الفصل الثامن والأربعون

الفصل الثامن والأربعون

At that moment, Song Jiang looked about him from horseback and saw that ambush troops were posted on all sides. He ordered the small bandits to charge straight ahead along the main road, but soon the five armies found themselves blocked, and all began to cry out in distress. Song Jiang asked, "Why do you cry out?" The soldiers all replied, "Ahead are winding mountain paths—we've gone round once already and come right back to this spot." Song Jiang said, "Tell the troops to head toward where the torches are bright, where there are houses and people, and find a way out." They had not gone far when the vanguard began shouting again, crying, "Just as we could see our way by the bright torches, there are pointed bamboo stakes and iron caltrops, and deer-horn barricades strewn everywhere, blocking every road." Song Jiang said, "Has Heaven decreed my destruction?" In the midst of this panic, there was a commotion in Mu Hong's section of the left army, and a report came: "Shi Xiu is here." Song Jiang looked and saw Shi Xiu gripping a saber, running up to the horse. He said, "Brother, don't panic—I've found the way. I've secretly passed down the order: let all five armies turn wherever they see a white poplar tree, and pay no mind to whether the road is broad or narrow." Song Jiang urged the troops forward, turning wherever they saw a white poplar. After going perhaps five or six li, Song Jiang saw the enemy troops ahead growing more numerous. Suspicious, he called Shi Xiu and asked, "Brother, why are there so many bandit soldiers ahead?" Shi Xiu replied, "They use candle lamps as signals." Hua Rong, from horseback, saw this and pointed it out to Song Jiang: "Brother, do you see that bowl-shaped candle lamp among the tree shadows? Whenever we head east, they pull the lamp east; when we head west, they pull the lamp west. That little thing—it must be their signal." Song Jiang said, "How can we deal with that lamp?" Hua Rong said, "What difficulty is there!" He then nocked an arrow, spurred his horse forward, and aimed at the shadow—one shot, neither high nor low, and knocked down that red candle lamp. The ambush troops on all sides, seeing the lamp disappear, fell into confusion and scattered in disorder. Song Jiang had Shi Xiu lead the way, and they fought their way out of the village. From the front mountain came a continuous shouting, and torches flickered wildly in confusion across the hills. Song Jiang ordered the vanguard to halt and sent Shi Xiu ahead to scout. Before long, Shi Xiu returned and reported: "It's the second detachment of our mountain stronghold's forces, come to meet us and scatter the ambush troops." Hearing this, Song Jiang advanced with a pincer attack, fought his way out of the village mouth, and the Zhujia Zhuang forces dispersed in all directions. There he joined forces with Lin Chong, Qin Ming, and the other commanders, and they encamped together at the village mouth. Dawn was just breaking. They chose a high place to pitch their camp, mustered their troops, and discovered that Huang San Shan—Huang Xin—was missing. Song Jiang was greatly alarmed and asked why. Soldiers who had followed him the night before came forward and said, "Huang San Shan, having received your orders, went ahead to scout the way, but failed to guard against the reed thickets, where two grappling hooks suddenly shot out, dragged his horse's legs out from under him, and seven or five men captured him alive—there was no way to rescue him." Song Jiang, hearing this, flew into a rage and wanted to execute the soldiers who had accompanied him: "Why didn't you report this sooner?" Lin Chong and Hua Rong restrained Song Jiang. All were gloomy and said, "We haven't even taken the village, and already we've lost two brothers. What are we to do?" Yang Xiong said, "There are three villages allied here. The master of the East Village, Master Li, was shot with an arrow by that cur Zhuang Biao just days ago and is still recovering in his village. Why don't you go and consult with him, brother?" Song Jiang said, "I had quite forgotten him. He knows the geography of this place thoroughly." He ordered that a pair of silk bolts, sheep, and wine be fetched, chose a good horse with saddle and bridle, and went in person to pay a visit. Lin Chong and Qin Ming were left in command of the camp. Song Jiang, taking Hua Rong, Yang Xiong, and Shi Xiu with him, rode off with three hundred cavalry toward Li Family Village.

