الفصل الخمسون

الفصل الخمسون

It will be recalled that at this time the strategist Wu Yong addressed Dai Zong, saying: "Dear brother, return to our stronghold for me and bring back Iron-faced Magistrate Pei Yan, Scholar with the Magic Hand Xiao Rang, Long-armed Ape Hou Jian, and Jade-Arm Craftsman Jin Dajian. Have these four bring their tools and descend the mountain at once. I have use for them." Dai Zong departed.

Then a soldier came from outside the camp to report that Hu Cheng of the Hu Family Manor in the western village had led cattle and carried wine and come specially to request an audience. Song Jiang ordered him to be invited in. Hu Cheng arrived before the central army tent, bowed twice, and earnestly petitioned: "My younger sister acted coarsely and rashly; she is young and ignorant, and she has offended your majesty. Now that she has been captured, I beg you to forgive her. However, she was originally betrothed to the Zhujia Manor. On a former occasion, I acted on a momentary impulse of courage and fell into your clutches. If you would graciously release her, whatever you need I will offer in obeisance."

Song Jiang said, "Please sit and speak. Those scoundrels of Zhujia Manor have been outrageously impudent—they have wantonly bullied our stronghold. Therefore we have marched to exact vengeance. We bear no grudge against your Hu family. It is only that your sister led men to capture our Wang Ying, so in return we took your sister. If you release Wang Ying and return him to me, I will return your sister to you."

Hu Cheng replied: "I did not expect that Zhujia Manor had already taken this good man prisoner."

Scholar Wu then asked: "Where is our Wang Ying now?"

Hu Cheng said: "He is currently locked up in Zhujia Manor. How would I, a humble person, dare to go retrieve him?"

Song Jiang said: "If you do not go and get Wang Ying and return him to me, how can I return your sister to you?"

Scholar Wu said: "Elder brother, do not speak thus. Just follow my single suggestion: henceforth, whenever there is any commotion at Zhujia Manor, your manor must on no account send anyone to rescue them. If anyone from Zhujia Manor flees to you, you must bind them and keep them. If you capture anyone, then we will return your sister to your manor. Only, she is not at our camp now—some days ago we had her sent to the stronghold, where she is being cared for in the residence of Song Tai Gong. You may return home in peace. Here I have my own plan."

Hu Cheng said: "This time I absolutely dare not go to rescue them. If anyone from their manor truly comes to seek refuge with me, I will certainly bind them and present them beneath your banner."

Song Jiang said: "If you do this, it would be better to me than if you presented me with gold and silk." Hu Cheng bowed in thanks and departed.

Now then, Sun Li changed his banner to read "Sun Li, Garrison Commander of Dengzhou," and leading his party of men and horses, they all arrived at the rear gate of Zhujia Manor. The men on the wall inside the manor saw the Dengzhou banner and reported this inside the manor. Luan Tingyu, hearing that Sun the Garrison Commander from Dengzhou had come to visit, spoke to the three Zhu brothers: "This Sun the Garrison Commander is my sworn brother; we studied martial arts under the same teacher since childhood. How has he come here today?" He took some twenty horsemen, opened the manor gate, lowered the drawbridge, and came out to greet them. Sun Li and his party all dismounted, and after they had exchanged courtesies, Luan Tingyu asked: "Brother, you were stationed in Dengzhou—how have you come here?"

Sun Li replied: "The Regional Military Commission issued an official document transferring me to garrison Yunzhou here, to guard against the bandits of Liangshan Marsh. I passed this way and learned that you, brother, were at Zhujia Manor, so I came specially to visit. I had intended to come by the front gate, but seeing that the village entrance and the front of the manor were all encamped with many troops, I could not force my way through. I specially searched through the village and, following a small path, came to the manor's rear to enter and pay my respects to you, brother."

