الفصل السابع والأربعون

الفصل السابع والأربعون

Now Yang Xing helped the man up and introduced him to Shi Xiu. Shi Xiu asked, "Who is this brother?" Yang Xing said, "This brother's surname is Du, his given name Xing. His ancestral home is Zhongshan Prefecture. Because his face is rough and coarse, people all call him 'Ghost-Faced Lad.' Last year he came to Ji Prefecture on a business trip, and in a fit of anger he killed a traveling companion and was thrown into the Ji Prefecture jail. When I found out he understood martial arts, I did everything I could to save him. I never expected to meet him here today."

Du Xing then asked, "Benefactor, what business brings you here?" Yang Xing leaned close and whispered, "I killed a man in Ji Prefecture and want to go to join the band at Liangshan Marsh. Last night we put up at the Zhu Family Inn. A companion who came with me, Shi Qian, stole their rooster that announced the dawn and ate it. We got into a quarrel with the innkeeper's boy, and in a rage I set fire to the inn and burned it. The three of us fled through the night, but we didn't expect pursuers behind us. My brother and I stabbed several of them, but then from the tangled grass two hooked grappling poles shot out and they hauled Shi Qian away. My brother and I stumbled here blindly, just as we were trying to ask for directions, and ran into you."

Du Xing said, "Benefactor, don't panic. I'll have them release Shi Qian and return him to you." Yang Xing said, "Brother, sit for a while and drink a cup with us."

The three sat down and began drinking. Du Xing said, "Ever since little brother left Ji Prefecture, I've received many kindnesses from my benefactor. When I arrived here, a great gentleman in this place took a liking to me and took me into his household as a steward. Every day he entrusts thousands and tens of thousands of cash to my care, and he trusts me completely. For this reason I have no desire to return home." Yang Xing asked, "Who is this great gentleman here?"

Du Xing said, "Before the Lone Dragon Ridge in this region, there are three hillocks, and on them three villages. In the middle is the Zhu Family Manor, to the west is the Hu Family Manor, and to the east is the Li Family Manor. Altogether these three manors and three villages have some ten to twenty thousand households of fighting men. The Zhu Family Manor is the bravest. The head of the household is called Zhu Chaofeng, and he has three sons, known as the Three Heroes of the Zhu Clan: the eldest is Zhu Long, the second is Zhu Hu, and the third is Zhu Biao. They also have a martial arts instructor called 'Iron Gun' Luan Tingyu, a man who is a match for ten thousand. The manor itself has one or two thousand first-rate fighting retainers. To the west, the Hu Family Manor is headed by Squire Hu. He has a son called 'Flying Tiger' Hu Cheng, who is also quite formidable. But his daughter is the most heroic of all—her name is 'Ten Feet of Blue' Hu Sanjiang. She wields a pair of sun-and-moon twin sabers and is supremely skilled on horseback. The village to the east is the home of Du Xing's master. His surname is Li, his given name Ying. He can wield a solid steel spear with an inlaid silver pattern, and he keeps five throwing knives hidden on his back. He can strike a man at a hundred paces, appearing and vanishing like a spirit. These three villages have sworn a life-and-death oath to stand together in weal and woe, always coming to each other's aid. Their only fear is that the heroes of Liangshan Marsh might come to demand grain, so the three villages have prepared to resist them. Now I will lead you two to the manor to see the great Master Li, and we'll ask him to write a letter to rescue Shi Qian."

Yang Xing asked again, "Is your Master Li the one known in the martial world as 'Sky-Soaring Eagle' Li Ying?" Du Xing said, "The very same." Shi Xiu said, "In the martial world I've only heard that on the Lone Dragon Ridge there is a hero called 'Sky-Soaring Eagle' Li Ying—so this is where he is. I've long heard he is truly formidable, a real man. Let's go there." Yang Xing then called the tavern keeper to settle the bill. Du Xing absolutely refused to let them pay and settled it himself.

The three left the village inn and Du Xing led Yang Xing and Shi Xiu to the Li Family Manor. When Yang Xing looked at it, it truly was a magnificent estate. Outside was a wide moat encircling it, with whitewashed walls along the bank and several hundred great willows so large that men linking arms could not encircle them. At the front gate a drawbridge led to the manor entrance. Passing through the gate and arriving at the main hall, they saw more than twenty spear racks on both sides, gleaming with weapons. Du Xing said, "Wait here for a moment, my two elder brothers. I'll go in and report to the great master and ask him to come out and meet you."

