第六回

第六回 九纹龙剪径赤松林 鲁智深火烧瓦罐寺

诗曰：

萍踪浪迹入东京，行尽山林数十程。

古刹今番经劫火，中原从此动刀兵。

相国寺中重挂搭，种蔬园内且经营。

自古白云无去住，几多变化任纵横。

话说鲁智深走过数个山坡，见一座大松林，一条山路。随着那山路行去，走不得半里，抬头看时，却见一所败落寺院，被风吹得铃铎响。看那山门时，上有一面旧朱红牌额，内有四个金字，都昏了，写着“瓦罐之寺”。又行不得四五十步，过座石桥，再看时，一座古寺，已有年代。入得山门里，仔细看来，虽是大刹，好生崩损。但见：

钟楼倒塌，殿宇崩摧。山门尽长苍苔，经阁都生碧藓。释迦佛芦芽穿膝，浑如在雪岭之时；观世音荆棘缠身，却似守香山之日。诸天坏损，怀中鸟雀营巢；帝释欹斜，口内蜘蛛结网。方丈凄凉，廓房寂寞。没头罗汉，这法身也受灾殃；折臂金刚，有神通如何施展。香积厨中藏兔穴，龙华台上印狐踪。

鲁智深入得寺来，便投知客寮去。只见知客寮门前大门也没了，四围壁落全无。智深寻思道：“这个大寺，如何败落的恁地？”直入方丈前看时，只见满地都是燕子粪，门上一把锁锁着，锁上尽是蜘蛛网。智深把禅杖就地下搠着，叫道：“过往僧人来投斋。”叫了半日，没一个答应。回到香积厨[2]下看时，锅也没了，灶头都塌损。智深把包裹解下，放在监斋使者[3]面前，提了禅杖，到处寻去。寻到厨房后面一间小屋，见几个老和尚坐地，一个个面黄肌瘦。智深喝一声道：“你们这和尚好没道理！由洒家叫唤，没一个应。”那和尚摇手道：“不要高声。”智深道：“俺是过往僧人，讨顿饭吃，有甚利害？”老和尚道：“我们三日不曾有饭落肚，那里讨饭与你吃。”智深道：“俺是五台山来的僧人，粥也胡乱请洒家吃半碗。”老和尚道：“你是活佛去处来的僧，我们合当斋你。争[4]奈我寺中僧众走散，并无一粒斋粮，老僧等端的饿了三日。”智深道：“胡说！这等一个大去处，不信没斋粮。”老和尚道：“我这里是个非细[5]去处。只因是十方常住[6]，被一个云游和尚引着一个道人来此住持，把常住有的没的都毁坏了。他两个无所不为，把众僧赶出去了。我几个老的走不动，只得在这里过，因此没饭吃。”智深道：“胡说！量他一个和尚，一个道人，做得甚事，却不去官府告他？”老和尚道：“师父你不知，这里衙门又远，便是官军也禁不的他。这和尚、道人好生了得，都是杀人放火的人，如今向方丈后面一个去处安身。”智深道：“这两个唤做甚么？”老和尚道：“那和尚姓崔，法号道成，绰号生铁佛；道人姓丘，排行小乙，绰号飞天夜叉[7]。这两个那里似个出家人，只是绿林中强贼一般，把这出家影占[8]身体。”

智深正问间，猛闻得一阵香来。智深提了禅杖，踅[9]过后面，打一看时，见一个土灶，盖着一个草盖，气腾腾撞将起来。智深揭起看时，煮着一锅粟米粥。智深骂道：“你这几个老和尚没道理！只说三日没饭吃，如今见煮一锅粥。出家人何故说谎？”那几个老和尚吃智深寻出粥来，只叫得苦，把碗、碟、铃头、杓子、水桶，都抢过了。智深肚饥，没奈何，见了粥要吃，没做道理处，只见灶边破漆春台，只有些灰尘在面上。智深见了，人急智生，便把禅杖倚了，就灶边拾把草，把春台揩抹了灰尘，双手把锅掇起来，把粥望春台只一倾。那几个老和尚都来抢粥吃，才吃几口，被智深一推一跤，倒的倒了，走的走了。智深却把手来捧那粥吃。才吃几口，那老和尚道：“我等端的三日没饭吃，却才去村里抄化得这些粟米，胡乱熬些粥吃，你又吃我们的。”智深吃五七口，听得了这话，便撇了不吃。只听得外面有人嘲歌[10]，智深洗了手，提了禅杖，出来看时，破壁子里望见一个道人，头戴皂巾，身穿布衫，腰系杂色绦，脚穿麻鞋，挑着一担儿：一头是一个竹篮儿，里面露些鱼尾并荷叶托着些肉；一头担着一瓶酒，也是荷叶盖着。口里嘲歌着，唱道：

“你在东时我在西，你无男子我无妻。

我无妻时犹闲可，你无夫时好孤恓。”

那几个老和尚赶出来，指与智深道：“这个道人便是飞天夜叉丘小乙！”智深见指说了，便提着禅杖，随后跟去。那道人不知智深在后面跟来，只顾走入方丈后墙里去。智深随即跟到里面看时，见绿槐树下放着一条桌子，铺着些盘馔，三个盏子，三双箸子，当中坐着一个胖和尚，生的眉如漆刷，眼似黑墨，肐的一身横肉，胸脯下露出黑肚皮来。边厢坐着一个年幼妇人。那道人把竹篮放下，也来坐地。

