الفصل السابع والخمسون

الفصل السابع والخمسون

Now it was that Chao Gai, Song Jiang, Wu Yong, Gongsun Sheng, and the chieftains assembled in the Hall of Righteousness and invited Xu Ning to teach the hooked-spear method. When the men looked at Xu Ning, he was indeed a fine figure of a man, standing six feet five or six inches tall, with a round, pale face, three tufts of fine black beard, and a waist and shoulders of generous breadth. There was a *Xijue* verse that described Xu Ning's appearance:

Strong arms drew the bow with sure aim;

A light frame mounted the horse like flight.

Two curved brows like the sleeping silkworm,

A young noble of phoenix grace and might.

His armor fitted close as willow leaves;

His dark kerchief slanted with a flower worn.

He ever attended the imperial throne—

Among spearmen, Xu Ning stood alone.

That day, after Xu Ning had finished selecting the troops, he came down from the Hall of Righteousness, took up a hooked spear, and practiced with it himself. All who watched cheered. Xu Ning then taught the soldiers: "When using this weapon on horseback, advance from the waist and hips in steps. There are seven lines—upper, middle, and lower—with three hooks, four parries, one thrust, and one division, making nine variations in all. If you use the hooked spear on foot, it is also most effective. Begin with eight steps and four parries to open the opponent's guard; at twelve steps, change; at sixteen steps, make a full turn. At twenty-four steps, combine hooks, spears, thrusts, and strikes, shifting up and down, hooking east and parrying west; at thirty-six steps, cover the entire body and seize the strong. This is the true method of the hooked spear. There is a verse that proves it: *Four parries and three hooks open the seven lines; together the nine changes unite with divine design. Twenty-four steps shift back and forth; sixteen turns make the great encircling course.*" Xu Ning demonstrated the true method step by step for the chieftains to see. The soldiers all delighted in watching Xu Ning use the hooked spear. From that day forward, they selected the strongest and most robust men and drilled them day and night. He also taught the foot soldiers to hide among the trees and grass, using the three lower-line secret methods to hook hooves and pull legs. In less than half a month, some five or seven hundred men on the mountain stronghold had been trained. Song Jiang and the chieftains were overjoyed when they reviewed them and prepared to break the enemy.

Now it was that after Yan Huanzhuo lost Peng Qi and Ling Zhen, each day he sent only his cavalry to challenge the outlaws at the water's edge. The stronghold ordered the naval chieftains to guard the various shallows firmly, with sharpened stakes planted beneath the water. Though Yan Huanzhuo sent patrols along the northern and western mountain roads, he could not reach the stronghold. Liangshan Marsh, however, had Ling Zhen manufacture various fire bombs, and on a set day they went down the mountain to engage the enemy. The soldiers who had learned the hooked spear were now all proficient. Song Jiang said, "My humble view—I do not know whether it meets with all your approval?" Wu Yong said, "We should be glad to hear it." Song Jiang said, "Tomorrow we shall not use a single mounted man. All the chieftains will fight on foot. The military arts of Sun and Wu are most advantageous in forests and marshlands. We will send the foot soldiers down the mountain in ten detachments to lure the enemy. When the enemy cavalry charges, our men will flee into the reeds and thorny thickets. But we will have the hooked-spear soldiers lying in ambush there. For every ten men skilled with the hooked spear, ten grappling-hook men will be interspersed. When the horses come, one pull and hook will bring them down, and the grappling hooks will drag the riders in and capture them. On narrow level roads, we will set ambushes in the same way. What do you think of this plan?" The Scholar Wu said, "This is exactly how troops should be hidden and enemies captured." Xu Ning said, "The hooked spear and grappling hooks are precisely suited to this method."

That day Song Jiang divided the foot soldiers into ten detachments: Liu Tang and Du Qian led one detachment; Mu Hong and Mu Chun led one; Yang Xiong and Tao Zongwang led one; Zhu Tong and Deng Fei led one; Xie Zhen and Xie Bao led one; Zou Yuan and Zou Run led one; "The Ten Feet of Blue" and Wang Ying led one; Xue Yong and Ma Lin led one; Yan Shun and Zheng Tianshou led one; and Yang Lin and Li Yun led one. These ten detachments of foot soldiers went down the mountain first to lure the enemy. Then Li Jun, Zhang Heng, Zhang Shun, the three Ruan brothers, Tong Wei, Tong Meng, and Meng Kang—nine naval chieftains—were sent in their warships to support the operation. Hua Rong, Qin Ming, Li Ying, Chai Jin, Sun Li, and Ou Peng—six chieftains—were sent with cavalry to challenge the enemy at the mountain's edge. Ling Zhen and Du Xing were assigned to fire the signal bombs. Xu Ning and Tang Long were placed in overall command of the hooked-spear troops. In the central army, Song Jiang, Wu Yong, Gongsun Sheng, Dai Zong, Lü Fang, and Guo Sheng directed the forces and issued commands. The remaining chieftains all remained to guard the stronghold.

