الفصل التاسع والخمسون

الفصل التاسع والخمسون

Here is the translation:

It will be told that Prefect Hu brought Lu Zhishen into the rear hall and gave the order: "Seize him!" The numerous constables crowded Lu Zhishen down to the steps of the main hall. Prefect Hu shouted, "You bald donkey, where do you come from?" Lu Zhishen replied, "What crime have I committed, pray tell?" The prefect said, "Just tell me the truth—who sent you to assassinate me?" Lu Zhishen said, "I am a monk—why do you ask me such a question?" The prefect shouted, "Just now I saw you, you bald donkey, trying to strike my sedan chair with your iron staff, but then you thought better of it and did not dare to strike. You bald donkey, confess properly!" Lu Zhishen said, "I never killed you—why have you arrested me and falsely accused an innocent man?" The prefect cursed him: "When have you ever heard a monk call himself 'sa-jia'? This bald donkey must be a bandit from the five western roads who robs and plunders—he has come to avenge that Shi Jin. If we don't beat him, how will he ever confess?" He ordered his men, "Beat that bald donkey well and hard!" Lu Zhishen shouted loudly, "Don't beat me to death! I'll tell you—I am the Liangshan Marsh hero, the 'Flowery Monk' Lu Zhishen. My death is of no consequence, but when my elder brother Song Gongming learns of this and comes down from the mountain, your donkey head will be chopped off and sent to him in good time!" Prefect Hu flew into a rage upon hearing this. He had Lu Zhishen tortured and then ordered a large cangue to be placed on him, after which he was thrown into the death row cell. At the same time, a report was sent to the provincial authorities requesting an official decree. The iron staff and the monk's knife were sealed and stored in the prefectural hall.

At this time, all of Huazhou prefecture was in an uproar. The small scouts received this news and flew up the mountain to report it. Wu Song was greatly alarmed and said, "We two came to Huazhou on this mission, and now one of us has been lost—how can we go back and face the other chieftains?" Just as he was at a loss, a small scout from below the mountain reported, "There is a chieftain sent from Liangshan Marsh, called the 'Magic Traveller' Dai Zong, now at the foot of the mountain." Wu Song hastily went down to welcome him up the mountain, and he, Zhu Wu, and the other two men all met and exchanged greetings. Wu Song related how Lu Zhishen had refused to heed his advice and had been captured. Upon hearing this, Dai Zong was greatly alarmed and said, "I cannot stay long! I must return at once to Liangshan Marsh to report to our elder brother, so that he may early dispatch troops and officers to come to the rescue!" Wu Song said, "I shall wait here—I earnestly hope my elder brother will go quickly and return in haste." Dai Zong ate some vegetarian food, employed his magic traveling method, and returned to Liangshan Marsh. Within three days, he had reached the stronghold. He saw the two chieftains Chao and Song and immediately told them how Lu Zhishen, in rescuing Shi Jin, had attempted to assassinate Prefect Hu and had been captured. When Song Jiang heard this, he was alarmed and said, "Since two of our brothers are in trouble, how can we not rescue them? I cannot delay now. We must raise our men and march in three columns." The vanguard was assigned five leading commanders: Hua Rong, Qin Ming, Lin Chong, Yang Zhi, and Huyan Zhuo, leading one thousand cavalry and two thousand foot soldiers ahead to cut through mountains and bridge over rivers wherever they went. The middle army's main commander was Song Gongming, with Strategist Wu Yong, Zhu Tong, Xu Ning, Xie Zhen, and Xie Bao—six chieftains in all—with two thousand cavalry and foot soldiers. The rear army, in charge of provisions and supplies, was led by Li Ying, Yang Xiong, Shi Xiu, Li Jun, and Zhang Shun—five chieftains in all—bringing up the rear with two thousand cavalry and foot soldiers. In all, seven thousand men and horses departed from Liangshan Marsh and made straight for Huazhou. They hastened on the road and in less than a day they had already passed halfway, so Dai Zong was first sent ahead to report to Mount Shaohua. Zhu Wu and the other two men arranged pigs, sheep, cattle, and horses, and brewed fine wine in readiness.

