第十二回

第十二回 梁山泊林冲落草 汴京城杨志卖刀

诗曰：

天罡地煞下凡尘，托化生身各有因。

落草固缘屠国士，卖刀岂可杀平人？

东京已降天蓬帅，北地生成黑煞神。

豹子头逢青面兽，同归水浒乱乾坤。

话说林冲打一看时，只见那汉子头戴一顶范阳毡笠，上撒着一把红缨，穿一领白段子征衫，系一条纵线绦，下面青白间道行缠，抓着裤子口，獐皮袜，带毛牛膀靴，跨口腰刀，提条朴刀，生得七尺五六身材，面皮上老大一搭青记，腮边微露些少赤须，把毡笠子掀在脊梁上，坦开胸脯，带着抓角儿软头巾，挺手中朴刀，高声喝道：“你那泼贼，将俺行李财帛那里去了？”林冲正没好气，那里答应，睁圆怪眼，倒竖虎须，挺着朴刀，抢将来斗那个大汉。但见：

残雪初晴，薄云方散。溪边踏一片寒冰，岸畔涌两条杀气。一上一下，似云中龙斗水中龙；一往一来，如岩下虎斗林下虎。一个是擎天白玉柱，一个是架海紫金梁。那个没些须破绽高低，这个有千般威风勇猛。一个尽气力望心窝对戳，一个弄精神向胁肋忙穿。架隔遮拦，却似马超逢翼德；盘旋点搠，浑如敬德战秦琼。斗来半晌没输赢，战到数番无胜败。果然巧笔画难成，便是鬼神须胆落。

林冲与那汉斗到三十来合，不分胜败。两个又斗了十数合，正斗到分际，只见山高处叫道：“两个好汉不要斗了。”林冲听得，蓦地跳出圈子外来。两个收住手中朴刀，看那山顶上时，却是王伦和杜迁、宋万，并许多小喽啰走下山来，将船渡过了河，说道：“两位好汉，端的好两口朴刀，神出鬼没。这个是俺的兄弟林冲。青面汉，你却是谁？愿通姓名。”那汉道：“洒家是三代将门之后，五侯杨令公之孙，姓杨名志，流落在此关西。年纪小时，曾应过武举，做到殿司制使官。道君因盖万岁山[1]，差一般十个制使，去太湖边搬运花石纲[2]赴京交纳。不想洒家时乖运蹇，押着那花石纲来到黄河里，遭风打翻了船，失陷了花石纲，不能回京赴任，逃去他处避难。如今赦了俺们罪犯，洒家今来收得一担儿钱物，待回东京，去枢密院使用，再理会本身的勾当。打从这里经过，雇倩庄家挑那担儿，不想被你们夺了。可把来还洒家如何？”王伦道：“你莫不是绰号唤青面兽的？”杨志道：“洒家便是。”王伦道：“既然是杨制使，就请到山寨吃三杯水酒，纳还行李如何？”杨志道：“好汉既然认得洒家，便还了俺行李，更强似请吃酒。”王伦道：“制使，小可数年前到东京应举时，便闻制使大名，今日幸得相见，如何教你空去。且请到山寨少叙片时，并无他意。”杨志听说了，只得跟了王伦一行人等过了河，上山寨来。就叫朱贵同上山寨相会，都来到寨中聚义厅上。左边一带四把交椅，却是王伦、杜迁、宋万、朱贵，右边一带两把交椅，上首杨志，下首林冲，都坐定了。王伦叫杀羊置酒，安排筵宴管待杨志，不在话下。

话休絮繁。酒至数杯，王伦指着林冲对杨志道：“这个兄弟，他是东京八十万禁军教头，唤做豹子头林冲。因这高太尉那厮安不得好人，把他寻事刺配沧州，那里又犯了事，如今也新到这里。却才制使要上东京干勾当，不是王伦纠合制使，小可兀自弃文就武，来此落草。制使又是有罪的人，虽经赦宥，难复前职。亦且高俅那厮见掌军权，他如何肯容你？不如只就小寨歇马，大秤分金银，大碗吃酒肉，同做好汉。不知制使心下主意若何？”杨志答道：“重蒙众头领如此带携，只是洒家有个亲眷，见在东京居住。前者官事连累了他，不曾酬谢得他，今日欲要投那里走一遭。望众头领还了洒家行李，如不肯还，杨志空手也去了。”王伦笑道：“既是制使不肯在此，如何敢勒逼入伙。且请宽心住一宵，明日早行。”杨志大喜。当日饮酒到二更方散，各自去歇息了。次日早起来，又置酒与杨志送行。吃了早饭，众头领叫一个小喽啰把昨夜担儿挑了，一齐都送下山来，到路口与杨志作别，教小喽啰渡河，送出大路。众人相别了，自回山寨。王伦自此方才肯教林冲坐第四位，朱贵做第五位。从此，五个好汉在梁山泊打家劫舍，不在话下。