Song Jiang finished deploying his troops. At the third watch of that night, he first ferried the soldiers armed with hooked-lance crossbows across the water, and they took up positions on all four sides, lying in ambush as planned. At the fourth watch, ten companies of infantry were ferried across. Ling Zhen and Du Xing brought over the wind-and-fire cannons, set them up on high ground, erected the gun mounts, and loaded the shells. Xu Ning and Tang Long each took a signal pennant and crossed the water. At daybreak, Song Jiang, with the central army, drummed, shouted, and waved their flags from across the water.

Hu Yanzhuo was in his central army tent when he received a scout's report. He gave orders and sent his vanguard Han Tao out to patrol. He then harnessed the chain-linked armored horses, fully armed himself, mounted his horse Ti-xue Wu-zhui, wielded his twin riding whips, and led his cavalry in a great charge toward Liangshan Marsh.

Across the water, he saw Song Jiang leading many troops. Hu Yanzhuo ordered his cavalry to spread out. Vanguard Han Tao came to discuss with him: "There is a company of infantry to the south—who knows how many there are?" Hu Yanzhuo said: "Don't ask how many. Just charge with the chain-linked cavalry!" Han Tao led five hundred cavalry out on a swift patrol. Then he saw another force rise from the southeast, and was about to divide his troops to patrol it, when he saw another set of banners rise from the southwest, waving and shouting. Han Tao led his troops back and reported to Hu Yanzhuo: "There are three bands of rebel soldiers to the south, all bearing the Liangshan Marsh banners." Hu Yanzhuo said: "Those fellows haven't come out to fight for a long time—they must have some scheme." Before he finished speaking, a cannon shot was heard from the north. Hu Yanzhuo cursed: "That cannon must be Ling Zhen turned rebel, firing it for them." The men looked south, and saw three more bands of banners rise from the north. Hu Yanzhuo said to Han Tao: "This must be the rebels' treacherous plan. Let us divide our forces into two routes—I will attack the troops to the north, and you will attack the troops to the south." Just as he was about to split his forces, four companies of soldiers rose from the west. Hu Yanzhuo grew anxious. Then he heard continuous cannon shots from the north, stretching all the way to the earthen mound. One mother cannon was surrounded by forty-nine child cannons—called "mother-and-child cannons"—and where they fired, the wind howled with tremendous force. Hu Yanzhuo's soldiers fell into chaos without a fight. He and Han Tao hastily led their cavalry and infantry in all directions to break through. The ten companies of infantry fled east when chased east and west when chased west. Hu Yanzhuo, enraged, led his troops charging northward. Song Jiang's soldiers all fled into the reeds. Hu Yanzhuo drove the chain-linked cavalry forward, sweeping across the ground. The armored horses charged all at once, unable to be reined in, and fled into the broken reeds, withered grass, and desolate woods. From within came the sound of a whistle, and the hooked-lance crossbows all rose together. They first hooked the horses' hooves on both sides, and the armored horses in the middle began to rear and snarl. The hook-wielding soldiers seized them together, and in the reeds they set about binding the men. Hu Yanzhuo, seeing that he had fallen into the hooked-lance crossbow trap, reined his horse around and headed south to chase Han Tao. Behind him, the wind-and-fire cannons rained down from above. On every side, across the mountains and plains, infantry pursued them. The chain-linked armored horses under Han Tao and Hu Yanzhuo rolled chaotically into the wild grass and reeds and were all captured. The two men, knowing they had fallen into a trap, rode in all directions seeking their cavalry to break through and flee, but along those roads stood the banners of Liangshan Marsh thick as hemp groves, and they dared not take those roads. They headed northwest instead.

