الفصل الثامن والثلاثون

الفصل الثامن والثلاثون

It so happened that Song Jiang parted ways with the duty distributor and came out of the records room. When he went up to the inspection hall, he saw the warden sitting on a bench in front of the hall, bellowing at the top of his lungs: "Which one is the newly assigned prisoner?" The platoon leader pointed at Song Jiang and said: "This one." The warden then cursed: "You black, short scoundrel! Whose backing do you rely on that you dare not send me the customary fee?" Song Jiang said: "'Human sentiment is human sentiment, and it must be given willingly.' How can you extort money from people? What a petty character!" The onlookers who heard this were sweating anxiously for him. The man flew into a rage and cursed: "You cursed prisoner, how dare you be so insolent! You dare call me petty! You pack mule, carry me on your back—and give this wretch a hundred interrogation strokes!" The men in the two barracks were all friendly with Song Jiang. When they heard he was to be beaten, they all scattered in a rush, leaving only the warden and Song Jiang. When the man saw that everyone had dispersed, his fury only grew. He grabbed the interrogation rod and rushed at Song Jiang to strike him. Song Jiang said: "Warden, if you want to beat me, what crime have I committed?" The man roared: "You cursed prisoner, you are merchandise in my hands—a light cough is a fault." Song Jiang said: "Even if you find fault with me, it wouldn't warrant a death sentence." The man raged: "You say it doesn't warrant death? It would not be difficult for me to finish you off—it would be no harder than swatting a fly." Song Jiang said with a cold laugh: "If I deserve death simply for not sending the customary fee, what then about my connection with Wu Yong, the Academician of Liangshan Marsh?" When the man heard these words, he hastily dropped the interrogation rod in his hand and asked: "What did you say?" Song Jiang answered again: "I was speaking of my acquaintance with Military Adviser Wu Yong. What do you ask me for?" The man was thrown into a flurry, grabbed hold of Song Jiang and asked: "Who exactly are you? Where did you get this information?" Song Jiang smiled and said: "This humble one is Song Jiang of Yuncheng County, Shandong." The man was greatly shocked, hastily clasped his hands and bowed, saying: "So the elder brother is none other than 'Timely Rain' Song Gongming." Song Jiang said: "It is hardly worth mentioning!" The man then said: "Elder brother, this is not the place to talk—I did not presume to bow. Let us go together into the city to talk over old times. Please come at once." Song Jiang said: "Very well, Warden, wait a moment while Song Jiang locks my door and I will come."

Song Jiang hurried to his room, took the letter from Wu Yong, brought silver with him, came out and locked the door, instructing the platoon leader to watch over it. Then he and the man left the prison camp and hurried into Jiangzhou city. They went to a wine shop by the street and sat upstairs. The man asked: "Where did elder brother meet Academician Wu?" Song Jiang took the letter from his bosom and handed it to the man. The man broke the seal, read it from beginning to end, tucked it into his sleeve, rose and bowed to Song Jiang. Song Jiang hastily returned the bow and said: "Forgive my blunt words earlier—please forgive me!" The man said: "This younger brother only heard that a man surnamed Song had been sent to the prison camp. In the past, every exile sent here would customarily send five taels of silver. This time it has already been more than ten days, and the silver has not arrived. Today being a leisure day, I therefore came down to collect it, never expecting it to be you, brother. Just now in the barracks I spoke most insolently to you—I beg you to forgive me!" Song Jiang said: "The duty distributor also often spoke of your great name to this humble one. Song Jiang had long wished to make your acquaintance, but did not know where you lived, and had no reason to enter the city. I deliberately waited for you to come down, wishing to meet you face to face—this is why I delayed so long. It was not that I begrudged those five taels of silver, but I was certain you would come yourself, so I purposely held back. Today I am fortunate to meet you, fulfilling a lifelong wish."

Who was this man speaking? He was none other than Dai Zong, the Chief Warden of the Jiangzhou prison, recommended by Academician Wu. In those days of the old Song dynasty, wardens along the Jinling circuit were all called "Family Head," while wardens along the Hunan circuit were all called "Chief Warden." Now this Warden Dai possessed an astonishing magical art: when he set out to fly-reply urgent military dispatches, he would tie two spirit horses to both legs and perform the "Divine Travel Method," enabling him to cover five hundred li in a single day; if he tied four spirit horses to his legs, he could cover eight hundred li in a day. For this reason, people all called him "Divine Traveler" Dai Zong. There is a poem to attest to this:

Broad-faced, thick-lipped, with piercing divine eyes,

Tall and refined in bearing,

Beside his dark silk scarf, green flowers bloom.