智深走到面前，那和尚吃了一惊，跳起身来，便道：“请师兄坐，同吃一盏。”智深提着禅杖道：“你这两个如何把寺来废了？”那和尚便道：“师兄请坐，听小僧说。”智深睁着眼道：“你说，你说！”那和尚道：“在先敝寺十分好个去处，田庄又广，僧众极多，只被廊下那几个老和尚吃酒撒泼，将钱养女，长老禁约他们不得，又把长老排告了出去。因此把寺来都废了，僧众尽皆走散，田土已都卖了。小僧却和这个道人新来住持此间，正欲要整理山门，修盖殿宇。”智深道：“这妇人是谁？却在这里吃酒。”那和尚道：“师兄容禀：这个娘子，他是前村王有金的女儿。在先他的父亲是本寺檀越，如今消乏[11]了家私，近日好生狼狈，家间人口都没了，丈夫又患病，因来敝寺借米。小僧看施主檀越面，取酒相待，别无他意，只是敬礼。师兄休听那几个老畜生说。”智深听了他这篇话，又见他如此小心，便道：“叵耐几个老僧戏弄洒家！”提了禅杖，再回香积厨来。这几个老僧方才吃些饭，正在那里看。见智深嗔忿的出来，指着老和尚道：“原来是你这几个坏了常住，犹自在俺面前说谎。”老和尚们一齐都道：“师兄休听他说，见今养着一个妇女在那里。他恰才见你有戒刀、禅杖，他无器械，不敢与你相争。你若不信时，再去走遭，看他和你怎地。师兄，你自寻思：他们吃酒吃肉，我们粥也没的吃，恰才只怕师兄吃了。”智深道：“也说得是。”倒提了禅杖，再往方丈后来，见那角门却早关了。智深大怒，只一脚踢开了，抢入里面看时，只见那生铁佛崔道成，仗着一条朴刀，从里面赶到槐树下来抢智深。智深见了，大吼一声，轮起手中禅杖，来斗崔道成。怎见的两个和尚比试？

一个把袈裟不着，手中斜刺朴刀来；一个将直裰牢拴，掌内横飞禅杖去。一个咬牙必剥，浑如敬德战秦琼；一个睁眼圆辉，好似张飞迎吕布。一个尽世不看梁武忏，一个半生懒念法华经。

那个生铁佛崔道成，手中拈着朴刀，与智深厮并。两个一来一往，一去一回，斗了十四五合。那崔道成斗智深不过，只有架隔遮拦，掣仗躲闪，抵当不住，却待要走。这丘道人见他当不住，却从背后拿了条朴刀，大踏步搠将来。智深正斗间，只听的背后脚步响，却又不敢回头看他，不时见一个人影来，知道有暗算的人，叫一声：“着！”那崔道成心慌，只道着他禅杖，托地跳出圈子外去。智深却待回身，正好三个摘脚儿厮见。崔道成和丘道人两个，又并了十合之上。智深一来肚里无食，二来走了许多路途，三者当不的他两个生力，只得卖个破绽，拖了禅杖便走。两个拈着朴刀，直杀出山门外来。智深又斗了十合，斗他两个不过，掣了禅杖便走。两个赶到石桥下，坐在阑干上，再不来赶。

智深走了二里，喘息方定，寻思道：“洒家的包裹放在监斋使者面前，只顾走来，不曾拿得。路上又没一分盘缠，又是饥饿，如何是好？待要回去，又敌他不过，他两个并我一个，枉送了性命。”信步望前面去。行一步，懒一步，走了几里，见前面一个大林子，都是赤松树。但见：

虬枝错落，盘数千条赤脚老龙；怪影参差，立几万道红鳞巨蟒。远观却似判官须，近看宛如魔鬼发。谁将鲜血洒树梢，疑是朱砂铺树顶。

鲁智深看了道：“好座猛恶林子！”观看之间，只见树影里一个人探头探脑，望了一望，吐了一口唾，闪入去了。智深看了道：“俺猜着这个撮鸟，是个剪径的强人，正在此间等买卖，见洒家是个和尚，他道不利市，吐一口唾，走入去了。那厮却不是鸟晦气，撞了洒家。洒家又一肚皮鸟气，正没处发落，且剥那厮衣裳当酒吃。”提了禅杖，径抢到松林边，喝一声：“兀那林子里的撮鸟，快出来！”

那汉在林子里听的，大笑道：“我晦气，他倒来惹我！”就从林子里拿着朴刀，背翻身跳出来，喝一声：“秃驴！你自当死，不是我来寻你。”智深道：“教你认的洒家！”轮起禅杖抢那汉。那汉拈着朴刀，来斗和尚，恰待向前，肚里寻思道：“这和尚声音好熟。”便道：“兀那和尚，你的声音好熟。你姓甚？”智深道：“俺且和你斗三百合，却说姓名。”那汉大怒，仗手中朴刀，来迎禅杖。两个斗了十数合，那汉暗暗的喝采道：“好个莽和尚！”又斗了四五合，那汉叫道：“少歇，我有话说。”两个都跳出圈子外来。那汉便问道：“你端的姓甚名谁？声音好熟。”智深说姓名毕，那汉撇了朴刀，翻身便剪拂，说道：“认得史进么？”智深笑道：“原来是史大郎。”两个再剪拂了，同到林子里坐定。智深问道：“史大郎，自渭州别后，你一向在何处？”史进答道：“自那日酒楼前与哥哥分手，次日听得哥哥打死了郑屠，逃走去了。有缉捕的访知史进和哥哥赍发那唱的金老，因此小弟也便离了渭州，寻师父王进，直到延州，又寻不着。回到北京，住了几时，盘缠使尽，以此来在这里寻些盘缠，不想得遇。哥哥缘何做了和尚？”智深把前面过的话，从头说了一遍。

