen to my words, and now this disaster has come upon him." Yang Chun said, "What if we all go out and fight him to the death?" Zhu Wu said, "That won't do either. He himself lost—how could you possibly beat him? I have a bitter plan. If it doesn't save him, you and I are both finished." Yang Chun asked, "What's the bitter plan?" Zhu Wu leaned close and whispered in his ear, "There's only this way..." Yang Chun said, "A good plan! Let's go right away—no time to lose."

Meanwhile, Shi Jin was still burning with anger in his manor. A farmhand came running and reported, "Zhu Wu and Yang Chun from the stronghold have come on their own." Shi Jin said, "Those scoundrels deserve their fate! I'll have all three of them sent to the authorities. Quick, bring my horse." At once he beat the watchman's clapper, and all his men gathered quickly. Shi Jin mounted his horse and was about to ride out the manor gate when he saw Zhu Wu and Yang Chun approaching on foot. They had already reached the manor. Both of them knelt down together, tears streaming from their eyes. Shi Jin dismounted and shouted, "Why have you knelt down? Speak!" Zhu Wu wept, "We three have been driven by the authorities and had no choice but to go up to the mountain and become outlaws. When we first swore an oath, we said, 'We do not ask to be born on the same day, but we wish to die on the same day.' Though we cannot match the sworn brotherhood of Guan Yu, Zhang Fei, and Liu Bei, our hearts are the same. Today our little brother Chen Da would not heed good advice and rashly offended your tiger-like might. He has been captured in your manor. We have no way to beg for his release, so we have come here to die together. We ask that you send all three of us to the authorities for reward. We will not so much as furrow our brows. We ask for death at your hands, with no grievance in our hearts." Shi Jin listened and thought to himself, "They are truly men of honor. If I were to hand them over to the authorities for a reward, it would make heroes throughout the land laugh at me for not being a hero myself. As the old saying goes, 'The great tiger does not eat prostrate flesh.'" Shi Jin then said, "You two come inside with me." Zhu Wu and Yang Chun showed no fear. They followed Shi Jin and knelt down again in the rear hall, and again told Shi Jin to bind them. Shi Jin told them to get up three or five times, but they would not rise. A kindred spirit cherishes a kindred spirit; a hero recognizes a hero. Shi Jin said, "Since your sense of honor is so deep, if I were to send you away, I would not be a hero. What if I release Chen Da to you?" Zhu Wu said, "Do not involve yourself in trouble for us. It would not be right. We would rather be sent to the authorities for reward." Shi Jin said, "How can I allow that? Will you accept food and wine from me?" Zhu Wu said, "We do not fear death itself—how much less food and drink?" A poem bears witness:

Different names, yet life and death shared as one,

Generous hearts, with petty schemes undone.

Because the world of robes and caps knew no true knight,

The wilderness gave rise to heroes of might.

Shi Jin was greatly pleased. He released Chen Da, and in the rear hall he set out seats and laid a feast to entertain the three men. Zhu Wu, Yang Chun, and Chen Da bowed and thanked him for his great kindness. After several cups, a warmth of spring crept into their faces. When the wine was done, the three thanked Shi Jin and returned to the mountain. Shi Jin escorted them out of the manor gate and went back inside.

Now when Zhu Wu and the other three returned to the stronghold and sat down, Zhu Wu said, "If not for this bitter plan, how could we have saved our lives? Though we rescued one man, it was also rare that Shi Jin, out of regard for honor, let us go. In a few days we should prepare some gifts and send them to thank him for saving our lives." No need to dwell on this. After ten days or so, the three gathered thirty taels of garlic-shaped gold bars and sent two bandits by night to deliver them to the Shi manor. That same night, at the beginning of the first watch, the bandits knocked on the gate. The farmhands informed Shi Jin. Shi Jin hastily threw on his clothes and came to the manor gate. He asked the bandits, "What do you have to say?" The bandits said, "Our three chiefs send their respects again and again. We have specially sent these men to deliver a humble gift, to thank you, Great Sir, for the mercy of sparing us. Please do not refuse—kindly accept with a smile." They took out the gold and handed it to Shi Jin. At first he declined, but after thinking it over, he said, "Since they mean it in good faith, it would be fitting to accept." He ordered the farmhands to set out wine and feasted the bandits until the middle of the night, then gave them some loose silver for their trouble, and they returned to the mountain. Another half month passed, and the three chiefs in the stronghold discussed the matter and obtained a fine string of large pearls. Again they sent bandies by night to deliver them to the Shi manor. Shi Jin accepted them. Let us speak no more of this.