Let us now tell of Song Jiang's army. All three columns arrived at the foot of Mount Shaohua. Wu Song led Zhu Wu, Chen Da, and Yang Chun down the mountain to pay their respects to Song Jiang, Wu Yong, and the other chieftains, and they all went up to the stronghold and sat down. Song Jiang asked in detail about conditions in the city. Zhu Wu said, "The two chieftains are already imprisoned by Prefect Hu in the jail, awaiting the official decree from the court for their disposition." Song Jiang said to Wu Yong, "How shall we devise a plan to rescue Shi Jin and Lu Zhishen?" Zhu Wu said, "The city walls of Huazhou are broad and wide, and the moat is deep and far-reaching—it cannot be taken in haste. Unless we have a plan for a coordinated attack from within and without, we cannot capture it." The scholar Wu said, "Tomorrow let us go and look at the city walls and then discuss it further." Song Jiang drank until evening and could not wait for daybreak—he wanted to go and see the city. Wu Yong admonished him: "Two great tigers are imprisoned in the city jail—how can they not be on their guard? You must not go to look during the day. Tonight the moonlight will certainly be bright—we can go down the mountain around the shen hour, and by the first watch we can be there to observe."

That day, they waited until the afternoon. Song Jiang, Wu Yong, Hua Rong, Qin Ming, and Zhu Tong—five horsemen in all—went down the mountain and proceeded along the winding road. By the first watch, they had arrived outside the walls of Huazhou. From a high vantage point on the hillside, they sat on their horses and looked toward the city of Huazhou. It was the middle of the second lunar month, and the moonlight was bright as daylight—not a single cloud in the sky. They saw that Huazhou was surrounded by several city gates, with high ground and strong walls, and a deep and wide moat. After gazing for a while, in the far distance they saw Mount Hua of the Western Peak—truly a magnificent mountain! They observed:

Its peaks are named Immortal's Palm, its temple lies hidden in the Cloud Terrace.

Above it connects to the Jade Maiden's washing basin, below it receives the branching waters of the Heavenly River.

The whole world is beautiful—its sharp peaks seem to touch the roots of the clouds;

Among all mountains it is honored—its strange and towering rocks invade the handle of the Dipper.

Green like clear indigo, blue like floating azure.

Even Zhang Sengyou's marvelous brush could not paint it, even Li Longmian's heavenly skill could not capture it.

In its deep and secluded grottoes, moonlight flies in a thousand rays of golden radiance;

On its towering and precipitous cliffs, sunlight stirs a thousand streaks of purple flame.

Passersby point from afar—within the waves of Cloud Pool, lotus roots are as large as boats;

Old legends tell—in the waters of the Jade Well, flowers grow ten feet tall.

The god Giant Spirit, in fury, split the mountain peak to display his divine power;

The hermit Chen, in noble seclusion, built a thatched cottage in which to sleep.

Through the ages, fame has been bestowed upon the Splendid Peak; for ten thousand years, incense offerings have been made to the Golden Heaven.

Song Jiang and his companions gazed upon the Western Peak of Mount Hua, observing its sturdy walls and solid fortifications. Finding no way to breach them, Wu Yong said, "Let us return to the camp and deliberate further." The five rode through the night back to Mount Shaohua. Song Jiang's brows remained furrowed, his face clouded with worry. Wu the Scholar said, "Send a dozen or so cunning men down the mountain to scout and gather intelligence far and near."

Within two days, a man came up the mountain to report: "The court has dispatched a Grand Marshal from the Palace Command, bearing the imperial gift of the 'Golden Bell and Saddle Ornament,' to offer incense at the Western Peak, traveling via the Yellow River into the Wei River." Upon hearing this, Wu Yong said, "Brother, worry no more—the plan is right here." He summoned Li Jun and Zhang Shun and instructed them: "You two go and do thus and so..." Li Jun said, "The only problem is that no one knows the local terrain—it would be best to have someone guide us." Yang Chun, the "White-Striped Snake," volunteered, "How about I go along and help?" Song Jiang was delighted. The three men went down the mountain. The next day, Wu the Scholar invited Song Jiang, Li Ying, Zhu Tong, Huyan Zhuo, Hua Rong, Qin Ming, and Xu Ning—seven men in all—to quietly lead some five hundred men down the mountain. They went straight to the Wei River crossing, where Li Jun, Zhang Shun, and Yang Chun had already seized over ten large boats. Wu Yong ordered Hua Rong, Qin Ming, Xu Ning, and Huyan Zhuo to lie in ambush on the shore. Song Jiang, Wu Yong, Zhu Tong, and Li Ying boarded the boats, while Li Jun, Zhang Shun, and Yang Chun hid the boats among the shallows.