只说杨志出了大路，寻个庄家挑了担子，发付小喽啰自回山寨。杨志取路投东京来，路上免不得饥餐渴饮，夜住晓行，不数日，来到东京。有诗为证：

清白传家杨制使，耻将身迹履危机。

岂知奸佞残忠义，顿使功名事已非。

那杨志入得城来，寻个客店安歇下。庄客交还担儿，与了些银两，自回去了。杨志到店中放下行李，解了腰刀、朴刀，叫店小二将些碎银子买些酒肉吃了。过数日，央人来枢密院打点理会本等[3]的勾当，将出那担儿内金银财物，买上告下，再要补殿司府制使职役。把许多东西都使尽了，方才得申文书，引去见殿帅高太尉。来到厅前，那高俅把从前历事文书都看了，大怒道：“既是你等十个制使去运花石纲，九个回到京师交纳了，偏你这厮把花石纲失陷了，又不来首告，倒又在逃，许多时捉拿不着。今日再要勾当，虽经赦宥所犯罪名，难以委用。”把文书一笔都批倒了，将杨志赶出殿司府来。

杨志闷闷不已，回到客店中，思量：“王伦劝俺，也见得是。只为洒家清白姓字，不肯将父母遗体来点污了。指望把一身本事，边庭上一枪一刀，博个封妻荫子，也与祖宗争口气，不想又吃这一闪！高太尉，你忒毒害，恁地克剥！”心中烦恼了一回，在客店里又住几日，盘缠都使尽了。杨志寻思道：“却是怎地好！只有祖上留下这口宝刀，从来跟着洒家，如今事急无措，只得拿去街上货卖得千百贯钱钞，好做盘缠，投往他处安身。”当日将了宝刀，插了草标儿，上市去卖。走到马行街内，立了两个时辰，并无一个人问。将立到晌午时分，转来到天汉州桥热闹处去卖。杨志立未久，只见两边的人都跑入河下巷内去躲。杨志看时，只见都乱撺，口里说道：“快躲了，大虫来也。”杨志道：“好作怪！这等一片锦城池，却那得大虫来？”当下立住脚看时，只见远远地黑凛凛一大汉，吃得半醉，一步一撞将来。杨志看那人时，形貌生得粗丑。但见：

面目依稀似鬼，身材仿佛如人。杈枒怪树，变为肐形骸；臭秽枯桩，化作腌魍魉。浑身遍体，都生渗渗濑濑沙鱼皮；夹脑连头，尽长拳拳弯弯卷螺发。胸前一片锦顽皮，额上三条强拗皱。

原来这人是京师有名的破落户泼皮，叫做没毛大虫牛二，专在街上撒泼行凶撞闹，连为几头官司，开封府也治他不下，以此满城人见那厮来都躲了。却说牛二抢到杨志面前，就手里把那口宝刀扯将出来，问道：“汉子，你这刀要卖几钱？”杨志道：“祖上留下宝刀，要卖三千贯。”牛二喝道：“甚么鸟刀，要卖许多钱！我三百文买一把，也切得肉，切得豆腐。你的鸟刀有甚好处，叫做宝刀？”杨志道：“洒家的须不是店上卖的白铁刀，这是宝刀。”牛二道：“怎地唤做宝刀？”杨志道：“第一件砍铜剁铁，刀口不卷；第二件吹毛得过；第三件杀人刀上没血。”牛二道：“你敢剁铜钱么？”杨志道：“你便将来，剁与你看。”牛二便去州桥下香椒铺里，讨了二十文当三钱[4]，一垛儿将来，放在州桥阑干上，叫杨志道：“汉子，你若剁得开时，我还你三千贯。”那时看的人虽然不敢近前，向远远地围住了望。杨志道：“这个直得甚么。”把衣袖卷起，拿刀在手，看的较胜，只一刀，把铜钱剁做两半。众人都喝采。牛二道：“喝甚么鸟采！你且说第二件是甚么？”杨志道：“吹毛过得。就把几根头发望刀口上只一吹，齐齐都断。”牛二道：“我不信。”自把头上拔下一把头发，递与杨志：“你且吹我看。”杨志左手接过头发，照着刀口上尽气力一吹，那头发都做两段，纷纷飘下地来。众人喝采，看的人越多了。牛二又问：“第三件是甚么？”杨志道：“杀人刀上没血。”牛二道：“怎地杀人刀上没血？”杨志道：“把人一刀砍了，并无血痕，只是个快。”牛二道：“我不信！你把刀来剁一个人我看。”杨志道：“禁城之中，如何敢杀人？你不信时，取一只狗来，杀与你看。”牛二道：“你说杀人，不曾说杀狗。”杨志道：“你不买便罢，只管缠人做甚么！”牛二道：“你将来我看。”杨志道：“你只顾没了当[5]！洒家又不是你撩拨的。”牛二道：“你敢杀我？”杨志道：“和你往日无冤，昔日无仇，一物不成，两物见在[6]，没来由杀你做甚么？”牛二紧揪住杨志说道：“我鳖鸟买你这口刀。”杨志道：“你要买，将钱来。”牛二道：“我没钱。”杨志道：“你没钱，揪住洒家怎地？”牛二道：“我要你这口刀。”杨志道：“俺不与你。”牛二道：“你好男子，剁我一刀。”杨志大怒，把牛二推了一跤。牛二爬将起来，钻入杨志怀里。杨志叫道：“街坊邻舍都是证见。杨志无盘缠，自卖这口刀。这个泼皮强夺洒家的刀，又把俺打。”街坊人都怕这牛二，谁敢向前来劝。牛二喝道：“你说我打你，便打杀直甚么！”口里说，一面挥起右手，一拳打来。杨志霍地躲过，拿着刀抢入来，一时性起，望牛二颡根上搠个着，扑地倒了。杨志赶入去，把牛二胸脯上又连搠了两刀，血流满地，死在地上。

