第十回
第十回 林教头风雪山神庙 陆虞候火烧草料场
诗曰：
天理昭昭不可诬，莫将奸恶作良图。
若非风雪沽村酒，定被焚烧化朽枯。
自谓冥中施计毒，谁知暗里有神扶。
最怜万死逃生地，真是瑰奇伟丈夫。
话说当日林冲正闲走间，忽然背后人叫，回头看时，却认得是酒生儿[1]李小二。当初在东京时，多得林冲看顾。这李小二先前在东京时，不合偷了店主人家财，被捉住了，要送官司问罪。却得林冲主张陪话，救了他免送官司，又与他陪了些钱财，方得脱免。京中安不得身，又亏林冲赍发他盘缠，于路投奔人，不想今日却在这里撞见。林冲道：“小二哥，你如何也在这里？”李小二便拜道：“自从得恩人救济，赍发小人，一地里[2]投奔人不着，迤逦不想来到沧州，投托一个酒店里，姓王，留小人在店中做过卖[3]。因见小人勤谨，安排的好菜蔬，调和的好汁水，来吃的人都喝采，以此买卖顺当。主人家有个女儿，就招了小人做女婿。如今丈人丈母都死了，只剩得小人夫妻两个，权在营前开了个茶酒店。因讨钱过来，遇见恩人。恩人不知为何事在这里？”林冲指着脸上道：“我因恶了高太尉，生事陷害，受了一场官司，刺配到这里。如今叫我管天王堂，未知久后如何。不想今日到此遇见。”
李小二就请林冲到家里面坐定，叫妻子出来拜了恩人。两口儿欢喜道：“我夫妻二人正没个亲眷，今日得恩人到来，便是从天降下。”林冲道：“我是罪囚，恐怕玷辱你夫妻两个。”李小二道：“谁不知恩人大名，休恁地说。但有衣服，便拿来家里浆洗缝补。”当时管待林冲酒食，至晚送回天王堂。次日，又来相请。因此，林冲得李小二家来往，不时间送汤送水来营里与林冲吃。林冲因见他两口儿恭勤孝顺，常把些银两与他做本钱，不在话下。有诗为证：
才离寂寞神堂路，又守萧条草料场。
李二夫妻能爱客，供茶送酒意偏长。
且把闲话休题，只说正话。迅速光阴，却早冬来。林冲的绵衣裙袄，都是李小二浑家整治缝补。忽一日，李小二正在门前安排菜蔬下饭，只见一个人闪将进来，酒店里坐下，随后又一人入来。看时，前面那个人是军官打扮，后面这个走卒模样，跟着也来坐下。李小二入来问道：“要吃酒？”只见那个人将出一两银子与小二道：“且收放柜上，取三四瓶好酒来。客到时，果品酒馔只顾将来，不必要问。”李小二道：“官人请甚客？”那人道：“烦你与我去营里请管营、差拨两个来说话。问时，你只说有个官人请说话，商议些事务。专等，专等。”李小二应承了，来到牢城里，先请了差拨，同到管营家里，请了管营，都到酒店里。只见那个官人和管营、差拨两个讲了礼。管营道：“素不相识，动问官人高姓大名？”那人道：“有书在此，少刻便知。且取酒来。”李小二连忙开了酒，一面铺下菜蔬果品酒馔。那人叫讨副劝盘来，把了盏，相让坐了。小二独自一个，撺梭也似伏侍不暇。那跟来的人讨了汤桶，自行盪酒。约计吃过十数杯，再讨了按酒，铺放桌上。只见那人说道：“我自有伴当盪酒，不叫你休来。我等自要说话。”
李小二应了，自来门首叫老婆道：“大姐，这两个人来的不尴尬[4]。”老婆道：“怎么的不尴尬？”小二道：“这两个人语言声音是东京人，初时又不认得管营，向后我将按酒入去，只听得差拨口里讷出一句‘高太尉’三个字来。这人莫不与林教头身上有些干碍？我自在门前理会，你且去阁子背后，听说甚么。”老婆道：“你去营中寻林教头来，认他一认。”李小二道：“你不省得，林教头是个性急的人，摸不着便要杀人放火。倘或叫的他来看了，正是前日说的甚么陆虞候，他肯便罢？做出事来，须连累了我和你。你只去听一听，再理会。”老婆道：“说的是。”便入去听了一个时辰，出来说道：“他那三四个交头接耳说话，正不听得说甚么。只见那一个军官模样的人，去伴当怀里取出一帕子物事，递与管营和差拨。帕子里面的莫不是金银？只听差拨口里说道：‘都在我身上，好歹要结果了他性命。’”正说之间，阁子里叫：“将汤来。”李小二急去里面换汤时，看见管营手里拿着一封书。小二换了汤，添些下饭。又吃了半个时辰，算还了酒钱，管营、差拨先去了。次后，那两个低着头也去了。转背没多时，只见林冲走将入店里来，说道：“小二哥，连日好买卖。”李小二慌忙道：“恩人请坐，小人却待正要寻恩人，有些要紧话说。”有诗为证：
潜为奸计害英雄，一线天教把信通。
亏杀有情贤李二，暗中回护有奇功。