They had traveled less than five or six li when a band of strongmen suddenly appeared. Two heroes blocked the road in front: one was Mu Hong, "No Obstacle," and the other Mu Chun, "Little Obstacle." They brandished two broad-bladed swords and shouted: "Defeated general, do not flee!" Hu Yanzhuo, in a rage, whirled his twin whips and rode straight at Mu Hong and Mu Chun. After a brief fight of four or five exchanges, Mu Chun fled. Hu Yanzhuo, fearing a trap, did not pursue, and headed due north along the main road. From the hillside another band of strongmen appeared, and two heroes blocked the road: one was Xie Zhen, "Two-Headed Snake," and the other Xie Bao, "Double-Tailed Scorpion." Each leveled a steel trident and charged forward. Hu Yanzhuo whirled his twin whips and engaged the two. After fewer than five or seven exchanges, Xie Zhen and Xie Bao turned and fled on foot. Hu Yanzhuo pursued them for barely more than half a li when twenty-four hooked-lance crossbows sprang up from both sides and swept across the ground. Hu Yanzhuo had no heart to fight on. He wheeled his horse and fled northeast along the main road, where he ran into Wang Ying-hu, "Short Tiger," and his wife, "One-Zhang Green," who blocked his path. Seeing the road was rough and thorns blocked the way on all sides, Hu Yanzhuo spurred his horse and whirled his whips, cutting a path and charging straight through. Wang Ying-hu and One-Zhang Green pursued him but could not catch up, and Hu Yanzhuo fled on toward the northeast. His forces were utterly routed, scattered like raindrops and scattered stars. A poem bears witness:

Ten companies of soldiers shook the earth as they came;

The black horse Ti-xue turned back before the wind.

The chain-linked cavalry were all broken by the hooked lances;

Only the twin whips escaped beyond the nine heavens.

Let the narrative branch here. When Song Jiang sounded the gong and called back the army to the mountain, each man was rewarded for his merit. Of the three thousand sets of "linked-armor cavalry," half had been toppled by the "hooked spears," their hooves injured and their hides stripped—these were butchered and used as meat for the horses. The other half, fine horses, were led up the mountain to be fed and kept as mounts. The armored soldiers were all taken alive up the mountain. The five thousand foot soldiers, hemmed in on three sides with desperate urgency, those who tried to flee toward the center of the army were all pulled down and captured by the hooked spears; those who tried to escape toward the water were entirely surrounded by the river chieftains, hauled aboard boats, dragged past the shallows, and taken prisoner up the mountain. The horses and soldiers previously seized were all recaptured and brought back to camp. Huan Zhuozhuo's stockade was entirely dismantled, and the materials were used to build small camps along the river. Two more lookout inns and houses were constructed, and as before, Sun Xin, Gu Dashi, Shi Yong, and Shi Qian were stationed at the two inns. Liu Tang and Du Qian had captured Han Tao, bound him, and brought him to the stronghold. When Song Jiang saw him, he personally loosened his bonds, invited him to the main hall, treated him with courtesy and hospitality, feasted him, and ordered Peng Qi and Ling Zhen to persuade him to join their ranks. Han Tao, being one of the seventy-two Fiends, naturally found kindred spirits among them and became a chieftain of Liangshan Marsh. Song Jiang then had a letter written and sent men to Chenzhou to bring Han Tao's family to the stronghold so they could be reunited. Song Jiang was overjoyed at breaking the linked-armor cavalry and gaining many horses, suits of armor, helmets, and swords. Every day he held feasts in celebration. He continued to deploy forces to guard against government troops—but of this, no more.

Now then, Huan Zhuozhuo had lost many government soldiers and men and dared not return to the capital. He rode alone on his horse, the Kick-Black Wuzhui, with his armor tied to the saddle, fleeing along the road but without funds for the journey. He unbuckled the gold-braided waist belt he wore and sold it for travel money. As he traveled, he pondered: "Who would have thought I would be brought so low today? But where should I go?" Suddenly he remembered: "The governor of Qingzhou, Murong, and I once had some acquaintance. Why not go there and seek his help? I can work through Noble Consort Murong's influence, and then later lead an army to avenge this defeat."