Du Xing went inside. After a short while, Li Ying came out. Yang Xing and Shi Xiu looked at him and saw he was indeed a striking figure. A poem in the *Lin Jiang Xian* style bears witness:

Eagle eyes and falcon's gaze, a head like a tiger,

A swallow's jaw, an ape's arms, a wolf's waist.

He gives generously and upholds justice, gathering heroes around him.

He loves to ride a snow-white horse, delights in wearing a crimson robe.

On his back he hides five throwing knives, his steel spear inlaid with silver,

His nature is so fierce that no one dares cross him by the slightest measure.

Li Ying is a true warrior, his name "Sky-Soaring Eagle."

At that time Li Ying came out to the hall, and Du Xing led Yang Xing and Shi Xiu to the hall to pay their respects. Li Ying hastened to return the courtesy and invited them to sit in the upper hall. Yang Xing and Shi Xiu declined three times before finally sitting. Li Ying then ordered wine to be served while they waited. Yang Xing and Shi Xiu bowed again and said, "We beg the great master to write a letter to the Zhu Family Manor to save Shi Qian's life. We will never forget this, in life or in death."

Li Ying called for his secretary to come and discuss the matter. They composed a letter, wrote the names, affixed a seal, and sent a deputy steward with it, provided with a fast horse, to hurry to the Zhu Family Manor to fetch the man back.

The deputy manager took the letter from his lord and departed on horseback. Yang Xiong and Shi Xiu bowed in thanks. Li Ying said, "You two brave gentlemen may rest easy. Once my letter reaches them, they will release the man at once." Yang Xiong and Shi Xiu thanked him again. Li Ying said, "Please come to the rear hall and stay for a few cups while you wait." The two followed him inside, where an early breakfast was served. After the meal, they drank tea, and Li Ying asked about spear techniques. When he found that Yang Xiong and Shi Xiu spoke with good sense, he was greatly pleased.

Around the ninth hour, the deputy manager returned. Li Ying called him to the rear hall and asked, "Where is the man you went to fetch?" The deputy replied, "Your servant personally saw the Honorable Zhu, delivered the letter, and he did have the intention of releasing the man. But then the three Zhu brothers came out and became agitated instead. He would not return a reply nor release the man—they insist on sending him to the prefecture." Li Ying said in surprise, "We three villages have sworn a bond of life and death. When my letter arrives, he should comply at once. How could he act this way? You must have spoken poorly, which caused this. Manager Du, you must go in person and see the Honorable Zhu yourself to explain the full circumstances." Du Xing said, "Your servant is willing to go, but I ask that my lord write the letter with his own hand. Only then will they be willing to release the man." Li Ying said, "You are right." He quickly took out a sheet of flowered stationery and wrote the letter himself. On the envelope he affixed his personal seal in the form of a character mark, and gave it to Du Xing. A stable boy led out a swift horse, saddled and bridled, and a whip was handed to him. Du Xing rode out of the gate, mounted, and galloped off toward the Zhu Family Manor. Li Ying said, "You two may rest easy. With this letter in my own hand, they will certainly release him shortly." Yang Xiong and Shi Xiu thanked him deeply and remained in the rear hall drinking wine as they waited.

The sky was drawing toward evening, yet Du Xing had not returned. Li Ying felt uneasy in his heart. He sent another man to meet him. A retainer reported, "Manager Du has returned." Li Ying asked, "How many came back?" The retainer said, "Only the manager himself, riding back alone." Li Ying shook his head and said, "This is strange indeed. This fellow has never been so troublesome before. Why is he acting this way today?..." Yang Xiong and Shi Xiu followed him out to the front hall to look. They saw Du Xing dismount and enter the gate. His face was swollen purple with fury, his teeth bared, and for a long while he could not utter a word. There is a testifying poem:

His face was strange from birth,

In wrath, his oddness was worse to behold.

Three parts unlike a man's appearance,

One part like the Charred-Face King of Fengdu.

