Chapter 71

Chapter 71

Song Jiang had attacked Dongping once and Dongchang twice, and now returned to the stronghold. He counted the chieftains, great and small, and found there were altogether one hundred and eight. His heart filled with joy, and he said to his brothers: "Ever since I caused a disturbance in Jiangzhou and came up to this mountain, I have relied upon the heroism and support of all you brothers to establish me as your leader. Today we have gathered one hundred and eight chieftains together, and my heart is greatly pleased. Since Brother Chao Gai returned to Heaven, whenever I have led troops to join the stronghold, we have been openly protected and preserved. This is the guardianship of Heaven above—it is not the power of men! Even those who were captured and bound in chains, or who returned wounded, all have remained unharmed. Now all one hundred and eight of us are assembled before me—truly, from ancient times to the present, such a thing is exceedingly rare. Wherever our weapons have gone in the past, we have taken lives and harmed living creatures, and there has been no way to atone for it. In my heart I wish to establish a Grand Universal Offering to repay the grace of the gods of Heaven and Earth in watching over us: first, to pray that all our brothers enjoy peace of body and mind; second, to hope only that the court will soon bestow its merciful light and pardon our great crime of rebellion, so that we may all devote our lives with all our strength, serving the country with utter loyalty until death; third, to offer prayers above that Brother Chao, the Heavenly King, may be reborn in the celestial realm, so that in life after life we may meet again; and also to perform the rites of salvation for all who died by violence, by drowning, by burning, or any innocent persons who were wrongly killed, so that all may attain the Way of Goodness. I wish to carry out this matter—I do not know what all you brothers think of it."

All the chieftains praised him, saying: "This is a meritorious deed and a good thing. Your judgment, Brother, is not mistaken." Wu Yong then said: "First we should invite Gongsun Sheng, the Pure One, to preside over the rites. Then we should send men down the mountain to invite eminent Taoists of the Way from far and wide, bringing the ritual implements back to the stronghold. We should also send people to purchase all the necessary incense, candles, paper horses, flowers and fruits, sacrificial vessels, pure vegetarian offerings, and every other required item."

After discussion, they selected the fifteenth day of the fourth month as the beginning, with seven days and nights of rites. The stronghold spent liberally and pressed the work forward. As the date drew near, long pennants were hung before the Hall of Loyalty and Righteousness, a three-tiered high platform was erected in the hall, and the sacred images of the Seven Treasures and the Three Pure Ones were arranged within. Below were set the Twenty-Eight Constellations and the Twelve Palaces, together with all the star-officers and true ministers presiding over the rites. Outside the hall were stationed the altar-guarding divine generals Cui, Lu, Deng, and Dou. When all was arranged and the ritual implements set in place, the Taoist clergy were invited—with Gongsun Sheng among them, there were forty-nine in all.

That day was fine and clear—the heavens were harmonious and the air was bright, the moon was white and the wind was cool. Song Jiang and Lu Junyi took the lead, Wu Yong and the other chieftains followed in offering incense. Gongsun Sheng served as the Grand Ritual Master, presiding over the fast and issuing all the documents and talismanic commands—of this there is no need to speak further. At that day's offering, one saw:

Incense rose in auspicious haze; flowers clustered like brocade screens.

A thousand painted candles shed their flowing light; hundreds of silver lamps scattered their colors.

Pair by pair, feathered canopies were raised high on high; layer upon layer, banners and pennants were densely arrayed.

The wind was pure as the void-walking chanting echoed through the Three Realms; the moon was cold as the nocturnal dew descended from the Nine Heavens.

Where the golden bell was struck, the Grand Ritual Master presented his memorial to the August Emperor of the Void;

When the jade pendants chimed, the Preceptor ascended the altar to pay court to the Jade Emperor.

Red silk robes gleamed with the brilliance of stars; hibiscus crowns were adorned with gold and imperial splendor.

The altar-guarding divine generals were fierce and awesome; the day's duty officers were valiant and bold.

The priests together recited the precious repentance, mounting the jade terrace to pour water and offer flowers;

The true men secretly chanted the sacred chapters, pressing their ritual swords and pacing the stars and Dipper.

A green dragon dimly came to the Yellow Way; white cranes gracefully descended to the Purple Forbidden Enclosure.

On that day Gongsun Sheng and the forty-eight Taoist clergy performed the offering in the Hall of Loyalty and Righteousness, holding three audiences each day, until the seventh day when the rites concluded. Song Jiang sought a sign from Heaven above and specially instructed Gongsun Sheng to present the Green Memorial, reporting to the Lord of Heaven, with three audiences each day. It happened that on the seventh day, at the third watch of the night, Gongsun Sheng was on the first tier of the August Void Altar, the clergy were on the second tier, Song Jiang and the chieftains were on the third tier, and the lesser leaders and officers were all below the altar. Everyone earnestly prayed to Heaven above, determined to seek a sign.

