第九回

第九回 柴进门招天下客 林冲棒打洪教头

《鹧鸪天》：

千古高风聚义亭，英雄豪杰尽堪惊。智深不救林冲死，柴进焉能擅大名。 人猛烈，马狰狞，相逢较艺论专精。展开缚虎屠龙手，来战移山跨海人。

话说当时薛霸双手举起棍来，望林冲脑袋上便劈下来。说时迟，那时快，薛霸的棍恰举起来，只见松树背后雷鸣也似一声，那条铁禅杖飞将来，把这水火棍一隔，丢去九霄云外，跳出一个胖大和尚来，喝道：“洒家在林子里听你多时！”两个公人看那和尚时，穿一领皂布直裰，跨一口戒刀，提起禅杖，轮起来打两个公人。林冲方才闪开眼看时，认得是鲁智深。林冲连忙叫道：“师兄，不可下手！我有话说。”智深听得，收住禅杖。两个公人呆了半晌，动掸不得。林冲道：“非干他两个事，尽是高太尉使陆虞候分付他两个公人，要害我性命。他两个怎不依他。你若打杀他两个，也是冤屈。”

鲁智深扯出戒刀，把索子都割断了，便扶起林冲，叫：“兄弟，俺自从和你买刀那日相别之后，洒家忧得你苦。自从你受官司，俺又无处去救你。打听的你断配沧州，洒家在开封府前又寻不见，却听得人说监在使臣房内。又见酒保来请两个公人，说道：‘店里一位官人寻说话。’以此洒家疑心，放你不下，恐这厮们路上害你，俺特地跟将来。见这两个撮鸟带你入店里去，洒家也在那店里歇。夜间听得那厮两个做神做鬼，把滚汤赚了你脚，那时俺便要杀这两个撮鸟，却被客店里人多，恐妨救了。洒家见这厮们不怀好心，越放你不下。你五更里出门时，洒家先投奔这林子里来，等杀这厮两个撮鸟。他倒来这里害你，正好杀这厮两个。”林冲劝道：“既然师兄救了我，你休害他两个性命。”鲁智深喝道：“你这两个撮鸟，洒家不看兄弟面时，把你这两个都剁做肉酱！且看兄弟面皮，饶你两个性命。”就那里插了戒刀，喝道：“你这两个撮鸟，快搀兄弟，都跟洒家来！”提了禅杖先走。两个公人那里敢回话，只叫：“林教头救俺两个！”依前背上包裹，提了水火棍，扶着林冲，又替他拕了包裹，一同跟出林子来。行得三四里路程，见一座小小酒店在村口，四个人入来坐下。看那店时，但见：

前临驿路，后接溪村。数株槐柳绿阴浓，几处葵榴红影乱。门外森森麻麦，窗前猗猗荷花。轻轻酒旆舞薰风，短短芦帘遮酷日。壁边瓦瓮，白泠泠满贮村醪；架上磁瓶，香喷喷新开社酝。白发田翁亲涤器，红颜村女笑当垆。

当下深、冲、超、霸四人在村酒店中坐下，唤酒保买五七斤肉，打两角酒来吃，回[1]些面米打饼。酒保一面整治，把酒来筛。两个公人道：“不敢拜问师父，在那个寺里住持？”智深笑道：“你两个撮鸟，问俺住处做甚么？莫不去教高俅做甚么奈何洒家？别人怕他，俺不怕他。洒家若撞着那厮，教他吃三百禅杖。”两个公人那里敢再开口，吃了些酒肉，收拾了行李，还了酒钱，出离了村店。林冲问道：“师兄，今投那里去？”鲁智深道：“杀人须见血，救人须救彻。洒家放你不下，直送兄弟到沧州。”两个公人听了道：“苦也！却是坏了我们的勾当，转去时怎回话！”且只得随顺他一处行路。

正在途中，被鲁智深要行便行，要歇便歇，那里敢扭他。好便骂，不好便打，两个公人不敢高声，更怕和尚发作。行了两程，讨了一辆车子，林冲上车将息，三个跟着车子行着。两个公人怀着鬼胎，各自要保性命，只得小心随顺着行。鲁智深一路买酒买肉将息林冲，那两个公人也吃。遇着客店，早歇晚行，都是那两个公人打火做饭，谁敢不依他。二人暗商量：“我们被这和尚监押定了，明日回去，高太尉必然奈何俺。”薛霸道：“我听得大相国寺菜园廨宇里新来了一个僧人，唤做鲁智深，想来必是他。回去实说，俺要在野猪林结果他，被这和尚救了，一路护送到沧州，因此下手不得。舍着还了他十两金子，着陆谦自去寻这和尚便了。我和你只要躲得身上干净。”董超道：“也说的是。”两个暗商量了不题。

话休絮繁，被智深监押不离，行了十七八日，近沧州只有七十来里路程，一路去都有人家，再无僻静处了。鲁智深打听得实了，就松林里少歇。智深对林冲道：“兄弟，此去沧州不远了，前路都有人家，别无僻静去处，洒家已打听实了。俺如今和你分手，异日再得相见。”林冲道：“师兄回去，泰山处可说知。防护之恩，不死当以厚报。”鲁智深又取出一二十两银子与林冲，把三二两与两个公人道：“你两个撮鸟，本是路上砍了你两个头，兄弟面上饶你两个鸟命。如今没多路了，休生歹心。”两个道：“再怎敢，皆是太尉差遣。”接了银子，却待分手，鲁智深看着两个公人道：“你两个撮鸟的头，硬似这松树么？”二人答道：“小人头是父母皮肉包着些骨头。”智深轮起禅杖，把松树只一下，打的树有二寸深痕，齐齐折了，喝一声道：“你两个撮鸟，但有歹心，教你头也似这树一般。”摆着手，拖了禅杖，叫声：“兄弟保重！”自回去了。

董超、薛霸都吐出舌头来，半晌缩不入去。林冲道：“上下，俺们自去罢。”两个公人道：“好个莽和尚，一下打折了一株树！”林冲道：“这个直得甚么，相国寺一株柳树，连根也拔将起来。”二人只把头来摇，方才得知是实。三人当下离了松林，行到晌午，早望见官道上一座酒店。但见：