Li Ying came out to the front of the hall and hastily asked, "Tell me the full details—how did it happen?" Once Du Xing's anger had subsided, he said, "Your servant carried my lord's letter to their place. At the third gate, I happened to encounter the three brothers—Zhu Long, Zhu Hu, and Zhu Biao—sitting there. Your servant greeted them with three bows. Zhu Biao shouted, 'What have you come for again?' Your servant bowed and said, 'My lord has a letter here to present to you.' That scoundrel Zhu Biao changed countenance and cursed, 'Your master is truly ignorant of proper conduct! Earlier he sent a lowbred fellow here with a letter, demanding that Liangshan bandit Shi Qian. Now I am about to send him to the prefecture—what does he want now?' Your servant said, 'This Shi Qian is not one of the Liangshan band. He came from Jizhou and sought shelter with our lord. It was by mistake that he burned down the official's inn. Tomorrow my lord will rebuild it as before. I humbly ask you to look upon our meager standing, extend your generous hand, and grant your forgiveness.' All three Zhus shouted, 'We will not return him! We will not!' Your servant said, 'Please look at my lord's letter written in his own hand.' That scoundrel Zhu Biao took the letter, did not even open it to read, but tore it to pieces right then and there, and ordered your servant thrown out of the manor gate. Zhu Biao and Zhu Hu declared, 'Don't provoke His Lordship's temper, or we'll seize your Li Ying and send him to the prefecture as a Liangshan bandit too.' Your servant would not have repeated all this, but those three beasts were so insolent, heaping all manner of vile abuse upon my lord. They even ordered retainers to seize your servant, but your servant galloped away on horseback. On the road, I nearly died of rage. How unbearable—to have sworn a bond of life and death with that scoundrel for so many years, and today he shows not a shred of righteousness or humanity." A poem says:

We hear of bonds like lacquer and glue,

Yet in the arena of profit, they are cast away.

If there was no true fellowship in ordinary times,

Do not speak of sworn brotherhood when crisis comes.

When Li Ying heard this, the fire of rage in his breast rose three thousand fathoms high—he could not contain it. He shouted to the retainers to saddle his horse at once. Yang Xiong and Shi Xiu admonished him, "My lord, calm your anger. Do not let us petty people destroy the fellowship between you." Li Ying would not listen. He went to his chambers and donned a suit of golden chainmail with beast-faced breast guards front and back, put on a great crimson robe, tucked five throwing knives into his belt, took up his steel-tipped spear, and donned his phoenix-winged helmet. He rode out to the gate and mustered three hundred fierce retainers. Du Xing also donned a suit of armor, took up a spear, mounted his horse, and led more than twenty mounted men. Yang Xiong and Shi Xiu likewise armed themselves and grasped their broad sabers. They followed Li Ying's horse straight to the Zhu Family Manor.

As the sun was sinking behind the hills, they arrived before the Ridge of the Lone Dragon and drew up their forces. The Zhu family stronghold was well built, occupying the ridge of the Lone Dragon Mountain, surrounded on all sides by broad waterways. The manor itself sat atop the ridge, with three tiers of city walls built of solid stone, about two zhang high. There were two manor gates, front and rear, each with a drawbridge. Along the inside of the walls, sentry posts were built on all four sides, and weapons of every kind were planted all about. War drums and gongs were arrayed on the gate tower. Li Ying reined in his horse and shouted before the manor: "You three sons of the Zhu family—how dare you slander your lord!"

Then the manor gate opened and some fifty or sixty horsemen burst forth. Riding at the head on a horse red as burning charcoal was Zhu Biao, the third son of Zhu Chaofeng. He was thus attired:

On his head, a lotus-leaf helmet threaded with gold;

On his body, a chain-link plum-blossom mail.

At his waist, a brocade pouch holding bow and arrows;

In his hands, a pure-steel saber and spear.

From the horse's brow hung crimson tassels sweeping the ground;

Upon his face was born a heaven-defying killing glare.

Li Ying saw Zhu Biao and pointed at him, cursing: "You wench—the milk-scum at your lips has not yet dried, the fetal fuzz still clings to your head! Your father and I swore a bond of life and death, vowing to be of one heart and one mind, to protect the villages together. Whenever your family had need—whether to borrow men or to fetch objects—you came early and released them early, and nothing was ever denied. Now I, a private citizen, have twice sent letters to request a man, and you have torn up my letter and disgraced my name—what manner of conduct is this?"

Zhu Biao replied: "Though our families swore a bond of life and death, vowing to be of one mind in capturing the Liangshan Marsh rebels and sweeping their stronghold clean, how is it that you have instead consorted with rebels, plotting sedition?"

Li Ying roared: "You say he is a man from Liangshan Marsh—and what man? You falsely accuse an innocent citizen of being a thief—what crime do you think you deserve for that?"

Zhu Biao said: "The thief Shi Qian has already confessed. Do not try to talk your way out of this here—you cannot cover it up. Go if you will; if not, I'll seize you too and send you along as a rebel!"