He traveled for two days. That evening he was hungry and thirsty. Seeing a village inn by the roadside, Huan Zhuozhuo dismounted and tied his horse to a tree in front of the door. He entered the inn, placed his whip on the table, and sat down, calling for the wine keeper to bring him food and drink. The wine keeper said, "Sir, this humble place only sells wine. Meat is available—a sheep was just slaughtered in the village. If you wish, I can go and buy some." Huan Zhuozhuo untied the purse from his waist and took out some of the small silver pieces he had gotten from selling the gold belt. He gave them to the wine keeper and said, "Buy me a leg of mutton and cook it. Also prepare fodder and feed my horse. I'll spend the night here and tomorrow make my way to Qingzhou prefecture." The wine keeper said, "Sir, you may stay here, but we have no good bedding." Huan Zhuozhuo said, "I'm a military man—any place to rest will do." The wine keeper took the silver and went off to buy the mutton. Huan Zhuozhuo took the armor from off his horse's back, loosened its girth, and sat by the door. After a long while, the wine keeper returned carrying a leg of mutton. Huan Zhuozhuo told him to cook it and also to prepare three catties of flour to make flatbread, and to pour two measures of wine. While the wine keeper cooked the meat and made the flatbread, he also heated water for Huan Zhuozhuo to wash his feet, then led the horse to a small room behind the inn. As the wine keeper cut grass and prepared fodder, Huan Zhuozhuo first drank some warm wine. When the meat was ready, Huan Zhuozhuo told the wine keeper to share some wine and meat with him, and instructed him: "I am an officer of the court. Because my campaign against Liangshan Marsh failed, I am going to Qingzhou to seek Governor Murong. Take good care of this horse—it was a gift from the Emperor himself, called the Kick-Black Wuzhui. Tomorrow I will reward you handsomely." The wine keeper said: "Many thanks, sir. But there is something you should know. Not far from here is a mountain called Peach Blossom Mountain. A band of outlaws lives there—their chief is the Tiger-Fighting General Li Zhong, and the second is the Little Tyrant Zhou Tong. They have gathered five or six hundred ruffians who rob and plunder, and they often harass the villages. The authorities have repeatedly sent officers and troops to capture them, but without success. Sir, you must be alert at night." Huan Zhuozhuo said: "I have the courage of ten thousand men. Even if all of them came, what could they do to me? Just take good care of my horse." After eating some meat and flatbread, the wine keeper made up a bed in the inn and arranged for Huan Zhuozhuo to sleep. For one thing, Huan Zhuozhuo had been troubled in his heart for days, and for another, he had drunk too much wine, so he lay down without undressing. He slept soundly until the third watch, when he heard the wine keeper behind the house crying out in distress. Huan Zhuozhuo heard him, jumped up, seized his twin steel whips, and went to the back of the house. "Why are you crying out?" he asked. The wine keeper said: "I got up to feed the horse and found the fence knocked down—someone has stolen your horse, sir. I can see torches in the distance, three or four li away—it must be them." Huan Zhuozhuo said: "Where is that?" The wine keeper said: "The road they took—it must be the ruffians from Peach Blossom Mountain who stole it." Huan Zhuozhuo was greatly alarmed. He told the wine keeper to lead the way, and they hurried along the field ridges for two or three li. The torches were no longer visible, and he could not tell where they had gone. Huan Zhuozhuo said: "Without the horse the Emperor gave me, what am I to do?" The wine keeper said: "Sir, tomorrow you must go to the prefecture and report it, so they can send troops to suppress them. Only then can you recover the horse."

Huan Zhuozhuo was sunk in gloom. He sat there until dawn, then told the wine keeper to carry his armor and set out directly for Qingzhou. By the time he reached the city, it was already late, so he spent the night at an inn.

The next morning at daybreak, Huyan Zhuo went straight to the prefectural hall and paid his respects to Prefect Murong. The prefect was greatly startled and asked, "I heard that you were sent to capture the bandits of Mount Liang. How is it that you have come here instead?" Huyan Zhuo had no choice but to recount everything that had happened. After hearing him out, Prefect Murong said, "Although you lost many of your men and horses, this is not a crime of negligence—you fell victim to the bandits' treacherous scheme, and there was nothing to be done about it. The territory under my administration has suffered greatly from the depredations of these outlaws. Since you are here, you may first sweep clear Mount Taohua and seize that horse the Emperor bestowed upon us. Then you can proceed to wipe out the bandits at Mount Erlong and Mount Baishan as well. When this is accomplished, I will do my utmost to recommend you at court. After that, you may lead your troops to avenge yourself—what say you?" Huyan Zhuo bowed again and said, "I am deeply grateful for Your Excellency's patronage. If you would be so kind, I swear to devote my life to repaying this kindness!" Prefect Murong invited Huyan Zhuo to rest in a guest room and provided him with fresh clothing, lodging, and provisions. As for the wine-bearing porter who had escorted the armor, he was sent back on his own.