The men waited through the night. At dawn the next day, they heard drums and gongs sounding in the distance. Three official boats approached, each bearing a yellow flag inscribed with: "By Imperial Decree, Grand Marshal Su Yuanjing, Offering Incense at the Western Peak." Song Jiang watched and secretly rejoiced, saying to himself, "The Goddess of the Dark Lady once said, 'Meeting Su brings great fortune.' Now that I see this man, surely there is purpose behind it."

As the Grand Marshal's boats neared the river mouth, Zhu Tong and Li Ying each stood with long spears behind Song Jiang and Wu Yong. The Grand Marshal's boat was intercepted at the channel. Over twenty attendants in purple robes and silver sashes emerged from the boat and shouted, "What manner of boats are these, daring to block a minister of the court?" Song Jiang held his ceremonial mace and bowed respectfully. Wu the Scholar stood at the bow and said, "The righteous warriors of Liangshan Marsh, Song Jiang, humbly request an audience." A secretary on the boat replied, "This is a Grand Marshal of the court, traveling by imperial decree to offer incense at the Western Peak. You are outlaws of Liangshan Marsh—why do you block his way?" Wu Yong said, "We righteous men only wish to see the Grand Marshal's honored face. We have matters to report." The secretary said, "What manner of men are you, that you dare request an audience with the Grand Marshal?" The attendants on both sides hissed, "Lower your voices!" Song Jiang said, "We ask the Grand Marshal to come ashore for a moment. We have matters to discuss." The secretary said, "Nonsense! The Grand Marshal is a minister of the court. How could he discuss anything with you?" Song Jiang said, "If the Grand Marshal refuses to see us, I fear his men may not take it well either." Zhu Tong gave a signal with the small flag on his spear, and from the shore, Hua Rong, Qin Ming, Xu Ning, and Huyan Zhuo led out cavalry, all with bows and arrows, to the river mouth, where they formed ranks on the bank. The boatmen on the official vessels were so frightened they dove into the cabins. The secretary panicked and went inside to report. The Grand Marshal Su had no choice but to come out and take his seat at the bow. Song Jiang bowed and said, "Song Jiang and his men would not presume to offend." Grand Marshal Su said, "Why have you righteous men waylaid my boats in this manner?" Song Jiang said, "How would we dare intercept the Grand Marshal? We only beg you to come ashore so that we may make a report." Grand Marshal Su said, "I am traveling by imperial decree to offer incense at the Western Peak. What is there to discuss with you righteous men? A minister of the court cannot lightly go ashore." Song Jiang said, "If the Grand Marshal refuses, I fear your attendants below may not agree either." Li Ying signaled with his flagged spear, and Li Jun, Zhang Shun, and Yang Chun pushed their boats out together. Grand Marshal Su was greatly alarmed. Li Jun and Zhang Shun drew gleaming daggers and leaped across onto the official boat. With one motion, they tipped two of the attendants into the water. Song Jiang quickly shouted, "Do nothing rash and alarm the honored guest!" Li Jun and Zhang Shun plunged into the water as well, quickly hauling the two attendants back onto the boat. Zhang Shun and Li Jun moved upon the water's surface as though treading on flat ground, then leaped back onto the boat in an instant. Grand Marshal Su was nearly frightened out of his wits. Song Jiang called out, "Men, stand back. Do not alarm the honored guest. I will respectfully invite the Grand Marshal ashore at my leisure." Grand Marshal Su said, "What business have you? Speak of it here." Song Jiang said, "This is no place to talk. I humbly invite the Grand Marshal to our mountain stronghold so that I may make my report. We harbor no harmful intentions. If we did, may the spirit of the Western Peak strike us down!" By this point, the Grand Marshal had no choice but to go ashore. Su Yuanjing had no alternative but to leave the boat and step onto the bank. The men led over a horse and helped the Grand Marshal mount. Having no choice, he went along with them. Song Jiang first sent Hua Rong and Qin Ming to escort the Grand Marshal up the mountain. Song Jiang then mounted his horse and ordered that all the people on the boats, along with the imperial incense, sacrificial offerings, and the "Golden Bell and Saddle Ornament," be gathered and taken up the mountain. He left only Li Jun and Zhang Shun with over a hundred men to guard the boats.