Li Ying flew into a rage, spurred his horse, leveled his spear, and charged at Zhu Biao. Zhu Biao galloned out to meet him. The two fought before the Ridge of the Lone Dragon, back and forth, up and down, for seventeen or eighteen exchanges. Zhu Biao could not withstand Li Ying and turned his horse to flee. Li Ying gave chase. Zhu Biao laid his spear across his horse, took up the bow with his left hand and an arrow with his right, nocked it, drew the bow full, took careful aim, and loosed the arrow with a backward turn of his body. Li Ying tried to dodge but was already struck in the arm. He tumbled head over heels from his horse. Zhu Biao reined around to seize him. Yang Xiong and Shi Xi saw this, shouted in unison, and brandishing two broad-bladed swords, charged straight at Zhu Biao's horse. Zhu Biao could not resist and hastily turned his horse to flee, but Yang Xiong drove his sword into the horse's hindquarters. The horse, smarting with pain, reared up on its hind legs and nearly threw Zhu Biao from its back, but the mounted attendants all shot arrows at them. Yang Xiong and Shi Xi, seeing they had no armor to protect them, thought it best to fall back and not pursue. Du Xing also lifted Li Ying onto his horse and left first. Yang Xiong and Shi Xi followed the other manor guards and withdrew. The Zhu family horsemen chased them for two or three li, but seeing the sky grow late, they turned back as well.

Du Xing supported Li Ying and returned to the manor gate. They dismounted and sat together in the rear hall. The household womenfolk all came out to tend to him. The arrow was drawn out, his armor was removed, and medicinal powder was applied to the wound. They deliberated through the night in the rear hall. Yang Xiong, Shi Xi, and Du Xing said: "Since the lord was insulted by that scoundrel and has been struck by an arrow, and Shi Qian still cannot be brought out, it is we who have brought trouble upon the lord. We two brothers can only go up to Liangshan Marsh and plead with Lords Chao and Song and all the other chieftains to avenge the lord and rescue Shi Qian." They then took their leave of Li Ying. Li Ying said: "It is not that I lack effort—I am simply powerless. I hope the two brave men will not hold it against me." He had Du Xing bring gold and silver to present them, but Yang Xiong and Shi Xi would not accept it. Li Ying said: "Among the men of the rivers and lakes, you two need not decline." Only then did they receive it, bowed their farewells to Li Ying, and departed. Du Xing escorted them to the village entrance and pointed out the main road. Du Xing took his leave and returned to Li Family Manor. Of this, no more need be said.

Now Yang Xiong and Shi Xiu took the road toward Liangshan Lake. In the distance, they soon caught sight of a newly built wineshop, its banner fluttering boldly outside. The two went in, bought some wine, and asked about the road ahead. This wineshop was a new lookout post established by the Liangshan stronghold, and it was in the hands of Shi Yong. As the two men drank, they asked the waiter about the route up the mountain. Shi Yong noticed something unusual about them and came forward to attend them. "Where do you two gentlemen come from?" he asked. "What makes you want to go up the mountain?"

Yang Xiong replied, "We come from Jizhou."

Shi Yong was suddenly struck by a thought. "Could you be Shi Xiu?"

Yang Xiong said, "I am Yang Xiong. This brother here is Shi Xiu. How does your honor know Shi Xiu's name?"

Shi Yong said hastily, "This one does not know you personally. But Elder Brother Dai Zong returned from Jizhou some time ago and spoke of you many times. I have long admired your reputation. Now that you have come up to the mountain—what joy, what joy!"

After the five men had exchanged greetings, Yang Xiong and Shi Xiu told Shi Yong the whole story of what had happened. Shi Yong at once ordered the waiter to set out the customary welcoming wine. He pushed open the window of the waterside pavilion at the rear, drew his bow, and loosed a whistling arrow. At once, from among the reeds on the opposite shore, a small boat came rowing over, rowed by a bandit. Shi Yong invited the two men aboard and had them ferried directly to the shore at Duckbill Beach. Shi Yong had already sent a man ahead to report their arrival up the mountain. Soon Dai Zong and Yang Lin came down to greet them. After exchanging courtesies, they all went up together to the main stronghold. The other chieftains, hearing that brave men had come to join them, all gathered in the great hall and took their seats. Dai Zong and Yang Lin led Yang Xiong and Shi Xiu into the main hall to pay their respects to Chao Gai, Song Jiang, and the other chieftains. When the introductions were complete, Chao Gao asked the two men in detail about their circumstances. Yang Xiong and Shi Xiu told of their martial skills and their wish to join the stronghold. All present were delighted and offered them seats. Yang Xiong then gradually spoke of a man named Shi Qian who had come with them to join the stronghold. He had stolen a rooster that crowed at dawn from the Zhujia inn, and a quarrel had broken out. Shi Xiu had set fire to the inn, and Shi Qian had been captured. Li Ying had twice written letters demanding his release, but the three sons of the Zhujia family stubbornly refused to let him go. They swore to capture the stronghold's men and hurled a thousand insults at them—insufferably rude! "If we had said nothing, all might have been well," Yang Xiong concluded. But the moment he finished speaking, Chao Gai flew into a rage. "Seize these two men and behead them at once! Report to me when it is done!" Indeed:

Yang Xiong and Shi Xiu gave little thought to their ways,

And led Shi Qian into deeds that brought disgrace.