当下林冲问道：“甚么要紧的事？”小二哥请林冲到里面坐下，说道：“却才有个东京来的尴尬人，在我这里请管营、差拨吃了半日酒。差拨口里讷出高太尉三个字来。小人心下疑，又着浑家听了一个时辰，他却交头接耳说话，都不听得。临了，只见差拨口里应道：‘都在我两个身上，好歹要结果了他。’那两个把一包金银递与管营、差拨，又吃一回酒，各自散了。不知甚么样人。小人心下疑，只怕恩人身上有些妨碍。”林冲道：“那人生得甚么模样？”李小二道：“五短身材，白净面皮，没甚髭须，约有三十馀岁。那跟的也不长大，紫棠色面皮。”林冲听了大惊道：“这三十岁的正是陆虞候。那泼贱贼也敢来这里害我！休要撞着我，只教他骨肉为泥！”李小二道：“只要提防他便了，岂不闻古人言：吃饭防噎，走路防跌。”林冲大怒，离了李小二家，先去街上买把解腕尖刀，带在身上，前街后巷一地里去寻。李小二夫妻两个，捏着两把汗。
当晚无事，次日天明起来，早洗漱罢，带了刀又去沧州城里城外，小街夹巷，团团寻了一日。牢城营里都没动静。林冲又来对李小二道：“今日又无事。”小二道：“恩人，只愿如此。只是自放仔细便了。”林冲自回天王堂，过了一夜。街上寻了三五日，不见消耗[5]，林冲也自心下慢了。到第六日，只见管营叫唤林冲到点视厅上，说道：“你来这里许多时，柴大官人面皮，不曾抬举的你。此间东门外十五里，有座大军草场，每月但是纳草纳料的，有些常例钱取觅，原是一个老军看管。我如今抬举你去替那老军来守天王堂，你在那里[6]几贯盘缠。你可和差拨便去那里交割。”林冲应道：“小人便去。”当时离了营中，径到李小二家，对他夫妻两个说道：“今日管营拨我去大军草场管事，却如何？”李小二道：“这个差使又好似天王堂。那里收草料时，有些常例钱钞。往常不使钱时，不能勾这差使。”林冲道：“却不害我，倒与我好差使，正不知何意？”李小二道：“恩人休要疑心，只要没事便好了。只是小人家离得远了，过几时那[7]工夫来望恩人。”就时家里安排几杯酒，请林冲吃了。
话不絮烦，两个相别了。林冲自来天王堂，取了包裹，带了尖刀，拿了条花枪，与差拨一同辞了管营，两个取路投草料场来。正是严冬天气，彤云密布，朔风渐起，却早纷纷扬扬卷下一天大雪来。那雪早下得密了。怎见得好雪？有《临江仙》词为证：
作阵成团空里下，这回忒杀堪怜。剡溪冻住子猷船。玉龙鳞甲舞，江海尽平填。 宇宙楼台都压倒，长空飘絮飞绵。三千世界玉相连。冰交河北岸，冻了十馀年。
大雪下的正紧，林冲和差拨两个在路上又没买酒吃处，早来到草料场外。看时，一周遭有些黄土墙，两扇大门。推开看里面时，七八间草房做着仓廒，四下里都是马草堆，中间两座草厅。到那厅里，只见那老军在里面向火。差拨说道：“管营差这个林冲来替你回天王堂看守，你可即便交割。”老军拿了钥匙，引着林冲，分付道：“仓廒内自有官司封记，这几堆草一堆堆都有数目。”老军都点见了堆数，又引林冲到草厅上。老军收拾行李，临了说道：“火盆、锅子、碗碟，都借与你。”林冲道：“天王堂内我也有在那里，你要便拿了去。”老军指壁上挂一个大葫芦，说道：“你若买酒吃时，只出草场，投东大路去三二里，便有市井。”老军自和差拨回营里来。
只说林冲就床上放了包裹被卧，就坐下生些焰火起来。屋边有一堆柴炭，拿几块来生在地炉里。仰面看那草屋时，四下里崩坏了，又被朔风吹撼，摇振得动。林冲道：“这屋如何过得一冬？待雪晴了，去城中唤个泥水匠来修理。”向了一回火，觉得身上寒冷，寻思：“却才老军所说五里路外有那市井，何不去沽些酒来吃？”便去包里取些碎银子，把花枪挑了酒葫芦，将火炭盖了，取毡笠子戴上，拿了钥匙，出来把草厅门拽上。出到大门首，把两扇草场门反拽上锁了，带了钥匙，信步投东。雪地里踏着碎琼乱玉，迤逦背着北风而行。那雪正下得紧。
行不上半里多路，看见一所古庙。林冲顶礼道：“神明庇佑，改日来烧钱纸。”又行了一回，望见一簇人家。林冲住脚看时，见篱笆中挑着一个草帚儿在露天里。林冲径到店里，主人道：“客人那里来？”林冲道：“你认得这个葫芦么？”主人看了道：“这葫芦是草料场老军的。”林冲道：“如何便认的？”店主道：“既是草料场看守大哥，且请少坐。天气寒冷，且酌三杯权当接风。”店家切一盘熟牛肉，盪一壶热酒，请林冲吃。又自买了些牛肉，又吃了数杯，就又买了一葫芦酒，包了那两块牛肉，留下碎银子，把花枪挑了酒葫芦，怀内揣了牛肉，叫声相扰，便出篱笆门，依旧迎着朔风回来。看那雪，到晚越下的紧了。古时有个书生，做了一个词，单题那贫苦的恨雪：