Luan Tingyu said: "It is just these past days that we have been fighting the bandits of Liangshan Marsh continuously. We have already captured several of their chieftains in the manor. We only need to capture the bandit chief Song Jiang and send them all to the official authorities together. Heaven has blessed us by sending you, brother, to garrison this area—it is like adding flowers to embroidery, like rain to a drought-stricken seedling."

Sun Li laughed and said: "This unworthy younger brother will see to assisting in capturing these scoundrels and completing your achievement, brother." Luan Tingyu was overjoyed.

At once he led them all into the manor, then raised the drawbridge again and closed the manor gate. Sun Li's party settled their wagons and men and horses, changed their clothes, and all came to the front hall to be introduced. The old master Zhu, and the three brothers Zhu Long, Zhu Hu, and Zhu Biao all met them, and the whole family received them before the hall. Luan Tingyu led Sun Li and the others up to the hall for the introductions. After the courtesies, he said to the old master Zhu: "This sworn brother of mine, Sun Lian, is by the nickname Sick Yuchi. He serves as Garrison Commander of Dengzhou. The Regional Military Commission has transferred him to garrison Yunzhou here."

The old master Zhu said: "I too am under your jurisdiction."

Sun Li said: "This humble post is not worth mentioning! In time to come I shall look to your lordship for support and guidance."

The three Zhu brothers invited all the honored guests to take their seats. Sun Li asked: "You have been fighting continuously these past days—the campaigns must have exhausted your spirits."

Zhu Long replied: "We have yet to see victory or defeat. All you honored brothers, you too must be weary from riding and fighting."

Sun Li then had Aunt Gu lead the two women, the wife of Yue Dasao and her kinswoman, to the rear hall to pay respects to the women of the household. He called Sun Xin, Xie Zhen, and Xie Bao forward and presented them, saying: "These three are my brothers." Pointing to Yue He, he said: "This gentleman is an official clerk sent here from Yunzhou." Pointing to Zou Yuan and Zou Run, he said: "These two are military officers sent from Dengzhou."

Though the old master Zhu and his three sons were clever, they saw that Sun Li had his old and young with him, along with many wagons, baggage, men, and horses; moreover, he was the sworn brother of their own Luan Tingyu. They had no suspicions whatsoever. They only set about slaughtering cattle and horses, preparing a banquet to entertain the guests, and feasting on food and wine.

One or two days passed, and on the third day, the manor soldiers reported, "Song Jiang has once more dispatched troops to attack the manor." Zhubiao said, "I will go out myself on horseback to capture this bandit." He rode out of the manor gate, lowered the drawbridge, and led over a hundred cavalry soldiers out to meet the enemy. They soon encountered a contingent of troops, about five hundred strong, at the head of which was the leader, bow slung across his body, arrows at his side, galloping forward with a spear—this was "Little Li Guang" Hua Rong. Upon seeing him, Zhubiao spurred his horse forward, spear leveled, to engage in combat. Hua Rong likewise charged on horseback to fight Zhubiao. The two battled at the front of Dragon Ridge for more than ten exchanges, neither gaining the upper hand. Hua Rong then feigned an opening, turned his horse, and fled, luring Zhubiao to give chase. Zhubiao was just about to spur his horse in pursuit when someone who recognized Hua Rong from behind called out, "General, do not pursue him—beware of hidden weapons, this man is an exceptional archer." Upon hearing this, Zhubiao reined in his horse and did not pursue, instead leading his men back to the manor and raising the drawbridge. When they looked at Hua Rong's forces, they too had withdrawn their troops. Zhubiao rode all the way to the front of the hall, dismounted, and went to the rear chamber to drink wine. Sun Li asked casually, "What bandit did you capture today, young general?" Zhubiao replied, "Among those scoundrels there is someone called 'Little Li Guang' Hua Rong—his spear technique is truly formidable. We fought for more than fifty exchanges, then that fellow fled. I was about to pursue him, but the soldiers told me that fellow is skilled with the bow, so each side withdrew." Sun Li said, "Tomorrow, watch this incompetent younger brother capture a few of them." That day at the banquet, they called for Le He to sing, and everyone was delighted.