All the chieftains arrived at the mountain stronghold. Song Jiang dismounted and entered the hall. He helped Marshal Su into the seat of honor in the Assembly Hall, while the chieftains stood in attendance on both sides. Song Jiang kowtowed four times, then knelt before him and explained, "Song Jiang was originally a minor official in Yuncheng County. Forced by the authorities, I had no choice but to gather men in the mountains and take temporary refuge at Liangshan Marsh, awaiting the court's offer of amnesty so that I might serve the nation. Now two of my brothers have been wrongfully framed by Governor He and thrown into prison. I wish to borrow the Marshal's imperial incense, retinue, and the 'Golden Bell Pendant' to lure our way into Huazhou. Once the matter is settled, everything will be returned, and no harm whatsoever shall come to the Marshal. I beg the Marshal to bear witness." Marshal Su said, "It matters not that you take the imperial articles, but if this is discovered tomorrow, I shall be implicated." Song Jiang said, "When you return to the capital, you may place all the blame on Song Jiang." Marshal Su looked at the band of men before him—how could he possibly refuse? He had no choice but to consent. Song Jiang raised cups and set out a banquet to thank him. He had all the attendants accompanying the Marshal lend their clothes. Among the rank-and-file outlaws, he selected a handsome one, shaved his beard and mustache, dressed him in the Marshal's robes, and made him impersonate Su Yuanjing. Song Jiang and Wu Yong disguised themselves as clerical officers. Jiezhen, Jiebao, Yang Xiong, and Shi Xiu posed as escorts. The rank-and-file outlaws wore purple robes and silver sashes, carrying banners, flags, ceremonial staffs, and ritual implements, bearing aloft the imperial incense, sacrificial offerings, and the "Golden Bell Pendant." Hua Rong, Xu Ning, Zhu Tong, and Li Ying disguised themselves as four yamen guards. Wu Chen, Chen Da, and Yang Chun entertained the Marshal and his followers with wine and kept them well provided for. Meanwhile, Qin Ming and Huo Yanzhao were sent with one company of troops, and Lin Chong and Yang Zhi with another, advancing by two separate routes to take the city. Wu Song was ordered to proceed ahead and wait at the West Peak Gate, acting only upon signal.

To be brief, the party left the stronghold, went straight to the river mouth, and boarded boats. They did not notify the Huazhou prefect but made directly for the Temple of the West Peak. Daren Zong went ahead to inform the abbot of the Cloud Terrace Monastery and the temple staff, who came all the way to the boats to welcome them ashore. Fragrant flowers, lanterns, and candles were arranged in procession, along with banners and canopies. First the imperial incense was placed upon its perfumed pavilion and carried by temple porters, with the "Golden Bell Pendant" borne before them. The abbot paid his respects to the Marshal. Scholar Wu said, "The Marshal has fallen ill along the way and is unwell. Let him be carried in a sedan chair." The attendants helped the Marshal into the sedan chair, and he was carried directly to the official quarters in the temple to rest. The clerical officer, Scholar Wu, said to the abbot, "We have been specially sent by imperial decree to present the imperial incense and the 'Golden Bell Pendant' for the worship of the Holy Emperor. Why have the officials of this prefecture been so negligent as not to come out to welcome us?" The abbot replied, "I have already sent word; they should be arriving shortly." Before he finished speaking, the prefecture dispatched a vice-prefect with fifty or sixty constables, bringing wine and fruit to pay respects to the Marshal. Now, the outlaw posing as the Marshal, though similar in appearance, could not speak convincingly, so he had been made to appear ill, propped up with cushions and seated in bed. The vice-prefect saw that the banners, gate-flags, and ceremonial staffs were all products of the imperial workshops—how could he doubt their authenticity? The clerical officer made a show of going in and out, reporting twice, and then led the vice-prefect inside, where he kowtowed from afar below the steps. The false Marshal merely gestured with his hands and appeared to hear nothing. Wu Yong brought him forward and reproached the vice-prefect: "The Marshal is a favored minister of the Emperor himself. He has traveled a thousand li, specially entrusted by imperial decree to present the incense here. He fell ill on the journey and has not yet recovered. How could the officials of this prefecture fail to come out to greet him from afar?" The vice-prefect replied, "Though documents from the front reached the prefecture, we received no recent report, and so we failed to greet you properly. We did not expect the Marshal to reach the temple first. The governor himself would have come, but the bandits of Mount Shaohua have joined with the outlaws of Liangshan Marsh and intend to attack the city. He has been on guard against them daily and dare not leave his post. He sent me ahead to present wine and offerings; he himself will come shortly to pay his respects." Scholar Wu said, "The Marshal will not drink a drop. He says the governor must come quickly to discuss the ceremony." The vice-prefect immediately had wine brought, and the clerical officer's attendants poured it for him. Scholar Wu went in once more to report, then brought out the key and led the vice-prefect to see the "Golden Bell Pendant." He unlocked it and took the imperial "Golden Bell Pendant" from its silk bag for the vice-prefect to inspect, hanging it on a bamboo pole. It was truly a work of incomparable craftsmanship. Observe:

Forged of pure gold, adorned with five colors,

Two pendants of jeweled netting with golden bells,

Above hung a canopy of pearls and gems.

Dense yellow gauze enclosed an eight-clawed jade dragon coiling within;

Purple ribbons hung low, with paired golden phoenixes adorning the outer frame.

Carnelian and agate were inlaid throughout, surrounded by amber and pearls.

Blue glazed glass reflected crimson lotus lanterns; red lotus blossoms amid green leaves of uneven height.

Fit to hang in golden chambers and jade towers,

Worthy of adorning celestial terraces and precious halls.

This pair of "Golden Bell Pendants" had been made by master craftsmen of the imperial workshops in the Eastern Capital, inlaid entirely with seven kinds of precious pearls, with a red lantern hung at its center—the very one that had hung in the central hall of the Holy Emperor's palace. Had it not been bestowed from the imperial storehouse, how could any common artisan have produced such a thing? Wu Yong had the vice-prefect examine it, then had it placed back in its locked case. He then produced many official documents from the Secretariat and handed them to the vice-prefect. He told him to have the governor come to select a day for the sacrifice. The vice-prefect and the many constables had seen all the objects and credentials, so they took leave of the clerical officer and went straight back to the Huazhou prefectural office to report to Governor He.

Song Jiang secretly murmured his admiration: "Though this fellow is cunning and deceitful, he's been fooled into a daze of confusion." By this time, Wu Song had already arrived at the temple gate. Wu Yong further instructed Shi Xiu to conceal a sharp knife and come to the temple gate to assist Wu Song in the operation. He also ordered Dai Zong to disguise himself as a yuhou (attendant official). The abbot of the Yuntai Taoist Temple presented a vegetarian feast, while directing his attendants to arrange the furnishings of the Mount Yue Temple. Song Jiang strolled about to view the Western Mount Yue Temple—truly it was magnificently constructed, its halls and pavilions extraordinary, a veritable paradise on earth. Song Jiang entered the main hall, lit incense, bowed twice, and having silently finished his prayers, returned to the official hall. A gatekeeper announced: "Prefect He has arrived!" Song Jiang then ordered Hua Rong, Xu Ning, Zhu Tong, and Li Ying—four of his guards—each to take up weapons and stand on either side. Xie Zhen, Xie Bao, Yang Xiong, and Dai Zong each concealed weapons on their persons and stood in attendance on the left and right.

