الفصل الحادي والخمسون

الفصل الحادي والخمسون

Here is the translation:

It will be recalled that Song Jiang had arranged for "Ten Feet of Blue" to be married to Wang Ying, and everyone praised Song Gongming for his benevolence. That same day, a feast was held to celebrate. In the midst of the banquet, a man sent by Zhu Gui's inn came up to the mountain to report: "A party of travelers passed along the main road before the woods. Our men went out to intercept them, and among them was one who claimed to be Lei Heng, chief constable of Yuncheng County. Chief Zhu invited him to stay. He is now at the inn, eating and drinking his allotted share of provisions. He sent me ahead to inform you." Chao Gai and Song Jiang were overjoyed upon hearing this, and immediately went down the mountain with the military advisor Wu Yong to greet him. Zhu Gui had already sent a boat to ferry them to the shore at Golden Sands. When Song Jiang saw Lei Heng, he hastily bowed and said, "It has been long since I last beheld your honored countenance, and I have constantly thought of you. What happy fortune brings you through this humble place today?" Lei Heng quickly returned the courtesy and said, "Your younger brother was sent on official business to Dongchang Prefecture by our county office. On my way back, I passed by the crossroads, where your men stopped me and demanded a road toll. I mentioned my humble name, and therefore Brother Zhu insisted on detaining me." Song Jiang said, "Heaven sends this blessing!" He invited Lei Heng up to the great stronghold, where all the chiefs were introduced to him, and a feast was laid on for him. Lei Heng stayed for five days in a row, spending each day in idle conversation with Song Jiang. Chao Gai inquired after Zhu Tong's news, and Lei Heng replied, "Zhu Tong is now serving as the prison warden of our county, and the newly appointed magistrate is exceedingly pleased with him." Song Jiang broached the matter tactfully, trying to persuade Lei Heng to stay and join them on the mountain, but Lei Heng declined on account of his aged mother, saying he could not follow them now, but that after he had seen his mother through to the end of her days, he would come and join them. Lei Heng then took his leave and went down the mountain. Song Jiang and the others earnestly tried to detain him, but could not. Each of the chiefs presented him with gifts of gold and silk—not to mention what Song Jiang and Chao Gai themselves gave. Lei Heng went down the mountain with a large bundle of gold and silver, and all the chiefs escorted him to the crossroads to bid him farewell. They sent him by boat across to the main road, and he returned to Yuncheng County. Let us speak no more of this.

Now let us tell of Chao Gai and Song Jiang, who returned to the great stronghold and the Hall of Justice and Assembly, where they invited the military advisor Wu Xueshou to deliberate on the duties of the mountain stronghold. Wu Yong had already discussed the matter with Song Gongming, and the next day they gathered all the chiefs to hear the orders. First, they appointed the chiefs to guard the inns outside. Song Jiang said: "Sun Xin and Gu Dasao originally kept an inn, so let this husband and wife replace Tong Wei and Tong Meng, who shall be assigned elsewhere." Then he ordered Shi Qian to assist Shi Yong, Yue He to assist Zhu Gui, and Zheng Tianshou to assist Li Li. The four inns to the east, south, west, and north would sell wine and meat and receive heroes from all quarters who wished to join them. Each inn would have two chiefs assigned to it. "Ten Feet of Blue" and Short Wang Ying were to encamp at the rear mountain, overseeing the horses. The small stronghold at Golden Sands was to be guarded by the brothers Tong Wei and Tong Meng. The small stronghold at Duck's Bill Beach was to be guarded by the uncle and nephew Zou Yuan and Zou Run. The main road in front of the mountain was to be defended by Huang Xin and Yan Shun, who would encamp with the cavalry. Xie Zhen and Xie Bao were to guard the First Pass in front of the mountain. Du Qian and Song Wan were to guard the Second Pass at Wanzi City. Liu Tang and Mu Hong were to guard the Third Pass at the great stronghold's entrance. The three Ruan brothers were to guard the water stronghold on the mountain's southern side. Meng Kang would continue as before, supervising the building of war vessels. Li Ying, Du Xing, and Jiang Jing would manage the stronghold's money, grain, gold, and silk. Tao Zongwang and Xue Yong would supervise the construction of the inner walls and watchtowers of Liangshan Marsh. Hou Jian would oversee the making of robes, armor, banners, and war garments. Zhu Fu and Song Qing would manage the feasts and banquets. Mu Chun and Li Yun would supervise the building of houses and stockade fences. Xiao Rang and Jin Dajian would handle all correspondence and official documents for guests. Pei Xuan would preside over the Military Affairs Commission, rewarding merit and punishing faults. The remaining chiefs—Lü Fang, Guo Sheng, Sun Li, Ou Peng, Ma Lin, Deng Fei, Yang Lin, and Bai Sheng—were assigned to rest in the eight directions around the great stronghold. Chao Gai, Song Jiang, and Wu Yong would reside in the stronghold at the mountain's summit. Hua Rong and Qin Ming would reside in the stronghold on the mountain's left flank. Lin Chong and Dai Zong would reside in the stronghold on the mountain's right flank. Li Jun and Li Kui would reside in front of the mountain. Zhang Heng and Zhang Shun would reside behind the mountain. Yang Xiong and Shi Xiu would guard both sides of the Hall of Justice and Assembly. When all the chiefs had been assigned their posts, each day one chief in turn would host a feast in celebration. The organization of the mountain stronghold was exceedingly orderly. There is a poem that testifies to this:

Lofty and mighty, the stronghold stands amid the waters,

Duties divided, each chief assigned his proper task.

Because the imperial court knew no restraint,

The marshes gave rise to soaring eagles.

Lei Heng left Liangshan Marsh, shouldered his bundle, took up his broad saber, and made his way back to Yuncheng County. Arriving home, he paid his respects to his aged mother, changed his clothes, collected his reply documents, and went straight to the county office to report to the magistrate. He delivered his report, filed the official documents and dispatches, and returned home to rest for the time being. As before, he continued to report for duty each day at the county office, attending roll calls and awaiting assignments.

One day, as he was walking past the east entrance of the county yamen, he heard someone behind him call out: "Chief Constable, when did you get back?" Lei Heng turned around and saw it was Li Xia'er, an idler in the county. Lei Heng replied, "I only just got back the day before yesterday." Li Xia'er said, "Chief Constable, you've been away a long time. You don't know that recently a performer has come here from the Eastern Capital—a singing girl of both beauty and talent, called Bai Xiuying. That girl came to pay her respects to you, but you happened to be away on official business. Now she's performing in the entertainment house, singing all kinds of tunes. Every day there are all sorts of acts—dancing, playing flutes, plucking strings, singing—drawing crowds so thick they look like mountains and seas. Why don't you go and take a glance? She's truly a fine piece of work!" Lei Heng heard this and, having nothing pressing to do, went straight with Li Xia'er to the entertainment house to watch. At the entrance hung many gold-lettered banners, and from the flagstaff hung life-size back banners. Going inside, he sat down in the first seat at the head of the green dragon. On the stage, a comic farce was being performed. Li Xia'er slipped away from Lei Heng in the crowd and went outside to chase after a bowl of warm wine.

When the farce ended, an old man wearing a skullcap-style kerchief, dressed in a tea-brown silk robe with a black sash, came up holding a fan and announced: "This old man is from the Eastern Capital. I am Bai Yuqiao. Now that I'm old, I rely on my daughter Xiuying's singing, dancing, flute-playing, and string-playing to serve the audience everywhere under heaven." The gongs sounded, and Bai Xiuying came onto the stage. She bowed to the four directions, picked up her clappers, and tapped them like scattering beans. She brought down a wooden block and recited a four-line poem in seven characters, then said: "Today, Xiuying's sign clearly states that this performance is a tale of romantic refinement, called 'Shuang Jian of Yuzhang City Chases Su Qing.'" She spoke and then sang, sang and then spoke, and the entire audience cheered without cease. Lei Heng, sitting above, looked at the woman and saw that she was indeed unrivaled in both beauty and talent. Observe:

Her silk robes piled like snow, her jeweled hair bun stacked like clouds.

Cherry-red lips, an apricot face and peach-blossom cheeks;

Willow-like waist, an orchid heart and sweet nature.

Her singing voice was melodious, like an oriole crying from a branch;

Her dancing was graceful, her shadow like a phoenix turning among flowers.

Her tunes followed ancient modes, her notes flowed from nature,

High and low, fast and slow, all in accordance with the musical scales;

Light and heavy, quick and slow, all in keeping with the rules.