When the banquet ended that evening, they rested another night. At noon on the fourth day, suddenly the manor soldiers reported, "Song Jiang's troops have come again and are now before the manor." Below the hall, the three sons—Zhu Long, Zhu Hu, and Zhubiao—all donned their armor and went out to the front gate of the manor. Gazing from afar, they soon heard the beating of gongs and drums, the shouting of soldiers, and the waving of banners, as the opposing side had already formed their battle array. Here, Zhaochaofeng sat atop the manor gate; on his left was Luan Tingyu, on his right was Commander Sun; the three heroes of the Zhu family and the many companions Sun Li had brought were arrayed on both sides. Soon they saw "Leopard Head" Lin Chong on Song Jiang's formation, shouting curses furiously. Zhu Long, burning with impatience, ordered the drawbridge lowered, took up his spear, mounted his horse, and led one or two hundred men with a great shout straight toward Lin Chong's formation. Drums were beaten beneath the manor gate, and both sides drew their crossbows and held their positions. Lin Giong leveled his eight-zhang snake-spear and engaged Zhu Long in battle; they fought for over thirty exchanges with neither side prevailing. Both sides beat their gongs and withdrew their horses. Zhu Hu flew into a rage, took up his saber, mounted his horse, and rode to the front of the formation, shouting loudly for Song Jiang to come out and fight. Before he finished speaking, a general had already ridden out from Song Jiang's formation—it was "No Hindrance" Mu Hong, coming to fight Zhu Hu. The two fought for over thirty exchanges, and again there was no winner. Zhubiao, seeing this, was enraged. He seized his spear, leaped onto his horse, and led over two hundred cavalry to the front of the formation. From Song Jiang's ranks, "Sick Guan Suo" Yang Xiong rode out on horseback with a spear, charging to fight Zhubiao. Sun Li saw the two sides battling at the front and could no longer restrain himself. He called to Sun Xin, "Bring my whip-spear," and had his armor, helmet, and robe brought out for him to don. He led over his own horse—this horse was called the "Black Steed"—saddled it, fastened three belly-straps, hung a steel whip with eye-like patterns from his wrist, and mounted with his spear. At the sound of a gong from the Zhu Family Manor, Sun Li rode out to the front of the formation. On Song Jiang's side, Lin Chong, Mu Hong, and Yang Xiong all reined in their horses and stood before the formation. Sun Li quickly rode out and said, "Watch me capture these scoundrels." Sun Li pulled his horse to a halt and called out, "Which of your bandit soldiers is skilled in combat? Come out and fight me to the death." From within Song Jiang's formation came the sound of a horse's bells, and a rider galloped out. When the men looked, it was "Risking Death" Shi Xiu, coming to fight Sun Lì. The two horses crossed, and both spears were raised. They fought for fifty exchanges, then Sun Li feigned an opening, letting Shi Xiu's spear thrust toward him; he dodged lightly and gently plucked Shi Xiu from his horse, carrying him straight to the front of the manor and throwing him down. He shouted, "Bind him!" The three sons of the Zhu family threw Song Jiang's troops into chaos and scattered them completely. The three sons gathered their forces and returned to the gate tower, where they saw Sun Li, and all clasped their hands in admiration. Sun Li then asked, "How many bandits have been captured in total?" Zhaochaofeng said, "At first we captured one Shi Qian, then we seized a spy, Yang Lin, and then a Huang Xin; from the Hu Family Manor, 'Yizhang Qing' captured one Wang Ying. On the battlefield we captured two, Qin Ming and Deng Fei. And today, Commander, you have captured this Shi Xiu—this is the very fellow who burned down our inn. That makes seven in all." Sun Li said, "Do not harm a single one of them. Quickly make seven prisoner carts to put them in, give them wine and food to nourish their bodies, and do not let them go hungry and grow thin—it would not look good. When we capture Song Jiang one day, we will all send them together to the Eastern Capital, so that the whole world may hear of it and spread the fame of these three heroes of the Zhu Family Manor." Zhaochaofeng thanked him, saying, "We are most fortunate to have the Commander's assistance. It seems the stronghold of Mount Liang is destined for destruction." He invited Sun Li to the rear chamber for a banquet. Shi Xiu himself was placed in the prisoner cart. Let it be known to the reader: Shi Xiu's martial skill was no less than Sun Li's. To deceive the people of the Zhu Family Manor, he deliberately let Sun Li capture him, so that the people of the manor would trust Sun Li even more. Sun Li also secretly sent Zou Yuan, Zou Run, and Le He to the rear rooms to observe all the entrances and exits. Yang Lin and Deng Fei saw Zou Yuan and Zou Run, and inwardly rejoiced. When Le He saw no one about, he passed a message to the others. Gu Dasao and the old woman Le had already observed the doorways and passages inside the rooms.