史进道：“哥哥既是肚饥，小弟有干肉烧饼在此。”便取出来与智深吃。史进又道：“哥哥既有包裹在寺内，我和你讨去。若还不肯时，一发结果了那厮。”智深道：“是。”当下和史进吃得饱了，各拿了器械，同回瓦罐寺来。到寺前，看见那崔道成、丘小乙两个，兀自在桥上坐地。智深大喝一声道：“你这厮们，来，来！今番和你斗个你死我活！”那和尚笑道：“你是我手里败将，如何再来敢厮并？”智深大怒，轮起铁禅杖，奔过桥来。那生铁佛生嗔，仗着朴刀，杀下桥去。智深一者得了史进，肚里胆壮，二乃吃得饱了，那精神气力越使得出来。两个斗到八九合，崔道成渐渐力怯，只办得走路。那飞天夜叉丘道人见和尚输了，便仗着朴刀来协助。这边史进见了，便从树林子里跳将出来，大喝一声：“都不要走！”掀起笠儿，挺着朴刀，来战丘小乙。四个人两对厮杀，斗的一似画阁上的。但见：

和尚嚣顽，禅僧勇猛。铁禅杖飞一条玉蟒，锋朴刀迸万道霞光。壮士翻身，恨不得平吞了宇宙；道人纵步，只待要撼动了乾坤。八臂相交，有如三战吕布；一声响亮，不若四座天王。溪边斗处鬼神惊，桥上战时山石裂。

智深与崔道成正斗到间深里，智深得便处，喝一声：“着！”只一禅杖，把生铁佛打下桥去。那道人见倒了和尚，无心恋战，卖个破绽便走。史进喝道：“那里去！”赶上望后心一朴刀，扑地一声响，道人倒在一边。史进踏入去，调转朴刀，望下面只顾肐肢肐察的搠。智深赶下桥去，把崔道成后身一禅杖。可怜两个强徒，化作南柯一梦。正是：从前作过事，无幸一齐来。

智深、史进把这丘小乙、崔道成两个尸首，都缚了撺在涧里，两个再打入寺里来。香积厨下那几个老和尚，因见智深输了去，怕崔道成、丘小乙来杀他，已自都吊死了。智深、史进直走入方丈后角门内看时，那个掳来的妇人，投井而死。直寻到里面八九间小屋，打将入去，并无一人。只见包裹已拿在彼，未曾打开。智深道：“既有了包裹，依原背了。”再寻到里面，只见床上三四包衣服，史进打开，都是衣裳，包了些金银，拣好的包了一包袱，背在身上。寻到厨房，见有酒有肉，两个都吃饱了。灶前缚了两个火把，拨开火，炉炭上点着，焰腾腾的先烧着后面小屋，烧到门前；再缚几个火把，直来佛殿下后檐点着，烧起来。凑巧风紧，刮刮杂杂地火起，竟天价烧起来。怎见的好火？但见：

浓烟滚滚，烈焰腾腾。须臾间燎彻天关，顷刻时烧开地户。燎飞禽翅尽坠云霄，烧走兽毛焦投涧壑。多无一霎，佛殿尽通红；那有半朝，僧房俱变赤。恰似老君推倒炼丹炉，一块火山连地滚。

智深与史进看着，等了一回，四下火都着了。二人道：“梁园虽好，不是久恋之家[12]。俺二人只好撒开。”二人厮赶着行了一夜。天色微明，两个远远地望见一簇人家，看来是个村镇。两个投那村镇上来。独木桥边，一个小小酒店。但见：

柴门半掩，布幕低垂。酸醨酒瓮土床边，墨画神仙尘壁上。村童量酒，想非涤器之相如；丑妇当垆，不是当时之卓氏。壁间大字，村中学究醉时题；架上蓑衣，野外渔郎乘兴当。

智深、史进来到村中酒店内，一面吃酒，一面叫酒保买些肉来，借些米来，打火做饭。两个吃酒，诉说路上许多事务。吃了酒饭，智深便向史进道：“你今投那里去？”史进道：“我如今只得再回少华山，去投奔朱武等三人入了伙，且过几时，却再理会。”智深见说了，道：“兄弟，也是。”便打开包裹，取些金银，与了史进。二人拴了包裹，拿了器械，还了酒钱。二人出得店门，离了村镇，又行不过五七里，到一个三岔路口，智深道：“兄弟，须要分手。洒家投东京去，你休相送。你打华州，须从这条路去。他日却得相会。若有个便人，可通个信息来往。”史进拜辞了智深，各自分了路，史进去了。

只说智深自往东京，在路又行了八九日，早望见东京。入得城来，但见：

千门万户，纷纷朱翠交辉；三市六街，济济衣冠聚集。凤阁列九重金玉，龙楼显一派玻璃。鸾笙凤管沸歌台，象板银筝鸣舞榭。满目军民相庆，乐太平丰稔之年；四方商旅交通，聚富贵荣华之地。花街柳陌，众多娇艳名姬；楚馆秦楼，无限风流歌妓。豪门富户呼卢，公子王孙买笑。景物奢华无比并，只疑阆苑与蓬莱。