古道孤村，路傍酒店。杨柳岸晓垂锦旆，杏花村风拂青帘。刘伶仰卧画床前，李白醉眠描壁上。闻香驻马，果然隔壁醉三家；知味停舟，真乃透瓶香十里。社酝壮农夫之胆，村醪助野叟之容。神仙玉佩曾留下，卿相金貂也当来。

三个人入酒店里来，林冲让两个公人上首坐了。董、薛二人半日方才得自在。那酒店里满厨桌酒肉，店里有三五个筛酒的酒保，都手忙脚乱，搬东搬西。林冲与两个公人坐了半个时辰，酒保并不来问。林冲等得不耐烦，把桌子敲着说道：“你这店主人好欺客，见我是个犯人，便不来采着，我须不白吃你的，是甚道理？”主人说道：“你这人原来不知我的好意。”林冲道：“不卖酒肉与我，有甚好意？”店主人道：“你不知，俺这村中有个大财主，姓柴名进，此间称为柴大官人，江湖上都唤做小旋风。他是大周柴世宗嫡派子孙，自陈桥让位有德，太祖武德皇帝敕赐与他誓书铁券在家中，谁敢欺负他。专一招接天下往来的好汉，三五十个养在家中。常常嘱付我们：‘酒店里如有流配来的犯人，可叫他投我庄上来，我自资助他。’我如今卖酒肉与你，吃得面皮红了，他道你自有盘缠，便不助你。我是好意。”林冲听了，对两个公人道：“我在东京教军时，常常听得军中人传说柴大官人名字，却原来在这里。我们何不同去投奔他？”董超、薛霸寻思道：“既然如此，有甚亏了我们处。”就便收拾包裹，和林冲问道：“酒店主人，柴大官人庄在何处？我等正要寻他。”店主人道：“只在前面，约过三二里路，大石桥边，转湾抹角那个大庄院便是。”林冲等谢了店主人，三个出门，果然三二里见座大石桥。过得桥来，一条平坦大路，早望见绿柳阴中，显出那座庄院。四下一周遭一条阔河，两岸边都是垂杨大树，树阴中一遭粉墙。转湾来到庄前看时，好个大庄院。但见：

门迎黄道，山接青龙。万株桃绽武陵溪，千树花开金谷苑。聚贤堂上，四时有不谢奇花；百卉厅前，八节赛长春佳景。堂悬敕额金牌，家有誓书铁券。朱甍碧瓦，掩映着九级高堂；画栋雕梁，真乃是三微精舍。仗义疏财欺卓茂，招贤纳士胜田文。

三个人来到庄上，见条阔板桥上坐着四五个庄客，都在那里乘凉。三个人来到桥边，与庄客施礼罢，林冲说道：“相烦大哥报与大官人知道，京师有个犯人迭配牢城姓林的求见。”庄客齐道：“你没福，若是大官人在家时，有酒食钱财与你。今早出猎去了。”林冲道：“不知几时回来？”庄客道：“说不定，敢怕投东庄去歇也不见得。许你不得。”林冲道：“如此是我没福，不得相遇。我们去罢。”别了众庄客，和两个公人再回旧路，肚里好生愁闷。行了半里多路，只见远远的从林子深处一簇人马来。但见：

人人俊丽，个个英雄。数十匹骏马嘶风，两三面绣旗弄日。粉青毡笠，似倒翻荷叶高擎；绛色红缨，如烂熳莲花乱插。飞鱼袋内，高插着描金雀画细轻弓；狮子壶中，整攒着点翠雕翎端正箭。牵几只赶獐细犬，擎数对拿兔苍鹰。穿云俊鹘顿绒绦，脱帽锦雕寻护指。摽枪风利，就鞍边微露寒光；画鼓团，向鞍上时闻响震。辔边拴系，都缘是天外飞禽；马上擎抬，莫不是山中走兽。好似晋王临紫塞，浑如汉武到长杨。

那簇人马飞奔庄上来，中间捧着一位官人，骑一匹雪白卷毛马。马上那人生得龙眉凤目，皓齿朱唇，三牙掩口髭须，三十四五年纪，头戴一顶皂纱转角簇花巾，身穿一领紫绣团龙云肩袍，腰系一条玲珑嵌宝玉绦环，足穿一双金线抹绿皂朝靴，带一张弓，插一壶箭，引领从人，都到庄上来。林冲看了，寻思道：“敢是柴大官人么？”又不敢问他，只自肚里踌躇。只见那马上年少的官人纵马前来，问道：“这位带枷的是甚人？”林冲慌忙躬身答道：“小人是东京禁军教头姓林名冲，为因恶[2]了高太尉，寻事发下开封府问罪，断遣刺配此沧州。闻得前面酒店里说，这里有个招贤纳士好汉柴大官人，因此特来相投。不遇官人，当以实诉。”那官人滚鞍下马，飞近前来，说道：“柴进有失迎迓。”就草地上便拜。林冲连忙答礼。那官人携住林冲的手，同行到庄上来。那庄客们看见，大开了庄门，柴进直请到厅前。两个叙礼罢，柴进说道：“小可[3]久闻教头大名，不期今日来踏贱地，足称平生渴仰之愿。”林冲答道：“微贱林冲，闻大人贵名传播海宇，谁人不敬。不想今日因得罪犯，流配来此，得识尊颜，宿生万幸！”柴进再三谦让，林冲坐了客席，董超、薛霸也一带坐了。跟柴进的伴当各自牵了马，去后院歇息，不在话下。

柴进便唤庄客，叫将酒来。不移时，只见数个庄客托出一盘肉，一盘饼，温一壶酒；又一个盘子，托出一斗白米，米上放着十贯钱，都一发将出来。柴进见了道：“村夫不知高下，教头到此，如何恁地轻意！快将进去。先把果盒酒来，随即杀羊，然后相待。快去整治！”林冲起身谢道：“大官人不必多赐，只此十分勾了，感谢不当。”柴进道：“休如此说。难得教头到此，岂可轻慢。”庄客不敢违命，先捧出果盒酒来。柴进起身，一面手执三杯。林冲谢了柴进，饮酒罢，两个公人一同饮了。柴进说：“教头请里面少坐。”柴进随即解了弓袋、箭壶，就请两个公人一同饮酒。柴进当下坐了主席，林冲坐了客席，两个公人在林冲肩下，叙说些闲话，江湖上的勾当。