Now, Prefect He arrived with over three hundred men. They dismounted at the temple gate and crowded their way in. The false chief of staff Wu Yong and Song Jiang saw Prefect He entering with over three hundred men, all armed clerks and officials. Wu Yong shouted: "The Grand Marshal of the Court is here! No idle persons may approach!" The crowd halted their steps. Prefect He advanced alone to pay his respects to the Grand Marshal. The chief of staff said: "The Grand Marshal requests the Prefect to come forward for an audience." Prefect He entered the official hall and bowed toward the false Grand Marshal. Wu Yong said: "Prefect, do you know your crime?" The Prefect replied: "I, He, was unaware of the Grand Marshal's arrival. I beg your forgiveness." Wu Yong said: "The Grand Marshal has been commanded by imperial decree to come to the Western Mount Yue to offer incense. Why did you not come to greet him from afar?" The Prefect answered: "No advance notice reached the prefecture. I failed in my duty of welcome." Wu Yong shouted: "Seize him!" Xie Zhen and Xie Bao, the two brothers, had already drawn short knives from their sides. They kicked Prefect He to the ground with one foot and cut off his head. Song Jiang shouted: "Brothers, act now!" The three hundred or so men who had followed were so terrified they stood frozen, unable to move. Hua Rong and the others surged forward and felled those men like counting sticks, all of them collapsing to the ground. About half of them tried to rush out the temple gate, but Wu Song and Shi Xiu danced their blades and cut their way in. The small bandits pursued and slaughtered on all sides—not one of the over three hundred men returned alive. Those who arrived at the temple afterward were all killed by Zhang Shun and Li Jun.

Song Jiang hastily ordered the imperial incense and banners to be gathered and taken aboard the boats. They rushed to Huazhou, where they already saw fires breaking out on two roads within the city. They charged in together. First they went to the prison to rescue Shi Jin and Lu Zhishen, then opened the treasury, seized the money and silk, and loaded it onto carts. The entire company left Huazhou, boarded their boats, and returned to Mount Shaohua. They all came to pay their respects to Grand Marshal Su, returning the imperial incense, the golden bell banners, the ceremonial staff, gate flags, regalia, and other items. They bowed to thank the Grand Marshal for his kindness. Song Jiang ordered a tray of gold and silver to be presented to the Grand Marshal. All the attendants, regardless of rank, were given gold and silver. A farewell feast was held at the mountain stronghold to express gratitude to the Grand Marshal. The chieftains escorted him down the mountain to the river mouth, where they handed over all goods, equipment, and boats—nothing was lacking—and returned the original personnel.

Song Jiang bade farewell to Grand Marshal Su and returned to Mount Shaohua, where he conferred with the four heroes of Mount Shaohua on gathering the stronghold's money and grain and setting fire to the stockade. The entire company, with their horses and provisions, made their way toward Liangshan Marsh.

Now, Grand Marshal Su boarded his boat and arrived at Huazhou, where he learned that the bandits of Liangshan Marsh had killed soldiers and men, plundered the treasury's money and grain, slain over a hundred military officers in the city, and carried off all the horses. Many lives had also been taken at the Western Mount Yue Temple. He ordered the prefecture's judicial officer to draft a document to be submitted to the Central Secretariat for an imperial memorial. It was all attributed to "Song Jiang having first robbed the imperial incense and banners along the road, thereby luring the prefect to the temple and murdering him." Grand Marshal Su burned the imperial incense at the temple, entrusted the "golden bell banners" to the abbot of the Yuntai Taoist Temple, and hastened back to the capital by day and night to report the matter. But no more of this.

Furthermore, Song Jiang, having rescued Shi Jin and Lu Zhishen, led the four heroes of Mount Shaohua, still divided into three columns with their forces distributed, toward Liangshan Marsh. They passed through prefectures and counties without committing the slightest offense. He first sent Dai Zong ahead to the mountain to report. Chao Gai and the chieftains of the stronghold came down the mountain to welcome Song Jiang and the others. Together they went to the stronghold's Assembly Hall, where they all met and exchanged greetings. A celebratory feast was prepared.

