الفصل الرابع والخمسون

الفصل الرابع والخمسون

The text continues: Li Kui asked the man his name. The man said: "This humble person is named Tang Long. This person's father used to serve as a jailer in Yan'an Prefecture, and he died early. This person only knows how to forge metal. There is no other skill. This person has a fiery temperament, and if provoked by someone, this person will fight to the death. Right now this person is just forging iron for people at this market town to earn a living." Li Kui said: "I didn't expect to see such fine skill on the road! Brother, with your strength and your skill in forging weapons, why not come with me to join the Liangshan Marsh stronghold? There you would have a great use for your abilities." Tang Long said: "Sir, where do you intend to go?" Li Kui said: "I am going to Gaotangzhou with Gongsun Sheng to rescue Song Jiang." Tang Long said: "This person has long heard of the name of Song Jiang of Liangshan Marsh, but never had the chance to meet him. If you are willing to take this person along, this person would be willing to follow." Li Kui said: "Excellent! My surname is Li, given name Kui, and my nickname is 'Black Whirlwind.' My companion is Gongsun Sheng, a disciple of Luo Zhenren of Two Immortals Mountain. We are now going to Gaotangzhou. You can come with us." Tang Long said: "Gongsun Sheng—is he the one they call 'Cloud-Dwelling Dragon'?" Li Kui said: "The very same." Tang Long said: "This person has long admired his name! How fortunate to meet you today!" Then Li Kui and Tang Long went together to the wine shop and met up with Gongsun Sheng. Li Kui told him the whole story. Gongsun Sheng was very pleased and said: "Since Brother Tang is willing to join us, that is excellent. Let us go together." Tang Long then locked up his door, packed up his few belongings, and the three of them set out together on the road.

Now, let me provide the translation of the passage you provided:

It was said that at this moment, the Real Man Luo said: "Disciple, the magic arts you have studied in the past are the same as Gao Lian's. Now I shall impart to you the 'Five Thunders Heaven-Heart Orthodox Method.' Acting according to this, you can save Song Jiang, protect the country and pacify the people, and carry out the Way on behalf of Heaven. Do not allow yourself to be bound by human desires and thus ruin great affairs; concentrate your mind as you did before when studying the Way. Your old mother—I will have people look after her morning and evening, so you need not worry. You correspond to the Star of Leisure in the Upper Realm, and for this reason I allow you to go assist Song Gongming. I have eight words for you—you must remember them well, and on no account make a mistake when the time comes." The Real Man Luo spoke those eight words, which were: "Stop when you reach You; return when you meet Bian." Gongsun Sheng received the oral instructions and the method, then together with Dai Zong and Li Kui, he took leave of the Real Man Luo and parted from his fellow Daoists to descend the mountain. When he arrived home, he packed his Daoist robes, two swords, and items such as the iron crown and the ruyi scepter, bid farewell to his old mother, and left the mountain to set out on the road. After traveling thirty or forty li, Dai Zong said: "This humble one will go first to report to you, elder brother. The Master and Li Kui can come along the main road, and I will come back to meet them." Gongsun Sheng said: "Just so. Good younger brother, go ahead and report. I shall also hasten along." Dai Zong instructed Li Kui: "On the road, attend the Master carefully. If anything goes wrong, you will suffer for it." Li Kui said: "He has the same magic arts as the Real Man Luo himself—how would I dare treat him lightly?" Dai Zong fastened his magic armor-horses and employed the "Divine Traveling Method," going ahead in advance.

It was said that Gongsun Sheng and Li Kui, having left the Two Immortals Mountain in Jiugong County, took the main road and at evening sought an inn to rest. Li Kui feared the Real Man Luo's magic arts and attended Gonsun Sheng with the utmost care—how would he dare throw his temperament about? The two traveled for three days and arrived at a place called Wugang Town. They saw the marketplace bustling with people. Gongsun Sheng said: "These past two days on the road have been tiring. Let's buy some plain wine and plain noodles to eat before we go on." Li Kui said: "Good." They saw a small wine shop beside the post road. The two went in and sat down. Gongsun Sheng took the seat of honor, and Li Kui, having unstrapped his waist bag, sat below him. He called for the waiter to pour wine and ordered some plain food for the two of them to eat. Gongsun Sheng said: "What vegetarian snacks do you sell here?" The waiter said: "My shop only sells wine and meat—no vegetarian snacks. At the market entrance, someone sells date cakes." Li Kui said: "I'll go buy some." He then went into his pack, took out copper coins, and went straight into the market town, where he bought a packet of date cakes. Just as he was about to return, he heard someone by the roadside exclaiming: "What strength!" When Li Kui looked, a crowd had gathered around a big man who was demonstrating an iron melon hammer, and the crowd cheered him on.