By the fifth day, Sun Li and the others were all strolling about the manor. That day, after the morning meal, around the hour of the morning watch, a soldier from the manor came to report: "Today Song Jiang has divided his forces into four columns to attack our manor."

Sun Li said: "What if he divided them into ten columns? You men under my command, do not panic. Make your preparations early. First arrange grappling hooks and lasso ropes—we must take them alive; killing them won't count." Everyone in the manor donned their armor. The old master Zhao personally led a group of men up onto the gate tower to look out. They saw to the east a column of troops, led at the front by a chieftain called "Leopard Head" Lin Chong, with Li Jun and Ruan Xiao'er behind him, numbering more than five hundred men and horses. To the west there was another five hundred or so troops, led at the front by a chieftain called "Little Li Hua" Hua Rong, with Zhang Heng and Zhang Shun behind him. Looking from the south gate tower, they also saw some five hundred troops, led at the front by three chieftains: "No Blockade" Mu Hong, "Sick Guan Suo" Yang Xiong, and "Black Whirlwind" Li Kui. Troops surrounded them on all four sides, war drums thundering in unison, and battle cries rising on all sides.

Luan Tingyu heard this and said: "Today when these scoundrels fight, we must not underestimate them. I will lead a detachment out the back gate and attack the troops to the northwest." Long Zhu said: "I will go out the front gate and attack the troops to the east." Long Hu said: "I will also go out the back gate and attack those to the southwest." Long Biao said: "I myself will go out the front gate and capture Song Jiang—he is the crucial chief of these bandits." The old master Zhao was greatly pleased and rewarded them all with wine. Each mounted his horse, taking some three hundred riders, and they galloped out the manor gates, while the rest stayed behind to shout and make a din before the manor courtyard gate tower. At this point, Zou Yuan and Zou Run had already hidden their great axes and were stationed to the left of the prison gate. Jie Zhen and Jie Bao had concealed their hidden weapons and did not leave the gate at the rear. Sun Xin and Yue He were already stationed to the left and right of the front gate. Gu Dasao first dispatched soldiers to protect Lady Yue, then took up two pairs of swords and paced back and forth in the main hall, listening only for the sound of movement before striking.

Now then, the drums on the Zhujia Manor were beaten three times, a cannon was fired, both the front and back gates were thrown open, the drawbridges were lowered, and they all rushed out to fight. The four columns of troops exited the gates and scattered in all directions to do battle. Afterward, Sun Li led some dozen soldiers and stood on the drawbridge. Inside the gate, Sun Xin raised the banners they had originally brought up on the gate tower, and Yue He, spear in hand, strode out singing loudly. Hearing Yue He's singing, Zou Yuan and Zou Run gave several whistles, swung their great axes, and immediately cut down several dozen soldiers guarding the prison gate. They then opened the prisoner cart and released the seven great tigers, who each found weapons and raised a shout. Gu Dasao drew her two pairs of swords and rushed straight into the rooms, killing every woman inside with a single stroke each. Seeing the situation turn against him, the old master Zhao was about to throw himself down a well when Shi Xiu hacked him down with a single stroke of his blade and cut off his head. The dozen or so heroes scattered to kill the manor soldiers. At the rear gate, Jie Zhen and Jie Bao set fire to the haystack, and black flames shot up into the sky.