On a yellow banner his orders are written,

Red tassels frame his official plaque.

His swift feet could chase a thousand-li steed,

His gauze robe ever gathers dust—

The "Divine Traveler's" art is wondrous indeed:

A journey of eight hundred li,

He departs at dawn and returns by dusk.

Just then Warden Dai and Song Gongming had finished speaking of their past dealings, and both Dai Zong and Song Jiang were greatly pleased. The two sat in the private room and called the wine-seller over, arranging for wine, fruits, dishes, and vegetables to be brought up, and the two drank in the wine shop upstairs. Song Jiang recounted all the brave men he had encountered along the way and the matters of their meetings, while Dai Zong opened his heart and told him everything about his association with Academician Wu Yong.

The two men had just reached the point of speaking heart to heart, and had barely drunk two or three cups of wine, when they heard a commotion break out below the building. A waiter hurried into the private room and said to Dai Zong, "This fellow—no one but you, Director, could talk him down. I have no choice but to trouble you to go and sort this out." Dai Zong asked, "Who is making the racket downstairs?" The waiter said, "It's that 'Iron Ox'—Brother Li—who often accompanies you, Director. Down there he's pestering the proprietor for a loan." Dai Zong laughed, "So this fellow is being rude again below. And here I was wondering who it might be. Please sit tight, elder brother. I'll go fetch him up." Dai Zong then rose and went downstairs. Before long he returned, leading up a dark and formidable-looking big man. Song Jiang was startled at the sight and asked, "Director, who is this big fellow?" Dai Zong said, "This is a petty jailer in my service at the prison. His surname is Li, given name Kui, originally from Hundred-Zhang Village in Yishui County, Yi Prefecture. He goes by a nickname—'Black Whirlwind' Li Kui. People in other parts call him 'Li Iron Ox.' He killed a man and fled. Though he received an amnesty, he ended up drifting here in Jiangzhou and has never returned home. Because of his ugly drinking habits, many people fear him. He wields a pair of broad axes and is skilled in boxing and staff work. He currently has a position in the prison." There is a poem as proof:

His home lay east of Yi Prefecture's green ridges,

Killing and burning, he dealt in reckless crime.

No soot or ink needed—his whole body was black,

As if cinnabar had dyed his two eyes red.

Idly he honed his giant axe by the stream,

In boredom he felled tall pines on the cliff.

Strong as an ox, hard as iron,

Shaking the earth, darkening the sky—the Black Whirlwind.

Li Kui looked at Song Jiang and asked Dai Zong, "Brother, who is this black fellow?" Dai Zong said to Song Jiang with a laugh, "Magistrate, see how crude and boorish this fellow is—he has no sense of propriety at all." Li Kui said, "I ask you, brother: what do you mean by 'crude and boorish'?" Dai Zong said, "Brother, you ought to ask, 'Who is this gentleman?' Instead you say, 'Who is this black fellow?' If that isn't crude and boorish, what is it? Let me tell you: this worthy brother is the chivalrous brother you've always wanted to seek out." Li Kui said, "Could it be 'Timely Rain' Black宋江 of Shandong?" Dai Zong shouted, "How dare you, you wretch, be so presumptuous as to call him by name directly! You have no sense of rank at all. Why don't you kneel at once?" Li Kui said, "If it really is Song Jiangkong, I'll kneel. But if he's just some nobody, why should I kowtow? Brother Jailer, don't trick me into bowing just so you can laugh at me." Song Jiang said, "I am indeed Black Song Jiang of Shandong." Li Kui clapped his hands and cried, "My lord! Why didn't you say so sooner? That would have made Iron Ox happy too." He threw himself down and kowtowed. Song Jiang quickly returned the courtesy and said, "Please, brave big brother, have a seat." Dai Zong said, "Brother, come sit beside me and drink." Li Kui said, "I can't be bothered with small cups. Bring a big bowl for pouring." Song Jiang asked, "Just now, why was this big brother making a scene downstairs?" Li Kui said, "I had a large silver ingot that I converted into ten taels of small silver and spent. I asked this proprietor to lend me ten taels of silver so I could redeem the large ingot and then repay him—I just needed some spending money. But this damned proprietor refused to lend to me, and I was about to have it out with him and smash his place to pieces, when my brother called me up here." Song Jiang said, "You only need ten taels to redeem it—did he ask for interest on top?" Li Kui said, "The interest is already here. I just need the ten taels of principal to get it back." Song Jiang, hearing this, went to his side and produced a ten-tael piece of silver, which he gave to Li Kui, saying, "Big brother, take this and redeem it for your use." Dai Zong tried to stop him, but Song Jiang had already handed it over. Li Kui took the silver and said, "This is good! You two brothers wait here for me. I'll go redeem the silver, bring it back to return to you, and then go with Brother Song to drink a bowl of wine outside the city." Song Jiang said, "Sit a while longer. Drink a few bowls before you go." Li Kui said, "I'll be back as soon as I go." He pushed the curtain aside and went downstairs. Dai Zong said, "Elder brother, you really shouldn't have lent him that silver. Just now I was about to stop you, but you'd already put it in his hands." Song Jiang said, "Why is that?" Dai Zong said, "This fellow may be honest and straightforward, but he's greedy for wine and fond of gambling. When has he ever had a large silver ingot to convert? You've been tricked out of this silver. He's rushing out—he's surely off to gamble. If he wins, he might bring it back to repay you. But if he loses, where will he get these ten taels to return to you? And I, Dai Zong, will lose face." Song Jiang laughed, "Director, my honored brother, why be so formal? These few taels of silver are nothing worth mentioning. Let him go gamble and lose if he must. I can see this man is a loyal and straightforward fellow." Dai Zong said, "This fellow does have his abilities, but his mind is crude and his courage too great. At the Jiangzhou prison, whenever he gets drunk, he pays no attention to the prisoners—he just beats up any jailer who's a bit too strong. I've suffered on his account too. He's always ready to right wrongs and loves to beat up bullies, which is why everyone in Jiangzhou city fears him." A poem says:

Bribery runs rife, the law is bent,

Many innocents suffer unjust wrongs.

The strong preying on the weak—how hateful indeed!

Heaven entrusted its fists to Li Kui.

Song Jiang said, "Let's drink another two cups and then go outside the city for a stroll." Dai Zong said, "I had also forgotten to go with you, elder brother, to enjoy the river scenery." Song Jiang said, "I too would like to see the sights of Jiangzhou. That would be best."

Not to mention the two men continuing their drinking—let us speak of Li Kui, who, having obtained this silver, thought to himself: "It's rare to find such a man as Brother Song Jiang. He hasn't known me for long, yet he lent me ten taels of silver without hesitation. Truly he is generous with wealth and righteous in deed—his reputation is well deserved. Now that I've come here, I regret that I've lost these past few days at gambling and don't have a single copper to treat him properly as a man of honor. But now that I have these ten taels from him, I'll go and gamble with them. If I win a few strings of cash, it would look fine to invite him out."

At that time, Li Kui hurriedly ran out to Little Zhang Yi's gambling house outside the city. He went into the gambling hall and threw the ten taels of silver onto the ground, shouting, "Bring me the first stake—I'll bet!" Little Zhang Yi, knowing that Li Kui had always gambled honestly, said, "Brother, take a rest first. You can bet after this round." Li Kui said, "I want to bet this round first." Little Zhang Yi said, "Then at least guess along with the others." Li Kui said, "I won't guess along. I just want to bet this one round—five taels on a single wager."

Some of the other gamblers were about to bet, but Li Kui snatched the first stake from their hands and shouted, "Who am I betting against?" Little Zhang Yi said, "Bet against my five taels." Li Kui called out once, and with a thud, rolled a losing throw. Little Zhang Yi took the silver and said, "Bet another five taels quickly, and I'll return your original ingot." Li Kui picked up the stake again and called out, "Quick!" With another thud, he rolled another losing throw. Little Zhang Yi laughed and said, "I told you not to grab the first stake—take a rest before betting. You wouldn't listen, and now you've lost two throws in a row." Li Kui said, "This silver belongs to someone else." Little Zhang Yi said, "Whosever it is, it doesn't matter now. You've lost—what more is there to say?" Li Kui said, "I have no choice—just lend me some, and I'll return it tomorrow." Little Zhang Yi said, "What idle talk! Since ancient times, there are no fathers and sons on the gambling floor. You've clearly lost—how dare you make a fuss?"

Li Kui pulled up his shirt in front, shouting, "Are you going to give it back or not?" Little Zhang Yi said, "Brother Li, you've always been the most honest gambler. Why are you being so unreasonable today?" Li Kui didn't answer him. He scooped up the silver from the ground, then snatched another ten or so taels from the other gamblers, and gathered them all into his shirt. He opened his eyes wide and declared, "Your old master always gambles honestly—today I'll just be dishonest for once."