At the third watch of that night, they heard a sound from the heavens, like the tearing of silk—it came from the Heavenly Gate in the northwest, the direction of Qian. When the people looked, a golden disk stood upright, pointed at both ends and broad in the middle—it was also called "the Opening of the Heavenly Gate," and also called "the Opening of the Heavenly Eye." Inside it, radiance shot forth dazzling to the eyes, and rosy clouds swirled about. From the middle a ball of fire rolled out, shaped like a wicker basket, and rolled straight down onto the August Void Altar. That ball of fire circled the altar once, then bored into the ground due south. By then the Heavenly Eye had closed, and the clergy descended from the altar. Song Jiang immediately ordered men to take spades and hoes and dig up the earth, tracing the fire. They dug no more than three feet deep before they found a stone tablet, with celestial script on both the front and the sides. There is a poem as proof:

Loyal and righteous heroes gathered in wondrous assembly—

Moving the Supreme God—how strange and rare!

Good and evil among men both summon their reward—

When will the Heavenly Eye not open wide!

At that time, Song Jiang had paper offerings burned to completion. At daybreak, he assembled the Daoist priests and bestowed upon each of them gold and silk to cover the temple's expenses. Only then did they bring forth the stone tablet and examine it. Upon it were inscriptions in the style of dragon tracery, phoenix script, and tadpole writing—none of the people present could read them.

Among the Daoist priests there was one named He, whose dharma name was Xuantong. He said to Song Jiang: "In my humble abode, my ancestors left behind a volume of texts that can specifically decipher heavenly writings. Since ancient times, those texts have all been in tadpole script, and thus this poor Daoist is skilled at reading them. If I translate them, we shall know the truth of the matter."

Song Jiang was overjoyed. He immediately presented the stone tablet and had Priest He examine it. After a long while, Priest He said: "This stone bears the great names of all the righteous heroes engraved upon it. On one side are four characters: 'Act in Heaven's behalf'; on the other side are four characters: 'Loyalty and righteousness complete.' At the top are the stars of the Southern and Northern Dippers. Below are the honorific titles. If you will not hold me at fault, I shall expound them all from beginning to end."

Song Jiang said: "Fortunate indeed to have your guidance, sir—this is no small karmity. Your instruction fills me with gratitude. I fear only that Heaven may reproach us for these words. Please conceal nothing. Reveal everything fully, and leave out not a single phrase."

Song Jiang summoned Xiao Rang, the "Sagacious Scribe," and had him transcribe the text on yellow paper. Priest He then said: "On the front of the tablet are thirty-six lines of heavenly writing, all Heavenly Spirit stars. On the back are seventy-two lines of heavenly writing, all Earthly Fiend stars. Below are inscribed the names of all the righteous heroes."

After watching for a long time, he had Xiao Rang copy everything from beginning to end.

On the front of the tablet were inscribed the thirty-six Heavenly Spirit stars of Liangshan Marsh:

Heavenly Chief Star "Protector of Righteousness" Song Jiang

Heavenly Strength Star "Jade Qilin" Lu Junyi

Heavenly Resource Star "Resourceful Star" Wu Yong

Heavenly Leisure Star "Dragon in the Clouds" Gongsun Sheng

Heavenary Courage Star "Great Blade" Guan Sheng

Heavenly Hero Star "Leopard Head" Lin Chong

Heavenly Ferocity Star "Thunderbolt" Qin Ming

Heavenly Prestige Star "Twin Whips" Huyan Zhuo

Heavenly Valor Star "Little Li Guang" Hua Rong

Heavenly Nobility Star "Small Whirlwind" Chai Jin

Heavenly Wealth Star "Sky-Soaring Eagle" Li Ying

Heavenly Fullness Star "Handsome Beard" Zhu Tong

Heavenly Solitude Star "Flowery Monk" Lu Zhishen

Heavenary Wound Star "Pilgrim" Wu Song

Heavenly Upright Star "Twin-Spear General" Dong Ping

Heavenary Swiftness Star "Featherless Arrow" Zhang Qing

Heavenary Darkness Star "Blue-Faced Beast" Yang Zhi

Heavenary Blessing Star "Golden Spearman" Xu Ning

Heavenary Haste Star "Eager Vanguard" Suo Chao

Heavenary Speed Star "Divine Traveler" Dai Zong

Heavenary Strangeness Star "Red-Haired Devil" Liu Tang

Heavenary Slaughter Star "Black Whirlwind" Li Kui

Heavenary Subtlety Star "Nine-Dragon Tattoo" Shi Jin

Heavenary Penetration Star "Unobstructed" Mu Hong

Heavenary Retreat Star "Winged Tiger" Lei Heng

Heavenary Longevity Star "River-Churning Dragon" Li Jun

Heavenary Sword Star "Hell-Erecting Demon" Ruan Xiao'er

Heavenary Balance Star "Boatman" Zhang Heng

Heavenary Guilt Star "Short-Lived Second Son" Ruan Xiaowu

Heavenary Ruin Star "White Wave Rider" Zhang Shun

Heavenary Defeat Star "Living Yama" Ruan Xiaoqi

Heavenary Prison Star "Sick Guan Suo" Yang Xiong

Heavenary Wisdom Star "Desperate Third Brother" Shi Xiu

Heavenary Fury Star "Two-Headed Snake" Jie Zhen

Heavenary Weeping Star "Double-Tailed Scorpion" Jie Bao

Heavenary Skill Star "Gallant Swallow" Yan Qing

On the back of the tablet were inscribed the seventy-two Earthly Fiend stars:

Earthly Chief Star "Divine Strategist" Zhu Wu

Earthly Fiend Star "Tamer of Three Mountains" Huang Xin

Earthly Courage Star "Sick Commandant" Sun Li

Earthly Hero Star "Ugly Prefect" Xuan Zan

Earthly Strength Star "Well-and-Wood Demon" Hao Siwen

Earthly Prestige Star "Ever-Victorious General" Han Tao

Earthly Valor Star "Heavenly-Eyed General" Peng Qi

Earthly Marvel Star "Holy Water General" Shan Tinggui

Earthly Ferocity Star "Divine Fire General" Wei Dingguo

Earthly Culture Star "Sagacious Scribe" Xiao Rang

Earthly Rectitude Star "Iron-Faced Magistrate" Pei Xuan

Earthly Breadth Star "Golden-Winged Roc" Ou Peng

Earthly Closure Star "Fire-Eyed Lynx" Deng Fei

Earthly Might Star "Brocade Tiger" Yan Shun

Earthly Darkness Star "Brocade Leopard" Yang Lin

Earthly Axis Star "Heaven-Shaking Thunder" Ling Zhen

Earthly Assembly Star "Divine Calculator" Jiang Jing

Earthly Aid Star "Little Marquis of Wen" Lü Fang

Earthly Blessing Star "Surpassing Ren Gui" Guo Sheng

Earthly Spirit Star "Divine Physician" An Daoquan

Earthly Beast Star "Purple-Bearded Earl" Huangfu Duan

Earthly Subtlety Star "Short Tiger" Wang Ying

Earthly Wisdom Star "Ten-Foot Green Snake" Hu Sanniang

Earthly Fury Star "God of Death" Bao Xu

Earthly Spontaneity Star "Demon King of Chaos" Fan Rui

Earthly Fierceness Star "Hairy Star" Kong Ming

Earthly Wildness Star "Lone Fire Star" Kong Liang

Earthly Flight Star "Eight-Armed Nezha" Xiang Chong

Earthly Swiftness Star "Flying Great Sage" Li Gun

Earthly Skill Star "Jade-Armed Artisan" Jin Dajian

Dixing Xing "Iron Flute Immortal" Ma Lin

Di Jin Xing "Dragon Emerging from the Cave" Tong Wei

Di Tui Xing "River-Turning Sea Monster" Tong Meng

Di Man Xing "Jade Banner Pole" Meng Kang

Di Sui Xing "Long-Armed Ape" Hou Jian

Di Zhou Xing "Tiger Leaping the Ravine" Chen Da

Di Yin Xing "White-Flowered Serpent" Yang Chun

Di Yi Xing "White-Faced Gentleman" Zheng Tianshou

Di Li Xing "Nine-Tailed Tortoise" Tao Zongwang

Di Jun Xing "Iron Fan" Song Qing

Di Le Xing "Iron Whistle" Le He

Di Jie Xing "Tiger with Flowered Neck" Gong Wang

Di Su Xing "Tiger Hit by an Arrow" Ding Desun

Di Zhen Xing "Little Barrier" Mu Chun

Di Ji Xing "Knife-Wielding Ghost" Cao Zheng

Di Mo Xing "Diamond in the Clouds" Song Wan

Di Yao Xing "Sky-Toucher" Du Qian

Di You Xing "Sick Tiger" Xue Yong

Di Fu Xing "Golden-Eyed Tiger" Shi En

Di Pi Xing "Tiger-Slayer" Li Zhong

Di Kong Xing "Little Overlord" Zhou Tong

Di Gu Xing "Golden Leopard" Tang Long

Di Quan Xing "Ghost-Faced Fellow" Du Xing

Di Duan Xing "Dragon Out of the Forest" Zou Yuan

Di Jiao Xing "One-Horned Dragon" Zou Run

Di Qiu Xing "Dry-Land Monitor" Zhu Gui

Di Zang Xing "Smiling Tiger" Zhu Fu

Di Ping Xing "Iron-Armed" Cai Fu

Di Sun Xing "Single Flower" Cai Qing

Di Nu Xing "Death-Summoning Judge" Li Li

Di Cha Xing "Green-Eyed Tiger" Li Yun

Di E Xing "Faceless" Jiao Ting

Di Chou Xing "Stone General" Shi Yong

Di Shu Xing "Little Commandant" Sun Xin

Di Yin Xing "Mother Tiger" Gu Dasao

Di Xing Xing "Vegetable Gardener" Zhang Qing

Di Zhuang Xing "Mother Yaksha" Sun Erniang

Di Lie Xing "Living Lightning" Wang Dingliu

Di Jian Xing "God of the Perilous Road" Yu Baosi

Di Hao Xing "White Day Rat" Bai Sheng

Di Zei Xing "Flea on the Drum" Shi Qian

Di Gou Xing "Golden-Haired Hound" Duan Jingzhu

At that time, the Taoist priest He examined and interpreted the heavenly text, and had Xiao Rang transcribe it. When they had finished reading it, all those present were filled with astonishment. Song Jiang addressed the assembled chieftains: "This humble petty official was originally destined to correspond to one of the Star Chieftains, and it turns out that all you brothers were originally members of the same celestial assembly. Heaven has revealed its will, and it is right that we gather together. Now our number is complete. The Supreme Heaven has assigned positions and ranks to the first class of Heavenly Chiefs and Earthly Fiends, and the order has been fixed. Let each chieftain keep his proper station, let none contend, and let no one defy the words of Heaven." All present replied: "The will of Heaven and Earth, the natural order and destiny—who would dare to defy it?" Song Jiang then took fifty taels of gold and presented it to the Taoist priest He as a reward. The other priests collected their fees and ritual implements and dispersed down the mountain. There is a poem as proof:

Bright moon, cold wind, the altar deep in solemn rite,

Cranes and phoenixes bear sweet tidings through the night.

Earthly Fiends and Heavenly Chiefs, their names arrayed,

With loyal hearts and righteous fire, their vows are made.

Let us not speak of the priests returning home. Song Jiang, together with the strategist Wu Yong, Zhu Wu, and others, deliberated on their plans. They would erect a large plaque in the hall, inscribed with the three characters "Hall of Loyalty and Righteousness," and the Pavilion of Severed Gold would also receive a new large plaque. Three passes would be established in front, and behind the Hall of Loyalty and Righteousness they would construct a Wild Goose Terrace, with a main hall on the top and two rooms on each side, east and west. The central hall would house the memorial spirit tablet of Chao Commander. In the east room: Song Jiang, Wu Yong, Lü Fang, and Guo Sheng. In the west room: Lu Junyi, Gongsun Sheng, Kong Ming, and Kong Liang. On the second slope, the left row of rooms: Zhu Wu, Huang Xin, Sun Li, Xiao Rang, and Pei Xuan. The right row of rooms: Dai Zong, Yan Qing, Zhang Qing, An Daoquan, and Huangfu Duan. To the left of the Hall of Loyalty and Righteousness, in charge of money, grain, and granary management: Chai Jin, Li Ying, Jiang Jing, and Ling Zhen. To the right: Hua Rong, Fan Rui, Xiang Chong, and Li Gun. The first pass on the southern road in front of the mountain was guarded by Zhen Bao and Zhen Bao; the second pass by Lu Zhishen and Wu Song; the third pass by Zhu Tong and Lei Heng. The eastern mountain pass was guarded by Shi Jin and Liu Tang; the western mountain pass by Yang Xiong and Shi Xiu; the northern mountain pass by Mu Hong and Li Kuai. Beyond the six passes, eight camps were established: four land camps and four water camps. The southern land camp: Qin Ming, Suo Chao, Ou Peng, and Deng Fei. The eastern land camp: Guan Sheng, Xu Ning, Xuan Zan, and Hao Siwen. The western land camp: Lin Chong, Dong Ping, Shan Tinggui, and Wei Dingguo. The northern land camp: Hu Yanzhu, Yang Zhi, Han Tao, and Peng Qi. The southeastern water camp: Li Jun and Ruan Xiaoer. The southwestern water camp: Zhang Heng and Zhang Shun. The northeastern water camp: Ruan Xiaowu and Tong Wei. The northwestern water camp: Ruan Xiaoqi and Tong Meng. The rest were assigned their various duties.

New banners and standards were erected. At the mountaintop, an apricot-yellow flag was raised, bearing the four characters "Act in Heaven's Name." Before the Hall of Loyalty and Righteousness hung two embroidered red standards: one reading "Protector of Righteousness of Shandong," the other "Jade Qilin of Hebei." Beyond these were the Flying Dragon and Flying Tiger banners, the Flying Bear and Flying Leopard banners, the Green Dragon and White Tiger banners, the Vermilion Bird and Black Tortoise banners, the golden axe and white yak-tail staff, the green pennant and black canopy, the crimson tassel and dark banner. Apart from the central army's armaments, there were also the Four Directions and Five Positions banners, the Three Powers and Nine Luminaries banners, the Twenty-Eight Mansions banners, the Sixty-Four Hexagram banners, the Nine Palaces and Eight Trigrams of the Celestial Circuit banners, and one hundred and twenty-four Heaven-Suppressing banners—all made by Hou Jian. Jin Dajian cast the military seals and credentials. When everything was complete, an auspicious day and hour were chosen. Cattle and horses were slaughtered as offerings to the spirits of Heaven and Earth. The plaques for the Hall of Loyalty and Righteousness and the Pavilion of Severed Gold were hung, and the apricot-yellow banner reading "Act in Heaven's Name" was raised.

On that day, Song Jiang held a great feast. He personally bore the military seals and credentials and issued his commands: "All you brothers, great and small, each shall govern your charge and obey these orders strictly. Do not transgress or err, lest you harm our brotherly bond. Should anyone deliberately disobey, he shall be punished by military law without the slightest mercy."