智深看见东京热闹，市井喧哗，来到城中，陪个小心，问人道：“大相国寺在何处？”街坊人答道：“前面州桥便是。”智深提了禅杖便走，早来到寺前，入得山门看时，端的好一座大刹。但见：

山门高耸，梵宇清幽。当头敕额字分明，两下金刚形势猛。五间大殿，龙鳞瓦砌碧成行；四壁僧房，龟背磨砖花嵌缝。钟楼森立，经阁巍峨。幡竿高峻接青云，宝塔依稀侵碧汉。木鱼横挂，云板高悬。佛前灯烛荧煌，炉内香烟缭绕。幢幡不断，观音殿接祖师堂；宝盖相连，水陆会通罗汉院。时时护法诸天降，岁岁降魔尊者来。

智深进得寺来，东西廊下看时，径投知客寮内去。道人撞见，报与知客。无移时，知客僧出来，见了智深生的凶猛，提着铁禅杖，跨着戒刀，背着个大包裹，先有五分惧他。知客问道：“师兄何方来？”智深放下包裹禅杖，打个问讯，知客回了问讯。智深说道：“小徒五台山来。本师真长老有书在此，着小僧来投上刹清大师长老处，讨个职事僧做。”知客道：“既是真大师长老有书札，合当同到方丈里去。”知客引了智深，直到方丈，解开包裹，取出书来，拿在手里。知客道：“师兄，你如何不知体面？即目长老出来，你可解了戒刀，取出那七条[13]、坐具、信香来，礼拜长老使得。”智深道：“你却何不早说。”随即解了戒刀，包裹内取出片香一炷，坐具、七条半晌没做道理处。知客又与他披了袈裟，教他先铺坐具。知客问道：“有信香在那里？”智深道：“甚么信香？只有一炷香在此。”知客再不和他说，肚里自疑忌了。

少刻，只见智清禅师两个使者引着出来，禅椅上坐了。知客向前打个问讯，禀道：“这僧人从五台山来，有真禅师书在此，上达本师。”清长老道：“好，好！师兄多时不曾有法帖来。”知客叫智深道：“师兄，把书来礼拜长老。”只见智深先把那炷香插在炉内，拜了三拜，将书呈上。清长老接书，把来拆开看时，上面写道：

“智真和尚合掌白言贤弟清公大德禅师：不觉天长地隔，别颜睽远。虽南北分宗，千里同意。今有小浼：敝寺檀越赵员外剃度僧人智深，俗姓是延安府老种经略相公帐前提辖官鲁达，为因打死了人，情愿落发为僧。二次因醉闹了僧堂，职事人不能和顺。特来上刹，万望作职事人员收录，幸甚！切不可推故。此僧久后正果非常，千万容留。珍重，珍重！”

清长老读罢来书，便道：“远来僧人且去僧堂中暂歇，吃些斋饭。”智深谢了，收拾起坐具、七条，提了包裹，拿了禅杖、戒刀，跟着行童去了。

清长老唤集两班许多职事僧人，尽到方丈，乃言：“汝等众僧在此，你看我师兄智真禅师好没分晓！这个来的僧人，原来是经略府军官，为因打死了人，落发为僧，二次在彼闹了僧堂，因此难着他。你那里安他不的，却推来与我。待要不收留他，师兄如此万千嘱付，不可推故；待要着他在这里，倘或乱了清规，如何使得。”知客道：“便是弟子们看那僧人，全不似出家人模样，本寺如何安着得他？”都寺便道：“弟子寻思起来，只有酸枣门外退居[14]廨宇后那片菜园，如常被营内军健们并门外那二十来个破落户时常来侵害，纵放羊马，好生啰唣。一个老和尚在那里住持，那里敢管他。何不教智深去那里住持，倒敢管的下。”清长老道：“都寺说的是。教侍者去僧堂内客房里，等他吃罢饭，便唤将他来。”侍者去不多时，引着智深到方丈里。清长老道：“你既是我师兄真大师荐将来我这寺中挂搭[15]，做个职事人员。我这敝寺有个大菜园，在酸枣门外岳庙间壁，你可去那里住持管领。每日教种地人纳十担菜蔬，馀者都属你用度。”智深便道：“本师真长老着小僧投大刹讨个职事僧做，却不教俺做个都寺、监寺，如何教洒家去管菜园？”首座便道：“师兄，你不省得。你新来挂搭，又不曾有功劳，如何便做得都寺？这管菜园也是个大职事人员了。”智深道：“洒家不管菜园，俺只要做都寺、监寺。”首座又道：“你听我说与你。僧门中职事人员，各有头项。且如小僧，做个知客，只理会管待往来客官僧众。假如维那、侍者、书记、首座，这都是清职，不容易得做。都寺、监寺、提点、院主，这个都是掌管常住财物。你才到的方丈，怎便得上等职事？还有那管藏的唤做藏主，管殿的唤做殿主，管阁的唤做阁主，管化缘的唤做化主，管浴堂的唤做浴主，这个都是主事人员，中等职事。还有那管塔的塔头，管饭的饭头，管茶的茶头，管菜园的菜头，管东厕的净头，这个都是头事人员，末等职事。假如师兄你管了一年菜园，好，便升你做个塔头；又管了一年，好，升你做个浴主；又一年，好，才做监寺。”智深道：“既然如此，也有出身时，洒家明日便去。”话休絮繁，清长老见智深肯去，就留在方丈里歇了。当日议定了职事，随即写了榜文，先使人去菜园里退居廨宇内挂起库司榜文，明日交割。当晚各自散了。次早，清长老升法座，押了法帖，委智深管菜园。智深到座前领了法帖，辞了长老，背上包裹，跨了戒刀，提了禅杖，和两个送入院的和尚直来酸枣门外廨宇里来住持。