When Little Zhang Yi rushed forward to take it back, Li Kui pointed at him and knocked him to the ground. Twelve or thirteen gamblers all rushed up at once to seize the silver, but Li Kui struck east and west, hit south and north. Li Kui beat the whole crowd until they had nowhere to hide. He then went out to the front gate. The gatekeeper asked, "Where are you going, brother?" Li Kui lifted him aside, kicked the gate open, and walked out. The crowd chased after him, but they only stood at the gate shouting, "Brother Li, this is so unfair—you've stolen all our silver!" They only shouted from the gate—not one dared come forward to demand it back. As the poem says:

No matter the matter, men always make a fuss—

Honesty is only used in gambling.

Li Kui being dishonest is no great matter,

He's simply set an example for gambling thieves.

As Li Kui was walking, he heard someone chasing up behind him, grabbing his shoulder and shouting, "How dare you rob other people's property?" Li Kui answered, "What's it to you, you damn fool!" He turned his face to look and saw Dai Zong, with Song Jiang standing behind him. Li Kui's face filled with alarm. He said, "Brother, don't blame me. Iron Ox has always gambled honestly, but today I lost your silver and had no money to treat you. I was desperate, and in my urgency, I did these dishonest things." Song Jiang laughed heartily and said, "Brother, if you need silver, just come and ask me. Now that you've clearly lost it to him, quickly take it out and return it to him." Li Kui had no choice but to take the silver from his shirt and hand it all to Song Jiang. Song Jiang then called Little Zhang Yi over and gave it all to him. Little Zhang Yi took it and said, "Honored sirs, I'll only take my own. This ten taels of original silver—though Brother Li lost it to me in two bets—I don't want it now. I'd rather not have it, to avoid nursing a grudge." Song Jiang said, "Just take it and don't dwell on it." Little Zhang Yi refused. Song Jiang said, "Didn't he hurt any of you?" Little Zhang Yi said, "The one who fetched the stakes, the one who picked up the coins, and the gatekeeper—he knocked them all down inside." Song Jiang said, "Since that's the case, use it for their medical expenses. My brother won't dare come here again—I'll take him away myself." Little Zhang Yi took the silver, thanked them, and went back.

Song Jiang said, "Let's go have a few cups with Brother Li." Dai Zong said, "Up ahead, by the river, there is the Pipa Pavilion wine house, a historic site from Tang dynasty times connected to Bai Juyi. Let's go up to the pavilion, have a few cups, and take in the river scenery." Song Jiang said, "We could buy some food and provisions from the city to bring along." Dai Zong said, "No need — there's someone selling wine up there in the pavilion right now." Song Jiang said, "That works out well then." The three of them then made their way toward the Pipa Pavilion. When they arrived at the pavilion and looked around, one side bordered the Xunyang River, and the other side was the innkeeper's dwelling. The Pipa Pavilion had more than a dozen tables. Dai Zong chose a clean one and let Song Jiang sit in the seat of honor. Dai Zong sat across from him, and below him sat Li Kui. Once the three were seated, they called for the wine steward to lay out vegetables, fruits, seafood, and accompanying dishes. The wine steward brought two vessels of Yuchun wine, a famous premium wine of Jiangzhou, and broke the seal.

Song Jiang gazed out at the river, and truly the scenery was extraordinary. He saw:

Beyond the clouds, distant mountains rose in emerald splendor;

By the riverbank, far waters tumbled in silver gleam.

Faintly visible sand islets where several lines of gulls and herons took flight;

Softly drifting cattails, around which a few fishing boats made their way.

Chasing snow-white waves crashed against the vast sky;

A gentle cool breeze swept across the surface of the water.

The Zixiao Peak reached up to touch the heavens;

The Pipa Pavilion stood half overhanging the riverbank.

Open on all sides, transparent in every direction.

The railing's reflection soaked into the glassy water;

Beyond the window, light floated like jade discs.

In days past, Bai Letian's reputation weighed heavily;

In years gone by, Sima's tear-stains were many.