Another half month passed. Shi Jin reflected, "It is rare that these three show me such respect. I should prepare some gifts to reciprocate." The next day, he had a farmhand find a tailor, and himself went into the county and bought three bolts of red brocade, which were tailored into three padded jackets. He also selected three fat sheep, had them cooked, placed them in large boxes, and sent two farmhands to deliver them. On Shi Jin's estate there was a head farmhand named Wang Si, a man who could deal well with officials and had a sharp tongue. The whole household called him "Sai Bodang." Shi Jin told him to go with another reliable farmhand, shoulder the box-loads, and deliver them straight down the mountain. The petty bandits inquired into the details and led them up to the stronghold, where they met the three chieftains Zhu Wu and the others. They were overjoyed, accepted the padded jackets and the fat sheep and wine, and rewarded the farmhands with ten taels of silver. Each of them drank more than ten bowls of wine, then descended the mountain and returned to the estate. They reported to Shi Jin, "The chieftains on the mountain send their repeated regards." From then on, Shi Jin often associated with the three men Zhu Wu and the others. From time to time, it was Wang Si who went up to the mountain stronghold to deliver things. In no time at all, the chieftains on the stronghold also frequently sent people to give gold and silver to Shi Jin.

Time slipped by, and the Mid-Autumn Festival in the eighth month arrived. Shi Jin wished to speak with the three men and invited them to come to his estate on the fifteenth night to enjoy the moon and drink wine. He first sent the farmhand Wang Si with a letter of invitation straight to Mount Shaohua, inviting Zhu Wu, Chen Da, and Yang Chun to come to his estate for the feast. Wang Si delivered the letter directly to the stronghold, met the three chieftains, and presented the letter. Zhu Wu read it with great delight. The three accepted at once and immediately wrote a reply, rewarding Wang Si with five taels of silver and letting him drink some ten bowls of wine. Wang Si came down the mountain and happened right upon one of the petty bandits who regularly brought things up. They seized him and would not let him go. They dragged him to a village wine shop by the mountain road and made him drink more than ten bowls of wine. Wang Si took his leave and started back to the estate. As he walked along, the mountain wind blew and the wine surged up on him. He staggered and stumbled, lurching at every step. Before he had gone ten li, he came upon a grove of trees, rushed into it, and fell face down on the soft green grass. Now there was a man called "Pouncing Hare" Li Ji, who was hunting rabbits on that hillside. He recognized Wang Si from the Shi family estate, ran into the grove to help him up, but could not move him at all. He saw silver protruding from Wang Si's sleeve. Li Ji thought to himself, "This fellow is drunk—where did he get so much? Why not take some of it?" It was ordained that the Stars of Destiny should gather, and so this opportunity naturally arose. Li Ji untied the sleeve and shook it once toward the ground. The reply letter and the silver all tumbled out. Li Ji picked them up. He could read a few characters, so he broke open the letter and looked at it. He saw the names Zhu Wu, Chen Da, and Yang Chun of Mount Shaohua written at the top. In between there were many phrases mixing literary and martial language that he could not understand, but he recognized the three names. Li Ji said, "I am a hunter—when will I ever make my fortune? A fortune-teller said I would have a great windfall this year, and here it is. In Huayin County there is a standing reward of three thousand strings of cash for the capture of those three bandits. Damn that fellow Shi Jin—the other day when I went to his estate looking for矮丘乙郎, he said I had come to spy and cause trouble. So you've actually been consorting with bandits!" He took both the silver and the letter and headed into Huayin County to report them.