The next day, Shi Jin, Wu Yong, Chen Da, and Yang Chun each used their own wealth to host a feast in thanks to Chao and Song and the other chieftains. Several days passed. Let us not dwell on trivialities. Then one day, the "Dryland Diver" Zhu Gui came to the mountain with a report: "A new band of outlaws has gathered at Mangdang Mountain in Pei County, Xuzhou. They number three thousand mounted men. Their leader is a master by the name of Fan Rui, nicknamed the 'Demon King of Chaos,' who can summon wind and rain and is a wizard at deploying troops. He has two lieutenants: one is Xiang Chong, nicknamed the 'Eight-Armed Nezha,' who wields a round shield with twenty-four flying knives fixed upon it and carries a steel spear. The other is Li Gun, nicknamed the 'Flying Heaven Great Sage,' who also carries a round shield, with twenty-four javelins fixed upon it, and wields a precious sword. These three are sworn brothers. They have seized Mangdang Mountain and rob and plunder. They have plotted to come and swallow up our great stronghold at Liangshan Marsh. When I heard this, I had to report it."

When Song Jiang heard this, he flew into a rage. "How dare these bandits be so insolent! I shall go down the mountain once more!" At this, the Nine-Dragon Shi Jin rose to his feet and said, "We four have newly arrived at the great stronghold and have yet to render the least service. I volunteer to lead my own men to subdue these outlaws." Song Jiang was greatly pleased. Shi Jin immediately mustered his men, and together with Wu Yong, Chen Da, and Yang Chun, they donned their armor, took leave of Song Jiang, and went down the mountain. They crossed by boat over Golden Sand Beach and made straight for Mangdang Mountain.

Within three days, they sighted the mountain in the distance—the very place where the Han高祖 Gaozu of Han had once killed a snake and raised his banner of rebellion. The three columns of troops arrived at the foot of the mountain, and the look-out outlaws went up to report.

Now Shi Jin deployed the men he had brought from Mount Shaohua. Shi Jin himself was fully armored and rode a horse the color of burning coals, riding out ahead of the line. What manner of hero was Shi Jin? Observe:

Long he dwelt beyond Huazhou's walls,

A farmer's son by birth, by martial arts his heart enthralled.

His three-pointed blade gleamed like snow, his fiery red steed like a dragon.

He wore chain-mail of wrought iron, his battle robe billowing crimson,

His tattooed skin and carved jade ornaments exquisite beyond compare.

The rivers and lakes knew Shi Jin by name, nicknamed the "Nine-Dragon."

At that moment Shi Jin rode out first, the three-pointed, two-edged blade held across his body. Behind him rode the three chieftains. In the center was Wu Yong, the "Divine Strategist." That man was a native of Dingyuan County, wise and resourceful all his life. He too could wield a pair of double-edged swords. When he rode to the front of the battle line, eight lines of verse also extolled Wu Yong's virtues:

His Daoist robe was cut from palm leaves, his cloud-shaped cap from deer hide.

His face was ruddy, his eyes handsome, his beard fine and flowing.

His wisdom could rival Zhang Liang's, his talent surpassed Fan Li's.

Now fit to serve as Wu Yong's deputy—Wu Yong, styled the "Divine Strategist."

On the upper flank sat a brave man, holding a gleaming white-tipped steel spear across his saddle. This was Chen Da, nicknamed the "Leaping-Tiger," a native of Ye City. He spurred his horse forward with spear raised to the battle line, and a poem also extolled Chen Da's virtues:

One sees men of strength leap like tigers, and knows the fierce tiger leaps mountain streams.

Truly Chen Da is a tiger among men, spurring his horse and brandishing his spear to the beat of war drums.

On the lower flank sat a brave man, wielding a great long-handled saber. This was Yang Chun, nicknamed the "White-Flowered Serpent," a native of Pucheng in Jieyang County. He held his sword upright and his horse steady, guarding the battle line. A poem also extolled Yang Chun's virtues:

Yang Chun's name is not to be overlooked—for years he robbed travelers on Mount Shaohua.

He stretches his arms and extends his waist with mighty strength, the "White-Flowered Serpent" who could swallow an elephant.

The four brave men reined their horses at the front of the line. Before long, they saw a column of men and horses come flying down from Mangdang Mountain, led by two warriors. The foremost was a native of Pei County in Xuzhou, Xiang Chong, nicknamed the Eight-Armed Nezha. He carried a round shield with twenty-four flying knives fixed upon his back, which he could hurl to strike a man at a hundred paces without ever missing. In his right hand he held a javelin. Behind him flew a banner bearing his name, "Eight-Armed Nezha," as he descended the mountain on foot. Eight lines of verse extolled Xiang Chong:

An iron cap deeply shaded his head, brass rings half-covered his cheeks.