Though the hearts of heroes burn as fire,

The greenwood's law is cold as ice.

Song Jiang hurriedly interceded. "Brother, calm your anger. These two brave men have traveled a thousand leagues to join us in common cause. Why must you have them beheaded?"

Chao Gai replied, "Since we put Wang Lun to the flames, we Liangshan heroes have made loyalty and righteousness our guiding principle, showing only benevolence to the people. Not one of our brothers who has gone down the mountain has ever lost face. Every man who has joined us, old or new, has brought honor to the stronghold. These two, however, used the name of Liangshan heroes to steal a chicken—and because of that, they have brought disgrace upon all of us. Today I shall have these two executed and send the heads of those wretches to be displayed as a warning. Then I shall raise our army and wipe out that village entirely. We must not lose face. Boys, behead them and report at once."

Song Jiang urged him to stop. "No, my brother. Listen to what these two worthy men have just told you. That 'Flea on a Drum' Shi Qian—he is that sort of man, and it was he who provoked the Zhujia wretches. Would these two worthy brothers willingly disgrace the stronghold? Again and again I have heard it said that the Zhujia Manor fellows are hostile to us. At present our stronghold has many men but lacks grain and funds. It is not that we seek trouble with them—they come looking for faults. This gives us a perfect opportunity to seize them. If we take that manor, we shall have grain enough for three to five years. We would not be stirring up trouble to harm them—they are the ones who have acted without courtesy. Brother, for now, set aside your anger. Though I am of no great ability, I myself shall lead a detachment of our army and ask several worthy brothers to accompany me down the mountain to attack Zhujia Manor. If I do not wipe out that village, I swear I will not return to the mountain. First, we shall avenge the stronghold and not lose face; second, we shall spare these good men from being mocked by petty wretches; third, we shall obtain much grain for the stronghold's use; fourth, we shall bring Li Ying up the mountain to join us."

Wu the Scholar said, "Brother Song Jiang speaks best. How can the stronghold cut off its own hands and feet?"

Dai Zong added, "Better to behead this humble one than to close the road to worthy men."

The chieftains all pressed their pleas, and Chao Gai finally spared the two men. Yang Xiong and Shi Xiu offered their apologies. Song Jiang reassured them, "Worthy brothers, harbor no ill feelings. This is the stronghold's decree, and it must be so. Even if Song Jiang himself were to commit an offense, he too would be beheaded—no favor can be shown. Recently we have appointed the 'Iron-faced Magistrate' Xuan Pei to oversee military administration. Rewards and punishments now follow fixed rules. I ask only that you forgive us."

Yang Xiong and Shi Xiu bowed, their apologies accepted. Chao Gai had them seated below Yang Lin. Throughout the stronghold, the small bandits were summoned to pay their respects to the new chieftains. Oxen and horses were slaughtered, and a celebratory feast was prepared. Two houses were assigned for Yang Xiong and Shi Xiu to rest in, and ten small bandits were allotted to attend each of them. That evening, the feast ended. The next day, another feast would be held, and all would gather to deliberate on matters of importance.

Song Jiang summoned Pei Xuan, the "Iron-Faced Magistrate," to tally the number of men to go down the mountain, and he requested the various chieftains to join him in attacking the Zhu Family Manor, determined to wipe out that settlement. After their plans were settled, Chieftain Chao Gai was left to guard the mountain stronghold and not move; Wu Yong, Liu Tang, and the three Ruan brothers, along with Lü Fang and Guo Sheng, were also left behind to protect the main camp. The personnel originally assigned to guard the fords, passes, and inns all remained at their posts. The newly arrived chieftain Meng Kang was assigned to oversee the building of boats, replacing Ma Lin in supervising the war vessels. A notice was posted, dividing the chieftains going down the mountain to attack the Zhu Family Manor into two groups: the first group—Song Jiang, Hua Rong, Li Jun, Mu Hong, Li Kui, Yang Xiong, Shi Xiu, Huang Xin, Ou Peng, and Yang Lin—led three hundred foot soldiers and three hundred cavalry. Having donned their armor, they descended the mountain and advanced. The second group—Lin Chong, Qin Ming, Dai Zong, Zhang Heng, Zhang Shun, Ma Lin, Deng Fei, Wang Aihu, and Bai Sheng—also led three hundred foot soldiers and three hundred cavalry, following to provide support. As for the two small camps at Golden Sand Beach and Duck's Beak Beach, only Song Wan and Zheng Tianshou were ordered to man them and coordinate the delivery of provisions. Chao Gai saw them off and returned to the stronghold.