When Li Kui looked at the big man, he was over seven chi tall, his face pockmarked, and he had a broad stripe across his nose. When Li Kui looked at the iron hammer, it weighed about thirty catties. The man swung it with full force, and one blow of the melon hammer landed on the curbstone that pressed down the street, smashing the stone to pieces. The crowd cheered. Li Kui could not restrain himself—he tucked the date cakes into his bosom and went to take hold of the iron hammer. The man shouted: "What kind of bird-man are you? How dare you take my hammer!" Li Kui said: "What kind of bird-good thing have you got, making the crowd cheer? Watching it dirtied my eyes! Let me, Old Master, have a turn, and let the crowd watch." The man said: "I'll lend it to you. If you can't swing it, then you'll eat a fist to the neck from me." Li Kui took the melon hammer and played with it as if it were a pellet. After swinging it for a while, he gently set it down, his face not red, his heart not pounding, his breath not labored. The man saw this and prostrated himself, saying: "I beg to know this elder brother's great name." Li Kui said: "Where do you live?" The man said: "Right up ahead." He led Li Kui to a place and they saw a lock on the door. The man took the key and opened the door, inviting Li Kui inside to sit on the ground.

Li Kui saw that his house was full of anvils, hammers, furnaces, tongs, chisels, and smith's tools. He thought to himself: "This man must be a blacksmith. The mountain stronghold could certainly use him—why not get him to join us as well?"

Li Kui said again, "Fellow, tell me your name so I may know it." The man said, "This humble one's surname is Tang, given name Long. My father was originally a garrison officer of Yan'an Prefecture. Through his skill at forging iron, he came into the service of Old Marshal Chong of the Military Command. In recent years my father died in office. Given to gambling, I drifted about the rivers and lakes, and so I have been making my living here as a smith. I have always loved to handle spear and staff. Because my body is covered with pockmarks, people call me the 'Spotted Leopard.' May I ask the elder brother's honored name?" Li Kui said, "I am the good fellow of Liangshan Marsh, 'Black Whirlwind' Li Kui." When Tang Long heard this, he bowed again and said, "I have long heard of your mighty fame, brother—who would have thought we should meet by chance today!" Li Kui said, "How can you ever make your mark staying here? You'd better come with me to Liangshan Marsh and join our company. I'll have you made a chief." Tang Long said, "If the elder brother does not look down on me and is willing to take me along, I would follow the whip and stirrups." And he bowed to Li Kui as his elder brother. Li Kui accepted Tang Long as his younger brother. Tang Long said, "I have no family or attendants. Let me go with the elder brother to the market town and drink three cups of light wine to seal our oath of brotherhood. I'll rest tonight and we can set out early tomorrow." Li Kui said, "I have a master waiting at an inn up ahead. I've gone to buy date cakes for him to eat, and I can't delay—we must go right now." Tang Long said, "Why is it so urgent?" Li Kui said, "You don't know—Brother Song Jiang is now fighting at the borders of Gaotang Prefecture, waiting only for my master to arrive and come to the rescue." Tang Long said, "Who is this master?" Li Kui said, "Don't ask now—just pack quickly and come." Tang Long hastily tied up his bundles, gathered his traveling money and silver, put on his felt hat, strapped a waist knife at his side, took up a broad-bladed spear, abandoned his shabby old house and heavy household goods, and followed Li Kui straight to the inn to see Gongsun Sheng.