The bamboo flute played purple bamboo tunes, each phrase brocade;

The red clappers beat out new characters, every word fresh.

When Bai Xiuying reached the climactic point of her song, Bai Yuqiao, holding the beat, said: "Though I lack the art of buying horses and acquiring gold, I would move the discerning and wise among you. The audience has cheered and said enough is enough. My dear, take a break for a moment, then we'll do a drum-accompanied farce." Bai Xiuying picked up a tray and pointed, saying: "Rise from the door of wealth, dwell on ground of profit, pass through ground of good fortune, walk on ground of prosperity—when fortune comes to your hand, do not let it pass empty." Bai Yuqiao said: "My dear, go around once; the audience is waiting to reward you." Bai Xiuying held out her tray and went first to Lei Heng. Lei Heng reached into his pouch, but found not a single coin. Lei Heng said, "I forgot today and didn't bring any with me. I'll give it to you tomorrow." Bai Xiuying smiled and said, "If the first pour of vinegar is weak, the whole batch is tasteless. You, sir, sit in a position of honor—you should set the standard." Lei Heng's face flushed red. "I simply didn't bring any with me. It's not that I'm unwilling." Bai Xiuying said, "If you came to listen to the singing, how could you forget to bring money?" Lei Heng said, "I'd happily give you three or five ounces of silver—no matter. I just hate that I forgot it today." Bai Xiuying said, "You don't have a single coin today, yet you talk of three or five ounces of silver? This is like 'quenching thirst by thinking of plums, satisfying hunger by looking at cakes.'" Bai Yuqiao called out: "My dear, you have no eyes! You don't look at whether they're city folk or country folk—why do you keep asking him for anything? Go over and ask a generous patron who understands the custom to set the standard." Lei Heng said, "Am I not someone who understands customs?" Bai Yuqiao said, "If you understood the ways of performers, horns would grow on a dog's head." The crowd joined in with him. Lei Heng flew into a rage and cursed, "How dare this insolent slave insult me?" Bai Yuqiao said, "So I curse you, an ox-herding yokel from the sticks—what does it matter?" Someone who recognized him shouted: "Don't do that! This is Chief Constable Lei of the county." Bai Yuqiao said, "More likely a donkey's tendon head." Lei Heng could bear it no longer. He leaped down from his seat onto the stage, seized Bai Yuqiao, and punched and kicked him until his lips split and teeth fell out. The crowd, seeing the fight turn vicious, rushed in to break it up and urged Lei Heng to leave. The people in the entertainment house scattered in an uproar.

It turned out that Bai Xiuying had been on intimate terms with the newly appointed county magistrate back in the Eastern Capital, and had come to Yuncheng County specifically for the purpose of opening a variety hall there. The courtesan, seeing that her father had been beaten by Lei Heng and was badly wounded, had herself carried in a sedan chair straight to the magistrate's yamen. She filed a complaint that Lei Heng had beaten her father, broken up the performance, and meant to take advantage of her. The magistrate flew into a rage upon hearing this. "Prepare the indictment at once!" This was what was known as "pillow talk power." He then ordered Bai Qiaoqiao to write out the formal complaint, the wounds were examined, and witnesses were identified. Many in the county were on good terms with Lei Heng and tried to intervene on his behalf with the magistrate, but that woman kept herself installed inside the yamen, wheedling and carrying on so that the magistrate had no choice but to act. He immediately dispatched officers to arrest Lei Heng and bring him to court. Lei Heng was beaten on the spot, his confession was taken, and a cangue was placed upon him. He was then dragged out to be displayed publicly as a warning. The woman, eager to show her power, went to the magistrate again and insisted that Lei Heng be paraded in front of the variety hall. The next day, when the woman was about to perform again, the magistrate ordered that Lei Heng be made to stand in the cangue before the entrance to the variety hall. The jailers, however, were all men of the same rank as Lei Heng, fellow officers, and none of them were willing to manhandle him. The woman thought this over for a while. Having made a public example of him, she was vexed but could do nothing about it. She walked out of the variety hall, sat down in a teahouse, and summoned the jailers to come and receive her words. "You are all in league with him and let him sit at his ease. The magistrate ordered you to put him in the cangue and display him, yet you curry favor with him instead. In a moment I shall speak to the magistrate and see whether he can deal with you!" One of the jailers said, "Madam, do not be angry. We shall put him in the cangue at once." Bai Xiuying said, "If you do so, I shall reward you with money myself." The jailers had no choice but to go to Lei Heng and say, "Brother, we have no option—please do not take offense, but we must put you in the cangue for a while." They put the cangue on Lei Heng and paraded him in the street.