At that moment the three men sat down. Li Kui said, "Pour the wine into big bowls—I can't be bothered drinking from those little cups!" Dai Zong scolded him, "Brother, you're so boorish! Keep quiet and just drink the wine." Song Jiang instructed the tavern keeper, "Set two cups before the two of us, and a big bowl before this elder brother." The tavern keeper assented, went down, fetched a bowl, and set it before Li Kui. As he poured the wine, he also laid out the dishes. Li Kui laughed and said, "Truly, this Brother Song is the real deal! People spoke no lie—he understands the temperament of his sworn brother right away. To have become brothers with this man is no waste of effort!" The tavern keeper poured the wine, filling it five or seven times over. Song Jiang, pleased at having met these two men, drank a few cups, then suddenly felt a craving for a fish-and-pepper soup. He asked Dai Zong, "Are there fresh fish here?" Dai Zong laughed and said, "Brother, can't you see fishing boats all over the river? This is truly a land of fish and rice—how could there be no fresh fish?" Song Jiang said, "Some spicy fish soup would be best for sobering up." Dai Zong then called the tavern keeper and ordered three portions of red-and-white fish soup, well-spiced and tinted red. In a moment the soup was prepared. Song Jiang saw it and said, "Fine food deserves fine vessels. Even though this is only a tavern, the tableware is truly well-arranged." He picked up his chopsticks and urged Dai Zong and Li Kui to eat, while he himself ate some fish and sipped a few mouthfuls of the broth. Li Kui did not use chopsticks—he reached into the bowl with his hands, scooped up the fish, and ate it bones and all. Song Jiang watched and could not restrain a smile. He sipped two mouthfuls of broth, then set down his chopsticks and stopped eating. Dai Zong said, "Brother, this fish is certainly cured—it's not fit for you." Song Jiang said, "It's only that after drinking I love a fresh fish soup. This fish really isn't very good." Dai Zong replied, "I can't eat it either—it's cured, not fit for eating." Li Kui, having chewed up the fish from his own bowl, said, "Since neither of you brothers wants it, I'll eat it for you." He reached over and scooped the fish from Song Jiang's bowl, ate it, then reached over and scooped the fish from Dai Zong's bowl and ate that too, dripping broth all over the table. Song Jiang saw that Li Kui had chewed up all three bowls of fish soup and bones, so he called the tavern keeper and said, "I think this elder brother is hungry. Cut two catties of big chunks of meat for him to eat. We'll settle the bill with you shortly." The tavern keeper said, "My humble establishment only sells beef—we have no mutton. But if you want fat beef, we have plenty." When Li Kui heard this, he splashed the fish broth right into the tavern keeper's face, drenching him from head to foot. Dai Zong shouted, "What are you doing now!" Li Kui replied, "I can't stand this fellow's rudeness—he insults me by only selling mutton and refusing to sell me beef!" The tavern keeper said, "I only asked a simple word—nothing more." Song Jiang said, "Just go and cut it. I'll pay you myself." The tavern keeper swallowed his anger and went to cut two catties of mutton, which he served on a platter and set on the table. Li Kui, seeing it, made no show of modesty—he grabbed great fistfuls and ate without stopping, and in the space of a few finger-snaps had devoured all two catties of mutton. Song Jiang watched and said, "Magnificent! A true man of mettle!" Li Kui said, "This Brother Song understands my damn mind. Eating meat is far better than eating fish!" Dai Zong called the tavern keeper and said, "That fish soup just now—your establishment's vessels are quite proper, but the fish was cured and not fit to eat. If you have any other good fresh fish, make some more spicy soup to sober up this gentleman." The tavern keeper replied, "I dare not deceive you, sir. That fish was indeed from last night. Today's live fish are still in the boats. Since the fishmonger hasn't come yet, we haven't dared sell any—that's why there's no good fresh fish." Li Kui jumped up and said, "I'll go fetch two live fish myself for our brother to eat!" Dai Zong said, "Don't go—just ask the tavern keeper to have a few brought back." Li Kui said, "Those fishermen on the boats wouldn't dare refuse me—what's the big deal?" Dai Zong could not stop him, and Li Kui went straight off. Dai Zong said to Song Jiang, "Brother, don't blame me for bringing this sort of man to meet you. He has no dignity at all—he's a disgrace!" Song Jiang said, "That's just his nature—how could you change him? I actually respect him for being genuine and unpretentious." The two of them sat freely on the Pipa Pavilion, chatting and laughing and enjoying themselves. A poem says:

The scenery of Pen River rises beyond the dust of the world,

On the river, mountain peaks crowd like hairpins coiled.

The bright moon and the pipa—the player is unseen,

Only bitter reeds and yellow bamboos return with the evening tide.