杨志叫道：“洒家杀死这个泼皮，怎肯连累你们！泼皮既已死了，你们都来同洒家去官府里出首。”坊隅众人慌忙拢来，随同杨志，径投开封府出首，正值府尹坐衙。杨志拿着刀，和地方邻舍众人，都上厅来，一齐跪下，把刀放在面前。杨志告道：“小人原是殿司制使，为因失陷花石纲，削去本身职役，无有盘缠，将这口刀在街货卖。不期被个泼皮破落户牛二，强夺小人的刀，又用拳打小人，因此一时性起，将那人杀死。众邻舍都是证见。”众人亦替杨志告说，分诉了一回。府尹道：“既是自行前来出首，免了这厮入门的款打。”且叫取一面长枷枷了，差两员相官，带了仵作行人，监押杨志并众邻舍一干人犯，都来天汉州桥边，登场[7]检验了，叠成文案。众邻舍都出了供状，保放随衙听候，当厅发落，将杨志于死囚牢里监收。但见：

推临狱内，拥入牢门。抬头参青面使者，转面见赤发鬼王。黄须节级，麻绳准备吊绷揪；黑面押牢，木匣安排牢锁镣。杀威棒，狱卒断时腰痛；撒子角，囚人见了心惊。休言死去见阎王，只此便为真地狱。

且说杨志押到死囚牢里，众多押牢禁子、节级见说杨志杀死没毛大虫牛二，都可怜他是个好男子，不来问他要钱，又好生看觑他。天汉州桥下众人，为是杨志除了街上害人之物，都敛些盘缠，凑些银两，来与他送饭，上下又替他使用。推司也觑他是个首身的好汉，又与东京街上除了一害，牛二家又没苦主，把款状都改得轻了。三推六问，却招做一时斗欧杀伤，误伤人命。待了六十日限满，当厅推司禀过府尹，将杨志带出厅前，除了长枷，断了二十脊杖，唤个文墨匠人，刺了两行金印，迭配北京大名府留守司充军。那口宝刀，没官入库。当厅押了文牒，差两个防送公人，免不得是张龙、赵虎，把七斤半铁叶子盘头护身枷钉了。分付两个公人，便教监押上路。天汉州桥那几个大户，科敛[8]些银两钱物，等候杨志到来，请他两个公人一同到酒店里吃了些酒食，把出银两赍发两位防送公人，说道：“念杨志是个好汉，与民除害。今去北京路途中，望乞二位上下照觑，好生看他一看。”张龙、赵虎道：“我两个也知他是好汉，亦不必你众位分付，但请放心。”杨志谢了众人。其馀多的银两，尽送与杨志做盘缠，众人各自散了。

话里只说杨志同两个公人来到原下的客店里，算还了房钱饭钱，取了原寄的衣服行李，安排些酒食，请了两个公人，寻医士赎了几个杖疮的膏药贴了棒疮，便同两个公人上路，三个望北京进发。五里单牌，十里双牌，逢州过县，买些酒肉，不时间请张龙、赵虎吃。三个在路，夜宿旅馆，晓行驿道，不数日来到北京，入得城中，寻个客店安下。原来北京大名府留守司，上马管军，下马管民，最有权势。那留守唤做梁中书，讳世杰，他是东京当朝太师蔡京的女婿。当日是二月初九日，留守升厅，两个公人解杨志到留守司厅前，呈上开封府公文。梁中书看了，原在东京时也曾认得杨志，当下一见了，备问情由。杨志便把高太尉不容复职，使尽钱财，将宝刀货卖，因而杀死牛二的实情，通前一一告禀了。梁中书听得大喜，当厅就开了枷，留在厅前听用。押了批回与两个公人，自回东京，不在话下。

只说杨志自在梁中书府中，早晚殷勤，听候使唤。梁中书见他勤谨，有心要抬举他，欲要迁他做个军中副牌，月支一分请受。只恐众人不伏，因此传下号令，教军政司告示大小诸将人员，来日都要出东郭门教场中去演武试艺。当晚，梁中书唤杨志到厅前。梁中书道：“我有心要抬举你做个军中副牌，月支一分请受，只不知你武艺如何？”杨志禀道：“小人应过武举出身，曾做殿司府制使职役，这十八般武艺，自小习学。今日蒙恩相抬举，如拨云见日一般。杨志若得寸进，当效衔环背鞍之报。”梁中书大喜，赐与一副衣甲。当夜无事。有诗为证：