且说菜园左近，有二三十个赌博不成才破落户泼皮，泛常在园内偷盗菜蔬，靠着养身。因来偷菜，看见廨宇门上新挂一道库司榜文，上说：“大相国寺仰委管菜园僧人鲁智深前来住持，自明日为始掌管，并不许闲杂人等入园搅扰。”那几个泼皮看了，便去与众破落户商议道：“大相国寺里差一个和尚，甚么鲁智深，来管菜园。我们趁他新来，寻一场闹，一顿打下头来，教那厮伏我们。”数中一个道：“我有一个道理。他又不曾认的我，我们如何便去寻的闹？等他来时，诱他去粪窖边，只做恭贺他，双手抢住脚，翻筋斗那厮下粪窖去，只是小耍他。”众泼皮道：“好，好！”商量已定，且看他来。

却说鲁智深来到廨宇退居内房中，安顿了包裹、行李，倚了禅杖，挂了戒刀。那数个种地道人都来参拜了，但有一应锁钥，尽行交割。那两个和尚同旧住持老和尚，相别了尽回寺去。

且说智深出到菜园地上，东观西望，看那园圃。只见这二三十个泼皮，拿着些果盒酒礼，都嘻嘻的笑道：“闻知和尚新来住持，我们邻舍街坊都来作庆。”智深不知是计，直走到粪窖边来。那伙泼皮一齐向前，一个来抢左脚，一个来抢右脚，指望来智深。只教智深：脚尖起处，山前猛虎心惊；拳头落时，海内蛟龙丧胆。正是：方圆一片闲园圃，目下排成小战场。那伙泼皮怎的来智深，且听下回分解。

[1] 剪径——指拦路抢劫。犹如说截路、短路。

[2] 香积厨——庙里的厨房。

[3] 监斋使者——庙里厨房供的神。

[4] 争——这里同“怎”。

[5] 细——这里是小的意思。

[6] 十方常住——佛教称不变做常住；庙宇是不变的，因此就称庙宇做常住。十方常住，就是说各方都来礼拜的庙宇。

[7] 飞天夜叉——佛教的神话：夜叉是天神的名称，有两种，一种在陆地上的，叫做“地夜叉”；一种能在空中飞行的，叫做“天夜叉”。

[8] 影占——原是占据的意思。这里作遮掩、隐蔽解释。

[9] 踅（xué）——行走，是诡秘地、转来转去地、往返不断地行走。

[10] 嘲歌——随口唱歌。

[11] 消乏——消耗。

[12] 梁园虽好，不是久恋之家——汉时，刘武（汉文帝刘恒的儿子，封梁孝王）在开封盖了一个很大的花园宾馆，接待各方宾客。这个宾馆名为梁园。梁园虽好，总不是宾客们自己的家，不可久恋。因此后来有这两句谚语。

[13] 七条——就是七条衣，僧人在礼诵、听讲、说戒时穿的一种袈裟。

[14] 退居——舍弃不再住人之屋。

[15] 挂搭——和尚寄住别的庙里，因为含有临时性质，把随身用的简单东西都挂在禅房的挂钩上，所以叫做挂搭。有时也写作“挂褡”或“挂单”。

CHAPTER 5. Shi Jin Acts as a Highwayman in a Pine Forest; Lu Da Sets Fire to the Waguan Monastery

LU had crossed several mountain ridges before he entered a pine forest, and still following a path for about half of one li he at last came to a ruined monastery on the eaves of which bells were tinkling in the breeze. Above the main entrance was an honorary tablet in a horizontal position with four characters “Waguan Monastery” in a dilapidated condition. He crossed a stone bridge, and entering the monastery went to the monk’s living rooms. There he found there were no doors, windows, or walls left standing, and wondered how the place had been destroyed. Near the abbot’s living quarters the ground was covered with bird’s excreta, and there a door was locked and covered with spider’s webs. He stuck his staff into the ground and called out, “Are there any monks here? I want some food.” Although he said this several times there was no reply. So be went to the kitchen, but found that there was no boiler and that the cooking range had been destroyed. There he placed his bundle in the seat usually occupied by the supervisor at meal times, and then went to look round the place. Behind the kitchen he found a small room in which several emaciated old monks were sitting on the ground. He shouted, “You monks have no manners. I called out several times without getting a single reply from you.”

They waved their hands, and said, “Do not talk so loudly.”

“I am a traveling monk, and only demand a meal from you so what harm is there in that?”

An old monk replied, “For three days we have had no food so how can we give you some?”

“I am from Mount Wutai, and even if you have only stale congee I beg you to let me have half a bowl of it.”

The old monk replied, “As you come from a place where there is a living Buddha we certainly ought to give you some food, but as a matter of fact we have not got even a grain of rice in this monastery, and most of the monks have already left. For three days we have not had a bite of food.”