不觉红日西沉，安排得酒食果品海味，摆在桌上，抬在各人面前。柴进亲自举杯，把了三巡，坐下叫道：“且将汤来吃。”吃得一道汤，五七杯酒，只见庄客来报道：“教师来也。”柴进道：“就请来一处坐地相会亦可。快抬一张桌来。”林冲起身看时，只见那个教师入来，歪戴着一顶头巾，挺着脯子，来到后堂。林冲寻思道：“庄客称他做教师，必是大官人的师父。”急躬身唱喏道：“林冲谨参。”那人全不采着，也不还礼。林冲不敢抬头。柴进指着林冲对洪教头道：“这位便是东京八十万禁军枪棒教头，林武师林冲的便是，就请相见。”林冲听了，看着洪教头便拜。那洪教头说道：“休拜，起来。”却不躬身答礼。柴进看了，心中好不快意。林冲拜了两拜，起身让洪教头坐。洪教头亦不相让，便去上首便坐。柴进看了，又不喜欢。林冲只得肩下坐了，两个公人亦各坐了。

洪教头便问道：“大官人，今日何故厚礼管待配军？”柴进道：“这位非比其他的，乃是八十万禁军教头。师父如何轻慢？”洪教头道：“大官人只因好习枪棒上头，往往流配军人都来倚草附木，皆道我是枪棒教师，来投庄上，诱些酒食钱米。大官人如何忒[4]认真。”林冲听了，并不做声。柴进说道：“凡人不可易相，休小觑他。”洪教头怪这柴进说“休小觑他”，便跳起身来道：“我不信他。他敢和我使一棒看，我便道他是真教头。”柴进大笑道：“也好，也好。林武师你心下如何？”林冲道：“小人却是不敢。”洪教头心中忖量道：“那人必是不会，心中先怯了。”因此越来惹林冲使棒。柴进一来要看林冲本事，二者要林冲赢他，灭那厮嘴。柴进道：“且把酒来吃着，待月上来也罢。”

当下又吃过了五七杯酒，却早月上来了，照见厅堂里面如同白日。柴进起身道：“二位教头较量一棒。”林冲自肚里寻思道：“这洪教头必是柴大官人师父，不争我一棒打翻了他，须不好看。”柴进见林冲踌躇，便道：“此位洪教头也到此不多时，此间又无对手，林武师休得要推辞。小可也正要看二位教头的本事。”柴进说这话，原来只怕林冲碍柴进的面皮，不肯使出本事来。林冲见柴进说开就里，方才放心。只见洪教头先起身道：“来，来，来！和你使一棒看。”一齐都哄出堂后空地上。庄客拿一束杆棒来，放在地下。洪教头先脱了衣裳，拽扎起裙子，掣条棒使个旗鼓，喝道：“来，来，来！”柴进道：“林武师，请较量一棒。”林冲道：“大官人休要笑话。”就地也拿了一条棒起来道：“师父请教。”洪教头看了，恨不得一口水吞了他。林冲拿着棒，使出山东大擂，打将入来。洪教头把棒就地下鞭了一棒，来抢林冲。两个教师就明月地上交手，真个好看。怎见是山东大擂？但见：

山东大擂，河北夹枪。大擂棒是鳅鱼穴内喷来，夹枪棒是巨蟒窠中拔出。大擂棒似连根拔怪树，夹枪棒如遍地卷枯藤。两条海内抢珠龙，一对岩前争食虎。

两个教头在月明地上交手，使了四五合棒，只见林冲托地跳出圈子外来，叫一声：“少歇！”柴进道：“教头如何不使本事？”林冲道：“小人输了。”柴进道：“未见二位较量，怎便是输了？”林冲道：“小人只多这具枷，因此权当输了。”柴进道：“是小可一时失了计较。”大笑着道：“这个容易。”便叫庄客取十两银来，当时将至。柴进对押解两个公人道：“小可大胆，相烦二位下顾，权把林教头枷开了，明日牢城营内但有事务，都在小可身上。白银十两相送。”董超、薛霸见了柴进人物轩昂，不敢违他，落得做人情，又得了十两银子，亦不怕他走了。薛霸随即把林冲护身枷开了。柴进大喜道：“今番两位教师再试一棒。”

洪教头见他却才棒法怯了，肚里平欺他做，提起棒却待要使。柴进叫道：“且住。”叫庄客取出一锭银来，重二十五两，无一时，至面前。柴进乃言：“二位教头比试，非比其他，这锭银子权为利物[5]。若是赢的，便将此银子去。”柴进心中只要林冲把出本事来，故意将银子丢在地下。洪教头深怪林冲来，又要争这个大银子，又怕输了锐气，把棒来尽心使个旗鼓，吐个门户，唤做把火烧天势。林冲想道：“柴大官人心里只要我赢他。”也横着棒，使个门户，吐个势，唤做拨草寻蛇势。洪教头喝一声：“来，来，来！”便使棒盖将入来。林冲望后一退，洪教头赶入一步，提起棒又复一棒下来。林冲看他步已乱了，被林冲把棒从地下一跳，洪教头措手不及，就那一跳里和身一转，那棒直扫着洪教头臁儿骨[6]上，撇了棒，扑地倒了。柴进大喜，叫快将酒来把盏。众人一齐大笑。洪教头那里挣侧起来？众庄客一头笑着扶了。洪教头羞颜满面，自投庄外去了。

柴进携住林冲的手，再入后堂饮酒，叫将利物来送还教师。林冲那里肯受，推托不过，只得收了。柴进留在庄上一连住了几日，每日好酒好食管待。又住了五七日，两个公人催促要行。柴进又置席面相待送行，又写两封书，分付林冲道：“沧州大尹也与柴进好，牢城管营、差拨亦与柴进交厚，可将这两封书去下，必然看觑教头。”再将二十五两一锭大银送与林冲，又将银五两赍发两个公人，吃了一夜酒。次日天明，吃了早饭，叫庄客挑了三个的行李，林冲依旧带上枷，辞了柴进便行。柴进送出庄门作别，分付道：“待几日小可自使人送冬衣来与教头。”林冲谢道：“如何报谢大官人。”两个公人相谢了，三人取路投沧州来。