杨志英雄伟丈夫，卖刀市上杀无徒。

却教罪犯幽燕地，演武场中敌手无。

次日天晓，时当二月中旬，正值风和日暖。梁中书早饭已罢，带领杨志上马，前遮后拥，往东郭门来。到得教场中，大小军卒并许多官员接见，就演武厅前下马。到厅上，正面撒下一把浑银交椅坐下。左右两边齐臻臻地排着两行官员：指挥使、团练使、正制使、统领使、牙将、校尉、副牌军。前后周围恶狠狠地列着百员将校。正将台上立着两个都监：一个唤做李天王李成，一个唤做闻大刀闻达。二人皆有万夫不当之勇，统领着许多军马，一齐都来朝着梁中书呼三声喏。却早将台上竖起一面黄旗来。将台两边，左右列着三五十对金鼓手，一齐发起擂来，品了三通画角，发了三通擂鼓，教场里面谁敢高声。又见将台上竖起一面净平旗来，前后五军一齐整肃。将台上把一面引军红旗磨动，只见鼓声响处，五百军列成两阵，军士各执器械在手。将台上又把白旗招动，两阵马军齐齐地都立在面前，各把马勒住。

梁中书传下令来，叫唤副牌军周谨向前听令。右阵里周谨听得呼唤，跃马到厅前，跳下马，插了枪，暴雷也似声个大喏。梁中书道：“着副牌军施逞本身武艺。”周谨得了将令，绰枪上马，在演武厅前左盘右旋，右盘左旋，将手中枪使了几路，众人喝采。梁中书道：“叫东京对拨来的军健杨志。”杨志转过厅前，唱个大喏。梁中书道：“杨志，我知你原是东京殿司府制使军官，犯罪配来此间。即目[9]盗贼猖狂，国家用人之际，你敢与周谨比试武艺高低？如若赢时，便迁你充其职役。”杨志道：“若蒙恩相差遣，安敢有违钧旨。”梁中书叫取一匹战马来，教甲仗库随行官吏应付军器，教杨志披挂上马，与周谨比试。杨志去厅后把夜来衣甲穿了，拴束罢，带了头盔、弓箭、腰刀，手拿长枪上马，从厅后跑将出来。梁中书看了道：“着杨志与周谨先比枪。”周谨先怒道：“这个贼配军，敢来与我交枪！”谁知恼犯了这个好汉，来与周谨斗武。

不因杨志来与周谨比试，杨志在万马丛中闻姓字，千军队里夺头功。直教大斧横担来水浒，钢枪斜拽上梁山。毕竟杨志与周谨比试引出甚么人来，且听下回分解。

[1] 万岁山——赵佶（宋徽宗）于一一一七年征发无数人工，大兴土役，在东京堆造一座大山，取名艮岳，也叫万岁山。为了装饰这座山，向南方搜括奇花异石，搬运前往。当时人民遭受了极大的骚扰，因之破家、死亡者甚众。

[2] 花石纲——成帮结队地输运货物叫做“纲”，在宋时大都是官差性质，例如盐纲、茶纲等；花石纲就是输运花石，赵佶向南方搜括奇花异石运京，故有花石纲之名。后文的生辰纲，就是输运寿礼。

[3] 本等——本来、原来。

[4] 二十文当三钱——当三钱，是宋时一种制钱，一个钱当三个钱用的。二十文，指的二十个。

[5] 没了当——了当，有妥当、完毕、干净利落等意思。没了当，就是没完没了、纠缠不清的意思。

[6] 一物不成，两物见在——意思是说买卖不成，但双方钱物仍在，都没有受什么损失。

[7] 登场——就是当场。后文第十四回的“登时”，就是当时；“不相登”，就是不相当。

[8] 科敛——摊派、征凑的意思。

[9] 即目——正当、现在，犹如说即今、目下。

CHAPTER 11. Lin Chong Becomes a Bandit at Liangshan Marsh; Yang Zhi Sells a Sword at Kaifeng

LIN CHONG noticed that the man was wearing a felt hat, with a red tassel on top; a white silk fighting gown; a loose sash; a pair of trousers with the bottom wrapped round with blue and white bands of cloth (like puttees). His socks were of deerskin, and his boots were of undressed cowhide. He had a halberd in his hand, and a sword in his belt. He was over six feet high, and his face was covered with blue spots. His mustache and scanty side whiskers were of brown color; his felt cap was hanging down his back by the strings; his loose clothes were displaying his broad breast; and wrapped around his head was a small turban. Pointing his halberd at Lin Chong he spoke in a loud voice, “You thief! Where is my baggage?”

As Lin Chong was not in a good temper he did not reply, but glared at his adversary, and turned up the corners of his mustache. He grasped his halberd, and advanced to fight with the man. Just at that time the weather was clear and bright, with no clouds in the sky.

These men in their bloodthirsty struggle trampled down the snow on the bank of a small stream at that spot.

They had about thirty bouts, without either side winning or losing. They went on and had about ten more combats when they heard on the hillside a loud voice saying, “These two fine fellows, you need not fight any more.”