When Li Kui reached the riverbank and looked around, he saw the fishing boats lined up in a row, some eighty or ninety of them, all moored beneath the green willows. On board, some fishermen lay dozing against the stern, some were mending nets at the bow, and some were bathing in the water. It was the middle of the fifth month, and the red sun was about to sink in the west, but the fish broker had not yet come to open the holds and sell the fish. Li Kui walked up to the boats and shouted, "Bring me two live fish from your boats!" The fishermen replied, "We haven't seen the fish broker come, so we dare not open the holds. Look—the hawkers are all sitting on the shore." Li Kui said, "What the hell do we need the master for? Just bring me two fish!" The fishermen answered again, "We haven't even burned the paper offerings yet—how dare we open the holds? Where would we get fish to give you first?" When Li Kui saw they were all unwilling to hand over any fish, he jumped onto one of the boats. The fishermen could not stop him. Li Kui knew nothing about boats and simply yanked out the bamboo slat. The fishermen on shore could only cry out in dismay. When Li Kui reached under the deck boards and groped around, there was not a single fish inside. Now, the fishing boats on the great river had a large hole cut in the stern, open to let the river water flow in and out to keep the live fish, with a bamboo slat placed to hold them in. In this way, fresh water circulated through the holds to keep the fish alive, which was why Jiangzhou had such fine fresh fish. Li Kui did not understand this—he had lifted the bamboo slat first, and all the live fish in that hold had escaped. Li Kui then jumped to another boat to pull out its bamboo slat. Seventy or eighty fishermen rushed onto their boats and came at him with bamboo poles. Li Kui flew into a rage. In his fury, he stripped off his cloth jacket—beneath it he wore only a chess-patterned cloth towel tied around him—and as the flurry of bamboo poles came at him, he caught them with both hands and seized five or six of them at once, snapping them as easily as twisting green onions. The fishermen were all terrified. They untied their mooring ropes and rowed away. Li Kui, still furious, seized the two broken halves of a bamboo pole and ran ashore to chase the hawkers, who scattered in confusion, carrying their loads and fleeing.

In the midst of this commotion, a man appeared coming along a path. The crowd saw him and shouted, "The master is here! This big black fellow has been stealing fish and has driven all the boats away!" The man said, "What big black fellow would dare behave so rudely?" The crowd pointed and said, "That fellow is still on the shore looking for people to beat." The man rushed forward and shouted, "You've eaten the heart of a leopard and the guts of a tiger—how dare you come block the road of your old master!" Li Kui looked at the man: he stood about six feet five or six inches tall, was thirty-two or three years of age, had a thick black mustache that covered his mouth, wore a green silk turban with the ten-thousand-character pattern, beneath which showed a spot of crimson at the crown, wore a white cloth jacket on top, a silk sash around the waist, blue-and-white bound feet, and multi-eared hemp sandals, and carried a steelyard in his hand. The man had come to sell fish and, seeing Li Kui beating people left and right, handed the steelyard to a hawker, then strode forward and roared, "Who do you want to beat?" Li Kui did not answer but swung the bamboo pole at the man. The man rushed in, snatched the pole away, and Li Kui seized the man by the hair. The man struck at Li Kui from three sides, trying to throw him down. But how could he match Li Kui's strength, which was like that of a water buffalo? Li Kui pushed him away so forcefully that he could not get close. The man then drove several punches into Li Kui's ribs, but Li Kui paid them no mind at all. The man kicked at him, but Li Kui pressed his head down firmly and raised a fist the size of an iron hammer, pounding the man's back as if beating a drum. The man struggled in vain....

While Li Kui was still pouncing, someone seized him around the waist from behind, and another came to grab his arms, shouting, "Stop! Stop!" Li Kui turned his head and saw Song Jiang and Dai Zong. Li Kui released his grip, and the man, having barely freed himself, fled like a wisp of smoke.

Dai Zong scolded Li Kui: "I told you not to come asking for fish, and here you are fighting again. What if you kill someone with one punch? Do you want to go to prison to pay with your life?" Li Kui retorted: "You're afraid I'll drag you down. If I kill someone, I'll take the blame myself." Song Jiang said: "Brother, stop the bickering. Take your shirt and let's go drink some wine." Li Kui picked up his shirt from beneath the willow tree, draped it over his arm, and followed Song Jiang and Dai Zong. They had not walked more than ten paces when they heard someone behind them shouting: "You black devil, come here and let's settle this once and for all." Li Kui turned to look — it was that man, stripped naked, a cloth wrapped around his waist, his skin white as snowy silk. He had removed his turban, revealing a vermilion tuft of hair at the crown of his head. Alone by the river, he was poling a fishing boat toward them, cursing loudly: "You black devil fit for a thousand cuts — if the old man fears you, I'm no hero! If you run away, you're no true man!" Li Kui flew into a rage, let out a roar, flung aside his shirt, and turned to charge. The man brought his boat closer to the shore, planted his pole to steady it, and kept on cursing. Li Kui shouted back: "If you're a hero, come ashore!" The man thrust the pole at Li Kui's legs, provoking him until Li Kui, blazing with fury, leaped onto the boat. But quick as lightning — the man had only been waiting to lure Li Kui aboard. He pushed the pole against the shore, kicked off with both feet, and the fishing boat shot into the heart of the river like a withered leaf in a gale, swift as an arrow. Li Kui could swim, but not well, and in that moment his hands and feet went wild. The man stopped cursing, dropped the pole, and called out: "Come here! This time we'll settle it for good!" He seized Li Kui by the arm and said: "No fighting yet — first let's give you a drink of river water!" He rocked the boat with his feet, the hull flipped over, the heroes plunged into the water, and both men tumbled into the river with a great splash. Song Jiang and Dai Zong rushed to the shore, but the boat had already capsized. The two could only stand on the bank wringing their hands. Along the riverbank, three or five hundred people had already gathered beneath the willows to watch. They all said: "That big black fellow has met his match this time. Even if he manages to save his life, he'll have swallowed a bellyful of water." Song Jiang and Dai Zong watched from the shore as the man in the river lifted Li Kui out of the water, then plunged him back under, again and again, right in the middle of the clear green waves — one man showing flesh black as pitch, the other revealing skin white as frost. The two grappled as one, tangled as a knot, and not one of the three or five hundred onlookers failed to cheer. And this is what they saw:

One was a strange spirit born from the waters of Yishui County; the other a demonic fiend from Little Gu Mountain.

One's flesh was formed from curds of milk compacted together; the other's skin and sinew were pieced together like charcoal dust.

One was the White Snake incarnated as the spirit Ma Lingguan; the other the Black Tiger reborn as Marshal Zhao.

One seemed a silver man forged by ten thousand hammer blows; the other an iron man tempered by a thousand fires.

One was the silver-toothed white elephant of Wutai Mountain; the other the iron-armored old dragon of the Nine-Bend River.

One was a lacquered arhat displaying his supernatural powers; the other a jade-polished vajra displaying his fierce valor.

One writhed and twisted for a long time until sweat poured from his whole body like scattered pearls;

The other struggled and grappled until water soaked him through, pouring from him like pools of ink.

One was like the Reverend Huaguang manifesting his form in the deep green waves;

The other was like the Black Demon deity revealing his face amid the snow-white billows.

Indeed: a jade dragon churning the sun dark at the edge of the sky; a black devil splitting open the sky beneath the water.

At that moment, Song Jiang and Dai Zong watched as Li Kui was seized by the man in the water, his eyes rolled white from being submerged, then lifted up, then plunged under again — not fewer than dozens of times. Truly:

On dry land his strength avails him, but his fists are useless at the heart of the river.

Indeed: a black wind blowing white waves, the Iron Ox turned into a Water Ox.

When Song Jiang saw that Li Kui was getting the worst of it, he asked Dai Zong to send someone to rescue him. Dai Zong asked the crowd, "Who is that big fellow dressed in white?" Those who knew him said, "This good fellow is the fish-seller of this place, called Zhang Shun." When Song Jiang heard this, he suddenly recalled, "Could this be the Zhang Shun whose nickname is 'Streak of White in the Waves'?" The crowd said, "Yes, yes, it is he." Song Jiang said to Dai Zong, "I have a letter from his elder brother Zhang Heng in our camp." Dai Zong, upon hearing this, called out loudly from the riverbank, "Second Brother Zhang, please stop fighting. I have a letter here from your elder brother Zhang Heng. This black fellow is our brother. Please spare him and come ashore to talk." Zhang Shun, out in the middle of the river, recognized that it was Dai Zong calling him, and he had often seen him before. So he released Li Kui, swam to the bank, climbed ashore, and saluting Dai Zong said, "Forgive me, Honorable Warden, for my rudeness." Dai Zong said, "For my sake, please go and rescue this brother of ours from the water. Then I will introduce you to someone." Zhang Shun leaped back into the water and swam out. Li Kui was in the river, poking his head up and pretending to struggle in the water. Zhang Shun soon reached him, seized one of Li Kui's hands, and with his two legs treading the waves as if walking on flat ground—the water never reaching above his navel—with one arm he supported Li Kui and carried him straight to the shore. The people watching on the riverbank cheered one and all. Song Jiang stared, stunned. After a while, both Zhang Shun and Li Kui reached the bank. Li Kui lay panting in a heap, spitting nothing but water from his mouth. Dai Zong said, "Let us all go to the Pipa Pavilion and talk."