Meanwhile, the farmhand Wang Si slept soundly until the second watch of the night before he woke. He saw moonlight faintly shining on him and was greatly startled. He leaped up and found himself surrounded by pine trees. He reached for his sleeve—the silver and the letter were gone. He searched all around and found only the empty sleeve lying on the grass. Wang Si cursed his luck. He thought, "The silver is not so important, but what am I to do about that reply letter? I don't know who might have taken it." He furrowed his brow and a scheme came to his mind. He said to himself, "If I go back to the estate and report that I lost the reply letter, the Young Master will certainly be furious and will surely drive me out. Better to say there was no reply letter to begin with—there will be no way to check." Having settled on this plan, he raced back to the estate as fast as he could. It was just the fifth watch. When Shi Jin saw Wang Si return, he asked, "Why have you only now come back?" Wang Si replied, "Thanks to your good fortune, the three chieftains at the stronghold would not let me go and kept me drinking wine half the night, which is why I am late." Shi Jin asked further, "Was there a reply letter?" Wang Si said, "The three chieftains wanted to write a reply, but I said, 'Since the three chieftains have already agreed to come to the feast, why bother with a reply letter? Besides, I had some wine on the road, and if anything went wrong, it would be no laughing matter.'" Shi Jin was overjoyed and said, "No wonder everyone calls you 'Sai Bodang'—you truly live up to it." Wang Si replied, "How would I dare to delay? I did not stop on the road but came straight back to the estate." Shi Jin said, "In that case, have someone go into the county to buy some fruits and dishes for the feast."

Before they knew it, the Mid-Autumn Festival arrived. The day was beautifully clear. Shi Jin that day ordered his household farmhands to slaughter a whole sheep and kill a hundred or so chickens and geese, and prepare the food and wine for the banquet. As evening approached, what a splendid Mid-Autumn night it was. Behold:

The midnight hour lengthens, twilight has half passed,

A single moon hangs like polished silver.

The ice-bright disk shines bright as day—

Truly a delight to admire.

Its clear reflection is perfectly round,

The cassia tree and jade rabbit exhale their fragrance.

The curtains are raised high,

Golden cups urge the wine on,

Laughing and singing to celebrate peace.

Every year at this festival,

We drink ourselves into happy oblivion.

Do not refuse to drink through the evening—

The Milky Way gleams with fresh dew.

Now on Mount Shaohua, the three chieftains Zhu Wu, Chen Da, and Yang Chun ordered the lesser bandits to guard the stockade. Taking only three or five attendants, they carried their broad sabers, each wore a waist sword, and rode no saddled horses—they walked down the mountain and came straight to the Shi Family Manor. Shi Jin received them, and after they had exchanged courtesies, he invited them into the back garden, where a feast had already been prepared within the manor. Shi Jin asked the three chieftains to take the seats of honor, while he sat opposite as host, and then ordered the manor servants to bar both the front and back gates. As they drank, the manor servants took turns pouring wine and carving mutton to urge the guests to eat. After several cups, the bright moon rose in the east, and they saw:

Osmanthus blossoms leave the sea-cliffs far,

Cloud-like leaves scatter across the sky's great roads.

Colored radiance shines for ten thousand miles like silver,

The pure spirit reflects a thousand mountains like water.

Its shadow stretches across the wild plain,

Startling the crow roosting alone;

Its light strikes the calm lake,

Illuminating the wild geese resting in pairs.

The ice-wheel rolls out across three thousand miles,

The jade rabbit swallows down four hundred provinces whole.

Shi Jin was drinking with the three chieftains in the back garden, enjoying the Mid-Autumn Festival and chatting of old matters and new, when they heard a shout rise outside the wall and torches blazing in confusion. Shi Jin was greatly alarmed, leapt to his feet, and said, "My three worthy friends, please stay seated while I go and see." He called out to the manor servants, "Don't open the gates!" He fetched a ladder, climbed up to look over the wall, and saw the County尉 of Huayin County on horseback, leading two constables and some three or four hundred soldiers who surrounded the manor compound. Shi Jin and the three chieftains could only groan in dismay. In the light of the torches outside, steel tridents, broad sabers, five-pronged forks, and "guest-detaining hooks" were visible—arranged as thick as a hemp forest. The two constables shouted, "Don't let the bandits escape!"

It was not this company that came to seize Shi Jin and the three chieftains—but it would have this consequence: Shi Jin would first kill a man or two, then make the acquaintance of a dozen or so good men, bringing it about that the Heavenly Chiefs and Earthly Demons would all meet together. It would lead to soldiers encamped deep among the flowering reeds, and warships hidden beneath the shadow of lotus leaves. But how did Shi Jin and the three chieftains manage to escape? Listen to the next chapter for the explanation.