广莫严风刮地，这雪儿下的正好。扯絮挦绵，裁几片大如栲栳。见林间竹屋茅茨，争些儿被他压倒。富室豪家，却言道压瘴犹嫌少。向的是兽炭红炉，穿的是绵衣絮袄。手捻梅花，唱道国家祥瑞，不念贫民些小。高卧有幽人，吟咏多诗草。
再说林冲踏着那瑞雪，迎着北风，飞也似奔到草场门口，开了锁，入内看时，只叫得苦。原来天理昭然，佑护善人义士，因这场大雪，救了林冲的性命。那两间草厅已被雪压倒了。林冲寻思：“怎地好？”放下花枪、葫芦在雪里，恐怕火盆内有火炭延烧起来，搬开破壁子，探半身入去摸时，火盆内火种都被雪水浸灭了。林冲把手床上摸时，只拽得一条絮被。林冲钻将出来，见天色黑了，寻思：“又没打火处，怎生安排？”想起离了这半里路上，有个古庙，可以安身。“我且去那里宿一夜，等到天明却做理会。”把被卷了，花枪挑着酒葫芦，依旧把门拽上锁了，望那庙里来。入的庙门，再把门掩上，傍边止有一块大石头，掇将过来，靠了门。入的里面看时，殿上做着一尊金甲山神，两边一个判官，一个小鬼，侧边堆着一堆纸。团团看来，又没邻舍，又无庙主。林冲把枪和酒葫芦放在纸堆上，将那条絮被放开，先取下毡笠子，把身上雪都抖了，把上盖[8]白布衫脱将下来，早有五分湿了，和毡笠放在供桌上，把被扯来盖了半截下身。却把葫芦冷酒提来便吃，就将怀中牛肉下酒。正吃时，只听得外面必必剥剥地爆响。林冲跳起身来，就壁缝里看时，只见草料场里火起，刮刮杂杂烧着。看那火时，但见：
一点灵台，五行造化，丙丁在世传流。无明心内，灾祸起沧州。烹铁鼎能成万物，铸金丹还与重楼。思今古，南方离位，荧惑最为头。绿窗归焰烬，隔花深处，掩映钓渔舟。鏖兵赤壁，公瑾喜成谋。李晋王醉存馆驿，田单在即墨驱牛。周褒姒骊山一笑，因此戏诸侯。
当时张见草场内火起，四下里烧着，林冲便拿枪，却待开门来救火，只听得前面有人说将话来。林冲就伏在庙听时，是三个人脚步声，且奔庙里来。用手推门，却被林冲靠住了，推也推不开。三人在庙檐下立地看火，数内一个道：“这条计好么？”一个应道：“端的亏管营、差拨两位用心。回到京师，禀过太尉，都保你二位做大官。这番张教头没的推故。”那人道：“林冲今番直吃我们对付了，高衙内这病必然好了。”又一个道：“张教头那厮，三回五次托人情去说‘你的女婿殁了’，张教头越不肯应承。因此衙内病患看看重了，太尉特使俺两个央浼二位干这件事，不想而今完备了。”又一个道：“小人直爬入墙里去，四下草堆上点了十来个火把，待走那里去！”那一个道：“这早晚烧个八分过了。”又听一个道：“便逃得性命时，烧了大军草料场，也得个死罪。”又一个道：“我们回城里去罢。”一个道：“再看一看，拾得他一两块骨头回京，府里见太尉和衙内时，也道我们也能会干事。”
林冲听那三个人时，一个是差拨，一个是陆虞候，一个是富安。林冲道：“天可怜见林冲，若不是倒了草厅，我准定被这厮们烧死了。”轻轻把石头掇开，挺着花枪，一手拽开庙门，大喝一声：“泼贼那里去！”三个人急要走时，惊得呆了，正走不动。林冲举手肐察的一枪，先戳倒差拨。陆虞候叫声：“饶命！”吓的慌了手脚，走不动。那富安走不到十来步，被林冲赶上，后心只一枪，又戳倒了。翻身回来，陆虞候却才行的三四步，林冲喝声道：“奸贼！你待那里去！”批胸只一提，丢翻在雪地上，把枪搠在地里，用脚踏住胸脯，身边取出那口刀来，便去陆谦脸上阁着，喝道：“泼贼！我自来又和你无甚么冤仇，你如何这等害我！正是杀人可恕，情理难容。”陆虞候告道：“不干小人事，太尉差遣，不敢不来。”林冲骂道：“奸贼，我与你自幼相交，今日倒来害我，怎不干你事！且吃我一刀。”把陆谦上身衣服扯开，把尖刀向心窝里只一剜，七窍迸出血来，将心肝提在手里。回头看时，差拨正爬将起来要走。林冲按住喝道：“你这厮原来也恁的歹！且吃我一刀。”又早把头割下来，挑在枪上。回来把富安、陆谦头都割下来，把尖刀插了，将三个人头发结做一处，提入庙里来，都摆在山神面前供桌上。再穿了白布衫，系了搭膊，把毡笠子带上，将葫芦里冷酒都吃尽了。被与葫芦都丢了不要，提了枪，便出庙门投东去。走不到三五里，早见近村人家都拿着水桶、钩子来救火。林冲道：“你们快去救应，我去报官了来。”提着枪只顾走。那雪越下的猛，但见：
凛凛严凝雾气昏，空中祥瑞降纷纷。须臾四野难分路，顷刻千山不见痕。银世界，玉乾坤，望中隐隐接昆仑。若还下到三更后，仿佛填平玉帝门。