Dai Zong then said to Zhang Shun, "Second Brother, do you know me?" Zhang Shun said, "This humble one has long known the Honorable Warden, but I have never had the fortune to pay my respects." Dai Zong pointed to Li Kui and asked Zhang Shun, "Do you know him by sight? Today he has given you offense." Zhang Shun said, "How could I not know Brother Li? We simply never crossed hands before." Li Kui said, "You nearly drowned me!" Zhang Shun said, "And you nearly beat me to a pulp!" Dai Zong said, "You two shall now become the closest of brothers. As the saying goes, 'No blows, no acquaintance.'" Li Kui said, "Don't you cross my path on the road!" Zhang Shun said, "I'll wait for you in the water!" All four laughed and made their salutations. Dai Zong pointed to Song Jiang and said to Zhang Shun, "Second Brother, do you know this elder brother?" Zhang Shun looked at him and said, "This humble one does not know him, nor have I seen him here before." Li Kui jumped to his feet and said, "This is none other than Black Song Jiang." Zhang Shun said, "Could this be the magistrate's assistant Song Jiang of Yuncheng in Shandong, the 'Timely Rain'?" Dai Zong said, "This is precisely Brother Gongming." Zhang Shun bowed low and said, "I have long heard of your great name. I never hoped to meet you today. So many people who travel the rivers and lakes have spoken of your pure virtue, how you aid the distressed and relieve the desperate, how you uphold righteousness and give generously." Song Jiang replied, "How could one so insignificant as I deserve such praise? When I passed through a few days ago, I stayed several days at the home of 'Dragon of the Turbulent River' Ligou at Jieyang Ridge. Later, on the Xunyang River, through Mu Hong I met your elder brother Zhang Heng. He gave me a letter for you, which I left in the camp and did not bring with me. Today I came here with Warden Dai and Brother Li to the Pipa Pavilion to drink three cups and enjoy the river view. By chance, after drinking, I craved some fresh fish soup to clear my head, and this fellow insisted on buying fish. The two of us could not stop him. Then we heard shouting and commotion from the riverbank. We asked the innkeeper to look, and he said a black fellow was fighting someone. The two of us hurried over to make peace, never expecting to meet this gallant warrior. That today Song Jiang should encounter all three heroes in one day—is this not heaven's good fortune! Please join us and let us drink three cups together." He called the innkeeper again to set out fresh cups and dishes and prepare more food. Zhang Shun said, "Since the elder brother wants fresh fish, I will go and fetch a few." Song Jiang said, "That would be best." Li Kui said, "I'll go with you to get them." Dai Zong shouted, "There you go again! Have you not had enough of the water?" Zhang Shun laughed, took Li Kui's hand, and said, "This time I'll go with you to get fish—let's see what anyone dares do!" Truly:

They fought like tigers contending in the hall;

They battled like dragons in the water.

Truly they did no harm to good fellowship—

Such are the heroes of the wilds.

The two of them descended from the Pipa Pavilion and reached the riverbank. Zhang Shun gave a soft whistle, and at once the fishing boats on the river all rowed over to the shore. Zhang Shun called out, "Which boat has golden carp?" One answered, "Come to my boat." Another cried, "I have some in mine!" In a moment, a dozen or so golden carp had been gathered together. Zhang Shun selected four of the largest, threaded them onto a willow branch, and told Li Kui to take them up to the pavilion to prepare. Zhang Shun himself checked the goods and instructed the small broker to weigh and sell the fish. Then Zhang Shun went up to the Pipa Pavilion to attend to Song Jiang. Song Jiang said with thanks, "There is no need for so many. A single fish would be more than enough." Zhang Shun replied, "These are trifles hardly worth mentioning. If my elder brother cannot finish them, he can take them back to his lodgings for a meal." The two arranged themselves by age. Li Kui was the eldest, so he took the third seat, and Zhang Shun sat fourth. They then ordered the tavern keeper to bring two jade vessels of the finest Spring-in-Jade wine, along with seafood, side dishes, and fruit. Zhang Shun instructed the keeper to make one fish into a spicy soup, steam one with wine, and slice another for sashimi. As the four drank, each spoke of the matters closest to his heart. Just as the conversation grew interesting, a girl appeared—a maiden of sixteen years, dressed in a gown of gossamer silk. She came before them, curtsied four times with great depth, opened her throat, and began to sing. Li Kui was just about to boast of the many bold exploits he had in mind, but her singing interrupted him. The three of them listened to the song and cut short his words. Li Kui's anger rose from his heart. He leaped to his feet, extended two fingers, and poked the girl on the forehead. The young woman let out a great cry and collapsed to the ground. When the crowd gathered to look, they saw the girl's cheeks pale as earth and her lips silent as death. The tavern master stepped forward and blocked the four of them, insisting they must go before the magistrate and face the law. Indeed—where there is no tenderness for beauty, to boil the crane and burn the lute invites calamity. As for how Song Jiang and his four companions managed to escape from the tavern, let us listen to the explanation in the next chapter.