午牌时候，已到沧州城里。虽是个小去处，亦有六街三市。径到州衙里下了公文，当厅引林冲参见了州官大尹，当下收了林冲，押了回文，一面帖下判送牢城营内来。两个公人自领了回文，相辞了回东京去，不在话下。只说林冲送到牢城营内来，看那牢城营时，但见：

门高墙壮，地阔池深。天王堂畔，两行垂柳绿如烟；点视厅前，一簇乔松青泼黛。来往的，尽是咬钉嚼铁汉；出入的，无非降龙缚虎人。埋藏聂政、荆轲士，深隐专诸、豫让徒。

沧州牢城营内收管林冲，发在单身房里，听候点视。却有那一般的罪人，都来看觑他，对林冲说道：“此间管营、差拨十分害人，只是要诈人钱物。若有人情钱物送与他时，便觑的你好；若是无钱，将你撇在土牢里，求生不生，求死不死。若得了人情，入门便不打你一百杀威棒，只说有病把来寄下；若不得人情时，这一百棒打得七死八活。”林冲道：“众兄长如此指教，且如要使钱，把多少与他？”众人道：“若要使得好时，管营把五两银子与他，差拨也得五两银子送他，十分好了。”正说之间，只见差拨过来，问道：“那个是新来配军？”林冲见问，向前答应道：“小人便是。”那差拨不见他把钱出来，变了面皮，指着林冲骂道：“你这个贼配军，见我如何不下拜，却来唱喏？你这厮可知在东京做出事来，见我还是大剌剌的。我看这贼配军满脸都是饿文[7]，一世也不发迹。打不死、拷不杀的顽囚，你这把贼骨头好歹落在我手里，教你粉骨碎身，少间叫你便见功效。”林冲只骂的一佛出世[8]，那里敢抬头应答。众人见骂，各自散了。

林冲等他发作过了，却取五两银子，陪着笑脸告道：“差拨哥哥，些小薄礼，休嫌小微。”差拨看了道：“你教我送与管营和俺的都在里面？”林冲道：“只是送与差拨哥哥的。另有十两银子，就烦差拨哥哥送与管营。”差拨见了，看着林冲笑道：“林教头，我也闻你的好名字，端的是个好男子，想是高太尉陷害你了。虽然目下暂时受苦，久后必然发迹。据你的大名，这表人物，必不是等闲之人，久后必做大官。”林冲笑道：“皆赖差拨照顾。”差拨道：“你只管放心。”又取出柴大官人的书礼，说道：“相烦老哥将这两封书下一下。”差拨道：“既有柴大官人的书，烦恼做甚！这一封书值一锭金子。我一面与你下书，少间管营来点你，要打一百杀威棒时，你便只说你一路患病未曾痊可。我自来与你支吾，要瞒生人的眼目。”林冲道：“多谢指教。”差拨拿了银子并书，离了单身房自去了。林冲叹口气道：“有钱可以通神，此语不差。端的有这般的苦处。”原来差拨落了五两银子，只将五两银子并书来见管营，备说：“林冲是个好汉，柴大官人有书相荐在此呈上。已是高太尉陷害，配他到此，又无十分大事。”管营道：“况是柴大官人有书，必须要看顾他。”便教唤林冲来见。

且说林冲正在单身房里闷坐，只见牌头叫道：“管营在厅上叫唤新到罪人林冲来点视。”林冲听得呼唤，来到厅前。管营道：“你是新到犯人，太祖武德皇帝留下旧制，新入配军，须吃一百杀威棒。左右，与我驮起来。”林冲告道：“小人于路感冒风寒，未曾痊可，告寄打。”差拨道：“这人见今有病，乞赐怜恕。”管营道：“果是这人症候在身，权且寄下，待病痊可却打。”差拨道：“见今天王堂看守的多时满了，可叫林冲去替换他。”就厅上押了帖文，差拨领了林冲，单身房里取了行李，来天王堂交替。差拨道：“林教头，我十分周全你。教看天王堂时，这是营中第一样省气力的勾当，早晚只烧香扫地便了。你看别的囚徒，从早起直做到晚，尚不饶他。还有一等无人情的，拨他在土牢里，求生不生，求死不死。”林冲道：“谢得照顾。”又取三二两银子与差拨道：“烦望哥哥一发周全，开了项上枷亦好。”差拨接了银子，便道：“都在我身上。”连忙去禀了管营，就将枷也开了。林冲自此在天王堂内安排宿食处，每日只是烧香扫地，不觉光阴早过了四五十日。那管营、差拨得了贿赂，日久情熟，由他自在，亦不来拘管他。柴大官人又使人来送冬衣并人事与他。那满营内囚徒，亦得林冲救济。

话不絮繁。时遇冬深将近，忽一日，林冲巳牌时分偶出营前闲走，正行之间，只听得背后有人叫道：“林教头，如何却在这里？”林冲回头过来看时，见了那人，有分教：林冲火烟堆里，争些断送了馀生；风雪途中，几被伤残性命。直使宛子城中屯甲马，梁山泊上列旌旗。毕竟林冲见了的是甚人，且听下回分解。

[1] 回——买进，转买。

[2] 恶（wù）——得罪、冒犯。

[3] 小可——自称的谦词。

[4] 忒——就是太。过于、很的意思。

[5] 利物——彩头。

[6] 臁（lián）儿骨——小腿胫骨。

[7] 饿文——就是“饿纹”。迷信的说法：人脸上的皱纹，如果延长伸进嘴里，这人后来定要饿死。因此，称伸进嘴里的皱纹叫做饿纹。

[8] 一佛出世——常与“二佛涅槃”（和尚死了，佛教称为圆寂，或称涅槃、灭度）或“二佛生天”连用。是死去活来的意思。

CHAPTER 8. Chai Jin Offers Hospitality; Lin Chong Hits Drill Instructor Hong with His Cudgel

XUE BA took up his stick in both hands, and was on the point of striking Lin Chong with it when all at once there came a tremendous noise in the fir trees, and a big fat monk jumped out and shouted, “I have been in the forest for some time and have heard all that you have said.” So saying he knocked the stick out of Xue Ba’s hands with his monk staff. He then whirled his staff, and was going to hit the constable with it when Lin Chong, recognizing Lu Da, called out, “Brother, leave them alone. I have something to say.”