Huyan Zhuo stayed for three days. Eager to recover the horse bestowed by the Emperor, he again approached the prefect to report and requested that troops be assigned to him. Prefect Murong assigned him two thousand cavalry and infantry and also gave him a bay horse with a flowing mane. Huyan Zhuo thanked the prefect for his kindness, donned his armor, mounted his horse, and led his troops off to recapture the horse, marching straight for Mount Taohua.

Now on Mount Taohua, Li Zhong, the "Tiger-fighting General," and Zhou Tong, the "Little Conqueror," had obtained the horse Snow-hoofed Black Stallion and were celebrating with wine every day on the mountain. That day a scout sentinel came running with the report: "Qingzhou troops are coming!" Zhou Tong, the "Little Conqueror," rose to his feet and said, "Brother, guard the stronghold—I'll go and drive off the government troops." He mustered a hundred mounted outlaws, took up his spear, and rode down the mountain to meet the government army.

Meanwhile, Huyan Zhuo led his two thousand soldiers to the front of the mountain and drew up his battle lines. Huyan Zhuo rode out at the front and shouted in a thunderous voice: "You rebel bandits—come and submit to your bonds at once!" Zhou Tong, the "Little Conqueror," arrayed his outlaws in a single line and rode forth with his spear leveled. He was dressed thus:

A palace-brocade jacket of clustered flowers he wore,

A black-green spear that cuts the water he bore.

His voice was fierce, his face broad, his beard like halberd-spikes—

All said Zhou Tong was a match for the Conqueror's might.

When Huyan Zhuo saw Zhou Tong, he spurred his horse forward to engage him. Zhou Tong also galloped forth to meet him. The two horses crossed and the two men fought, but after no more than six or seven bouts, Zhou Tong's strength began to fail. He wheeled his horse around and fled up the mountain. Huyan Zhuo gave chase for a distance, but fearing some stratagem, he hastily pulled back down the mountain and encamped his forces, awaiting another engagement.

Zhou Tong returned to the stronghold and told Li Zhong what had happened: "Huyan Zhuo's martial arts are formidable—I couldn't hold him off and had no choice but to retreat up the mountain. What if he pursues us all the way to the stronghold?" Li Zhong said, "I have heard that at the Precious Pearl Temple on Mount Erlong there is the 'Flowery Monk' Lu Zhishen, who has many companions with him. Moreover, there is the 'Blue-faced Beast' Yang Zhi, and more recently the Pilgrim Wu Song has arrived—all three possess the strength of ten thousand men. We had better write a letter and send outlaws there to beg for help. If they resolve our crisis, we can submit to their great stronghold and pay them tribute at the end of each month." Zhou Tong said, "I too know those heroes well enough, but I'm afraid that monk still bears a grudge over what happened before and won't come to our aid." Li Zhong laughed and said, "He beat you up back then, and he took many of our gold and silver wine vessels besides—how could he still hold it against us? He is a straightforward, good-hearted man. If we send someone there, he will surely lead his troops in person to rescue us." Zhou Tong said, "Brother, you are right." He then wrote a letter and dispatched two competent outlaws by the back trail, making their way toward Mount Erlong. After two days' journey, they arrived at the foot of the mountain, where outlaws there questioned them in detail about the situation.

Now in the great hall of the Precious Pearl Temple, three chieftains sat in state: the first was the "Flowery Monk" Lu Zhishen; the second was the "Blue-faced Beast" Yang Zhi; and the third was Wu Song, the Pilgrim. Before the mountain gate sat four lesser chieftains: one was Shi En, the "Golden-eyed Leopard," son of the superintendent of the Mengzhou prison camp. Because Wu Song had killed the entire family of Captain Zhang, the authorities had pressed Shi En's family to track down the culprit, and he had been forced to flee with his family into the jianghu. After both his parents died, he learned that Wu Song was at Mount Erlong and hastened to join the band. Another was Cao Zheng, the "Knife-wielding Demon," who had originally helped Lu Zhishen and Yang Zhi seize the Precious Pearl Temple and kill Deng Long, after which he joined the stronghold. The third was Zhang Qing, the "Gardener," and the fourth was his wife, Sun Erniang, the "Yaksha Demoness." This husband and wife had originally run a tavern on the Cross Slope of Mengzhou Road, selling buns stuffed with human flesh. Because Lu Zhishen and Wu Song had repeatedly sent letters inviting them, they too had come to join the stronghold.