“Nonsense! I don’t believe that,” said Lu Da.

The old monk continued, “This monastery was certainly not a small one, and we collected subscriptions over a large area. But some time ago a traveling monk came here with a Taoist and they seized all the property for themselves. They did everything that is bad, and that was why almost all the monks left. We are so old that we could not go with them, and we live here in a state of starvation.”

“Nonsense! If these two men did such things why did you not complain to the government?”

“Reverend, you do not understand. The yamen is a long way off, but even if the magistrate came here he would not put matters right, because these two men are exceedingly fierce, and would kill somebody or set the place on fire. They live in the abbot’s quarters at the back of this building.”

“What are the names of those two men?” asked Lu Da.

“The monk is called Cui; his religious name is Daocheng, and his nickname is ‘Iron Buddha.’ The Taoist priest is called Qiu Xiaoyi, and his nickname is ‘Flying Ogre.’ But they are just robbers, and not like clerics. Outwardly they look like clerics, but their innermost thoughts are vile.”

While Lu Da was listening to this he became aware of a fragrant smell, and turning round he saw a cooking pot with a cover of matting through which steam was issuing. He lifted the cover, and saw that the pot was full of maize and water. He said, “You old monks said that you had had no food for three days, and yet here is a pot full of maize congee. Why did you lie to me?”

When they saw that he had found the congee they removed the bowls, saucers, chopsticks, and ladles so that he should not eat any. But he was so hungry that he decided to take drastic steps. Taking a broken table near the stove he wiped off the dust with a whisp of grass; then taking the pot with both hands he emptied the contents on the table. Upon seeing this all the monks came forward with bowls to help themselves, but Lu Da pushed them away. He took the congee with both hands, and ate it.

The old monks said, “For three days we have had no food, and we obtained this maize outside by begging, but now you eat it.”

Lu Da had taken about seven mouthfuls, and so he desisted taking any more. Just then he heard someone outside singing a ribald song, so he washed his hands, picked up his monk staff, and hurried off to see who was singing. Looking through a partitioned wall, which had been partly broken down, he saw a Taoist who was wearing a black turban,56 a shirt, a sash of many colors round his waist, hempen shoes, and was carrying a load suspended from a pole over his shoulder. In one bamboo basket was a fish with its tail showing over the side, and above it was a lotus leaf, with some meat on the top. In the other basket he carried a bottle of wine also covered by a lotus leaf. He was singing:

“You there, I here: each leads a single life,

You have no husband, I have no wife:

I have no wife: how lonely I must be,

You have no husband: don’t you pity me.”

All the old monks had followed Lu Da, and they now pointed to the Taoist and whispered, “That is the priest called Flying Ogre.”

Lu Da took his staff, following the Taoist who entered the abbot’s living quarters without knowing he was being followed. Inside, Lu Da saw an ash tree in the courtyard with a table under it, on which were plates of vegetables, three wine cups, and three pairs of chopsticks. At the table sat a fat monk, whose eyebrows looked as though they had been brushed and waxed stiff. He was very muscular and his face sallow. His clothing was not fastened, and disclosed his belly. At his side sat a young woman. The Taoist put down the baskets and took a seat. Lu Da walked to the table, and the monk, being startled at seeing him, rose, and said, “I request you, my brother, to sit down and have a cup of wine with us.”

“Why have you two destroyed this monastery?” asked Lu Da.

“Brother, please be seated and listen to me.”

Lu Da stared at him and said, “Say on, say on!”

The priest continued, “Previously this monastery had much land and many monks. Those old monks who are now in the veranda used to drink wine, and use the monastery money for women. The abbot issued an order prohibiting these practices, and as the monks disobeyed the order, he resigned. They ruined the monastery then, and sold the land so that many of the monks left. The Taoist and I have recently arrived, and we intend to repair the monastery.”

“Who is this woman, and why is she drinking wine here?”

“Brother, allow me to tell you that she is the daughter of Wang Youjin, who lives in a village nearby. Her father was a donor of our monastery, but now he is ruined, and the family is in extreme poverty. Her husband was inflicted with a disease, and as there was no other person at home she came here to borrow rice. I knew her and therefore gave her a drink of wine. There was no other intention. You, brother, must not listen to all those ‘old animals’ have to say.”

Lu Da believed what he heard; so replied, “How that old monk has deceived me!” So saying, he picked up his staff and returned to the kitchen. The old monks had eaten all the maize congee, but were still there. He pointed at them and said: “It was you who previously destroyed this monastery, and you have told me a lot of lies.”

An old monk replied, “Brother, you must not listen to their talk, as they keep a woman inside there. They saw you had your sword and the heavy monk’s staff, and as they were not armed, did not care to fight with you. If you do not believe me, then go back, and see how they treat you the second time. Brother, think a little. They have both wine and meat, whereas we cannot get even congee, and we were afraid that you would eat the little we had.”