When they arrived before the village, they saw the gate tower tightly closed and the drawbridge raised high. Inside the walls, many village soldiers were arrayed. Drums had already been beaten on the gate tower. Song Jiang called from horseback: "I am Song Jiang, a righteous warrior of Liangshan Marsh, come specially to pay my respects to the Great Master. I have no other purpose—do not be on your guard." On the gate tower, Du Xing saw Yang Xiu and Shi Xiu there and hastily opened the gate, sending a small boat across to greet Song Jiang. Song Jiang quickly dismounted and returned the courtesy. Yang Xiong and Shi Xiu stepped forward and reported: "This man is the one who led the two of us to Master Li—he is called 'Ghost-Faced' Du Xing." Song Jiang said, "So you are Manager Du. I would trouble you to tell Master Li that I, Song Jiang of Liangshan Marsh, have long heard of his great name and have had no opportunity to meet him. Now because Zhujia Zhuang has made itself our enemy, and as we pass through this region, I have brought colored silk, a famous horse, and humble gifts of sheep and wine, seeking only an audience—I have no other purpose."

Du Xing received these words and crossed back to the village, going straight to the hall. Li Ying sat on his bed, wounded and wrapped in a quilt. Du Xing relayed Song Jiang's request for an audience. Li Ying said, "He is a rebel from Liangshan Marsh. How can I meet with him? There must be no private motive in this. You may reply to him that I am confined to my bed, unable to move about, and cannot receive him. I will pay my respects another day. As for the gifts offered, I dare not accept them."

Du Xing crossed back over to see Song Jiang and reported: "My master sends his repeated respects to you, Marshal. He originally wished to come in person to welcome you, but unfortunately he has been injured and is bedridden with illness—he cannot meet with you. He asks permission to pay you a formal visit on another day. As for the generous gifts you were pleased to bestow, he does not presume to accept them." Song Jiang said: "I understand your master's meaning. Because I suffered a defeat attacking the Zhu Family Manor, I wished to seek an audience with him, but he fears the Zhus would take offense and so is unwilling to come out and meet me." Du Xing said: "It is not so—he is genuinely ill. Though this humble one is a native of Zhongshan, I have been here many years and know the true situation of this region fairly well. In the middle is the Zhu Family Manor; to the east is our Li Family Manor; to the west is the Hu Family Manor. These three manors have sworn an oath to be comrades in life and death, aiding one another in any trouble. But having now fallen out with my master, they will not come to his aid. I only fear that the Hu Family Manor to the west may come to help the Zhus. In that manor, nothing else matters much, except that they have a woman warrior called 'Ten Feet of Blue' Hu Sanniang, who wields a pair of sun-and-moon swords and is a truly formidable fighter. She is betrothed to the third son of the Zhu Family Manor, Zhuang Biao, and the wedding is to be held soon. If you, General, mean to attack the Zhu Family Manor, you need not guard against the east—just be sure to watch the western road carefully. The Zhu Family Manor has two gates: one in front of Dulong Ridge and one behind it. If you attack only the front gate, it will be useless—you must attack from both sides simultaneously to break through. The front gate is the critical point, but the roads there are tangled and hard to follow—they are all winding paths, wide and narrow without pattern. Wherever there is a poplar tree, you may turn there, and that is a living road. Where there is no such tree, it is a dead end." Shi Xiu said: "But they have already cut down all the poplar trees—what then shall we use as a guide?" Du Xing said: "Though they have cut the trees, how could they have dug up every root? The stumps must still remain there. You should attack only by day—you must not advance by night."