林冲投东去了两个更次，身上单寒，当不过那冷。在雪地里看时，离的草场远了，只见前面疏林深处，树木交杂，远远地数间草屋，被雪压着，破壁缝里透出火光来。林冲径投那草屋来，推开门，只见那中间坐着一个老庄家，周围坐着四五个小庄家向火，地炉里面焰焰地烧着柴火。林冲走到面前，叫道：“众位拜揖。小人是牢城营差使人，被雪打湿了衣裳，借此火烘一烘，望乞方便。”庄客道：“你自烘便了，何妨得。”林冲烘着身上湿衣服，略有些干，只见火炭边煨着一个瓮儿，里面透出酒香。林冲便道：“小人身边有些碎银子，望烦回些酒吃。”老庄客道：“我们每夜轮流看米囤，如今四更，天气正冷，我们这几个吃尚且不勾，那得回与你。休要指望。”林冲又道：“胡乱只回三五碗，与小人荡寒。”老庄家道：“你那人休缠，休缠！”林冲闻得酒香，越要吃，说道：“没奈何，回些罢。”众庄客道：“好意着你烘衣裳向火，便来要酒吃。去便去，不去时将来吊在这里。”林冲怒道：“这厮们好无道理。”把手中枪看着块焰焰着的火柴头，望老庄家脸上只一挑将起来，又把枪去火炉里只一搅，那老庄家的髭须焰焰的烧着。众庄客都跳将起来，林冲把枪杆乱打。老庄家先走了。庄家们都动掸不得，被林冲赶打一顿，都走了。林冲道：“都走了，老爷快活吃酒。”土炕上却有两个椰瓢，取一个下来，倾那瓮酒来吃了一会，剩了一半，提了枪出门便走。一步高，一步低，踉踉跄跄捉脚不住，走不过一里路，被朔风一掉，随着那山涧边倒了，那里挣得起来。凡醉人一倒，便起不得。醉倒在雪地上。
却说众庄客引了二十馀人，拖枪拽棒，都奔草屋下看时，不见了林冲。却寻着踪迹赶将来，只见倒在雪地里。庄客齐道：“你却倒在这里。”花枪丢在一边。众庄客一发上手，就地拿起林冲来，将一条索缚了，趁五更时分，把林冲解投那个去处来。不是别处，有分教：蓼儿洼内，前后摆数千只战舰艨艟；水浒寨中，左右列百十个英雄好汉。搅扰得道君皇帝，盘龙椅上魂惊，丹凤楼中胆裂。正是：说时杀气侵人冷，讲处悲风透骨寒。毕竟看林冲被庄客解投甚处来，且听下回分解。
[1] 酒生儿——酒店里的伙计。
[2] 一地里——到处。
[3] 过卖——堂倌，酒食店里照料座儿的伙计。
[4] 不尴尬（ɡān ɡà）——对人而言，是指的鬼祟、不正派；对事而言，是指的有问题、有麻烦、叫人困窘。有时也写作“尴尬”、“不尴不尬”。
[5] 消耗——这里指音信。“消”是消息，“耗”是音耗。
[6] （chuài）——挣。
[7] 那——这里同“挪”，作抽、移等解释。
[8] 上盖——上身的外衣。
CHAPTER 9. During a Snowstorm Lin Chong Seeks Refuge in the Temple of the Mountain Spirit; Lu Qian Sets Fire to the Fodder Depot
ONE day Lin Chong was taking a stroll when he heard someone behind him calling out, and upon turning round he recognized the man as Li Xiao-er, who used to be a waiter in an inn at the Eastern Capital. While there Lin Chong treated him well. Afterwards this waiter stole money belonging to the proprietor of the inn for which he was arrested. But Lin Chong intervened, and begged that the boy not be sent to the yamen, and gave money to make up the loss. As the waiter could not stay in the Eastern Capital Lin Chong gave him money to go to some other place. It was quite accidental that he met Lin Chong on that day.