Lu Da upon hearing this stayed his hand. The two constables were almost paralyzed with fear.

Lin Chong said, “They are not responsible for this as the Marshal of the Imperial Guard gave instructions through Lu Qian that they were to kill me. They were only carrying out the order. So if you kill them it will only create another grievance.”

Lu Da unsheathed his sword, cut the ropes binding Lin Chong to the tree, and raising him said, “Younger brother, I have been thinking of your trouble ever since we parted on the day you bought that sword. Since you were arrested, I have been planning to save you. I heard that you had been banished to Cangzhou, but although I waited outside Kaifeng I did not see you depart. Afterwards I heard that you had been sent to the prison in Kaifeng, and also heard that an official had had a private conversation with the two constables in an inn. Because of this procedure I was very suspicious, and anxious about your safety. So when you left I secretly followed you. I saw these two rascals take you into the inn, and I therefore stayed there myself. In that night I heard these two men discussing their evil schemes, and saw them thrust your feet in the boiling water. At that time I thought of killing them, but there were many people in the inn who might have tried to stop me. But as they had bad intentions I was more anxious about you. I left the inn before you in the morning, and hid in the forest with the intention of killing these rascals as they passed that way. As they came here with the object of killing you it will be better if I kill them.”

“Elder brother,” said Lin Chong, “as you have saved my life, you should not kill these two men.”

Lu Da spoke in a loud voice, “If my younger brother had not interfered, I would have cut you two rascals into mincemeat. But at his request I forgive you.” After sheathing his sword, he continued, “Now you assist my younger brother, and follow me.” The two men dared not utter a word in reply, but helping Lin Chong they followed Lu Da. They also carried Lin Chong’s bundle. After going about a li they came to a village where there was an inn. The four men entered the inn and sat down ordering from the waiter eight pounds of meat, two big tankards of wine, and flour cakes. The waiter soon spread the table, and placed the tankards of wine in a dish containing hot water so as to keep them warm.

The two men then said, “Reverend, we dare not ask you at what monastery you live?”

Lu Da laughed and said, “You rascals! If I tell you what will you do? I suppose you would just go and report it to Marshal Gao of the Imperial Guard. Some men fear him, but I do not. If I met him I should give him three hundred blows with my staff.”

After that the two men dared not open their mouths. After they had finished their meal and paid the innkeeper they left the village, and on the road Lin Chong asked, “Elder brother, where are you going to?”

Lu Da said, “A murderer must see some blood, and so a rescuer must see that his man is quite safe. I am not yet quite easy in my mind about you so I will go with you as far as Cangzhou.”

The two constables upon hearing this muttered to themselves, “Here is more trouble! Our business is entirely spoiled! What can we say when we get back? But we cannot do anything except follow them.”

After that they were so afraid that Lu Da might kill them that they immediately agreed to whatever he wanted to do. If things were all right he cursed them, or if anything was wrong he hit them without the least protest from them. After about two days they got a cart for Lin Chong to sit in. The two constables were still so afraid and suspicious that they decided to follow Lu Da in order to preserve their own lives. On the way Lu Da paid for the food and wine for the party. Every day they stopped at inns quite early in the afternoon, and departed late the following morning. The two constables cooked the rice for the party, and also did whatever they were told to do. They discussed matters privately, and Dong Chao said, “We are under the close supervision of this monk, and when we go back Marshal Gao will blame us for our failure in carrying out his order.”

Xue Ba said, “I heard that a monk called Lu Da had recently been placed in charge of the vegetable garden at the branch temple of the Great Xiangguo Monastery, and I think this monk must be that person. So when we get back we must tell the truth, that we really tried to kill Lin Chong in the Yezhu Forest, but this monk stopped us from doing so, and then took us with him on the road to Cangzhou. In this way we shall escape punishment. We must return the ten taels of silver we received, and then Lu Qian will himself go and search for this monk. We shall thus be free from blame.”

Dong Chao said, “What you say is quite right.”

But Lu Da never let them get out of his sight, and after traveling for about eighteen days like this they were within twenty-three li of Cangzhou. Lu Da inquired and found out that there was no desolate spot about there as there were houses all along the road, and then decided to have a rest in a forest of fir trees nearby.

Lu Da spoke to Lin Chong, “Younger brother, we are now close to Cangzhou. I have made inquiries, and find that there are many houses on the way, and no unfrequented places. So I will leave you now, and see you again some other day.”

Lin Chong said, “Elder brother, when you return, you can report my safety to my father-in-law. If I live I will certainly reward you liberally for your benevolent protection.”

Lu Da took twenty taels of silver, and gave them to Lin Chong. He also gave three taels of silver to the two constables, and said, “If I had been by myself I would have decapitated both of you before now, but as my younger brother has pleaded for you I will let you off this time. Now your destination is not far away so you must not harbor your original vile plan.”

The constables said, “We will not do so. It was Marshal Gao Qiu, who deputed us to kill him.”

They received the silver, and just before they separated on their different ways, Lu Da spoke to the constables, “Are your heads as hard as the fir trees?”

The men replied, “Our heads are as they were at birth.”

Lu Da swung his staff and hit a tree with it leaving a gash two inches deep—and causing the top part to fall down. He then shouted, “If you two rascals have vile intentions I will treat your heads in the same way as that tree.” He then turned to Lin Chong, and said to him: “Younger brother, you had better be on your guard against these two men. I must now leave you.”

The two constables were so frightened that their tongues hung out for a long time.

Lin Chong said at last, “Well, we had better go.”

The constables said, “What brute strength that monk has! He broke a tree with just one blow of his staff.”

Lin Chong said, “That is only a small affair. At the Great Xiangguo Monastery he tore a tree up by its roots.”

The two men shook their heads upon learning that this monk was the very Lu Da they had supposed.

The three men then left the forest, and about noon they came to an inn which they entered, and Lin Chong requested the constables to take the seat of honor. After seven hours the two constables began to feel that they recovered their spirits. There were many men in the inn drinking wine, and five waiters attending to their wants. The waiters were very busy bringing first one thing and then another, Lin Chong and the two constables sat waiting for an hour, without a waiter coming to attend to them. Lin Chong’s patience was exhausted, so he rapped the table and called out, “I suppose the proprietor of this inn despises us because I am a criminal, and therefore he does not attend to us. But as I can pay for the wine, your conduct is most unreasonable.”