The four columns of troops saw the fire rising from the manor and pressed forward with all their strength. Long Hu saw the fire in the manor and was the first to gallop back. Sun Li stood guard on the drawbridge and bellowed: "Where do you think you're going, you scoundrel?" He blocked the drawbridge. Long Hu held his tongue, wheeled his horse around, and galloped toward Song Jiang's formation. Here Lü Fang and Guo Sheng raised their two halberds together and immediately pierced Long Hu and his horse, sending them tumbling to the ground. The soldiers swarmed over them and hacked him to a bloody pulp. The vanguard scattered in all directions. Sun Li and Sun Xin went to welcome Song Jiang into the manor. Now then, on the eastern road, Long Zhu could not withstand Lin Chong and flew on horseback toward the rear of the manor. When he reached the drawbridge, he saw Jie Zhen and Jie Bao at the rear gate throwing the bodies of the manor's retainers one by one into the flames. Long Hu hastily turned his horse and fled north. Suddenly he crashed into the "Black Whirlwind," who leaped forward, swung his twin axes, and immediately hacked down the horse's legs. Long Zhu, caught off guard, was thrown from his mount, and Li Kui, with a single stroke of his axe, split his head open on the ground.

Long Biao heard the manor soldiers come to report and dared not return; he fled straight toward the Hujia Manor. But Hu Cheng had his retainers seize him and bind him, and they were just bringing him to see Song Jiang when they happened to run into Li Kui. With a single stroke of his axe, Li Kui hacked Long Biao's head to the ground. The retainers scattered in all directions. Li Kui then raised his twin axes again and charged straight at Hu Cheng. Seeing the situation was hopeless, Hu Cheng abandoned his horse and fled into the wilds, forsaking his home to save his life and fleeing to Yan'an Prefecture. Later, during the restoration, he also became an officer and military commander.

Now then, Li Kui was in the midst of a killing spree when he charged straight into the Hujia Manor and put every member of the Hu family, old and young, to the sword—not sparing a single one. He ordered the lesser soldiers to lead away all the horses they could find, loaded some forty or fifty pack animals with all the valuables in the manor, set fire to the manor compound's gate, and returned to present his spoils.

Song Jiang had already taken his seat in the main hall of the Zhu Family Manor. The chieftains all came to present their spoils: several hundred men taken alive, over five hundred fine horses captured, and countless cattle and sheep. Song Jiang was greatly pleased and said, "What a pity that Luan Tingyu, that fine hero, was killed." Even as he sighed with regret, a scout reported that Black Whirlwind had burned the Hu Family Manor and come to present a severed head. Song Jiang said, "Hu Cheng surrendered to us only days ago. Who told you to kill him? And why did you burn down his manor?" Black Whirlwind, his body smeared with blood and two battle-axes tucked at his waist, strode straight before Song Jiang, gave a deep salute, and said, "Brother killed Zhu Long, and Brother also hacked down Zhu Biao. That fellow Hu Cheng got away, but old Lord Hu and his whole family were wiped clean. Brother has come especially to claim merit." Song Jiang shouted, "Zhu Long was seen to be killed by someone else—how can the rest be credited to you?" Black Whirlwind said, "I was hacking away with a will and chased toward the Hu Family Manor. I ran right into Qingliang's brother, who was escorting Zhu Biao out. I felled him with one stroke. It's only a pity that fellow Hu Cheng got away. As for his manor, I killed every last one of them." Song Jiang roared, "You wretch, who told you to go? You should know that Hu Cheng came days ago leading cattle and carrying wine to surrender. How dare you disobey my orders and slaughter his entire household on your own authority, going against my command?" Li Kui said, "You may have forgotten, but I haven't. That fellow had that damn woman chase you down to kill you, and now you're doing him a favor. You haven't even married his sister, yet you're already thinking of your uncle and father-in-law." Song Jiang shouted, "You iron ox, stop your nonsense! How could I ever want that woman? I have my own plans for her. You black wretch—how many living men did you capture?" Li Kui answered, "Who the hell has the patience? Whenever I saw a living one, I hacked him down." Song Jiang said, "You have violated my military orders and deserve decapitation. But I will offset it against your merit for killing Zhu Long and Zhu Biao. Next time you disobey orders, I will show no mercy." Black Whirlwind laughed and said, "Even if I get no credit for merit, at least I had a good time killing."