Gongsun Sheng scolded him: "Why were you gone so much time? Had you come any later, I would have gone back as before." Li Kui did not dare to answer back. He brought Tang Long forward to bow to Gongsun Sheng and explained everything about their sworn brotherhood. Gongsun Sheng was pleased to hear that he was a smith by trade. Li Kui took out the date cakes and told the waiter to prepare them. The three drank a few cups of wine together and ate the date cakes, then settled the bill. Li Kui and Tang Long each shouldered his bundle and left Wugang Town with Gongsun Sheng, making their way toward Gaontang Prefecture. Along the road, when they had covered two-thirds of the journey, early that morning they happened to meet Dai Zong coming to meet them. Gongsun Sheng was overjoyed and asked at once, "How have the battles been going lately?" Dai Zong said, "That scoundrel Gao Lian's arrow wound has healed these past days. He leads his troops out every day to challenge us to battle. Our brother holds firm and dares not go out to engage him—he has been waiting only for you, sir, to arrive." Gongsun Sheng said, "This will be easy." Li Kui brought Tang Long forward to pay his respects to Dai Zong and told him the whole story. The four then made their way together toward Gaontang Prefecture. When they were still five li from the camp, Lü Fang and Guo Sheng were already there with over a hundred cavalrymen to welcome them. The four mounted their horses and rode together to the camp. Song Jiang, Wu Yong, and others came out to meet them. After they had exchanged greetings and a welcoming feast had been laid out, they spoke of past times and present affairs. They were invited into the central command tent, where all the other chiefs came to offer congratulations. Li Kui brought Tang Long forward to be presented to Song Jiang, Wu Yong, and the rest of the chiefs. When the formalities were concluded, the camp prepared a celebratory feast.

The next day, in the central command tent, Song Jiang, Wu Yong, and Gongsun Sheng discussed how to defeat Gao Lian. Gongsun Sheng said, "Let the commander give the order to break camp and advance. We shall see how the enemy responds—this poor monk has my own plans." That day Song Jiang issued orders to all the camps, and together they broke camp and advanced straight to the moat of Gaontang Prefecture, where they made their new encampment. At the fifth watch the next morning they prepared food, and all the soldiers put on their armor and mail. Song Jiang, Wu Yingshi, and Gongsun Sheng rode three horses straight to the front, waving their banners, beating their drums, shouting war cries, and clashing their gongs as they charged to the foot of the city walls.

Now let us return to Prefect Gao Lian. His arrow wound in the city had healed. The night before, a soldier had reported that Song Jiang's army had arrived again. At dawn he had his men all put on their armor and mail, then opened the city gates, let down the drawbridge, and led out three hundred divine warriors along with officers of every rank to meet the enemy outside the city. The two armies drew closer, their banners facing each other, each forming battle lines. Inside both armies, painted alligator-skin drums were beaten and embroidered banners swayed. At the gate of Song Jiang's formation, ten horsemen divided and spread out like wild geese on either wing. On the left flank five generals: Hua Rong, Qin Ming, Zhu Tong, Ou Peng, and Lü Fang. On the right flank five generals: Lin Chong, Sun Li, Deng Fei, Ma Lin, and Guo Sheng. In the middle, riding three horses, at the head was the commander Song Jiang. Thus was he attired:

On his head a cap of madder red,

At his waist a lion-strap of gold.

A brocade battle-robe—a great roc spread across his back,

A crystal helmet—bright phoenixes soaring at the eaves.

Green boots tilted as they pressed the jeweled stirrups,

A golden armor gleaming with dragon-scale light.

A gilded scabbard holding a purple silk whip,

A brocade saddle fitted to his peach-blossom horse.

Seated on the horse on the left was Wu Yingshi, Liangshan Marsh's military commander in charge of army affairs. Thus was he attired:

A five-bright fan with white plumes gathered together,

A nine-capped scarf cleverly framing black gauze.

A plain silk robe with dark edges of fragrant soapwood,

A jade-green girdle bound with a silk sash.

Duck-leather shoes steady on sunflower stirrups,

A silver saddle never parted from purple silk reins.

Two brass chains hung at his waist,

A gray-green steed rode forth upon the battlefield.

Seated on the horse on the right was Gongsun Sheng, Liangshan Marsh's vice-commander in charge of troop deployment and battle formations. Thus was he attired:

A starry crown blazing like the sun,

A divine sword flying with the frost.

A nine-colored robe embroidered with spring clouds,

The six armor gods' wind and thunder hidden in secret arts.

At his waist a multicolored short silk sash,

On his back an ancient sword with pine-pattern grain.

He wore a pair of cloud-tipped, kingfisher-feathered court boots for early audiences, and rode a yellow-flowered mane-parting, head-raising steed.

His name was recorded in the immortal registers, his profound merits renowned; his body ranked among the celestial ranks, his Taoist powers lofty.

The three chief commanding generals, mounted on three horses, rode out to the front of the formation. They saw the opposing array with drums and gongs sounding together. Where the gate-banners parted, some twenty or thirty officers escorted Gaotang Prefecture's governor Gao Lian out to the front of the formation, where he sat astride his horse beneath the gate-banner. How was he adorned? Behold:

His pearl-inlaid cap bound up his hair; his crimson robe was brocaded and embroidered.