Now, Song Jiang and his chieftains made straight for the Zhu Family Manor. On the road, nothing of note happened. They soon arrived before Dragon Hill, still more than a mile away, and the vanguard set up camp. Song Jiang sat down in the central command tent and discussed with Hua Rong, "I have heard that the paths inside the Zhu Family Manor are extremely tangled. We cannot advance rashly. Let us first send two men to scout the routes, to learn which ways lead forward and which backward—only then can we engage them in battle." Li Kui said, "Elder brother, I've been idle for a long time and haven't killed a single person. Let me go ahead on this mission." Song Jiang said, "Brother, you cannot go. When it comes to breaking formations and charging the enemy, that is when we will send you first. This is the work of a spy—you are not suited for it." Li Kui laughed and said, "Such a lousy manor—why should you, elder brother, go to all this trouble? Let me take two or three hundred lads and charge in. We'll slaughter everyone in that lousy manor. Why send anyone to scout ahead?" Song Jiang shouted, "Hold your tongue, you fool! Stand aside for now. I'll call for you when I need you." Li Kui walked away, muttering to himself, "Killing a few flies—why make such a fuss?" Song Jiang then called Shi Xiu and said, "Brother, you have been there before. Go with Yang Lin on this mission." Shi Xiu said, "Now that our large force has arrived, how could the manor not be on guard? What shall we disguise ourselves as?" Yang Lin said, "I will dress up as an exorcism priest. I'll hide a short blade on my body and carry a magic ring, shaking it as I walk along the road into the manor. Just listen for the sound of my ring, and don't stray too far from me." Shi Xiu said, "I used to sell firewood in Jizhou. I'll simply carry a load of firewood in to sell. I'll hide concealed weapons on my body. If anything urgent comes up, my carrying pole can also serve a purpose." Yang Lin said, "Good, good. We've planned it. Let us prepare tonight and set out at the fifth watch." Truly, it was over the petty grudge about a chicken that a host of tigers were set to clash. As the ancients wrote in a *Xijiang Yue* verse, most aptly:

Gentleness and weakness are the root of safe living;

Strength and stubbornness are the womb of disaster.

The man without strife or competition is a man of worth—

If I yield a little, where is the harm?

A dull axe shatters brick;

A swift blade cannot split water.

Just look at how hair turns white and teeth decay—

Only the tongue endures, undestroyed.

Shi Xiu shouldered his load of firewood and went ahead. Before he had walked twenty li or so, the path became winding and tangled, with twists and turns on all sides. The trees grew thick and dense, making it hard to find the way. Shi Xiu set down his firewood and stopped. He heard the clinking of a monk's staff ring growing closer from behind, and when he turned to look, there was Yang Lin, wearing a tattered straw hat and a threadbare monk's robe, holding a monk's staff as he came along the road. Seeing no one about, Shi Xiu called out to him. Yang Lin said, "I see the path is winding and hard to follow. I don't know which way is the road I took the other day when I followed Li Ying here. It's getting dark, and the others all know the road well—I just can't make it out clearly."

Yang Lin said, "Don't worry about whether the road winds or goes straight—just follow the main path." Shi Xiu shouldered his firewood again and set off along the main road. Ahead he saw a village with several wine shops and butcher's shops. He carried his firewood and stopped in front of a wine shop. He noticed that every shop had spears and swords planted before its door, and every man wore a yellow vest with a large character "Zhu" written on it. The passers-by were all the same.

Shi Xiu approached an old man, bowed, and said, "Sir, may I ask what custom is this? Why are spears and swords planted before every door?"

The old man said, "Where are you from, stranger? You really don't know? You'd better leave quickly."

Shi Xiu said, "I am a merchant from Shandong who sold dates. I lost my capital and can't get home, so I've come here carrying firewood to sell. I don't know the local customs or geography."

The old man said, "You'd better go somewhere else and hide. There's going to be a great battle here before long."