“Li Xiao-er, what are you doing here?”
Li Xiao-er saluted and replied, “After you had assisted me I traveled in many directions without meeting with any assistance and happened to come to Cangzhou where I met a man named Wang, who was proprietor of an inn here, and he employed me as a waiter. I was very good at preparing food, and made such delicious dishes that the visitors appreciated them and this led to a successful business. I married the daughter of the proprietor, and when the latter and his wife died I was in sole charge, and opened a restaurant just opposite the barracks. I happen to meet you as I return from collecting some bills, and wish to inquire what you are doing here.”
Lin Chong pointed to his face, and said, “I incurred the enmity of Marshal Gao Qiu of the Imperial Guard, who plotted against me, and had me tried, branded, and then banished to this place. I have been appointed to look after the Heavenly Kings Temple, but I cannot say what I may do next. I did not expect to meet you here.”
Li Xiao-er asked Lin Chong to come and sit down in his home. Upon arrival there the former introduced his wife who saluted, and expressed her pleasure in meeting her husband’s benefactor.
Li Xiao-er said, “We have no relatives here so that for our benefactor to visit us today is just like a gift from heaven.”
“I am a criminal,” said Lin Chong, “and I am afraid that my visit may disgrace you in the eyes of your neighbors.”
“Don’t talk like that because everybody is aware of your fame. We shall be very pleased to wash and mend your clothes.”
They all had dinner and wine together, and in the evening Lin Chong went back to the temple. After that he went very often to Li Xiao-er’s home, and the latter often sent soup and tea to the temple for him. He however always paid them with money, because these two treated him so well.
The time quickly passed in this way until it was winter. Li Xiao-er’s wife always washed and repaired Lin Chong’s cotton gowns and jackets.
One day as Li Xiao-er was preparing a meal, two men entered his restaurant, and sat down. One of them was wearing a military uniform, and was accompanied by a soldier. Li Xiao-er asked them whether they wanted any wine, and the officer took out an tael of silver and said, “Put this money in your till, and bring us three or four bottles of wine. When our guests arrive I do not want you to ask questions, but just bring us fruit, vegetables, and wine.”
Li Xiao-er asked, “Who will be your guests?”
The officer replied, “I must trouble you to go to the jail, and request the superintendent and the head jailer to come here to discuss a matter with me.” Li Xiao-er agreed to do this, and went straightway to the jail, and very soon returned with the two men.
Upon meeting, the superintendent of the jail said that he was not aware of having met the officer before, and asked for his name.
The officer replied that he had a letter which would explain matters, but suggested that they should first have a drink.
Li Xiao-er opened the bottles of wine, and placed vegetables, fruit, and wine on the table. The officer poured out the wine, and offered it to the guests, and they then all sat down. Li Xiao-er bustled about as busy as a shuttle in a loom. The soldier who was with the officer asked Li to bring some hot water, so that he could warm the wine himself. But after they had drunk about ten cups of wine they again summoned Li Xiao-er to bring some more wine. The officer also told him that they would keep the wine warm themselves, and that he need not come again unless summoned, as they had some private business to discuss. Li Xiao-er therefore went to the door, and talked with his wife. He told her that the two men who had just arrived were not quite straightforward.
His wife asked what had given him that impression.
Li Xiao-er said, “According their pronunciation these men are evidently from the Eastern Capital, but the superintendent has not met them before. And when I served them with wine I heard the officer mention the name of Marshal Gao Qiu. I therefore think that their business has something to do with Lin Chong. So I will stand at the door here, and watch them while you go behind the partition where they sit and listen to their conversation.”
His wife said, “You had better go to the jail, and tell Lin Chong to come here, and see whether he knows the officer.”
Li Xiao-er said, “You do not know that Lin Chong is very quick-tempered, and he might want to kill the man, or burn the place down. And if it is that officer Lu Qian whom he told us about a few days ago how could he keep quiet? If there was any row we should be implicated. So you go and listen, and afterwards we will decide what to do.”
His wife agreed to this, and went off to listen. After a while she returned and said, “Those four men are exchanging confidential whispers so that I cannot make out what they are talking about. But the officer took a bundle and handed it to the superintendent. That might be some silver or gold. The superintendent then said, ‘I will be responsible for this affair, and see that he is killed.’”