In the crowd, Lei Heng's mother happened to arrive with his meal. When she saw her son manhandled and put in the cangue, she began to weep and cursed the jailers. "You men go in and out of the yamen just as my son does. Is money really so powerful? Who can guarantee that such things will never happen to you?" A jailer replied, "Listen to me, old mother. We would show mercy, but how can we when the plaintiff has insisted on having him put on display here? We have no room to maneuver. If we fail, she will go to the magistrate and make life miserable for us, so we cannot afford to lose face." The old woman said, "When has it ever been known for a plaintiff personally to supervise the punishment of the defendant?" The jailers said in low voices, "Old mother, she is on such good terms with the magistrate that a single word from her could ruin us. That is why we are caught in a dilemma." The old woman set about unfastening the cangue herself, cursing as she worked: "This wretched, scheming woman, relying on her connections! Let me untie this rope and see what she will do now!" Bai Xiuying, who was in the teahouse, heard this and came over at once. "What did you old creature just say?" The old woman was in no mood for pleasantries. She pointed at her and cursed, "You bitch, ridden by a thousand men, violated by ten thousand, you low-born mongrel—what business have you to curse me?" Bai Xiuying heard these words, her willow brows shot up, her starry eyes blazed, and she screamed, "You old biter, you pauper, you low creature—how dare you curse me?" The old woman said, "What if I curse you? You are not the magistrate of Yuncheng County." Bai Xiuying flew into a rage, lunged forward, and slapped the old woman hard, sending her staggering. The old woman tried to struggle up, but Bai Xiuying rushed in again and rained heavy blows upon her face. Lei Heng was a devoted son. Seeing his mother being beaten, fury rose from his heart. He raised the cangue and brought it down upon Bai Xiuying's skull. The edge of the cangue struck her squarely, splitting her skull open. She fell to the ground with a thud. The onlookers saw that Bai Xiuying's brains had burst forth, her eyes were bulging from their sockets, and she was no longer moving. It was clear that she was dead.

Seeing that Bai Xiuying had been killed, the crowd took Lei Heng and went to the county office to report the matter. They laid out the whole affair before the magistrate. The magistrate at once sent men to bring Lei Heng down from his display, assembled the relevant officials, summoned the village headman and the neighbors, and had the body examined. All were then escorted back to the county office. Lei Heng confessed everything without reservation. His mother was permitted to take him home and await further orders. Lei Heng was put in the cangue and thrown into the jail. The head jailer was the "Beautiful Beard" Zhu Tong. When Lei Heng was committed to his care, Zhu Tong could do nothing for him. He could only arrange food and wine and have a small jailer clean out a cell and settle Lei Heng in it. Shortly afterward, Lei Heng's mother came to the jail with a meal, weeping and entreating Zhu Tong. "This old woman is over sixty years of age. I have only this child upon whom I can set my eyes. I beg you, Brother Warden, for the sake of the bond between you as brothers in ordinary times, to take pity on my child and look after him." Zhu Tong said, "Old mother, please go home and rest assured. From now on you need not bring meals—I will see to that myself. If an opportunity arises, I will try to help him." Lei Heng's mother said, "If you save my child, you will be his father and mother reborn. If anything happens to him, this old woman's life will be forfeit as well." Zhu Tong said, "I will keep this in mind. Old mother, do not worry." The old woman bowed her thanks and left. Zhu Tong pondered the matter for a whole day but could find no way to rescue Lei Heng. Zhu Tong himself sent people to intervene with the magistrate on Lei Heng's behalf and spent money on his behalf both above and below. The magistrate, though he was fond of Zhu Tong, hated Lei Heng for having killed his mistress Bai Xiuying and would not hear of letting him go. And then there was that scoundrel Bai Qiaoqiao pressing the case, piling up documents, and demanding that the magistrate sentence Lei Heng to death. Lei Heng had been in jail sixty days, and when the statutory period expired, the case was concluded and he was sent on to Jizhou. The chief clerk took the documents ahead, and Zhu Tong was ordered to escort Lei Heng on the journey.