The roster follows:

Two Supreme Commanders of the Liangshan Marsh Army:

"Song Jiang, Protector of Righteousness" — "Lu Junyi, Jade Qilin"

Two Military Counselors in Charge of Confidential Matters:

"Wu Yong, the Resourceful Star" — "Gongsun Sheng, the Dragon in the Clouds"

One Chief in Joint Consultation on Military Affairs:

"Zhu Wu, the Divine Strategist"

Two Chiefs in Charge of Provisions and Funds:

"Chai Jin, the Little Whirlwind" — "Li Ying, the Soaring Vulture"

Five Tiger Generals of the Cavalry:

"Guan Sheng, the Great Blade" — "Lin Chong, the Leopard Head"

"Qin Ming, the Thunderbolt" — "Huyan Zhuo, the Twin Whips"

"Dong Ping, the Twin-Spear General"

Eight Cavalry Tiger Riders and Vanguard Commanders:

"Hua Rong, the Little Li Archer" — "Xu Ning, the Golden Spear Hand"

"Yang Mark, the Blue-Faced Beast" — "Suo Chao, the Urgent Vanguard"

"Zhang Qing, the Arrowless Arrow" — "Zhu Tong, the Beautiful Beard"

"Shi Jin, the Nine-Dragon Tattoo" — "Mu Hong, the Unstoppable"

Sixteen Lesser Cavalry Chiefs and Reconnaissance Scouts:

"Huang Zhen, Who Pacifies Three Mountains" — "Sun Li, the Sick Sergeant"

"Xuan Zan, the Ugly Prince Consort" — "Hao Siwen, the Well Wood Jackal"

"Han Tao, the Hundred-Victory General" — "Peng Qi, the Celestial Eye"

"Shan Tinggui, the Sacred Water General" — "Wei Dingguo, the Divine Fire General"

"Ou Peng, the Golden-Winged Cloud-Rubber" — "Deng Fi, the Fire-Eyed Lion-Cat"

"Yan Shun, the Brocade Tiger" — "Ma Lin, the Iron Flute Immortal"

"Chen Da, the Ravine-Leaping Tiger" — "Yang Chun, the White-Striped Snake"

"Yang Lin, the Brocade Leopard" — "Zhou Tong, the Little Tyrant"

Ten Infantry Chiefs:

"Lu Zhishen, the Flowery Monk" — "Wu Song, the Pilgrim"

"Liu Tang, the Red-Haired Devil" — "Lei Heng, the Winged Tiger"

"Li Kui, the Black Whirlwind" — "Yan Qing, the Prodigal"

"Yang Xiong, the Sick Guan Suo" — "Shi Xiu, the Desperate Third Brother"

"Xie Zhen, the Two-Headed Snake" — "Xie Bao, the Double-Tailed Scorpion"

Seventeen Infantry Officers:

"Fan Rui, the Demon King of Chaos" — "Bao Xu, the God of Death"

"Xiang Chong, the Eight-Armed Nezha" — "Li Gun, the Flying Great Sage"

"Xue Yong, the Sick Tiger" — "Shi En, the Golden-Eyed Leopard"

"Mu Chun, the Little Obstructor" — "Li Zhong, the Tiger Slayer"

"Zheng Tianshou, the White-Faced Gentleman" — "Song Wan, the Diamond in the Clouds"

"Du Qian, Who Touches the Sky" — "Zou Yuan, the Forest Dragon"

"Zou Run, the One-Horned Dragon" — "Gong Wang, the Tiger with Flower Neck"

"Ding Desun, the Arrow-Struck Tiger" — "Jiao Ting, No Face to Show"

"Shi Yong, the Stone General"

Eight Chiefs of the Four Stockades' Naval Forces:

"Li Jun, the Dragon of the Muddy River" — "Zhang Heng, the Boatman"

"Zhang Shun, the White Streak in the Waves" — "Ruan Xiao'er, the Earthly Tough of Short Life"

"Ruan Xiaowu, the Short-Lived Second Brother" — "Ruan Xiaoqi, the Living King of Hell"

"Tong Wei, the Cave-Dragon" — "Tong Meng, the River-Turning Monster"

Eight Chiefs of the Four Inns, Gathering Intelligence and Receiving Guests:

East Mountain Inn:

"Sun Xin, the Little Commandant" — "Gu Dasao, the Tigress Mother"

West Mountain Inn:

"Zhang Qing, the Gardener" — "Sun Erniang, the Demoness"

South Mountain Inn:

"Zhu Gui, the Dry-Land Crocodile" — "Du Xing, the Ghost-Faced Boy"

North Mountain Inn:

"Li Li, the Death-Summoning Judge" — "Wang Dingliu, the Living Lightning"

One Chief of General Intelligence:

"Dai Zong, the Marvelous Traveler"

Four Infantry Chiefs for Secret Military Dispatches:

"Le He, the Iron Singer" — "Shi Qian, the Flea on the Drum"

"Duan Jingzhu, the Golden-Haired Hound" — "Bai Sheng, the White Rat"

Two Valiant Generals Guarding the Central Army Cavalry:

"Lü Fang, the Little Marquis of Wen" — "Guo Sheng, Who Rivals Ren Gui"

Two Valiant Generals Guarding the Central Army Infantry:

"Kong Ming, the Hairy Star" — "Kong Liang, the Lone Fire Star"

Two officers in charge of executions:

  "Iron-Armed Pan" Cai Fu  "Flower of the Court" Cai Qing

Two cavalry leaders in charge of intelligence gathering within the three armies:

  "Short-legged Tiger" Wang Ying  "Ten-foot Green" Hu Sanniang

Sixteen officers in charge of construction and manufacturing:

  One officer in charge of drafting documents, issuing dispatches, mobilizing troops, and deploying generals:

    "Hand of the Sage" Xiao Rang

  One officer in charge of assessing merits and demerits and military administration:

    "Iron-faced Censor" Pei Xuan

  One officer in charge of auditing money, grain, expenditures, and revenues:

    "Divine Abacus" Jiang Jing

  One officer in charge of building warships of all sizes:

    "Jade Banner Pole" Meng Kang

  One officer in charge of making all military tallies and seals:

    "Jade-Armed Artisan" Jin Dajian

  One officer in charge of making all banners, flags, robes, and padded garments:

    "Long-Armed Ape" Hou Jian

  One officer in charge of treating all horses and veterinary matters:

    "Purple-Bearded Earl" Huangfu Duan

  One officer in charge of treating all ailments as a physician of internal and external medicine:

    "Divine Physician" An Daoquan

  One officer in charge of supervising the forging of all weapons and armor:

    "Golden Spotted Leopard" Tang Long

  One officer in charge of making all signal cannon of every size:

    "Thunderclap" Ling Zhen

  One officer in charge of constructing and repairing dwellings:

    "Blue-eyed Tiger" Li Yun

  One officer in charge of slaughtering cattle, horses, pigs, sheep, and all livestock:

    "Butcher's Ghost" Cao Zheng

  One officer in charge of arranging banquets and feasts:

    "Iron Fan" Song Qing

  One officer in charge of supervising the supply of all wine and vinegar:

    "Smiling Tiger" Zhu Fu

  One officer in charge of building all walls and fortifications of Liangshan Marsh:

    "Nine-tailed Tortoise" Tao Zongwang

  One officer in charge of holding aloft the commander's standard:

    "God of the Narrow Path" Yu Baosi

On the first day of the fourth month of the second year of the Xuanhe reign, a great assembly was held at Liangshan Marsh, and a notice was issued assigning duties.

That day, Song Jiang of Liangshan Marsh had finished issuing his orders and the assignment of all the leaders had been settled. Each had received their tallies and seals. The banquet was concluded, and all were deeply drunk. The various leaders returned to their assigned camps. Those whose duties had not yet been determined were stationed near the Goose Terrace awaiting further orders. There is a passage that speaks of the virtues of Liangshan Marsh. How is this seen?

  Eight directions share one domain, different surnames form one family.

  Heaven and earth manifest the essence of the mighty stars; the human realm embodies the beauty of the heroic and the gifted.

  Though a thousand leagues apart, they meet morning and evening; hearts of but one inch share life and death as one.

  In appearance and speech, north, south, east, and west differ;

  In heart and liver, loyalty, faith, and righteousness know no variance.

  Among them are imperial scions and divine descendants, wealthy lords and military officers,

  As well as the three teachings and nine schools, even hunters and fishermen,

  Butchers and executioners—all addressed as brothers and equals, without distinction of high or low.

  And there are blood brothers and matched couples,

  And uncles with nephews and brothers-in-law, as well as masters and their retainers,

  Those with grievances and enmities—all alike share the joy of wine and feast, without regard to closeness or distance.

  Some are clever, some are crude,

  Some are rustic, some are refined,

  How could they hinder each other? Truly they live together by nature.

  Some wield the brush and tongue, others the blade and spear,

  Some gallop forth, others steal and deceive,

  Each has their specialty—truly talent is employed according to ability.

  What is regrettable is false learning and empty letters; there is no help for it but to have a "Hand of the Sage" to preserve a touch of elegance.

  What is most vexing is the grandiose scholar's cap; fortunately, the White-robed Scholar was killed first, washing away all pedantic stinginess.

  The territory spans four or five hundred leagues, and the heroes number one hundred and eight.

  In days past, it was said their fame spread across the rivers and lakes like the tolling of an ancient tower bell;

  Only now do we know their names are ranked among the stars, strung together like beads on a rosary.

  Had Chao Gai presumed to claim kingship, he would have returned to heaven too soon;

  Only Song Jiang was willing to rally the multitude in righteousness and take command of the stronghold.

  Speak no more of bandits gathering in the hills—they long ago aspired to serve in the imperial halls.

The orders on the Hall of Loyalty and Righteousness at Liangshan Marsh had been settled, and all were to observe them. Song Jiang selected an auspicious day and hour, burned incense in a censer, and beat the drum to summon the assembly, all gathering in the hall. Song Jiang said to the assembly: "We are not as we once were, and I have a few words to speak. Today, since the Heavenly Chiefs and Earthly Fiends have assembled, we must swear an oath before Heaven, each without divided hearts, pledging to share life and death, to support each other in hardship, and together to protect the nation and safeguard the people." All were greatly pleased. Each had taken incense, and together they knelt in the hall. Song Jiang led the oath, saying:

"Song Jiang, a lowly and insignificant official, unlearned and untalented, bears the canopy of Heaven and Earth and feels the radiance of the sun and moon. I have gathered brothers at Liangshan and assembled heroes at the marsh—one hundred and eight in all, in accord with the numbers of Heaven and in harmony with the hearts of men. From this day forward, if any among us harbors an unkind heart or severs great righteousness, may Heaven and Earth execute punishment upon them, may gods and men alike destroy them, may they never obtain human form for ten thousand ages and sink forever into the lowest realms of suffering. But let us all preserve loyalty and righteousness in our hearts and together render meritorious service to the nation. We shall act on behalf of Heaven and protect the peace of the realm. Let the divine heavens witness this and let retribution be manifest."