When Song Jiang had heard all this, he thanked Du Xing, and the whole party returned to their camp. Lin Chiong and the others came out to meet them, and they all went to the main tent and sat down. Song Jiang told the assembled leaders what Li Ying had said about not meeting them and what Du Xing had reported. Li Kui at once broke in: "We meant well sending him gifts, but that fellow refused to come out and welcome you, Brother. Let me take three hundred men, break open that cursed manor, and drag the fellow out by the head to pay his respects to you." Song Jiang said: "Brother, you don't understand—he is a wealthy, law-abiding commoner who fears the authorities. How could he rashly consent to meet with us?" Li Kui laughed and said: "That fellow must be some sort of child who is afraid to face people." Everyone burst out laughing. Song Jiang said: "Be that as it may, two of our brothers are trapped there, and we do not know whether they are alive or dead. You must all exert yourselves to the fullest. I will attack the Zhu Family Manor once more." All the leaders rose and said: "Marshal's orders—who would dare to disobey? But who will you send to go first?" "Black Whirlwind" Li Kui said: "If you are all afraid of some child, then let me go." Song Jiang said: "You were unfit to be vanguard last time—this time I have no use for you." Li Kui lowered his head and swallowed his anger. Song Jiang then assigned Ma Lin, Deng Fei, Ou Peng, and Short Wang Hu to go with him as the vanguard. In the second wave he assigned Dai Zong, Qin Ming, Yang Xiong, Shi Xiu, Li Jun, Zhang Heng, Zhang Shun, and Bai Sheng, to be ready for action by water. In the third wave he assigned Lin Chiong, Hua Rong, Mu Hong, and Li Kui, to divide into two groups as supporting forces. When all the troops had been apportioned their roles, they ate their full, donned their armor, and mounted their horses.

Now, Song Jiang intended in person to lead the vanguard and strike the first blow. At the front a great red banner with the character "Marshal" was carried, and at its side rode Song Jiang with four leaders, a hundred and fifty cavalry, and a thousand foot soldiers, riding straight for the Zhu Family Manor. Scouts were sent ahead along the road until they reached the foot of Dulong Ridge. Song Jiang reined in his horse and surveyed the Zhu Family Manor—it was indeed a formidable sight. A poem may be cited to convey the appearance of the Zhu Family Manor:

Before Dulong Mountain stands Dulong Ridge;

Upon Dulong Ridge sits the Zhu Family Manor.

Winding waters flow along the ridge's edge,

And all around, encircling, stand drooping willows.

Within the walls, swords and halberds are arrayed thick and grim;

Before the front gate, spears and lances are ranked dense and still.

Every man who meets the foe is a stalwart warrior;

Every champion at the front is a young and valiant man.

Zhuang Long in battle is truly hard to withstand;

Zhuang Hu in combat no man can face;

And Zhuang Biao, skilled in martial arts, roars and thunders like a conquering king.

The patriarch, Sire Zhuang, has strategies far and wide;

His gold and silver, silks and brocades, fill a thousand chests.

A pair of white banners stands erected before the gate,

On which are clearly inscribed two lines of words:

"Fill in the marshes and capture Chao Gai;

Tramp the Liangshan Mountains and seize Song Jiang."

At that moment, Song Jiang, from horseback, gazed upon those two banners at the Zhu Family Manor and was filled with furious rage. He swore an oath: "If I cannot take the Zhu Family Manor, I shall never return to Liangshan Marsh." When the assembled leaders saw this, they were all enraged as well. Song Jiang, hearing that the troops behind him had all arrived, left the second wave of leaders to attack the front gate. He then led his own forward force around to the back of Dulong Ridge to survey the Zhu Family Manor from the rear. The rear was fortified like walls of iron and brass, defended most securely. As he was studying it, he saw a body of troops to the west, raising a great battle cry, charging at him from behind. Song Jiang left Ma Lin and Deng Fei to hold the rear gate of the Zhu Family Manor, and taking Ou Peng and Short Wang Hu with him, he led half his force forward to meet them. Descending from the hillside came some twenty or thirty cavalry, surrounding and escorting a woman warrior. How she was arrayed may be described thus:

Her cicada-like side-locks were pressed down by golden hairpins in pairs;

Her phoenix shoes rested slanting on jeweled stirrups.

A suit of linked-mail armor shone beneath red silk gauze;

Her embroidered sash sat trimly across a waist slender as a willow.

With frosty blades she hews her way through fierce soldiers;

With slender jade hands she seizes bold commanders alive.

A natural beauty, a flowering crabapple—

"Ten Feet of Blue" rides out ahead of all.