When Cao Zheng heard that a letter had arrived from Mount Taohua, he first inquired about the details, then went straight to the great hall to report to the three chieftains. Zhishen said, "When this monk left Mount Wutai long ago, he stopped at a Peach Blossom Village and gave that little bird Zhou Tong a thorough beating. That fellow Li Zhong recognized this monk and invited him up the mountain for a day's drinking, treating him as an elder brother and asking him to stay as the chieftain. But this monk saw how miserly those fellows were, so he bundled up a good many gold and silver wine vessels and left them. Now they come begging for help—let us see what they have to say. Bring those outlaws up to the gate."

Before long, Cao Zheng led the outlaws into the hall. They performed their salutation and said: "Prefect Murong of Qingzhou recently received a certain Double-whip Huyan Zhuo, who had suffered a defeat in his campaign against Mount Liangshan. Prefect Murong is now first sending him to sweep clean our strongholds—Mount Taohua, Mount Erlong, and Mount Baishan—and has lent him troops so that he can capture the Mount Liangshan bandits and avenge himself. Our chieftains now request that you, great chieftain generals, descend from the mountain to rescue us. When the crisis is resolved, we are willing to pay you tribute."

Yang Zhi said, "We each guard our own stronghold and protect our mountain—it was never our duty to go to their aid. But I fear two things: first, that we would disgrace the brave heroes of the rivers and lakes; second, that if that fellow captures Peach Blossom Mountain, he would look down on us here. Let us leave Zhang Qing, Sun Erniang, Shi En, and Cao Zheng to guard the stockade. We three shall go in person." He immediately mustered five hundred foot soldiers, over sixty cavalry, all equipped with armor and weapons, and made straight for Peach Blossom Mountain.

Now, Li Zhong had learned of the news from Twin Dragon Mountain, and he personally led three hundred foot soldiers down the mountain to render support. When Hu Yanzhuo heard of this, he hastily gathered his troops and drew up battle lines across the road. He brandished his whips and rode out to face Li Zhong. Observe Li Zhong's appearance:

A pointed head, bony face, serpentine in form,

Alone he reigned in the forest of spear and staff.

The Tiger-Slaying General, bold and stout of heart—

Li Zhong's ancestors were from Baling.

Li Zhong was a native of Dingyuan in Haozhou by family lineage. For generations his family had made a living with the spear and staff. People saw his sturdy build and so called him the Tiger-Slaying General. He had come down the mountain to engage Hu Yanzhuo in battle, but how could Li Zhong match him? After fighting more than ten rounds, he saw things were not going his way. He thrust aside his weapon and fled. Hu Yanzhuo, seeing his skills were meager, gave chase up the mountain. "Little Tyrant" Zhou Tong, watching from halfway down the mountain, flew down upon him with goose eggs of stone. Hu Yanzhuo hastily turned his horse and came back down the mountain. He saw the government soldiers at the front raising a clamor. Hu Yanzhuo asked, "Why are you shouting?" The rear troops replied, "We see in the distance a band of soldiers and horses bearing down on us at full gallop." Upon hearing this, Hu Yanzhuo went to the rear of his army to look. Where the dust rose, at the head was a stout, massive monk riding a white horse. Who was this man? He was:

Since he left his hair at the monastery,

He has searched ten thousand li for brave men.

His arms could bear the strength of a thousand-pound tripod,

And heaven endowed him with a heart made for killing.

He defied the Buddha, cursed Guanyin,

His fasting knife and staff cold and grim.

He read no sutras—the "Flowery Monk,"

The meat-and-wine seng, Lu Zhishen.

Lu Zhishen roared from horseback, "Who is that wretch beaten by Liangshan Marsh, that dares come here to frighten people?" Hu Yanzhuo said, "I'll kill this bald donkey first, to vent the rage in my heart!" Lu Zhishen swung his iron staff; Hu Yanzhuo brandished his twin whips. The two horses met, and both sides raised a clamor. They fought forty or fifty rounds with neither gaining the advantage. Hu Yanzhuo secretly exclaimed in admiration, "This monk is truly formidable!" Both sides beat the gong to withdraw, and each army rested for the time being.