Then Military Advisor Wu Yunsheng led a column of men and horses to the manor to drink a toast of congratulations with Song Jiang. Song Jiang consulted with Wu Yong about wiping out the entire village of the Zhu Family Manor. Shi Xiu reported, "That old man of the Zhongli clan is a man of benevolence and virtue. He showed us the way and saved us with great loyalty. There are other such good-hearted and decent folk among them as well. We must not wrong such good people." Song Jiang, upon hearing this, ordered Shi Xiu to find the old man. Shi Xiu went off and soon returned, leading the old man of the Zhongli clan to the manor to pay his respects to Song Jiang and Wu Yunsheng. Song Jiang took a package of gold and silk and rewarded the old man, saying, "If not for the grace your old face has shown us, I would have wiped out your entire village, leaving not a single household. Because your family has done good, I will spare all the people of this region on your account." The old man of the Zhongli clan could only bow again and again. Song Jiang further said, "I have disturbed your people here for days on end. Today we have smashed the Zhu Family Manor and removed a scourge from your village. I will grant every household one bushel of grain to show our goodwill." He had the old man of the Zhongli clan distribute it on his behalf. At the same time, all the surplus grain of the Zhu Family Manor was loaded onto carts. Gold, silver, and other valuables were used to reward the officers and men of the three armies. The remaining cattle, sheep, mules, and horses were taken back to the mountain for use. In smashing the Zhu Family Manor, they obtained five hundred thousand bushels of grain. Song Jiang was overjoyed. The chieftains, high and small, gathered the troops and horses and prepared to depart. Several new chieftains had also joined: Sun Li, Sun Xin, Xie Zhen, Xie Bao, Zou Yuan, Zou Run, Yue He, and Gu Dasao, along with seven heroes who had been rescued. Sun Li and the others had their horses bring along their own goods and belongings, together with their families and Lady Yue, following the main army up the mountain. The villagers along the way, leading their young and supporting their old, came with flowers, incense, lanterns, and candles to bow and give thanks along the road. Song Jiang and all the officers mounted their horses together, and the troops were arranged in three columns. The vanguard rang with the striking of golden stirrups, and the rear guard sang songs of triumph in unison. And so it was:

They rob, but they are not common robbers;

They are strong, and they are truly strong.

It is only because they destroy the wicked and eliminate the fierce

That they resort to plundering homes and lairs.

The countryside hates the local tyrants for their oppression;

The villages rejoice in the righteous men who bring relief.

When many tigers have compassion, they go to save petty thieves;

When a single dragon has no aid, it can hardly keep the flying tiger from the falcon.

We respectfully present a hundred thousand provisions to fill the marsh;

And we offer up still many men and livestock to trample Liangshan flat.

Let the story divide into two threads. Now it must be told that "Sky-Scraping Vulture" Li Ying had just recovered from his arrow wound and was keeping to his manor, having his gate closed. He secretly sent people to spy constantly on news of Zhu Family Manor and had already learned that Song Jiang had destroyed it—half delighted, half alarmed.