The proprietor replied, “You evidently do not understand why we do this.”

“As you do not supply us with food and wine what else is there to understand?”

The innkeeper said, “You evidently do not know that in this village we have a very wealthy man named Chai Jin who is also known as Squire Chai; he has been nicknamed by the robbers as Small Whirlwind. He is the descendant of Chai Shizong, of the Later Zhou Dynasty, who at Chen Qiao abdicated in favor of the Emperor Taizu, founder of the Song Dynasty and the latter bestowed on him a charter made in iron that all men must respect him and his offspring for all future time. In his home there are generally about fifty brave men who have come from all parts of the empire at his invitation. He has given us a general order that should any banished criminals pass this way they can go to his home, and he will assist them with money. If I supply you with wine and food your face would be red, and when he sees you in that condition he would assume that you are not short of money and would not assist you.”

Lin Chong upon hearing this turned to the two constables, and said, “While I was in the army at Kaifeng I often heard about this Squire Chai, but I never knew that he lives here. So why should we not go, and ask him to help us?”

The two constables saw no objection to this so they asked the proprietor of the inn where Squire Chai lived. The proprietor told them that they must follow the road in front of the inn for about a li till they came to a large stone bridge, and there turning off the road they would come to the village where Squire Chai lived.

Lin Chong thanked the proprietor of the inn, and leaving the inn they found the bridge. From there stretched a fine road leading to a clump of willow in which was situated the village they were looking for. The village was surrounded by a white wall and also a very broad moat on the banks of which were many big weeping willows. Upon reaching the moat they found there were about five men sitting on the bridge enjoying the cool air. The three men saluted, and then Lin Chong said, “Excuse me troubling you, but will you please inform your master that a criminal, named Lin, who is being escorted to the prison wishes to see him.”

The rustics replied, “You are unfortunate, as if our master had been at home he would have given you wine, food, and money. But today he went out hunting, and has not returned yet.”

Lin Chong asked, “When will he come back?”

The rustics replied, “We are not sure about that as he may have stopped at the eastern estate for a rest.”

Lin Chong said, “It is evident that I cannot see him, and that is unfortunate; so we will go.” The three men were very much disappointed, but they had not gone more than a quarter of a li when they saw a long way off a large body of horsemen emerge from a dense forest, and gallop towards the estate. In front of the horsemen was the leader who was riding a white horse. He had long eyebrows, long slit eyes, pearly white teeth, crimson lips, with a minute beard hanging from his lower lip, and a flowing mustache. He was about thirty-five years of age, and on his head he wore a black hat. He wore a brown silk gown embroidered with flowers in circular designs, and round his waist was an elegant silk girdle with a large circular jade buckle. His boots were of black silk embroidered with a design in gold and green. On his back hung a bow, and at his side was a quiver full of arrows.

When Lin Chong saw him he thought that this might be Squire Chai, but still he was not quite sure about it. When the horse got near, the rider asked, “Who is this man wearing a cangue?”

Lin Chong quickly bowed, and said, “I am Lin Chong, Drill Instructor in the Imperial Guards at Kaifeng. I was in ill favor with Marshal Gao Qiu of the Imperial Guard, who sent me to be tried, branded, and banished to Cangzhou. At the inn I heard that here is a fine man named Chai who likes to meet all celebrated scholars, and therefore I came specially to ask for his help. But unfortunately he was not at home.”

The man jumped off his horse, and walking rapidly towards Lin Chong said, “Chai has lost the opportunity of welcoming you.” He then saluted.

Lin Chong immediately returned the compliment. Chai then took Lin Chong by the hand, and led him towards the house. When the rustics saw them coming they opened the gate. Chai conducted Lin Chong to the guest chamber where he observed the usual courtesies.

Squire Chai Jin then said, “I heard of your fame some time ago, so that your opportune arrival at this insignificant spot fills me with entire satisfaction.”

Lin Chong replied, “This insignificant person has heard of your fame in all quarters, and everybody respects you. Because I have been banished as a criminal I did not expect to meet you but I have been extremely fortunate.” After having been much pressed Lin Chong sat down in the guest’s seat, and the two constables sat down near him. We need not say anything here about the other horsemen who had taken their horses to the stables at the back of the house.

Squire Chai Jin ordered the servants to bring wine, and they brought it in with meat, cakes, and a peck of unboiled rice on the top of which were ten strings of cash. When he saw this Chai Jin in an apologetic tone said that the servants were not aware that he was entertaining a Drill Instructor, and that was why they had brought such small quantities of things. He then told the servants to take them away, and bring the best of fruit, and wine, and kill a sheep at once.

Lin Chong rose, and expressed his thanks, and requested Chai Jin not to go to such trouble as what they had brought was quite ample.

Chai Jin objected to this, as the visit of a Drill Instructor was such a rare event that he could not treat it lightly.

The servants carried out his instructions, and soon brought in the better wine, and fruit, and Chai Jin then poured out three cups of wine for Lin Chong. After Lin Chong had drunk the wine, and expressed his thanks, Chai Jin asked to be excused as he wished to retire and take off his bow, and his quiver full of arrows. He asked the two constables to drink wine with Lin Chong while he was away. Upon returning he sat down as the host and Lin Chong again sat in the guest’s seat, with the two constables behind him.

They discussed matters relating to heroes and were not aware that evening was drawing nigh. On the table were spread all kinds of food, fruit, and delicacies of the sea. Chai Jin poured out the wine three times, and then sat down, and told the servants to bring in the soup. They had just eaten the soup, and drunk about seven cups of wine each, when a village rustic entered, and said the Drill Instructor had arrived.

Chai Jin told the servant to go and request him to come, and sit down at the table with them. When the Drill Instructor entered, Lin Chong saw that he was not wearing his cap straight, and was strutting like a bully. He thought that the man must be the athletic teacher for Chai Jin so he rose, bowed, and after calling attention by saying “nuo,” he said, “Lin Chong salutes with all respect.”

The man took no notice of Lin Chong, and did not return his salute.

Lin Chong dared not raise his head.

Chai Jin pointing to Lin Chong said to the Drill Instructor Hong, “This gentleman is Lin Chong, Drill Instructor of the Imperial Guards at the Eastern Capital, and I want you to make his acquaintance.”