His interlocking armor gleamed with gold; his two-winged silver helmet bore a soaring phoenix.

His feet wore cloud-seamed raised-heel boots; his waist was bound with a leather belt studded with gold.

In his hand a sword lay across three feet of water; before the formation his horse straddled a dragon.

That prefect Gao Lian rode to the front of the formation and cried out fiercely in a loud voice, cursing: "You water-hole bandits, since you have the heart to come and fight, you must surely determine victory and defeat, see who wins and who loses—anyone who runs is no true hero!" When Song Jiang heard this, he asked: "Who will ride out and slay this wretch at once?" "Little Li Guang" Hua Rong leveled his spear, spurred his horse, and charged straight to the center of the field. Gao Lian saw this and shouted: "Who will go and strike down this wretch for me?" From the ranks of the commanding officers there wheeled out a senior general named Xue Yuanhui, who wielded a pair of double-edged swords, mounted a inferior horse, and flew out to the center of the field to do battle with Hua Rong. The two fought several bouts before the formation. Hua Ruan turned his horse and fled toward his own formation. Xue Yuanhui, unaware of the ruse, gave chase on horseback, waving his sword and pressing forward with all his might. Hua Ruan slightly reined in his horse, plucked an arrow from his bow, twisted his body around, and with a single shot struck Xue Yuanhui so that he tumbled from his horse, head over heels. Both armies raised a great shout. Gao Lian, from atop his horse, saw this and flew into a great rage. He hastily went before his saddle and took down that bronze plaque for summoning beasts, striking it with his sword. After knocking three times, a cloud of yellow sand swirled up from the ranks of the divine soldiers, covering the sky so that darkness reigned and the sun lost its light. From where the cries arose, leopards, wolves, tigers, bears, strange beasts, and venomous creatures came rolling out within that yellow sand. The troops were just about to flee when Gongsun Sheng, from atop his horse, quickly drew forth that ancient Song-patterned sword, pointed it at the enemy army, muttered incantations from his mouth, and cried out: "Swift!" A beam of golden light shot forth, and that pack of strange beasts and venomous creatures tumbled in confusion from the yellow sand, falling before the formation. When the soldiers of both armies looked, they were all tigers, leopards, and running beasts cut from white paper, and the yellow sand all scattered and would not rise again. Song Jiang saw this, pointed the tip of his whip, and the great and small armies of three divisions all rushed forward to attack. They saw only men falling and horses collapsing, banners crossing in confusion. Gao Lian hastily withdrew his divine soldiers and retreated into the city. Song Jiang's army chased them to beneath the city walls, but the drawbridge was hastily pulled up on the walls, the city gates were closed, and beams, timber, and bombstones rained down like rain. Song Jiang called for the gongs to be sounded, gathered the army to make camp, and counted the numbers—each had won a great victory. He returned to his tent to thank Master Gongsun for his divine powers and moral virtue, and then rewarded and feasted the three armies.

The next day, he divided the troops to besiege the city on all four sides, attacking with all their might. Gongsun Sheng said to Song Jiang and Wu Yong: "Although last night we routed the greater part of the enemy army, those three hundred divine soldiers have clearly retreated into the city. If we press the attack hard today, that fellow will surely come by night to raid our camp. Tonight we can gather the troops in one place; when night is deep, divide them to lie in ambush on all four sides, while here we erect an empty camp. Order the generals to listen only for the sound of thunder, and when they see fire break out in the camp, to advance their forces together." The orders had been transmitted. That day they attacked the city until the hour of *wei*, then gathered the troops from all four sides back to camp, where they feasted and drank amid great blowing of horns and beating of drums. As the sky gradually grew dark, the chieftains quietly divided and moved out, and the ambushes on all four sides were set.