Zhu Tong led some ten petty jailers escorting Lei Heng out of Yuncheng County. After they had traveled about ten li, they came upon a wine shop. Zhu Tong said, "Let's all stop here and have a couple bowls of wine." The men went into the inn and drank. Zhu Tong took Lei Heng aside by himself, on the pretext of relieving himself, and led him to a secluded spot behind the inn. There he removed the cangue, released Lei Heng, and said, "Brother, go home on your own, fetch your old mother quickly, and flee by night to some other place to escape this trouble. I'll take the legal consequences here myself." Lei Heng said, "My going away is one matter, but I'll certainly bring trouble upon you, brother." Zhu Tong said, "Brother, you don't understand. The magistrate is angry that you killed his mistress and has drawn up the case as a murder. When you're sent to the prefecture, they'll surely demand your life. I've let you go, but I don't deserve a death sentence. Besides, I have no parents to worry about, and my entire household property can be sold to make compensation. You go your way far and wide." Lei Heng bowed his thanks, then fled out the back gate by a side path to his home. He gathered up his valuables and bundles, led his old mother away, and by night set off for Liangshan Marsh to join the band. But no more of this.

Now Zhu Tong placed the empty cangue among the grass and came out to the other petty jailers, saying, "Lei Heng has escaped. What are we going to do?" The men said, "Let's hurry to his house and seize him." Zhu Tong deliberately delayed for half the morning, reckoning that Lei Heng had gone far by now, and then led the men back to the county office to report. Zhu Tong stated, "This officer was careless on the road, and Lei Heng escaped. He is now a fugitive, and I have been unable to capture him. I willingly accept punishment without complaint." The magistrate had always been fond of Zhu Tong and was inclined to let him off lightly, but Bai Yuqiao insisted on reporting to his superior that Zhu Tong had deliberately released Lei Heng. The magistrate had no choice but to send the particulars of Zhu Tong's offense to Jizhou. Zhu Tong's family sent men to the prefecture to spend money freely on his behalf, but Zhu Tong was still escorted to Jizhou. There he was examined openly in the main hall, sentenced to twenty strokes of the heavy rod, and condemned to penal servitude in Cangzhou's prison camp. Zhu Tong had to put on the cangue. Two guards received the documents and set off with him on the road. His family sent clothing and travel money ahead, which they delivered to the two guards. They left Yuncheng County and made their way toward Cangzhou's Henghai Commandery. Nothing worth telling happened along the way.

When they reached Cangzhou, they entered the city and went to the prefectural office, arriving just as the prefect was holding court. The two guards escorted Zhu Tong before the steps of the hall and presented their documents. The prefect read them and saw that Zhu Tong was a man of uncommon appearance—his face was as red as a dark date and his fine beard hung past his abdomen. The prefect was at once eight parts pleased. He ordered that the prisoner not be sent to the prison camp but kept at the prefecture to await assignment. The cangue was removed on the spot, and a reply was issued. The two guards took their leave and returned home.

Zhu Tong remained at the prefectural office, attending the prefect's summons every day before the hall. The chief jailers, watchmen, gatekeepers, clerks, wardens, and turnkeys of Cangzhou Prefecture all presented him with gifts, and seeing that Zhu Tong was amiable, they all came to like him. One day the prefect was seated in the hall holding court, and Zhu Tong stood below the steps in attendance. The prefect summoned Zhu Tong up and asked, "Why did you let Lei Heng go, that you yourself have been condemned here?" Zhu Tong replied, "How would this officer dare to deliberately release Lei Heng? It was simply a moment's carelessness—he got away." The prefect said, "How did you come to receive so heavy a sentence?" Zhu Tong said, "The plaintiff insisted that I had confessed to deliberately releasing him, and so the charge was made more serious." The prefect said, "How did Lei Heng come to kill that singing girl?" Zhu Tong gave a detailed account of the whole affair involving Lei Heng. The prefect said, "Did you see that he was devoted to filial piety and release him out of loyalty and honor?" Zhu Tong said, "How would this officer dare to deceive his lord and deceive his sovereign?"