The arriving force was none other than the woman warrior of the Hu Family Villa, "Ten Feet of Blue" Hu Sanniang, mounted on a gray-green horse, wielding two twin blades like the sun and moon, leading three or five hundred villa men to reinforce the Zhu Family Villa. Song Jiang said, "We were just speaking of this woman warrior from the Hu Family Villa, how formidable she is. She must be the very one. Who dares to meet her in battle?" Before he finished speaking, it happened that Wang Ying the Short was a lecherous fellow. Hearing that the opponent was a woman warrior, he hoped to capture her in a single bout. At once he gave a shout, spurred his horse forward, leveled his spear, and rode out to meet her. The soldiers on both sides raised a great cry. Hu Sanniang galloped forward, brandishing her blades, to engage Wang Ying. One was skilled with her twin blades, the other excelled with his single spear. After they had fought more than ten exchanges, Song Jiang watched from horseback and saw that Wang Ying's spear technique could no longer hold. The truth was, when Wang Ying first saw "Ten Feet of Blue," he had been desperate to seize her. Who could have guessed that after ten exchanges, his hands trembled and his legs went numb, and his spear technique fell into disarray. It was not as if the two were fighting for their lives—Wang Ying was only trying to show off. "Ten Feet of Blue" was a sharp-woman. She thought to herself, "This fellow is beyond reason." Then she raised her twin blades and slashed straight down at him. How could Wang Ying withstand this? He wheeled his horse about, meaning to flee, but "Ten Feet of Blue" galloped after him, set aside her right-hand blade, stretched out her long arms with ease, plucked Wang Ying from his saddle, and captured him alive. The villa men swarmed forward, dragged Wang Ying down, and carried him off. There is a poem as proof:

A lusting heart will stake life without a care,

Willing to trade one's life for nothing but air.

In the golden tent no champion stands tall,

Lost soul and spent spirit before a woman's call.