Upon hearing this Lin Chong leapt to one side out of the ring as an indication that he had stopped fighting. The two men looking up the hillside saw there Wang Lun, the “White Clothes Scholar,” Du Qian, Song Wan, and many other bandits. They descended the hill, and crossed the lake by boats. Upon their arrival Wang Lun said, “You two, good fellows, are expert with the halberd. Quite marvelous! This is my younger brother, Lin Chong, ‘Leopard’s Head.’ Who are you, the blue marked face? What is your name?”

The man replied, “I am the grandson of Marquis Yang Linggong, and my father and his grandfather were generals. My name is Yang Zhi, and I am now wandering about ‘west of the pass.’ While young I passed a test for my military skill and had a small position in the Imperial Guard. The Emperor decided to build a palace on Mount Wansui, and deputed ten of us lieutenants to get the marble from a quarry near the Taihu Lake, near Suzhou, and convey it to the Eastern Capital. I did not expect bad luck, but in conveying the marble along the Yellow River a strong wind overturned the boat and the valuable cargo was all lost. I was afraid to go back to my post, and ran away to hide myself in some other place. Since then, however, I have been pardoned. So I got together some money and presents for the officials of the Grand Council at the capital, to try to regain my position. In passing this place I hired a farm laborer to carry my baggage, and did not expect that I should lose it like this. Are you now going to give it back?”

“Is not your nickname ‘Blue Faced Brute,’” inquired Wang Lun.

“That is so.”

“As that is the case,” said Wang Lun, “please come to our stronghold, and after a few cups of wine I will return your baggage.”

“You are a fine fellow,” said Yang Zhi, “and as you know me I think it will be better if you give me my baggage, and never mind about the wine.”

“When I sat for the examinations at the Eastern Capital a number of years ago,” said Wang Lun, “I then heard of your fame. It is very opportune for us to meet here today, so how can I let you depart without entertaining you? Please come to our mountain stronghold just for a little chat. I really have no other intention.”

Yang Zhi agreed to this, and thereupon they all crossed the lake, and ascended the hill to the stronghold. Zhu Gui at the inn was summoned to the stronghold for an interview. They all gathered together in the Assembly Hall. On the left were four seats for Wang Lun, Du Qian, Song Wan, and Zhu Gui, and on the other side were seats for Yang Zhi and Lin Chong. When they were all seated Wang Lun ordered a sheep to be killed, some wine to be prepared, and made arrangements for a banquet to entertain the guests.

While they were dining Wang Lun thought the situation over, and saw that if they kept only Lin Chong, he would discover their weakness. But on the other hand if they got Yang Zhi to stay he would be able to keep Lin Chong in order. So pointing to Lin Chong he said to Yang Zhi, “This our younger brother is Lin Chong, nicknamed ‘Leopard’s Head,’ who previously was Drill Instructor in the Imperial Guards, but the Marshal Gao Qiu, did not like him, and banished him to Cangzhou. There was some further trouble at that place so that he has just arrived here. You are a lieutenant and are on your way to the capital to get a position. I do not intend to ask you to join us but will simply point out that previously I sat for the civil service examination, but afterwards became a brigand. Although you have been pardoned you will still be regarded as an offender, and therefore you will have a difficulty in getting back your previous post. Moreover, Gao Qiu is still in office so it is unlikely that he will be willing to give you a position. So would it not be better for you to stay here, and becoming a hero, share with us the silver, gold, wine, and meats? Do you not think this is a better plan?”

“I am much obliged to you for your kind invitation,” said Yang Zhi, “but I have a relative at the capital, who was blamed for my offense, and I have never been able to thank him for his part in the affair. Today I must really go on my way to see him, so I hope that you will let me have my baggage at once. If you do not give it to me then I must depart empty-handed.”

Wang Lun laughed at this, and said, “You say you will not stay, so how can I use force and compel you to join our band? I must ask you to rest here for the night at least, and depart tomorrow.”

Yang Zhi was much pleased with this settlement, and after drinking wine together until about ten o’clock they each went to their separate rooms to sleep.

The following day they were up very early, and after breakfast the bandit chief detailed a man to carry the baggage, and accompany Yang Zhi down the mountain. All the leaders went down the mountain; across the lake, and put Yang Zhi on the road again where they bade him adieu, and then returned to their stronghold.

Wang Lun told Lin Chong that he would take thereafter the fourth seat, and Zhu Gui, the fifth.

Now we will not go into the question of the fighting and looting of these five leaders and their bandits on Liangshan Marsh.

Yang Zhi soon found a man to carry his baggage, and then dismissed the bandit soldier who went back to the stronghold on the hill. Within a few days he reached the Eastern Capital. Finding an inn he stopped there. He duly paid the countryman for carrying his baggage, and dismissed him. Taking off his sword and putting his baggage in a room, he gave the waiter a little money to go and buy some wine and meat for him.