Upon hearing this Lin Chong again saluted Drill Instructor Hong, and the latter did not wish to bow so he only said, “You need not salute me. Get up.”

When Chai Jin saw and heard this he was annoyed.

Lin Chong however saluted again twice, and then got up and requested Hong to be seated. Without returning this compliment Hong simply sat down in the chief guest seat. This further annoyed Chai Jin. Lin Chong had to take his seat in the lower position and the two constables also sat down.

Drill Instructor Hong asked Chai, “Why do you treat a banished soldier with such great respect?”

Chai Jin said, “This gentleman is Drill Instructor of the Imperial Guards so how can you despise him?”

“Sir,” said Hong, “I know that you like to exercise with a cudgel, and that is why when these army men arrive they always say they can also exercise with the cudgel. They all say that they are Drill Instructors and so cheat you into giving them wine, rice, food, and money. Why do you always believe that they are speaking the truth?”

Lin Chong upon hearing this suppressed his desire to speak. Chai Jin said, “It is not anybody who can recognize ability by appearances and so we cannot treat him lightly.”

Drill Instructor Hong did not like Chai Jin suggesting that he could not recognize ability by appearance so he jumped up, and said, “I have no faith in him! If he will have a bout with me with the cudgels then I shall be able to say whether he is a genuine Drill Instructor.”

Chai Jin laughed and said that that was a fine idea. He then asked Lin Chong whether he agreed to the proposal. But Lin Chong declined the offer. After thinking the matter over Drill Instructor Hong came to the conclusion that Lin Chong was afraid, and also was perhaps unable to fence. So he decided to provoke Lin Chong to fence with him.

Chai Jin wanted to see Lin Chong display his ability and also to see him beat Hong and so close the latter’s mouth. So he said to the servants, “Bring the wine, and we will wait till the moon rises.” After they had drunk about seven cups of wine the moon rose and it was then as bright as daylight in the hall where they were drinking.

Chai Jin got up, and said, “Now you two Drill Instructors just have a trial with the cudgels.”

Lin Chong saw that Hong was teaching Chai Jin to drill with the cudgels so he thought that Chai Jin would not like it if he knocked his drill teacher down.

Chai Jin saw that Lin Chong was in a quandary so he said, “Drill Instructor Hong has not been coming to my house for very long. No one has fought with him here, so you must not refuse to do so. I want to see which of you two is the best man.” Chai Jin said this because he thought that perhaps Lin Chong would not do his best out of consideration for his feelings in the matter.

Lin Chong felt more satisfied when he heard Chai Jin explain the position in this way. Hong got up, and called out, “Come on! Come on! Come on! I will have a bout with you.”

So all three adjourned to an open space outside, and the servants brought a bundle of cudgels and placed them on the ground.

Drill Instructor Hong took off his clothes, and tucked up his short underskirt in his belt. He then dragged a cudgel out of the bundle, and raised it above his head. He again called out, “Come on! Come on! Come on!”

Chai Jin said, “Now, Lin, let me see what you can do.”

Lin Chong asked Chai Jin not to laugh at him. He then picked up a cudgel, and said, “Master, please give me a lesson.”

At this Hong was so angry that he would have liked to swallow Lin Chong at one gulp.

Lin Chong raised his cudgel above his head and brought it down with a blow in “Shandong style.” At the same time Hong brought his cudgel down in a horizontal sweeping motion. The two men fought about five bouts in the moonlight, and then Lin Chong suddenly jumped clear of the cudgel, and called out for a rest.

Chai Jin asked why he was not using all his ability.

Lin Chong said, “I have lost.”

Chai Jin said, “I have not seen any display of skill so how can you be defeated?”

Lin Chong said, “But I am wearing this cangue so I must lose.”

Chai Jin said, “Ah! I had quite overlooked that.” He laughed loudly and said, “That is soon remedied.” He then told the servants to bring ten taels of silver. He also told the two constables to take off the cangue, and he would be entirely responsible for it should there be any inquiry at the prison the following day. He then gave the two constables the ten taels of silver.

The two constables saw that Chai Jin had such a splendid appearance that they did not care to oppose his will. They were also not afraid of Lin Chong running away so they took off the cangue.

Chai Jin was pleased and said, “Now you two Drill Instructors can try again.”

Drill Instructor Hong thought that Lin Chong was weak in his use of the cudgel so he despised him. He raised his cudgel, and waited for an opportunity of using it.

Chai Jin called out, “Wait for a moment.” He then instructed the servants to bring an ingot of silver which they did immediately and set it before him. It weighed twenty-five taels. He then said, “You two Drill Instructors can now continue your practice. I have here an ingot of silver which I will give to the winner.” He purposely put the ingot of silver on the ground so that Lin Chong seeing it would exert all his skill in fencing.

Drill Instructor Hong was very jealous that Lin Chong had come there. He wanted the money, but was afraid that he might be defeated and lose his reputation. But he raised his cudgel above his head in readiness to strike downwards.

Lin Chong thought that Chai Jin wanted him to win. He took his cudgel, and held it horizontally in readiness to repel a downward stroke of his opponent.

Drill Instructor Hong again shouted out, “Come on! Come on! Come on!” and so saying, he brought down his cudgel. But Lin Chong avoided the blow by taking a step back. Hong raised his cudgel again, and taking a step forward again struck at Lin Chong. Again he missed, and Lin Chong now saw that Hong was not placing his feet in the best position, so he quickly raised his cudgel, and making a sweeping horizontal motion struck Hong on his ankle just as the latter tried to move away. Hong fell down, and his cudgel also lay on the ground.

Chai Jin was much pleased to see this, and told the servants to bring the wine. The onlookers all laughed when they saw Drill Instructor Hong fall down. As Hong did not get up, they came forward and raised him up. Hong was so extremely ashamed of himself that he just walked away.

Chai Jin took Lin Chong by the hand, and lead him into the hall to drink wine. He then told the servants to bring the ingot of silver, and give it to Lin Chong, but the latter declined to receive it. But after being much pressed he agreed to take it.