“What you say seems reasonable,” said Lu Da. He took his staff and returned to the abbot’s quarters, but found the door closed. He was angry, and kicked open the door. He hurried inside, and saw that “Iron Buddha” was now armed with a halberd, and was advancing towards the ash tree, with the intention of fighting Lu Da, who gave a loud whoop, and whirling aloft his monk’s staff, engaged “Iron Buddha” in conflict. They fought fifteen bouts, but the “Iron Buddha” could not overcome Lu Da, and then the former took up a defensive attitude, parrying the blows and thrusts, slowly retreating. The Taoist saw that “Iron Buddha” was getting the worst of the fight, picked up a halberd, and came behind Lu Da, with the intention of stabbing him. Lu Da heard footsteps but dared not turn round. He also saw the shadow of a man, and suspected treachery. He called out “Zhao” (I will hit you), and upon hearing this Night Witch jumped out of the way of Lu Da’s staff. Lu Da turned partly round so that he was facing them both in the form of a triangle. The two men combined to fight with Lu Da for ten bouts. He was hungry, and was also tired through walking so far, and knew that he could not defeat these two men with their spare energy. So he retreated, trailing his staff on the ground. The two men pursued him as far as the monastery gate, where they again fought. Lu Da withdrew to a stone bridge where the two men gave up the pursuit and sat down on the parapet. Lu Da went some distance, and then remembered he had left his bundle in the monastery. Moreover, he had no money, and wondered what he must do. He could not go back, as he knew if he faced the two men, it would mean disaster. He walked a little further but was in doubt whether to go on or not. After going a few li he saw a forest of pine trees which had a forbidding aspect.

In the shadow of the trees he saw a man looking round stealthily, and upon seeing Lu Da he uttered an exclamation, spat, and slipped back into the forest. Lu Da thought the man was a robber, who perhaps thought it would be useless to hold up a monk. But Lu Da decided to vent his rage on that man and take away the man’s clothes which he could perhaps pawn for wine and food. He called, “You, footpad, come out at once.”

The man in the forest laughed when he heard this, and replied, “I have bad luck, and you come here to pick a quarrel with me!” He then took his halberd, and coming into the open, called out, “You bald-headed donkey! You are evidently seeking for an opportunity to die.”

“You will soon know me,” called Lu Da, who advanced, nourishing his staff, while the other man also came forward, holding his halberd. When they were near each other the man said, “Your voice is familiar to me. What is your name?”

“When I have given you a good beating, I will tell you my name, but not now,” said Lu Da.

The man was angry, and advancing fought Lu Da, but after a little contact he began to appreciate the skill of his opponent, whom he had regarded at first as only a stupid monk. So after a few more bouts of fighting, he said, “Let us rest. I have something to say to you.” They both sprang apart at the same time, and the man said, “What is your name? Your voice seems familiar.”

Lu Da told his name, and upon hearing it the man threw down his sword, and kneeling, saluted with folded hands; asking, “Do you not recognize Shi Jin?”

Lu Da laughed and replied, “Can you really be Master Shi?” He then knelt down and saluted. This done, they both went into the forest and sat down, telling their experiences since they last met. Shi Jin had some cold meat and cakes, which he offered to Lu Da who was hungry. He said, “As your bundle is in the monastery I will go there with you and take it. If they decline to give it to us we will kill them.” Lu Da agreed to this, and when they had finished their food, set off for the monastery. On their arrival they found the Flying Ogre and Iron Buddha sitting on the parapet of the bridge. Lu Da called, “Come here, you two men! This time I shall kill you.”

Iron Buddha laughed, “I have just defeated you—why do you come here again?”

Lu Da whirled his monk’s staff in the air and Iron Buddha seized his halberd, and went to meet him. Lu Da felt braver because Shi Jin was now with him, and moreover was no longer hungry. He fought for nine bouts until Iron Buddha became weak and thought of retreating. Seeing this Flying Ogre went to his assistance, but Shi Jin ran from the shade of a tree, and attacked him. There were now four men fighting, two on each side. After a short time Lu Da became aware that he was getting the better of his opponents, and shouted “Strike,” and made a final effort, striking Iron Buddha with his staff, knocking him off the bridge into the water below. When Flying Ogre saw this he retreated: but Shi Jin running after him struck him a blow in the back. Flying Ogre fell down and Shi Jin placing his foot on the body stabbed him repeatedly. Lu Da went under the bridge and killed Iron Buddha. We cannot but pity these two ruffians, who were sent to their last sleep in this way, and whose deeds passed like a bad dream.

Lu Da and Shi Jin went into the monastery and got Lu Da’s bundle. They found the old monks had all strangled themselves in order to avoid what they thought would be certain death. When the woman saw Lu Da and Shi Jin, she, too, was afraid and committed suicide by jumping down the well. They went through the now vacant rooms, and found some bundles of clothing lying on a bed which they opened and found silver inside. In the kitchen they found fish, meat, and wine, which gave them a good meal. Before their departure they set fire to the monastery. It happened a strong wind was blowing, so that very soon the whole place was in flames. They walked all night, and at dawn saw a large market town in the distance. Just before reaching it, they stopped at an inn, ordering the waiter to buy meat and rice, and have it cooked for them. Over their wine they discussed their future plans, and Shi Jin said he was going to Mount Shaohua to join the bandits there. They left the inn, and after traveling about seven li, they came to a place where three roads met, and Lu Da decided they must separate, as he was going on to the Eastern Capital.