Ou Peng saw that Wang Ying had been captured and thrust his spear to rescue her. "Feathery Reed" (Yizhi Qing) galloped across on horseback, brandishing her sword, and engaged Ou Peng. The two then fought. Now, Ou Peng's ancestors had been military men, and he wielded a fine iron spear. Song Jiang watched and silently applauded. Yet for all the mastery of Ou Peng's spear technique, he could gain not the slightest advantage over that woman general. Fei Deng, watching from afar, saw that Short-legged Tiger (Wang Aihu) had been captured and that Ou Peng could not overcome the woman general in his fight. He galloped his horse, swinging an iron chain, and charged forward with a great shout. The Zhu Family Manor had been watching for some time and, fearing that "Feathery Reed" might come to harm, hastily lowered the drawbridge and opened the gate of the manor. Zhulong personally led over three hundred men, riding swiftly and brandishing a spear, to capture Song Jiang. Ma Lin saw this, mounted his horse, and wielded a pair of swords to engage Zhulong in battle. Fei Deng, fearing that Song Jiang might come to harm, did not leave his side. He watched the fighting on both sides as the shouts rose in waves. Song Jiang saw that Ma Lin was no match for Zhulong and that Ou Peng could not overcome "Feathery Reed." He was just growing anxious when suddenly a band of horsemen came charging at them from a side path. Song Jiang looked and was overjoyed. It was "Thunderbolt" (Pilihuo) Qin Ming, who had heard the fighting behind the manor and had come to the rescue. Song Jiang cried out: "Commander Qin, you can relieve Ma Lin!" Qin Ming was a man of hot temper, and since the Zhu Family Manor had captured his pupil Huang Xin, he was in a foul mood. He spurred his horse and raised his wolf-tooth mace, charging straight at Zhulong. Zhulong also raised his spear to meet Qin Ming. Ma Lin led his men and went to snatch Short-legged Tiger back. When "Feathery Reed" saw Ma Lin coming to rescue the prisoner, she left Ou Peng and turned to engage Ma Lin. Both were skilled with paired swords. Meeting on horseback, they fought like jade flakes drifting on the wind and snow scattering among white plum blossoms. Song Jiang watched until his eyes were dazzled. Meanwhile, Qin Ming and Zhulong fought for over ten bouts. How could Zhulong withstand Qin Ming? Inside the manor gate, the instructor Luan Tingyu, taking up his iron mace, mounted his horse, raised his spear, and rode out to join the fight. Ou Peng went to engage Luan Tingyu. Luan Tingyu did not come to meet him but, pulling up his spear, rode off at an angle. Ou Peng gave chase, but Luan Tingyu hurled a flying mace that struck him squarely, sending him tumbling head over heels from his horse. Fei Deng shouted: "Lads, rescue him!" Swinging his iron chain, he charged straight at Luan Tingyu. Song Jiang hastily called to his men to help Ou Peng back onto his horse. Zhulong, unable to hold off Qin Ming, turned and galloped away. Luan Tingyu left Fei Deng and came to fight Qin Ming. The two battled for twenty or more bouts with neither gaining the advantage. Luan Tingyu feigned a weakness and fled into the open country. Qin Ming brandished his mace and gave chase. Luan Tingyu rode into a stretch of wild grass. Qin Ming, unaware of the ruse, followed him in. It turned out that in all parts of the Zhu Family Manor, men had been lying in ambush. When Qin Ming's horse arrived, they pulled up a trip rope, and both horse and rider were thrown to the ground. With a shout, they captured Qin Ming. Fei Deng, seeing Qin Ming fall from his horse, rushed to his aid, but then he saw the trip rope being pulled. He was just turning around when shouts rose on both sides, and grappling hooks, tangled as hemp, flew up from all directions. He was seized alive from his horse. Song Jiang could only cry out in distress. He managed to rescue Ou Peng and get him back on his horse. Ma Lin left "Feathery Reed" and galloped swiftly to protect Song Jiang, heading south. Behind them, Luan Tingyu, Zhulong, and "Feathery Reed" gave chase from different directions. It seemed there was no escape, and they were about to be captured, when a good-looking bandit came galloping from the south, followed by about five hundred men. Song Jiang looked and saw it was "Unstoppable" (Meizhelan) Mu Hong. From the southeast, three hundred or so men came rushing forward, led by two heroes: one was "Dreadful Guan Suo" (Bingguan Suo) Yang Xiong, and the other was "Desperate Third Lang" (Panming Sanlang) Shi Xiu. From the northeast, another hero shouted at the top of his lungs: "Leave the men behind!" Song Jiang looked and saw it was "Little Li Guang" (Xiao Li Guang) Hua Rong. The three groups of horsemen all arrived at once. Song Jiang's heart leaped with joy, and they joined forces to fight Luan Tingyu and Zhulong. Those in the manor, seeing this, feared that the two might suffer losses. They ordered Zhu Hu to guard the manor gate, while the young master Zhu Biao rode a poor horse, wielding a long spear, and personally led over five hundred men to charge out from behind the manor. A great melee ensued. At the front of the manor, Li Jun, Zhang Heng, and Zhang Shun tried to come up from the water, but the defenders shot arrows at them, and they could not advance. Dai Zong and Bai Sheng, on the opposite bank, could only shout encouragement. Song Jiang saw that the sky was growing dark and hastily told Ma Lin to protect Ou Peng and get him out of the village. Song Jiang then ordered his men to beat the gong, gather the heroes, and fight as they retreated.

Song Jiang rode about searching everywhere, fearing that his brothers might lose their way. As he rode along, he suddenly saw "Feathery Reed" galloping after him. Song Jiang was caught off guard and rode east. Behind him, "Feathery Reed" pressed close, their eight hooves pounding like cups and cymbals, chasing him deep into the village. "Feathery Reed" was just catching up to Song Jiang and was about to strike when a voice shouted from the hillside: "Where is that cursed woman chasing my brother?" Song Jiang looked and saw it was "Black Whirlwind" (Hei Xuanfeng) Kui Li, wielding two broad axes and leading seventy or eighty men as they rushed forward on foot. "Feathery Reed" reined in her horse and headed for the edge of the woods. Song Jiang also pulled up his horse and watched as a dozen or so horsemen emerged from the woods, surrounding and escorting a sturdy warrior. How was he arrayed? Observe:

A jeweled helmet firmly worn, silvered armor draped in layers.

A plain silk robe embroidered with flowers, a lion-shaped belt studded with precious stones.

A twelve-foot serpent spear held taut, a frost-maned steed whinnying fiercely.

Throughout the mountain they call him Little Zhang Fei—

"Leopard Head" (Baozitou) Lin Chong is he.