Just then the men called out for more soup. Li Xiao-er hurried forward and supplied fresh soup and rice. While doing this he saw that the superintendent had a letter in his hand. When the bills had been settled the superintendent and the head jailer departed, and the officer and his soldier soon followed suit.
Very soon afterwards Lin Chong entered the restaurant, and asked Li Xiao-er how business had been during the last few days. Li Xiao-er asked him to sit down as he had a very important matter to speak to him about. He said, “Just now an officer has arrived from the Eastern Capital who does not appear to be straight, and he invited the jail superintendent and head jailer to have wine with him here. While they were here I heard the officer mention the name of Marshal Gao and that made me suspicious, and I told my wife to listen behind the partition. But they whispered in each others’ ears so much that my wife could not hear what they said. But she did hear the superintendent of the jail say that he would be responsible and would see that the man was killed. The officer also handed a bundle of silver or gold to the jail superintendent and head jailer, and after drinking some more wine they departed. Do you know who the officer is? I suspect and am also afraid that this will result in some trouble for you.”
Lin Chong asked what the officer’s appearance was like.
“He is a man of short build, has a fair complexion, no mustache, and looks about thirty years of age. The soldier with him is also short of stature, but has a swarthy complexion.”
Lin Chong upon hearing this was startled. “That officer is certainly Lu Qian, and that mean rascal has come here to injure me. But should I meet him I will beat his bones and flesh into pulp.”
“But you must be on your guard against him. Have you not heard that ancient saying, ‘When eating beware of belching; when walking beware of falling’?”
Lin Chong was very angry, went to the street and bought a dagger which he hid on his person, and searched for that officer in all the streets and alleys.
Both Li Xiao-er and his wife were quite alarmed, but that evening nothing happened. But the next morning Lin Chong rose very early, and after washing and cleaning his teeth, took his dagger, and again searched for Lu Qian in all the lanes and alleyways both inside and outside of Cangzhou city. All was quiet inside the jail.
Lin Chong spoke to Li Xiao-er, “Nothing has happened today.”
Li Xiao-er said, “My benefactor, we hope that things will remain like this but you must still be extremely careful.”
Lin Chong returned to the Heavenly Kings Temple for the night. During the next five days he continued his search for Lu Qian without success, and his keenness for revenge gradually disappeared.
On the sixth day the superintendent summoned Lin Chong to come to the place where the roll of prisoners was generally called, and said to him, “You have been here a long time, but we have not promoted you in spite of the influence of Squire Chai Jin. About five li outside the Eastern Gate there is a forage depot for the army. Every month we receive hay and fodder. There is an old soldier there who manages the depot, and you can exchange duties with him, and perhaps make some extra money for yourself. You can go with the head jailer, and take over the new duty.”
Lin Chong replied that he would go. He then left the prison, and went to Li Xiao-er’s place. Where he asked them what they thought of the new arrangement.
Li Xiao-er said that the new job was much better than looking after the temple, as he could make money. And previously anybody who got that position had to bribe the superintendent.
“But instead of injuring me he is giving me a better job. I cannot understand this move.”
Li Xiao-er said, “Well, you need not be suspicious, because if there is no trouble it will be very fine. That place is a long way from here, but when I have time I will go and see you.” He got some wine, and offered it to Lin Chong. When they separated Lin Chong went back to the Heavenly Kings Temple, packed up his bundle, and took his dagger and a long spear. He then took leave of the superintendent, and departed with the head jailer, for the forage depot. The weather was extremely cold with a clouded sky. A cold wind was blowing from the north and snow was falling heavily. On the way there was no inn where they could stop for a drink of wine, and they soon reached the depot. There was a mud wall running round the inclosure, and a large gate with two leaves. Pushing the gate open they saw inside about eight sheds for beans, etc., many stacks of hay on all sides, and two rooms for the caretaker. When they came to the caretaker’s rooms they found the old soldier warming his hands at the fire.
The head jailer said, “The superintendent has sent this man Lin Chong to take over your duties, and you are to perform his duties at the Heavenly Kings Temple. So you can hand over the place immediately.”
The old soldier took the keys, and said to Lin Chong, “The officials have sealed up the doors of the sheds containing the fodder, but you had better count the number of stacks of hay.” After doing this they returned to the living quarters. The old soldier then got his baggage together, and when leaving he said, “I will lend you the stove, the rice boiler, the cups and saucers.”
Lin Chong said he had such things at the Heavenly Kings Temple, and if he liked he could use them.
The old soldier pointed to a gourd on the wall, and said, “Should you want to buy some wine you can take that to a small village or market about a li from here in an easterly direction.” He then departed with the head jailer.