Lu Da arrived at the Eastern Capital in nine days. The streets were very crowded and noisy. Upon reaching the center of the town he politely asked a passer-by where the Great Xiangguo Monastery was, and was directed. Upon entering the monastery he went towards the small room where guests are received. A servant reported his arrival, and without delay the monk came out to welcome the guest, but when he saw the fierce appearance of Lu Da with his monk’s staff and broad sword he was almost afraid of him. He asked where he had come from, and Lu Da replied that he had come from Mount Wutai, and had a letter for the Abbot. He took the letter from his bundle, and followed the monk when the latter reminded him that as he was going to see the Abbot he should not carry a sword, but should carry a mat, and some sticks of incense, and should kowtow when he met the Abbot. So Lu Da put aside his sword, and after some time got the other things in proper order. The monk also told him how to wear his monk gown, and how to spread the mat. Just then the Abbot appeared on the scene, and the monk introduced Lu Da to him.

Abbot Qing said, “I have not heard from Mount Wutai for a long time.”

The monk reminded Lu Da that he should salute the Abbot at once, but the latter did not know where to put down the incense sticks he was holding, and this made the monk laugh. He took the incense from Lu Da, and placed it in an incense urn. Lu Da then saluted three times, but the monk told him that he should first have presented the letter. The letter was opened by the Abbot who read how Lu Da had been expelled from Mount Wutai, and why he was recommended for employment, and that it was hoped that eventually he would become a reformed character. After reading the letter the Abbot stated that Lu Da could rest in the monks’ quarters.

The Abbot Qing summoned to his living quarters all the staff of the monastery, and addressed them, “I want you all to know that Abbot Zhi Zhen of Mount Wutai is not a good judge of what is good or bad. He has sent us a monk who was previously a military officer and entered our calling because he had killed a man. He made disgraceful rows in the monastery so they have sent him here. But if he stays here he may break our rules so what shall we do?”

The monastery manager spoke, “I have a proposal to make. Just outside of the Suanzao Gate there is our branch temple with a vegetable garden attached. Near the temple is a barracks for soldiers, and every day the soldiers come with hooligans to steal our vegetables. They also bring horses and sheep to feed there. The monk who resides there cannot stop these depredations, so how would it be if we sent this man to live there? He would perhaps control the position.”

The Abbot accepted the suggestion, and sent an attendant to bring Lu Da to see him. Upon the latter’s arrival the Abbot addressed him, “As you have been recommended by Abbot Zhen, I will enter your name on our register. Just outside the Suanzao Gate we have a branch temple with a vegetable garden, and I want you to take charge of that. Every day you must see that the gardeners send ten loads of vegetables to this monastery, and you can have whatever is left over.”

“Abbot Zhen told me that I could do some business here, but instead of being a manager or superintendent you tell me to manage a vegetable garden,” said Lu Da.

“Brother, you do not understand,” said the monk who leads in worship, “you will be entered on our roll, but as you have had no experience, how can you manage a monastery? The management of this vegetable garden, however, is quite an important job.”

“I will not do such work, and must have a position as manager.”

“You just listen to what I have to say,” said the guest’s host. “There must be a chief of the staff who manages our affairs. For instance, I attend to the guests who come here, but more important work is done by the Wei Na (who attends to the monks’ discipline); the Shi Zhe (abbot’s assistant); the Shu Ji (scribe); the Shou Zuo (who conducts the prayers), and all their work is difficult. Then there are the business manager, and his assistant who look after the monastery property. As you have just arrived here, how could you occupy a leading position? Then there is the monk who looks after the storeroom where the holy scriptures are kept, he is called the storekeeper; the monk who keeps the monastery clean is called the hallkeeper; the monk who looks after the upper chamber is called the chamberlain; there are also the subscriptions collector; and the bathhouse keeper. These all manage affairs of the second class. Then there are the pagoda keeper; chief cook; chief tea maker; chief of the lavatories; and chief of the vegetable garden, all managing affairs of the lower class. If you attend to a vegetable garden well for say one year you will be promoted to look after the pagoda, and if you do that work well you will become the bathhouse keeper, and eventually become the superintendent of the temple.”

“As there is a prospect of promotion I will go there tomorrow,” said Lu Da.

This being decided Abbot Qing invited him to rest in his private room for the night. The next day the Abbot signed a notice to this effect, and sent a man to post it at the branch temple. Lu Da then took leave of the Abbot, and proceeded to his new duties with two monks who acted as guides.

We have already mentioned that close to the garden there lived some worthless vagabonds who passed their time gambling, and stole vegetables. When they entered the garden that day they read the notice about the new arrangement, and they agreed among themselves that they must take an early opportunity to pick a quarrel with Lu Da as he would submit to them when he had been beaten. One man had a plan, “We must entice him to the cesspit to receive our congratulations, and while we are knelt down we must seize his legs, and throw him into the manure pit. That will be a nice bit of fun.” The others thought it was a splendid idea, and they awaited Lu Da’s arrival to put it into execution.

When Lu Da arrived, the gardeners all came and saluted him, and the keys were handed over to him. The two monks who had accompanied him, and also the monk whom he had relieved, bid him good-bye and returned to the principal monastery. Lu Da then went into the garden to look round, and there he saw about thirty of the vagabonds who had a basket filled with fruit and wine. When they saw him they smiled and said, “We heard that you have come to live here, and therefore we have come to offer you our congratulations as we are your neighbors.”

Lu Da had no suspicion of a trick, and therefore walked up to them near the manure pit.

A priestly foot was raised on high;

Fierce tigers slunk away;

He raised his fist up to the sky;

Scaly dragons were dismayed.

You will now learn how these rascals tried to molest Lu Da.

Footnote

56 More like a bandana or a kerchief in the modern parlance.