Just as they were speaking, a little yamen boy appeared from behind the screen. He was only four years of age, handsome and dignified—the prefect's own son, whom he treasured as though he were gold and jade. Seeing Zhu Tong, the little boy walked straight over and demanded to be carried. Zhu Tong had no choice but to take him in his arms. The boy seized Zhu Tong's long beard with both hands and said, "I just want this bearded man to carry me." The prefect said, "Child, let go quickly and don't be a nuisance." The boy said again, "I just want this bearded man to carry me and go play." Zhu Tong said, "This officer will carry the young master for a stroll in front of the prefectural office and return shortly." The prefect said, "Since the child wants you to carry him, go play with him for a while and bring him back." Zhu Tong carried the boy out of the prefectural office and bought him some fine sweets and candies. After walking about for a while, he carried him back inside. The prefect saw them and asked the boy, "Where have you been?" The boy said, "This bearded man took me to watch the sights on the street and bought me candy and fruit to eat." The prefect said, "Where did you get money to buy things for the child?" Zhu Tong said, "It is but a small token of this officer's devotion—hardly worth mentioning!" The prefect had wine brought for Zhu Tong to drink. A serving woman from the household brought a silver flask and a tray of fruit and poured wine, and Zhu Tong drank three large measured cups. The prefect said, "Whenever the child wants you to play with him, you may carry him yourself." Zhu Tong said, "Your Honor's command—how would I dare disobey?" From then on, every day Zhu Tong took the little boy out for a stroll in the streets. Zhu Tong had ample funds, and as long as the prefect was pleased, he spent freely on the boy.

Half a month later, it was the fifteenth day of the seventh month, the great Ullambana feast, when river lanterns were lit everywhere as was the annual custom, and good deeds were performed. That evening, the serving maids and nursemaids in the hall called out, "Constable Zhu, the Young Master wants to go see the river lanterns tonight. The Lady says you're to carry him and take him to have a look." Zhu Tong said, "I'll carry him." The Young Master came out wearing a green gauze shirt, with two strings of pearl-tasseled hair ribbons tied to his horn-like topknots. Zhu Tong hoisted him onto his shoulder, turned, and came out from the yamen to head to the Temple of Ksitigarbha to see the river lanterns being lit. It was just the beginning of the first watch, and what they saw was:

The temple bells sounded distant and dim, the banner shadows swayed and fluttered.

In the censers burned the finest incense of a hundred blended fragrances, and on the trays were laid all manner of vegetarian offerings.

The monks held golden pestles, chanting true words to deliver the souls of the dead;

The people arranged silver coins, wearing mourning clothes to elevate the lingering spirits.

The assembled merit depicted the eight difficulties and three evil paths of the underworld;

The temple's solemn surroundings arrayed the four births and six realms of hell.

Pure water willow branches were distributed at the willow's tip, and bright lanterns were released in the lotus pond.

At that time, Zhu Tong carried the Young Master on his shoulder and circled the temple once, then came to the side of the liberation pool in the Hall of the Six Paths to watch the river lanterns being released. The Young Master climbed up on the railing, watching and laughing with delight. Then someone behind them pulled Zhu Tong's sleeve and said, "Brother, step aside a moment. I need a word with you." Zhu Tong turned around and saw it was Lei Heng. He was greatly startled and said, "Young Master, come down and sit here. I'll go buy you some candy to eat. Don't you move." The Young Master said, "Hurry back, I want to go to the bridge to see the river lanterns." Zhu Tong said, "I'll be right back." He turned and spoke with Lei Heng.