Then a manor servant came in to report: "The prefect of this prefecture has arrived at the manor with thirty or fifty officers and men, asking about the affair at Zhu Family Manor." Li Ying hastily told Du Xing to open the manor gate and lower the drawbridge to welcome them in. Li Ying wrapped a white silk cloth around his hand and came out to greet them, inviting them into the front hall inside the manor. The prefect dismounted and entered the hall, taking the seat of honor in the center. A legal clerk sat to the side, with a military inspector and several guards below him. On the steps were many jailers and prison guards. Li Ying bowed and stood before the hall. The prefect asked, "How did the massacre at Zhu Family Manor come about?"

Li Ying replied, "Because young sir was shot by Zhu Biao with an arrow and wounded in the left arm, I have kept my gates closed all along and dared not go out. I do not know the actual facts."

The prefect said, "Nonsense! Zhu Family Manor has lodged a complaint stating that you colluded with the bandits of Liangshan Marsh, lured their troops, and destroyed their manor. The other day you also received from them saddled horses, sheep, wine, colored silks, and gold and silver. How can you possibly deny this?"

Li Ying protested, "I am a man of law and propriety. How would I dare to accept their gifts?"

The prefect said, "It is hard to believe your words. We shall take you to the prefectural office, where you can argue your case clearly to their face." He ordered the jailers and prison guards to seize Li Ying and take him to the prefecture to be cross-examined alongside the Zhu family. The military inspectors and guards bound Li Ying, and the crowd escorted the prefect as he mounted his horse.

The prefect then asked, "Which of you is Manager Du, Du Xing?"

Du Xing said, "This insignificant one is he."

The prefect said, "Your name is also on the complaint. Take him along too—lock him up as well."

The whole party left the manor gate. Li Ying and Du Xing were taken into custody and marched away from Li Family Manor without a moment's rest. They had traveled no more than thirty *li* when suddenly Song Jiang, Lin Chong, Hua Rong, Yang Xiong, Shi Xiu, and their men burst out from the edge of a wood and blocked the road. Lin Chong roared, "The good men of Liangshan Marsh are gathered here together!"

The prefect and his men dared not resist. They abandoned Li Ying and Du Xing and fled for their lives. Song Jiang ordered his men to pursue them. They chased them for a distance, then returned and said, "If we had caught up with them, we would have killed that cursed prefect as well, but we don't know which way he went."

They then untied Li Ying and Du Xing and unlocked their fetches. Two horses were brought over, and they were given mounts. Song Jiang said, "I invite the Honorable Sir to come up to Liangshan Marsh and hide for a while. What do you say?"

Li Ying said, "That simply will not do. You killed the prefect—that has nothing to do with me."

Song Jiang laughed. "How could the authorities ever accept such an argument from you? Once we are gone, they will surely implicate you. Since the Honorable Sir is unwilling to join us as an outlaw, stay at the stronghold for a few days. When we hear that things have quieted down, you can go back down the mountain."

Under the circumstances, Li Ying and Du Xing had no choice but to go along. Surrounded by the great army, how could they have turned back? The three columns of troops wound their way back to Liangshan Marsh.

The chieftains at the stronghold—Chao Gai and the others—beat drums and played flutes as they came down the mountain to welcome them. A welcoming feast was held, and all ascended to the Great Hall of Assembly in the main stronghold, sitting around in a circle like a folding fan. Li Ying was invited up and introduced to all the chieftains. After the two sides had exchanged courtesies, Li Ying said to Song Jiang, "We two have already escorted you to the great stronghold and have met all the chieftains. It is no trouble for us to remain here, but I wonder how my family and household are faring. Please allow me to go back down the mountain."

Scholar Wu smiled and said, "The Honorable Sir is mistaken! Your entire household has already been brought up to the stronghold. Your manor has been burned to the ground with fire. Where would you return to?"