Meanwhile, Song Jiang, Wu Yong, Gongsun Sheng, Hua Rong, Qin Ming, Lü Fang, and Guo Sheng mounted the earthen slope and waited. That night, Gao Lian indeed marshaled three hundred divine soldiers, each carrying an iron gourd on his back, stuffed inside with sulphur, saltpeter, and fire-starting powder. Each man gripped a hooked blade and an iron broom, and all had a reed whistle clenched between their teeth. Around the second watch, the city gates were thrown wide open and the drawbridge lowered. Gao Lian led the vanguard, driving the divine soldiers forward, with over thirty cavalry riders following behind, charging to attack. As they drew closer to the camp, Gao Lian raised his hand from horseback and began to work his sorcery. At once a black vapor rushed skyward, a great wind arose, sand and stones flew, and dust billowed up in clouds. The three hundred divine soldiers each took fire and lit the mouths of their gourds. A single blast of the reed whistles sounded in unison, and amid the black vapor, fire enveloped their bodies. With broad swords and great axes, they rolled into the camp. From the elevated ground, Gongsun Sheng brandished his sword and performed his incantation, and in the empty camp a thunderbolt crashed upon the flat ground. The three hundred divine soldiers tried to retreat, but they saw fires springing up in the empty camp, flames flying wildly, the whole place glowing red from top to bottom, with no way out. Ambush troops on all four sides rushed forward, surrounding the camp palisades, and the divine soldiers were visible everywhere amid the darkness. Not one of the three hundred divine soldiers escaped; they were all slain within the camp. Gao Lian hastily led the remaining thirty or so riders and fled back toward the city. Behind him a body of troops came in pursuit—it was "Leopard Head" Lin Chong. As they drew close upon him, Gao Lian urgently ordered the drawbridge lowered. Gao Lian himself entered the city with only eight or nine riders; the rest were all captured alive, men and horses together, by Lin Chong and the others. Once inside the city walls, Gao Lian mobilized all the commoners to man the walls and defend the city. Gao Lian's cavalry and divine soldiers had been utterly annihilated by Song Jiang and Lin Chong. The next day, Song Jiang again led his troops to encircle the city on all four sides, pressing the siege with great urgency. Gao Lian pondered: "I spent several years mastering these sorcerous arts, yet today they have been broken by him. What is to be done?" He had no choice but to send men to neighboring prefectures to beg for help. He hastily wrote two letters, dispatching them to Dongchang and Kouzhou. "These two places are not far from here, and both prefects are men my brother advanced. Order them to set troops in motion at once and come to my aid." He sent two commanding officers from his own headquarters, bearing the letters, opened the western gate, and they broke through, making their way westward. The other generals were about to pursue, but Wu Yong issued an order: "Let them go for now—we can turn their scheme against them." Song Jiang asked, "How does the Military Adviser propose to use this?" Wu the Learned Scholar replied: "The city has few troops and officers, which is why he has gone to seek aid. Here we can send two detachments of men to pose as relief forces and join battle with them along the road. Gao Lian will surely open the city gates to support them. Taking advantage of the situation, we attack the city on one side while luring Gao Lian onto a side road—then we shall certainly capture him." Song Jiang was overjoyed. He ordered Dai Zong to return to Liangshan Marsh and summon two detachments of troops, to approach by two separate routes.

Now Gao Lian, every night in an open space within the city, piled up firewood and set huge fires as a signal, watching from the city walls for the arrival of relief forces. Several days passed. The garrison soldiers watching from the walls saw Song Jiang's battle lines fall into disorder of their own accord and reported this at once. Gao Lian, upon hearing the news, hastily donned his armor and mounted the walls to look out. He saw two columns of troops with battle dust blotting out the sun and cries of killing shaking the sky, charging toward him from afar. The besieging troops on all four sides scattered and fled. Gao Lian knew that the two relief armies had arrived. He marshaled every soldier in the city, threw open the gates, and sent troops out in all directions to strike.

Gao Lian charged into Song Jiang's battle line and saw Song Jiang leading Hua Rong and Qin Ming, the three of them on horseback, fleeing along a side road. Gao Lian led his men in hot pursuit. Suddenly he heard a string of cannon shots ring out from behind the hillside. Suspicious, he reined in his men and turned back. Then gongs sounded on both sides—on the left, Lü Fang, and on the right, Guo Sheng, each leading five hundred men, bursting forth. Gao Lian tried desperately to force his way through, but he lost more than half his troops. Having fought his way free of the encirclement, he looked toward the city walls and saw that they now flew the banners of Liangshan Marsh. He raised his eyes and looked again—there was not a single relief soldier anywhere. He could only lead the remnants of his broken troops onto a narrow mountain road. Before he had gone ten li, a body of horsemen burst out from behind the mountain. At their head came "the Sick Yuchi" Sun Li, blocking the road, shouting in a loud voice: "I have been waiting for you for a long time—dismount and submit to capture!" Gao Lian turned his troops to retreat, but behind him another body of horsemen had already cut off his rear. The rider at their head was "the Beautiful Beard" Gong Zhutong. Attacked from both front and rear, with escape routes blocked on all four sides, Gao Lian abandoned his horse and scrambled up the mountain on foot. The troops from all sides chased him up the mountain together. Gao Lian, in desperation, muttered an incantation, shouted the word "Rise!" and mounted a dark cloud, which slowly ascended into the air, carrying him straight up to the mountain peak. Then he saw Gongsun Sheng emerge from the side of the slope. Seeing him, Gongsun Sheng raised his sword from horseback and directed its power toward the sky, his mouth also moving in incantation, and he shouted the word "Swift!" Pointing the sword upward, he brought Gao Lian tumbling from the clouds. At his side "the Winged Tiger" Heng Lei swept forward and with a single stroke of his saber cut Gao Lian in two. Alas, that noble lord of five horses—reduced to a dream within a dream in the southern branch. A poem bears witness:

Above, heaven's mirror watches;

Below, the spirits of earth discern.

In the light, the king's law follows in succession;

In the darkness, the ghosts and gods attend.

He who acts with violence will surely meet with violence;

He who relies on power will in the end lose his power.

I exhort you: guard yourself all your days—

Lamentable, astonishing, and fearsome.

Meanwhile, Lei Heng descended the mountain carrying the severed head and sent a messenger ahead to inform the commander-in-chief. Song Jiang, already aware that Gao Lian had been slain, led his troops into Gaotangzhou. He immediately issued an order: "No harm is to come to the common people." He posted proclamations to reassure the populace, and the army did not commit the slightest offense against them. He then went to the great jail to rescue Honorable Chai. By then, the jailers and prison guards had all fled. Only thirty or fifty prisoners remained; they were all unshackled and released. But among them, not a single trace of Honorable Chai could be found. Song Jiang grew troubled and anxious. He searched through one cell block and found Chai Huangcheng and his entire household imprisoned there; in another cell he found the Chai Jin household, who had been arrested and brought from Cangzhou, also locked up together with them—because of the recent days of fighting, no one had come to examine or pass sentence on them. But there was no sign of Honorable Chai anywhere.

Wu Yong instructed that the prison guards of Gaotangzhou be summoned and questioned. Among them, one reported: "This insignificant man is the prison warden Lin Ren. Some days ago, Prefect Gao Lian entrusted me to keep a strict and secure watch over Chai Jin, allowing no mistake. He also instructed me: 'If anything urgent happens, you may act accordingly.' Three days ago, Prefect Gao Lian wanted to bring Chai Jin out for punishment. I, seeing that the man is a good fellow, could not bear to carry it out, so I made the excuse that 'the man is eighty percent dead from illness, no action is needed.' Later the pressure grew more intense, and I reported that 'Chai Jin is dead.' Because of the recent days of fighting, the Prefect had no time to attend to it. But I feared he might send someone down to check and would then hold me accountable. Yesterday I led Chai Jin to a dry well behind the jail, removed his shackles, and pushed him inside to hide. Whether he is alive or dead now, I do not know."

Song Jiang, upon hearing this, hastily had Lin Ren lead him there. They went all the way to the rear jail and peered down into the dry well. It was pitch black inside, and they could not tell how deep it was. They called down from above, but no one answered. They lowered a rope to probe the depth, and it was roughly eight or nine *zhang*. Song Jiang said, "It seems Honorable Chai is surely dead." Song Jiang shed tears. Wu Yong said, "Commander, do not distress yourself yet. Who among us dares to go down and explore once, so we may know whether he is alive or not?" Before he finished speaking, "Black Whirlwind" Li Kui stepped forward and shouted: "Let me go down!" Song Jiang said: "Just the right man. It was you who brought him trouble in the first place; today you are just the one to make amends." Li Kui laughed and said: "I'm not afraid to go down, but don't you cut the rope!" Wu Yong said: "You are indeed too cunning!" They then took a large bamboo basket, secured ropes around it, spliced the ropes to make them longer, set up a frame, and hung the rope from it. Li Kui stripped stark naked, took two hand axes, sat in the basket, and was lowered into the well. Two bronze bells were tied to the rope. Gradually he was lowered to the bottom. Li Kui climbed out of the basket and groped around the bottom of the well. He felt a pile of something—bones. Li Kui cursed: "What the hell is this doing here!" He groped toward another side, where the ground was wet and soggy, with no place to stand. Li Kui placed his twin axes back in the basket and used both hands to feel around. The sides were wide, and his hands touched a person, huddled in a heap in a pool of water. Li Kui called out: "Honorable Chai!" There was no movement. He reached out to feel, and sensed a faint breathing from the mouth. Li Kui said: "Thank Heaven and Earth! At least there's still hope!" He then climbed into the basket, shook the bronze bells, and those above pulled him up. Li Kui told them what was below. Song Jiang said: "Go down again. First place Honorable Chai in the basket and send him up, then lower the basket again to retrieve you." Li Kui said: "Brother, you don't know it, but I've already had two close calls—don't let me bump into a third!" Song Jiang laughed and said: "How would I ever play tricks on you? Go down quickly." Li Kui had no choice but to sit in the basket again and descend into the well.