After a brief pause, Hu Yanzhuo rode out again and shouted, "Buddhist bandit, come out again! Let us settle who wins and who loses!" Lu Zhishen was just about to ride out when a hero at his side, burning with impatience, called out, "Elder Brother, rest a while. Watch me capture this fellow!" That man danced his sword and rode forth. Who was it that came to fight Hu Yanzhuo? He was:

Once an arms commissioner in the capital,

By the Flower and Rock Convoy he suffered hardship and woe.

His rainbow aura pressed cold upon the Ox and Dipper stars.

His blade could pacify the universe,

His bow could settle the mortal world.

A tiger's body, a wolf's waist, ape-strong arms,

He sat steady on his carved saddle atop a dragon steed.

His heroic fame filled all of Liangshan.

Men called him the "Blue-Faced Beast"—

Yang Zhi, of the military ranks.

Yang Zhi rode out then and engaged Hu Yanzhuo in battle. The two fought over forty rounds with neither gaining the advantage. Hu Yanzhuo, seeing Yang Zhi's superior skill, thought to himself, "Where did these two come from? Truly formidable! These are no ordinary bandit techniques!" Yang Zhi, too, recognized Hu Yanzhuo's martial prowess. He feigned an opening, wheeled his horse around, and galloped back to his own lines. Hu Yanzhuo also reined in his horse and did not pursue. Both sides withdrew their armies. Lu Zhishen then discussed with Yang Zhi, "We have just arrived here; it is not advisable to camp too close. Let us fall back twenty li and come back to fight tomorrow." Leading the foot soldiers, they went to a nearby hillside and made camp.

Meanwhile, Hu Yanzhuo sat brooding in his tent, thinking to himself, "I had hoped to sweep through here like splitting bamboo and capture this band of outlaws. Who knew I would encounter opponents like these? Such is my ill fortune!" Just as he was at his wits' end, a messenger from Prefect Murong arrived, saying, "The Prefect orders you to lead your troops back and defend the city. The bandits of White Tiger Mountain, Kong Ming and Kong Liang, have led men to Qingzhou to demand grain. Fearing the city stores may be lost, the Prefect has specially sent for you to return and garrison the city." Upon hearing this, Hu Yanzhuo seized the opportunity and led his army back to Qingzhou through the night.

The next day, Lu Zhishen, Yang Zhi, and Wu Song led the foot soldiers, waving their banners and shouting, all the way down to the foot of the mountain. When they looked, not a single soldier or horse remained—they were greatly startled. From the mountain, Li Zhong and Zhou Tong led men down to invite the three chiefs up to the stronghold, where they slaughtered oxen and horses and prepared a feast in their honor. At the same time, they sent men down the mountain to gather intelligence on conditions ahead.

Now let Huoyan Chaohan led his troops back to the city walls, where they encountered a body of soldiers just arriving at the city's edge. At their head were two sons of Squire Kong of White Tiger Mountain: Kong Ming, known as Hairy Star, and Kong Liang, called Lone Fire Star. The two had quarreled with a wealthy man of their native township, and had killed his entire household, high and low alike. They had gathered five or seven hundred men, occupied White Tiger Mountain, and taken to plundering. Because their uncle Kong Bin was in Qingzhou city, imprisoned by Governor Murong, Kong Ming and Kong Liang had mustered their bandits from the mountain stronghold to attack Qingzhou and rescue their uncle. They ran directly into Huoyan Chaohan's forces. The two sides pressed forward and locked in combat. Huoyan Chaohan rode out to the front of the formation. Governor Murong watched from the city tower. He saw Kong Ming take the lead, spear in hand, riding straight at Huoyan Chaohan. The two horses crossed and they fought over twenty rounds. Huoyan Chaohan wanted to display his abilities before the governor, and since Kong Ming's martial skills were lacking, he could only manage to parry and block. As the battle wore on, Huoyan Chaohan seized Kong Ming alive from his horse. Kong Liang had no choice but to lead his bandits away. Governor Murong pointed from the watchtower and ordered Huoyan Chaohan to pursue with his troops. The soldiers swept forward and captured over a hundred men alive. Kong Liang's forces were utterly routed and scattered in all directions. That evening they found an ancient temple to rest in.