After a few days he requested a man to go to the Grand Council, and make some arrangement for his case to be reconsidered. He also took the silver and gold articles, and sent them to the higher and lower officials with a request that he should be reinstated with his rank of lieutenant. When he had expended all his presents an order came instructing him to call and see the Marshal Gao Qiu . Upon Yang Zhi’s arriving at the headquarters, Gao Qiu looked at his official record and was very angry. He spoke in a loud voice, “I see from this record that ten lieutenants were deputed to bring marble, but nine executed the work, and you were the only one who lost a cargo. You did not even come and report the loss, but instead ran away to avoid being arrested! Although you were pardoned of this serious offense, yet I cannot give you a commission in the army again.” He then made his mark on the record and gave an order that Yang Zhi be driven away. That hero left the headquarters in a very melancholy frame of mind. Upon arriving at his inn he thought matters over, and saw that Wang Lun was quite right in the advice he had given him. But as his family had a clean record, he could not join their band and disgrace his parents.

He hoped that he might by meritorious service at some distant frontier again establish a good reputation for himself, and even add to the luster of his ancestors, and make it better for his descendants. He did not, however, expect this rebuff. “Marshal Gao! How malicious you are! How cruel!” He was in a state of mental agony for some time.

He stayed at the inn for a few days until all his money was spent. Then he wondered what he must do. His ancestors had bequeathed him the best of swords which he had always carried with him. But now that he was in difficulty he had to go on the street and try to sell this sword for several hundred strings of cash. That would enable him to get away to some other place. So he tied some grass to the sword to indicate that it was for sale, and went out. He went to the Horse Market Street, and stood there for a long time, without any inquiry being made. In the afternoon he removed to the Tianhanzhou Bridge where there was more traffic. When he had been standing there a short time he noticed that the men on both sides of the bridge ran off to hide in the alleyways near the bridge. While Yang Zhi was looking on at this confusion he heard some men say, “Hide quickly! The ‘Big Tiger’ is coming!”

Yang Zhi said, “How strange! This is the capital, and yet there is a ‘Big Tiger’ here!” Looking along the street he noticed in the distance a big black man coming who was evidently half drunk as he staggered along. Yang Zhi then remembered that he had previously heard that in the capital there was a bully called Niu Er whose nickname was “Hairless Tiger.” He had the reputation of always making rows and fighting on the streets. He had been before many magistrates but even the Prefect had not been able to make him submissive, and therefore when he came on the street everybody ran away to hide until he had passed. On this occasion he hurried up to Yang Zhi and took the sword out of the latter’s hand. He asked, “How much do you want for this sword?”

Yang Zhi informed him that it was an excellent sword and an heirloom, but he was willing to sell it for three thousand strings of cash.

“What sword is this that you want so much money for?” asked Niu Er. “I can buy a good sword for thirty cash which will cut up meat and bean curd. What is there about this sword that will justify you in calling it an excellent sword?”

“This sword,” said Yang Zhi, “is not for use in an inn cutting up meat, but is an excellent sword.”

“But why do you call it an excellent sword?” asked Niu Er again.

Yang Zhi said, “This sword will cut through copper or iron without the edge being blunted, and again if you blow a hair against the edge the hair will be cut in half, and yet again if you kill a man there will be no blood left on the blade.”

Niu Er asked, “But dare you cut copper with it?”

Yang Zhi said, “If you bring some cash here then you can see whether it will cut or not.”

Niu Er went to a peppermint shop at the side of the bridge and demanded twenty copper coins valued at three cash each. He put these on the stone railing of the bridge and said to Yang Zhi: “If you can cut those in half I will give you three thousand strings of cash for the sword.”

The people did not dare to come and see what was taking place, but they stood around in the distance looking on.

Yang Zhi said, “That will easily be done.” He took the sword and taking a careful steady aim he cut the coppers in half with one stroke. The crowd seeing what he had done applauded.

Niu Er said, “What are you people applauding for?” He then turned to Yang Zhi and asked him what was the second thing that the sword could do.

Yang Zhi said that if be got several hairs, and put them on the edge of the sword, and then blew, the hairs would be entirely cut in half.

Niu Er did not believe this, but he pulled some hair from his own head, handed them to Yang Zhi and said, “You blow, and I will watch.”

Yang Zhi taking the hair in his left hand, put it against the edge of the sword and with his blowing very hard the hair fell to the ground cut in half. The crowd had increased in size and applauded this.

Niu Er asked, “What was the third thing this sword can do?”

Yang Zhi said, “If a man is killed there is no sign of blood on the blade.”

Niu Er asked, “How can that be?”

Yang Zhi said, “It cuts so quickly that the blood has no time to get on the blade.”

Niu Er said, “I don’t believe that. But you just kill a man, and I will see whether that will happen.”

Yang Zhi said, “This is the Imperial city so how dare I kill a man here? But as you do not believe what I say, then get a dog and I will kill it, and you will then see what happens.”

“Your claim was to kill a man, and you did not say anything about a dog.”

Yang Zhi said, “I suppose you don’t really want to buy. But why are you wasting my time by such remarks?”

“Let me have a look at the sword,” said Niu Er.

Yang Zhi replied, “You are still talking without coming to the point. I did not ask you to come here to buy the sword, and I am not a person with whom you can pick a quarrel.”