When the oath was finished, all spoke with one voice, vowing that they would meet again life after life, encounter each other age after age, never to be parted. That day they smeared blood on their lips and swore their oath, and all dispersed when thoroughly drunk. Let the reader know: this was the place where the Great Assembly at Liangshan Marsh truly took place. A poem bears witness:

  Radiant glory soared from among the earthen lairs,

  The Heavenly Chiefs and Earthly Fiends descended upon the mortal world.

  When spoken of, their heroic spirit chills the flesh to the bone;

  When recounted, their valor strikes fear into the gall of heroes.

"To give with open hand and righteous heart, they marshaled at the Watery Moor;

To avenge old wrongs and wipe away old shame, they ascended Mount Liang.

A scroll of Heaven's writing lies before the hall—

I pray you, gentlemen, examine it not too closely."

Once the initial arrangements had been made, there is no need to repeat the details. The original system was as follows: whenever the heroes of the marshes had leisure, they would go down the mountain—sometimes with troops, sometimes with only a few chieftains, each taking his own route. Along the way, if they encountered merchants' carts or travelers, they were allowed to pass freely. But if they came upon officials taking up their posts and found silver and gold in their baggage, they left not a single member of the family alive. What they seized was delivered to the mountain stronghold and deposited in the public treasury, with the remainder divided on the spot. Whether a hundred *li* away or two or three hundred, if they learned of a wealthy household that had amassed vast stores of grain and oppressed the common people, they would lead men there openly to carry off its possessions up the mountain—who dared stand in their way? Whenever they heard of a petty upstart who had bullied good folk and grown rich through cruelty, no matter how far away, they would send men to seize every last bit of his property and bring it up the mountain. Such actions, great and small, numbered more than a thousand. Because no one could stand against them, and because they feared no one would raise a cry of injustice to shake the heavens, they had never been exposed—and so no word of it had reached the outside world.

Now as for Song Jiang, ever since taking his oath of brotherhood, he had not gone down the mountain. Before he knew it, the oppressive summer heat had passed and early autumn coolness had arrived, with the Double Ninth Festival drawing near. Song Jiang had Song Qing arrange a grand feast to gather all the brothers together to enjoy the chrysanthemums—it was called the "Chrysanthemum Gathering." Any brothers who had gone down the mountain, no matter how far, were summoned back to the stronghold for the banquet. On the appointed day, mountains of meat and oceans of wine were provided. First the mounted, foot, and naval soldiers, along with all the minor chieftains, were each given their share so they might gather in groups and drink among themselves. In the Hall of Loyalty and Righteousness, chrysanthemums were placed everywhere. The brothers took their seats in order and began passing the cups back and forth. On both sides in front of the hall, gongs were beaten and drums were struck, with great blowing and loud drumming. There was talking and laughing and clamor; wine cups and tally chips crossed in confusion as the chieftains drank to their hearts' content. Ma Lin played the vertical flute, Yue He sang songs, and Yan Qing struck the zheng—each pursuing his own pleasure. Before they knew it, the sun was setting, and Song Jiang, thoroughly drunk, called for brush and paper. Riding the inspiration of wine, he composed a lyric to the tune of *Man Jiang Hong*. When he had finished writing, he bade Yue He sing this song alone. It read:

Joyful to meet the Double Ninth,

And better still, new-brewed wine is ready this very morning.

I see emerald waters and red mountains,

Yellow reeds and bitter bamboo.

On our heads, let white hair be added in abundance;

By our temples, we cannot do without yellow chrysanthemums.

I wish that before our cups we might speak at length,

And that brotherly love be firm as gold and jade.

Command the tigers and leopards,

Guard the borders.

Our orders are clear,

Our martial authority awe-inspiring.

At heart I long to pacify the barbarians,

To protect the people and secure the realm.

The sun and moon ever hang over loyal and heroic hearts;

The dust of the world veils the eyes of the treacherous and depraved.

I pray the Heavenly King will soon issue an edict of amnesty—

Only then will my heart be satisfied.