His shield hung with a beast's mask, his flying blades fixed upon dragon-hide.

His feet moved like wind and fire, his body foremost to bring disaster.

Nezha with eight arms—this was Xiang Chong come.

Behind him was a native of Pi County, Li Gun, nicknamed the Flying Heaven Great Sage. He too wielded a round shield, with twenty-four javelins fixed upon his back, and could also hurl them to strike at a hundred paces. He held the shield in his left hand and a sword in his right. Behind him flew a banner bearing his name, "Flying Heaven Great Sage," as he rode to the front of the battle line. Eight lines of verse extolled Li Gun:

A plume-covered helmet capped his head, his robe hid the iron beneath his collar.

His chest housed a courage that reached the ground, his bristly hairs could slay a man's soul.

His flying blades clustered like jade, his barbarian shield was painted all in gold.

The Flying Heaven Great Sage—Li Gun, admired by all.

At that moment the two descended the mountain on foot. Opposite them, Shi Zhu, Zhu Wu, Chen Da, and Yang Chun sat astride their horses at the front of the formation. Without a single word exchanged, the lesser followers struck up the gongs, and the two heroes brandished their round shields as they advanced together, rolling straight into the ranks. Shi Zhu and the others could not hold them back; the rear guard fled first. Shi Zhu's vanguard fought to resist, but Zhu Wu and the others in the center raised a great cry and scattered in confusion. Truly it was a case of "the men held their ground but the horses would not"—they were beaten back thirty or forty *li*. Shi Zhu barely escaped a flying blade. Yang Chun turned too slowly and took a flying blade that struck his mount; he abandoned his horse and fled for his life. Shi Zhu counted his troops—half had been lost. He conferred with Zhu Wu and the others, wishing to send someone back to Liangshan Marsh for help.

Just as they were deliberating anxiously, a soldier came to report: "On the great road to the north, where dust is rising, some two thousand troops are approaching." Shi Zhu and the others rode out to meet them, and it turned out to be the banner of Liangshan Marsh. Riding in the vanguard were two senior commanders: one was Hua Rong, the Little Li Guang, and the other was Xu Ning, the Gold Lancer. Shi Zhu joined them and gave a full account of how Xiang Chong and Li Gun had rolled in behind their barbarian shields, how the troops could not stop them. Hua Rong said: "Song Jiang, our elder brother, was uneasy when he learned you had come here. He deeply regrets it and has specially sent the two of us to assist you."

Shi Zhu and the others were overjoyed. They combined their forces and made camp together. The next day at dawn, they were just about to march out against the enemy when soldiers reported: "More troops are arriving on the great road to the north." Hua Rong, Xu Ning, and Shi Zhu all mounted their horses and rode out to meet them—and it was Song Jiang himself, together with the strategist Wu Yong, Gongsun Sheng, Chai Jin, Zhu Tong, Huyan Zhuo, Mu Hong, Sun Li, Huang Xin, Lü Fang, and Guo Sheng, leading three thousand men. Shi Zhu gave a full account of how Xiang Chong and Li Gun's flying blades, javelins, and rolling shields had been impossible to get close to, and how they had lost men and horses.

Song Jiang was greatly alarmed. Wu Yong said: "Let us first pitch our camp and raise stockade fences, and then deliberate on other plans." But Song Jiang was impatient by nature and wanted to raise his forces to exterminate the enemy, marching all the way to the foot of the mountain. By now the sky was growing dark, and they could see that Mangdang Mountain was covered with blue lanterns. Gongson Sheng observed them and said: "The blue lanterns in that stronghold mean there must be someone within who practices sorcery. Let us withdraw our forces for now. Tomorrow this poor monk will present a battle formation to capture these two men."

Song Jiang was overjoyed. He gave orders for the troops to withdraw twenty *li* and pitch camp. The next morning, Gongsun Sheng presented this formation—and it would come to pass that the demon lords would join Liangshan with raised hands, and the divine generals would give their hearts to the water margin. But what formation did Gongsun Sheng present? Listen to the next chapter.