When he reached the bottom, Li Kui climbed out of the basket, lifted Honorable Chai into it, and shook the bronze bells on the rope. Those above heard and quickly hauled it up. When it reached the surface, everyone was overjoyed. Song Jiang saw that Chai Jin's head was broken and his forehead split, the flesh on both legs beaten to a pulp, his eyes half-open and half-closed. Song Jiang's heart was filled with grief, and he called for a physician to treat him. Meanwhile, Li Kui was shouting and yelling from the bottom of the well. Song Jiang heard him and hastily ordered the basket lowered to bring him up. When Li Kui reached the top, he erupted: "You people aren't good folk either! You didn't even lower the basket to save me!" Song Jiang said: "We were so occupied with looking after Honorable Chai that we forgot about you. Forgive us." Song Jiang then ordered the men to carry Chai Jin onto a cart to rest. The two households, along with much recovered family property—some twenty carts in total—were placed under Li Kui and Lei Heng's escort and sent ahead to Liangshan Marsh. Gao Lian's entire household, men and women, young and old, some forty persons in all, were executed in the marketplace. Lin Ren was rewarded and thanked. The prefectural treasury's gold and silk, the granaries' grain, and all of Gao Lian's private possessions were loaded and carried up the mountain. The officers and soldiers, great and small, departed Gaotangzhou and returned victorious to Liangshan Marsh. As they passed through the counties and prefectures along the way, they committed no offenses. After several days on the road, they reached the main camp. Chai Jin, supporting himself despite his illness, rose to express his thanks to Chao Gai, Song Jiang, and all the chieftains. Chao Gai arranged for Honorable Chai to be given quarters near Song Jiang's lodging at the mountaintop, where a new house was built for Chai Jin and his household to reside. Chao Gai, Song Jiang, and all the others were greatly pleased. Since the return from Gaotangzhou, two more chieftains—Chai Jin and Tang Long—had been added to their number, and a celebratory feast was held. But of this, no more need be said.

Meanwhile, in Dongchang and Kouzhou, word had already reached that Gaolian had been killed in Gaotangzhou and the city had fallen. Both prefectures could only draft memorials and send couriers to report to the imperial court. Among the officials who had fled from Gaotangzhou, several arrived at the capital and related the full truth of what had happened. When Marshal Gao heard the news and learned that his younger brother Gaolian had been slain, the following morning at the fifth watch he waited in the Court of the Leaking Drain for the sound of the Jingyang Bell. All the officials in their formal court robes stood in attendance upon the palace steps, awaiting the imperial audience. That day, at the third watch of the fifth watch period, the Emperor Daojun ascended the throne. Three cracks of the ceremonial whip rang out, and the civil and military officials arranged themselves in two columns. The Son of Heaven took his seat, and the palace herald announced: "Those with matters to report, step forward and present your memorials. Those with none, let the curtains be rolled up and the court be dismissed."

Marshal Gao stepped forward and reported: "At present, the chieftains of the bandit stronghold at Liangshan Marsh in Jizhou, Chao Gai and Song Jiang, have repeatedly committed grave offenses—plundering cities, looting granaries, and gathering violent criminals and evil cohorts. They have slaughtered government troops in Jizhou, stirred up unrest in the Wuwei Army of Jiangzhou, and have now put all the officials and people of Gaotangzhou to the sword, carrying off every store from the granaries and treasuries. This is a mortal threat to the heart and vitals of the empire. If they are not exterminated soon, their power will grow beyond our ability to subdue it. I humbly beseech Your Sacred Judgment."