Lin Chong put the baggage away, and spread his quilts on the bed. At the back of the room was some firewood and charcoal so he put some on the stove which was standing close to his bed. Upon lying down and looking at the ceiling he noticed that there were many holes through which the wind was blowing strongly.
He soliloquized, “I cannot stay here all winter with the roof like that, so when it is fine I will go into the town, and get a bricklayer to come and repair the roof.” After a little time he felt cold so he remembered what the old soldier had told him, and decided to go to the village and buy some wine. He took some silver from his bag, picked up his spear and the gourd for the wine and put a cover on the fire. He put on his felt cap, and locked the doors. Then carrying the keys with him he went along the road towards the east. The snow lay deep on the ground like masses of beautiful white jade, and as there was a strong north wind blowing he walked sideways with his back half to the wind. The snow was falling fast, and he had not gone more than a quarter of a li when he saw an old temple at the side of the road. He entered and bowing his head to the image he said, “Protect me, O ye gods, and later I will burn paper money for you.” He then resumed his journey, and soon came to a number of houses. He saw a bamboo fence with a signboard of a wine shop sticking outside. He entered the wine shop, and the proprietor spoke to him. “Where are you from?”
“Do you recognize this gourd?”
The proprietor said that it belonged to the old soldier at the fodder depot.
Lin Chong admitted it. “Since you are the keeper of the fodder compound please take a seat,” said the proprietor. “And as the weather is very cold, you had better have three cups of wine on my account as you are a newcomer.” He brought forward a kettle of hot wine, and also cut up a plateful of beef, and requested him to dine.
Lin Chong took out some silver and with it bought his gourd full of wine, and placed the beef away in his breast, and expressed his thanks for their kind treatment. He then left the inn, and faced the strong, cold wind. He saw that the snow was falling more heavily than before. He trudged through the snow, heading into the cold north wind, and hurried to the fodder depot where he unlocked the door, and entered his miserable quarters.
The gods in heaven protect good and just men, and they no doubt saved the life of Lin Chong by this heavy fall of snow, which by its weight had broken down the grass hut where he was going to sleep. When he saw this he wondered what he must do. He was afraid that the stove might ignite the debris so putting his lance and gourd down on the snow he parted the grass and looked underneath. Creeping inside he found that the fire had been extinguished by the snow. He then felt around for the bed, and dragged away the cotton quilt. Withdrawing his body from the wreckage he looked around and as it was quite dark and he had no place to make a fire he wondered what he must do. He remembered however that there was the old temple a few hundred yards down the road where he could shelter. So he decided to go and sleep there for the night, and arrange matters the following day. He rolled up the quilt, and carrying the gourd of wine on the lance over his shoulder he locked the gate again, and left for the temple. Upon entering the temple he closed the door, and placed a large stone against it. Looking round he saw an image of the “Mountain Spirit” covered with gilt armor, attended by a judge of the afterlife, and a small demon on each side. On one side was a large pile of loose paper, and there was evidently nobody in charge. Placing his spear and the gourd of wine on the heap of paper, he unrolled his quilt, and shaked the snow off his clothes. His felt cap and outer gown were very wet so he took them off, and placed them on the altar. He then lay down with the quilt covering half his body, and drank the wine, and ate the meat which he had brought with him.
While lying there he heard a sound of crackling outside so he jumped up and peeping through a hole in the window he saw that the fodder depot was all in flames. He went to get his spear with the object of going to put out the fire when he heard some men outside talking. Hiding behind the door he found that there were three men who were coming to the temple. They pushed at the door but could not open it on account of the large stone he had placed there. So they stood under the eaves of the temple watching the fire, and one man spoke, “Is not this a good plan?”
Another man remarked, “Both of you, the superintendent and the head jailer certainly arranged the matter very well, and when I get back to the Eastern Capital, and report it to the Marshal of the Imperial Guard, you two will certainly be promoted. Then Drill Instructor Zhang will have no ground for further objection to the marriage.”
Another man said, “Lin Chong has certainly been caught in our trap this time. Master Gao will soon be cured of his sickness now!”
Another man said, “A man was sent four or five times to plead with Drill Instructor Zhang, and said that his son-in-law Lin Chong was dead. But Zhang would not agree to let his daughter remarry. As Master Gao only got worse Marshal Gao Qiu ordered us to do this business, and we did not expect to get it finished so soon.”
Another man said, “I went inside the fence and lit about ten stacks of hay on every side, so that he could not get out.”
Another man said, “It is nearly all burnt down now.”
Lin Chong listening heard another man say: “Even if Lin Chong escapes he will have to answer a serious charge of allowing a big depot full of army fodder to be burnt.”
The other man said, “Let us go back to the town.”
A man said, “It will be better if we wait until the fire is out, and then we can go and get one or two of his bones, and then when we report the matter to Marshal Gao Qiu and also Master Gao, they will see that we did the work thoroughly.”