“Very well,” said Niu Er, “perhaps you had better kill me!”

“I had no quarrel with you before,” said Yang Zhi, “and now our bargaining has been fruitless, so why should I kill you?”

Niu Er took hold of Yang Zhi and said, “I most certainly want to buy your sword.”

“If you want to buy then bring the money,” said Yang Zhi

“I have no money,” said Niu Er.

“As you are without money why do you hold me like this?”

“Because I want your sword.”

“Then I won’t give it to you.”

“As you are a brave man you may give me a cut with the sword,” said Niu Er in a provocative voice.

Yang Zhi became angry at this, and pushed Niu Er down on the ground. Niu Er got up and butted his head against Yang Zhi’s breast.

Yang Zhi then addressed the surrounding crowd, “Neighbors, you have witnessed what has happened. I have no money, and want to sell this sword. This bully is determined to have it and has assaulted me, and wants to fight.”

The neighbors were all afraid of Niu Er, and therefore nobody stepped forward to mediate in the quarrel.

Niu Er shouted, “You say that I have assaulted you, so if I do hit you it won’t matter, I suppose.” So saying he lifted up his right hand to strike Yang Zhi. But Yang Zhi drew back, seized his sword, and thrust the point of it into the neck of Niu Er who fell down. Yang Zhi stepped forward, and thrust his sword twice into the breast of Niu Er. The blood gushed out, and the latter was soon dead.

Yang Zhi spoke to the crowd of people, “I have killed this rascal, and I do not want any of you to be blamed for it. As he is quite dead now I want you to come with me to the yamen, and report voluntarily as to how it was done.”

The bystanders came forward, and accompanied Yang Zhi to the yamen to give evidence. Upon arrival they found that the Prefect was in the court so they all crowded in and knelt down. Yang Zhi placed the sword before the Prefect, and said, “I was previously a lieutenant in the Imperial Guard but was dismissed owing to having lost a cargo of marble. As I had no money I took my sword to the street with the object of selling it. While I was there a blackguard named Niu Er came and tried to take the sword from me by force and also assaulted me. Because of this I got angry, and killed him. All these men saw what happened.”

The bystanders confirmed this statement with many details.

The Prefect said that as Yang Zhi had come forward and confessed the crime he would not inflict the usual punishment of beating with the bamboo. He then instructed the coroner with two assistants to go and hold a post-mortem examination of the body. A cangue was put on Yang Zhi who, with all the bystanders, departed with the coroner to the Tianhanzhou Bridge. Upon their arrival a careful examination of the body took place, and after having recorded the inquisition they returned to the yamen where the evidence of the bystanders was recorded, and duly attested by them. They were then released by bail and Yang Zhi was sent to prison.

In the prison the superintendent, jailers, and turnkeys did not ask Yang Zhi to give them money this time, but instead they took pity on him, and treated him well, because they heard that he had killed for the people the “Hairless Tiger,” Niu Er. Moreover the neighbors near the Tianhanzhou Bridge collected money; some of which they gave to Yang Zhi, and with another part they purchased food and sent it to him, and another part was given to the prison officials with a request that they should treat Yang Zhi well. The magistrate who considered the case saw that Yang Zhi was a good man, and had rid the capital of a great bully. As no relatives or mourners had come forward from Niu Er’s family, the judge decided to give a very light sentence. At several cross-examinations Yang Zhi besides confessing the crime, made it clear that he had done it unintentionally, and in a fit of temper. After keeping Yang Zhi in prison for sixty days without anything further turning up, the judge reported to the Prefect that the prisoner Yang Zhi had been given twenty blows with the bamboo, the cangue had been removed, he had been branded on both sides of his face and he recommended that he be banished to the Northern Capital, Daming Prefecture. The sword was ordered to be confiscated.

The Prefect thereupon issued an order that two aides, named Zhang Long and Zhao Hu, were to escort Yang Zhi, and that the prisoner was to have only a light cangue weighing ten pounds.

The wealthy people in the neighborhood of the Tianhanzhou Bridge collected money to present to Yang Zhi, and then waited there for him and his escort to pass. Upon their arrival they were asked to adjourn to an inn for some food and wine. There they presented some silver to the escort, and said, “We think that Yang Zhi is a good man, and has rescued us from much danger and trouble, and we therefore hope that you will look after him well on the road to Daming.”

Chang Long and Zhao Hu said, “We are already aware that he is a good man so you need not give us any orders and may rest assured that we will treat him well.”

After the people had also given Yang Zhi plenty of money to cover his traveling expenses they all departed.

Yang Zhi then got his escort to take him to the inn where he had previously stayed, and there he invited them to take food and wine with him. He paid the money owing for the room he had occupied, got together his clothes and also bought some plasters which he applied to the sores left on him as a result of the bamboo he had been beaten with. All three then started off on the road towards Daming Prefecture. On the road there was a single stone every five li, and two stones every ten li. At every town and city Yang Zhi bought meat and wine which he asked his escort also to partake of. They walked during the day, and slept at inns for the night. In a short time they duly reached Daming. Upon arriving there they found an inn at which they stayed. At that time the commander-in-chief had his headquarters at the Northern Capital (Daming) where he had great power, and authority as he not only controlled the army but in addition governed the people. The commander in chief was Grand Secretary Liang, the son-in-law of the Prime Minister Cai Jing.