Li Ying did not believe it, but then he saw carts and horsemen and troops coming up the mountain in procession. When Li Ying looked, he recognized his own manor servants, along with his family and household. Li Ying hurriedly went to ask about it, and his wife said, "After you were arrested by the prefect, two patrol inspectors soon arrived with four chief constables, leading some three hundred local soldiers, to confiscate our property. They put us properly into carts and took everything—all the chests and boxes, cattle, sheep, horses, donkeys, mules, and so on. Then they set fire to the entire manor and burned it all down."

Li Ying could only cry out in anguish when he heard this. Chao Gai and Song Jiang both descended from the hall and bowed in apology, saying, "We brothers have long heard of the Honorable Sir's virtues, and for this reason we devised this plan. We humbly beg your forgiveness."

Seeing things in this light, Li Ying had no choice but to submit. Song Jiang said, "Please have your family rest in the side chambers at the rear of the hall."

Li Ying also noticed that many of the chieftains in front of and behind the hall had their own families and households there as well. He said to his wife, "We have no choice but to agree to their terms."

Song Jiang and the others then invited him to the front of the hall for casual conversation, and all were greatly pleased. Song Jiang said with a laugh, "Honorable Sir, look—I have had the two patrol inspectors and that prefect brought forward to meet you."

The one playing the prefect was Xiao Rang. The two playing the patrol inspectors were Dai Zong and Yang Lin. The one playing the legal clerk was Pei Xuan. The ones playing the guards were Jin Dajian and Hou Jian. The four chief constables summoned were Li Jun, Zhang Shun, Ma Lin, and Bai Sheng.

Li Ying stared at them all, mouth agape, unable to utter a word. Song Jiang ordered the petty officers to quickly slaughter cattle and horses to entertain the Honorable Sir and celebrate the twelve newly arrived chieftains—Li Ying, Sun Li, Sun Xin, Xie Zhen, Xie Bao, Zou Yuan, Zou Run, Du Xing, Yue He, and Shi Qiu. The women chieftains Hu Sanniang and Gu Dasao, together with Madame Yue and Li Ying's household, were seated separately at another table in the inner hall. The great and small armies were rewarded as appropriate. In the main hall, drums and gongs were played loudly, and the many heroes drank until late in the evening before dispersing. The newly arrived chieftains—

All were assigned quarters and settled in.

The next day, another feast was arranged to consult the chieftains on the matter. Song Jiang summoned Wang Ying, the Short Stature Tiger, and said to him: "When I was at Mount Qingfeng long ago, I promised you a wife. This matter has hung on my heart ever since, and I have never fulfilled that vow. Now my father has a daughter. I shall have you marry her." Song Jiang went personally to bring out Father Song and led "the Ten-Foot Green Snake" Hu Sanniang before the feast. Song Jiang himself spoke with her on his brother's behalf, saying: "My brother Wang Ying, though skilled in arms, falls short of you, worthy sister. I once promised him a wife, but the matter has never been accomplished until now. Today, worthy sister, you have acknowledged my father as your own. All the chieftains here serve as go-betweens. This is an auspicious day. Worthy sister, let you and Wang Ying be joined as husband and wife." The Ten-Foot Green Snake saw that Song Jiang was a man of profound honor and righteousness and could not refuse. The two of them had no choice but to bow in thanks. Chao Gai and the others were all delighted, praising Song Jiang as a man of true virtue and honor. That day they feasted and drank together in celebration.

In the midst of the banquet, a man came up from below the mountain and reported: "At Chieftain Zhu Gui's wineshop, there is a man from Yuncheng County who wishes to see the chieftains." When Chao Gai and Song Jiang heard this report, they were overjoyed and said: "Since this benefactor has come to join us on the mountain, our lifelong wish is fulfilled at last."

Those who cannot distinguish between kindness and enmity are no true heroes; only he who sees black and white with perfect clarity is a real man.

But as for who this man from Yuncheng County was, listen to the next chapter.