After that Lin Chong stayed with Chai Jin for several days, and was well treated with wine and food. But after seven days the constables were urging Lin Chong to depart so Chai Jin prepared a feast for their final leave taking, and wrote a letter. He said, “The Prefect at Cangzhou is a friend of mine, and I am on intimate terms with the superintendent of the jail there. So you can present this letter to them, and they will treat you well.” He then gave Lin Chong another ingot of silver. He also gave each of the constables five taels of silver.

The following day soon after breakfast Chai Jin ordered men to carry the three men’s baggage. Lin Chong put the cangue on again and bid goodbye to Squire Chai Jin. The latter accompanied them as far as the gate of the village, and there said to Lin Chong, “After a few days I will send a man with some winter clothing for you.”

Lin Chong expressed his thanks, and said, “How can I ever repay you?”

The three men then departed, and reached Cangzhou about noon the same day. The porters who had carried the baggage were sent back. The official dispatch was presented and the official took Lin Chong to the magistrate. The latter then sealed an order confining Lin Chong to the prison, and also a reply to Kaifeng which was handed to the two constables to take back.

At the jail Lin Chong was placed by himself in a cell where he awaited inspection. A great number of the prisoners came to his room to talk with him. They said, “The head jailer at this place is an awful fellow, and demands money and things from the prisoners. If you give him your money and things he will treat you well. But if you do not give him money he will confine you in a hole in the ground and he will be absolutely indifferent whether you live or die. If you give him money he will not beat you with the bamboo, and if you say you are ill the punishment will be postponed. If you do not give him money he will beat you until you are almost dead.”

Lin Chong said, “Brothers, thanks for your information. But if he asks for money how much should I give him.”

The prisoners said, “It will be best if you give both the head jailer and the prison superintendent five taels of silver each.”

Just as they were saying this the head jailer came and said, “Where is that soldier who has been banished?”

Lin Chong replied, “I am the man.”

As the head jailer did not see Lin Chong get his money ready he changed his countenance, and cursed him saying, “You banished thief! Why don’t you kneel when you see me instead of replying in that way. Do you know what trouble you have brought about at the Eastern Capital? Now you are still so proud to me. I see that you are a banished thief with all your face wrinkled with starvation, and that you will never have good luck during the remainder of your life. You are a stupid prisoner whom beating and torture could not kill! But your bones will soon be in my hands, and then I will grind them to powder, and chop up your body. It won’t be long before you get your deserts!”

This abuse made Lin Chong so frightened that he did not even raise his head or reply. The prisoners listened to it all, and then went away. Lin Chong waited until he had finished saying this and then took out five taels of silver, and smiling said, “Elder brother, and head jailer, I offer you this trifling present.”

The head jailer said, “Is this to be divided between me and the superintendent?”

Lin Chong said, “That is for you, and I will also trouble you to give the superintendent this ten taels of silver.”

The head jailer laughed and said, “Drill Instructor Lin, I have heard of your good name. You are really a fine fellow. I think that Marshal Gao Qiu, wishes to injure you. But although you are in trouble now, you will certainly have luck after this. Having heard of your great name and now judging by your appearance I am sure that you are not an average person, and soon you must become an official.”

Lin Chong laughed, “Well, I will look forward for your assistance.” The head jailer said, “But you need not worry.” Lin Chong then took out the two letters he had received from Chai Jin, and said, “Elder brother, may I trouble you to send these two letters for me.”

The head jailer said, “As you have letters from Chai Jin you need not be anxious. A letter like this is worth an ingot of gold. I will take it for you with pleasure. And when the superintendent comes, and orders a hundred blows with the bamboo for you, you must say that you were sick on the way here, and have not quite recovered yet. I shall be there, and offer excuses, and so deceive the people who are not in on the secret.”

Lin Chong said, “Many thanks for your advice.”

This head jailer took the silver and the letters, and left the cell.

Lin Chong heaved a sigh and said, “Money can move even the gods. That is a true saying, as without money there is always a difficulty.”

The head jailer took the silver, and gave five taels to the superintendent. He also presented the letter and said, “This man, Lin Chong, is a fine fellow, and has brought this letter from His Excellency Chai Jin who speaks highly of him. He was falsely accused by Marshal Gao Qiu of the Imperial Guard, who had him banished to this place. It was only a slight offense.”

The superintendent said, “As he has brought this letter from Squire Chai Jin we must look after him well. Bring him here to see me.”

Lin Chong was sitting in silence in his cell, when the head jailer returned and told him that the superintendent wanted to see him, and check his name off. He was taken to the hall where the superintendent spoke to him, “The Emperor Taizu issued a law that anybody who was banished to this place should receive one hundred blows with the bamboo. You have just arrived so I must administer that punishment.” He then told his guard to put the prisoner on the ground.

Lin Chong said, “On the way I caught a severe cold, and have not quite recovered yet. I request that the punishment be postponed.”

The head jailer said, “This man certainly is sick, and I suggest that you take pity of him.”

The superintendent said, “As he is sick we will not beat him now, but wait until he is better.”

The head jailer said, “The man who attends to the Heavenly Kings Temple has been there quite a long time and I suggest that Lin Chong should supersede him.”

The superintendent wrote an order accordingly, and Lin Chong was taken to his cell to get his baggage, and then taken to the shrine where he took over his duties.

The head jailer said that he had done his best for Lin Chong. “This job is the lightest in the prison, and all that you have to do is to sweep the floor, and burn incense. You must see that none of the other prisoners are spared from early morning till late at night. People who have no references and assistance as you have are confined to the prison, and whether they want to live or die makes no difference.”

Lin Chong said that he was much obliged for the help. He then gave the head jailer three more taels of silver, and asked him to take off his cangue. The head jailer said he would attend to that, and put the matter before the superintendent. Upon his return he took off the cangue. So Lin Chong stayed by himself at the Heavenly Kings Temple and every day swept the floor and burnt incense. The first fifty days soon passed over without him noticing the time. The superintendent and the head jailer became quite friendly to Lin Chong, and allowed him great liberty.

Chai Jin sent winter clothing and also money for Lin Chong. The other prisoners also received money from Lin Chong.

One day about 10 A.M. Lin Chong was strolling outside the prison when he heard someone behind him call out, “What are you doing here, Drill Instructor Lin?” Turning round he saw a man whom we will now introduce.

Lin Chong nearly lost his life,

First in fire, and then in snow.