Lin Chong knew by listening that one of the men was the head jailer, and the others were Lu Qian and Fu An. He thought, “Heaven has had pity on Lin Chong! If that straw hut had not fallen down I would certainly have been burnt to death.” He then quietly removed the stone from the door, and holding his spear in one hand he opened the door with his left hand, and shouted out, “Where are you thieves going?”
The three men wanted to get away at once, but they were so startled that they could not move. Lin Chong stabbed the head jailer with his spear. Lu Qian called out, “Spare my life!” but he was so frightened out of his wits that he could not move either hand or foot. Fu An ran about ten steps, but Lin Chong caught him up and stabbed him in the back. He turned round, and saw that Lu Qian had walked away a few steps. He shouted at him, “You villain! Where are you going?” He seized Lu Qian, and threw him on the ground. He then stuck his spear in the ground, and planted his foot on Lu Qian’s breast. He then drew his sword, and lay it across Lu Qian’s face. He shouted, “You villain! Previously I had no hatred of you so why did you try to injure me?” An old saying says, “Murder may be excused sometimes, but generally no excuse can be allowed.”
Lu Qian said, “This was not my affair. I am only carrying out the order of the Marshal of the Imperial Guard, and dared not disobey.”
Lin Chong abused him, “You villain! I have been a friend of yours since we were children, and yet you come now to kill me, although you say it is not your business. I will give you a taste of my sword.” He opened Lu Qian’s dress, and made a big wound in his breast—the blood rushing out in all directions. He then plucked out his heart. Turning his head he noticed that the head jailer had got up, and was getting away. Lin Chong pushed him down, and shouted, “You are a vile fellow! I will also give you a taste of my sword!” He then cut off his head and stuck it to the end of his spear. He then cut off the heads of Lu Qian and Fu An, and tying the hair in one knot took all three heads into the temple, and placed them on the altar. He then put on his gown, and cap, and drank the wine from the gourd. Then picking up his spear he left the temple going east. After walking about a li he came to a village where the men were getting hooks and buckets of water to go and put out the fire. Lin Chong said to them, “You had better hurry up if you are going to put out the fire. I am going to report the matter to the officials.” He then proceeded on his way. The snow was still falling heavily. After walking for about an hour his body was very cold. Looking round he saw that the flames of the fodder depot were now a long way off. Where he had stopped was a dense forest and among the trees were a number of straw huts covered with heavy snow. Through the cracks gleams of light were streaming. He walked towards the huts, and pushing open the door of one, he saw inside an old farmer, and about five farm laborers sitting in a circle round a glaring fire warming their hands. He entered and standing facing the old farmer, he said, “Gentlemen, I salute you. I am employed at the fodder depot belonging to the prison, and as my clothes are wet through I request that you allow me to dry them at your fire.”
“You can dry them if you like,” said the farmer.
As Lin Chong was drying his clothes he saw at the side of the fire a jar that was being warmed, and from which came the aroma of wine. So he told them that he had some silver, and wished to buy some of their wine.
The farmer said, “We take turns during the night in guarding the rice bin, and we each take a drink of the wine as it is so cold. It is now about 4 A.M., and as there won’t be enough for us how can we let you have some? There is no chance of you getting any.”
“Just sell me only two or three cups of wine to keep out the cold.”
The farmer said, “Don’t be so greedy!”
But Lin Chong could not withstand the aroma of the wine so he said, “There is no other way. I must have some.”
All the men replied, “We have been kind enough to let you dry your clothes, and now you want to drink our wine. Get off at once, and if you don’t go we shall have to tie you up.”
Upon hearing this Lin Chong became angry, and said that they were very unreasonable. He then took his spear, and putting it under a piece of wood in the fire he flicked the wood into the face of the old farmer burning his mustache. He then scattered the remains of the fire. The farm laborers jumped up, and the farmer ran outside. Lin Chong thrust about him with his spear, and the laborers ran away, but not before they had been beaten with the spear.
Lin Chong soliloquized, “So they have all gone! Now, you sir can make merry with the wine.” Above the bed were two ladles so taking one he poured out half of the wine, and drank it off. Then picking up his spear he left the hut. But he had drunk too much, and staggered about in all directions. After walking a short distance he came to a ravine where the bitterly cold wind brought him down. It is generally the case that drunken men once fallen cannot get up again, and Lin Chong lay in the snow in his drunken sleep.
The farm laborers had got the assistance of more than twenty men, but upon reaching the straw hut they could not find Lin Chong. So they followed his footprints in the snow, and so came to the place where he was lying in the snow with his spear at his side. They tied him up with ropes, and then carried him away to another place. Afterwards, it happened that many thousands of armed boats were arranged in close order in a pool of water surrounded by high reeds, and in the middle of the pool was a fortress occupied by over a hundred valiant heroes.
Malice harbored deadly dim;
Chilled to the marrow in the bones.
We will now relate what this place was where the farm laborers had brought Lin Chong.