Shi Xiu said, "This is such a fine village—how could there be a great battle?"

The old man said, "Stranger, do you truly not know? I'll tell you. This village is called Zhu Family Village. On the ridge above is the residence of Lord Zhu. They've offended the heroes of Liangshan Marsh, and now they're leading troops to the village entrance, ready to attack. But they fear the roads in our village are too complex, so they haven't dared enter. They're camped outside for now. The Zhu Family Manor has issued orders: every household must have its able-bodied young men ready, and when the signal comes, they are to go and assist."

Shi Xiu said, "How many households are there in your village, sir?"

The old man said, "In this Zhu Family Village alone, there are ten or twenty thousand households. To the east and west there are two other villages that support us. The eastern village belongs to Li Ying, known as the 'Swooping Vulture,' and the western village is Squire Hu's manor. He has a daughter called Hu Sanniang, nicknamed 'Ten-Foot Green Snake,' who is a formidable fighter."

Shi Xiu said, "With all this, why fear Liangshan Marsh?"

The old man said, "If you were a newcomer who didn't know the roads, you'd be captured too."

Shi Xiu said, "Sir, why would newcomers be captured?"

The old man said, "There's a poem about the roads in our village: 'Fine Zhu Family Village—every road is a winding maze. Easy enough to enter, but impossible to get out.'"

When Shi Xiu heard this, he began to weep. He threw himself to the ground and bowed to the old man. "I am a man from the rivers and lakes who lost his capital and cannot return home. If I sell this firewood and leave, I might run into the battle and be unable to escape—wouldn't that be misery? Grandfather, have pity on me. I am willing to give you this load of firewood. Just show me the way out."

The old man said, "Why should I take your firewood for nothing? I'll buy it. Come inside—I'll treat you to some wine and food."

Shi Xiu thanked him and followed the old man into his house, carrying his firewood. The old man poured two bowls of white wine and served a bowl of millet cake, telling Shi Xiu to eat. Shi Xiu bowed again and said, "Grandfather, please show me the way out."

The old man said, "When you go through the village, look for white poplar trees. Wherever you see a white poplar tree, turn—no matter whether the road is wide or narrow. Wherever a white poplar tree marks a turn, that is a living road. Where there is no such tree, those are all dead ends. If other kinds of trees mark a turn, those are not living roads either. If you take a wrong turn, you'll go left and right but never get out. What's more, the dead-end roads have bamboo caltrops and iron spikes buried underground. If you step on one of those flying spikes, you'll certainly be captured. Where would you go then?"

Shi Xiu bowed in thanks and asked, "What is your honored surname, Grandfather?"

The old man said, "Most people in this village are surnamed Zhu. Only I bear the compound surname Zhongli, and I have lived here for generations."

Shi Xiu said, "I've eaten and drunk my fill. I will repay you generously another day."

Just then, they heard a commotion outside. Shi Xiu heard someone cry out that a spy had been captured. Shi Xiu was alarmed. He followed the old man outside and saw seventy or eighty soldiers dragging a man along with his hands bound behind his back. Shi Xiu looked closely—it was Yang Lin, stripped naked and bound with ropes. Shi Xiu secretly groaned in dismay. He quietly asked the old man under pretense, "Who is this man they've captured? Why have they bound him?"

The old man said, "Haven't you heard? He's a spy sent by Song Jiang."

Shi Xiu asked again, "How was he captured?"

The old man said, "They say this fellow had quite the nerve—he came alone as a spy, disguised as an exorcising monk, and slipped into the village. But he didn't know the roads here either. He just followed the main road, going left and right, but only ending up on dead-end paths. He didn't know the secret of turning at the white poplar trees. When people saw him going the wrong way and acting suspiciously, they reported him to the manor officials, who came to capture him. Only then did he draw his sword and wound four or five men before they could stop him. But there were too many people here, and they all rushed him at once, so he was captured. Someone recognized him as a bandit known as 'Brocade Panther' Yang Lin."