Yue He was singing this lyric and had just reached the line "I pray the Heavenly King will soon issue an edict of amnesty" when Wu Song shouted, "Today you want amnesty, tomorrow you want amnesty—it chills the hearts of our brothers!" Black Whirlwind then opened his bulging, fierce eyes wide and roared, "Amnesty! Amnesty! What the devil do we want with amnesty?" With one kick he sent the table flying, smashing it to pieces. Song Jiang bellowed in fury: "How dare this black wretch be so insolent? Seize him and behead him—report when it is done!" Everyone fell to their knees and pleaded, "This man spoke in a drunken rage—big brother, forgive him." Song Jiang replied, "Rise, worthy brothers. Confine this wretch for now." All were relieved. Several officers of the guard stepped forward to take Li Kui. Li Kui said, "You think I'd struggle? If the big brother kills me, I bear no grudge. If he flays me, I harbor no hatred. Besides him, I fear not even Heaven." So saying, he followed the guards to the jail and slept. When Song Jiang heard these words, his intoxication suddenly left him, and he was overcome with sorrow. Wu Yong urged, "Elder Brother, you arranged this gathering for everyone to enjoy drinking together. He is a coarse fellow who offended you in a moment of drunken impulse—why take it to heart? Rather, join your brothers in enjoying this occasion to the full." Song Jiang said, "When I was drunk in Jiangzhou, I mistakenly recited a seditious poem, and it was through his strength that I survived. Today I composed this *Man Jiang Hong* lyric, and it nearly cost him his life! It was only because my brothers remonstrated that he was saved. He and I share the deepest bond—that is why tears flow unbidden." Then he called out to Wu Song: "Brother, you too are a man of understanding. I advocate amnesty so that we may turn from evil to righteousness and become servants of the court. How can it chill the hearts of the others?" Lu Zhishen then said, "The entire court today is filled with treacherous ministers who have blinded the Emperor's sacred wisdom—it is as if my monk's robe had been dyed black; how can it be washed clean? Amnesty will accomplish nothing. Let us make our bows and depart—tomorrow each man can go his own way." Song Jiang said, "Listen, brothers: the Emperor today is most holy and most wise, but he is blocked by treacherous ministers and temporarily beset by blindness. There will come a day when the clouds part and the sun appears, and he will know that we uphold Heaven's Way and do not harass good people. He will grant us amnesty for our crimes, and together we shall serve the realm with one heart, leaving a name in the annals of history—what could be more glorious? That is why I desire amnesty at the earliest, and have no other purpose." All praised him endlessly. But that day, the drinking brought no true joy. The feast broke up, and each returned to his own encampment.

The next morning, when the others came to see Li Kui, he was still fast asleep. The chieftains roused him from his slumber and said, "Yesterday you drank heavily and cursed the big brother—today he means to execute you." Li Kui said, "Even in my dreams I would not dare curse him. If he wants to kill me, let him do as he pleases." His brothers led Li Kui to the hall to see Song Jiang and beg forgiveness. Song Jiang roared, "I command so many men—if all were as insolent as you, would not discipline be thrown into chaos? But in consideration of our brothers' pleas, I will suspend the blade that was meant for your neck. Offend again, and I shall not be lenient." Li Kui murmured assent and withdrew, and the company dispersed.

For some time there had been no disturbances, and the end of the year was drawing near. On one day, after a long snowfall had just cleared, a man came from below the mountain to report: "Seven or eight li from the stronghold, we have captured a party from Laizhou escorting lanterns to the Eastern Capital. They are waiting outside the pass for orders." Song Jiang said, "Do not bind them. Bring them up to the pass in a proper manner." Before long, they were brought before the hall: two official couriers, eight or nine lantern craftsmen, and five carts. The leader of the party pleaded, "This humble one is a dispatched courier of Laizhou. These others are all lantern craftsmen. It is the annual custom: the Eastern Capital instructs this prefecture to provide three sets of lanterns. This year two additional sets were ordered—these are the jade pavilion nine splendors lanterns of exquisite craftsmanship." Song Jiang at once rewarded them with wine and food and had the lanterns brought out for inspection. The lantern craftsmen hung up the jade pavilion lantern, attaching the connecting cords on all four sides. From top to bottom, it comprised altogether eighty-one lanterns in nine tiers. They hung it from the Hall of Loyalty and Righteousness, and it reached all the way to the ground. Song Jiang said, "I would have liked to keep all of you, but I fear it would cause you hardship and be unwise. I shall keep only this nine splendors lantern here. The rest of you may continue on your official journey. As compensation for your trouble, here are twenty taels of silver." The men bowed again and again, expressing their gratitude without end, then descended the mountain.

Song Jiang had the lantern lit and placed inside the memorial hall of Chao the Heavenly King. The next day, he said to the assembled chieftains: "I was born and raised in Shandong and have never been to the capital. I have heard that His Majesty is displaying great lanterns and sharing the joy with the people, celebrating the Lantern Festival. Since the winter solstice, they have been building the lanterns and have only just finished them. I now wish to go with several brothers to privately view the lanterns and then return." Wu Yong admonished him: "This cannot be done. There are more government agents in the Eastern Capital than anywhere. Should something go wrong, what then?" Song Jiang replied: "During the day I shall hide in an inn. At night I will enter the city to view the lanterns. What is there to worry about?" The others pleaded earnestly to dissuade him, but to no avail—Song Jiang was firmly set on going.

Indeed, like a fierce tiger approaching the Vermilion Phoenix Gate,

like a killing star invading the Sleeping Ox City.

How exactly Song Jiang went to the Eastern Capital to view the lanterns—let us listen to the explanation in the next chapter.