It was the nineth day of the second lunar month when the escort arrived with Yang Zhi, and they delivered the report to that commander-in-chief who was at the headquarters at that time. Now it happened that Grand Secretary Liang had known Yang Zhi at the time he was stationed in the Eastern Capital. Upon reading the report he at once asked how it had happened that he had left the army.

Yang Zhi explained how he had been dismissed from the army by Marshal Gao, and how he had spent all his money in bribing officers to get him reinstated. How he had tried to sell his sword on the street, and during a fit of temper had killed Niu Er. He told him every detail of his affairs.

When Grand Secretary Liang heard it all he was much pleased. He gave orders for the cangue to be removed, and that Yang Zhi was to be employed at headquarters. The reply for the Eastern Capital was sent off by the escort.

At Liang’s headquarters Yang Zhi was very diligent and attentive at his duties. The commander-in-chief noticed this, and decided to give him a commission in the army with a salary attached to it. But as he was afraid of some opposition to this from the other officers he issued a general order that all ranks should proceed to the drill ground outside the East Gate (two li from the city) where there would be a general parade and inspection of the troops.

On the evening of the same day when he issued this order Grand Secretary Liang sent for Yang Zhi to come and see him. Upon his arrival he spoke to him: “I have thought of giving you a commission in the army with a suitable salary. But I do not know what training or skill you have in military matters.”

“I previously passed a military examination, and obtained a commission. I, in fact, learned the eighteen military arts when I was quite young. I am much obliged to you for your mentioning this, and this seems to me as the emerging of the sun from among the clouds. Should I be promoted I shall be only too glad if I had the opportunity of doing some services to you.”

Grand Secretary Liang was much pleased upon hearing this, and presented him with an officer’s uniform and armor.

The following day was the middle of the second month, and the weather was warm with a little breeze. After breakfast Grand Secretary Liang and Yang Zhi mounted their horses, and with a bodyguard both in front and behind proceeded outside the East Gate. Upon their arrival at the parade ground, the large number of troops and officers stood to attention. They proceeded to the inspection platform where they dismounted, and Grand Secretary Liang took his seat in a chair ornamented with silver. On either side of him stood the officers: staff officers, drill masters, generals, commanders, adjutant-generals, captains, and lieutenants. Before and behind were numerous minor officers. Near his chair stood his two chief Generals Li Cheng nicknamed “Li, the King of Heaven,” and Wen Da nicknamed “Wen, the Great Sword.” These two were the most skilled in the military arts. They led their foot and cavalry troops before the platform for inspection, and they all saluted Liang by calling out “nuo” three times. A yellow flag was floating over the platform, and on both sides were about fifty drums and trumpets which kept up a rhythm of sounds three times each alternately. Everything else was very quiet. A large white flag was then unfurled on the platform, and all the troops stood to attention upon seeing this. A red signaling flag was next unfurled, and the drums and trumpets burst forth to draw attention to it, and immediately five hundred soldiers wheeled round into two sections, holding their swords in their hands.

A small white signaling flag was next waved, and all the officers on horseback assembled in front of the platform, and there reined their steeds in. Grand Secretary Liang summoned Lieutenant Zhou Jin, and that officer galloped forward, dismounted in front of the platform, stuck his spear in the ground, stood to attention, and at the same moment replied in a loud voice “nuo.”

Grand Secretary Liang then told him to go through his fencing drill. Upon hearing this order Lieutenant Zhou Jin took his spear, mounted, and went through a display of cavalry horsemanship and sword drill in front of the platform, and was applauded by the troops.

Grand Secretary Liang then summoned Yang Zhi, and upon that officer’s arrival he spoke to him: “Yang Zhi, I know that previously you were an officer at the Eastern Capital, but have been banished here because of some fault. Just now the bandits are giving a lot of trouble, and the government must employ men to suppress them. Now are you willing to have a bout with Zhou Jin so that I can see your skill and whether you are suitable for a commission? If you defeat Zhou Jin you can have his rank and duties.”

“As you, my benefactor, ask me to do this I must do it,” said Yang Zhi.

Grand Secretary Liang then gave orders for a mail suit of armor, suitable arms, and a horse to be placed at Yang Zhi’s disposal, while he was fencing with Zhou Jin. Yang Zhi went to the rear of the platform, and put on the armor and helmet which had been presented to him the night previously. He took a bow, an arrow, and with a sword at his side, and a spear in his hand, he mounted a horse and rode forth.

Grand Secretary Liang then gave orders that Yang Zhi and Zhou Jin must fence first with spears only.

Upon hearing this Zhou Jin was angry, and said, “This banished criminal! He dares to fence with me!”

Who could know that Yang Zhi was also extremely angry at having to fence with Zhou Jin.

At the tourney Yang Zhi was famous,

Soon in army none so dangerous.

We will now relate how this fencing match turned out.