Before he had finished speaking, there came the sound of attendants clearing the way ahead, and he heard that the Third Young Master of the village was out on patrol. Shi Xiu peered through a crack in the wall and saw twenty pairs of tasseled spears going before, followed by four or five men on war horses with bows bent and arrows fitted. There were also three or five pairs of outriders on blue and white horses, and in their midst rode a young, stately warrior mounted on a snow-white horse, fully armed with bow and arrows and holding a silver spear in his hand. Shi Xiu recognized him at once and purposely asked the old man, "Who is that lord passing by?" The old man replied, "That is the third son of Squire Zhu, called Zhu Biao. He is betrothed to the 'Ten Feet of Green' from the Hu Family Village to the west. Of the three brothers, he is the most formidable." Shi Xiu bowed and thanked him, "Grandfather, please point me the way out." The old man said, "It is too late today. If there is fighting up ahead, it would cost you your life for nothing." Shi Xiu said, "Grandfather, do save my life!" The old man said, "Stay the night in my house. Tomorrow, if we hear that all is well, you can leave." Shi Xiu bowed in thanks and sat in his house. He could hear four or five relay horses reporting at the front gate, and orders being passed to every household: "All you commoners, watch tonight for the red signal lantern. Join forces and capture the bandits of Liangshan Marsh to be handed over to the authorities for reward." After they had passed, Shi Xiu asked, "Who is that man?" The old man said, "That officer is the local patrol inspector. Tonight he has arranged to capture Song Jiang." When Shi Xiu heard this, he pondered in his heart for a while, then asked for a torch, bade the old man goodnight, and went to sleep in a grass hut behind the house.

Meanwhile, Song Jiang's troops were encamped at the village entrance. When Yang Lin and Shi Xiu did not come back to report, he sent Ou Peng to the village entrance. Ou Peng came back and reported, "I heard them talking there—they said they had captured a spy. The paths are tangled and hard to follow, so I did not dare venture deeper into that critical area." When Song Jiang heard this, he was furious. "How can we wait for a report before advancing? And now they've captured a spy—two of our brothers must have been trapped. Tonight we will simply advance and break in to rescue them two brothers. What do you all think?" Then Li Kui said, "Let me go in first and see what happens!" Upon hearing this, Song Jiang immediately issued orders for all the soldiers to arm themselves. Li Kui and Yang Xiong led the vanguard, with Li Jun and others commanding the rear guard, Mu Hong on the left, Huang Xin on the right, and Song Jiang, Hua Rong, Ou Peng, and other commanders in the center, waving banners, shouting, beating drums and gongs, and wielding broad swords and axes as they charged toward the Zhu Family Village. By the time they reached the top of Dulong Ridge, it was dusk. Song Jiang urged the vanguard forward to attack the village. The vanguard commander Li Kui had stripped himself stark naked and brandished his two steel-backed axes, charging forward in a blaze of fury. When he reached the village gate, he found the drawbridge already raised high, and not a single light showed inside the gate. Li Kui was about to wade across the water, but Yang Xiong held him back. "You can't do that. They've closed the gate—there must be a trap. Wait for our commander to arrive, and we'll discuss what to do." Li Kui could not restrain himself. He brandished his twin axes and shouted across the water, "You old scoundrel Zhu the Magistrate, come out! The Black Whirlwind Grandpa is here!" The village gave no reply. When Song Jiang's central force arrived, Yang Xiong joined him and reported that no troops or activity were to be seen in the village. Song Jiang reined in his horse and looked. Seeing no spears, soldiers, or horses in the village, his heart filled with suspicion. Suddenly he realized his mistake. "I was wrong. The Heavenly Book clearly warns: when facing the enemy, do not act rashly. I acted on the spur of the moment, only wanting to rescue our two brothers, and so advanced by night without thinking. We have marched deep into enemy territory, and now that we've reached the village gate, there is no sign of an opposing army—they must have a scheme. Quickly order the three armies to retreat!" Li Kui shouted, "Brother, our army has come this far—don't retreat! Let me and you charge in first, and the rest of you follow me!"

Before he finished speaking, the village was already aware. They heard a signal cannon fired from the Zhu Family Village, soaring straight up into the sky. On Dulong Ridge, a thousand torches were lit all at once, and from the gatehouse, crossbow arrows rained down like raindrops. Song Jiang urgently tried to lead his troops back along the old road, but the rear commander Li Jun's men had already begun shouting, "The road we came by is all blocked—there must be an ambush!" Song Jiang ordered the troops to search for paths in every direction. Li Kui swung his twin axes back and forth, looking for someone to fight, but not a single enemy soldier could be seen. Then from the mountaintop on Dulong Ridge another cannon was fired. Before its echo died away, the shouting from all four sides shook the earth, leaving Song Jiang dumbfounded and at a loss for what to do. Though you may have strategy and learning, how can you escape this earth-net and heaven-spread snare? Truly it was a plan laid to bind the tiger and seize the dragon, meant to capture a man who shook heaven and earth. Just how Song Gongming and his fellow leaders managed to escape will be told in the next chapter.