The Emperor was greatly alarmed upon hearing this memorial. He immediately issued an imperial edict, entrusting Marshal Gao with selecting generals and mobilizing troops to go and exterminate the bandits, with the explicit command to sweep the marsh clean and annihilate them root and branch. Marshal Gao further memorialized: "In my estimation, these mere bandits do not require the mobilization of a great army. I can recommend one man who will be able to recover the territory." The Emperor said: "If you recommend this man, there will be no mistake. Let him set out at once, report his victories swiftly, and he shall be promoted, rewarded, and given high office."

Marshal Gao memorialized: "This man is a direct descendant of Huyan Zan, the famous general of Hedong from the founding era of this dynasty. His given name is Zhuo. He wields two copper whips and possesses the valor of ten thousand men. He currently serves as Commandant of Ruyang Commandery, commanding many elite soldiers and valiant officers under him. I recommend this man to lead the campaign against Liangshan Marsh. Let him be commissioned as Commander of the Armed Forces, leading the finest cavalry and infantry troops, to sweep the mountain stronghold clean within a set time and return triumphant to court."

The Emperor approved the memorial and issued an edict: "Let the Bureau of Military Affairs immediately dispatch a messenger bearing the imperial patent to Ruyang Prefecture, to summon him with all haste by day and night." That day, when the court session ended, Marshal Gao instructed the Bureau of Military Affairs at his marshal's headquarters to assign an officer to carry the imperial edict and go summon Huyan Zhuo. The messenger departed that same day, with a fixed deadline for Huyan Zhuo to arrive at the capital to receive his orders.

Now, Huyan Zhuo was sitting in the hall of the military command office at Ruyang Prefecture when a gate attendant reported: "There is an imperial edict specially summoning the general to the capital for an assignment." Huyan Zhuo, together with the prefectural officials, went outside the city walls to welcome the messenger and escort him to the military command office. After the edict had been read aloud, a banquet was held in honor of the imperial envoy. Huyan Zhuo hastily gathered his helmet and armor, saddle and horse, and weapons and equipment, and set out with thirty or forty attendants accompanying the messenger, leaving Ruyang Prefecture and racing toward the capital by day and night. Nothing occurred along the way. They soon arrived in the capital city, and Huyan Zhuo dismounted before the headquarters of the Palace Command, where he went to see Marshal Gao.

That day, Marshal Gao was sitting in the hall of the Palace Command headquarters when a gate officer reported: "Huyan Zhuo, summoned from Ruyang Prefecture, is now outside." Marshal Gao was overjoyed and had him summoned in to pay his respects. He observed that Huyan Zhuo was a man of extraordinary bearing, and indeed:

A descendant of a founding-era meritorious subject,

A great-grandson of a fine general of the former dynasty,

His family's whip technique was of the most divine order,

His valor and skill were honed through many a battle.

With sword in hand he could brave the tiger's lair,

With bow drawn he could bring down the eagle flock among the clouds.

A general born to settle the fate of the world—

Huyan Zhuo's great renown resounded on every side.

After Marshal Gao had finished receiving him and offering his praise, he bestowed rewards upon him. The following morning, he presented Huyan Zhuo to the Emperor Daojun at court. Emperor Huizong observed that Huyan Zhuo was a man of truly exceptional countenance, and his imperial countenance lit with pleasure. He bestowed upon him a horse named "Snow-Kicking Black Steed." That horse was black as ink from head to hoof, but its four hooves were white as snow-washed silk, and thus it was called "Snow-Kicking Black Steed." The horse could travel a thousand li in a single day. The Emperor granted it to Huyan Zhuo to ride. After Huyan Zhuo had expressed his gratitude, he followed Marshal Gao back to the Palace Command headquarters, where they discussed raising an army and the campaign to exterminate the bandits of Liangshan Marsh.

Huyan Zhuo said: "I respectfully report to my esteemed Benefactor: in my observation, Liangshan Marsh has vast numbers of troops and officers, all of formidable martial skill. They must not be taken lightly or underestimated. I humbly request that you recommend two generals to serve as my vanguard; together we can lead the army there and will surely achieve great merit."

Marshal Gao was greatly pleased upon hearing this and asked: "Which men does the general recommend to serve as the vanguard?"

It would be that through Huyan Zhuo's recommendation of these two generals, the city of Wanzicheng would gain yet more fine commanders, and Liangshan Marsh would see the government army suffer a great defeat. Before their names were inscribed upon the Tower of Lingyan, they would be recorded first in the Hall of Gathered Righteousness. But as to whom Huyan Zhuo recommended to Marshal Gao, let us listen for the explanation in the next chapter.