The approaching troops were led by "Leopard Head" Lin Chong, who roared from horseback, "Where do you think you're going, woman?" "Feather on the Pole" spurred her horse and charged straight at Lin Chong with her flying knives. Lin Chong leveled his eighteen-foot snake-tipped spear to meet her. They fought for fewer than ten exchanges. Lin Chong deliberately left an opening, letting "Feather on the Pole" swing both her blades in at him. Lin Chong checked her blades with the spear, deflecting them to the side. Closing in, he stretched out his long arms with ease, twisted his supple waist, and with a single tug, pulled "Feather on the Pole" right off her horse, alive and captive, and carried her back onto his own mount. Song Jiang saw this and cheered, beside himself with admiration. Lin Chong ordered his soldiers to bind her, then rode forward quickly and asked, "Has any harm come to you, elder brother?" Song Jiang replied, "None at all." He then ordered Kui to rush into the village to support the other heroes and bring them to the village entrance to confer. The hour was already late—they must not linger in battle. "Black Whirlwind" led his own men and departed. Lin Chong escorted Song Jiang, with "Feather on the Pole" held captive on horseback, and they made their way out of the village. That night the other chieftains had gained no advantage and hastily withdrew to the village entrance as well. The troops of the Zhu Family Manor also pulled back to the compound. The number of people killed throughout the village was beyond counting. Zhu Long ordered that all prisoners be placed in cage-carts, hoping that once Song Jiang was captured as well, they could all be sent to the Eastern Capital to claim rewards. The Hu Family Manor had already delivered Short Tiger Wang to the Zhu Family Manor.

Now then, Song Jiang recalled his main force and set up camp at the village entrance. He first had "Feather on the Pole" brought before him. He selected twenty seasoned young followers, gave them to four squad leaders, mounted them on four swift horses, and had "Feather on the Pole" bound at the hands and placed on a fifth horse. "Ride through the night to Liangshan Marsh and deliver her to my father, Old Master Song Tai, for safekeeping. Then come back with a report. When I return to the mountain stronghold, I will decide what to do with her." The other chieftains all assumed that Song Jiang wanted this woman for himself, so they saw to it that she was sent off with great care. They also had a cart prepared and sent Peng up the mountain to recuperate from his wounds. All the men received their orders and departed that very night. That evening Song Jiang sat troubled in his tent. He did not sleep the whole night, but sat waiting for dawn.

The next day, a scout came with news: Strategist Wu the Learned had arrived with the three Ruan chieftains, along with Lü Fang and Guo Sheng, leading five hundred troops. Song Jiang heard this and went out of the camp to welcome Strategist Wu Yong. They sat down together in the central command tent. Wu the Learned had brought wine and food. He drank a toast to Song Jiang in celebration and distributed rewards to all the officers and men. Wu Yong said, "Chieftain Chao at the mountain stronghold heard that elder brother's earlier advance did not go well, so he specially sent Wu Yong and five chieftains to assist in the battle. I wonder—how have things gone in recent days?" Song Jiang said, "It is hard to sum up in words. Damn that scoundrel of the Zhu family! On their manor gates they have hung two white banners with the words: 'Fill in the marsh and capture Chao Gai; crush Liangshan and seize Song Jiang.' This scoundrel has no respect. In the first attack, because we lost the advantage of terrain, we lost Yang Lin and Huang Xin. In the night attack, 'Feather on the Pole' captured Short Tiger Wang, Yuantingyu struck Peng with a mace and wounded him, and the tripping-horse ropes pulled down and captured Qin Ming and Deng Feng. Such defeats! If Commander Lin had not just now captured 'Feather on the Pole' alive, our fighting spirit would have been utterly broken. Things stand as they are now—what can be done? If I cannot break the Zhu Family Manor and rescue these brothers, I would rather die here than return face to face with Elder Brother Chao Gai." Wu the Learned smiled and said, "The Zhu Family Manor is fated to be defeated, and this opportunity has arrived at exactly the right moment. As Wu Yong sees it, the matter can be settled at any moment." Song Jiang was overjoyed to hear this and quickly asked, "How can the Zhu Family Manor be broken at any moment? Where does this opportunity come from?" Wu the Learned smiled, unhurriedly raised two fingers, and explained this opportunity. It was truly a hand reaching down from the clouds to rescue men caught in heaven's net. As for exactly what opportunity Strategist Wu Yong described, let us hear it told in the next chapter.