Zhu Tong said, "Brother, how did you come to be here?" Lei Heng pulled Zhu Tong to a quiet spot and bowed, saying, "Ever since you saved my life, my old mother and I had nowhere to go, so we had to go up to Liangshan Marsh and joined Song Jiang. I told them of your kindness, and Song Jiang too has long thought of the kindness you showed him in letting him go in the past. The Chao Chief and all the other leaders are deeply grateful, and so they specially sent Military Advisor Wu and my brother here to look in on you." Zhu Tong said, "Where is Master Wu now?" Wu Yunsheng stepped out from behind and said, "Wu Yong is here." Having spoken, he bowed. Zhu Tong hastily returned the bow and said, "It's been a long time. I trust you have been well, Master." Wu Yunsheng said, "The leaders of the mountain stronghold all send their respects. This time they sent me and Constable Lei here especially to invite you, sir, to come up to the mountain and join us in our great cause. We have been here for several days now and did not dare show ourselves. Tonight we were able to wait on you. I beg you, elder brother, to take that honored step and go with us to the stronghold, to fulfill the wishes of Chao and Song." When Zhu Tong heard this, he was silent for a long while and could not answer. Then he said, "Master, you are mistaken! Say no more about this. I fear it would not be good if outsiders heard of it. Brother Lei Heng committed a crime punishable by death on his own account. Out of loyalty, I let him go, and as a result I could not show my face and had to go up the mountain and join the band. Because of him I was also exiled here. If Heaven takes pity, in a year or so I will struggle my way back home and once again become a law-abiding citizen. How could I ever do such a thing as you propose? The two of you may as well return. Do not stay here and cause trouble." Lei Heng said, "Brother, all you do here is serve under others—it is no task for a true man. It is not that I am trying to drag you up the mountain. The truth is that Chao and Song have long admired you. Do not delay and bring misfortune upon yourself." Zhu Tong said, "Brother, what kind of talk is this? Don't you think of how I let you go for the sake of your aged mother and your poor family? And now you come to ensnare me into doing what is unjust!" Wu Yunsheng said, "Since the constable is unwilling to go, we will take our leave and be on our way." Zhu Tong said, "Please convey my humble name to all the leaders." They went together to the bridge.

Zhu Tong returned to find the young master gone and cried out in distress, searching everywhere with no clue. Lei Heng seized Zhu Tong and said, "Brother, stop searching. Most likely it was the two attendants I brought with me. When they heard you were not willing to go, they carried off the young master themselves. Let us go together and look for him." Zhu Tong said, "Brother, this is no laughing matter. This young master is the very life of the prefect—he was entrusted to my care." Lei Heng said, "Brother, just come with me." Zhu Tong joined Lei Heng and Wu Yong, and the three left the Temple of the Earth God and made straight for outside the city. Zhu Tong, flustered, asked, "Where have your attendants taken the young master?" Lei Heng said, "Brother, just keep walking. When we reach my lodging, I guarantee you will have the young master back." Zhu Tong said, "If we delay too long, I fear the prefect will take offense." Wu Yong said, "Those two attendants I brought are simpletons. They must have carried him straight to our lodging." Zhu Tong said, "What are your attendants' names?" Lei Heng replied, "I don't know them myself. I only heard them call one 'Black Whirlwind' Li Kui." Zhu Tong started in alarm and said, "Could it be the Li Kui who killed men in Jiangzhou?" Wu Yong said, "That is the very man." Zhu Tong stamped his foot and wailed, then hurried on in pursuit. After they had gone about twenty li from the city, they saw Li Kui up ahead calling out, "I am here!" Zhu Tong rushed forward and asked, "Where have you put the young master?" Li Kui made a salute and said, "Greetings, Brother Jieji. The young master is here." Zhu Tong said, "Bring the out the young master and return him to me, safe and sound." Li Kui pointed to his head and said, "The young master's hair is on my head." Zhu Tong looked, and then asked where the young master himself was. Li Kui said, "I rubbed some numbing medicine in his mouth, dragged him out of the city, and now he is sleeping in the woods. Go look for yourself." By the bright moonlight, Zhu Tong rushed into the woods to search, and there saw the young master lying on the ground. When Zhu Tong reached down to lift him, he saw his head split in two—he was already dead.

In his fury, Zhu Tong charged out of the woods, but the three men had already vanished. He looked about on every side and saw only "Black Whirlwind" Li Kui, far off, clapping his twin battle-axes and calling, "Come, come, come—let us fight thirty rounds!" Zhu Tong's fighting spirit flared up; throwing all caution to the wind, he hitched up his tunic and strode forward in hot pursuit. Li Kui turned and ran, with Zhu Tong chasing behind. But Li Kui was a man accustomed to crossing mountains and scaling ridges—how could Zhu Tong ever catch up? He was soon panting in great gasps. Yet Li Kui, ahead of him, kept calling, "Come, come, come—let us fight to the death!" Zhu Tong could have swallowed him in one gulp with his rage, but he simply could not overtake him. On and on they went, and the sky gradually grew light. Li Kui ran fast when pursued fast, walked slowly when pursued slowly, and stopped when not pursued at all—until at last he was chased right into the grounds of a large manor house. Zhu Tong looked and said, "Since that fellow has a lair here, I will not let this matter rest."