Now, Huoyan Chaohan had captured Kong Ming alive and brought him into the city to see Governor Murong. The governor was greatly pleased and ordered Kong Ming fettered with heavy cangue and thrown into the same prison to be held together with Kong Bin. He rewarded the three armies and entertained Huoyan Chaohan, inquiring in detail about the situation at Peach Blossom Mountain. Huoyan Chaohan said, "It should have been 'catching a turtle in a jar—an easy business,' but then a band of strongmen came to their rescue. Among them were a monk and a big man with a blue face. We fought twice, and neither side gained the upper hand. These two's martial skills are not ordinary—they are not the techniques of the greenwood. That is why I was unable to capture them." Governor Murong said, "That monk is Lu Da, a military officer formerly under Commander Lao Chong of the Yan'an Prefecture headquarters, who has since become a monk and is called the 'Flowery Monk' Lu Zhishen. The big man with the blue face is Yang Zhi, formerly a Training Officer from the Palace Command Headquarters in the Eastern Capital. There is also a pilgrims' progress man called Wu Song, who was the constable who killed the tiger on Jingyang Ridge. These two occupy Twin Dragon Mountain, plunder households, and have repeatedly repelled government troops, killing three or five police chiefs. To this day, they have not been captured." Huoyan Chaohan said, "I saw that these fellows' martial skills were polished. So they are Training Officer Yang and Escort Lu—their reputations are well deserved! Rest assured, Your Excellency, I have gauged their abilities. Sooner or later, I will capture them one by one and deliver them to the authorities." The governor was greatly pleased. He held a banquet in Huoyan Chaohan's honor, and then had him lodged in a guest room. Let us speak no more of this.

Now, Kong Liang led his defeated troops along the road when suddenly a body of soldiers burst from the woods. The first warrior to appear—how was he dressed? A poem in the *Xijiang Yue* tune testifies:

His straight-cut robe draped cold as black mist,

His ordination crown shone bright as autumn frost.

His forelock hung long, brushing his eyebrows,

His hair behind was trimmed even to his neck.

His skull-beads gleamed pure white,

His braided cord was tinged pale yellow.

Two steel swords burst with cold radiance—

Such was the image of the Pilgrim Wu Song.

Kong Liang saw that it was Wu Song and hastily tumbled from his horse to bow. "Is the brave warrior well?" Wu Song quickly replied, raising him up and asking, "I have heard that you and your brothers occupy White Tiger Mountain in righteous assembly. Several times I wished to come pay my respects, but first I could not leave the mountain, and second the journey was not convenient, so we have never managed to meet. What brings you here today?" Kong Liang told him the whole story of trying to rescue his uncle Kong Bin and his brother's capture. Wu Song said, "Do not be alarmed. I have six or seven brothers now assembled at Twin Dragon Mountain. Recently, Li Zhong and Zhou Tong of Peach Blossom Mountain were hard-pressed by Qingzhou government troops and came to our stronghold to beg for help. Chieftains Lu and Yang led our men ahead to engage Huoyan Chaohan in battle. They fought for a full day, and Huoyan Chaohan withdrew at night. Three of us remained at the feast in the stronghold, and they presented us with that horse bestowed by the Emperor. Now I am leading the first detachment back to the mountain, and the other two will follow shortly. Let me have them attack Qingzhou—how would that be to rescue your uncle and brother?"

Kong Liang bowed to thank Wu Song. After waiting half a day, he saw Lu Zhishen and Yang Zhi arrive together on horseback. Wu Song led Kong Liang to pay his respects to the two and told them, "At that time I met Song Jiang at his manor and was much indebted to him. Today, let us make righteousness our priority, gather the forces of the three mountains, attack Qingzhou, kill Governor Murong, capture Huoyan Chaohan, and take the treasury and grain for the use of our strongholds. How about this?" Lu Zhishen said, "This monk has been thinking the same thing. Let us send someone to Peach Blossom Mountain to inform Li Zhong and Zhou Tong and have them bring their men. The three of us will attack Qingzhou together."

Then Yang Zhi said, "Qingzhou's walls are strong and its men are formidable, and furthermore that fellow Huoyan Chaohan is brave and skilled. It is not that I am trying to diminish our own prestige, but if we are to attack Qingzhou, we must follow my plan—then it can be taken within days." Wu Song said, "Brother, I would hear your strategy." Yang Zhi spoke countless words in a single sitting—and it came to pass that the people of Qingzhou, in every household, saw their tiles shatter and smoke fly; and the heroes of the Water Margin, every one of them, rolled up their sleeves and rubbed their fists. But what exactly did Yang Zhi tell Wu Song about how to attack Qingzhou? Listen to the next chapter.