Zhu Tong followed him straight into the manor and up to the front of the inner hall. Seeing weapons of all kinds racked on both sides, Zhu Tong said, "This must be the home of an official family." He stopped, raised his voice, and called, "Is anyone in the manor?" From behind a screen a man emerged. Who was this man? He was truly one:

*A scion of golden branches and jade leaves for generations past, a phoenix son and dragon grandson of a former dynasty, whose household was shielded by iron-bound charters of hereditary privilege, whose fame for welcoming worthies spread ten thousand li. He received guests with warmth and good cheer, and scattered gold like the spring sunshine. A Mengchang Jun of literary and martial gifts—the clever "Small Whirlwind" Chai Jin.*

The man who emerged was "Whirlwind" Chai Jin. He asked, "Who is that?" Zhu Tong saw that this man was stately and handsome in bearing, and hastily offered a bow. He replied, "This humble man is Zhu Tong, a prison official of Yuncheng County, sentenced to penal transportation here. Last night, because I went out with the prefect's young master to watch the lanterns released on the river, 'Black Whirlwind' killed the young master. He is now hiding in your honorable estate. I beg you to lend your strength to capture him and hand him over to the authorities."

Chai Jin said, "Since you are the 'Beautiful-Bearded Gentleman,' please, sit down."

Zhu Tong said, "This humble man does not presume to ask the master's honored name."

Chai Jin replied, "My name is Chai Jin. 'Whirlwind' is what they call me."

Zhu Tong said, "I have long heard of your great name!" He quickly bowed and added, "I never expected to have the honor of meeting you today!"

Chai Jin said, "I, too, have long heard of the 'Beautiful-Bearded Gentleman.' Please, let us speak in the rear hall."

Zhu Tong followed Chai Jin all the way inside.

Zhu Tong said, "How dare that scoundrel 'Black Whirlwind' come straight into your honorable estate to hide?"

Chai Jin said, "Allow me to explain. All my life I have been devoted to befriending gallant men of the rivers and lakes. Because my ancestors performed the merit of yielding the throne at Chen Bridge, the former emperor bestowed upon my family an iron certificate inscribed in red ink. Anyone who has committed wrongdoing and is sheltered in my home dares not be searched. Recently, a dear friend of mine—who is also an old acquaintance of yours—is now a chieftain at Liangshan Marsh. His name is 'Timely Rain' Song Jiang. He sent a secret letter, and Wu Yong, Lei Heng, and 'Black Whirlwind' all came to stay at my humble estate. They respectfully invited you to join us on the great mountain, to unite in our righteous cause. But seeing that you refused, they purposely had Li Kui kill the young master, cutting off your path of return, so that you would have no choice but to ascend the mountain and take a seat among us. Master Wu, Brother Lei, why don't you come out and speak with him?"

At once Wu Yong and Lei Heng emerged from a side chamber, bowed to Zhu Tong, and said, "Elder brother, please forgive us. These were all orders from Brother Song Jiang. When you reach the stronghold, all will be made clear."

Zhu Tong said, "Then you brothers are truly devoted to your bond—but you are far too ruthless!"

Chai Jin did his utmost to placate him. Zhu Tong said, "I will go, but only on the condition that I see the face of 'Black Whirlwind' first!"

Chai Jin said, "Brother Li, come out quickly and speak with him."

Li Kui also came out from the side chamber and gave a deep salute. When Zhu Tong saw him, a nameless fire of rage rose three thousand feet in his heart, beyond all restraint. He sprang to his feet and rushed forward, ready to fight Li Kui to the death. Chai Jin, Lei Heng, and Wu Yong struggled desperately to restrain him.

Zhu Tong said, "If you want me to go up the mountain, you must grant me one thing, and then I will go."

Wu Yong said, "Never mind one thing—even dozens of things, we will grant them all. We are eager to hear what that one thing is."

It was precisely because Zhu Tong spoke of this one thing that great events followed—a great uproar at Gaozhou, a stirring of Liangshan Marsh, until a noble kinsman of the imperial house met the law and a hospitable royal relative perished in an earthen pit. But as to what Zhu Tong said, listen for the explanation in the next chapter.